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Small business owners that are part of a community and are engaged and participate in community activities have access to exponentially more people who contribute to their mission and objectives….
If your memory, both short term and long term, is like mine, then many important things are often forgotten. Brilliant ideas, important things that need to be completed, people that…
My blog on 2.24.22 featured the Five Second Rule with regards to your web page. Today is a continuation on how to best get your website ready for visitors. It…
6 STEPS TO SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH There is no magic elixir in the form of a product or service that is going to instantaneously solve a small business owner’s problems. …
Your challenge this week is to review the following points and make sure that they are included in your marketing material: Are you providing a differentiated buying experience? Everything in marketing…
These two words are the foundation builders for achieving a vision. It’s not easy to start and grow a small business; obstacles are the growth bumps that you will encounter…
Refresher rules: Stay grounded: This requires one to maintain a level of calmness, regardless of the challenges that come along. Always work on growth: Always focus on what could be…
It’s time to become more active in the growth process of our businesses. The Covid pandemic has lulled many of us in to a slower and less aggressive growth process….
People need people in all aspects of human life. In this article we will look at the necessity for community living from a business point of view. A sense of…
This past 14 months have been a nightmare for many small business owners. The secret that successful small business owners know is that even if adversity strikes, they can work…
“The value of a future goal is the present change it fosters.” I read this sentence some time ago and it keeps resonating in my mind. In other words when…
As small business owners we all spend a lot of our time planning, evaluating, and second guessing the future direction our small business should take. We were not prepared for…
It has been about one year ago that we really started becoming aware of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that year most small businesses suffered the most damage…
It is called the telephone and it does amazing things: It allows you to talk to a real person (most of the time). You can get a question answered in…
Success in 2021 and going forward, for the small business owner, must be in keeping with the definition of the term “Common Good.” In philosophy, economics, and political science, the…
Age should never be the deciding factor when it comes to starting a new business. What counts is the person’s mind-set, belief in themselves and the willingness to do whatever…
By this time, in the first month of a new year, you have either started working on your goal or procrastinated and never got started. I would venture to say…
There is so much we can learn from new technology that we have adopted into our style of living. The purpose for creating a “smart house” is to ease our…
So much time is spent on marketing and internal office systems that a necessary growth skill is often overlooked. Although People Skills deals mostly with common sense, it is worth…
2021 Will be known as a year of major change, transition for everyone. We may even call it the fulfillment of the 4th Industrial Revolution – Digitally enabled proactivity. The following information…
The last few days have set in motion another major change as the political parties in our nation hands “the running of our country reins” from one party to another….
The secret to growing a sustainable and profitable business is to first know where you are going. While goals are important and give us something to aim for, it is…
The 10th session of Re-Launch was completed last evening. Our meetings were live, one hour educational meetings held over a five week period on Tuesday’s and Fridays. The format included…
Trying Times are no time to quit trying. Perseverance is a necessary trait during down times when we are so tempted to give up. Businessman H. Ross Perot said: “A…
2020 was like no other year in most of our lives. The COVID pandemic was made worst by the riots and political upheaval resulting in a total disruption of our…
A POWERFUL STORY ABOUT FOCUSING ON FUTURE ACHEIVEMENTS. With your goal and growth plan in hand for 2021 your next step is to visualize the work you have to do…
Step back and take a fresh look at your digital strategy for 2021. I suggest that you pretend that this is the first time you have actually determined your digital…
15 Traits that can hinder success. For Long Term Success Give up these Detrimental Traits. As an avid reader I have several favorite authors that I purchase most everything that…
Make this the time of year when you reach out to your current & past customer base, your referral base, and your prospects. (I know you will automatically reach out…
Yes, there is hope for a vaccine distribution in the near future but growing your business using Virtual Selling is always going to be with us. It may seem that…
We are approaching what I call the “goal setting crunch time.” Many small business owners set multiple goals every year; much time and sometimes a lot of paper/computer notes are…
This blog is based upon an article written by Dan Bunyan and Vikram Dhaliwal entitled “Forward to Normal“. I have taken some of their concepts and converted them to the…
America’s great business successes are not the companies that did what others did, but a little better. They are the businesses that decided to do things a whole lot differently….
“No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.” Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn No matter what business…
Bartering has been with us for thousands of years and has remained a popular tactic in business. We can define bartering as the act of trading a service or product…
I don’t want to work that hard, I just want the potential results. When faced with the challenge of having to make a decision between where you are now and…
It’s time for both a business and its owner to rejuvenate and plan for a highly successful and profitable 2021. Let’s leave the political unrest, the economic turmoil and the…
Be the best YOU every day! Make the commitment.
We have been so busy arguing among ourselves about politics, watching many of our cities being taken over by rioters and worrying about the Covid-19 pandemic that many feel that…
I had dinner with my daughter and her family this week. My grandson invited me to watch a video on Netflix which his art teacher had assigned as homework. (Chef’s…
On a weekly basis I hear the “Why it can’t be done” from small business owners. These examples were written by Seth Godin. The best thing to do with this…
“The only difference between where you are right now, and where you’ll be next year at this same time, are the people you meet and the books you read.” Charlie…
It’s 10:30 at night on election night as I am writing this blog. No decision has been reached on the presidential race. We may not know who the winner is…
Unfortunately it is not the night before one of the most joyous events that has ever occurred, but the night before we, the people, have to determine our nation’s future…
Never before have I seen such “what ifs” being bandied around. The talk around the office “water cooler” centers on what to do if one candidate of the other wins…
Pay attention to cash flow and your budget. “80% of small business start-ups across the world fail because of poor cash-flow management.” Cash flow management requires a plan and a…
The COVID-19 pandemic will be with us for the foreseeable future. It has not only affected the way we live, but it has greatly affected the way we conducted our…
All the memorable people in history had their individual dreams. They were both remembered and successful because they lived and breathed that dream. Discouraging comments from other people did not…
The exciting part of growing a small business is the marketing and product/service development; it’s the excitement of making a sale. On the other hand, the least exciting and the…
Building new personal business relationships in the COVID environment The COVID environment will be with us at least thru the end of 2020, although, some are predicting that it will…
Let’s start by looking at the difference between Scaling and Growth. The best comparison I have heard is as follows: “Growth refers to an increase in revenue whereas Scaling refers…
SINGULARITY Branding is defined as the promotion of a particular product or company by means of advertising, distinctive design and public relations. The following are short sentences that I associate…
The next 30 days are going to be significant for your business planning process. It’s not a question of who wins the election; there will be turmoil and disruptions in…
THE SECRET OF SUCCESS Monday Inspiration I received a book mark in the mail this past week with the following message. I thought it would be awesome way for all of…
The follow up process is still one of the most important functions that a small business owner must do to grow a successful business. In this blog, I am staying…
Starting and growing a small business is a series of problems. However, problems are the cutting edge that distinguishes between success and failure. Problems call forth our courage and force…
There are many ways, at least numerically, to achieve this goal. For example, you can collect $1 from a million people or a penny from a hundred million people. Let’s…
……THE LESS PEOPLE HEAR! Answer the following questions: Who are you? What do you do? Why do you do it? Take a few minutes and answer these questions, not in…
A person is called a leader based on the level of his or her effectiveness in the areas that they are supposed to be effective. Every person has the potential…
Picking the most important topic to discuss as we begin the 4th quarter of what may be remembered as the most unusual year in our life time has been a…
Nobody ever said that running a small business was an easy task. It has become even more complicated if you get embroiled in the bad news that is swirling around…
A different definition for this word: Let’s define Platform as: “The combination of tools you use to reach others and communicate ideas.” Using this definition, what is your platform? How…
Learning is an ongoing requirement for small business growth. One of the best ways to learn is to read worthwhile books. My book recommendation for today is titled “The Impact…
From the person who has a dream for a new business to the established business owner who has an idea for a new product/service, there exists a silent killer named…
“To drive your business to success, try to view opportunities through the front windshield and not the rear view mirror”. I don’t know where I heard that statement but it…
With the uncertainties that we face in our day to day lives I recommend that you keep your eyes always on your long term vision but that your action plans…
Today we celebrate a double anniversary; my daughter and her husband were married on our anniversary (many years apart). I am very grateful for the many blessings I have had…
Networking was a prime source for making small business “deals” (making a sale or obtaining a good referral); unfortunately, many small business owners are sitting on the sideline waiting for…
Loyalty is a result, not a process. Building solid relationships with others (customers, friends, prospects, etc.), is the key to getting the loyalty that is needed to grow a business…
“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute…
The old saying “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” needs to be brought up to date. I am suggesting that in today’s environment it should read: “Don’t put…
Aditional emphasis will be placed on BizQuack members supporting each other. Starting in September we will be offering two GIVEWORKING (a better version of networking) sessions each month. They will…
You are going to have to work for it. If we use March 1st as the starting date of the Covid-19 pandemic then today we are completing the first six…
I took time this evening to tune in to day three of the RNC as I had done the previous two nights. Overall it was awesome! Being always in a…
Business Dreams and Visions include making a worldwide impact. As a result many small business owners are in a hurry to play in the big game. I am going to…
Every day has to be a stepping stone to tomorrow. That means more than just “surviving” another day; it means that the word success has to be inserted into the…
What is an idea worth? I challenge you to try to sell an idea and see what its value is. I believe that you will find that in most cases…
Entrepreneurship is for all businesses, small or large, new or established. The culture of entrepreneurship is one that is maintained by the owner in a very small business or the…
Small business owners should get used to conducting virtual meetings because they’re unlikely to go away. Online meetings have been available for years, but the Covid-19 pandemic forced small business…
Our customers and prospects are changing. The following are a few of the very visible changes that are occurring: Approximately 15 percent of US consumers tried grocery delivery. The interesting…
Hank Paulson, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury said: “The only thing you cannot afford not to do is learn.” In this crazy world of ongoing change, learning is no…
If you are looking to start a new business or to add a product or service to your existing business stop and think about the largest potential target market, the…
“It seems there was a pretzel stand out front of an office building in New York. One day a man came out of the building, plunked down a quarter, and…
“Life moves forward. If you keep looking back, you won’t be able to see where you’re going.” Charles Carroll Only by looking ahead can we best grow our businesses and…
I give away rubber ducks at business shows as a way for people to remember me. I also have several signs that encourage people to get their ducks in a…
In 1986, over 30 years ago, Michael Ray and Rochelle Myers wrote a book, Creativity in Business. I picked up the book again last week and found that it is…
Another title for this blog may be “Know when to move on.” This is an issue that is of critical importance to small business owners. Let’s take a look at…
We are going through a unique economic cycle, one which leaves even the best minds guessing as to what the “real” future holds. That puts small businesses in a difficult…
Being the best in your profession and not letting anyone know about it is not the best way to grow a business. Another mistake is telling the same people the…
The Covid-19 pandemic has upset many small business owners and we still have unanswered questions about how soon life will return to normal and what that new normal will look…
In business we are constantly facing challenges. These past few months it has been the Covid-19 and the disruptive protests. The elections are coming up in a few months and…
This is one of the most important questions every small business owner has to answer. This is a must regardless of who asks the question. It has to be included…
Creativity in the face of COVID-19 life changes. Words and terms like pivot, innovation, change, new beginning, urgency, growth, rev up, new growth, full speed ahead, discovering opportunities, changing consumer…
Customers value content that helps them make sense of all of the disruption going on around them. Small businesses should create and deploy content that helps customers navigate through times…
Deadline is a word that, for the most part, is not favored in the world of small business. However, deadlines play a very useful part in the growth of a…
A pivot can best be defined as a substantive change in a current business model. The change may be in the product or service currently provided or in the marketing…
Judson Cornwall in his book, Treasure in Styrofoam Cups, wrote: “A well-balanced individual does not brood over what he is not;….
