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Business Planning Articles |
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Running your business can be a lot of fun when things go well & clients knock on your door & it can also become a huge energy drag if things are not going well. While we all go through the ‘freak out days’, that’s just part of the game, if the state of anxiety about getting enough clients persists, then it’s definitely no fun.
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Decision making is an important part of everyday life, whether at home or in business. We’re constantly being challenged to make decisions, but why is it that the biggest and most important decisions are often presented to us when we are under pressure? When we are under stress we may be swayed into making a bad decision, and one that we regret for years to come. These five “own the moment” strategies will help you make clear-headed decisions, keeping you in control when it really matters.
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You are living the dream and running your own business, but you should be careful not to sabotage all that you have worked so hard for. Women can sometimes be their own worst enemies—bad habits and behaviors hold us back. What you learned as a girl could bring your business career crashing down. So, to help you forge ahead with the skills you need to succeed, we’ve come up with 16 quick fixes to change your behavior.
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Why do so many small or solo businesses fail? Is it because the owners weren’t good enough at what they did? In most cases that’s just not true. Most of them were very skilled and talented in their area of expertise. So why do people continue to struggle without enough clients or income?
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I want to attempt to help you understand when to buy information products as well as which ones will work for you and which won’t so you can avoid throwing money away on one after the other and ending up no better than when you started.
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As a small business owner, you simply cannot grow a business all by yourself. You may be able to get by with no help for a little while, but if you’re on the path to significantly increasing your income, one of the sure ways to do so is by delegating and becoming focused on income-generating tasks. Here are four ways in which you can delegate and get help on a shoestring budget (and even for zero dollars).
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In any leadership role in business, many other people are judging you on your effectiveness every day. If you run a small business, a home office or a solo consultancy, or have a virtual team of independents, the same standards apply to you too. Here are ten characteristics that distinguish effective leadership regardless of the industry you are in or the size of your business.
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Do you love the idea of working from home but you’re wondering how to handle distractions such as housework, kids, hubby and friends?
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If you want 6-figure, and multi 6-figure success, you MUST clearly integrate and express your UNIQUE expertise. You have to KNOW your walk, and then walk it, before you talk it! Here is a simple exercise to launch into 6-figure expert status- quickly.
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I’ve been implementing a key strategy that has greatly contributed to the success of my coaching business. It’s not something taught in business school or in most coaching programs. But it is a technique that I emphatically stress to my platinum clients and to anyone who wants to raise their business to the next level. And it is the entrepreneurs who follow this advice who are thriving.
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So often it's easy get distracted by what others are doing. You start feeling a little envious about your colleague’s new website, info-product, etc. and you think I want that too! Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing unless you start spinning in too many different directions at once... and end up going nowhere. Sometimes it's about taking a deep breath and saying what do I have right now at my disposal that I can work with, that'll be easy? What resources do I have already that I can repurpose and repackage?
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Have you ever gotten to know someone who later turned out to be a friend, client and vendor? Now while this sounds great and all, what happens when your friend doesn't provide the experience you were expecting (or stops providing it)?
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Browse the business section of any bookstore, and an avalanche of titles promising a vast array of keys, secrets, and formulas to running a successful small business threatens to overwhelm you. When you stop to think about it, there are only three routes you can follow toward making more money.
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For start-up and early stage small and home based business owners the pressure to nail down a lucrative niche and create multiple products and services is anxiety producing. I see this with my small and solo business clients all the time.
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If you are exhausted from working too hard or frustrated from not making enough money (or any money!), your challenges in business are very likely tied to one of the following mistakes. To transform your business, or create one from scratch, that is fun, highly profitable, and supports your balance- avoid these top 3 common mistakes.
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In this age of technology-driven companies and recorded receptionists, are you providing your clients with a personal touch? It's the personal touch, the feeling that they are special to you and your business that will bring them back again and again. Here are some ways you can create loyalty through positive experiences.
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I talk with a lot of entrepreneurs every week, and I have discovered some common themes that make them successful. Combining these with my own experiences, I’ve uncovered five main ways to keep you on track for success.
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You’re sitting there in your home or small business office and wondering-- how do you compete with the big guys? If you want to play really big without hiring a salaried sales team, then your secret weapon is joint ventures.
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What do you do when you hit a problem in your business? Maybe it’s how to generate more income, how to build a client list or how to create an information product. Too often you might find yourself getting stopped by a problem and just giving up. Here’s what you can do to get past those problems and on to doing what you love to do.
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For solo professionals, unforeseen personal or business circumstances can quickly spell disaster to income. Here are four tips that help you plan for and survive disaster.
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There’s a lot of talk right now about this being a bad time for business. However, those who have owned their own businesses for a while can tell you that any time can become a bad time for business – if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having lost your enthusiasm. When the spring goes out of your step and you just can’t seem to muster up the energy and spirit required to keep your dream afloat, what can you do to turn the tide? We’ve got nine tips that just might help.
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When we start off in business we all have visions of who we think we need to be in order to please (or convince) our clientele and colleagues. We decide what we should look like, how we should act and dress, what our websites and marketing materials need to say—or not say; we envision our model of business success, and we chase that model to the extreme exclusion of our own true selves. We create a disingenuous version of ourselves, and our businesses suffer for it. In reality, none of this is what our clients want.
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If you are a small business owner, no doubt, you have too much to do. You thought that starting a home-based business would be great for flexibility, and you may have found yourself grappling for what to do to get more clients and up your revenue. So, what really creates the income? What actions can you take daily to get more clients/customers? Here are my top 6 suggestions based on what I do daily.
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You may have heard the phrase “playing to win or playing not to lose.” And while it sounds good to say “you’re playing to win” in your business, what exactly does that really mean?
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When you set up your own business, a common question you get from friends, family, peers, vendors and clients is, "What's your business model?" Your business model has nothing to do with your legal business structure, funding or the product/service you provide. Your business model has nothing to do with your title or industry.
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With the start of the New Year comes the knowledge that you need to be more organized, and have a plan! But for many solopreneurs knowing where to start can be quite daunting. Read on as I will share with you three basic steps to business planning success so that you can grow your online business!
