Tips by Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs

For consultants and those providing services, one tip to continue growing this year is to let go of the big picture for new clients and be OKAY with piece meal work. Very little prospects have the time or energy these days to go through extensive processes that take multiple aspects of a business into account, especially in marketing. Clients just want something done fast, inexpensively and NOW. Learn how to effectively piece meal projects and you'll eat well for the year.

If you want growth, change or stability, design your future. Carefully lay out what you want, how you're going to get it, what you're willing to put into, and how you measure success long before it happens (predictive measures). Planning ain't what it used to be. Don't get a plan, rather start planning and designing your future today.

At the end of December, something happened: Business owners started going into action again, taking on new opportunities, talking to vendors, hiring coaches and consultants again. They were starving for ideas and inspiration.

You can only go so long being in a paralyzed state, fearful of doing anything in your business, before you realize that doing nothing is doing something - the wrong thing!

I believe we're in revival mode & see a wealth of new possibilities opening up.

U.S. Companies are learning to be more pliable and flexible. This will allow us to cushion the impact of business change. Using Project Management Professionals and Business Consultants to address change management issues can be a plus. It will not only help to keep a comprehensive, open-minded view of our business but will help us to think outside the box and remain in touch with realty.

Optmistic people are more successful and happier. We can choose to be more optimistic by following the TUF strategy in business:
1) T=Temporary:We should believe that the events of the past years were temporary and good times are around the corner.
2) U=Unique: We click with some clients and others we do not.
3) F=Flexible: By being flexible in our strategies, we believe success is within our control.
Ultimately, when you follow the TUF principle, you will believe success is in your future.

This quarter was far from stellar. Business was slow and the curious did not always convert to customers. I took this slow time to refocus on my service and my ideal customers. This brought me opportunity for the third and fourth quarters to open to entirely new customers. This will help us make our year.

It's a tough year for some. No question. However, there are opportunities, you just need to find them. Fortunately for you, finding them does not cost money, only time and prioritization. In other words good old fashion hard work matched with smart work. In today's environment, being smart means that you need to be persistent and consistent. It also means that you need to know how to use tools like Facebook, Linked In and Twitter. They are fast approaching connections with a billion people.

In most relationships, we think about Win-Win. But for now, think about They Win. Think about what a potential client needs, not what you need. This is hard. You care about your business, and want to build it. Yet in this economic time, relationships are built slower. Start with them. Cultivate that long-term relationship. Find out what's important to them. If you can help, do it. Even if it isn't entirely related to your business. Prove your value. In the long-run, it will come back to you.

I keep hearing people talking about how bad the economy is. March 2010 was the BEST month my business has ever seen. My tip: Turn off the TV, don't allow yourself to get distracted by the gloom and doom of the media. Stay focused on growing your business and you will be surprised. I have not really noticed a recession in my business and based on 1st quarter number I am on track to double my business this year.

Rather than using credit cards and bank loans, run your business lean and mean. Doing so takes advance planning, so start now. Make sure you can run your business without depending on others to get your through. Bootstrap whenever possible.

The more your business depends on those things within your control — and less on things out of your control — the more likely you are to survive whatever crazy stuff comes our way. Then hang on!

2010 will be all about BRAND. As we creep into recovery and consumers decide where to spend those precious dollars, you must be able to stand out. Have advertising money to spend? Want to use the wonders of social media? Need clients? Clarify your brand. Ask those probing questions. Start with "Why would someone chose me over my competitors?" If you don't know how to boil down your brand get with a business coach or mentor. It will be time and resources well spent.

I've observed that the most successful businesses in Q1 2010 have been those that have not been content with the status quo as far as their product offerings and serving their customers. Instead, the most successful ones are those that have kept looking for ways to add value to current customers or clients, however small.

In tandem, they've gotten more strategic about seeking referrals, so they can boost referral and repeat business. Finally, they "fire" lowest-return customers.

Met a man from Mexico who didn't speak English until 2nd grade, but built a million dollar log cabin: making his own pullies by hand & all! Yet, because of another merchant's opinion there he sat on a virtual gold mind of creative ideas and raw talent. Underneath it was F.E.A.R. Translated fear simply means false evidence appearing real. But before my husband and I left he had action steps, accountability, completion dates and hope. So who's holding you accountable?

Everyone knows about Seth Godin's challenge to Be Remarkable, and it's important for small businesses to do so! Be Remarkable in your core competencies. Try not to do too much of everything and just be really amazing at the things you want your customers to remember you by. If you're not memorable, you're really not worth it.

