Do you remember the “old days” when phones were just phones? The ability and perceived necessity to connect quickly caused phones to become a commodity. Now, phones have evolved into tiny computers or so-called “smart phones”. They suffer from “featuritis” and have apps for everything from address books, Internet access, e-mail, texting, IM, games, bookkeeping and other office applications, audio/video, camera, radio, TV, calculator to GPS! Even with all this, your smart phone lacks one special feature that only you can provide – and that is – phone etiquette! Read more
All Hat / No Cattle
I came across this Texas saying that refers to someone who is all talk and no substance. This also suggests one of the biggest misconceptions of businesses owners They have a good idea for a business but don’t know how to pull it off. The same saying, all hat – no cattle, can also refer to the talked about desire to build a big business with little or no investment in the practical marketing and market development required to get the business moving. Read more
YOU! They Get You in 30 Seconds or Less…
As business owners, we know that it pays to network. This activity is an important part of our marketing plan and contributes to making our businesses visible to potential customers. Nailing the 30 second introduction or ‘elevator speech’ helps you feel confident and able to represent yourself and your business well. Read more
Every Thing Matters!
When you are in business, every thing matters. Every thing is important. The things that matter are how you interact with your customers or clients, how you follow up to requests, how you market yourself and your business, what systems you employ to run your business, how you pay your vendors. It ALL matters! Read more
What Are You Tolerating?
When I read the statement “Tolerate Nothing” in Thomas Leonard’s article: The Models of the Attraction, I thought how could it be possible to tolerate nothing – no thing. To tolerate nothing seemed to be a tall order. The tolerations referred to by Thomas are those things that you are enduring, not paying attention to or allowing to sap your energy in a non-productive way. Read more
This Could Save You Hours Every Week!
#1 – This Could Save You Hours Every Week!
Make sure that if you (as an attorney, insurance agent, financial planner, business coach, etc.) offer a complimentary session that you ask the prospect to complete a questionnaire or assessment before you schedule an appointment. “Tire Kickers” are costly. Be selective about who you give your time to. I am not suggesting that you stop giving complimentary sessions, just be choosey. If a prospect will take the time to complete your assessment, then they’re more apt to be interested in doing business with you . The purpose of the complimentary session is to determine if you and the prospect could each benefit from doing business together. Read more
Be Smart About Your Networking
When you decide to attend a Networking event, make sure that it is a highly targeted group of people who could and would use your product or service. Here is a challenge: list every organization you belong to and ask yourself these 3 questions: Read more
Are You Really Different?
Right now, there are potential customers who are looking at your business and comparing you with your competition. If they don’t see much difference, then clearly you won’t stand out as the obvious choice.
I = Integrity
Whenever there is a discussion about Values, Integrity comes up as a fundamental necessity upon which to build a business and the relationships that are so necessary. The meaning of Integrity is described as Honesty, Trust, Keeping Your Word. Read more
D = Drama
Oh the drama of it all! Watch for it. It comes out on Facebook, Tweets, in conversations. Something happens. For instance, a customer registers a complaint that goods were not delivered quite as speedily as expected. The business owner rants. Perhaps he refunds part or all of the shipping charges. The customer begins to vilify the business owner, “he doesn’t care about his business”, “he isn’t professional.” The business owner reacts to having lost money and blames the customer for being unreasonable. Read more