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Do your potential clients like you? Do they perceive you as likeable? And I mean really likeable. The fact is that if they don't, none of the rest of your efforts to establish yourself as a category authority will matter. When you get right down to it, Sanders points out, life is a series of popularity contests. You may not want to admit it or believe it. In fact, you've probably been told it ain't so, but ultimately, if you're well liked, if your likeability factor is high then you're more likely to be chosen and to get booked solid.
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So you’ve made the commitment to take your business to the next level, good! Now what do you do? It can be a bit overwhelming to work out where to start, I know, I’ve experienced it myself and I want to make it really easy for you.
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Did you know, research as shown that about 20% of clients like to choose a premium program option wherever it’s available? A program that gives them extra privileges, makes them feel special and gives them their desired results quicker, more easily, more powerfully etc.. Do you currently meet this need in your business?
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If you are anything like me you have probably already invested a fair bit of time and money into your personal and professional development over the years. Maybe you have like I did, made some great and some not so good choices when it comes to choosing the programs you attend. I am grateful for both they taught me some good lessons.
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How quickly do you want your business to grow? Are you happy with incremental progress? Or are you wanting the big shifts that add 50 – 100% to your income within 12months?
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The silly season is nearly upon us. And if you want to have a headstart in 2010 then now is the time to really strengthen your focus one more time before going into party mode. There are a number of things you can do NOW to set yourself up for a head start in 2010. And they’re all about planning ahead.
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Personally I’ve been using a life or business coach almost consistently since 1997–before it was “cool” to have a coach! Hiring a coach/mentor has always helped me focus laser like on what I’ve wanted to achieve and helped me reach it. I can certainly work without a coach or mentor; however, I can’t reach my goals as fast without using one. For me time equals money and I want to save time by reaching my goals as fast as possible. Here's a checklist for you to see if hiring a mentor is right for you.
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It just feels natural at the beginning of each year to reevaluate where you are in your life and in your business, especially since as a small business owner, the two are inseparable.
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Why Are YOU in Business and WHY Should Your Clients Do Business With YOU Over Anyone Else? If you can’t answer these two questions easily and effortlessly, you may want to shut your doors until you can answer them. Seriously!
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Here are 3 practices that can elevate you to becoming the CEO of your business rather than staying stuck working in it.
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It's never been more difficult to get your message heard above all the noise online... If you hope to make your message "stick," here are a couple of keys to keep in mind.
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Love in your business makes your day feel full of joy. You are engaged and alive. You feel like you just resuscitated lives by helping make someone’s life better through your product or service. Love is that spontaneous flow of inspiration and ideas that you don’t know where it’s coming from, but you trust it for how awake and engaged you feel and the impact you can see you have on others. Here are 5 ways you can consciously practice infusing love in your business.
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I love the change, fluidity and flexibility of entrepreneurship. There's nothing quite like starting your own business to help you learn who you are and what's important to you. Here are some more of the lessons I've learned thus far.
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I love the change, fluidity and flexibility of entrepreneurship. There's nothing quite like starting your own business to help you learn who you are and what's important to you. Here are some lessons I've learned thus far.
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Creative entrepreneurs love the idea of “having a plan” but often struggle with how to make one, given the deluge of ideas they have spinning around in their head. The planning process can feel overwhelming and the end result is often a plan that still doesn’t answer the essential question, “What do I do FIRST?” If that sounds like you, then you’re in luck. As a highly creative entrepreneur I’ve figured out how to honor my creative, feminine spirit AND design a practical plan that will ensure I meet my financial goals.
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If you’re like me — over delivering yet feeling too guilty to let go then I INSIST you read these tips right now. I promise they’ll help you grow into the “you” that’s meant to serve and make more, without overwhelming yourself or your clients.
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It’s easy to assume that we know what our clients want. We make assumptions based on what we think they want or what we believe they need. The truth is, only they know what they really want. And, in order to run a 6 and multi-6-figure business, you MUST figure out what your ideal clients want. Start the New Year with a fresh awareness of your clients truly need. Read on for 3 tips to help you assist you.
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As small business owners, we lead very busy lives. We wake up, check email, make phone calls, run out to appointments, serve clients, make sales, and try to keep pace with what seems like a never-ending to-do list. But as you move forward in the next year, there are 3 valuable gifts you can give yourself that may be the catalyst for tremendous growth and success for your business in the next year.
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"I'll get back with you after the holidays." "Let's get together on this in January." Sound familiar? These are things that many entrepreneurs start to hear at this time of the year. If these words are ringing a bell to you, here are a few things you can do get through a slow time in your business.
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It's time to make business goals. How much time have you scheduled in for planning this year? If you want a successful business, you have to plan!
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Can You Afford to Take a Month Off?! For most of us the answer is an emphatic, "NO!" (Unless, of course, you have a holiday-related business). But there are ways to make the traditionally slow season a balance of productivity, relaxation, and FUN. Here are a few tips to keep your marketing and mental state on track during the 'I don't wanna do nothing' season except what I wanna do.
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Gurus really DO think differently. They have to. Sometimes they are seen as bigger than life even when they don't necessary FEEL that way. So they have to play some mind games with themselves. If you are in a bad frame of mind, try a few of these techniques to "Get Your Guru On" and shift yourself into greatness again.
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An important part of being a savvy businesswoman is knowing which business connections are worth your time and energy. Unfortunately, in the rush to stay competitive and maintain strong connections to clients, many business owners don't take the time to prune dead-end clients, which can cost them substantial amounts of time and money as a result. Or perhaps they know which clients are dead weight, but they can't bring themselves to cut the cord for fear of creating an income drought. Here's how to avoid that trap and liberate yourself from unprofitable clients.
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It’s an unfortunate fact of life (and business). Out of the blue you get a nasty email from someone. Sometimes it’s about an article you’ve written. Sometimes it’s accompanied by a refund request. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it’s tied to anything at all. Stuff happens. As a business owner and entrepreneur, the more successful you become, the more you open yourself up to criticism, negative feedback or just plain being attacked. Here's how to handle it.
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If you’re one of the millions of heart based entrepreneurs who buys information products or special programs to help you make more money in your business, listen up. This blog post might save your business.
