83 Ways For Entrepreneurs To Be Successful In 2010

1. Just Do It

Do This In 2010: Focus on the little things.

Exceptional customer service; Being in the execution game and not the excuses game; Listen to the speech listed at my website; Stay focused on WHY you do it; Say THANK YOU to your customers; Refuse to participate in the recession; Do random acts of kindness; Overdeliver; Analyze. Do more of what is working and less of what isn’t; Provide exceptional value; Get people talking.

Thanks To: Scott Lovingood of The Wealth Squad Inc

2. Tribes Win Downlines Fall

Do This In 2010: It’s time to focus on “taking people somewhere”
People who can gather others and show them the future will be seen as leaders and visionaries.
It’s time to put your “smart hat”on and BEcome
organizational architects. Because the culture of the “tribe” experience will be more meaningful to the masses than simply how the young kid scored big & became a millionaire.
No tricks here just good old fashion, basic skills learned with-in a “mind set” club.

Thanks To: JoAnn Donahue of Donahue Development

3. Create, Communicate, Channel

Do This In 2010: Create multiple channels to consistently communicate and sell your brand. Entrepreneurial success is based on people knowing what you are selling and you selling it.
How?
-Network face to face. It still works! Give a talk.

-Include target specific sites in your standard online social marketing (go beyond Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn).

-Use long-tail keywords to SEO your website to show up higher on search engines. Most people don’t go past 2 pages of results.

Thanks To: Kate Nasser of The People-Skills Coach, CAS, Inc.

4. Its Just About People

Do This In 2010: Yes its just about people and what they think about you or your offerings, we started this decade with buzz created on ideation of things like PPC then SEO now social media but as 2010 comes we need to understand that all these things are secondary our first focus should be what are customer,prospects,fans and even employees think about us and what can we do to make these relationships better.
So lets become human and nurture some valuable interactions.

Thanks To: Akash Sharma of Revenue Strategy Solutions Ltd.

5. Passion, Passion, Passion

Do This In 2010: Eat,sleep,breathe what you Love to do…. Aka Passion. It is the fuel for your fire and it often is the one thing that will sustain you through the low points in your business.
Mike Michalowicz opens his book, The TPE, Chapter 1, discussing this very subject. Bill Gates wrote computer language because he loved it and became a billionaire. Warren Buffett started his career doing what he loved and he is still doing it.
Stay focused on your passion and 2010 will take care of itself.

Thanks To: Linda Nagamine of EZ Living Connection

6. Clean House And Start Fresh

Do This In 2010: The best thing you can do, is to make a new years resolution to clean house and get rid of any less then great employees. It’s hard sometimes to fire employees but the best thing you can do to ensure the success of your business going into 2010 is by getting rid of the employees that aren’t completely on board. Entrepreneurs shouldn’t be satisfied with mediocrity and paying for dead weight on staffing costs.

Thanks To: Marc Anderson of TalktoCanada.com

7. Go Public With Your Message

Do This In 2010: When you “go public” you share your message beyond your current clients/customers and you become better known, trusted, and in demand. How to do it? Hone your message, or “your signature ideas,” and discover which ones resonate the most. The more you go public, the clearer and stronger your message becomes. Share your ideas on an ezine or blog (start one now!); post comments on blogs in your niche; go to conferences–and speak up; get on panels, workshops, teleclasses. Repeat, learn, grow.

Thanks To: Janet Goldstein of Janet Goldstein Enterprises

8. Give Them What They Want

Do This In 2010: Check in with your customers and clients to see if their needs have changed over the last year. The worst mistake would be to assume that you can do exactly what you did last year and still be in touch with what your audience needs going forward. By checking in – it not only shows them that you are listening, it also shows that you are interested in solving their problem and not just selling them a service or product.

Thanks To: Tai Goodwin of The Career Makeover Coach

9. Simple Sincerity Says It All!

Do This In 2010: Times are tense and people on high alert. Now is the opportunity to put them at ease by building a solid foundation based on sincerity. Genuine sincerity means having high integrity and truly having your clients best interest at heart. Saying what you mean and meaning what you say. Don’t be the guy who makes promises he can’t keep. In the end, you’ll have a priceless commodity, people’s trust, and you’ll be the one they keep coming back to.

Thanks To: Cory Huddleston of Trendy Lemon

10. Creating A Buzz On A Budget!

Do This In 2010: Creating a buzz about your product or business while on a tight budget is achievable and a very important part of growing your business. It would be nice to have a huge advertising budget but most of us entrepreneurs don’t!! So to do it TPE style, send ready to print articles to newspapers and magazines, if they’re having a slow day they might just use it since it’s easy and ready to go! It makes their life easier and gives your business exposure for free! Getting your brand out there is key!

