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business growth Tagged Articles

The Path of Least Resistance
Avoidance is not the best growth strategy.

Success in the New Year: Resolutions for Three Types of Female Entrepreneurs
Success means different things to different types of women business owners, depending on their expectations and entrepreneurial styles. Every type of business owner can take steps to ensure continued success in the coming year.

Delegation, the Key to Small Business Growth

In his bestselling book, "The E-Myth Revisited," Michael Gerber suggests that you prepare an organizational chart for your business right from the get-go, complete with descriptions for each job you currently perform. This may seem unnecessary (after all, you know what you have to do!) but it will help you prepare for the time when you need to start delegating to employees or outside services. Having formal job descriptions in place will not only allow you to identify the work you can delegate as your business grows, but make the transition less disruptive and stressful.

Legends
When corporate legends live long - we don't always prosper.

Where's Your Focus?
Negative attitudes spread through an organization like a virus.

Outsourcing and the Decision
Outsourcing and the decision to outsource some of the jobs, projects or positions within your organization. Is there value in this decision for your organization?

It's Time - To talk to your accountant !
The article discusses how business owners and financial managers can use their accountant as a resource

Systems for Business Growth

What Are Systems? Now, some people may think of "systems" as sets of technically sophisticated interacting parts, designed to accomplish some complex result (and, in some cases, they may be all of that) but in the vast majority of cases in business, systems can be simple, little things. For example, you might develop "systems" for answering the phone, handling emails or running meetings. So, one definition of a system might be: "A plan for achieving a desired end result in an efficient and certain way."You may develop a simple system for answering the phone so that you consistently create a positive impression. You might develop a more complex system for opening your office in the morning so that no time is wasted; the alarm is turned off (saving a call from the security firm); your "Open for Business" sign is switched on (saving you

Why You Aren't Wired For Massive Quantum Income Leaps

Did you know that your conscious thoughts are responsible for approximately 2-4 percent of your results. And your subconscious or habitual way of thinking and behaving is responsible for 96% to 98% of your results? The truth of the matter is information gathering happens in our conscious mind. This is where we gather information, listen to music or information, and we think, "Wow. Cool stuff. This is fabulous!" We feel excited, and then tomorrow we will have forgotten 90% of what we have heard, because that's the way we have been conditioned. When we were children, we would sit in the classroom and gather information for tests, then we take the test and forget it.

6 Secrets of Business Growth Success

The future of your business may become may depend on 6 little growth secrets that many businesses have used in the past though not in a matter that creates rapid growth. So how do you create quicker revenue or profit growth with your business? The days of just helping your customers with solutions to their problems is becoming a redundant saying, it is almost a given. What if you could do something else that

Small-business growth: Transformation is required
Business growth constantly puts a leader in new positions that require learning, new perspectives, new skills and new stamina. If the leader relies upon what has served in the past, it may not serve in the future. Mastering transformation is crucial to keep up with the changes in one’s organization.

Missing files and Tender Entrepreneur Brokers
It has now become recognised that an important catalyst to business growth is enabling entrepreneurs to compete on the public procurement market. And it is encouraging that young entrepreneurs are taking on the bottlenecks in the public sector, and developing new applications that equalize information asymmetries and promote transparency whilst combating public sector corruption.

Short Term Action Planning By Michele Molitor, PCC
An Action Planning Guide for Business Success

Points to Ponder for Growing Your Business
Strategies and structures to expand the success of your business.

The Five Most Dangerous Trends In Australian Small Business Today!

It's safe to say most business owners have attended seminars on everything from leadership to sales and marketing and they say they know their importance. Some have paid business growth gurus thousands of dollars to show them how to grow their business and increase sales; they all say they know the importance of ongoing staff training and business innovation. They attend networking events to make new contacts to grow their business. However, there is plenty of evidence to show that while Australian SME owners are talking the talk, they are not walking the walk.

The Ultimate Question
One simple question can determine how well you business is doing now and if it will succeed and grow into the future.

Profits, Growth and Cash Flow: Which is Most Important to Small Business Success?

Business growth and profitability. Most entrepreneurs would consider these to be the Holy Grail of business ownership. So it’s not too surprising that many participants in the financial workshops I lead are surprised when I tell them that instant profits and rapid business growth aren’t always a cause for celebration. “How can this be?” you might be wondering. The best way to explain it is to tell the story of the Wonder Widget Company. Haven’t heard of them? Well, this is a fictitious company I made up to help me explain business financial concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

5 Important Reasons a Mastermind Group Accelerates Business Growth
What do King Arthur and Napoleon Hill have in common? They both knew the power of a mastermind group. King Arthur had his round table of knights. Napoleon Hill dedicated his life to learning about the secret to success from the most powerful men of his time. Having a group of advisors you can trust is necessary for all successful business owners and leaders.

How much do you care about your customers?
Looking after existing customers is an often overlooked aspect of business, yet it can be the difference between success and average...

Get the Most From Your Written Testimonials
Make it standard practice to ask clients and contacts for testimonials and you'll build your credibility and your business.

Are you wanting to change or preserve your reality: 6 questions can change the course of your life (Part 1 of 3)
Is your life continually a stretch for you? That is, every day do you challenge yourself to your full potential? Remember, personal and business growth are two sides of the same coin, such that when you stretch who you are being, your business and bank account usually also grow. These 6 questions, divulged across 3 articles, will show you how to stretch yourself to increased clarity and success.

Design the Future: Planning Steps for Three Types of Female Entrepreneurs
Because diverse entrepreneurs have different definitions of success, they also have unique needs when it comes to planning for their business’ future. This article outlines the steps that three types of female entrepreneurs might consider taking to develop plans for their business’ future.

Are You The Bottleneck In Your Business?
Is your business growth being held back by you? It's hard to admit that the main cause of your poor business performance may be your failure to share the reins with your employees.

Are you wanting to change or preserve your reality? (Part 3 of 3)

Part 1 of this introductory article highlighted whether stretching, aka personal grow, is for you and whether you are open to using it to grow your business and improve your lifestyle. Part 2 covered how to stretch to your desired reality in a conscious and supported way. Part 3 shows you what attitudes and actions are required before you can replace inch-by-inch changes with exponential progress.

Two Types of Female Entrepreneurs Plan for the Future
In running a business, planning is key. A plan provides direction for many business elements, from product development to budgeting to hiring. So how does a business owner best create a plan? It depends on her style and her needs, and the needs of the business.

A New Opportunity for Business Growth
If your company has a potential investor, what would you need to quickly put in place to ride on the waves of the new opportunity for business growth?

Perfectionism is Highly Overrated
The next time you catch yourself reaching for perfection – think about what that perfection is costing you?

Flinching is for Sissies, Right?
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness....

Smart Women Have a Good Eye
This article is about choosing collaborations that are “right” for you and your business. There will be many opportunities that come along as your business grows and knowing how to choose the right ones will position you for better business growth.

Growth at What Cost?

On the occasion of her 10 year business anniversary, Debbie Lessin began to question where her entreprenurial path was taking her. She was pretty sure that she was done growing her business, opting instead to have a life! This was the true beginning of her quest for balance. Debbie shares an article she wrote in May 1994 where she questioned her business growth and asked out loud some of the questions she continues to ask to this day. As Debbie approachs her 25th business anniversary so many of the things Debbie knew then still hold true today. Whether you are celebrating a business milestone or simply questioning your own growth path, see if you Debbie's story rings true for you in any way.

Take Inspired Action for Business Growth
As I have continued to grow my business, I have learned so much about myself along the way. There are some golden nuggets which have helped me to move forward even when it was uncomfortable. Taking the steps toward business growth means personal growth will occur as well.

How to Build Your Business
Is your business one that will go into the satistics as a failure? Do not let that happen.

Social Media vs "Real Networking"
Networking and Social Media Professional Discusses How Social Media Enhances Your Business Growth

Self Doubt Biggest Barrier to Business Growth for Home Stagers
Intrepid entrepreneur, Staging Diva, discusses the danger of giving up too soon on a new business.

We're Stuck!
In a world where skepticism rules, maybe the lesson we all need to learn from Maverick is that it's time we trusted more.

Too Many Balls
Trying to catch all the balls that might contribute to that goal won't propel us to growth. It will just wear us down.

Can you describe the strategy for your business growth in 6 words?
Most strategies fail to get executed because the folk charged with execution don't understand the strategy or it has not been personalised sufficiently for them to take appropriate action. Being able to describe our strategy succinctly increases the likelihood of buy-in and personalisation.

When Good Enough…Isn’t
When it comes to the status quo, one phrase defines it and ensures it will continue.

The ultimate secret to business growth
I talk to business owners every day that want to take their businesses to the next level, but are puzzled as to why it’s so hard. They push and work and expand and contract only to find themselves right back where they found themselves last year.