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All experts, at one time or another, took time to become an expert in their field. And your expertise will be one of the most important components to the overall success of your business in the long-run. Here’s a very simple three-step formula to develop expertise in your field.
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Stephen Covey’s original ground-breaking book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People talks about keeping the end clearly in mind.
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If you are looking to start a business, look at the remaining companies that have not succumbed to bankruptcy. Look at their products, their advertising, etc. If they're still around, they're doing something right. Model yourself on them ... with your own twist, of course.
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The powerful guerrilla marketing approach to add value to your prospect, demonstrate unique expertise and grow your mailing list is to create and use White Papers.
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There’s been a lot of talk lately about the concept of raising fees in an effort to demonstrate expertise. It’s a challenging arena given the current economy. The truth is, the economy IS struggling and we can’t ignore that many individuals and families don’t have the same income to invest that they did a few years ago. And yet, 6-figure and multi-6-figures solo entrepreneurial businesses are still entirely possible - with the right strategies. Read on for 6 Key Strategies on how to successfully redesign your business to prosper even in these tough times.
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How did you know when it was time to make a change in your business?. Here are a few clues...
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No matter how much you love your 1-on-1 clients, there comes a time when this model of serving people feels more draining than inspiring. The solution is actually simple if you break it down into stages. The FIRST stage is to increase your revenue so you have more money flowing in, which will give you more freedom to choose what you want to do next in your business. So how do you get more money flowing in to your business without increasing your workload?
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When you create a product, service, process or system for your small business it takes a lot of thought, planning and time. It's important that you find ways to leverage your work by using it again and again to make more money in less time.
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It doesn’t matter what kind of small business you have, you can create a downloadable information product in 30 days or less. Information products are in demand, and you can use them in multiple ways.
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Stop what you’re doing and take a good look at your business. Are you working hard doing marketing activities and trying to get clients but your bank account is still not reflecting your hard work? Are you dreaming about a solid 6-figure income but it always seems just out of reach? Its time to develop a model that will take your clients through a series of strategic purchases so they don’t just buy from you once and disappear. Here are the basic steps you’ll need to follow to create your Business Design.
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Successful businesses have systems and processes which result in prospects and clients being treated the same way every day, every encounter regardless of what you're doing. Here are a few simple systems/processes that you can put in place this week which will make a huge difference in the experience for your prospects and clients:
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Learn 3 insights and mind shifts the author had from attending Ali Brown's SHINE event and see how you can apply these lessons in your own life and business.
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In business, there needs to be a systematic way to grow your income and your money mountain. Before you start creating, developing, and running the marketing rat race, slow down and start here!
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The layoffs keep coming, new jobs are few and far between, and you can't build your future on a part-time job at the mall. And you certainly don't want to burn through your emergency fund to dip into your retirement accounts. For all these reasons and plenty more you could come up with from your own experience, corporate refugees can't delay starting their own business. Here's just a quick list of opportunities you can benefit from most the sooner you decide to take control and put your future in your own hands.
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Setting clear intentions for your business is the opportunity to take full responsibility for creating your business the way you really want it to be. When you set an intention, you first get very clear about your desire, and then you ask for guidance by being willing to partner with the divine without a sense of entitlement or demand. Then the energy of your desire is speeded up, because you’ve actively embraced your ability to solve any problem that comes your way.
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Are you considering becoming a “free agent”? If so, here are some questions to ask yourself.
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These days more and more people are thinking about starting their own business. Here are a few things to consider to determine if it is right for you.
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When was the last time a client called your cell phone after hours or sent you an email at 8pm and expected an answer by 9pm or didn't pay you per your agreement? Or a vendor or coach took a week to answer an email?
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So you just dropped a tidy sum to attend a seminar or some other three-day event. Now it's over and you're exhausted. Your client work is backed up. You have a fistful of business cards to connect with. And your family would like some face time. Time to get back into the swing of life, right? Wrong.
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Have you ever asked a self employed person what they do and when they were done telling you, you didn’t have a clue who they could serve and what benefit they bring through their work? It’s one of the key reasons people don’t make money in their business.
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Knowing what your ideal clients expect from you is one of the best ways to ensure you keep existing clients and add happy new ones. You want to deliver the programs and services that your clients want and need from you. So it seems obvious then, that you would elicit feedback from them to keep your finger on the pulse of what's important. However, often you may find yourself stuck, not knowing how to write or conduct a written survey. Here are some things to remember when you conduct your next survey.
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So often we were taught when we were young or even in college that the only way to make big decisions was by writing a pro and con list. I don’t know about you, but whenever I try doing that, I end up still sitting there wondering what to do. There’s more to making a decision than the logical issues, and there’s more than one way to go about making important decisions. Here are my top 5 favorite ways to make decisions in business.
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There is a lot to do when you step out on your own. In your enthusiasm, it is easy to be naive - I've been there. Don't let possible detours drain your enthusiasm for your dream. Each of these DON'Ts is a detour you can and must avoid to start your business strong and fast. It is important to be realistic about what's important and who really will help you most. Strip away the fantasy to ensure your success. Or indeed you will fall among the statistical 4 out 5 new businesses who fail.
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In building your business, it is important to be very clear about what you love to do and what you do best. When you are clear on what they are, you can focus your time on what you are uniquely qualified to deliver by leveraging your natural strengths.
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We all need a sounding board, experts on our side, and a safe haven in which to ask for and receive help and advice. Every small business owner, CEO, or entrepreneur (in my opinion) must have a Board of Advisors. The easiest and fastest way to put one together is to join/create a Mastermind Group where each member gets and gives equal doses of advice from the group. Here are Kerri's top ten reasons why you need one.
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A business owner recently sent me an email inviting me to partner with him on one of his projects. I get a few requests like that a month. The venture seemed like a good one as I read his description. I was about to have my assistant follow up until I hit this credibility-undermining flaw and guess what my response was? I was no longer interested. But I wondered if this poor guy even knew that he was undermining his own credibility. Unfortunately, too many business owners make this mistake. And you can correct it in literally 5 minutes for less than $10.
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I remember when I was introduced to the concept of “business networking” when I started my first business. I thought, I will NEVER be able to do this. I remember getting ready to go to my first networking event and whining to my husband (then boyfriend), “I was miserable at this kind of thing when I was dating! How could this ever help my business?”