Thanks To: Kia Roberston of Today I Ate A Rainbow!

11. Be Relentless

Do This In 2010: The most important thing you should focus on to make the New Year as prosperous as possible is to be relentless about setting appointments with potential customers or clients. I learned this from one of my clients, who became a national success in his field just by doing this. Set five appointments a day. Don’t leave the office until you do. It doesn’t matter how near or far in the future you set them, just set them and keep them. Over time, you will succeed.

Thanks To: Susan Bender Phelps of Odyssey Mentoring

12. Incorporate And Adapt

Do This In 2010: There are so many technologies out there today and it’s impossible to know which options will work for your company. Identify the key competencies you need to address to take your product or service to the next level and establish a strategy to integrate that technology into your existing business model.

Thanks To: Derek Peruo of Body By D-Rock

13. Good Vs Bad

Do This In 2010: I believe the biggest, most important thing is to forget about the so called “bad” economy and focus on how “good the economy is. We should focus on what we can accomplish and not on what we can not. Lets think positive. We are all entrepreneurs and we have been through a lot. Lets not let this so called economy get us down. I believe the one trick is to just do what any entrepreneur would do and just do it. Lets make 2010 a banner year and focus on a very Prosperous New Year without any Fear

Thanks To: Sheila A Caruso of AVON / PRIVATE QUARTERS

14. Connect With People

Do This In 2010: Entrepreneurship does not happen in a vacuum. Build your team of advisers and supporters in a mutually beneficial environment.

Thanks To: Joseph Joel Sherman of Business Tribes

15. Be A Visionary!

Do This In 2010: Entrepreneurs need to give people a vision! Many people get swept away by negative thinking and imagined fears of forces stronger than themselves (the economy, the government, etc.) Successful entrepreneurs are leaders who give people hope of a better life and a better world. Entrepreneurs need to have a BIG VISION which they communicate. I have a personal Ideal and Purpose which guides my life, and an Ideal and Purpose for the organization so that we can all cooperate with a common vision.

Thanks To: Laurel Clark of School of Metaphysics

16. Take A Global Breath Daily!

Do This In 2010: This new decade will challenge us to find the global potential in everything we do — even when a project seems to only apply within our immediate four corners.

TPEs need to keep a keen focus on how internet marketing can amplify results. My strategy is two-fold. The first step is learning more and more about global tactics, followed by setting aside time every day to explore how global marketing resources can jump-start everything else on my plate.

Thanks To: Gloria Justice of Gloria Justice Public Relations

17. Give Yourself Away

Do This In 2010: The biggest, most important thing an entrepreneur can do originates from Zig Ziglar’s famous quote, “You can have everything you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”
Giving to others is the best thing you can do.

One trick is to locate a local soup kitchen and give your time and energy once in awhile to give others a hand up.

Thanks To: Michelle Hill of Winning Proof

18. Focus On Yourself

Do This In 2010: Yes. Just focus on yourself. Be more resourceful, creative and loving. If you just focused on developed the wealth within you, the outer wealth will manifest itself automatically and naturally!

Thanks To: Kundan Chhabra of Be Your Own Secret Admirer

19. Who Are You And Why Do I Care?

Do This In 2010: When the topic of your business comes up, what is the first thing that clients think of? What is the first thing they should think of? Sometimes there is many a slip twixt cup and lip. In other words, if your brand exists only in your head, and you are not instilling it into your potentials, then you are missing the boat. Practice your elevator pitch constantly, refining it until your brand is clear, concise and ready to broadcast!

Thanks To: Doula Angelita of Resurgam BirthingWell8899

20. It’s What’s Inside!

Do This In 2010: I truly believe the #1 thing we all need to focus on in 2010 is self improvement. If we don’t improve ourselves from the inside out, our businesses won’t improve and grow either. Listen to audios, read books, surround yourself with like-minded POSITIVE people! The end result will be a happier disposition and a great attitude that can handle anything that comes our way. Happy New Year…here’s to the best year yet!!!

Thanks To: Jocelyn Wiebe of AmeriPlan

21. Time To Get Involved…

Do This In 2010: Get Active (politically) For many years business owners and managers have been able to worry about their business and let the world of politics take care of its self. This is no longer the case. Our political culture has been corrupted to where business owners and leaders are vilified. We have to take an active roll in monitoring our politicians and speaking up when needed.