Patriotism comes to life as we approach the 4th of July. The truth is, we should be patriotic every day of our lives. The following are a few things for…
These past few months have turned most of the world upside down. Everything appears to have slowed down; people are waiting for a solution to the pandemic and to the…
Every profession has to re-think its marketing process according to the changes that have taken place in the real world and also in the mindset of their target market. I…
First, let’s define the term “Value Added”. It means that you know what your target market needs and have translated the characteristics of your product/service into benefits. Their needs are…
Look at all the changes that businesses had to make in the last few months: remote working and learning, new digital business models, zoom networking and learning other new technologies,…
I ran across an article written by Jeff Haden in 2016; it has nothing to do with the COVID-19 but offers some great advice that is always in vogue. The…
Resources should never be the main challenge in achieving your vision. To quote something I once heard: “If you already have everything you need to achieve your goal, then your…
I spent an hour today listening to a webinar sponsored by the magazine, Target Marketing. The title of the webinar was Personalization, and within the presentation were several thoughts that…
Pandemics tend to enable entirely new businesses (services and products) and acts as an accelerant to innovation versus being the direct cause of it. To quote Dr Imber “There has…
Peter Drucker’s famous words: “Business has only two functions, marketing and innovation.” In this week’s Tuesday Challenge we focused on the importance of creating WOW experiences for our clients, prospects…
In a recent article by McKinsey and Company, titled “To lead you must first lead yourself”, they summarized the five things necessary for a business owner to become a true…
Changes in the way we market have been greatly accelerated in the Covid-19 environment. “Doing what you have always done and expecting the same results” probably will not work. As…
The hype is on! We are opening up, the economy is coming around, the stock market is up and unemployment is down. “Let the good times roll.” In a simple…
Different can be something new but it also can be tweaking an existing product or service. The hard part about discovering opportunities isn’t coming up with something no one has…
Recently I have been on a “tear” emphasizing the importance of building up your data base. In a recent blog I suggested several methods of adding to your base. While…
PERSONALIZATION Technology is opening a lot of new and different marketing opportunities. Personalization, in my opinion is going to become an impactful marketing tool. Another trend that has been mentioned…
When the going gets tough, the tough keep growing. “Imagination and vision are two of the most powerful assets for any entrepreneur. The ability to see new opportunities where no…
Yes, you have a right to be upset with the “goings on” in our Nation. It appears that the old saying is true; “When it rains, it pours.” There are…
The COVID-19 has spurned a rush towards online marketing. As most of you know, I advocate a diversified marketing plan but recognize the importance of an effective online presence. Now,…
No doubt about it, the COVID-19 has sparked a lot of controversies in our world. It has caused great harm to our nation economically, mentally, spiritually, and physically. It seems…
Small business owners are in the people business and their ability to meet others and to share their story is paramount to growing a successful business. In the age of…
WHY you do what you do is part of the foundation for growing a business. HOW you deliver (put your WHY into practice) is the rest of the equation. Starts…
There is a lot of anticipation in the air as many businesses, both large and small go back to work. I am immensely proud of the many small business owners…
Marketing and especially the options we have with which to communicate with our prospects, customers and referral partners has been on my mind these last few weeks. These past few…
Covid-19 is having a decimating effect on our nation. Everyone from young children to senior citizens has this as their major topic of conversation. We are seeing a divided country…
Surviving to Thriving – The Post Covid-19 Return Today is the start of the re-opening. Whether you agree or not, as a small business owner, you have to keep up with…
With restrictions on mobility and businesses being lifted there is a sense of hope, a new beginning. I want to add that it is also a time for caution and…
Marketing is all about the First Impression As I put the date on this blog I realized that we are almost at the half way mark of 2020. This has…
Many small business owners cannot define the meaning of the word “Marketing”. The majority of the small business owners I have spoken with define marketing as the process of getting…
First, an important possibility: By 2021 there will be 333 billion e-mails sent globally each day. Today, six out of 10 people feel they receive too many promotion e-mails. According…
There is a certain amount of excitement as business owners are evaluating their positions and are preparing for growth. The following are several aspects that will be important for growth…
As more and more states face pressure to allow “re-opening” of closed businesses, we need to study the proposed plans of some of the larger retailers. As small businesses we…
Communication is the life blood of any small business. Keeping in touch with our friends, customers and prospects is critical for survival and growth. Looking at the glass half-full, this…
Sometimes small business owners become workaholics or, in this environment, thoughtaholics. The COVID-19 has changed each of us and we are either working all day long trying to “make a…
Living in our current, in person contact-less business environment has presented new challenges for both client retention and generating new clients. The internet, everything from e-mail to social media to…
It certainly has been a very frustrating couple of months. As small business owners we like to be busy, involving others as we network, make sales presentations and doing all…
Let me start with several definitions of spurt: To show marked usually increased, activity for a short period. To do something much faster than before. A sudden short burst, as…
Easter week has always been a very special renewing time of the year for me. Because of my faith I know that, even in the face of the current COVID-19…
Hopefully you all paid attention to my Friday blog and took the weekend as a rest and relaxation period. Now it’s time to start re-imagine ourselves as small business owners….
I want to thank all of you that responded to my e-mail and answered a few questions. The questions asked: how you are doing in your personal and business lives….
This past week has been a hard week for many small business owners who are facing the reality that no one can predict the severity or longevity of the corona-virus….
My brother and I had an interesting conversation today on the future of small business after the virus disappears. Before I share a few details, I want to let you…
Lessons learned: Was your business prepared for the consequences of this virus? Were you financially prepared at home? Did you have the food, medicine and supplies needed to survive in…
I frequently mention that change is the only constant in both our personal and business lives. The coronavirus is a current change that is affecting both our personal and business…
Don’t let the Coronavirus become another excuse for not completing the work that needs to be done to reach your vision. Starting in January and for the next two months…
In keeping with our motto (those of you that are in the BizQuack Success 2020 program), this week we will concentrate on our tag line “Be Joyful”. This past week I have…
This should be what BizQuack members are known as. The news is full of people that have or are losing jobs and business owners, both small and large waiting to…
The coronavirus is forcing many people into isolation which, unfortunately, causes a negative mindset. For many small business owners it feels like the whole world is at a standstill. We…
Today, let’s focus on your current customers as well as your target market. Because you have identified a target market which describes both your current customers as well as your…
Last Friday I mentioned that I would concentrate on ideas that will help us grow our businesses in the coronavirus environment. There exists a “panic” mode in this country. My…
Not to make light of the Coronavirus, but we cannot crawl into our shells and wait for it to disappear. We have choices. We can stay tuned to the news…
Most people rate the word (BizQuack Vision Based Business) Plan as the single most important word in the small business vocabulary. I agree, to some degree. Knowing where you are…
What to do? The answer is simple, keep on working and growing. You have choices; the wrong one is to cut back on everything you do including marketing and growth…
Trade shows are a great marketing tool! Why are not more small businesses participating in them? Is it the expense of a booth or the lack of places to have…
That statement is false. There is no small business owner that doesn’t have a marketing budget.
You met a prospect that you felt was your ideal client. After a brief introduction you set up a follow up appointment to make a presentation. Yes, the person agreed…
I selected this topic for my blog today because, in my opinion, a CPA is in the best position to send a qualified referral to a wide variety of businesses….
March came in like a lion and January and February disappeared into the sunset. My hope is that the lion in March roared loud enough to awaken you, and made…
This past week I was called to make a presentation to a small business that the owner felt was in “stagnation.” The purpose of the meeting was to see if…
As a small business owner your goal should be to always create a “leadership presence”. A “leadership presence” is created when others trust you and your message and when every…
Success in business is defined by your ability to convey your information to others so they understand it the way you do. Selling is nothing more than conveying information across…
You have all heard that retaining an existing customer is less expensive than finding a new one. With most products and services, there is a “lifetime value” that a customer…
One important goal every small business owner should have is to increase their person to person contacts. The goal is to build relationships not acquaintances. Relationships are built upon an…
Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. I believe that the majority of our target market wants more human experiences. I read that three out of four…
Steve Jobs said: “Those that are courageous enough to think that they can change the world are the ones that do so.” Each and every one of our BizQuack members…
As most of you know, l have been recommending the use of a hand written note as part of an effective marketing process. What I have been told was that…
Many networking groups advocate membership of one business type only. I don’t follow that philosophy. I once heard the following: “Business is cooperation when it comes to creating a pie…
The big ‘BUT’ is: are you taking action? We are only half way thru the first month of 2020 and I have attended meetings in which I heard some great…
I have seen many small business owners “paralyzed by analysis,” they are afraid to take the first step. We all want to succeed and want a guarantee that everything we…
As a small business owner your most valuable asset is your time. I am a strong advocate of the 40% marketing rule. That means you should be spending 40% of…
Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done. The question we all have to ask ourselves is: Am I…
Fifteen of our BizQuack members enrolled in our yearlong 2020 Success Program. We held our first monthly meeting this morning. I want to share what we accomplished and the direction…
I am very excited as I start my year long journey tomorrow. Instant gratification or instantaneous results are not going to happen in any business. Hard work, a viable action…
Inspiration is often defined as an experience where a situation, event, or person sparks new possibilities, capabilities and action. In the book Dare to Inspire, the authors define inspiration as…
Social media platforms provide an opportunity to reach out to hundreds of people. The problem is you are not building any equity into your outreach. Having hundreds of followers on…
As we approach the end of another year we look forward to a new start, and with hope in our hearts we once again set new goals. This past year…
In preparation for BizQuack Success 2020 I have asked those interested in participating to share their most pressing issue. Their answers, not a surprise, deal mostly with growing their businesses….
As the New Year begins we are again full of enthusiasm with visions for a very successful year. 2020 can and should be a great year, but we must stay…
If you are like most of us, the week of Christmas and Hanukkah is so very busy that business is the last thing that you want to think about. If,…
My gift to you is a year of education, surprises, joy, hard work, formation of good habits, personal support and accountability. A process that will see your bottom line reach…
JOYFUL is the BizQuack word for 2020 I am helping with, as well as participating in, a spiritual project in which the word JOYFUL is one of the key components….
10 actions to complete before the end of the year Touch as many of your customers/referral partners as you can. Best in person, second by phone, third by snail mail,…
The following were provided by five different small business owners. They were all asked to share what they felt was the most important advice they could share with another small…
The following thoughts are taken from a book The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard. The first virtue of the great among us is a remarkable level of sustained motivation. Success…
Only 21 days until 2020! Where do you stand on the following issues? Do you have actual numbers for your 2020 goals? The numbers can be stated as number of…
Part of the research we are conducting at Strategic Duck and BizQuack is how to best help small business owners to not only succeed but to thrive. The items that…
The following is information on a special program that we developed which we feel will help our membership achieve their business vision. This list is presented in several parts: The Why Developing…
I hope that your Thanksgiving was a Blessed day and that you shared with your family and friends all the things for which you are thankful. Perhaps you watched some…
“Execution separates the dreamers from the doers: it is the ability to do and get results – to keep moving forward to achieve your vision and goals in business and…
I define profitable as being able to pay all your business expenses, your daily living expenses, having a retirement account and an emergency account for both your home and business….
In this particular case, I am referring to social media and other online “networking” organizations. Let me site a few examples: I started a free meet-up group by the name…
Now, more than ever, what your business stands for and what it represents can be the foundation for a meaningful competitive advantage. Several days ago I spoke about a “correct”…
As many of you know, I am a Certified Financial Planner, and while I am not practicing, (helping people with their financial issues), I try to stay up to date…
Having an advisory board is a good idea for all businesses of any size; however, very few businesses implement this valuable asset. There are many reasons: I am too small…
Instant gratification appears to be very prevalent in today’s society. Unfortunately, this mode of thinking is sometimes translated to the business owner. One of the worst things a business owner…
At a marketing session this morning I asked those in attendance “How many of you have written a book?” With a show of hands, less than 10% of the small…
First, let’s remember our veterans and active soldiers who are and have given us the opportunity to work and live in this great country. Most of you know that we…
Getting a small business up and running is hard enough, but thinking about re-inventing the business every 3 to 4 years is the last thing small business owners want to…
Small business owners have much to offer, both in their products and services. Armed with this array of products and services the feeling is that success will certainly come their…
It’s not enough just to be smart and know everything about your business. That is only the first step to growing a business. The second and most important step is telling…
It’s not enough just to be smart and know everything about your business. That is only the first step to growing a business. The second and most important step is…
One of the last things on the mind of small business owners is preparing for retirement. Let me share a few sobering statistics: A mere 28% of non-retired Americans have…
Every day in our lives should be one of learning. Pertaining to yourself and your business, what did you learn today? For me, I visited with two clients and was…
I attended three different functions this past week; the leadership of the events were all community and successful business leaders. I also noticed that about a third of those present…
Tried and true will not work in today’s fast changing world. As small business owners we have to be on the cutting edge of innovation and to me that requires…
There are two what I consider precious commodities; one is human touch and the other is time. For years I have always made it a point to have all my…
There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. The Buddha Every business and every commission sales person starts their endeavor full of enthusiasm. The sky is the limit, success…
Make sure your target market is actually interested in the new product or service you plan to launch!
In one of my educational sessions, Get Seen and Heard,( the entire power point presentation is available in the education section, under Marketing) I said that there are 3 main parts…
As I have mentioned many times before, without customers there is no business. Your ability to market your business is the key to profitability. (Yes, you must first build your…
Whether you are starting a new business or changing directions in an existing business the hardest part of the process is to “Take the First Step.” There is no magic…
It’s time to start planning your Holiday Marketing. Almost mid-October and the following check list may give you a few ideas: Thanksgiving is a great time to say Thank You….