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The way you think and the beliefs you hold are reflected in how successful you are (success defined as YOU would like it!) and how much money comes into your life.
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As a business owner, business consultant, and business professor, I have been asked numerous times for the secrets of recession proof businesses. Recession proof businesses that I work with all seem to have one thing in common: recession proof business owners. Here are the top 5 vital qualities of recession proof businesses and their owners.
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Most entrepreneurs get stopped because of the stories they tell themselves that spring from these types of questions. These are what I call “Yeah, buts” and “What ifs”.
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Working with people who want to start their own home based businesses is pure joy for me – it allows me to use my possibility thinking to the max. Once you start seeing all kinds of opportunities to make money...you won’t be able to stop!
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I am often asked how I get so much done...running multiple profit centers while still having plenty of time for exercise, reading, learning and play. One thing I can attribute to my productivity is the attitude I took the very first day of my being self employed – I gave my home based business the same respect I had given my previous jobs.
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Once you return home from a conference or workshop, it's easy to forget all the things you learned and promised yourself you'd implement. Here's my simple process for ensuring I implement and put new ideas into action as soon as I return from a conference or workshop.
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No matter how desperate for customers you are, you must get that under control. People will sense desperation and either run from you or try and take advantage of you. Neither is all that good for you (either your business or your psyche). So what can you do? Here are 3 tips to help you stay strong no matter what's going on in your business.
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When I’m asked what was the one thing I did to leap my business from frustrating five figures to over a million dollars in just three short years, my answer is always, “I joined a Master Mind!” To reap the benefits of being in a master mind — and avoid common mistakes — here are five insider’s secrets that will help you choose the RIGHT master mind, even if you’re on a budget.
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I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have had people tell me I want to do something BUT, "I don't know how." I know that feeling. Every time I take on something big or new, I have those same thoughts of "I don't know how". Initially I have this burst of excitement about a new idea and how great it is and a sense of how easy this will be which is then followed with the quandary and reality of not knowing how to make it happen.
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Even though I’m a pretty courageous and bold person by nature, I used to hold myself back. I shied away from my full brilliance. I didn’t tell others that I had been on Fox News, or Martha Steward XM, or that I sat in Oprah’s office with a senior producer who wanted me on the show. It wasn’t until I shifted my mindset, owned my star qualities, and created my Premier Signature System that I was able to shine as a distinguished expert in my field- someone who helps solo-entrepreneurs quickly ascend into financial freedom and lifestyle luxury. And when my clients follow the simple templates in my “Laser-Focused, 6-Figure Business Blueprint”- they, too, rise into expert status. And it’s in this place, of being the leader in your field, that you are truly able to help more people, charge higher fees, and deliver premium results. Read on for 3 tips to help you get there.
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I've been knee deep in online business for years now - coming up on ten years actually - and despite all the great new things that arise in the online world it all comes back to this simple formula.
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As you're growing your business, your own personal level of confidence and passion comes into play on a number of levels. When you're confident in your business and you're working on a project you love, your clients can tell. In fact, they feed from your positive energy and learn to trust you as a resource. That's why choosing the right path and taking the right steps along the way can tremendously improve your business – and your bottom line. Here's how.
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Certainly, for some, this has been a tough time. But for most of us, the opportunity to succeed in our business is as great now as ever. All you need is to know is how to do “the right things, right.” How can I be so certain? Because I’m experiencing the best year, ever
But rather than keep what we’re doing to achieve these kinds of results a secret, I prefer to share a few tips with you as to exactly WHAT we’re doing that’s working in this economy.
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Here’s a simple checklist of what every business owner must put into place to quickly create 6-figures. Remember what I always say: it’s easier to make MORE money than it is to make less, once you know the secrets!
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Savvy entrepreneurs know that a recession is a time of change and a chance to retrench. While others take refuge from the storm, these entrepreneurs stand firm and meet the recession head on, confident in their products or services. In fact, many large, successful corporations including Burger King and Hewlett Packard entered the marketplace during turbulent times. These companies recognized a change in consumer needs and responded accordingly. Here's how you can spot an opportunity and act on it during a recession.
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Did you know your first Energy Point can be found in your body at the base of your spine? This is the area where you house all of your 'security' energy. It is literally about being supported in life. So it makes sense that this will pop up when building a business, right?
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Did you know there's a super-simple way to leverage your gifts, talent and know-how into lucrative, highly leveraged income streams? It's your Signature System, and it's your step-by-step formula for multiple streams success. So, what exactly is a Signature System?
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The economy looks tough right now, but marketing is the strongest defender of your business. I have heard business owners consider pulling back on their marketing efforts due to the state of the economy. Well, think again my friend! Now is the time to capture market share while your competitors are cocooning! Here are five questions to ask yourself about your marketing efforts which could lead to big results for your business.
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Your business is always changing and evolving. As you grow, your business grows. Growing can mean a lot of different things - higher paying clients, creating products or programs, or adding a new line of revenue. As your business continues to shift, you will find that it might be time to upgrade your client.
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Decision-making is an art – part skill, part intuition. And woe unto the player who disregards the development of this ability. One bad decision in poker and you can, quite literally, lose the shirt off your back (or at least all your chips). There are some distinctly valuable lessons to be learned here that you’ll find useful in determining which business development opportunities are the best bet.
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If you're in a rut with your business and you're struggling to find the next big idea, then putting in more hours at your desk is usually NOT the solution. Stop banging your head against your laptop and try one of these quick solutions to reboot your business brain!
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Do you feel your business is just “sputtering along,” and not gathering the steam you’d like to fuel it’s growth? If this is true for you, designing a profitable business model includes some key components and lead generation activities you may be missing. Find out what they are…
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The most authentic marketing strategy and the authentic approach to attracting clients is embracing our intuition and trusting ourselves to know the path. If you feel stumped in growing your business or frustrated with what you should be doing go back to the basics and embrace your inner marketing voice.
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An online friend of mine - someone met at a workshop years ago and we've casually kept in touch - direct messaged me on Twitter the other day to ask which of two upcoming workshops she should attend as she "needs a boost this year". This made me think "when should you go to conferences and workshops?"