Thanks To: Carl Forsell of Connections Planet

22. The Business Of Being Yourself

Do This In 2010: Learn how to turn WHO YOU ARE into WHAT YOU DO. Authenticity is important and building a business that reflects your values and passions will reek of sincerity.

Also, if your business is all about your favorite subject (YOU) you’ll never lose your commitment. You will easily celebrate the great times and press forward in the tuff times.

There’s only one YOU. Now let the world know!

Thanks To: Dave Charbonneau of SelfEnterpriser.com

23. Get Social..

Do This In 2010: ..and don’t wait until the later part of 2010! If you do not have a social networking page for your business or website, you MUST make it a top priority. Put it in your 2010 Q1 Quarterly Plan right now!

(And make sure you give it a big fat GREEN circle at the end of the Quarter!)

Thanks To: Lance Isaksen of GiftTrekit.com

24. It’s Time To Celebrate!

Do This In 2010: 2009 was an absolute bear in many ways. It was difficult enough just to stay in business, much less thrive and grow. Keeping a positive attitude and outlook took everything one could muster and some areas of the economy may still lag for a while. BUT I firmly believe the time for celebration has come–it’s time to dance in the streets–we made it. Growth will start out slow in the first quarter of the year; but growth will come. By next summer, this economic downturn will be history! Hang on!!!

Thanks To: Sandy Wheeler of Sandy Wheeler Travel

25. Be Flexible, Change Is Okay!

Do This In 2010: The best way to maintain flexibility and embrace change is to plan for it, to understand it will happen and be willing to embrace it. Some of the most amazing businesses have evolved because of re-invention. Put your goals in pencil so you can modify them and surround yourself with like minded people to encourage you to keep moving forward. Don’t be the one who quit just before it happened, whatever your it is.

Thanks To: Robin Hardy of Marketing, Media & Production Asst

26. Websites!

Do This In 2010: I can’t stress enough how important it is for your products to be on your website so people know what you’re selling. It’s not enough to simply have your business location and hours of operations on your site; having images/descriptions of your products online helps to presell your items before they even come to your location.

Thanks To: Cadence Macmichael of Pretty Things Boutique

27. Be A Bookworm

Do This In 2010: My resolution for 2010 is to read one business book each month. I am a big believer in learning from others and feel it is important to keep the knowledge from others coming in. Equally important is to implement the new things learned in those books! I am currently reading The E Myth Revisited at the suggestion of several others in business and it is great! Of course the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur is a good one to start with if you haven’t read that one either;)!

Thanks To: Heather Ledeboer of Mom 4 Life

28. Credit Risk In 2010

Do This In 2010: In my opinion and based on my experience in the business world I believe that the most important thing any entrepreneur should be focusing on in 2010 to make it as prosperous as possible for their business is to have a credit policy, payment terms and a credit manager or someone to enforce that policy and those terms as well as to check credit on new customers to help limit that businesses credit risk moving forward.

Thanks To: Michelle Dunn of Michelle Dunn, writer

29. Gain Marketing Profit

Do This In 2010: Most entrepreneurs don’t have enough customers. They often spend themselves into ruin trying to get some more. I suggest instead that you aim to make all of your marketing immediately profitable by choosing low-cost distribution methods that provide an income. Rather than spend a fortune on a new product video, create a “home-made” one that’s filled with humor and human interest. Put it up on YouTube with a link to a blog with fascinating related material where you carry advertising.

Thanks To: Donald Mitchell of The 400 Year Project

30. Head + Heart = Success!

Do This In 2010: Service! Passion, purpose, perspective are only a few of the elements necessary to create prosperity. What is it that you have no one else can replicate? There must be a foundational awareness of your own skills, abilities, and desires in order to connect with clients in a way which insures their satisfaction with your unique offering.

When you listen with your heart acting with logic and inspiration you will not only succeed you will lead the way!

Thanks To: Judith Lukomski of Transitions Today Inc.

31. Plan And Execute

Do This In 2010: To be highly successful in 2010 (can’t believe we are already at the next decade), entrepreneur’s need to make clear and simple business/marketing plans that guide how to allocate precious resources in the new year. Someone once told me this simple piece of advice: If you don’t plan, you are planning to fail! Wishing you a Great Holiday Season and a Happy and prosperous New Year!

Thanks To: Denise LaBuda of Money Wizdom

32. One Thing You Should Know!

Do This In 2010: Visibility! Every company both large and small must put an effort in being visible via social media, word of mouth marketing and networking. Join organizations that either share your ideal client or are apart of your industry. Embrace both free and outsourced means of pr and marketing.