Think Big and Grow Your Business

Contrary to common belief, most successful entrepreneurs aren’t born into money or possess above average IQ’s. Most of them are self-made and many of them do not even have college degrees. It doesn’t take genius to become successful; it only takes the proper mindset, desire, and commitment. How do you gain the proper mindset? By learning to think outside of the box. Let me ask you a question, if you quit tending to your business, would it run on its own? The likely (and logical) answer is no. Sadly, many entrepreneurs go from being chained to their job to being bound and gagged to their business. If your business cannot run without you - you’ve got to start thinking outside the box! One of the quickest ways to grow your business is to gain leverage. You do that by creating a business that does not solely rely on you

7 Keys to Market Launch Success
If you want to launch with market momentum that powers revenues - forget the way you've always done it. Step up and think different!

Market Value is Not Determined by Wall Street
For every customer or partner success that we empower, we attain more than just revenue; we capture Market Value.

The Power of Solitude
It's extremely rare to hear someone say, "I get my best ideas at work." You cannot hope to experience the quiet needed to unearth your greatest ideas if you are running 100 miles an hour and have seventy things on your to-do list.

Blue Birds or Vultures?
We all have unexpected events fly across our path. The question is - do we see them as blue birds of opportunity, or threatening vultures?

Business Growth Requires Individual Effectiveness
When we read about business growth in the top business periodicals, they always refer to the multi-national corporations. I’m not a large corporation. I’m not even incorporated.

Building Your Business with Confidence
Have you noticed there are peaks and valleys in your business? At times you are at capacity and so excited about people coming to you, wanting to work with you. It just seems so easy. Then you notice a shift occurring. All of a sudden what looked like a growing business begins to backslide. Now you are scrambling to pay the bills.

Reading Between the Lines is for Dating
Forcing your audience to read between the lines to understand your value is ineffective at best. You'll lose your listener before you ever connect.

7 Key Components of an Instantly Successful Small Business
If you are looking to start a small business, or you are interested in growing a business that you currently own, then you need to keep reading. There are 7 factors that every small business owner needs to obtain in order to position their business to have the best possible chance of success. Read on to find out more...

Cash Flow Management- The Most Important Survival Tool for a Small Business
What do you think is the most important life blood of a business? Is it profit, sales growth, or customer loyalty? You can have all three and still go out of business if you do not have the one thing all companies need to live; which is cash!

Settling for Less
Poor service seems to have become the status quo. Why is that? In business we all talk the talk of customer focus, we all share the same vision - but in execution we seem to fall far short. I'm beginning to wonder if it's our own fault - as customers, not as business leaders. Are we settling for less?

Ready for a Big Change in Your Business Focus
Opportunities abound. You are only limited by your thoughts. The option to do something new and different is always present. Once you begin to envision yourself as you want to be, then the path for reaching your goal is already being created.

INTEGRATE, DON’T IMITATE
What really ignites our passion for our business? What fires up our ambition and causes us to make crucial decisions about what career paths we want to follow – and what level of success we want to attain?

When We Look the Other Way
The easiest path often isn't the best path. By looking the other way, ignoring the Gravity in front of us, we destine ourselves to a life and business flight bound for trouble. If everyone's ignoring the Gravity - our world will continue to spin farther and farther out-of-control. Gravity will win - and sooner or later we'll crash and burn.

Creating Your Vision
As a youngster I often pretended I was the teacher and my friends were students in my class. When my friends didn't want to play I just used my dolls and stuffed animals. In later years I would daydream in class about how I could make the topic easier to understand or the class more fun than the teacher up front. I didn’t know it then but I was creating a vision.

Business Fitness: Prerequisite for Growth

Everyone knows the value of physical fitness. It may be a struggle in the short term, but the medium and long term benefits are worth it. The same is true in business. If you want your business to grow make sure it is "fit" first. A fit business is sleek, strong, stable, flexible and attractive. My thesis has always been that it's important to reach a state of business fitness as the foundation for future growth. You want to be able to answer "yes" to the following questions. If you can, your business is in a state of fitness and you are ready for growth.

How to Make it Easy for Prospective Clients to Say Yes
What are the buying barriers in your business? What is keeping prospective clients from saying yes?

Process Yields Progress

I am willing to bet that almost every single one of you reading this article has read the above quote – or had it quoted to you – in the course of your life. You’re starting college and it’s rough – somebody tells you about that first step. You’re having trouble getting a new business off the ground – somebody tells you about the first step. Whenever you’re at the initial stage of anything – you hear about ‘that thousand miles’ and ‘that first step’.

Franchising as a way to Expand an already Successful Business
For a small to medium sized business, the issue of further expansion can be a challenge that many face. Franchising can present a solution to many businesses who find themselves in this position. We look at some aspects of franchise development for business growth.

The Downfall of the Institution, the Rise of the Personal Brand and How It’s Changing the Game
In the New Economy, some might say that our Personal Brands are increasingly important. We’d go further, saying they’re all we’ve got left.

Hitting the Target in the Age of New Media
When thinking about growing your business during the current economic shift, think big; but then make sure you think small with regards to what niche you can ultimately serve to prosper the most.

Celebrity Branding You™ - Isn’t He Just Talking About Personality Driven Marketing?
“How is Celebrity Branding® different from personality branding, and the long-standing concept of a personality driven business?”

Celebrity Branding You™ - The 8th Deadly Sin: ThoughtSourcing
What is ThoughtSourcing? It’s the function of outsourcing everything that crosses your path that requires some good old-fashioned thought; and possibly even some management of time and effort to execute on the decisions that you make based on that thought.

Practical Ways To Grow Your Small Business

As I work with more types of businesses, it becomes more and more obvious to me that the principles for basic business growth don't really change. The trick is to figure out how to apply them to the particular business you are in. So, for example, there are only 3 ways to grow your business, right? Essentially, you can increase traffic, increase conversions and work the back end for more profits. But how do you apply that to your business in a real and valuable way?

Celebrity Branding You™ - How Failure in My Kitchen Can Give You Success In Your Business!
Let me tell you how my kitchen reminded me of one of the most important business lessons you can learn.

Books Speak Volumes When Creating Relationships
How Writing Your Own Book Makes You the Center of Conversation

Internet Business Growth - The Sponsors Role
The need for a servant's attitude as a sponsor in the internet business.

The Law of Attraction in Business
Most businesses don't follow the Law of Attraction, at all. I think that's a status quo approach that brings loads of Gravity. It's time to change that thinking.

Lousy Bosses Pull You Down: How to fix things
Talk about gravity. One of the most powerful things pulling down organizational performance and morale is lousy bosses.

Bridging the Gap for Business Growth
Think about the original reason you decided to open your business. Connect with the excitement and anticipation you felt imagining the impact you were going to make in your community, being of service to others and feeling appreciated by your clients. Tap into the feeling of your business making a difference in their lives.

4 Ways We Kill Innovation

Yet when we separate innovation from our core business, set it apart as a unique process or proposition - we position innovation as "outside" our core business. We make innovation the exception rather than the rule, treat it as a point in time exercise rather than an integral part of the way we operate on a daily basis. Only when we embrace innovation as a conscious and continuous part of our daily actions can we reap the will rewards of innovation.

Business By Belief
Yesterday we chatted about fear and how it can limit our business growth and success. Today I want to chat a bit about the business beliefs that fear can create - the status quo Gravity that is so often driven by our fears.

Personal Branding: Have You Made It to “It Depends” Status?

As many of us get comfortable in our line of work, surrounding ourselves with people who have similar interests, and who work in the same industry – we sometimes forget that there are so many people out there that don’t know anything about the intricacies of what we do – even the things that we think are common knowledge. When people seek your advice, they are looking for you to cut through the clutter and solve whatever problem they may have.

Personal Branding: Protecting Your Brand
Our personal lives are quickly becoming a huge set of data points. Naturally, businesses, large and small, are no exception to this reality. There’s really only one sure-fire solution to protecting your personal information, your reputation and even your personal brand – control your information!

Personal Branding: Something Needed? YOU Provide It!
Find a market that is underserved, fill the need and brand yourself as the go-to expert and passionate advocate of that market – and open your doors to passionate and loyal customers.

The best things in life cost you something
Surely you have heard the old adage: The best things in life are free. This is partly true. That is, if you want to live your best life, then getting comfortable with the uncomfortable - including costly lessons - is just as important. Take a close look at this example of over-responsibility.

Easily Increase Your Intuition

Do you live in the past, the present or the future? Might sound like an odd question, but the majority of people, entrepreneurs included, rarely are in the present. There is so much that goes on in your daily life, whether someone wants something from you, planning to take care of the things on your to-do list, or changing a part of your business for improved results. Thoughts will stray to something which already occurred or something about to happen. When your thoughts are either in the past or considering the future, you are not in the present.

Change Your History to Expand Your Business
What if I told you your life was like a movie? And the person standing next to you right now is viewing a very different movie. The way you experience anything and everything comes from your perception.

2 Sure Signs of Gravity Ahead
We are Natural Born Gravity Machines - we create Gravity as part of our daily experience. That means we have to defy gravity as part of our daily experience too - if we want to grow beyond the excuses and into the freedom of limitless thinking and being.

Growing in a Down Economy
When we deliver unique true compelling value that matches opportunities where buyers will pay for that value, we fuel our growth.

LET’S DANCE!