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I’m in the process of creating a new profit center for my business. And I thought it might help you to read about the four steps I’m following to create a successful (and fun) profit center.
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Most businesses start out with just one or two products or services. Maybe you’re selling services like coaching, event planning, personal training, web design or massage therapy, or maybe it’s an online info product like an e-book or course. Whatever it is, before long you find yourself selling time for money with your income limited by how many hours there are in the day.
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Recently I offered a free tele-class called The 10 Profound Breakthroughs That Created My 6-Figure Business. It was the first time I truly opened up about the underlying breakthroughs that have been responsible for my business success and that I’ve passed on to my small business clients.
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If you own a small or solo business or practice, or are an independent service professional here are some great business building ideas for you.
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Sheri coaches a lot of new business owners – many of them are women – and most of them have a common struggle. They have a spouse that gets stressed about the amount of money it takes to build a profitable business.
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Marketing is the gas in your business engine." So my question is this... How much are you obsessing about having a multi-pronged approach to consistently marketing your business in this new economy. If you're not, you may not want to complain about recession just yet. You've got some untapped, income-generating marketing actions to take.
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As women entrepreneurs we often start and run our businesses very organically. Those women with flourishing businesses are remaining open to new opportunities, new connections and taking small steps along the way. They take one action, move forward, and then take another action.
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As a business owner, you will be facing tough competition, and your clients will want to know that the perceived value of your services is worth the price they are paying. Learn how to complete one of the most important tasks of your marketing plan… creating your value added pack.
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Do you offer pro-bono (free) products or services? Would you like to be able to accommodate someone who needs your help or products but can’t afford it? If so, I’ll share some ideas you may not have considered before.
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Whether you are exhausted from working too hard or frustrated from not making enough money (or any money!)- your challenges in business are very likely tied to one of the following mistakes. To transform your business, or create one from scratch, that is fun, highly profitable, and supports your balance- avoid these top 3 common mistakes.
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Here are 3 quick tips for making profitable decisions when it comes to investing in your business development and continued learning. These tips will keep you from folding too soon, and support you in taking action that leads directly to your goals – impacting more people and making more money.
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Whether it's pride or just human nature that keeps professionals from asking for help sooner, it's just plain silly to keep "toughing it out" when there are so many strategies for generating new business fast.
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While a rosier global economic forecast may still be a few months away, smart entrepreneurs are taking control of their cash flow now, and wisely implementing simple strategies to increase how much they make, AND, how much they keep. Here are five simple tips to help you get a handle on your cash flow now, so you’re sitting pretty in the “money driver’s seat.”
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Learn five more meaningful lessons from a serial solo-entrepreneur.
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You may find that what is standing in your way of success is all the stress that gets created when you find yourself working with difficult clients or clients that aren’t a good fit for you. That kind of emotional stress takes a huge toll on you and all those around you.
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Here are six "ways of being" that all authentic and visionary leaders practice. These are leaders that lead with purpose and are strategically creating positive change in the world. These leaders don't have to focus on the bottom line all the time because their results are so powerful that their business bank account just grows as a result of how attractive their business energy is. Let me explain.
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Your biggest client decides to quit working with you, for no apparent reason, leaving you with a huge income hole to fill. Your shopping cart bills your customers three times for a single purchase. Your virtual assistant decides to fly off for a spur-of-the-moment week away, leaving you with hours of admin nightmare to deal with.
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Think of your business model as the design of your various services, info products and programs. Too many entrepreneurs offer a bunch of “stuff” without any real thought as to how each offer will best leverage their time, plus create the maximum amount of revenue.
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Now, remember that intuition is not fear or self-doubt. Those emotions are just trying to side track you from stepping into your place of power. You can tell if it’s fear or self-doubt because you’ll find yourself saying things like, “It’s not the right time” or “I don’t think I’m ready yet.”
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If you don’t already have a good picture of yourself have a photo taken that you can use in your marketing efforts. With the advent of digital cameras, or regular cameras where your film can be developed digitally and put on a CD, this can be quite easy.
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The latest rage among internet or online-focused businesses is the high level (over $10,000/year) coaching or mentoring program frequently referred to as "Gold", "Platinum" or "Diamond" programs - it seems that almost everyone has their version of one. These can be amazing programs. However, there are several things you need to consider before joining a high level program.
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Social media is about valuable communication. Of course, “valuable” is a subjective term, but typically refers to content which educates, engages, or entertains. Great content makes the difference between getting noticed and being ignored. There are 3 main secrets for great content creation, especially when producing for the social web.
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I'm sure you can remember a time when you've had a less than ideal business partner or customer. Spend a moment and get an image of that person in your head-that person who completely drains you; that person you have to "keep selling" to remain involved; that person you're literally dragging and pulling along; and that person who leaves you feeling bad after every interaction. I've been there many times and I tell you it's awful - there's nothing fun about it. My energy's drained. I start feeling bad about my business and where it's going. I'm even left wondering, is there a better way?
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Although the credit crunch is still weighing on millions of people, it doesn't mean the end for every small or medium-sized business. In fact, this is a great time for savvy entrepreneurs to grow a business and prosper by thinking creatively and strategically. To make sure your business thrives during the downturn, you need to take a good hard look at your business.
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No longer can you count on a job for life or a paternalistic relationship with your employers. Your sense of security has been shaken. So how can you best deal with this?
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We've all done it (and if you haven't ever, I don't want to hear from your smarty-pants self). You know, had a brilliant idea for a product or program that we just knew was exactly what our audience needed to solve their problems. So we plowed ahead, developed the thing . . . and then got pretty much zero response from our peeps.
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When new, small business owners start out wondering whether their idea for a business will work. I did as well. I wondered whether it was possible to make the income I desired. In this article, I will share 5 important ways in which you can determine whether your business idea is likely to make you lots of money.
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The first thing you do at any construction site, is clear the debris. Are you ready to build a successful business? Then you too must clear the debris for you, in creating a business, here are 4 different types of debris you will need to clear out.
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Starting a small business can bring on all types of fear, confusion and lots of questions. And it indeed requires courage. What is courage - really?
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A serial entrepreneur for over ten years. Here are 10 of the biggest lessons Kim has learned thus far.