Thanks To: Zanade Mann of Online & Off Marketing and PR

33. What, Me Worry?

Do This In 2010: Most people resolve to do more of something in the new year. Instead, resolve to spend LESS time worrying about external factors you have little or no influence on (e.g. – the general state of the economy).

Worry saps both energy and creativity. Resolve to take in less discouraging news, and spend more time on activities that actually move your business forward. Check your e-mail and surf the web less frequently during work hours, and you’ll be well on your way.

Thanks To: Scott Swanay of Fantasy Football Sherpa

34. Be A Winner – Take Action!

Do This In 2010: There is danger in acting without thinking, but there is greater danger in over-thinking, over-planning, over-considering an idea from every conceivable angle. Forget all that and just do it. Winners take action again and again and again, and while they may fail from time to time, they are constantly learning from their mistakes. They are moving the ball down the field while the planners are sitting on the sidelines. Be a doer not a planner and success will inevitably follow.

Thanks To: Phil Morley of News Release Pro

35. Constant & Consistent Blitz

Do This In 2010: Promote your business constantly and consistently. Determine your brand and all that you will utilize to illustrate it. Then share it repeatedly. Position your business in front of your target market at least 3 times a week. Utilize the variety of techniques available: internet press releases, social media sites, traditional media, newsletters, personal notes, emails, Meetup groups, Networking events, seminars, conferences & conventions. Work it, work it, work it! Make It Happen!

Thanks To: Dale Little of Business Strategist

36. Propel With Project Management

Do This In 2010: It’s easy to get personally involved in every aspect of your business, which will make it difficult to focus on important growth aspects and business development. Step back and have key players on your team take on more leadership. Make sure that your company dynamics involve team leaders reporting to you and not you managing them. The result will be greater company productivity and it will free up your time to forge new relationships, partnerships and develop areas of growth.

Thanks To: Mary White of BnBFinder.com

37. Spread The Wealth

Do This In 2010: Not necessarily your monetary wealth, but value in general. Share your knowledge, insights, and ideas with as many people as possible. Online works, but in person is better. Don’t be too afraid of someone stealing your idea. In the old school of commoditized products, this can be a risk, but in the experience economy, your personal value is not as easily copied. The net benefit is a greater network of people who know you and your value, along with improving your ability to sell without selling.

Thanks To: Jason Burke of PM Underground

38. Get Connected!

Do This In 2010: In 2010, social media will continue to evolve and connection will be more important than simply being in the game. Relationships will be the leverage necessary to go to the next level in 2010. Network and stay connected to the people in your network. Build relationships & create partnerships.

Thanks To: Lisa Nicole Bell of Inspired Girls

39. Back End Helps The Front

Do This In 2010: There is so much hidden money in business that when added up it can lead to a staggering amount. Look at your business to see where it’s hiding (the back end) by offering more for your products and services. What else can I offer you ask? How about subscription news letters, upgrades to better services, bundles; anything that is appealing to your customers. Make sure it is unique and simply irresistible. This will set you apart from everyone else and establish you as an authority in your niche.

Thanks To: Edwin Soler of Libreria Berea

40. Blog Blog Blog

Do This In 2010: Everybody is trying to get on the first page of Google.SEO opens the door to the first page but what gets you thru the door? Blogs are it,for now anyway,either attached to your website or create your website in Wordpress.Once you have your Blog update it at least every two days and make sure your key words(what you have decided people will search to find you – choose carefully)are repeated in it,especially in the first and last paragraph.Google loves content rich frequently updated blogs.

Thanks To: Anna Eves of DigiPix.Us

41. Knowledge Is Power

Do This In 2010: To remain the go to expert- education is the key for your prosperity. You need to stand out in the noisy competitive crowd of 2010. Learn about new trends, products, ideas, modalities that can help you to offer top of the line service to your customers. It’s easy, workshops,online & offline classes, coaches & info access 24/7 via internet. Wow your clients with your knowledge & expertise & they’ll keep coming back to you. Educate, over deliver and make 2010 your best yr ever. Knowledge is power.

Thanks To: Adalia John of Circle of Enlightenment

42. Write A One Page Business Plan

Do This In 2010: 2010 success depends on a “Strategic Plan” and the accountability to it. Businesses that will outpace the competition in 2010 have the following:
1. A specific plan on how to achieve top business results
2. A clear vision for the business that energizes everyone on your team
3. A set of strategies that define how you are going to grow your business this year
4. A set of goals that will help you lead your team to greater heights going forward

Thanks To: Cindy Hartigan of Spectra Learning Group

43. Clarify Your Value Proposition

Do This In 2010: Take a fresh look at your value proposition from your customers’ standpoint. What are you doing that’s better, (or faster, or cheaper, or whatever the case may be) that differentiates your product or service from your competitors? Clarifying this difference could make a significant impact on your business in 2010. Although there are many ways to accomplish this, a strong, easy-to-understand performance guarantee could quickly convey your competitive advantage, and build trust in your offer.