Recent economic occurrences left a lot of talented workers unemployed. With things bouncing back, lots of workers are going to come in at a slightly more junior level salary than they previously commanded and this presents an opportunity for businesses to bring on this talent.
LEVERAGE THIS! To continue to grow this year, create the appropriate resources in your business to deal with new candidates as you attract the same. This includes recruiting, retention and matching reward to performance.

As the economy rebounds pay particular attention to those customers whose spending increases most quickly. Spend some time with them asking "Which of your customers are returning most quickly. What's driving their business? How is that market evolving (changing)?" These questions will help you to position yourself for market leadership. And, as we all know, market leaders get to choose whatever price they want. That's how you accelerate your way to a healthy recovery.

Business activity among entrepreneurs has mirrored the seasons. In December, we were in a deep freeze; sales were sluggish. In January, we hibernated; as business recovered from a tough 2009. In February, we dared to look forward to a better 2010. In March, we saw thawing weather; and reconsidered the commitment to sales/ marketing. In April, we are seeing those plans being implemented to serve clients even better in 2010.
For 2010: Begin with the end in mind. Plan your work, work your plan.

They're back! Retailers are starting to get their customers back, so they're starting to place orders.
For product-based businesses: reach out to your past customers (especially those who haven't ordered in a long time). Tell them about any new products you have, encourage them to place orders with you again.
This works for service businesses as well, though they won't be placing orders.
Don't be afraid they'll say no. If they do, ask why. Try to help them out as much as possible.

There are definitely signs the economy is starting to turn the corner, and sharing that optimism with your clients and colleagues is infectious. One important lesson that has come out of this economic climate is to focus on optimism, and use this time to review and evaluate new opportunities to re-build and re-brand one's company, services and products. Cultivating the environment and planting the right seeds now is the way to bring about a nice crop that is marketable down the road.

Continue to expand your knowledge-through books, digital resources, webinars, meetings and hearing speakers with expertise. Then remember to take the most important data and apply it in your business or work!

Folks are crawling out of their bunkers. All our private school silent auction offers for a half day of interior design consultation we did for the past 2 years were redeemed on the same day last week. The people redeeming the offers matched the lifestyle profiles of our more successful client relationships. They are now all paying clients! WKD advises, know the lifestyle profile of your clients. Market only to them. Bag the spray and pray mentality.

The thing I've noticed is that social media really is a fantastic tool for building business relationships. Going forward, I highly recommend using social media to create new joint ventures, to attract new clients and to provide value to future clients. It's easy, it's fun and it can provide business-building results in a short period of time.

There's no secret..the business is based on numbers. We're marketing people so we deliver results based on our expertise. We expect business to look at projects that have been placed on hold because they sense their clients are ready to spend.

From what I can tell in 1st qtr 2010, potential customers are tentative about any spending they deem as unnecessary. Having said that, customers are paying for services and products that they view as necessary and can be easily justified.

Our job then becomes;
- To remove as many road blocks/questions in their minds as possible
- To show value and deliver quality
- To solve our customers' problems well
- To target our ideal clients with messages and solutions

If you're not reinventing yourself during this economic crisis then you're really missing the boat! Business as usual can mean no business at all. Even if there's change involved you have to take ownership and believe in your ability to make change successfully. Be patient and be prepared for emotions. Change takes time so accept it will be difficult. Don't let distractions divert your path, and remember change is never ending. The end of a business is just that, The End!

Everyone knows that in a tough economy people tend to get conservative. It's good to take not spend foolishly and do what you have to do to stay in business. That being said, the toy industry for instance saw that not only did they work through a lot of their inventory, but they also didn't have enough inventory going into 2010. That's the thing...you can't sit still or be like a turtle in a shell. The economy's showing signs of growth which will continue. Now's the time to grab market share!

Due to mostly government actions and inactions, uncertainty appears to be the most consistent economic driver for the first 3 months of 2010. This creates many opportunities for you to demonstrate the incredible value that your products or services offer. People buy to avoid pain or secure gain. Uncertainty is far more about pain avoidance.

In the real estate industry, they say that there three main things that matter: location, location, and location. Likewsie, in the small business arena, there are three main things that matter: leads, leads, and leads. Busionesspeople are now pretty much agreeing that 2010 is better than 2009, so to take advantage of this small glimmer of hope, you need to be doing everything that you can to fill your sales pipeline with qualified leads (i.e., sales prospects.)

The state of business for 2010 is exciting if you're a proactive, goal-oriented, forward-thinking entrepreneur.

My one tip to continue growing is to constantly expose yourself to new learning. Attend seminars, buy books, listen to webinars, expand your connections on social media. The forward motion of learning expands your world!