I almost got shot the other day! One of my coaching clients called to tell me about a very successful meeting that they had just completed that ended in them getting a very important new customer. This was a real tough one and one that we had worked on to create a powerful strategy plan to sue in the coming meeting…and the plan worked!We celebrated. I celebrated for my customer...and I think everyone should celebrate any level of victory in business today. It's a great way to stimulate the slow or lost passion in the employees, leadership and even ownership!

Personal Branding: 5 Ways To Protect Your Brand
Five initial things that can be done to protect your brand online

Business Growth and The Peter Principal
A business can rise no higher than the level of its leadership.

But It Never Rains...
"Never" is a very long time. It's also a high Gravity word. "Never" clouds our vision, limits our growth and leaves us just plain blindsided - standing in gravity, clueless and completely unprepared. This Gravity impacts our business and personal lives.

It's Not Easy Being Lucky
It's not easy being lucky. Not easy at all. Most people that are considered lucky...created their perception of being lucky because they had the discipline to consistently apply skills; knowledge and work ethic to their lives and overnight (years later) they're lucky. In this article we'll examine a list of exactly what it takes to earn the right to "Be Lucky".

Broken Promises
How do you react when people promise to do something - and then don't?

Personal Branding: 3 Ways to Build Credibility
One of the most important building blocks of creating and cultivating your personal brand is to have credibility in the eyes of your clients and prospective clients. Over the years, I have found that the most common reason that entrepreneurs and small businesspeople are reluctant to shine the spotlight on themselves is their own perceived lack of credibility.

3 Ways to Bolster Your Personal Branding Strategy
Sometimes it’s imperative that we take a step back and try to view our business or personal brand to see if we are adhering to some of the basics of personal branding.

Personal Branding: Do You Need To Shift Your Focus?
As a small business owner or entrepreneur, the ability to find new ways to market yourself and develop your personal brand, can be the catalyst to unlimited success.

It’s E-Time!
The Great Bull Market of the 1990s made us feel rich. The real estate boom boosted our hopes all over again and we all got caught up in the excitement. We borrowed against our assets like never before, and spent the equity we thought we had.

The Dangers of HindSight
Don't assume Hindsight is 20/20. That will send you reeling every time.

Personal Branding: What is Your Story?
Being able to tell your story effectively will be key to setting your personal brand apart from others. Be yourself and seek those who like you for who you are. Be honest and open – let people understand who you are and where you’re coming from. In the end, your clients will trust you more – and be more willing to let you help them when they need your expertise.

It’s The Economy Stupid!...Again.
Marketing campaigns are about one thing…creating a campaign that generates a direct response that you can test the result of and that, when tested, shows that you made money. When you have that type of marketing campaign, you should never stop it until it stops making you money.

It's The System Stupid! (Not the Product!)
Most businesses focus their attention on the products that they offer. What do they look like? What is the design? What is the best price we should offer it for? But these are questions everyone asks. This is true not only when you are developing a new product, but as you continue to market old ones. More important than the product itself, however, is the system that surrounds the product.

More is Better!
Please take a look at all of your products and services. Do they offer a higher value to your customer? Is there room to increase your price - not based on what someone else charges, but based on the value that you or your product delivers? If there is room, raise your price.

Non-Disclosure Agreement Warning!
Non-Disclosure Agreements have become almost ubiquitous in the business world today. Are they necessary? Should you sign them? This article outlines some common concerns and strategies for using NDAs.

Premiumize Your Product or Service
While the news talks about falling consumer confidence, there is one area of the economy that is going strong, and that is the affluent end of the market. People in this class have money and they are willing to spend it to get the “best” and to show that they have the money to afford the best.

Time For A New Pump
Our economy has moved on, offering new and exciting opportunities for success to those who are willing to ditch their gravity, think differently and move on to new ways of creating sustainable profits.

Personal Branding: What Makes YOU Stand Out?

This personal branding stuff is not really a new thing. Since the early days of advertising, faces of people have graced the packaging products, and businesses grew from the sheer force of the personalities of those who started them. Look at Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Tiger Woods, Richard Branson, Michael Jackson, and a whole host of others who have used their personas to create or enhance a brand.

Changing the Game
Changing the Game can save our butts.

Is Fear Really a Great Motivator?
The idea behind Provocative Selling is basically to scare the heck out of your customer by creating Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt about their business and its future. Since when did fear become the primary motivator for customer relationships?

Personal Branding Tip: Shining Your Countenance Upon Your Customers
The face is one of the most used visual tools in advertising campaigns. It is used in all types of visual media. Faces are found in newspapers, magazines, and authors very often have their photos on the inside back cover of books.

Priorities
If you think you're too busy to question your business legends and knowns about your products your value and your business - stop and ask yourself "Why am I in business? Who am I here to serve?"

Where Baseball Meets Business

Sometimes I think that we make business success all too hard! In most cases the basics are ignored in favor of the latest new and usually complex strategy, theory or latest best seller unveiling the new secret success silver bullets. But sometimes, most of the time in fact, if we just slow down and face the fact that the truth may be in the simplicity of the solution. Simple is not always easy. Simple is not always cool or flashy. But, SIMPLE works! In this article we'll briefly discuss 3 key rules that could become your benchmark for future personal and business growth.

Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should – Why Outsourcing is Essential to Business Growth
Many dream of being their own bosses and being in control of their own financial destinies. There are several reasons for this e.g., lack of job security, advances in technology, desire to earn an unlimited income, to be available for family. So they take matters into their own hands by starting small-/home-based businesses.

Setting Savvy KPI’s That Work
KPI's provide a sound basis that you can utilise to build and develop your business, but the metrics that are being used must be the right ones. In a world where we can measure everything the brands and companies that will win are the ones who know what to measure. In this article Steve helps you to better understand the measures in your business that matter and how to set savvy KPI's that work!

Claim Your Niche Market for Guaranteed Business Growth

Does your business have a specific focus? Are you considered an expert in one particular area? If you’re not the go-to person in your industry of choice, the problem could simply be that you’re spreading yourself too thin. Let’s say, for example, that you own a floral shop. Until recently, you’ve been offering (and advertising) your expertise and your access to quality flowers to everyone under the sun.

Using Twitter to Develop Your Personal Brand
Today, most people are aware of the power of Twitter for networking, website promotion and communicating… but have you thought about the impact Twitter could have on your personal brand?

SEVEN MAJOR BUSINESS MISTAKES EVERYONE MAKES, AND HOW YOU CAN AVOID THEM!
When the economy gets tough, some businesses cut back on marketing along with their other costs, thinking they can lie low and wait out the next opportunity. There are two mistakes with this kind of thinking to discuss, even before we get to the point of this article.

Sell the Store, Not the Chair
The purpose of teaching a salesman to spend extra time with a customer to discuss the store’s long-term relationships with customers is to attempt to educate the buyer and create brand loyalty. Over time, brand loyalty and the desire to work with a store that stands behind their product can overcome many objections, including pricing.

Telling Your Story for More Profit
Telling stories is not only one of the oldest forms of communication; it is also one of the most effective. Accepting this statement as true should help you see why creating a business story is a reliable way to connect, and to create a bond with your customer that helps you rise above your competition in their eyes.

The Next Big Thing

I just spent two days with fifteen of the most successful entrepreneurial marketers in the country. By that description, I mean that they each have their own business as opposed to working for a big company with an unlimited marketing budget. They are successful marketers, several of them wildly successful, because they have to be. Every day, customers vote on their marketing with real dollars to attest to how good these marketing campaigns are. When they say something, I listen.

The Next Big Thing - Business Vision
I talk about Business Vision often. Sometimes people think I am just seeing things that aren’t there, and shake their head. Unfortunately for them, I have learned that learning to look at your business objectively, and with a fresh eye, allows you to discover unique opportunities that you have been missing.

The Next Big Thing: Building an Industry instead of a Single Product (or Service).

Sometimes we all fall into the trap of building a better mousetrap: a “thing” or a single “service” we hope people will beat a path to our door to discover. All too often, however, the result is that we spend lots of time, money and energy only to find the consumer really didn’t want our hot idea. This process although entrepreneurial, is a path to frustration and a pattern from which to break free.

What’s Working Now!

Back in the “old days” most things were bought on cash but if you didn’t have the cash to buy, retailers came up with a system called a lay-a-way plan. The retailer held the goods and you made payment to them. When you were done paying the full price you got your furniture, dishwasher or whatever. Christmas lay-a-way assured gifts for the kids. Over the years, the plan morphed into giving you the furniture at the point of purchase and making payments.

YOUR 2009 ACTION LIST!
I always love the New Year. For me, late December and early January have always been a time of intense planning. What changes should I make for the New Year? What are my income goals, and how do I plan to get there? These questions have always been part of my annual business analysis.

Tips for Improving Customer Service
In this article Gary offers 12 tips on how you can improve the customer service in your business.

The Art of Up-Selling
Gary explains what up-selling is and how you can implement it in your business.

Are You Focusing on the Right Thing?
In this article Gary explains that many companies focus on their sales and product before anything else and suggests that maybe this needs to be reviewed.

So do we really have control over customer service?
Gary discusses standards set by management and staff within a company. How they might currently be set, how they could be set, what types of measures, control or standards are important or might be important in a company.

Personal Branding: Using Your Blog
There are several obvious ways to brand your blog, including the design of the blog, your picture, and more… but today we are going to cover some less common ways of branding yourself through your blog.