Thanks To: Stephen Antisdel of Precept Partners, LLC

44. Hear No More Often

Do This In 2010: Many entrepreneurs, seeking SUCCESS, (the YESES) simultaneously do everything within their power to avoid “failure” (hearing NO) ~ ironically that is a recipe that ensures mediocre performance! Intentionally increasing the number of times people say NO to you is the ultimate strategy for achieving breakthrough results. So in 2010, if you go out of your way to increase the number of NOs you hear, the YESES will show up at your door in greater quantities than you ever could have imagined!

Thanks To: Andrea Waltz of Go for No!

45. Chase Your Dreams!

Do This In 2010: Chase your dreams! Six years ago I was given 6 months to live. They said the cancer was terminal. My children were 12 & 16 at the time. When the dust settled and the mistake was discovered, I decided to chase my dreams. First I wrote a book (Pug At The Beach, An island dog’s reflections on life), then I moved to a little latitude beach. Life is too short to do anything but chase your dreams!

Pug At The Beach ~ Part Dalai Lama, part Jimmy Buffett, and a whole lotta fun!

Thanks To: Diana Taylor of Pug At The Beach

46. Networthing Via Networking

Do This In 2010: Promise yourself–nay, promise Michael–that you’ll make at least one valid networking overture each week–something designed to increase your net worth. Consider things you’ve never done before–the informational interview that might lead to a new client, the article you write in the hopes of getting your name “out there,” the
radio interview you give so win-win outcomes can occur. Keep a log of your efforts so a year from now you can say, “Promise(s) kept.”

Thanks To: Marlene Caroselli of Principled Persuasion

47. Use Cause Marketing!

Do This In 2010: Make 2010 the year to connect with your customers heart’s and wallets! Cause Marketing can help businesses create real value in their communities while growing their businesses quickly. Large companies have been using Cause Inspired Marketing for generations- it’s time for smaller businesses to reap the benefits too!

Thanks To: Kathy Mason of Mason Works, LLC

48. Relationships Are Key.

Do This In 2010: The most important thing an entrepreneur should focus on is nurturing relationships with the people that she interacts with – from the first contact with a potential customer all the way to high-end clients. This includes interactions with affiliates, your virtual team of helpers, vendors, and of course, peers. The one key is to ask yourself in all that you do “Is this something that I would appreciate receiving?” If so, you are on the right track and will certainly see an increase in profit.

Thanks To: Nicole Dean of Online Business Marketing Success

49. Delegate To Control Your Time

Do This In 2010: It’s easy to confuse control with responsibility. When we own a project, we take responsibility for the results. Because we know how to do it, we assume we should just do it. If you need more time, delegation becomes a powerful ally to master. And you get more done.
Delegate: paper(sorting mail, bills, invoices, distribution); anything routine(meeting agenda, standard proposals, travel arrangements, bookkeeping); and anything done by a consistent process(presentations, reports).

Thanks To: Kerri Salls of Solopreneur Blueprint

50. Differentiate In 2010

Do This In 2010: To prosper next year, add value to your client/customer relationships, by delivering quality products and services. Differentiate and customize your solutions to meet your customer’s needs. Use your technology to understand your customer’s needs and how your products/services can add value, solve a problem, increase productivity, improve quality, and lower costs. Differentiate, add value and customize to improve your customer/client relationships.

Thanks To: Janet Boulter of Center Consulting Group

51. Don’t Give Up

Do This In 2010: There are many things in life that can get us off track as entrepreneurs…things like the unimportant, listening to naysayers, slow times or the recession blues, but we cannot give up if we believe in what we are doing. We need to prioritize, surround ourselves with people who believe in what we are doing and with those who are more experienced and knowledgeable in our weak areas so we can capitalize on our strengths. Read books, magazines and attend entrepreneur conferences that will spur us on.

Thanks To: Theresa J. Gould of RobnT Business Solutions

52. Get Clear On Winning!

Do This In 2010: Get clear on winning. Define it in ways that matter to yourself and your team. Get it up in front of you and keep it visible throughout the year. Make sure your time and energy is focused on achieving the goals and not diffused on all the other things clamoring for your attention. Get others engaged in the winning journey with you. Tell them about it and keep them inspired by sharing progress.