2010 has been a trying year both for business, customers and employees. Nobody wants to deal with a person with a bad attitude. Check your attitude at the door. Your attitude and how you respond to others can make or break you and ultimately your relationships with people, clients and your business. If you are having problems at home or in your life - leave them at home and put on a happy face. Fake it until you make it!

Stop worrying about costly methods of customer acquisition and concentrate on connecting with the customers you already have. Building remarkable customer relationships will allow you to interact with and gain a better understanding of what your customers want, like, and need. This will provide your business with the level of knowledge and insight necessary to continually build a strong foundation of loyal customers. Isn't that what long-term growth is all about?

True to the name of this blog, the state of business in 2009 was a real "waste" matter! The first quarter of 2010, most of us have seen the economy start getting its "sh*tuff" together, and business is slowly picking back up. To continue growing this year, "Make Lemonade" by using your slow time to create an eBook, blog, or newsletter to keep yourself visible. If those new materials target an underserved niche market, you may become the new expert in an area you never had considered before!

Survey your colleagues “in the know” and ask them which blogs, web sites, etc. they believe are critical. While you’re probably already subscribing to most – there might be a gem you’ve missed. And since we all have to do more with less -- make a vow to sign up for informational webinars once a week – just to stay ahead of the curve and learn something new. The best sales presentations are very educational and tend to contain useful 3rd party research.

Businesses continue to go more and more niche in 2010, which isn't a bad thing. So instead of internet marketing companies all competing for the same space, we now see firms specializing in various aspects of online marketing like social media, PPC, SEO and so on. And even those niche categories are going more and more micro, with SEO companies now only targeting local businesses, for example. Being the big fish in a small pond is great!

For the 1st quarter of 2010, my business is up 20% vs. the same period last year - a good indicator that things are loosening up; it feels like people either think the worst is over or they're resigned to life & business being different. Small businesses & entrepreneurs are starting to put money back into marketing/PR budgets.

My one tip to continue growing this year - keep up or increase your marketing/PR; consumers still need extra help making the decision to spend their hard-earned money.

Those that are weathering this economy are starting to see a turn around, I know I am. Subtle changes done well also work well. Big doors open on small hinges. Look for the small changes that will bring in BIG business. Be open minded, be creative. Test your small ideas to see how big they can become. Think outside of the screen. Rewording a tag on a site can bring in loads of business. Eg: Special Orders vs: I Can't Find What I'm Looking For. See the difference? I did, and it's working well.

For the 1st quarter of 2010, we've had an awesome quarter. It's important for entrepreneurs to note that their mindset and their beliefs about their business, their brand and their offerings dictate how their business is doing...profit-wise. Your customers are beginning to believe again and once you make up your mind to change the way YOU do business, your customers will begin to believe in what you're doing. Guaranteed once we all believe again, our economy will thrive and so will THE economy.

Sometimes we are so scattered because we do too many things, now is the time to really look at your business and totally decide what your NICHE Market is. Where do the people in your NICHE show up? What makes you different than others doing what you do? What does your customer service say about YOU and YOUR business? All these questions will help you become more focused and you will totally be able to increase your bottom line for 2010 plus increase your customer base.

I believe businesses now are still thinking recession. I see many businesses slashing prices and making special offers to increase sales. Using this technique might increase sales, but not the quality of clients. You will find many new clients that will only buy from you when they can get it cheap.
Your direction in the future should be in improving service to your customers in order to make it worth the prices you charge. Make your product or service worth it.

My experience with the first quarter of 2010 is that it was much slower than normal. In fact, it pretty much sucked. However, beginning week 3 of March and continuing through today I have noticed business picking up with far more daily leads coming in over the past 3 weeks than I was experiencing in the first 2 1/2 months of Q1. My marketing strategy for everyone is to be more aggressive with your marketing for the rest of 2010. People and business are getting back into the buying mood.

During the first quarter, I have really noticed the way in which businesses are handling their money in regards to advertising. Advertising budgets are very tight. While some say I may be decreasing my value by lowering my advertising rates, I disagree. I am providing great customer service to support my clients' businesses while continuing to support my passion and stay in business as well.

Buyers are cautious but open to new ideas--anything that drives SALES! I've observed that the economy has created a wonderful opportunity to build stronger relationships with clients through a "we're all in this together and we want to survive it" feeling. I offer my clients more options with my product lines as an empathatic and responsive gesture to meet their needs. The effort is appreciated and we all win.
My sales doubled from 2009 during this quarter.

The main thing I've noticed about business today is that people want to know more about where their money is going. They're not just throwing it away on anything. Utilizing social media to give the customer a glimpse into who you are, what you provide and how well you treat your customers will be key in maintaining growth through the rest of the year.