Build a Better Career With a Strong Personal Brand
Whether you are an accountant, a restaurant manager, or a school teacher, your personal brand can play a critical role in determining the success of your career.

Overcoming Negative Branding: There Is Always Hope
Michael Vick’s story is a great illustration of the reality that it is never too late to begin recuperating your brand and overcoming mistakes.

Virtual Assistants Can Help You Enjoy Your Weekends

It's fun and also necessary to unwind on weekends and to get back to do what you are best at and it's also necessary to offload the unnecessary flab of non-core business activities so that you stay fit and focused on your core money making activity. A virtual assistant can just be the right pill you are looking for to reduce your business bulk and stay strong and active all day long. Here's a rundown of what this magic pill can do to your business.

5 Secretes To Solopreneur Success
Going solo resonates confidence, fun, being in-control and satisfying but it may also get you slowed down, jittery and wrong if you get a bit sloppy. As all businesses build on values and skills so does a solopreneur. Here are top 5 secretes that can help you to easily navigate through the solopreneur's rough role.

Quash Your “Employee” Mindset To Propel Business Growth

Is your employee mind restricting your business’ growth? Learn how to overthrow your employee mentality, step into your CEO shoes and enjoy a surge in your development! Many small (and large) business owners find themselves in a difficult position when transitioning from seeing themselves as the craftsman or solopreneur to a owner of a business capable of generating more than six figures, and that is that you just can't seem to crush that "employee" mindset when approaching your business.

Points to consider for International Franchise Expansion
Expanding an already successful franchise overseas can be a great way to develop an already successful national franchise. However, careful consideration must be given to ensure your franchise is ready and prepared for unfamiliar markets.

Quick Marketing Tips to Leap From 5 Figures to 6 and 7 Figures
Do you: doubt yourself, undercharge, say yes to discounts, churn in indecision, let others walk on your boundaries or accept slow business growth? If so, mistakes like these are, no doubt, keeping you from breaking through to 6 or 7 figures.

4 Success Strategies for Getting and KEEPING Ideal Clients
Take one idea from this article today and make it a specific action step you will take toward building your business, with a vision for what it will look like when you’ve accomplished it and a deadline for when you will do it.

Speaking to Grow Your Business Part III: Marketing Tips to Fill the Room
There are several low/no cost ways to begin speaking. I would begin speaking for free –I did and it was a great way to build my database quickly. Here are my 4 favorite tips for building your reputation and becoming slightly famous with speaking.

The Gravity of I Can't
The more I learn about Gravity, the more I learn how sneaky it is. I find Gravity within myself in the most unexpected, places - areas of my life where I would swear to you that I have cleared all remnants of limitation and past programming.

Massive Growth: How Will You Handle It? Part 1

For the owner of a small business, experiencing explosive growth can be exciting. It can be the beginning of a new era for the business, and it can solidify the company’s existence in the sometimes brutal world of commerce. In the same breath of excitement, though, massive growth can provide new challenges as entrepreneurs strive to keep up with it. This article details how three very different types of women entrepreneurs may respond to massive growth – and how their reactions may affect their businesses.

What To Do When You Just Can't Concentrate
My email in-box is jam packed, I have several calls from sales people that I haven't returned yet, my desk is a mess, and I'm finding it very hard to concentrate. What in the world is going on here!

Twitter – The Social Media Tool That Works Wonders For Business

First it was Google that piqued the interest of the business world. While most business owners continue to focus on Search Engine Optimisation(SEO), and what they need to do to continue rank high on Google and other search engines, savvy corporations and small businesses are breaking rank and focusing their efforts in a new direction – Twitter, the social media platform that has quickly become a phenomenon in online marketing. So what’s so special about Twitter, and what are these businesses doing that makes Twitter an exciting proposition for business growth.

Franchise My Business UK
You have a successful business and wonder how to expand it and make the most of your winning idea and business model. This article looks at if franchise might be a viable way forward to expand and grow your business and the basic steps to go about franchising your business.

9 Proven Leadership Skills to Expand Your Business
Whether you work with remote "virtual" teams of assistants or within a corporate environment with teams of managers and employees, the way you "lead" determines the success of your business - it has nothing to do with "luck".

How to Limit Business Growth in 2011
Ask anyone about business focus and they'll begin talking about staying the course, sticking to the plan, 1, 3 and 5 year objectives. We keep focusing on that same profit margin (or lately, cash balance) as our goal - and miss opportunities for growth, investment and new markets along the way. That doesn't cut it in today's dynamic world.

The Art of the Sales Process: The Compassionate Sales Conversation

In this economy the approach to selling needs to shift. People have been burned too many times, and some are feeling such a lack of resources, that the old "hard" selling methods are not seeing results like before. When business growth comes from connection with higher source and authentic purpose and contribution you can't go wrong. This is what I call, "The New Wealth." This may seem like a strange article on the surface, but I know once you dive in you'll have a whole new look on your approach to sales. I have found the only way to really unleash massive success is to turn to your natural path of least resistance which is often revealed through alchemy of nature - wealth alchemy as I love to call it.

Five Easy Ways to Destroy Your Personal Brand
These are common habits that will make it hard to build your brand-if they don’t destroy it altogether:

The Secrets to Small Business Success

I was delivering a one-on-one coaching call tonight and my client asked me the question of, 'How did you become so successful so fast?' and at first I paused and thought about that. How did I become successful in just three and a half short years? The first thing I thought of was, 'Am I successful?' and that question alone could have taken me ten minutes to think about an answer to so instead of ponder that, I moved on. I thought about what I had done over the course of my time in business and I thought about what had allowed me to achieve so much in such a short time.

Personal Branding with Twitter: Success Stories
Today, I’m going to share three success stories-companies and individuals that have used Twitter to effectively build their brand.

Customer Service Starts with a Can Do Attitude: Five Secrets to Winning, Creating Repeat Customers
Whether you work in a restaurant or office environment, serve internal or external customers, or work in an environment that expects results, the following are five essential secrets to developing a "can do" customer service attitude and creating repeat customers.

Zero Gravity Business Growth: Chocomize
Three college grads who couldn't find jobs in the new economy start a candy business and turn profitable in four months. Chocomize is a bigtime Zero Gravity Company!

Zero Gravity Business Growth: Frito Lay
Frito Lay is a giant in the snack food industry. They're also a Zero Gravity business in their commitment to social responsibility. We can all learn from their actions… and commitment.

Zero Gravity Business: Grey New York
What happens when a New York ad agency’s creative team is booted out of their posh offices and moved into a 70’s style sea of ugly earth toned cubicles?

Zero Gravity Business: LifeLock
Sometimes you have to take the plunge, do something different or whacky just to get attention. Check out Lifelock, a Zero Gravity Business.

Don’t Get Lost in the Crowd
ver the last several years, literally millions of people have begun establishing their personal brand through Facebook, Twitter, and other sites. So how can you avoid being lost in the crowd?

2011 Business Growth Strategies #1: Think Different
Thinking differently is a big deal in today’s “new economy” and a key factor in powering 2011 success.

2011 Business Growth Strategies #2: Be Distinct & Compelling
We all nod our heads when someone talks about the need to deliver distinct, compelling value to our markets. We just assume that our value is as distinct and compelling as it was last year, or the year before - or whenever we were initially successful with it. But is our value really distinct? And if it is distinct - is it compelling to our markets?

Lost Opportunities to Build Your Personal Brand
Remember that every interaction you have either build your brand or weakens it-so ignore these opportunities and your own peril!

Creating A Unique Business

How do you make your business unique? It is not difficult to create a business, but how do you make yourself different from the rest? And how do you market yourself so your business seems better than your competition? How do you advertise your business so you stand out? If you don't have a unique business, you may have to compete on price instead of selling value. Most people going into business, don't think about creating a unique business, they focus on survival. This means they may not be as profitable and will always be fighting against the competition.

2011 Business Growth Strategy #4: Check Your Business Model
We all know our business models inside and out, right? We know where we make money, where we lose money, where we invest and recently, where we tighten our belts. But are we really executing on the best business model for growth?

Blending Internet Marketing Strategies
Internet marketing objectives can be supported only by the proper choice of internet marketing strategies. Relevant traffic generation, the creation of advertising campaigns, the positioning of content and brand awareness represent more or less ambitious goals that accompany and define business growth

Business Growth in the Grey Zone
Many of us were taught that there is one right answer to any decision we might have to make. That's a big-time Gravity belief. It leads to black-and-white thinking, missed opportunities and limited potential.

Top Five Reasons Why Your E-newsletter isn’t Getting Responses
Whether you're currently sending an e-newsletter that isn't getting results or are considering starting an e-newsletter, there are five techniques that every e-newsletter sender MUST know in order to make their e-newsletter successful.

Where the Bible teaches us how to improve our cashflow

No cash means stunted business growth, worry and sleepless nights wondering to how you are going to pay your bills. So you're lying there at night, eyes wide open, thinking how you are going to face your creditors the next morning. In this situation, many business owners (religious or not) would plead for some kind of divine intervention. Well believe it or not, one strategy for getting your customers to pay on time is actually sitting there in the bible. You just need to know where to look…

Does Your Title Box You In?
Too many people, when introducing themselves to new contacts, are allowing potential prospects to box them into a preconceived belief about what they do based on their title. Learn how to use a vague title to solicit deeper interest and a highjacking of your brand.