Thanks To: Holly G. Green of The Human Factor, Inc.

53. Being Visible & Being Human

Do This In 2010: Mobile grows the social media platforms consolidate and we all must get out from our keyboards and squeeze the flesh… so we’re investing resources in building sites that are mobile friendly and we’re positioning ourselves in the online and offline worlds…

Thanks To: Jerry Pollio of CMT Creative Marketing

54. 6 Tips For Success

Do This In 2010: 1. Never ever give up, stop reading all the doom and gloom, read the news for opportunities they are all around you.
2. SHOW UP, where are your prospects SHOWING UP?
3. SPEAK UP, what is it you need, share that with others.
4. FOLLOW UP, it is in the follow up that you develop the relationships in order to build client trust.
5. SELLING UP When the stage has been set successfully on the above, selling up becomes a natural process.
6. Help others to succeed as its not only about YOU.

Thanks To: Robbie Motter of Robbie MotterdbaContacts Unlimited

55. Be Maniacal About Value

Do This In 2010: I tell entrepreneurs and small business owners there is really only one thing to be obsessed with: providing value to your customers. How do you know when you’ve done this and what the value is? 1) You ask them, 2) they come back for more, and 3) they refer you to others without you asking (but don’t let that stop you from asking). Have a maniacal focus on providing your customers value and 2010 will be a great year!

Thanks To: Julie Lenzer Kirk of Path Forward International

56. Forget Networking!!!

Do This In 2010: Forget Networking? Sounds Proposterous! Right? Well… it’s not; not if you focus on CONNECTING instead! Connecting means focusing on people well enough to know what they care about and how you can add-value for them FIRST… before you try and do business with them. Connecting is about building relationships based on trust and loyalty. There is a HUGE difference between networking and connecting… HUGE! Connecting pays dividends… networking can simply burn alot of cycles.

Thanks To: Kimberlee Hayward of Brilliant Marketing!

57. Tomorrow’s Leaders

Do This In 2010: Entrepreneur must learn how to harness the power of social media. No exception. Hundreds of millions of people are on Facebook and Twitter. It takes years just to meet 1,000 in person and at great expense. Learn to attract prospects by offering samples of your wisdom. By my doing so, I made worldwide connections. I was asked to contribute to books of known authors, was featured on an Australian motivational site, and am speaking at an international conference. Learn Social Media now!

Thanks To: Elinor Stutz of Smooth Sale, LLC

58. Be Ready To Catch The Wave!

Do This In 2010: In 2010, entrepreneurs need to be prepared to catch the inevitable upswing (or “wave”) in business in this cyclical economy. The only way to be in position to catch the wave, of course, is to get out there and swim with a sharks a little bit. If you are out networking and mixing it up in the marketplace, you will be more in tune to things and better able to capitalize on the next sconomic boom. It is coming!

Thanks To: JR Rodrigues of Job Hunt Express

59. Clarity Is The Answer!

Do This In 2010: I share it with my clients this way,Think of yourself at the fork in a road. You look down one path and its foggy and you can barely see much of anything. The sign says that it can take you there but it sure isn’t clear. The second path choice is totally clear, in fact, you can see exactly how you are going to get from where you are to where you want to go. The name of the road of the second choice is called Planning. Sure, you may have some unexpected obstacles but the journey will be grand

Thanks To: Cheri Ruskus of Business Victories/Victory Circles

60. Alliances And Mentors

Do This In 2010: Over the past month or so I’ve reached out to a couple of seasoned entrepreneurs to ask, kindly, if I could,for their guidance {opinion} in the their own area of expertise. I’ve been flying for solo for so long that I’ve forgotten that when I/we bring the right (kind of) people to the table the ideas are limitless.

I hope to keep this momentum of consulting with my mentors into the new year as I am currently creating a NEW company and have an anticipated launch of late Spring 2010.

Thanks To: Joann Sondy of Creative Aces Corp.

61. Keep It Simple Stupid

Do This In 2010: It’s as easy as this. In 2010… Become World Class. Full stop. The end.

Thanks To: Marie O’Riordan of Hitbroadcasting

62. Be Real

Do This In 2010: Living your passion is one thing to do but you must remain real. Keep the question in mind “how can I serve”? Be personable and approachable.
Answer as much of your email as you can…. you know, questions or problem solving per individual basis. Let your clients and customers feel your gratitude and appreciation that they chose you and not another option. They will come back for more.