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“I’m a solo entrepreneur,” you say. “Why would I set up systems that might squelch the creative energy in my small business?” After all, you started your business because you wanted freedom, right? This is a great question! The truth is that while you may have left a more corporate environment with dreams of doing things your own way (having flexibility and freedom), there are some very good reasons for putting systems in place. In fact, I can name at least seven gifts you’ll receive when you systemize your small business.
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In a time when information - good and bad - surrounds us and we're hit (it actually feels like I'm being hit sometimes) with thousands of marketing messages every day around what we should do with our business, it's no wonder you're confused about the best way to get where you're going.
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Whatever the “thing” is you do in your business, you do it because you know the positive impact it can have for the right people. And you have a passion for sharing that.
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For most people, the huge missing piece of the puzzle is failing to paint a vivid picture of the bright, positive future that is possible when someone buys from you. Skip the details about the process (2 CDs, 3 sessions, 4 checklists) and zoom the viewfinder straight to the fantastic outcome.
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Marketing isn’t a one shot deal. It’s an ongoing opportunity for you to offer your ideas, packaged into programs, products and services. Just remember that in the long run, making one offer at a time will help you create the ultimate outcome you desire, which is to help more people and to put more money into your purse!
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When you first start your company, you probably will wear all the hats and work harder than you ever have. But once the business is built and you start to gain new customers and sell products, it is a lot of fun. The best part of being a leader is being able to pick up the phone and have access to someone you have admired for years because you are a gatekeeper to a database of customers. You learn so much from those experts you now have access to, and your customers will love you for it when you graciously pass new information on to them.
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Your Compelling Free Offer (CFO) is what entices people to want to find out more about you and what it is that you're offering. When you make your complimentary offer compelling enough, more people will be interested in taking advantage of it, which increase the audience to which you can then market to.
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Now while "done-ing" certainly isn't a word (yet), it does speak to the difference between working on a project so that you're forever "doing" it and actually getting it "done". As small business owners and entrepreneurs dedicated to making our businesses a success, we need to be focused a lot more on the "done-ing" than the doing.
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Your relationship with money and how your feel about it determines your success. Period. If you feel shame when you have debt or if you are paralyzed when making a certain investment because of a relative number, then your money mindsets are affecting your results. To be successful, it is crucial that you begin a lifelong study of healthy mindsets and behaviors you should have where your money is concerned.
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Before you choose your target market, before you build your website, before you learn the latest online marketing strategies; you must choose an equitable and passive business model that allows your customers to see you as a leader in your industry. Not as a player, but as a leader. Most entrepreneurs start businesses without ever considering their business model and then they spin their wheels for years working a service-based business where they start over each day and have nothing to show for their previous work.
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Are you finding it hard to connect with enough prospects? You are doing all of this great work, but not very many people know about it or at least not enough for the flow of business to be moving smoothly and easily? Stop. Start. Stop. Start. Well, there isn't one perfect way to consistently connect with prospects, but there are many ways!
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Do you have a process for gaining the commitment from your ideal client? This process is of UTMOST importance in your business (whether you work on-line or off-line), but you would be surprised how many people 'wing it.' Now, with that being said, it's also important this system is natural to you--that's why YOU need to develop it.
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Yes the government is doing crazy things. Yes we have pirates and pig flu and everything else. But you shouldn’t be panicking because it’s very possible for us to not just survive but thrive.
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"Target fixation" is being SO incredibly focused on your goal (your target) that you fail to see all the other opportunities around you. Learn how to overcome this fixation.
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It’s been a fascinating two weeks as I interviewed 18 different internet marketing experts who shared tips on how to maximize your online presence. I think what I found the most interesting was how the expertise of the different speakers weaved together. In the end I discovered consistent references to what it takes to be successful in today’s economy. Let me share some of my highlights of the four online success principle I discovered:
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What is it that moves a client from being merely satisfied to being loyal to the point that they will stick with you over time and refer others to you naturally and with excitement? According to customer service studies by marketing gurus of the world, here are the following qualities, which must be present in your life and your business in order to develop raving fan customers who are not just satisfied but completely loyal to you over the long haul.
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You will want to be seen as an expert and a resource for the people in your target market. Take the time to update and add to your own list of resources. Think of the recommendations that you make to the people you work with. These can include books you read, web sites you visit and services you use.
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You know what really makes me MAD? When I see someone acting like a bigshot with no substance behind them, asking you to pay them handsomely to teach you something that they themselves have NEVER done. Here are five questions you should ask before investing heavily in anyone's products, programs, coaching, or workshops.
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It's critical you have a system in place to insure you get the most out of each and every seminar and workshop you attend -- after all, you're spending your money AND time attending. So how do you do that?
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Times are tough. There's no doubt about it. That said, I had my best month ever in March and quarter 1 was my best quarter ever. In fact, I'm on target to surpass my 2008 revenue by June 30th. I don't tell you that to brag, I tell you so that you can learn from what I'm doing, which, by the way, is almost the exact opposite of what I'm seeing many others doing. So what's my secret?
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What keeps you from staying in action towards your desired goals? I can bet it’s that four letter word…FEAR. Maybe your first few baby steps toward your goal were a breeze. And then…it’s time to make a specific request from someone or get out to a networking meeting and say “who you are and what you do” in 30 seconds (when you’re not exactly sure who the heck you are yet!) Taking what feels like a big risk can stop you cold.
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Assessments can be a very powerful way to learn more about yourself, your employees, customers and clients. Assessments often allow us to connect quickly with others and get right to the heart of their issues.
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A wonderful way to add value for your clients is to become a resource hub. Nothing is more attractive than someone who can put his or her hands on an answer quickly. By beginning to collect articles on a variety of subjects and links to websites that offer valuable information, you will be able to send articles and information to your clients as the need arises.
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I remember six years ago making a decision that would change my life and business forever. I decided to travel across the country to attend a marketing seminar. Here are 5 reasons attending live events is one of the BEST ways to leapfrog your business forward.
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Many of the solo professionals whom I coach are people who offer services. They're coaches, consultants, creatives. They’re amazing people with huge hearts and their own unique gifts and genius to share with the world. But here's the problem: I see many of them focusing on the wrong things.