Sales Coaching for Business Growth

Good coaching changes behaviour. But how do you generate awareness, get them to take responsibility for their actions or lack of action, and lead the person to motivate themselves and want to change? The coaching session should be a monthly session unless they require more support, and each session should have homework allocated. Once the person demonstrates they are taking action in the form of their homework, you know the coaching is effective.

Personal Branding: Seven Social Media Branding Mistakes
The reality is that, as rapidly as social media can build your personal brand, it can tear it apart. Today I’m going to cover several common social media branding mistakes to watch out for:

Online Personal Branding for Everyone
There still seems to be a misconception out there that personal branding is important for executives, business owners and celebrities-but not for everybody else.

Personal Branding: Make the Right First Impression
The first impression you make goes a long way towards establishing your personal brand.

Transformation Opportunities are All Around Us
Business transformation is as natural as business growth - and just as inherent in any company's lifecycle. Transformation is all around us. Businesses transform themselves every day. Transformation is not just about big bangs and massive changes. Transformation happens so often that we often don't even recognize it as transformation.

Personal Branding: Make Twitter Work for You
Twitter is a powerful tool-how many other platforms are there that allow you to potentially reach millions of people instantly, and for no cost? Make sure you are using it as effectively as possible! These tips should get you going in the right direction.

The Shifting Sands of Business Growth
Our markets can be like the shifting sands of the desert. They change and evolve - yet we may not notice because they still appear to be the same 'desert' landscape. Yet ahead of years have changed significantly beneath the surface.

Business Growth, the NFL Playoffs and What If?
Shifts can hit us from out of the blue. Sometimes we never see the shift coming until it's upon us. Just like the Ravens on Saturday. The energy of the game had shifted to them in the fourth quarter and they appeared to be unstoppable. And then - the momentum shifted.

Installment 2 of the Top 10 Secrets of small business revealed
The - absolute - undeniable - must have - rockbottom - can’t do without - believe it or not - Top 10 (and beyond) - Secrets of Sustainable Small Business Growth, in good times or bad

Top-10 Secrets of: Sustainable Small Business Growth
The - absolute - undeniable - must have - rockbottom - can’t do without - believe it or not - Top-10 Secrets of Sustainable Small Business Growth In good times or bad

Personal Branding: Make Your Business Card Stand Out
Most businesspeople are inundated with business cards. The challenge becomes, from a personal branding standpoint, how do you make your cards stand out from the rest?

5 Simple Steps to Take Advantage in a Downturn Economy
If you are considering your business goals for the first time or seeking to gain a new outlook on your current business structure, think about these Five Simple Steps to Take Advantage in a Downturn Economy.

Five Personal Branding Lessons from the Grammy Awards
Here are five personal branding lessons I took away from the 2011 Grammy awards:

Improve the effectiveness of your promotional products

Improve the effectiveness of your promotional products – focus on your target audience k8 Promotional products have been successfully used by business entrepreneurs as a part of their advertising strategies to achieve their ultimate goals of promoting and selling their core products and services. With the minimal cost inputs, promo products are capable of eliciting an optimistic response from the target audience, if they are created and marketed well. The appropriate selection of promotional items can go a long way in publicizing one’s business and solidifying one’s brand image. At the same time, if not chosen rightly, promo products can be a wasted effort and can be detrimental to business growth and brand image.

Does Business Growth Trump Social Responsibility?
As leaders, do we have a social responsibiity on how we promote our products? Or is it every man, woman and teenager for himself?

Zero Gravity Business Growth - PetRelocation
Do you have an emerging growth opportunity staring you in the face? Have you shifted your focus look around for one lately?

How do I Innovate My Business to Grow My Business Without Increasing Costs
If you are like most entrepreneurs, right now you are watching expenses and wondering how to increase sales, get more customers and grow your business in the most cost effective manner you can. Learn what other entrepreneurs are doing to create effective low cost alliances that are exploding sales and business growth.

Personal Branding Lessons From Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is a talented performer, but that’s not why he’s an icon even among other celebrities. More than anything else, Bieber and his managers have branded him perfectly.

The Art of Book Branding
You wrote your book for others to read. True? You wrote it to offer others enjoyment, excitement, help and/or training. Don’t you owe it to your prospective readers to put the book share the book in a really big way? Don’t you owe it to yourself? To get started I’ve created a short checklist for branding YOU and your book.

Build Prosperity and Strong Relationships With L.O.V.E

I had the honour recently of interviewing Evelyn Tian. Evelyn is a Singaporean woman living in Australia. She shared a story that started with volunteering to pack and send envelopes for the 2000 Olympics Committee here in Australia 10 years ago. That simple act of giving lead to an amazing trail of events that lead to her becoming the African Attache for the Olympics and Para-Olympics. This started Evelyn on an incredible journey to Africa for 6 months where she worked with disabled women and children, introducing wheelchair sports and fund raising for home made wheelchairs. She is now working toward helping disabled orphans in Africa.

High-Velocity Business Growth: Instagram
I love it when a company consciously learns from real world users, then takes off like a rocket ship. That's exactly what's happening to Instagram, a hot photo-sharing startup.

The Most Neglected Ingredient in Business Growth
Some 96% of all businesses fail within their first eight years. Owners who have survived great challenges know that some crucial elements protect them from fire damage. Too many, unfortunately, have neglected one element. That void can be lethal to a business. The most neglected ingredient promoting business growth is leadership.

Plan for Success
The new year is such an exciting time for businesses. Owners normally find themselves rejuvenated after the holidays and ready for an even BETTER new year. The desk gets cleared, the blank pages come out, the pen is poised and the first question that comes to mind is, “where do I start?”

Budget Salvation! 10 Ways for Small Business Owners to Save Money

You may have noticed that the economy is on shaky ground pretty much everywhere. It's been in all the papers. While everyone from the consumer to the corporation is on edge, the small business owner is probably the most nervous. They share the concerns of everyone, while also worrying about their budget in relation to the future of their business and their employees. The real challenge for small business owners is how to make their budget dollar go further - expenses can't be slashed any further because they're already running lean, and they don't want to stifle potential business growth out of economic fear. So, how does the small business owner balance the budget to ensure the prospects of future success?

Entrepreneurs Education: Fast and Smart
Did you know that over 80% if all companies are privately held or family owned? Bet that means YOU! And did you know that almost 100% of the business growth in these times will be with companies having fewer than 200 employees. And the BIG question: did you know that unresolved workplace conflict is responsible for over 65% of all voluntary terminations in workplaces regardless of size?

Fearless Business Growth: Making 2009 Big, Bold and Profitable ... Even in a Recession

Are you or your company becoming a"shrinking violet" in this economic downturn? Do you find yourself controlled by a "wait and see" attitude, hoping the future will magically get better? Do you realize that, if you don't put the brakes on this no-win thinking and behavior soon, 2009 will be more of the same ... or worse? I am challenging every executive and entrepreneur to go against the "herd mentality" paralyzing the business world and drive your own reality in 2009. In this article are 7 "must do's" how.

Does Your Personal Brand Reflect YOU?
Your personal brand is what you make it. If you’re content with being just another generic consultant, or lawyer, or whatever you do, so be it. But if you want to build a brand that truly allows you to stand out from the crowd, roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Smart Women Make a Great First Impression
This article is about creating a lasting, positive first impression with your ideal client. Making sure that you have a process in place for people who inquire about your product or service is critical to long-term success and business growth.

Three Cheers for Marketing Innovation
I love great marketing. I especially love great marketing that shows Zero Gravity thinking - mapping innovative value to real-time buyer needs. After all, the formula for business growth doesn't have to be difficult. It's really quite simple.

Developing Your Personal Brand: Make Sure It's Unique
You may have a strong personal brand-but if it doesn’t separate you from the pack it’s not going to be much use. Effective personal branding is all about highlighting the traits that make you unique.

Entrepreneurs – Do You Need More Financing But Not Sure How To Ask For It?
You’ve got a meeting at the bank next month, and you will be discussing financing for your business. Your company is profitable and I'm looking for a bank loan to finance more business growth. What things should you focus on in the meeting? Are there certain things that you definitely should/should not talk about?

Big Rocks are Essential for Business

The best strategy for keeping focused and moving toward your goals is Big Rocks. These are the things that will really make you progress and move your business forward. Do you have Big Rocks? If not, you should. If you don’t attend to the big things first, you’ll never get them done.The Big Rocks need to be attended to immediately if you want to make true progress. Say ‘yes’ to the Big Rocks and ‘no’ to the smaller things if they’re getting in the way.

The 12 Rules of Problem Solving

When we have a problem, it’s uncomfortable, it doesn’t feel good and sometimes dealing with it can be physically debilitating. The fact is most business people are not equipped to handle problems of any kind. It’s just something that’s not taught and many suffer greatly. The skill required in order to be an effective problem solver in business and/or life is a learned skill and a skill that I believe to be essential to long term survival and growth both personally and professionally. In this article you'll learn the 12 Rules of Problem Solving that if diligently applied can change your life.

