Archive for April, 2008

Launching your first business is all about being true to your values, not telling the customer what they want to hear. A good friend of mine, Lesley-Ann Trow of Gorgeous Things, took her struggling company and converted it into a healthy business. The amazing part is she didn’t change a thing about the business. All she did was speak the truth about herself and her values. Clients are now flocking to her.  Read more »

Starting your first company is a family affair. If you are married, your spouse’s support is crucial. If you are a young, single first time entrepreneur the support of your parents is critical. Shonika Proctor of Renegade CEOs, a program exclusively for teenage entrepreneurs, has some great tips. But they are not for you; they are for your folks. Have ‘em give this a read:  Read more »

No matter how much I plan, life seems to have no concern for my expectations. Instead she moves life along according to her agenda. Historically, I have responded in two ways: fighting it occasionally and going with it at other times. Now I believe it is time to simply go with it.  Read more »

There are few easier ways to engage a new client than through a highly qualified recommendation. Maybe it is time for you to stop exclusively pursuing clients directly and to start pursuing relationships with trusted advisors.  Read more »

Sales are about genuinely helping and genuinely caring about the prospect. All too often, sales people are focused on crafting the catchy one liner and end up simply getting in the face of their prospects. You must be careful to make sure, whatever you are doing, you do not insult your prospect… even if she is a fat chick AND smells bad.  Read more »

To knock ‘em dead you must deliver something that is completely unexpected. You must wow your prospects so much that their jaws drop open. When everyone is trying to amaze the same audience, your potential prospects come to expect the absolute highest of standards. They expect amazement and your likelihood of success becomes far more challenging.  Read more »

For you to have sustainable growth in your business, you need to provide value to others. We all know that part, but there is more to it. We need to deliver at a level where the client can’t pay it back.  Read more »

Many college entrepreneurs have asked me the question, “What is the best business tip you can give to a new entrepreneur?” My response, time and time again is that you must go with your gut. Your gut is a culmination of all your experience, your genetics and maybe even divine intervention. I would trust that type of input over my brain any day.  Read more »

What people do care about is this: Can you be trusted to deliver on your word? Will you provide a service that is excellent? Will you get the job done right, the first time? If you screw up, will you make it right? You’re in good shape if you can deliver on all these concerns, but you can still kiss your business opportunities good bye if your prospect can’t find you. In this day and age, you need to be out there. Here’s how…  Read more »