Olympic Swimmer and author (Distraction Proof Advisor) Paul Kingsman summarized a short but powerful way to help you visualize your Dream (Vision). Cultivate your picture of what your diligent work will lead…
Because I am a coach/mentor, I have a need to get a conversation started that leads to the heart of the matter; why are we meeting? With new contacts, my…
The term “target Market” is used by most businesses to identify who their customer is. Identifying a target market is just the beginning, unfortunately, most businesses stop with a general…
I am sure that everyone has had at least one if not many “brilliant” ideas. Some of these ideas can be even more powerful than the story of APPLE. The…
Lowering the price of your goods and service to stay competitive may be a sure way to stop your growth. That’s almost as bad as saying “I will lose money…
Do you remember the “Buzz” marketing phenomena of several years ago? Many books were written on the subject and many believed that it was the future of brand building. What…
Profitability and sustainability require that a business be in a constant mode of reinvention. Change is most often associated with risk, but a business, no matter how old, must have…
“Success in life is not guaranteed because of your technical skills, education, and experience. They all help, but the key to success is being able to sell yourself, your ideas,…
In the past two week I have had the opportunity to work with two new clients. I have known both these people for some time and had established a mental…
In the world of small business staying connected is one of the most basic tools in your success toolbox. Not only as entrepreneurs but as individuals, we were never meant…
There are many qualities that an entrepreneur must have in order to develop a successful and profitable “fast growing business.” The following are the key ingredients that I found, as…
It is necessary to instill a disciplining program in your small business in order to move forward. Efficiency is tied to a disciplined organization. As a small business owner you…
The more specific your vision, the more expansive the creativity you will unleash. The more you know WHY you are doing what you are doing, the more freedom you have…
“IT’S TARGETING A CUSTOMER GROUP THAT’S BIG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS GOALS AND THEN DEVELOPING CUSTOMER TRUST AND LOYALTY.” That’s a great definition, but there are several questions: How…
If you get your target market to give you permission to sell to them, you have won a major victory. That means that they will listen to you and look…
Frequently I write a blog encouraging you to draw attention to yourself and your business in a unique way. I have yet to hear from anyone that took me up…
Know Your Story! The third step in my Vision Based Business Plan is knowing your Story; the first and second are your Vision and your Why. The complete Vision Based…
Last week I attended two meetings in which the participants had to introduce themselves and to share information about their businesses. After the introductions, there was a 20 minute break…
In the world of business, knowing your percentages is an important part of growing a profitable company. Percentages factor in every marketing effort and consequently, have to be a part…
Author Seth Godin wrote that there are two kinds of “I don’t know”. The first I don’t know is one that has not been taught to you. As an example, you…
I had dinner Saturday night at a small, but very good Italian restaurant. My intern from Grand Canyon University (worked with me in July and August) told me about it….
The U.S. Department of Labor’s page on the history of Labor Day notes the holiday “is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements…
Many small business start-ups have visions of becoming an overnight success. Their expectations to achieve this sought after status is measured by the number of likes or followers they have…
Next week we enter into fall (perhaps not in Arizona) and this is a great time to evaluate your content marketing. Things to check out: 1. Know your audience: most small business…
Five rules to follow with or without a pending Recession Our economy has always had its ups and downs. The possibility of a recession is a hot political topic and…
The first: your customers are looking for businesses that can help them survive and thrive. The second: the communications you use must be simple. “The key is to make your…
Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you. – Aldous Huxley The Moment of Truth is that crucial moment when your…
You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and by falling over. Richard Branson – founder and CEO of Virgin Group Education is obsolete the day you graduate….
Growing a small business is a time consuming process and owners don’t always have the time to stay abreast of new trends. At BizQuack we endeavor to introduce new trends…
Tools are only as good as the person who uses them. In September we hope to introduce new tools and more support to help you grow your business. In the…
I don’t often address economics in my blogs. Today with the large drop in the DOW there is uneasiness among small business owners. The fear is that a recession is…
Keeping a journal may sound like an old fashion idea, but, in my opinion, it is one of the best ways to really get to know yourself. First, let me…
We have introduced the importance of creating “WOW” customer experiences in several blogs. An example of such experiences may include a more rapid delivery of a product/service or the performance of…
At BizQuack we encourage our members to lead change, not follow it. Siri and Alexa are making voice technology the wave of the future, not just for entertainment but also…
“The word priority came into the English language in the 1400s. It was singular. It meant the very first or prior thing. It stayed singular for the next five hundred years. Only…
All small business owners want to experience rapid growth. Growth usually means the acquisition of new customers, thus increasing the bottom line. Let me ask a question. How do you…
Growing a small business is all about urgency. `Unless your business is changing faster on the inside than the world is changing on the outside, you will not reach your…
This is a summary of a news release I will be sending out this weekend. Although the statistics are terrible, each of us, if we prepare ourselves, can help those…
Success belongs to those businesses that tell their prospects the best stories, have the best content, and provide services and products that align perfectly with their prospects needs. Rapid communications…
I developed the Vision Based Business Plan because I believe that every great thing you want to accomplish has to first be a vision. To bring a vision to reality…
As small business owners time is a precious commodity and spending time with closed-minded people is seldom productive. It’s important to be able to tell the difference so that you…
The complete phrase is “if it’s going to be, it’s up to me”. In the world of small business the only place to look for support is inward. There is…
Worry wastes time and drains energy. Starting and growing a business can produce a lot of reasons to worry; lack of financing, lack of customers, lack of time and a…
Small Business owners should have one commitment, and that is to reach their vision and to create a sustainable and profitable business. No, I don’t mean that you should stagnate…
Networking is defined as: The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. Networking has become a numbers game that is being pursued…
Focusing on one or even two marketing outlets is not a wise move. I am often told that the reason some small business owners advertise in a certain magazine or…
Your most important asset, as a small business owner, is your Data Base: the list of people that you should be growing daily and communicating with frequently. In my opinion, small business…
The following are several points that I feel are worthwhile remembering: Research is an important part of growing a business. Notice, I didn’t say your research, I said research. In today’s…
When something slows down or stops, it takes a while to get started again. There is a vicious cycle that many small business owners adopt. Summer is slow. Kids out…
Having an impactful on-boarding system is one of the secrets to establishing long term customer retention. While I am an advocate of having an on-boarding system that includes a “human…
I was given a name of someone that sounded exactly like what I was looking for. Creating strategic alliances is an important focus for BizQuack. My goal is to gather…
Most small business owners are, what I call, local marketers. That means that the majority of their business comes from a local market. The magazine, Small Business Trends, had the…
To build a business you must focus on making a presentation to someone that can either buy from you or refer someone to you. Including all the networking meetings you…
There is no one alive who is YOU-ER that YOU. What this means is that you are your own personal brand. How people perceive you and what they say about…
There are many ways to build a solid foundation on which to grow your business. In the BizQuack Vision Based Business Plan we list the eight ingredients (Your Vision, Your…
As small business owners our job is to always strive to increase the bottom line. As solopreneurs, it is hard to find the necessary time to manage all the aspects…
ONE STEP AT A TIME! Instant gratification is a trait that many small business owners have. When they buy a new service or product they expect positive instant results. As…
People only scan your web page, they seldom read it. Using numbers and bullet points helps draw their attention to your message. Create a road. Give people a place to go to learn…
Get started with new, innovative ideas! Ideas are needed in the growth process of a small business. Most small businesses are started with an idea; an idea of what you…
How you deliver your product/service is starting to be as important as What you deliver. One of the foundation building blocks in the BizQuack Vision Plan is to identify the promise you make…
Being Extraordinary is a goal that every small business owner should have. That goal is best accomplished by trying to do the best you can, every day. I love the…
I frequently share a book title that I have on my small business recommended reading list. Taking the time to find out what others have done may be the spark…
A topic that occasionally comes up during a mentoring session is “I am in a rut.” In my opinion, the best way to get out of a rut is to change…
Customers are increasingly choosing vendors on the basis of long term value, not long-term history. The bottom line for the small business is to communicate well and to deliver value….
As small business owners we have heard this many times: “It’s not what you know, but who you know that counts.” While I believe that this is a true statement,…
Pretty websites don’t sell things. Words sell things! It is being ingrained in the minds of small business owners that having a website is critical. While I agree that is…
Many small business owners have a limited understanding of their past and current customers. I say this because most small business owners that I meet are focusing on business development…
In 1981 Al Ries and Jack Trout wrote a book called “Positioning.” I believe that it is still one of the very best books written on the concept of Branding….
I have been blessed with an opportunity to meet hundreds of small business owners. What amazes me is the lack of a “growth vision” that is prevalent among many of…
As small business owners your goal should be to simplify your business. Yes, starting and growing a business can be a complex process but the first order of business has…
Many small business owners start their marketing efforts by focusing on logo development, their website and selecting a suitable tag line. These three items, although important, should not be the…
Being a solopreneur has many benefits, but along with that comes the occasional “down time”. That happens when things appear to come to a standstill or even take a few…
“Jeff Bezos is famous for creating the future press release before launching a new product, undergoing any kind of transformation, or entering a new market. The process of creating a…
There a lot of opportunities to participate in the growth of your community. Specifically, I want to cover organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, etc. These are not networking…
Solopreneurs make up a large portion of small business owners. The thought of hiring someone is an overwhelming concept and often avoided. I believe that there are valid reasons to…
Having a vision is the base for starting and growing a business. The development of your vision is based upon your passion, and it should inspire you enough to motivate…
Your challenge is to always lead the field. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a strategy for managing an organization’s relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers. There are many CRM…
It’s hard to believe that the first 5 months of the year are nearly over. In December or January you set some goals that you hoped will lead you to…
National Small Business week is the first week in May. Did you know that this week existed and how did you celebrate? Of the many reports issued this past week…
Part of the information BizQuack disseminates is from articles that we feel will have a significant impact on small business. The following are excerpts from a recently completed study called…
My last blog spoke about the need for speed and the importance of communications. The following 3 tools should be a serious consideration for every member. Video Conferencing: Pictures are…
Changes in what people want and where and when they want it means all companies must move faster. Instant gratification is becoming a consumer want. I read an article on…
The financial crisis of 2007 – 08 saw a lot of business owners lose their borrowing power from their “bank” the equity in their homes. The drop in value of…
Maricopa County is the fastest growing county in the nation. This can have a positive impact on your business but only if you take action. Let me cite from a…
I sat in a meeting today with a small non-profit group trying to re-invent themselves after several years of lack-luster success. From an original, single offering concept, which never became…
How do you respond to a criticism or to a correction? Many business owners look upon such an action as a rejection by a potential client or as an employee…
The only real growth is profit growth. This is the statement that I encourage all business owners to keep in a highly visible place in their office. The bottom line…
Somewhere along the line the mindset of new business owners has changed from anticipating a long slow, but steady growth to achieving overnight success. If success doesn’t occur within the…
The term innovation has become the “go to” word for small business growth. The term itself sounds overwhelming. Is a small business owner supposed to find a new product and…
HOW 25 = 625 A tribe is a group of people connected to one another and connected to an idea. Saturday Nanci’s computer crashed, showing only a black screen. Nanci,…
The following is an excerpt from a great book by Jeb Blount –Fanatical Prospecting “Webster dictionary defines mindset as a mental attitude or inclination. Mindset is completely and absolutely within…
Occasionally I visit with small business owners who start off a conversation saying, “ I have not accomplished anything”. When things go wrong in a business it’s easy to wrap…
Economist Peter Drucker said “management is doing things right: leadership is doing the right things. Every small business owner needs to be both a manager and a leader. The key…
I can also add another “not enough”, and that is profit. As a small business grows the work seems to take control of time and, in many cases, the cash…
I received an invitation to speak to a group of approximately 20 independent contractors. The meeting was set up by the business owner who felt that I could help his…
If you don’t know where you are a map won’t help you. The same applies to a small business owner that is on a journey to grow a business. In…
The second habit written by Stephen R. Covey, in his best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is titled “Begin with the end in mind.” He went on…
Setting the budget for a business involves planning the income and expenditures. This is usually broken down into months so that the planned budget and actual figures can be compared….
There is more to growing a business than getting new business in the front door. Without a solid foundation that assimilates, feeds and channels the new cash flow into the…
Don’t say no until you know what you’re saying no to. Many small business owners have a habit of saying “no” to all new experiences. The word prejudice comes to…
Have you ever felt that your business is stuck in “neutral?” Are you pushing on the gas pedal and still not getting anywhere? Is the “gas” you are pumping into…
Is growing a small business a numbers game? Since growing a small business eventually translates to the number of sales closed, then should we assume that the sales process is a numbers game? I am old…
“Speed is everything. It is the indispensable ingredient in competitiveness. Speed keeps businesses – and – people young. It’s addictive, and it’s a profoundly American taste we need to cultivate.”…
It has been said that “Listening is not the same as hearing and in order to listen effectively you need to use more than just your ears.” Research shows that…
Frustration may set in on a small business owner. Things don’t always go the way you hoped. There is more to do than you have time. Finances become an issue….