DON'T BE AFRAID

The world is full of naysayers and people who choose to listen to and believe the media induced mass economic hysteria. Is it really as bad as all the "experts" say? In many ways that's up to the individual and one things is for sure....if you want to be a successful businessperson in to days marketplace, you can't believe a word of it. You have to step out in courage and take some chances and if you do, you might, just might get so far ahead of the competition that when things do get better (and they will) you'll be the dominant leader in your field! So, Don't Be Afraid!

5 Tweaks to Energize Your Business Improvement and Growth
Are you going through the same old motions that worked in the past with fewer results today? Have you run out of good ideas? Are your competitors taking business away from you? If so, what you might need to do is make a few tweaks to energize your business improvement and growth.

Is Your Brand ‘APP’-licable?
The evolution of brand engagement is mobile! How can your brand reach your customers 24/7? How can your brand engage your customers beyond their belief? This article exposes the creativity of how some brands are leveraging mobile apps to keep top-of-mind with their customers, enlist them, and engage them in powerful ways.

Growing Your Business: Why Separating Business and Personal Finances is Good

Growing Your Business: Why Separating Business and Personal Finances is Good - This article is NOT about finances! It's about growing your business. When you separate your business and personal finances, you'll create an environment for faster and more effective business growth. Curious? This article tells you the three reasons why business growth can happen when business and personal finances are separated, and it will show you some best practices to help you separate your finances easily.

The Fun Theory
“Fun theory” states that if something is fun, people are more likely to do it. As a business owner or a leader, you want to keep your employees around and have the ability to attract new talent, right? Making your workplace a fun place to be is a huge step in the right direction.

Entrepreneurs | Discover How Your Choices Can Impact Your Business Growth

As entrepreneurs, we put off taking action because of self doubt? Have you ever thought of writing an article or creating an audio that you wanted to, but did not do it because you thought that, there is nothing great/significant in what you are delivering? Did you ever write down your monetary goal and made a list of what you wanted to do with the money and landed in one of the following situations?

5 Elements To Focus
I have found that there are 5 key elements to creating focus, and failure to master them will cause one to destroy growth and profit in a business. While there are many factors essential to business growth and profitability, some have greater impact than others. The ability to focus an organization and its people should rank among the top 3.

Personal Branding: When Your Brand Goes Off Course
In an ideal world, each of our personal brands would consistently grow as time passes. In reality, it’s easy to lose track of our branding efforts, or even to see them grow in an undesired direction.

What Sort Of Business Uses A Bookkeeping Bureau?
There are many possible answers to this question, from ignorance of bookkeeping to the proprietor focusing exclusively on the business growth leaving no time for other activities. However, this article will focus on the size of business - as a rule of thumb. Most of our bookkeeping clients seem to fall into a certain size bracket.

Which of these revenue models is right for you?
Everyone wants to make money while they sleep! The reality is that nearly all service professionals need to have a stable business nefore seeking passive revenue. There are essentially three simple models for service based businesses and professionals: direct, leveraged and passive revenue and each has its own set of challenges.

Personal Branding on a Budget
Some excellent tools and strategies to help you build your brand without busting your budget.

What Is Business Networking, Anyway?
It's more than showing up and shaking hands; it's about being proactive.

Personal Branding: It Doesn’t Have to be All Business
Below are several ways to incorporate your personal life into your personal brand:

Personal Branding: Make Sure Your Staff is on Board
Critical ways in which your employees can help you build your brand.

Five Steps to Keeping Ahead of the Pack
As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to fall behind. To evolve constantly not only ensures you stay ahead, but are a leader in your industry. Here are the five steps some of the world’s most successful companies use to be leaders in their industries.

Attitude is Everything in Sales
Well perhaps not quite everything, however attitude in my opinion counts for a lot more than “been there and done it” does. Give me someone with the right attitude and aptitude for the job and experience is often a bonus – the icing on the cake, rather than a prerequisite.

Small Business Tips: Turning Words Into Deeds

Deed is just another name for action. First you need to ensure you have thought and imagined the foundations of your business – getting clear on your products, services and customers. Next you need to have "inked" these thoughts into plans, brochures, web sites and copy. Finally you need to take action. Action is where you put your energy behind your thoughts. There are many sayings around the importance of action "You miss 100% of all shots you fail to take", "You've got to be in it to win it" and "The journey of 1000 miles begins with just one step" are a few of my favourites.

Words of Power
Words have power – words spoken with clear intent and emotion carry more power than just random words on a page. Many businesses try and create their business plan or marketing material by just copying what someone else has done. They take the words, shuffle them around a bit and then label it with their company name.

Coaching for Small Business Owners

Business coaching is a relatively new discipline. As a result, many small business owners are probably not aware of the coaching process and why they might consider coaching as a resource to fuel their business growth and personal leadership development. What benefits can a coach bring to you and your small business? Will a coach help you become more effective in the day to day management of your small business? What specific skills or experience should you look for in a business coach? How do you find a business coach?

How to Use Your Natural Potential to Drive Your Business
Have you ever wondered at the business owner / entrepreneur who seems to have the ‘knack’ of smoothly buying, building and selling businesses and... Bearing that in mind, here’s three suggestions for tapping into your natural genius and dramatically improving your business results...

What Kind of Growth are You?

There are different approaches to managing and building businesses. These are - just let me get out there and sell. - we are in the BRW Fast 100. - we don't do any sales and marketing. - I don't want to grow any bigger. - Ive got to get some money in. Whatever approach you take to your business, it’s always good business practice to regularly stop, reassess what your strategic focus needs to be, and then develop the necessary game plan that will move you toward sustainable and profitable growth.

5 Things Business Owners Must Consider During Growth or Survival Periods
Growing a business in today’s market is all about survival of the fittest. Surviving through the uphill battles of being an entrepreneur is critical. Surviving through the growth stages of the business is just as vital as when your business is in a negative cash flow period or downhill mode.

Personal Branding Tips: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As you know, each time you interact with the outside world you have the opportunity to strengthen your personal brand. Of course, the reverse is also true-every interaction also presents an opportunity to undermine the brand you have worked so hard to build.

Don't Be Flat Lemonade
This is not about turning lemons into lemonade. This is about putting the fizz into your business.

Personal Branding Tips: Generalist vs. Specialist
What is the difference between a generalist and a specialist, and why does that difference matter in your personal branding efforts? As you will see, the difference between branding yourself as a specialist instead of a generalist can literally be the difference between the success and failure of your business.

Who is My Market Its Smaller Than You Think

Many designers believe that marketing the widest range of services to the largest possible group is the path to success. You’d rather be a generalist because you think you’ll get more business. But in reality, it doesn’t work that way. In fact, success comes to those who focus on the smallest number of activities most likely to yield the quickest and largest return. What really lets you dominate the market and get more business? Specializing.

Creating a Franchise
The first question that an individual or company needs to ask before taking the franchising route to growth. Is franchising the best method of business expansion for you? Do you have the personal attributes to be a franchisor? What are your motives for contemplating the utilisation of a franchise system?

Personal Branding: Learn From The Best
It’s not success that makes an individual memorable. What else do Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Steve Jobs, and Oprah Winfrey have in common? You guessed it-they have incredible personal brands. What do they know that the rest of us don’t? Below are several lessons we can learn from these giants in the world of personal branding:

Personal Branding Tips: Make Facebook Fun
I have some good news for you today-creating a strong Facebook presence is easier than you may think. In fact, your objective essentially boils down to a single concept: seek to create a community of users united by their common interest in your business-and make your community fun. How can you make your presence fun? Here are some ideas:

Small Business Fuels the Economy

On a global basis the news continues to be gloom and doom on the economic front. Major corporations around the world continue to downsize or right-size as they attempt to move towards profitability. Jobs are disappearing at an alarming rate. Along with the jobs go the economic benefits of full employment. There is, however, a brighter side to this economic picture. This can be found in the area of small business.

Part Three - Prospecting for More Sales
Part Three of a Ten Part Series. In this series, we explore all the different avenues of prospecting necessary for a business to succeed. Think of your business as a a beautiful garden, and then consider all the things you need to do to keep that garden beautiful and growing, rather than dreary, dead or decaying. Need help with Prospecting? Feel free to get in touch with us via our website.

Part Two - Prospecting for More Sales
In this series, we explore all the different avenues of prospecting necessary for a business to succeed. Think of your business as a a beautiful garden, and then consider all the things you need to do to keep that garden beautiful and growing, rather than dreary, dead or decaying. Need help with Prospecting? Feel free to get in touch with us via our website.

How to Stop Fear from Blocking Your Small Business Growth
A few years back I wrote an article called "Facing the Fear Factor". Surprisingly it's the most widely read of any small business growth article I've ever written. Why?

Strategies for Exceptional Growth
When analyzing business marketing strategies, you must define exactly what your product or services are and how you can outperform your competitors.

4 tips to hire key employees in a small business
Are you looking for talented, trustworthy people who can actually drive the growth of your organization? You have the vision; you also know precisely how to realize that vision; but do you have the right team with you to help you achieve your business goals? Read on to get some hiring tips that will help you build a strong team that is self-motivated and loves to work and grow with your company.