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As a business owner, you're no longer sitting in your too-small cubicle waiting to be called to HR for yet another downsizing in yet another company. No more being told when you can take lunch, make a personal call or, heaven forbid, go to the bathroom. Owning your own business comes with lots of perks. One of them that is frequently overlooked however is that YOU now have the ability to let a client go.
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Have you heard about the Leverage Triangle yet? As entrepreneurs and pursuers of our dreams and passions, we all have 3 elements to work with when we start a business: Time, Expertise, and Money.
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Highs and lows in business. What is your timeline and how does it affect the running of your business?
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What exactly IS "Strategic Implementation"? And how can you achieve it?
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What if you could use what is hardest in your life right now to build a better life for yourself? This simple inventory exercise will help you maneuver through tough times.
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Since success is really internal and not determined by external events, one measure of success is how happy you are regardless of what the economic yardstick shows. The following are steps to increase both internal and external success.
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Having multiple streams of income gives you an edge when cycles change – one income stream may start going flat while another is building up. Having several projects is an insurance policy to staying afloat. How do you get started in creating multiple streams of income? Well here are some specific, powerful steps to get you started.
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Lately I've been hearing from clients and colleagues about bad experiences they've had when working with a virtual assistant. Here are five tips for ensuring you find a great virtual assistant to partner with, and making it the rewarding experience it should be.
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I've noticed a trend with my clients: they're either struggling to make low 6 figures (say up to $200,000) or they're at the million dollar mark and beyond. Why the marked difference in revenue?
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Communication is essential to the success of any team, but when you're working with that team virtually then communication becomes even more important. Read on as I share with you my tips for creating successful communication with your virtual assistant.
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Open a Research and Development Team (R & D Team). An R & D team is a group of folks who you invite to join you in developing your products, programs, and services. They can be vital to your business development.
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The secret to success for entrepreneurs and small business owners is not another brilliant marketing idea. There's a better place to start first. The real secret to success is tapping into and using your intuition in your business on a consistent basis. You might be wondering... Can this really be true?
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Every time I hear someone lamenting about a “client from hell” I think, “Yep, been there, done that.” This is where money doesn’t matter. Because no matter HOW much a client is paying you, if they’re no fun to work with, the expense of maintaining such a client will rob you of time, energy and motivation. Plus, I believe it energetically “taints” your bank account, making it more difficult to prosper and thrive. Here are three quick tips on how to create your “platinum filter” that only lets in the cream of the crop clients, and gently keeps out those that aren’t quite your style.
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Take a moment before beginning to read this article. Ask yourself, have I showed love, compassion, kindness, forgiveness and care in my business and in my business dealings? Have I stood in a place of integrity, tact and professionalism in all of my interactions? If yes, beautiful. You are already ten steps ahead and more than likely, reading this article will feel more like a review of things you already do. If you somewhat take a lesser grade on answering those questions, that's okay too. Not all hope is lost and you can still spark that fire in your romance with your business.
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People buy from those they know and trust. Nowhere is this more true than on the Internet, where you may never even meet anyone in person. Establishing a trust relationship with your potential online clients takes time, but it is well worth the effort!
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For the past few Thursday evenings millions of Americans were glued to their TV tubes watching Donald Trump’s reality show “The Apprentice” and speculating who will be fired next. Regardless of your overall thoughts of the show, you can’t argue the fact that at times it delivered great insights into human behavior, business success principles and marketing savvy!
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As business owners, we often neglect to book time to work on our businesses. The good thing about a lull in your business is that it forces you to do this — if you take advantage of the opportunity presented to you. Here are 10 ways to do this.
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How do you know when the decision you’re making is the best choice?
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Look around you. Do you have everything you desire for your business? If your business is not where you want it to be, you need to look at where YOU are focusing your thoughts, feelings, and actions. You can't blame anyone or anything if you are not where you want to be.
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Having a business of your dreams is all about the energy. I have coached many people that had no clue of HOW they were going to do things, and in some cases, they had some real gaps in skills like marketing and selling. But, when they really understood that this is an ENERGY game- first and foremost- and they focused more on the way they felt, and how they could make small shifts, then they started to see things showing up that AMAZED them.
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Building a million dollar information marketing business doesn't start with getting all excited about the latest article or blog submitting gizmo, or a fly-by-night tactic that works today and is obsolete (or banned) tomorrow. Instead, information marketing millionaires build strong foundations first by focusing on developing an effective business model that allows fast growth. Here are the five critical components you must include in your business model.
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The real world of he home office: unforeseen distractions, a lack of structured time, and sometimes a perceived loss of identity. But don't give up the dream just yet! By putting into place a few simple ideas, you can reap more of the rewards of staying home-bound. Based on my experiences and those of my clients, here are 10 simple ways to help you stay on track.
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Do you sometimes wonder what's the point of setting intentions? Some entrepreneurs set goals and intentions with joy; but others sabotage their business success by subconsciously waiting for their intentions to bomb. Which is it for you?
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Creating a business plan doesn't have to be a complicated process. In fact, the simpler it is, the more likely you will be successful implementing the plan. This year, create a business plan in 7 easy steps Bonita's outlined for you.
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What does “become the market you want to capture” mean? It means becoming you!—being so irresistibly attractive that your clients want to buy from you. It means owning your attractiveness! By being yourself and showing your uniqueness—owning it and letting it shine for all the world to see—you become the market you want to capture! Ask yourself these questions.
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One of the most important things you can do for your business is to plan a creative retreat. Even small businesses and solo-entrepreneurs need time away from their home office to reflect, dream and plan for the new year.
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Savvy entrepreneur knows there’s still plenty of opportunities and cash floating around in spite of the “bad economy”. Learn about 7 simple business growth strategies you use to grow your business and income in 2009.
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Your recognition of and gratitude for the power of love creates more abundance in your business and life. This fuels the fountain of potential.
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Have you ever felt confused when it comes to your business? Maybe you've felt unsatisfied in your business, longed for some challenges, or knew you wanted to enter a new phase or direction of business, but just felt unsure about what to do or how to go about it. Whenever this topic comes up with my clients (as it has also come up for me), I've learned to notice that it isn't really about confusion, it's more about fear of success.