Let’s start off with “Word of Mouth” recommendations. If you are like most people, you want to share information about a great restaurant or a great movie that you recently…
Ever get stumped when someone asks you what you do? The most important answer to the most important question… What do you do? Yes, the BizQuack business plan starts with…
WORK HARDER THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED! This morning I participated as a “judge” for the Venture Devils. At the beginning of the semester we had approximately 400 entrepreneurs that wanted…
Great communicators have a compelling vision. Let’s start with a definition of the word Connecting as written by John Maxwell: “Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to…
Cold calling is one of the most feared marketing tools for small business owners. This came in my e-mail several days ago and I made a few modifications to send…
An Inc. magazine survey of its Inc.500 showed that 88% of the CEO’s attributed their company’s success primarily to the extraordinary execution of an idea. What is your Tactical Excellence…
As a small business grows it has many responsibilities, perhaps the most important being the protection of your brand. Let’s start by defining what a brand is: Your brand is…
Do whatever it takes to get seen and heard; don’t just think about it, do it! Getting you name, your vision, your why and your value proposition out to your…
In a recent article the headline stated that 43% of small businesses believe that a recession is on the horizon. You should not slow your growth action in anticipation of…
Let me start with a few statistics: Nowsourcing has revealed 25% of the US workforce will be 55 years of age and older by 2024. 4 in 5 boomers expect…
A strategic alliance (also see strategic partnership) is an agreement between two or more parties to pursue a set of agreed upon objectives needed while remaining independent organizations. A strategic…
I did not write this book, but I highly recommend it. This was written by Jay Baer. In past blogs, I have given examples of a Talk trigger, although I…
In many past blogs as well as my BizQuack session, Human Touch Marketing, I refer to your appearance. You are what the prospect, both as a client and referral source…
Every small business owner has to be a sales person. The key to success in small business is, to a large degree, based upon your willingness to present your product/service…
The process for setting your company vision, “No money or time constraints”, does not require you to know exactly how you are going to reach it. It requires you to…
Whatever your service or product is, you should always be striving to think of something new that you can do with your business. Hopefully all of you have received the…
As humans we need to belong. Our family is your first “community”. That is followed by your school community, your faith community and then your friends. By the time you…
A lot of time has been spent in identifying a target market. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, have been the most numerous cohorts in America for more than…
“The Internet of things (IoT) is the network of devices such as vehicles, and home appliances that contain electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which allows these things to connect,…
This past year I have been analyzing small business owners as well as “want to be business owners.” Even though l have been working with small businesses for many years,…
At a networking session this past week those present were asked to discuss their product/service. Much to my surprise, several of the participants spent 3 to 4 minutes sharing on…
If you are in business, chances are good that your future customers will google you. The internet provides the first step in determining whether a consumer is going to purchase…
There are many requirements to growing a successful business and one of them is making a decision and acting on it. Opportunities may be lost while a “do or not…
This blog is a result of several telephone blunders made this week by business owners: A friend had a Doctor’s appointment this morning. He had to hire a special transport…
February 14 has become the day that everyone shows their appreciation for one another. In grade school kids hand out a valentine to every other child in the room. Older…
I believe that a good e-mail list is an asset that will stand the test of time as other digital sites come and go. If you provide value in the…
Owning and running a small business is great, but without growth the business will die. Growth does not have to be measured by the number of employees; what counts is…
Just doing a good job in the delivery of your products or services may not be enough with today’s consumers. Many products and services are constantly changing, adding new features…
Fast growth is a goal for many small business owners, and properly managed, it is a good goal to shoot for. The key words are “properly managed.” Too often the…
The answer is a definite yes… with a few caveats. 1. You have to define your target market. 2. Validation is important; does your defined marketplace want your…
The answer is a definite yes… with a few caveats. 1. You have to define your target market. 2. Validation is important; does your defined marketplace want your product/service? With…
Your challenge for today is to “set a date and spread the word”. Making a commitment and telling everyone you know about it is a great motivator to make sure…
“Success at almost anything rests upon this single principle: Do the basics, do them well, and do them every day, even when you don’t feel like doing them.” I received…
In his book “The Impact Equation: Chris Brogan wrote: There are two types of people in this world. You’re either a head of lettuce or an apple tree. “Look, if…
Minds need exercise! Like any other “muscle” in your body exercise is the key to gaining strength. In the case of your mind, exercise will yield new creative ideas which…
Motivation is an important part of a small business owner’s life. Too often I hear comments such as “I just can’t get myself going.” When I visit with those that…
To get the most out of your business relationships you have to take the responsibility for making something happen. The most successful small business owners I know always take the…
The only thing that is impossible is the one thing that you don’t believe can be obtained! We had three new businesses join our BizQuack Community this week. Dr. Paresh…
Part of being a member of a community is the support each of us can offer to one another. Within the BizQuack site there is a section called The Market…
Which Lever Works Best for Your Business? These three words are considered to be the “Three Marketing Levers.” In trying to understand how these three words play in the life…
Just read a success story about a new venture. The founders had an idea for a new product. While working full time at their current jobs, they spent two years…
We are all in the people business. Developing meaningful ongoing relationship with others is one of the main ingredients for growing a profitable and sustainable business. So many small business…
I frequently hear about new “things” in the pipeline. Our goal as small business owners is to lead the field, not follow it. Both of these items came to my…
A quality, well written, brochure that explains your How, What and Why plus your Value proposition is an integral part of a marketing program. I attended a marketing session this…
A common trait among some small business owners is to “give up.” James Dyson’s bagless vacuum cleaner was perfected only after a staggering 5,127 tries. This fact gives me encouragement when…
Not a challenge but an opportunity for you to see if you can grow your own group following on LinkedIn. Make it a group that relates to your business. Pick…
Business Culture is the character and personality of your organization. It’s what makes your business unique and is the sum of its values, traditions, beliefs, interactions, behaviors and attitudes. It’s…
Solopreneurship has exploded in recent years; by definition that is an individual who works alone and runs the business single-handedly. The following are a few thoughts on the subject: ➧…
The secret is out; there are over 3.03 billion active social media users, and 81% of all small and medium businesses use some kind of social platform. Most of you…
Make the effort to establish solid, trusting relationships. Across all industries there has been a growing lack of trust. Gone are the “good old days” where you looked someone in…
This has a little to do with the Target Marketing class I am offering on the 14th of January at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. “Today successful companies start with…
The small business world is a challenging place to be, and unfortunately, small business owners neglect the opportunity to grow their businesses by building upon the deficiencies of their competition….
Most of my blogs have to do with ways to improve and grow your business. Today I want to discuss a more serious side of business and that is the…
In the last few days the “Market” has been acting like a yo-yo. It has become the main topic of conversation on the news, talk shows, and just about everywhere…
I love working with new businesses, however, I would like to start working with the entrepreneur while he/she is thinking of starting a business. The majority of my clients reach…
As we approach the end of 2018 I wanted to share what I consider one of the most important and most significant statements that I wrote. This past year I…
It’s Been Implemented Everywhere. Does it work in your business? Change is still and will always be a constant in the world of small business. While still in its infancy,…
Inner remark-ability is all about finding something about your product, service, or firm to make it stand out. Differentiation is not the same thing; your product or service may be…
Small business growth requires constant change. One way to give yourself a head start in 2019 is to implement an “Added Value” segment to your business. This will allow you…
Early Implementation is Key! I gathered this list from a variety of sources with the hopes that this knowledge will help you adopt them as you strive to reach your…
Identify. Serve. Follow up. Referrals are still one of the best ways to grow a small business. I am constantly looking for new ideas on this subject and recently came…
Take a few minutes and reflect on what you could have done, either differently or more of in 2018. Think of things that may have increased your bottom line. Did…
Small business owners are constantly evaluating strategy options. The first 3 years of a small business are in what I call a “constant evaluation process.” It is a time to…
“Being an entrepreneur is being willing to do a job that nobody else wants to do, in order to be able to live the rest of your life doing whatever…
Opportunities to grow our businesses are offered to us every day. This morning I attended a presentation on a software program, “SalesForce”, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. Discipline As…
Winston Churchill was credited with this saying: “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” In my opinion, one of the primary reasons for the high failure rate…
Adopt these two new ideas for 2019 “Super Success”! My nephew, a nose, ear and throat physician, recently married a wonderful girl who happens to be a minimalist. The word…
Using Simon Sinek’s simple diagram consisting of three concentric circles with the WHY being the center, the next has the word HOW and the outer ring the word WHAT. According…
There is only one word that expresses the desires/expectations of your clients and customers and that word is…. RESULTS! People buy your services or products with the hopes of satisfying…
It’s amazing the impact that a bad review can have. This morning I was visiting with a friend and she said that she would never stay at a certain hotel…
Every small business needs help or support in one specific area that, in the mind of the business owner, would have the greatest positive impact on his/her bottom line in…
Connect with Your Business Family Thanksgiving, for most of us, involves spending time with family and friends. It’s a special time of the year and the importance of having “our…
It’s about Connections, Frequency, and Understanding I am sure that everyone has had at least one if not many “brilliant” ideas. Some of these ideas can be even more powerful…
Recently the term influencer has become popular in the business world. Most everyone has their own interpretation of what the term means. Who is an influencer and why do they…
GET THINGS IN ORDER! HERE’S A LIST OF TO DO’S. As small business owners we are so focused on growing our businesses that we sometimes forget all the factors that…
Feeling lethargic is a common occurrence among small business owners, especially if they are a solopreneur. My meaning of “lethargic” includes a lack of self-motivation to focus on what you…
Have barely gotten used to writing 2018 as the year and now it’s time to think about 2019. I hope to keep you informed as I study more about things…
Have you ever visited with another small business owner, and as he tells you about his business your mind sends you messages as to how this person can improve his…
Growth requires a strong foundation. First let’s identify what a business plan should be. It really is a Vision Plan with the ultimate goal of the plan being to reach…
Take small steps every day. Nanci and I decided to get rid of all the grass in our back yard and create a magic garden full of flowers, bushes and…
Don’t let a difficult customer drag you down! In the life of every small business comes that occasional customer that is considered a “jerk’ or “bad mouths” you or does…
Reach out to those who have supported you. All of us have a lot to be thankful for. We must remember that many of the things we are thankful for…
In a recent blog I wrote about getting noticed and what you have to do to differentiate yourself. I still believe that your current customer base is your best source…
These last few weeks I have been getting articles written by prominent finance people warning about a possible recession in 2020. The housing market was again named a possible “bubble.”…
Nobody talks about a boring business. Getting referrals is all about people talking about you, and people won’t talk about you if you are boring. If you are not excited…
Went to an Alpha retreat this weekend and among the many things that I came away with was the following line: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” Although it was…
Many small business owners give up or never even get started because of “competition”. I frequently hear comments such as: “Someone else is already doing it,” or “My idea is…
For the past year I have been stressing the importance of having a vision for your business. It is only in our vision that we are able to see ourselves…
Entrepreneurs are visionaries. In order to succeed despite the many obstacles ahead, they need to not only have a unique vision, but to also be relentlessly devoted to it. (This…
Let me start by sharing a few global statistics about smart phones: In the first quarter of 2018 nearly 384 million smartphones were sold More than 5 billion people are…
A recent blog entitled “Desk Top Success Schedule” emphasized the importance of creating powerful habits. You were asked to create a list of the things that you could and should…
Many small businesses wish that they had enough funds to help grow their business. It is important to know how to raise money not only at the start of a…
GET THAT STUFF DONE SO YOU CAN BE MORE PRODUCTIVE! Starting and growing a small business seems like an overwhelming undertaking. The majority of small businesses are solopreneurs, or a…
Habits are important and a visual reminder of what habits you are working on implementing now will help to cement them into a permanent part of your business life. Habits…
As a small business owner one of the most important things to be aware of is your own value and skills. Having faith in your abilities and skills is…
One of the main deficiencies that exist in the world of small business is a lack of retirement planning. It’s not enough to say I have a 401K or a…
EVERY DOOR DIRECT MAIL Mail has several advantages: You know that your marketing piece will be delivered to your prospect. If it is eye catching and has good content, it…
Small businesses are in a unique position to capture the attention of existing and new customers utilizing traditional methods. Yes it’s great to be seen in the digital world, however,…
Last evening I invited six small business owners to my office to receive an overview of our innovative new business planning model, Vision Based Business Plan. Most of the material…
“If everything’s under control, you’re going too slow.” Mario Andretti Small business owners who spend an inordinate amount of time and energy organizing details often forget to focus on achieving…
“Be in a constant state of Awareness. Get Over Yourself and Know What You Don’t Know.” There are many hidden dangers that creep into the mind of a small business…
Small business owners should always be moving forward. If you become stale so will your business. You can’t ever stop being excited and energetic about your business. One of the…
Small business owners have two costly issues that they have to overcome: too many things to do and not enough time to do them. Several weeks ago each of you…
As small business owners, each of us has a “comfort zone”. I define that zone as that area where our thoughts and actions make us feel comfortable. The unfortunate reality…
“In the emerging real-time business environment, size is no longer a decisive advantage. Speed and agility win the moment.” We are fortunate to live in a time where instant communications…
Small business owners are always on the go and we can all use a little help from time to time. We talk a lot about the importance of time management…
Sometimes we need inspiration. Take some time to watch this video. THere are a lot of great takeaways such as “Excellence should be a habit, not an act.” Well worth…
NDAs are not only for big business. Every small business should have an NDA drawn up for their use. Although most everything that is required to operate a small business…
It’s time to beta test BizQuack’s proprietary new foundation for building a Business Plan. The foundation is based upon the Vision of the business owner. The steps are as follows:…
Success in business is all about your ability to communicate with your target market, your referral prospects and your current customers. Michael Maher, in his book The Seven Levels of…
All my blogs along with seminars, books and other business instructions will not help you achieve profitability unless you have the right mindset. In his book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill wrote:…
FOCUS ON YOUR BUSINESS WITH A PEER GROUP! This is a more detailed explanation of the 4 sessions I will be conducting in October. They will be small group sessions…
No, I don’t see any impending doom in our economy; but lately I have had this topic simmering in the back of my mind. Small business owners have a tendency…
In order to survive every small business must find a consistent infusion of new customers. At some point in time someone has to sell something in order for the…
The ability to connect is one of the most important skills that a small business owner needs in order to grow a business. To go one step further, the ability…
What do THEY need? One of my favorite authors, Seth Godin, wrote the following on our topic today: “Impatient: Great marketing takes time. Doing it wrong (and rushed) costs much…
GET SOMETHING GOING In the life of many small business owners there comes a time when the flow of energy/enthusiasm disappears. The reason for this feeling is not the fault…
ALWAYS LESSONS TO BE LEARNED Just returned from a great week in Napa Valley! I enjoyed traveling with a group of good friends, not only did we enjoy the beautiful…
CHANGE HOW YOU MARKET THEM If your business is not growing fast enough or if it has leveled off, it may be time for a change; but don’t change your…
Sometimes just thinking about all the stuff on your ‘To Do List’ can be overwhelming and demotivating. Today is Friday and a great day to look back at your week…
Marketing is one of the most important things that a small business owner has to understand in order to grow a successful business. I want to dispel a very large…
Ever feel like you are expected to do it all, so you juggle every single thing that comes at you without skipping a beat? Lot’s of balls in the air…
Online networking sites to grow your network. All of these sites offer great opportunities to connect, however it’s up to you to make it work. Be diligent in whatever networking…
In my opinion, this statement pertains to us today, perhaps more so then ever before. The economy is humming along; many store windows have help wanted signs. Construction is booming,…
At a meeting this morning I brought up the subject of “teaching” to a group of small business owners. I could tell by the expression on their faces, “Who Me?…
Much time is wasted by small business owners lamenting over the past or thinking about their potential great future. Thinking about “What could have been” or “What it could be”…
Although I have written about this topic before, the correct answers to the following three questions are still the most important for the growth of your business: 1. Why are…
If you knew the answer to that question do you believe that you could go out and increase your bottom line? If the answer is yes, this blog will help…
In real life, it is the business owner that makes a business great. The following are traits that successful business owners have which result in a profitable and sustainable business….
