On this subject, I like to refer to the book written by Michael Ray and Rochelle Myers. The following are a few highlights, intermingled with a few of my thoughts. Creativity isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. In business, creativity is a way of life. Creativity is also an internal process; it has to grow from within. I believe that each one of us has the ability to be very creative if we open both our minds and hearts to the process. To continually develop your own creativity, you … [Read more...]
Building Trust in Business
February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
There is no short cut to building trust. It’s requires work to build the necessary skills. The following suggestions present a process that will help you achieve the necessary trust with your clients. Getting new clients Ask for referrals Make your follow-up calls engaging Practice your telephone technique so that a face to face meeting results. Have a set client interview process; tell your compelling story and stress the benefits. Ask the right questions Learn the “art … [Read more...]
Management for the Small Business owner: Time and Systems Management
February 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Why do I spend so much time on the subject of marketing for small businesses? Why don’t I spend more time on the management side that is also critical for growth and survival? I can best answer that by sharing my experiences. The reason most small businesses fail is because they don’t have any clients to buy their products or services. Until a small business has the income base established to focus on growth, staff and management, I use a two-step method in setting up an initial, simple, … [Read more...]
Starting a Business the Safe Way
February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Consider the following scenario: A husband and wife, both working, would like to try their hand at starting a business. Neither have any previous business experience and don’t have a particular type of business to start. After several visits, we came up with the following action plan: First rule was to select a low-cost business. We set a budget of $1500 for start up capital. The next step was to select a low risk business as well as a “learning” business. Knowing that this first … [Read more...]
Customer Care and Innovation
February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The only sure way I know to stay ahead of the competition and to grow a successful business is through customer care and innovation. In the past I have spoken often about innovation and how important it is to business growth. I will spend more time on the term “innovation” in the near future, but today I want to talk about the subject of customer care. In today’s marketplace, satisfying a customer is no longer enough. If all your customers are merely satisfied, they will shop … [Read more...]
Happy St. Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Today is a special day; love is in the air. Flowers, candy and “special” gifts are bought for our loved ones. There is a sense of excitement as gifts are purchased, given and received. For most of us expressing love for our family and friends is a daily occurrence. Valentine’s Day just emphasizes love a little more. Today you let the whole world know that you have a love in your life. I want to remind you about someone else; someone that deserves some praise, love and gratitude. Someone … [Read more...]
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