Finding the Right Business Coach
Finding the right Business Coach is a working partnership between you and your coach and is directly related to your success.

Business Growth Strategies

Growing a business is a risky business. In fact there are more risks associated with growing a business than there are with starting a business. Four of the most common hurdles preventing business growth are: • The business owner is too busy to work on growth activities. • There is not enough money to finance the growth. • The business owner has gaps in knowledge and experience • There is no growth plan. Here are the strategies to deal with these hurdles.

Achieving Successful Business Growth
Successful business growth is not a miracle. It is the result of business owners directing all their talents and energies to the single purpose of building a bigger business. Through our work with successful businesses we have identified 6 key actions that business owners must do if they are to successfully grow their business.

Personal Branding Pays: Why a Strong Personal Brand Is Worth the Effort
We spend a great deal of time in this space talking about personal branding. We share strategies, tips, success stories, and more. Every once in a while, it is a good idea to step back and take a look at the big picture-and remind ourselves why a strong personal brand is so important in the first place.

Why Is Social Media Important?
Why should you care about social media? It may be fun, it may be something your kids are into-but as a business owner, why should you care? The short answer is simple-an effective social media presence will help you make more money. Today I am going to tell you how it will make you money.

How “Lack of Employee Initiative” Is Hindering Business Growth
When a collective group of employees individually think like an owner, assume responsibility like an owner, and take initiative like an owner in a structured environment, your company makes giant advances forward. Typically, a struggling company has “dead weight” of uninspired employees dragging the company behind their competitors.

I WANT IT NOW!

Are you still wow'ed by some of the technology that is available to us today? Things continue to change and change fast. So estimates say that this is creating the most technology "aware" consumer than at any other time in history. But if you're a business owner, you must be aware of what these changes mean to you and the future of your business. And if you don't adjust you may not be around very long!

What People Say to Dogs!

Communication is the key to most success in todays challenging business environment. It doesn't have to be hard, in fact we can sometimes learn from the cartoon section of your local newspaper. Using one as an example, we will discuss four easy Rules of Communication to use when working with any prospect or customer. And come to think of it, the rules apply when communicating with anyone on any level.

The Main Key To Business Growth In A Continuous Line

Website marketing and design is based on professional opinion derived from earlier case studies and an educated point person. Take, for example, a person who has heart problems. A doctor will assess the health of that person, explain your medical condition, and then make recommendations based on its findings. Recommendations can range from a change in diet and exercise, the integration of techniques to reduce stress, medications or surgery. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to website development and marketing. Both scenarios, whether it's your personal health or company posture require long-term purposes, productive behavior.

Personal Branding: What Can We Learn From LeBron?
While very few of us will ever command his level of attention, we can all learn from his mistakes and apply them to our own branding efforts.

Business Growth Needs Powerful Objectives

Yogi Berra is quoted as saying “If you don’t know where you are going you will end up somewhere else”. Business objectives specify where you are going; they are your destination. They give you direction to drive your company’s growth. They provide your team with a common purpose. They focus your activities towards a future goal. All business owners set objectives. The key, however, is to ensure the objectives are powerful and will result in successful growth. All too often objectives are vague. Or they are so unrealistic that they lack credibility. Or they are missing measurable and specific results.

Million Dollar Mistakes
Want to avoid common start-up missteps? Read on...

Personal Growth Before Business Growth

Many know me as a real estate mentor and lecturer, but the truth is that I am firm believer in personal growth long before attempting to start and run a business. Statistics consistently indicate that most new businesses fail within the first couple of years. What would the numbers be like if all entrepreneurs were to focus on a personal development plan prior to launching their businesses? I’m willing to bet the number of successes would go through the roof!

Common Personal Branding Mistakes to Avoid
Today we’re going to take a look at several common personal branding mistakes… are you making any of these?

What's Old Is New Again!
How to learn from history to make more money in your business.

Personal Branding: It Pays to be the Expert
Some of the benefits business owners can expect when they brand themselves as an expert in their field:

No Trust = No Leader
How to earn trust as a leader and boost your team’s performance

Executive Coaching defined
Lots of people are intrigued by Executive Coaching as a profession, but do not have the language to define what Executive Coaching really is. This article seeks to clarify.

Eight fatal marketing mistakes that coaches and consultants make
This article describes how to avoid eight serious yet common business development errors made by coaches and consultants.

Why Coaches should work from both the inside out and outside in
This article discusses the importance on focusing on BOTH behavioral and transformational approaches to improving results.

How to avoid the platitudes and simple solutions
This article discusses why much advice that Executive Coaches spew is filled with cliches and platitudes, and how to avoid this problem.

Can Becoming a “Thoughtleader” Give You an Edge? Attempts to Quantify Its ROI Say YES

Have you ever thought about or noticed a competitor utilizing “thoughtleading” as a business development strategy? Positioning yourself and your firm as leading-edge thinkers in your field involves publishing articles and books, speaking regularly to professional groups, getting yourself noticed by the media and surveying your target market in order to produce research data that only you possess.

A Perfect Next Career for Recent Retirees and Seasoned Businesspeople
This article discusses the reasons why business coaching and consulting are an ideal career for retired businesspeople and seasoned executives in transition.

Three “A’s” to Total Success

While personally I don’t see our economy changing much at all this year, any of you who read my column on a regular basis know how I feel about the economy helping us with our business lives. If you wait for the economy to help your business, chances are your business won’t be around; if and when the economy rebounds. So what can and should you do? Adopting these three habits will get you off to a strong start toward changing your business and your life:

Speaking Can Increase Sales If You are A Business Coach or Business Consultant
Would you like a quick and proven way to increase sales? Learn and then use this great strategy.

Take Your Business to Where It Has Never Gone Before By Using a Business Coach or Executive Coach
To do you want sustainable business growth? Maybe you need to learn the value that business coaches bring to the table.

To Increase Sales Means You Must Map Your Icebergs
Are trying to increase sales? How much of your sales are you missing? Maybe it is time to map all of your icebergs.

Top 7 Questions to Increase Sales Using The 80/20 Rule
Are you aware of the Pareto Principle? Do you know how you can incorporate this mathematical into your business to increase sales?

Sustainable Business Growth - It Is All About Team
You want a growing and developing business and you also see that you are putting all the effort in. In fact it's a level of workload that you know, deep down that you cannot sustain. The answer is to stop - and build your team around you that makes this much, much easier. So, where to start...

Succession Planning Tricks in Your Business and Organization
Succession planning, in any business, is vital to avoid major challenges when a key person leaves their key position. Taking the time to build a succession planning strategy doesn't take that long, so here are a few ideas that will get you started.

Personal Branding 101
We have been taking an in-depth look at a variety of personal branding strategies over the past several months. Today we are going to take a step back and review the basics of personal branding.

Leadership – Let Me Give It To You As Straight As I Can
Five traits to help you become an effective leader

Personal Branding: When You Don't Know Where to Start
Personal branding is an enjoyable and profitable pursuit. But for many people, getting started can be a challenge. The tips we have covered today will get you started in the right direction-feel free to contact me for more information!

Seasons and rainbows
Business can be both seasonal and cyclical. In big business this isn\'t so much of an issue but for small business this can create huge problems. Small business owners and entrepreneurs need to understand these seasons and cycles then use them for their own benefit.

Personal Branding: Have You Identified Your Niche?
Below are several questions to ask in order to identify your ideal target market:

Have You Ever Felt Lost?
Are you stuck, lonely, and lost. Does any other business owner feel the same way or is it just you?

Personal Branding: Tell Your Story on Twitter
Twitter provides a fun, laid-back atmosphere-it is the perfect venue for building an interesting and dynamic brand. If you haven’t created a Twitter profile yet, get started! And if you are already on Twitter, here are some suggestions to help you tell your story:

Personal Branding Secrets: Don\\\'t Go With the Flow
Below are several tips to help you stand out from the competition:

What Do You Expect?
Often we get so used to the way we\'ve lived, done business, spent money and more - that we are stuck in the expectations of the past - and can\'t see the new opportunities all around us.

The Storm We Know
We all know there are storms around our businesses. We can name them and describe them. But how often are we looking them straight on?

Personal Branding: Why You Need to Start Giving Speeches
Speaking at a seminar or a conference is a uniquely powerful personal branding tool and should be seriously considered by anyone who is serious about building their brand. Not convinced? Below are three good reasons public speaking needs to be part of your branding campaign.

Abasia Point
Issues like, “I can’t grow past x dollars a year”,” I can’t find good people”, “I have had to skip paying myself”, “accounts receivable are out of control”, “Operational Performance is inconsistent”, “not enough time”, etc. are all very common and tell tale signs of the Abasia Point.

Keys to Personal Branding Success, Part One
There are several important concepts which are essential to any personal branding effort.

Growth In Sales Can Be Harmful!
“Everyone knows that too few sales are fatal. But very few owner-managers understand that too many sales, made too fast, can kill a small business. Managing the growth in sales is another make-or-break condition of small business success.” Written by Paul Resnik in his book the Small Business Bible.