To quote Mark Twain: “Throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”confidence In business, just as in real…
When you leave an appointment or a networking event, will anyone remember that you were there? Let’s face it; small business owners grow their businesses by presenting themselves to prospects…
In a meeting this morning the topic of “change” was once again the main conversation. This evening I received an e-mail from Inman News (One of the leading news publication…
This has been my week, at least the last few days, during which I heard: “If I only had.” I DARE YOU! Some small business owners live in the past,…
Remarkable things are defined as unusual, extraordinary, or worthy of notice or attention. Something can be remarkable because it is novel, surprising, extreme, or just plain interesting. The most important…
Speaking to a group of prospects is a great marketing tool. There are several concerns that small business owners have with regards to this marketing tool: Where to hold the…
What to do with all the cards that I have collected and now sit in a drawer in my desk? I don’t remember who gave me the cards, but somewhere…
Generating revenue is at the heart of all small businesses. Without sufficient cash flow the enterprise will fail. Crunch time is an inevitable part of growing a business; crunch time…
Harvey Mackay is another one of my favorite authors. I consider him to be “my guru” when it comes to networking. In his book, “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty,”…
Kevin Kelly wrote a book “1,000 True Fans.” Based upon his philosophy that you only need 1,000 people that you make extremely happy, to be a success. I am putting…
I have ended a lot of my blogs and classes with the following statement: “Success is the only choice when failure is not an option.” A path, which if chosen,…
I spent a large portion of my weekend trying to buy a product on line from a local company. It was needed this weekend and they promised immediate delivery. This…
Robert Schuller differentiates between the optimist and the pessimist. The pessimist says, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” The optimist says, “I’ll see it when I believe it.” The…
I never cease to be amazed at the great innovations in the form of products and services that existing and start-up businesses are struggling to bring to market. I use…
Action items often are the main blocks on a business owner’s calendar. I want you to stop using the term action and adopt a new one, progress. Action means that…
It pays to step outside our own business and take a look at what is happening. Today’s blog contains a list of projections/predictions made by others that will affect our…
A comprehensive identification of your Target Market is another one of the eight essential components that make up the foundation for building a profitable and sustainable business. The BizQuack definition…
There are eight essential components that constitute the foundation that a business needs in order to achieve profitability and sustainability. Knowing the How and Why of a Database is one…
Make it a great celebration and give thanks for the many blessings that we have here in the United States. The opportunity to worship and to work as we please!…
THERE IS STILL TIME TO REACH YOUR 2018 GOALS! It’s hard to believe that the year is half over. What were your goals at the beginning of 2018? Are you…
YOU CAN BE FAST, FOCUSED, AND FLEXIBLE Go where your prospects are: As a small business owner you can go to where your customers are hiding. Once you identify your…
YOU JUST NEED TO ASK To get the most we possibly can out of our lives and our relationships, we have to take responsibility for making something happen. We have…
“Core competency” has been defined as the basic things that a small business owner needs to know. My question is who defines what that core competency is? In high school…
FIGURE OUT HOW YOU CAN DO IT! Don’t tell me why you can’t; instead tell me how you can. In the world of small business obstacles are a part of…
FIND WAYS TO REKINDLE YOUR FLAME! Today you can search for just about anything on the internet and in today’s world, this is our go to source for information. While…
There is a significant difference between the two words. It is important that you as a small business owner can distinguish between the two. In the past I have referred…
Whenever you appear before a prospect, your job is to make a presentation that results in the purchase of your product or service, or to set another appointment to present…
MAKE A STATEMENT WITH A GREAT STRATEGY! A simple definition of the word Strategy is a method or plan chosen to bring about a desired future goal. Sounds simple enough…
Every start-up and every small business owner would like to know how to achieve guaranteed success. If the solution was clearly laid out, then those that follow it can look…
You, your product, and your service are unique. Entering the world of small business, in many cases, becomes a competition with others that are selling the same product or service….
A Thoughtful Gift Has Great Impact. Every one of us likes to experience a “WOW”. A WOW is something you talk about, something that you will remember for…
As small business owners we are passionate about what we do, what we create, and the great service we provide. We feel a sense of pride when we succeed at…
What will change between now and next year? “The only difference between where you are right now, and where you’ll be next year at this same time, are the people…
The never ending request from small business owners is “Tell me how to get more customers”. We have discussed these three necessities for business growth many times, but they are…
Think big! Be Seen and heard. For the most part small business owners live most of their business lives in obscurity. There are over 28 million small businesses in the…
I want to know what your three greatest business achievements have been so far in 2018. Creating this list may take some time but it is a good way to…
Climb the tree and get it! If you want to get the apple don’t wait for it to fall into your hands, climb the tree and get it. In the…
SAY A PRAYER Say a prayer in thanksgiving for all the men and women in the armed forces who have given up their lives so that we may do what…
Sales and Marketing work together! Marketing generates the attention of the many people who make up your target market, whereas sales communicate with potential customers, putting the buying process into…
How about planning for the future? While I consider myself a vision based planner, it does not mean that I make plans for one to three years into the future….
Qualities of a business leader. The following qualities define a business leader. Recently I wrote about the traits of successful owners and entrepreneurs. The list consisted of 30+ words which…
Is Your Story Making an Impact? Is your story compelling? Are you telling a story that you believe is awesome without knowing for sure? Try this test with ten people…
In the past year I have had the privilege of visiting over 300 small business owners, from start-ups to 5 employees. My question has been “What are the biggest issues…
Having a big vision is the key ingredient necessary to growing a successful business. As you can see from our new landing page, BizQuack is a community for those business…
Every day has opportunity and focusing your energy on these positive traits will help you seize the day! These are exceptional traits that move you forward and help you succeed. …
Re-inventors are everywhere in the business world; they can be small business startups or owners of large companies. The common thread is that they are dissatisfied with the status quo….
First, a long definition: “ Disruptive technology is the ongoing innovations that emerge without expectation to introduce a new capability or solution that creates a market and value network at…
Grow Your Business by Focusing on Their Pain Our goal in business is to take someone’s pain away. Every one of us has pain, and we all spend trillions of…
One of the problems we have today is the lack of humanization, not only in our marketing efforts, but in most of the things we do. The internet, featuring social…
Small businesses are, for the most part, on a limited marketing budget. Part of a marketing goal is to create an impression so that the person you are targeting will…
Time to set you plan in motion. Planning is not all that it is touted to be! Taking action is what makes things happen. Sydney Harris was quoted as saying…
You just never know where that next great idea will come from! I have to share this short story. “In 1872 George Westinghouse, the famous inventor, received his first patent…
CHANGE IT UP – Give Your Website A Face Lift A new smart phone comes out every several months; a new car with new bells & whistles is sitting on…
Get help so you can focus on the bottom line. Small business owners wear many hats and assume responsibility for a number of tasks which are not their core competency….
Getting new business is still the biggest challenge for small business owners. The two major factors that stop you from overcoming that challenge are: Reaching the right audience. Sending the…
Mobile Apps: Another way to reach your prospects and customers Mobile apps are here to stay. Every small business should consider adding this marketing tool. The average US person spends…
Build a “Know, Like, Trust” Marketing Plan. Marketing may be defined as telling your target market what you do, over and over. There are literally hundreds of ways to communicate…
You Have the Capacity to Solve Your Problems Scott Peck, M.D. wrote a book called “The Road Less Traveled”. It was published in 1978, 40 years ago, but his message…
In this high tech fast paced world new words and terms are introduced every day. As small business owners we try our best to keep up with all the latest…
Just because you have started your business and perhaps are having some success does not mean that you have done all that is needed. Foundations can shift and thus they…
Marketing to a business is different than marketing to a consumer. They have different needs and different pain points. The major difference is that consumers, in most cases have to…
The Sunday Republic (The main newspaper in the Metro Phoenix area) had a story on the cost of housing. Having been deeply involved with real estate for many years, I…
TURN TODAY INTO A LUCKY DAY! Today is Friday the 13th, a day associated with bad luck. A day, like any other day ends up being what you made of…
When used correctly, social media has the power to transform every aspect of your business. It’s not just about marketing but also about customer service and operations. I heard someone…
“Permission marketing is the privilege (not the right) of delivering anticipated, personal, and relevant messages to people who actually want to get them.” There is so much meaning in this…
Tom Peters has been a must read for me for many years. I have most of his books in my library. This evening I will be presenting a session on…
According to Webster, Pigheaded means “refusing to do what other people want or to change your opinion of the way you do something”. Being a small business owner also means…
It’s hard to imagine that another factor, Social Responsibility, has to be added to the long list of “to do’s” that a small business owner has to contend with. Let’s…
Time to move the gears and grow your business! Think back a year ago today. How much has your bottom line grown? If you have plateaued or made very little…
After 11 presentations in the last six months and countless hours of research and development during that time, we will be presenting on April 9, 2018 a special session on…
Easter is a special time of rejoicing and a reminder of how important our spiritual well-being is in everything we do. Take this time to also rejoice and to be…
Keep up with the times. Profitability and sustainability require that a business be in a constant mode of reinvention. Change is most often associated with risk, but a business, no…
Ask for working capital in advance of the need. Ask for it all! A lack of working capital has been the downfall of many small businesses. As is discussed in…
Let’s convert your website visitors! Most small businesses have a website. They have a website because they were told that it’s “the thing to do.” Make sure you understand what…
Unless it’s in writing it doesn’t count. This is a sentence that should be at the top of your mind when you enter into any kind of an agreement. When…
Social media is alive and well and has produced amazing results for thousands of small business owners. There is, however, a secret ingredient that you must add to social media…
You are not too old or to young. The length of time you have been in your current business does not matter. The important thing to remember is that customers…
How many ideas have you had that you did not act on? I was inspired by an article in this week’s Business Journal about a young man that arrived in…
Commitment is one of the most difficult words to apply to our business lives. No matter how important the outcome a commitment can produce, many still find excuses as to…
Today is a special day for most of us, Valentine’s Day. We reach out to our special someone and demonstrate our affection with additional time together, a dinner out or…
Yesterday was the launch date of a Kickstarter fundraiser for one of our BizQuack Members. Listed under the name of Copper Kong in our membership directory, Scott had an idea…
Part of our job at BizQuack is to continuously be on the lookout for new ideas that will help grow your business. This basic concept is powerful when presented either…
An unfortunate trait that many small business owners have is the loss of persistence or ongoing execution when they no longer have an accountability partner. When you have to account…
Sometimes a blog can be informative instead of educational. I happen to be a compulsive, frequent checker of our mailbox. Believe it or not, I still receive a lot of…
This is the title of the second class of a six sessions series I will be offering starting March 5th. The educational sessions will be held at the Eureka Loft…
A small business owner asked me a question at a seminar this week; “ If I mail out 10,000 postcards, what response should I expect?” There is no “one size…
“Being an entrepreneur is being willing to do a job that nobody else wants to do, (in order) to be able to live the rest of your life doing whatever…
I just finished listening to the State of the Union message delivered by President Trump. I am in total agreement with him; this is the best time for a small…
Last November we started a series of six business classes at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. Over the six weeks we had approximately 90 participants between all the sessions. Each…
It has been said that the best way to learn something is to teach it! In our minds, we know our products and services, but that is the only place…
Do you read about people or businesses online before you meet them? Perhaps you research a new business acquaintance or someone you plan to hire for a job around your…
As small business owners, we sometimes have to work really hard to maintain the enthusiasm that was present at the start of our business. The excitement of starting something new…
This week I attended a meeting called by a friend; he had a unique concept for a new social group, an opportunity to meet people and to make new friends. …
Yesterday I shared in my blog the necessity of working hard, very hard, on your business in order to succeed. I really believe that growing a successful small business requires…
Running a business, either as an owner or as a commissioned representative requires an effort that most people are not willing to give. Nationwide the gross revenue for small…
I finally had time to go through the new Book of Lists published by the Phoenix Business Journal. Each year when it comes out I look at…
Half way thru the first month of 2018; are you on track to reach your goals or do you need a “kick start”? What you pay attention to now is…
I am very optimistic about the future of small business. The stock market is at a new high, unemployment at a new low and the recent tax cuts have large…
The offense part of this statement is that adrenal rush that small business owners feel when they start their businesses or have some marketing success. Marketing is an important part…
“Vision without execution is hallucination” I found this quote last night as I was reading a new book on Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. (In my mind Da Vinci…
In the past I have emphasized the importance of having an Advisory Board for your business. This Advisory Board should be made up of influential and knowledgeable business and community…
The main thing is to have the courage and the faith to be yourself. If you know you’re going to do the work and you have the talent and the…
If you have completed your goals and action items for 2018 then the next most important thing to realize is that instant gratification does not exist. While creating your action…
Change is still the only constant in our lives and now it’s hitting closer to home. Most of the new cars have a wide variety of technology, from automatic braking…
Next week will be the start of your best year ever; you will be more profitable, organized and satisfied with your business. Today is the last day of the year,…
Innovation is best defined as: Something different that creates value. As I am putting the finishing touches on my action plan for 2018 (see blog entitled Amazing Results) I decided…
Amazing results can be obtained if there is a laser like focus on one issue. I hope that by now each of you have selected the most important goal you…
Have you reached out to the important people in your business life, the people that are in your primary data base, the people who refer new customers, and your customers…
Setting lofty goals for 2018 is an admirable thing. Unfortunately many of us stop at that point. Pages full of new business plans filled with details will not help achieve…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to change the way we live. In the past I have written about potential job losses as machines get smarter and smarter and can do…
For many small business owners the last two weeks of the year appear to be a good time to relax and enjoy the Christmas season. Another frequent occurrence happens the…
Challenges are daily occurrences in the world of small business but each and every one of them has a solution. Today we are going to examine a rather unique situation….