Great 1st Q - lot's of pent up demand and more on the way. Do more of what you do - keep marketing, networking, calling. Keep asking yourself: What 3 things will I do today to achieve success? Don't listen the the doom 'n gloom talking heads -- they're not entrepreneurs running a business.

Observation: You CAN'T rely on financing anymore!
Solution: Focus money on direct sales that bring in 3-4 times more money than they cost (Pay Per Click, Email campaigns, industry conferences and other smart marketing).

One thing I have learned over the past few months that is important for any business is don't be afraid to show them your personality! It doesn't matter if it's through social media, videos, podcasts, etc. let customers see you are passionate about what you do. If you're passionate about what you do your personality will show and that's what people want to see these days. We live in such a social world now that most who buy or use your service want to know who they are buying from...

Most business owners I've seen have been conservative spenders. The one tip I'd give to biz owners as we move into the middle of 2010 is to spend some money and invest in your business. While your competitors are hiding in a cave, you can take this opportunity to launch your business into the limelight. Offer a good deal, and let the world know that you have a superior product.

If you talk about your client's business through all channels especially social media, they will thank you three-fold usually by recommending you. Moving into the second quarter of 2010, I have seen this practice become contagious- think of it as paying it forward. You brag about them, they brag about their clients, so on and so on...

2010 is shaping up to make a financial comeback and its your job to make sure your business is positioned to take advantage of the economic upswing. Keep promoting, keep advertising, keep your eye on the prize, and keep on truckin' baby!

In trying times it's very easy to forget about life balance. But without it things just get more trying. It's really best to focus on physical health to be top of the mental game. Take a look at top producers and you'll find that a high percentage of them incorporate a great deal of exercise into their day. It's well known that if we get adequate exercise we perform better at everything else and are far more productive. Even if the exercise sucks up a little more time than we want.

If you haven't already, it's time to totally wipe out the "R" word from your conversations now and focus on sales and post-sales services.

Also, now that "you know what" is over, identify new niches and market segments that "you know what" has created because some of your peers( read competitors) couldn't survive or got out of that niche or market segment for whatever reasons.

The 1st Quarter is finished & there are 3 more to go! Having just finished interviewing over 110 successful CEO Kids from around the world, I can say that in most cases business is ALIVE & THRIVING! These kids have show me that when you are doing what you LOVE, you are passionate, you have found a need & are filling it then there is no way success can elude you. Sure you will have ups & downs, but REGARDLESS of a recession you can have life and business success & profitability. Play 2 Win in 10!

Branding is very important. Continue to build a reputation in your community and on social networks. Be the leading expert in your field. Be a helpful resource to draw people to your business. Continue to be the solution and not just another company promoting what you want.

Let's all exhale! 1, 2, 3....BREATHE! Yes, the thaw is happening at long last. Folks are losing their "deer in the headlights" expression. The unemployed are getting interviews. Small businesses are getting busy. Big businesses are like the tin man with his oil can finding out parts actually work.

So what's the tip? MOVE! Run, don't walk & get back out there. Execute. Good enough fast beats perfection any day of the week. Try something then tweak as needed, but get into action NOW!

Things seem to be getting better in my world, so until the business flows in I work on my education and networking, creating new connections that I had not thought of before and making sure my existing network is in good shape.

2010 will be an excellent year for any entrepreneur who decides it will be. Entering the year with this positive mindset is my one piece of advice for any and all entrepreneurs.

Everyone has advice for success in the current economy. Listen, observe, and learn, but go with your gut, your heart. Success is about doing things differently and more effectively than the competition so don't get caught in the herd. We all have an 'Inner Radar' which always knows what is best for us. We know when we are correctly listening inward when our initiatives 'feel good'! Quiet your mind and heart, listen, and then act!

Who would'a thought it. The very best thing I've done for my business this year is work with an accountibility partner. Every two weeks we share our goals for the coming two weeks and report on what we've accomplished off our list from the week before. Even if I procrastinate I rush to finish before my two week call in. WOW! It's made me more focused,my goals are being reached, and I keep moving the bar higher. Plus my accountibility partner and I work as cheerleaders for each other!

The facts are here. I see and hear them every day. The voices are mainly from the too young to be retired; too old to hire community. "Finding a meaningful, well paying job or contract is few and far between. If there is so much recovery why is this still as true today as it was a year ago? And what do we need to do about it?

The answer is to create jobs.