Is Your Personal Brand Memorable?
It is not enough to build a brand that positions you as an expert in your industry if nobody can remember your name!

Keys to Personal Branding Success, Part Two
Today we are going to discuss the final three elements that must be present in a personal branding campaign if it is to be successful:

Revolutionize Your Business: Stop Competing on Price
Every small business owner covets the ability to charge higher rates than the competition and still attract business. A powerful brand, superior value, and exceptional customer service will make this dream a reality.

Lock Out Your Competition With a Strong Personal Brand
Expertise matters, and a strong personal brand will establish YOU as the expert in your market.

Business Solutions to Hunger in Africa

The father of Bata Shoe Foundation's Chairman Thomas J. Bata once reportedly dispatched two emissaries to quietly investigate business growth potential in Africa. Returning from the east coast one warned: "Don't bother, it's a complete waste of time here. I mean, people are going around barefoot.” The other landed on the west coast and enthused: "It's wonderful here. The opportunities are unlimited. Everyone is still barefoot!"

Personal Branding: Take Your Brand to the Next Level
Below are four steps to help you create a dominant personal brand:

Deal sites that benefit small businesses
Deal sites can be a blessing or a nightmare for your business. They can send the wrong message or be targeted to just the customer you desire to build loyalty. Fortunately, the field is expanding to improve your options. Bloomspot, Womply, and Google Offers are emerging options or companions to the giant, Groupon.

Business Growth Begins With your Employees
Would governments be as despised by their citizens if they actually helped their citizens and tried to meet or exceed their expectations?

Seeking Business Growth in Today’s Turbulent Times
How do you get business growth in today’s turbulent times?

Christy’s Laws of Information Technology Leadership Law #2: Technology needs to be tied to business goals and results
Law of Information Technology

Personal Branding: Build Your Credibility
One of the primary goals of every personal branding campaign is to build credibility. There is no point in branding yourself as an expert if it’s not done in a credible way.

Does Your Brand Resonate With Your Customers?
As technological breakthroughs continue to occur and personal branding continues to gain interest, it is important that we stay focused on the fundamentals. Social media, book publishing, and dynamic websites are fantastic-but they must stay true to the principles of effective branding.

Personal Branding: What’s the Big Picture?
The vast majority of business owners are in business for one simple reason: to make money! And therefore, for personal branding to be a valuable pursuit, it must result in increased income. Good news: it does.

Workout Wisdom For The Workplace
Leadership and resiliency expert Eileen McDargh shares seven lessons from working out at the gym that can benefit any business: small or large.

Your New Year’s Resolution: Take Your Personal Brand to the Next Level in 2012
2012 could be your most successful year yet-but only if you find a way to differentiate yourself from the competition in your industry. A powerful personal brand offers the solution

6 Ways To Make 2012 an Inspiring Year
A new year, a new beginning. A time for contemplation. What did you accomplish last year? Did you evolve your business, your team, yourself? Where did you miss the mark? How can you improve this year?

Seven Trends You Must Pay Attention to (and Three You Can Ignore) in 2012
There's a lot of information about how the Internet can change your business in 2012. Even if it's accurate, it isn't all relevant for business professionals and others who rely on authority marketing. Here's a list of the things you must pay attention to, and the things you can ignore.

Personal Branding: Your Social Media Strategy
Like everything in business, the effective use of social media requires a cohesive strategy. Below are several important elements:

6 Things Solopreneurs Need to Know About Virtual Assistants
Working with a Virtual Assistant (VA) is one of the best things you can do to grow your business. Because there are so many VAs out there, all eager to work with you, it can be difficult to know who to choose. This article suggests some of the attributes you should be looking for in order to work with a GREAT virtual assistant.

The LAW of MotionFirst = SUCCESS
It is my fundamental belief that success comes from movement - Motionfirst. To succeed, you must consistently take action.

Networking: A Golden Opportunity to Build Your Personal Brand
Below are five ways in which you can effectively build your personal brand while networking:

The World Is Flat - Three Threats and an Opportunity For Your Business
In his book "The World Is Flat", Thomas Friedman talks about the growth of the upwardly-mobile middle class, particularly in places like India and China. This probably isn't news to you. But have you really considered what impact it will have on your business?

Personal Branding: Lessons From the 2012 Grammys
For business owners, it was more than just compelling TV-this year's Grammy Awards offered a number of personal branding lessons. Below are four of the most important takeaways:

This is YOUR Economy - Go Get It!
This economy is made for anyone who is passionate about what they do, the business they promote or the service they offer. This is a Trust & Value Economy!

Three Ways Your Brand Can Differentiate You from the Competition
A strong personal brand is the key to differentiating yourself from your competition-and a strong brand will give you the power to charge premium rates, while still attracting plenty of new business. Below are three specific ways in which your personal brand can separate you from the competition in your market.

Four Branding Channels You Haven't Thought Of
Today, we are going to take a look at several less-common personal branding channels-could any of them be leveraged for your business?

Get Results: How to Leverage Your Personal Brand to Bring in Business
Why should you invest time and resources into creating a powerful brand? At the end of the day, the answer is simple: because a strong personal brand will lead to more customers and a more profitable business. Of course, it doesn’t happen automatically-so below are four ways to leverage your personal brand in order to bring in more business.

Take the Leap: How Publishing a Book Will Change Your Life
Choosing to write and publish a book will have a dramatic impact on your business. And here’s a secret: it doesn’t have to be difficult!

How to Build a Brand-Centered Newsletter
A brand-centered newsletter will continually reinforce your perception as a market leader-allowing you to achieve the top-of-mind awareness you’re aiming for. Below are four tips to help you create a newsletter that powerfully communicates your brand:

4 Aspects of Business Growth
Sustainable business growth is a "what keeps me awake at night" issue for many entrepreneurs and owners/managers of small to medium sized businesses. This article provides some guidelines for working through this issue successfully.

Top 5 Ways to Improve Success (as an Entrepreneur)
Many entrepreneurs find out how to be successful the hard way. Through multiple failures of businesses. Eventually, if they keep at it, they succeed. Here are the top five reasons for failures and what to do about them.

Personal Branding 101: What’s the Best Channel to Reach Your Market?
Today, I’m going to evaluate several common branding and marketing channels in an effort to help you focus on the channels that will produce the best results.

Leverage Your Personal Brand and Achieve Direct Mail Success
Now that you’ve created a powerful personal brand, the key is finding effective ways to integrate into your direct mail campaign. Below are three suggestions:

The Four Essential Steps to Developing Business Revenue Even from Scratch
Provided there is actually a market for your product or service, the following steps, properly adapted to your unique business environment, and correctly executed, are a failsafe recipe for business growth. Despite the guarantee of success that this strategy offers, it is surprising how very few businesses actually employ it.

How to Leverage Facebook for Personal Branding
Here are six specific techniques that will enable you to leverage Facebook for your personal branding efforts.

Top Business Coach Teaches You How To Plan Your Growth
Business coach. As a business coach I show business owners how to grow their business. In this article I show you how super successful business owners plan their business growth by preparing months, quarters and even years in advance.

Do You Have A Vision For Your Business?
“A business without a vision is directionless. It lacks purpose” writes Michael Gerber in his latest book E-Myth Mastery. You cannot plan the future of your business if you don’t have a vision. It is the starting point of any business growth plan.

The Fragmented Focus Treadmill

Are you finding it difficult to stay focused on the “important” things because there are too many “urgent” things needing your immediate attention? Do you start each day determined to achieve your goals but end the day with important work undone? To add misery to this confusion are you working harder and harder and getting absolutely nowhere? Are you failing to make any progress despite your efforts? These are all indications that you are stuck on the Fragmented Focus Treadmill.

The Power of Connecting

When you have more friends and a strong support group, you’re happier, more at peace, more relaxed and congruent - and ultimately more successful in business. Unlike the desperate, quick buck sharks that sometimes roam the business networking groups seeking to sell at any cost, perceptive entrepreneurs know that building solid, reciprocal relationships is the ideal foundation for strong, sustained business growth.

The Power of Connecting

THE FEMALE ASPECT
Changing lifestyles have seen many more women set up their own business later in life, capitalizing on re-found freedom after the children have left home

Growing Though Emotions
Business coach. As a business coach I show business owners how to become a better business person. In this article I explain several concepts that will help you successfully grow your business through emotions.

Customers Lining Up To Buy From You
Business coach. As a business coach I show business owners how to get customers lining up to buy from them. In this article I explain several concepts that will help you get customers. Consistently, day in day out.

Preparing For Sustainable Growth in Your Company or Organization
As a business owner or senior manager, you are in business to grow your business and then sustain that growth. Companies and organizations try to avoid uncontrolled or unmanaged growth, but realize there are many pitfalls that cause growth to disappear.

Are you really ready for more sales?
Business growth is exciting. Make sure you have the systems in place to capitalize on growth and not be overwhelmed by it.z

5 Ways to Stimulate Sales Growth and Business Value
Are you looking for new ways to stimulate your sales growth and ultimately increase the value of your business ? In today’s challenging business environment, dramatic sales growth may seem impossible to achieve. In this article we will introduce 5 proven strategies you can implement to quickly improve sales growth and increase the value of your business.

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