Word of mouth is the primary factor behind 20 percent to 50 percent of all purchasing decisions. If you want people to buy from you or to spread the word…
Just finished my last in a series of six business sessions I held at the Eureka Loft at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. Having never offered anything of this length…
A Target-Centered Marketing Approach fulfills most of the marketing a business needs. It helps retain your current customers; it’s a method of offering additional services to an existing base; it…
I had to buy a few presents to ship out of state this afternoon and found that the traffic was fairly heavy. The most interesting thing to do in slow…
In doing your “growth plan” for 2018 there is a base line from which to start. Once the base line is established then specific marketing tactics for your business…
LinkedIn has become my main source when I want to know about a new prospect or a new client. I believe that many other businesses or…
“People invest in your ability to deliver to them a more favorable future!” If you keep this sentence in your mind and heart every day, you will know what is…
Let me begin with my definition of the “flowers” which each of us can enjoy. They include people with a positive mindset as well as small business owners who are…
In the past three weeks I have held 3 educational sessions aimed at small business owners. At the start of each session I asked them to share their name, product/service…
I spent Thanksgiving weekend in a small town in Northeast Arizona and, as usual, my mind was on small business. I noticed an unusual amount of vacancies in the small…
Almost 10 years ago I wrote a book on How to Turn $1.00 into Thousands. The premise behind my book and a course that I wrote and taught was to…
On Thanksgiving we hold hands and go around the dinner table stating what each of us is most thankful for. This is a great tradition to maintain or to start,…
True motivation can only originate from within. Nobody and no source outside yourself can give you the motivation you need to grow a successful business. Inside of you, a fire…
With just four sessions remaining in this series it is important that the BizQuack Community attends and gives their input. Our remaining sessions are: Successful Networking: Networking is a discipline,…
A three legged stool needs all three legs to be in perfect balance in order for you to sit on the stool without falling. Now imagine that your business is…
My wife shared information about a book: Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie. This evening I only read a 25 page excerpt from the book and found it so…
Let’s face the facts. You can’t run a business in today’s climate without using some form of technology. I believe that technology can be one of the main differences between…
I get the Phoenix Business Journal delivered every Friday. I read it over the weekend and as I find, what I consider, are important articles, I try to see if…
It may seem a little early but it is very difficult to set your business agenda for next year on the last day of this year. Setting your agenda is…
In the world of small business there are other forces at play and they are Thoughts and Emotions. As small business owners it doesn’t take much to feel “the walls…
Service providers sometimes get into a “funk”. So many times small business owners tell me that it would be a lot easier if they could meet with a prospect and…
This past weekend I attended an arts and craft show. My purpose in attending was to support the women’s club at my church. They ended up having about 50 participants…
In his book “The Impact Equation: Chris Brogan wrote: There are two types of people in this world. You’re either a head of lettuce or an apple tree. “Look, if…
Lack of working capital is one of the most cited reasons for business failure. However, in my opinion, you don’t need a huge bank account to start and grow a…
New business as well as a steady flow of referrals is based on the strength of your WOW. As a small business owner you should always be…
Last week, in a meeting with one of our BizQuack members, the topic of relaxation came up. He is enjoying his membership, especially the blogs and Tuesday Challenge; but with…
Another way to differentiate your business, which should also be part of your branding process, is with color. In my opinion, the color you select to represent your company…
Marketing revolves around a singular question: How can I make life better for you? If you can improve your target audience’s quality of life, even in ways that seem minute,…
Commitment is a willingness to give your time and energy to something you believe in. Business owners that are committed truly believe that their business is important, and they show…
Frustration, disappointment, and an “I give up” attitude are a few of the thoughts that enter a small business owners mind when something doesn’t work the way…
It’s so much easier to do what you want to do than do what you have to do. Productivity means not taking the easy route but the one that will,…
I attended a networking session this past week which had a very small attendance even though the group has been meeting for over 4 years….
BizQuack is a growing and continuously evolving small business support site. There are many different opportunities for members to learn how to be more successful in their businesses….
When it comes to web marketing, as well as all other marketing material, you are what you publish. Remember the definition of Content Marketing: content that educates and empowers readers….
In this blog I am sharing more information from the book The Power of Little Ideas which I mentioned in an earlier blog posted on October 11, 2017. The theme…
Even though more than 75% of the U.S. population is online, web marketing is still an underused marketing tool among many small business owners. Many business owners admit that they…
Not every new business offers a radically different and innovative core product or service. There are certain core products and services that are in existence today which will continue to…
A word that I like is co-opetition: in business, your success doesn’t require others to fail – there can be multiple winners. In most industries there is enough business to…
All businesses need to develop an on-boarding process for new clients. The best way to keep clients and to receive future referrals is to have a solid onboarding process. Remember,…
“The only difference between where you are right now and where you’ll be next year at this same time, are the people you meet and the books you read.” This…
There are no short cuts to building a successful business. There are, however, three types of action that must occur in order for success to have a chance. They are…
So how do you define your perfect client? Each product or service you provide has a specific customer that will buy it. While you’ve spent time understanding your product and…
If “A picture is worth a thousand words”, then what is a video worth? Video allows you to tell a much more compelling story than you could ever convey with…
Yesterday I shared how a man in our group suffered a heart attack on the second night of our cruise tour. The hero in this story was a young man…
During a two week vacation a lot of life and business lessons were brought to the forefront. The most important life lesson was how precious and vulnerable our human lives…
Monday morning is the perfect day to correct last weeks mistakes! GOOD MORNING! All my blogs along with seminars, books and other business instructions will not help you achieve profitability…
Our daily lives as small business owners are filled with doing whatever it takes to keep things rolling. You put on your sales hat and hit the road to keep…
Whether you work with individuals or large companies, successful execution and delivery of your product or service is the key to repeat business from your clients. Managing…
When I think about authenticity in branding, Coca-Cola immediately comes to mind. “Coke is the real thing.” The crucial ingredient in the success of any brand is its claim to…
In our class on Traction I emphasize the importance of analyzing your return on the different marketing methods you are using. By testing the results we can tell if…
I am an avid reader and believe that other than having hands on experience in business, learning from others through books, is the second best learning method. I know that…
Everything in the universe is in a relationship with everything else. Nothing can exist alone. Likewise, as business owners we have to stop thinking that we can achieve everything needed…
I found this prayer in a book published in 1962 titled The World of Business Volume IV. It was written in 1957 by Robert Katz, a member of the Harvard…
A good definition of marketing is the use of time and money to create a story and to spread it. Unfortunately our prospects don’t make rational decisions, they…
As small business owners we have to stand for something in order to grow. A few benefits of our standing for something will include: Building trust Help in making your…
I’m working today. In fact, I spend a lot of all my days working. I am truly blessed because my work doesn’t seem like “work”. I have been blogging for…
There is still a lot of reluctance among small business owners to meet people. Cold calling is “out of the question” thus a few possible alternatives are: Watch your phone…
Systematize everything means setting up reliable, repeatable practices for everything in your business. No matter how smart you think you are or how fast you can cope with anything that…
A common “excuse” small business owners have is, “I don’t know how to do that.” That statement usually contains a mixed bag of meanings. It either means, “ I am…
Selling yourself (thus your product or service) is best done by the use of a story. The following points will help illustrate why a story is important….
This morning I attended a meeting of several hundred new “business dreamers” who shared their visions of products and services that they want to build into successful business. The first…
Many small business owners are trying to be someone different than who they are. The way they talk, the car they drive, the clothes they wear, etc. are patterned after…
Whether you are a solopreneur or have employees, focusing on the management of your business is critical to future success. Management in a small business starts with self-management, and that…
This week I start my official “back to school” work at ASU Sky Song. I will have between four and six new student groups (all grade levels, undergraduate and graduate…
It’s not like it used to be….. Change is the only constant in today’s market place, and rules for not only surviving but growing a profitable business have…
Yes, in addition to a good idea for a product or service, there are four basic essentials that will define your business from its inception to long term…
Knowing how to price a product or service is one of the most important financial issues that any business must understand. If a small business owner does not know the…
Many small business owners believe that they are the foremost authority in their type of business. I have practiced my profession for over 25 years, and every day I search…
Meeting and exceeding customer expectation is something that every business owner strives to achieve. It is, however, important to understand the basic expectations before you work on exceeding their expectations….
Mission statements, like many other components of a business plan are usually created in a “business planning session”. I don’t believe that a mission statement for a small business can…
There are many words that are important in conversations with not only friends but also customers, prospects and referral sources. I believe that the phrase, “How can I be helpful…
Social Media appears to have become the answer to all small business’ growth problems. If you need more business, work harder on your social media campaign; if you need…
Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently….. Although this quote comes from Henry Ford, a lot of other people come to mind. One of my favorites is…
Seth Godin (another one of my favorite authors) wrote the following about deadlines: ( this is a summary of his article) People don’t like deadlines. They force us to decide….
