There is no such thing as a boiler plate business plan, nor, for that matter a business plan that is completed by a business owner himself. They may be called business plans, but in the long run they serve no useful purpose other than to have the business owner say, “Yes, I have a business plan”. I have spent over 25 years facilitating the creation of personalized, value based, strategic focus plans. In those years I found that the level of success a company has is directly proportional … [Read more...]
More than one option, why yours?
May 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In the business world, each of us has a goal of making our product or service better in some way so that our target market will select us and even, be willing, to pay a price premium. Marketing is telling our story to our target market. We can make changes in our products and services, but unless our target market understands the benefits, how our products and services will provide greater value to them, we will not gain market share. Price, the cost of the service/product, is usually one … [Read more...]
Business owner, retirement is coming…be prepared
May 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
According to a survey by the Society of Actuaries of 1600 retired or close-to-retirement investors 45-80, just 35% said they have a detailed retirement road map designed to manage the risk of running out of money. This survey, along with increasing life expectancy, rising health costs, inflation, and a very uncertain economy, should make every business owner very concerned. This survey was conducted with current investors; many small business owners are fully invested in their business … [Read more...]
Small businesses must reach out…
May 1, 2012 By 1 Comment
Today another example of business isolation reared its ugly head. As I had my first encounter with a new prospect, I asked, “What are your biggest issues that are hindering business growth”? Let me set the stage for my question. This business was located on the second floor of a three story office building housing approximately 30 other businesses. The office was located in a mixed industrial/office park. The business is only 9 month old and the founder is the sole person working … [Read more...]
But it’s not in the budget…(we really don’t have a budget, but we can’t afford anything else).
April 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
There are several things in running a small business that, in my opinion, will increase the chance for success to 90%; A willingness to set daily goals. You never start your day without a plan and achievable goals. A willingness to work efficiently: that means you work the time necessary to complete your daily goals. A willingness to work extra hours if necessary: sometimes “things happen” and your daily routine is disturbed. That may mean that you didn’t accomplish your daily … [Read more...]
1-2-3…….vision – focus – action
April 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Growing a successful business is as simple as 1,2,3. The problem is having the discipline to follow through on this “simple” process. Notice I did not eliminate the words “hard work” from the formula. The most comprehensive business and marketing plans do not offer a better solution than these three steps to success. In this context, vision refers to the big picture that you see for your business. It’s a vision that must constantly be in your mind and must form the foundation for … [Read more...]
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