Thanks To: Carolyn Bartz of LIVING YOUR PASSION

63. Contact With Useful Info

Do This In 2010: Stay in contact with your customers providing useful, accurate and relevant information that makes you a trusted resource. Reach people how they want to be reached. Do not over-sell, though, in what you say or how often you do it. Make yourself available for when they need you.
We make packaging machines but we talk to our market about issues of sustainability and green packaging that are relevant to their operations and their customers.

Thanks To: Kate Putnam of Package Machinery Co Inc

64. Be Social!!!

Do This In 2010: Networking is integral to expanding your business. Since I began really focusing on networking in groups where there was a good target audience for me, I have seen an increase in my business this year. I know that if I keep this up and continue to build good networking and referral relationships, my business can only keep growing in 2010. When you network remember to be active in whatever group you decide to join. The more visibility you have the more people will remember you and what you do

Thanks To: Lisa Chalker of Family Affair Distributing Inc.

65. Never Forget Your Dream.

Do This In 2010: If money and time was no object, what would you do? What would you want? Starting out on my own without a job to support me it was very hard at times to keep my “dream” alive. The day to day struggles can be very taxing and you want to give up the fight. You have to keep a positive expectancy by creating a “I can do this” attitude. Never forget why you are trying so hard or have no friends left. It’s worth it in the end to look back and say “I did it!” My dream is alive!

Thanks To: Mardena Crimaldi of M and M Enterprises

66. One Important Thing: 3 Words

Do This In 2010: Be other focused. Business is about customers, it’s about employees, it’s about getting your product or service in the hands of people who can have their problems solved or their desire fulfilled. From a marketing perspective that means listen to customers, then you don’t have to sell because they’ll buy. For employees, it can be creating an environment that motivates them to their work and unique work style. Be other focused and then your business will take hold and flourish in 2010.

Thanks To: Patricia Weber of Business Coach for Introverts

67. Ready For Anything

Do This In 2010: With all the negatives in the economy, there are still opportunities all around. My approach is “ready for anything.”

When an opportunity presents itself, those who can take advantage of it are those who prepared before the opportunity appeared. This pre-preparation, if you will, takes discipline, organization, and planning. And it takes the willingness to take action even when there is no urgency.

Thanks To: Alison Moore Smith of Wn with 1 – Be a Blogger in 1 Week

68. Find Prosperity In Giving

Do This In 2010: Ways to Give – and find prosperity!
1. You can always give money. But what does it mean to give a piece of yourself?
2. Time/expertise. I was on craigslist and a very high-end chef was offering to share her knowledge in the kitchen as a Christmas gift! What do YOU have to share?
3. Inspiration. Sometimes, sharing a story or lending a compassionate ear goes a long way.

Thanks To: Analea De La Fuente of Blanket A Child In Love

69. Have A Plan!

Do This In 2010: To be successful in ANY aspect of your life, not just business…you must have a PLAN! DEFINE your goals, DEFINE what steps need to be taken to reach stated goals and then TAKE ACTION! You don’t start a road trip w/out mapping out your journey, why would you do anything less for your business journey? Be PROACTIVE not REACTIVE! Happy 2010!

Thanks To: DeAnna Radaj of Bante Design LLC

70. Trust Building Relationships

Do This In 2010: Relationships will always be the key to building a successful business, because they help us establish trust with customers. Facebook & Twitter are good sources to foster growth of trust in these relationships, because it allows us to connect with current, and possible new customers. This will produce a Buzz about your business.

Thanks To: Tracy Wright of Executees, Inc.

71. “outside Of The Box”

Do This In 2010: Work ON your business, not IN it. This can seem easy for those who are extroverted, but not all of us are. Try to do something that generates new energy everyday..reach out to someone new, start writing a journal, volunteer, travel, speak at a conference, contribute to an article, meet with a new CPA, start a blog. Open yourself to new ideas.

Thanks To: Nichole Wright of Bon Vivant Events & Fundraising LLC

72. Focus On Mastery

Do This In 2010: In 2010, take what you know and “know” it even better! Take your niche and go a mile deep with it. Reach out and connect with like minded-colleagues and deepen your education around what you already know. Put your knowledge out there for the benefit of others. Write blog posts, an ebook, or a book. Host a teleseminar or live workshop. Become a thought leader in your niche. Be the standout guy or gal you were meant to be and you’ll experience prosperity! It all starts with mastery.