If you are inviting a person to a great party at your home, chances are very good that the invitation will be accepted. If marketing does its intended job then…
In my opinion there are two types of work: Inbound and Outbound. By inbound, I refer to things that are coming to you such as cleaning your desk, absorbing data…
Guess what, small business owner, you are no longer in charge of the decision making process! You are charged with presenting your story, to make it compelling and make sure…
I have a personal library of over 300 books. One of the oldest and perhaps one of my favorite books was published in 1976 and contains the philosophy of William…
There are many different connotations associated with a “Little Black Book”. In this case, I want you to create the most powerful black book possible by following a few…
Starting a new business is an exciting event. An owner has a great idea and with a sense of optimism plunges head first into the new venture. Unfortunately, in my…
For a small business owner business frugality is tied into the personal family lifestyle. In family life, we should be spending and investing our money to accomplish the things we…
So much time and money is wasted on creating marketing materials, both in print and online, that don’t convey your core message. If each marketing piece is constantly changing, then…
Extraordinary success is not achieved as a result of your business plan, or an expensive “How To Become A Millionaire” seminar. Neither goal setting nor time management are the answer. …
Let’s first understand why people go to networking events. Everyone that attends has a mindset or a goal of selling something to someone. I have yet to meet someone at…
Perhaps the very best definition I have ever heard for the term “innovation” came from a book written by Scott D. Anthony: Innovation –“something different that creates value”. In today’s…
Survival and growth as a small business may very well depend upon your participation in the world of the internet and social media. There are hundreds of social media sites…
I have to address this topic again! In the last two weeks I was handed 14 cards from a very wide variety of people. Typical on each card was an…
“Startups don’t fail because they lack a product; they fail because they lack customers and a profitable business model.” Steve Blank How do you know that your business is ready…
A Value Trail describes how you intend to create value for your target market and current customers. As small business owners you realize the importance of delivering benefits/value to your…
The following are quotes from last Sunday’s newspaper: “Technology will change (or take over) tasks that humans do now.” “We are moving into an era of extensive automation and a…
Most small businesses struggle to create a suitable tag line. The following are some suggestions to help you create the best tagline for your business. What is a tag line…
Every business should have a team to support it in its growth. The saying we use in our marketing is: “It’s good to be in business for yourself but not…
Last week I sat with a client while he was presenting his product to a potential buyer. My client started presenting his product in detail, including color, size, etc. a…
Unless you are in the “tech” industry, much of what is happening in the digital world sounds a lot like “Greek” and, unfortunately, it is often discarded as a viable…
Becoming complacent is easy to do; we do what is easy and procrastinate on doing anything that requires effort or that may lead us into the unknown. I have a…
One of the most important times in a relationship with a new customer is when the relationship first starts. This is the time to reinforce their decision to choose your…
One of the major “no – no’s” in small business is not returning phone calls or accepting a meeting invitation. This week I attended a meeting at which the speaker…
Yes, small businesses can also, and frequently do, confront a crisis management situation. The problem is that an erupting crisis does not give you a warning, it just happens. The…
Building a reputation and building relationships are part of growing a business. I keep repeating the importance of becoming known and hope that it will help you to take action….
One of the most pressing problems for small businesses is stalled growth. I believe that this may become one of the most critical issues in the business world. This will…
Learning is an ongoing process in the world of small business owners. Yes, there are many ways to learn, however, I am a great believer in owning great books. These…
If you could have a billboard anywhere, what would it say and where would you put it? Let’s pretend that the only marketing you could do, the only story you…
There are many different approaches in the world of small business. Today I want to look at the two extremes. Both of these business types have been in my office…
Growing a business means change and change requires an ability to manage the transition. Transition begins with a process of “letting go”. It is very easy to remain in the…
As small business people we focus on our business almost 100% of the time. Recently a client shared how they bring focus to their business life by answering these four…
While growing a business it seems that all the goals one sets have to do with business growth and profitability. I am an advocate of having goals and also having…
Growing a business requires the earning of trust. One of the necessary ingredients for earning that trust is consistency, consistency in everything that you do. My trusty Webster Dictionary defines…
Even the smallest business can have a hierarchy, a designation of power and responsibility as well a definition of roles within the business structure. While not all of the following…
Accurate financial records for a small business are the strongest building blog for future growth that a business needs. Financial records are often talked about but seldom understood. Today’s blog…
As we struggle to grow our businesses, we need to step back and reflect upon the many men and women who died defending, or suffered horrendous injuries, for OUR RIGHT…
Networking is an art that can be learned. We are networking anytime we meet someone new; it is not limited to a networking meeting, but to all occasions when you…
“The ability to delay gratification is intimately linked with success. You cannot succeed at anything unless you are willing and able to delay gratification.” This quote is from a book…
One of the most hurtful things in the lives of small business owners are the critics and the criticism they spew forth. It is so easy to let the critics…
My grandson turned 11 a few weeks ago. He has been taking drum lessons, every week, since he was 3 years old. At his recitals and other opportunities where he…
This morning a young man came to my office. He was leaving his current job after 8 years and wanted to do something on his own. The dilemma was he…
I sat in a meeting this afternoon and listened to an executive committee buy into an old business model that has failed them many times in the past. In discussing…
Most of the issues that my clients, as small business owners, have revolve around communications. Misunderstandings are costly in a variety of ways: a customer may be lost, time in…
Within the last week I have met four small business owners who have over 80% of the income originating from a single source. Yes, they are all profitable, but now…
At an afternoon meeting today I was handed a sheet with some statistics from McGraw Hill. 48% of sales people never follow up with a prospect. 25% of sales people…
As the need for additional income increases so is the number of offerings promising easy and quick dollars. The area that I want to focus on today is the Multi-Level…
The rest of the sentence is “qualified to do”. The term” not qualified” can be interpreted in many different ways. Most frequently I find this term used when my older…
Success in a small business is in direct proportion to the amount of follow thru that an owner has. A human trait is to focus on things that are easy…
“Make hay while the sun shines”. In other words, when business is good take on all the work you can get! For most people in the service business as well…
Small business owners are, above all else, entrepreneurs with many ideas and a desire to implement them all right now. I have emphasized the need to focus, and have received…
“Trust is a living, breathing, emotional bond that connects people to one another. It’s intimate, personal and powerful. In a world where it seems like everyone is out to pitch,…
A recent Tuesday Challenge described the difference between Inbound and Outbound Marketing. Obviously, we all want our target market to reach out to us and inquire about our products and…
There are a lot of answers to the question, “What is the single most important thing I can do to grow my business?” I can think of many answers including;…
I spent today (4 hours) in a client’s office listening to a presentation that would help grow his business. I did not know what to expect and neither did my…
As business owners making decisions is the single most important function that you have. Unfortunately there is very little training available for the decision making process. The following are a…
Big does not have anything to do with the measure of success of a business. Each individual business has to find its own “right size”. A business that is sustainable…
The following information was recommended by one of our members. Small business owners spend a lot of time making sales presentations. The following 5 disqualifiers will help you narrow down…
“Your brand is not built overnight. Success is measured in decades, not years.” The secret to branding success is consistency. Brand building is a slow and hard undertaking. Once you…
“Traction is basically quantitative evidence of customer demand.” Traction is a sign that your company is taking off. I define traction as proof that your marketing efforts are paying off….
Do you believe what you see or do you see what you believe? How do you see your business? This afternoon I participated in a meeting with a new start-up;…
“Seeing the future isn’t so difficult when you’re the one creating it.” I don’t know who first said this, but it really can be a rallying point for a new…
The financial crisis of 2007 – 08 saw a lot of business owners lose their borrowing power from their “bank” the equity in their homes. The drop in value of…
An excerpt from another book I recommend: Get Scrappy by Nick Westergaard. Building a library of quality reference books is an essential part of growing a business. “Your brand blueprint…
Marketing, broken down to its simplest form, has three parts: It first involves finding the right prospective clients for your specific capabilities. Second, it involves reaching the market as efficiently…
Occasionally I get a hard knock on the head; this usually happens when I realize an “Ah Ha” moment from a seminar, a book, a movie or some unexpected other…
Where are your customers? If you can answer that question then that is where you should be. Take a look at your personal and business life; do you spend your…
GUEST BLOGGER & BIZQUACK MEMBER: Lance Hanish – Co-Founding Partner – CNA | SOPHIS – Integrated Marketing Solutions Mobile is now clearly the way forward for small businesses with an online presence….
In a recent article AARP wrote that nearly half of Americans 50 and over have $25,000 or less saved for retirement. Several factors come into play at this point: people…
Working capital has always been an issue for many small business owners. For those businesses that are looking for an infusion of capital under $100,000 consider asking family and friends….
Last week I was invited to attend a peer group session made up of 8 business owners. After a continental breakfast, the 8 members took turns sharing how their businesses…
In the lives of many small business owners emergencies happen. It may be a sudden cash flow crunch or the loss of your best customer. I am sure that these…
There is an often used saying: “I’ll believe it when I see it.” It has become part of our everyday business language. As a small business owner you can’t think…
“The alarm clock goes off. It’s time to get out of bed. This is your first decision of the day. Will you get out of bed or hit the snooze…
Too often the adrenaline in our system takes control of our common sense and we rush to complete a new project without doing the necessary “thinking” as to the details…
Last week I sat in a business meeting with one of my clients. Our guest was there to make a presentation that could possibly have a very beneficial impact on…
Many small business owners jump into verbal agreement with most everyone that is involved in their businesses. That includes suppliers, loans received from friends and relatives, potential partners and strategic…
America’s great successes are not the companies that did what others did, but a little better. They are the companies that decided to do things a whole lot differently. I…
Your employees, your customers, perhaps, even a few of your friends are on your “have to change them” list. Every day, as a small business owner, you work hard at…
Making a memorable, good impression should be a goal whenever you are presenting yourself and your business in an individual or group setting. A popular form of marketing is to…
I love working with small businesses and by encouraging them to create a vision without limits, in time or money, I have the privilege of seeing new ventures blossom. A…
Small business owners cannot stand still. In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace it is imperative that both time and money is budgeted for research into new ideas and to identify new…
Telling someone that you will do something because it appears the right thing to say and then not doing it, will, in the long term, only hurt your business. Honesty…
In his book, The E-Myth Enterprise, Michael E. Gerber identified five necessary skills for small business growth. I want to take this blog to share on those five skills: Concentration:…
Meeting people, either at a networking event, a social event or on a sales presentation, is part of your everyday routine. The important thing is what did you leave behind…
Trade Shows…do they work? Trade shows are a multi-billion-dollar industry for a reason: They work. In the course of a day you can present your product/service to more potential clients…
I had a call this past week from a person who asked if we could provide a basic business planning format that is tried and proven. His interest was to…
“Every Product launch requires strategic planning to make sure messages about a new product reach the right types of consumers, are communicated through the most effective combination of channels, and…
Small business owners constantly lament the fact that they are not productive enough. In the past I have spoken about small business failures being due, to a large part, not…
Accounting, keeping track of income and expenditures is essential for small business growth. I feel that every business that is started should be built on the premise that it will…
It’s not what you do but who you are that will help you achieve success in your small business. First, let’s look at who you are and what components exist…
I not only can’t see you, but I would not know who you are if I did see you. Small business owners have to be the face of their businesses….
When I received the Amazon Echo as a gift, I was so impressed that I share its virtues with everyone I talked to for weeks. In fact, I show off…
How things have changed! When I started my first business I selected a name for the company and that was the extent of my branding effort. Marketing to me was…
As kids we sometimes were told “stop day dreaming and get back to your school work.” As a small business owner, daydreaming, imagining, visualizing or meditation is a good thing….
As a consultant I ask my clients what their most pressing issue is with their business. The relationship between me and a client is one of confidentiality, integrity and objectivity….
Part of growing a business is becoming an active contributor to your community. Your business has to plant roots in a community; you and your business, no matter the stage…
I have always been intrigued by the “fish bowl” lead generation system. You go to any kind of a trade show and every booth has a fish bowl asking you…
Last week I attended a meeting, as a guest, made up of small business owners who were sharing their views on the economy, business in general and also the profile…
Two of the most important words in growing a successful business are Vision and Goals. They are part of the foundation building process that is necessary to keep a business…
Marketing is an integral part of growing a business. I believe that the primary purpose of a marketing effort is to get seen by your target market and to convey…
If you are a small business owner looking for success with your venture, then you must become obsessed with a desire to succeed. What does that mean? It means that…
Many small business start-ups are crowded in between a full time job, a family and even studies at a college or university. A commitment to start a business is one…
It has been said that the best way to learn something is to teach it! In our minds, we know our products and services, but that is the only place…
There are many aspects to marketing, and building a referral base is one of the most important. Let’s take a look at three referral sources: A referral from a…
Whether you are a solopreneur or have employees, focusing on the management of your business is critical to future success. Management in a small business starts with self-management,…
“Sixty-three percent of today’s American twenty-somethings want to start a business. By 2020, there will be an estimated billion entrepreneurs worldwide. Whether it’s the next Facebook, the…
One of the best ways to help your marketing efforts is to become the “go to expert” in your field. By promoting yourself as an expert to your target audience…
From the McKinsey Global Institute: “Theorists suggest that 49%of the activities people are paid to do in the global economy have the potential to be automated.” Self-driving cars will become…
The offense part of this statement is that adrenal rush that small business owners feel when they start their businesses or have some marketing success. Marketing is an important part…
I heard a great quote yesterday at an event for mentors at Arizona State University. It went as follows: A start-up is a temporary organization in search of a repeatable, scalable,…
BizQuack has been carefully designed to provide a system that will help you grow your business. There is, however, one caveat; the system won’t work unless you do. The following…
There are many reasons why a small business fails. The one that is seldom addressed is that of a” lack of trust”. I use another term for “lack of trust”…
This is a new year and with change being the only constant that we will experience in 2017, it makes sense to re-state what your product…
The thought of having to make a Cold Call is one of the greatest fears that many small business owners have. But, sometimes, that is the only way to get…
As the New Year approaches most small business owners are full of enthusiasm and hope. They envision a new beginning with soaring profits and great business growth. All that is…
A sale seldom results during the first sales call. Unfortunately, in many cases, the sales effort stops at that point. In my experience, I found that at least 6 different…
This is the time to enjoy family and friends and a time to count the many blessings we have all received. On behalf of our BizQuack family, we wish you…
In 1973, Peter Drucker advised business leaders to “know the customer so well the product fits them and sells itself.” This may sound like an impossible dream, but in order…
I was recently introduced to the name “Scenario Planning”. The term applies to the “what if” method of business planning. The questions that are asked during this type of planning…
Technologies have outpaced our ability as small business owners to understand them. It’s time to start catching up. A business is opened and for the foreseeable future every effort is…
Many small businesses drop out of existence when the owner is ready to retire. Small businesses have a value and should be “groomed” to be taken over by a…
What is the secret number of “touches” a client should receive to remain loyal? No matter what your product or service is, communications with your good customers/clients is an essential…
So you came up with a great new product or service only to find out that six months after you started your business someone else came up with a similar…
You don’t have all the answers and you must never stop listening and learning from others. There is no such thing as an insignificant person. How many times has someone…
The SWOT term has been frequently used by the small business community without understanding exactly what it means and why it is needed. There are a wide variety of business…
Have to share my pride and a short story about three mentees. Arizona State University has a program for students that allows them to submit a business proposal and if…
In the past several weeks I reached out to several people who I thought might be interested in a new business venture one of my clients is starting. Yes, my…
Every once in a while I have to share this short thought written by Dr. Heartsill Wilson. Enjoy! TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE This…
Make your 2017 marketing plans disruptive! “Doing what you have always done and expecting different results” won’t work anymore. Step out of the “conventional” in how and where you market…
As business owners we have much to be thankful for. We have the privilege of being able to pursue our dreams with the only limitation being our own initiative. We…
Most small business owners know what needs to be done to grow a small business successfully. I believe that there are two parts to growing a business, strategy and execution….