How?
1) We are making it easy to find us
2) Keeping the margins realistic and
3) Delivering high utilization (i.e - Performance)

Small businesses are still investing in IT products that act as enablers for their business. Business owners and start-up entrepreneurs should evaluate cloud based applications whenever possible. Many applications are geared towards small businesses and more and more of them are integrated with each other. More importantly, cloud based applications allow business owners and start-up entrepreneurs to invest their capital dollars on growth oriented initiatives and to focus on their business.

It's not good enough to just make a call, talk to one person, or look for jobs online. Instead, we need to Step It Up in order to keep business flowing and ultimately utilize our talents and gifts to better others. We need be genuine and confident. Follow up with potential clients or partners, view others (HR people, authority figures, etc.) as people rather than robotized workers, and build human connections. Step It Up to create the life you want rather than passively watch it pass you by.

Bob Dylan penned, "The Times They Are a-Changin'" nearly 50 years ago. Well, that's very true today as well. Many of us are still finding our way in this difficult economy. I don't think there's been a better time to spread your entrepreneurial wings. McDonalds is "super-sizing," but business is down-sizing. The World (is your oyster) Wide Web offers opportunities that never existed before. It's not too late to find your passion. Build your network, your business and your future, all online.

"Can't judge a book by it's cover" - In the first quarter, the Dow almost hit 11,000, bonuses were given and GDP improved - however, unemployment is still high and global recovery still seems to be in the slow lane. Q1 is not always an indicator of what will pan out in the quarters that follow for 2010 or any year. That said, you still have to cut corners where possible and be cunning as to seeking opportunities. The client still has the upside!

The one thing I have done is to be like Mike the Toilet Paper Entreprneur himself. I started a weekly blog question and it has brought me incredible PR opportunities. I found four free PR services and started posting my question of the week. I have received feedback from as far away as the UK.

As we wrap up the first quarter the one thing I see is the need for change in what some entrepreneurs are doing. Many are still stuck in what I have been doing and not moving with the market, time to change, re-direct & re-invent! Defination of insanity:doing the same thing over & over expecting different results. Time to evaluate & move forward! Success is around the corner

After the first quarter I've noticed that customers and clients are more cautious about purchasing. They are willing to spend but want to spend on quality. They are more savvy about their purchasing and use the internet to do research before they buy. They are looking for a deal but of real value.

Don't try to second guess your customer. Ask what they want, then give them more than they expect.

Your customers always knows best!

With our present administration, there is fear throughout the business community... What is going to happen next?

How can we grow our businesses? Stay focused on the real and ignore the speculation.

I have observed that entrepreneurs are moving full speed ahead with confidence & courage for their success. We are educating ourselves, forming alliances and joint venture partnerships and paying for the services of coaches so that we can reach our potential professionally and personally. From my bird's eye view, I see unstoppable entrepreneurs helping others to live the life of their dreams. Can you feel the shift? Do you see the shift? I do. We are changing our communities and the world.

With so many consumers using mobile devices such as iPods, netbooks, smartphones, and other devices, it is imperative that we as entrepreneurs acknowledge this trend and creatively market our products and services to these users to continue to grow our businesses in 2010.

When you think of water, you usually think: clean, transparent & uncomplicated.

And that's exactly what you should be thinking regarding every aspect of your business in 2010. This means:

Streamline operations wherever you can;
K.I.S.S. when communicating what you offer to your customers;
Stop activities that cloud your vision;
and focus on incrementally incorporating things that sustain and grow your business.

We are now in the civic cycle of society's dynamics. A group of people who studied these cycles predicted Obama's election victory as they saw that he was a community-organizer whereas his opponent was a total opposite - maverick, an individualist. So, appealing to the dream and to the individual does not work as much as creating a movement around your company and asking people to join the cause. So that's my tip - get people to rally around something bigger than them - your company will soar!

2010 - end of first quarter - It doesn't matter what I think. What matters is what you think. Don't give up on your business or your vision. Keep moving forward. If you're having a hard time then buy Mike's book - The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, that's right, DO IT!
What is the "latte factor"? It's the money I would spend on my latte - I'm trading in my latte for something that will help my business and ultimately the world around us. HOW? You'll have to ask me or fast forward to 21TEN....

The first 1/4 has seen times for many get tougher so confidence good, over-confidence bad. The main ingredient for success is real passion. Believe and you can make it so.

I have seen quite the change in client spending habits thus far in 2010. Despite keeping our prices low - it seems like everyone wants to save a buck or two and ALWAYS asks for a discount -- which can amount to quite a bit when you calculate all of the "hidden costs" into the price. But to keep ahead, one must be firm and be careful when offering discounts. Once you offer one it is hard to go back to the original price which makes it even harder to move ahead.