Thanks To: Tara Kachaturoff of Michigan Entrepreneur TV

73. To Be Is Up To Me

Do This In 2010: You are the greatest source for business success in 2010. Learn what your talents truly are and then wrap those talents tightly around your written goals and plans. Stop focusing on your weaknesses and non-talents. Channel all your energy into those talents allowing you to achieve your predetermined goals & don’t forget your dreams as well. Think everyday – If success is to be, it is up to me!

Thanks To: Leanne Hoagland-Smith of ADVANCED SYSTEMS

74. Get Help

Do This In 2010: You set your goals for 2010 and surprise you don’t have all the answers even working 24/7! Whether you hire a consultant to keep you accountable or assistants to help with day to day operations, get help. Nobody is an expert in all areas. Hire the support team you need so you can focus on your expertise, your business.

Thanks To: Harriet Cohen of Training Solutions

75. Focus On Effective Marketing!

Do This In 2010: The most important thing any entrepreneur can focus on in 2010 is effective marketing. The world of sales/marketing/advertising has been turned upside down, and successful business owners are taking the time to learn new techniques and strategies to make sure their businesses succeed in the new paradigm. The best thing anyone can do is to continually educate themselves on new methodologies, refine their market awareness, hone in on a great message and then promote, promote, promote!

Thanks To: Payson Cooper of Payson & Co., LLC

76. Lean And Mean

Do This In 2010: Even if the economy begins a modest recovery, 2010 will continue the trend of people spending less and only buying essentials. So bottom line, going into the new year, you have to first of all survive yourself and to do that you need to get rid of excess overhead and non-essential purchases. But just as importantly, you have to come up with new and creative ways to give your customers a reason to buy from you. To sit back and do nothing unique and innovative is never the right move.

Thanks To: Craig Wolfe of CelebriDucks

77. Collect Then Save

Do This In 2010: One thing I have noticed that is important is cash flow and a business savings! Yes, the obvious, but for me it’s so hard! If you don’t have cash flow or an emergency fund, you can go down quick. I have learned to collect from clients, put most in the checking, then a percentage into savings. Also, HAVE FUN… BE HAPPY….. TO BE PROSPEROUS!

Thanks To: Susan Vernicek of S&J Identity – Identity Magazine

78. Stand Tall

Do This In 2010: The one thing I would suggest for 2010 is to face your fears head on.You must decide that nothing will hold you back from your dreams including all the naysayers,the negative news,the gloom and doom about the economy…blah blah blah NOTHING!!!! Trust your gut and believe in your dream. Keep your shoulders up and stand tall!!!!

Thanks To: John Gonzalez of King Catering

79. Focus On What You Do Best

Do This In 2010: There are so many possibilities and only so much time in the day. On top of that, your competitors are waiting to eat you alive.

Your only hope is to find what you do best – sell it, focus on it, do it. Better than anyone else. You will be getting the most out of your efforts. You will be making the most impact possible. People will hear the stories. Business will boom!

Don’t know what it is? Buy the Toilet Paper Entrprenuer on amazon and discover it!

Thanks To: Lawrence Polsky of PeopleNRG

80. Take The Opportunities

Do This In 2010: 2010 is the year of seizing the opportunity. If you have managed to keep afloat and stablized your business, the next year will present some great opportunities at much lower costs than typical.

Ad spend, PR, equiptment, space, etc. all will be more accessible. The trick is to stay aware and be diligent and observant.

Much Success!

Thanks To: Frank Natoli of Natoli-Lapin, LLC

81. Focus, Grasshopper

Do This In 2010: Stay focused. Use a vision board, a map, a business plan, whatever works for you, but keep your eye on the goal. Anything you do should be something which will advance you toward that goal. No focused goal, no focused results.

Thanks To: Barbara Hranilovich of Hranilovich Illustration/BARBCO

82. Feng-shui For Prosperity

Do This In 2010: Entrepreneurs need to remember that “If everything is important, then NOTHING is important” De-clutter your days to have creative time and MAKE SPACE to have success. Being “all over the place” is a very typical entrepreneurial trait. It is good to think about everything, but be sure you have the space and time to work ON your business, not just in it! Feng-Shui for Professional Prosperity!

Thanks To: Lorrie Thomas of Web Marketing Therapy

83. Don’t Leave The Restaurant!

Do This In 2010: Never give up on your dreams. You don’t have to know the how, but focus on the why. Don’t set limits and reach for the sky. Do positive affirmations morning and evening, and you will see your thoughts transform into things. You can manifest your desires by focusing on the things that you want. And remember, don’t give up because it takes a while for the universe to prepare the meal that you’ve ordered, but know that it is in the oven back there so make sure you don’t leave the restaurant!

Thanks To: Sally Shields of The Daughter-in-Law Rules