Most small businesses have a common goal, “How do I get my business name out there”? For most, that is an expensive process as well as a major use of…
Doing what you have always done is no longer going to work. Yes, there are a lot of business owners who pride themselves in doing things the old fashioned way….
In a recent article it was stated that 20 percent of the people in the United States have almost 50 percent of the disposable income. In other words, those 20…
Every once in a while it is good to reflect on a tool that each of us has but may not make full use of it. I keep a small…
Working from home is a double-edged sword. On the plus side, the most obvious benefit is a lower overhead. The negative side has to do with discipline: Can you work…
This is one of the often overlooked marketing opportunities. There is no better marketing concept than one that facilitates personal contact between a business owner and his/her clients and prospects. A…
There are several reasons why you are not getting paid what you are worth. The most important is that your customers or prospects, don’t know what you are worth. This…
As your business grows remember why you are doing what you are doing. As a business owner, your why and your values define your point of view, not just on…
When asked the question, “How big is your Company” how do you feel about your answer? People are impressed if you can say” I have 100 employees,” but as small…
I learned an important lesson last week. My wife reminds me that I have a bad habit of interrupting other people when they are talking to me and that afternoon…
The foundation of a business is its record keeping system. Crucial, within the overall accounting system is the tracking of business related expenses. The information obtained from…
Every small business owner needs an answer to the following two questions: 1. What is the cost to get one new customer? 2. What is the approximate income…
Being in “love” with your idea does not mean that venture capital (VC) will easily come your way. There are literally thousands of new ideas put forth every month, and…
The life of a small business owner can be liberating, exhilarating and it requires the exertion of a great amount of energy. Unfortunately it can also be very tiring….
This week I heard a speaker who is a professional “desk organizer”. After the meeting I returned to “my desk” and understood her message. She shared that the only things…
Many years ago I was introduced to AIDA as a model for advertising my business. As simple as it may sound, it is still a basic foundation…
If you sell a product or service, in most instances you are in control of the price that the consumer pays. I was taught that there are four levels of…
A fast growing business can tell you what they do and why they do it and get you excited about it, in just a few words. The “what” is the…
My daughter’s family joined us for ice cream one evening last week. We went to a neighboring ice cream shop (The Baked Bear) . My ten year old grandson was…
In the real world of business, things seldom go according to plan. All the planning in the world does not assure an owner that everything will follow a…
I am reminded of a story I heard many years ago about how good small business leaders are born that way. “Walk into the new baby nursery of any hospital…
In 1987 (almost 30 years ago) Tom Peters wrote in his book Thriving on Chaos “In 1987, and for the foreseeable future, there is no such thing as a “solid”…
“The herd instinct is clear in nature and just as clear in business.” Following the crowd is, unfortunately, human nature: think back to the silver buying frenzy. Silver…
Put profit first, not volume. Your business is your money machine. To grow it, you must increase the amount of money it brings down to the bottom line. The most…
I had the opportunity today to spend an hour with five different small business owners. Using a questionnaire, I asked them to share their story and how they arrived at…
McDonald’ s Ray Kroc said: “the more you sweat, the luckier you get.” Growing a business is not based on luck; it’s based on a mindset of total commitment to…
Can an idea come to a successful fruition if the person has no business experience, no plan, no money and very few acquaintances? I believe that many small business owners…
No more computers – no more verbal communications Our business world is full of disruptions and I may have stumbled across another two. Let me start off with the world…
In 2009 I wrote a book, Turn $1.00 into Thousands. The book evolved from a 20 week course I developed and taught in which I gave each class member…
The “lifetime value of a customer” concept is based on the fact that it is much more cost effective to keep a good customer than to attract a new one….
The word community brings forth pictures of where we grew up, or where we are living now. Communities are formed in our places of worship or with special friends. Living…
To get my business I have to believe in you, to trust you! The key point is that trust must be earned and deserved. You must do something to give…
Too often a small business will close its doors after it has provided its owner with a livelihood. Occasionally a family member will take over and continue the business; once…
The number one responsibility of a leader on the way to creating a great company is to have a clear and shared vision for the company. To that definition we…
Is your company a great company? First, let’s define the attributes of a great company: It generates enough cash flow to be self-sustaining Plays a significant role ln shaping its…
Management and operational systems are a vital part of growing a business. The important thing to realize is that everything in a business starts with the identification of a market…
Customer service has been a term used to stress the importance of meeting a customer’s expectations. I believe that almost every business has that goal in mind. When two businesses…
Today I am going to exercise for an hour, eat healthy meals, get seven hours of sleep and read an educational book for at least a half hour before bedtime….
Realizing the difference between leadership and management will reinvent your business ….. Sooner or later, every business, if it is to grow and become profitable, must come to the realization…
Most successful companies are best known for one particular product or service. Coincidentally, that same product or service is the one that brings in the greatest amount of revenue. As…
You may never know why bad things happen to a business, but giving up isn’t the answer. The thing to do is to deal with what you are given. Coming…
Skill and time, not capital outlays, are the most important ingredients for growing a successful business. From the start and until a business reaches “self-sustainability”, work hours should be ignored….
It’s easy for a business owner to get lulled into a belief that by increasing the marketing efforts more business would come, and all problems will be solved. That type…
Adding a new employee to a small business is a significant happening; it is also an opportunity to re-charge the company. The dynamics of the business has changed, whether it’s…
Amazon was the first to enter the online retail business and established both a brand and a loyal following. Many of the 56,000 plus businesses that open every month in…
To get the most out of our personal and business lives we have to take responsibility for making something happen. We have to ask for action from another person. By…
In a typical small business, work usually fills the majority of a day leaving little or no time for other growth functions such as marketing and “head clearing”. Too many…
The dream of many small business owners is to have a private audience where they can share their personal and business stories and to tell about problems that exist and…
Connecting is an integral part of growing a business. Networking events are held almost every hour of every day and thousands of small business owners attend in hopes of making…
One of the best descriptions I have heard regarding the purpose of free enterprise is as follows: “Free-enterprise capitalism is an extraordinarily powerful system for eliciting, harnessing, and multiplying human…
USA Today, on Sunday, August 8th, had an interesting article on AMAZON. In the mid-1990’s, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, had a vision of creating the biggest store on earth….
Survival is often foremost on the mind of a small business owner. Hiring a first employee or adding a second or third employee, in many cases, is not a well…
No matter how well your business is doing, there is always another level to reach for. Growing a business requires a constant effort to improve, to take the next step….
The 2016 summer Olympics started this week in Rio. Hundreds of athletes from around the world are there with one common thought, “I am going to win.” The very same…
Small business means you are in the people business, and networking is a big part of a marketing program. The key to a successful networking event is not how many…
A recent study by the American College revealed that 40% of small business owners have no retirement. That does not mean the rest of the 60% have enough to retire….
If you have started a small business then you already have one of the secret ingredients necessary for success and that is courage. I call it G.U.T.S. (Gods Undeniable Terrific…
In a recent article, a study said that small businesses that combine an urgency and growth mentality have the best chance for success. In other words, a lack of urgency…
ADAPT OR PARISH – The Mobile Revolution When more people on our planet have access to a mobile phone than have toothbrushes or toilets, then it’s time for small business…
THE PERSONAL VISION In the world of business a vision statement creates a foundation upon which a business grows. In the world of small business a personal vision…
Your business is now open; you have identified your target market and have just finished your website. Social media is next; You Tube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook all have your…
Last week I sat with a client who wanted to review his 2016 plan. In presenting his plan the word I heard the most was “CAN’T”. His direction for 2016…
Success and profitability is still a viable goal in 2016 for most businesses. Our economy is still stumbling along and some pessimists are predicting another recession next year. As I…
Growing a business is not an easy undertaking. There are many times when the task that needs to be done takes us out of our comfort zone. Until a business…
For years the word differentiation was touted as the solution to growth. We were told that if we wanted to achieve business success we had to offer something different. This…
Marketing is one of the most important things that a small business owner has to understand in order to grow a successful business. I want to dispel a very large…
Asset can be classified in many different ways; the most typical is the financial resources that a business has. Others can include a good product or service as well as…
Small business is beautiful, but only if it provides full life benefits for its owner. I don’t know who else uses the full life benefits term or if it is…
As a business owner we have to identify what we have that is of value. Don’t waste time having a “pity party”, lamenting the things that you don’t have. Today,…
First, let’s define a Cash Cow from a business perspective: “The cash cow is the product or service that buoys profits year in, and year out and provides funds so…
Even in a small business there may be multiple revenue streams. Revenue streams are derived from different market segments or they can come as an additional revenue stream from an…
A Target-Centered Marketing Approach fulfills most of the marketing a business needs. It helps retain your current customers; it’s a method of offering additional services to an existing base; it…
Most business plans that I have seen are very similar; in fact, they all appear to have been taken from the same source. “Old fashioned” business planning is out; building…
Return on Investment (ROI) is an important part of a business owner’s success or failure. In this particular case I am addressing the issue of time. Time should be broken…
Stages of growth of a business are an important yet often neglected responsibility of being a business owner. Stages of growth do not occur on a specific time table, they…
I like the old Motorola definition of PRIDE, “Personal Responsibility in Daily Effort.” Many years ago Motorola had pins made up and everyone was caught up in the PRIDE movement….
Next week I will be giving a presentation on the components of a business plan, how they interact, and why it is necessary for every business to have one. A…
Reaching the first million dollars in annual revenue is a major milestone in the life of a business. The emphasis during this initial growth period is focused on marketing: defining…
Every business, no matter what their stage of development, requires some form of a control system. The term control is defined as the process of influencing the behavior of those…
For many businesses cash flow is a major hindrance to achieving the hoped for growth. My first question to a new client is “what is the biggest problem you are…
Doing what you love to do does not necessarily mean that there will be cash rewards. A person may like to volunteer at a local charity, so much so, that…
Don’t have a plan or direction or need to make one? Push the Pause Button! “If I only had the money to…………………my business would be growing and profitable.” Not a…
Don’t re-invent a process every time you want to repeat it. There are a lot of arguments used when I suggest that something has to be systematized. The one I…
This refers to turning a business around before it goes under. I refer it to as “hitting the glass ceiling”; a point where growth is stopped and the result is…
Small businesses are usually started as a one person operation. A business plan is seldom put on paper; it usually is kept in the owner’s mind. An accounting system is…
Recently I attended a meeting during which 10 business hopefuls gave presentations, each hoping to be the recipients of a $10,000 business start-up award. Unfortunately only one person was able…
Hiring a new employee is an important part for business growth. A mistake can have devastating effects on a small business. Unfortunately, there are very few, if any, classes that…
My trustworthy Webster’s dictionary defines ethics as: “The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation.” Today for the first time in years, I…
I walked into Barnes & Noble (my favorite hangout) last week and, as usual, I spent my time looking at business books. I paid particular attention to the large amount…
Profit is the measure for all businesses. A revenue plan is a description of how you will take your business into profitability. A revenue plan has to be simple and…
It’s hard to foresee all the expenses that a small business will face; but there are several that I seldom see addressed. An owner of a small business is the…
In the process of helping a business grow we do an analysis of their procedures which include the following: Office procedures: this includes small items like how a telephone is…
Over the years I have shared hundreds of marketing ideas in this daily blog. My top 15 list varies from time to time. The variation may have to do with…