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Is there a part of your business that's on hold because you're just doing what you always do? Are you so caught up in answering emails, trying to get clients, picking up the dry cleaning, and getting dinner on the table (or at least down your throat) that you've lost all sense of purpose? Or maybe the idea of having goals, doing something different, getting your business to another place just feels, well, exhausting and, anyway, if you really went after your dreams, you'd probably be disappointed.
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When I think of all the mistakes I've made in my business (some small and some not-so-small) it's important to remind myself that “perfect” doesn’t equal more successful.
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As the owner of four online companies, my job is to sit down every year and decide my SWOT for the next 12 months and then to consistently revisit my SWOT throughout each year and tweak as needed. What is SWOT and how can you use it to strengthen your business?
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Learn the twelve things to do to get the best return on your investment for your business for 2009.
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In building and growing an online business, or one with a strong online component, there are several must-have tools which will allow you to not only have passive revenue, but to enjoy multiple streams of it. Here's a quick rundown of the most basic tools.
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I have found, with the clients I work with, that they almost always underestimate the resources they already have right here and right now to get started on their new business. If you find yourself doing the same, let me remind you of what you have.
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Most of the people drawn to my writing are 40+ and are looking to live more authentically. Many of you are thinking of becoming self employed. If you are now considering self employment, I want you to know that there are many possibilities for you. Here are a few ideas to get your creative sparks going.
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Undoubtedly, any business can slip into a slow period. BUT...the trick is to know WHAT to do to get your business back on track as quickly as possible and better yet, HOW to avoid slipping into a slow spot in it in the first place. Here are 5 tips I personally use to coach my clients out of slow and into "go!"
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Do you find yourself falling into the trap of focusing on what seems important, only to feel like you're missing out on creating the wealth, grace and ease you truly want from your business? Happily, the solution to this very common business problem is pretty simple. And, the good news is, it doesn't involve any complicated time management systems. So let's look at 4 simple tips that I personally use that will help you put the soul back into your day and more dollars into your bank account.
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Learn 6 key strategies to make your solo entrepreneur business a success.
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People are talking about a recession and that means fear is in the air. Well if you want your small or solo business or practice to flourish anyway, make sure you’re not making any of these common mistakes. Just correcting one of these can make a huge difference in the results you’re getting.
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If you own a small or solo business or practice, or are an independent service professional here are some great business building ideas for you.
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Here are 3 common situations that often crop up, and are perfect opportunities to use "no" to powerfully move your confidence, your business and your client relationships forward.
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I don't know about you, but as I look around I still see people jammed into shopping malls and spending, spending, spending. Compared with the rest of the world, we really have nothing to complain about. And for you reading this article, this recession will only be what YOU make of it. Here are three steps to turning this "lemon" of a recession into some entrepreneurial lemonade.
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Like any small business, the first few years can create a solid foundation or a rocky one. This Success Story features Monica Ross of Virtual Bookkeeping, a successful seed.
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If you are a small business start up, a micro or solo entrepreneur, you're probably wondering where to find the money that will allow you to grow your business.
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The small, solo and micro businesses that jump on these trends quickly will have a real edge over the majority and will create a bigger opportunity for success this year. Look at each of these trends and brainstorm how you could integrate them into your business.
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Here are some basic tips that will help you make building a home-based business a reality.
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If you broke your leg, would you go to a family doctor or an orthopedic surgeon? Well, your potential clients want niched experts as well. It's crucial to pick the niche that's best suited to your expertise.
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I guess it's just human nature to want others to like us and think well of us. We are brought up to conform, be polite and meet the expectations of the important or powerful people in our lives. We women are especially indoctrinated with these expectations and sometimes we feel we're letting people down if we say NO.
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Are you stumped on ways to grow your business? Check out these 10 ideas to give your business the growth spurt it needs.
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You know what they say about herding cats. (And if you don’t, go find about 8 or 9 felines and try to get them all in one place. As an entrepreneur, I often find myself in the unenviable position of herding cats, metaphorically speaking. And the cats I’m trying to herd are the new business projects that are constantly popping into my head.
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How can changing you perspective up your profits? It's easy.
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Are you ready for the thrills of seeking your own treasure chest of gold? Adventure-seekers, what you’ll need is a map that’ll help lead you to the riches. Play the “Show Me the Money Treasure Hunt Game” to map out how you’re going to find the key that will INCREASE YOUR INCOME and unlock your treasure chest of gold!
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You need a system for filtering out ideas and projects that may be good but won’t take you and your business where you want to go. What you need is an Investment vs. Benefit Filter, an IBF.
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It seems nowadays you cant spend five minutes browsing the Internet without finding at least a handful of websites offering to eliminate all of your life's problems for just a few dollars. And I predict there will be more of those sites popping all over the Internet, because getting started in information marketing is so darn easy and profitable. Here are the top 11 reasons you should start your own information marketing business.
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If you've tried your hand at building an Internet-based business but haven't yet reach the success you want, find out these 11 deadly mistakes and how to avoid them.
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There are many parts to building a successful entrepreneur business, but it first and foremost begins with understanding and remembering why you do the work you do. Then it's about clearly understanding who you serve, what their major struggles are, and how what you offer will make their life better. Finally, it's about reaching your ideal client in a way that has them eager to work with you. But most importantly, it's about managing your energy through it all.
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It is important to be able to recognize those areas in your business that may be causing your business to fall short. By recognizing where your business needs help you are better able to focus your attention in the proper places.
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Starting a business can take a lot of time, money, and energy. Since we don't want to completely start from scratch, we often want to copy (legally) other techniques, strategies or processes used by others. On the other hand, what makes your business thrive is your uniqueness. It is your passion and purpose combining with the unique way you develop and deliver your product or service that makes you attractive to customers.
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Have things slowed down for your business now that the warmer months are upon us and people are on vacation or otherwise taking a break from their usual routines? Use this downtime to focus on getting your business ready to rock for the fall by implementing some of these 8 ideas.
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Learn what it means to be a Solo Entrepreneur.
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Writing a business plan for your Solo Entrepreneur business doesn't have to be a daunting project. If you can answer 10 straightforward questions about your business, you can be ready to go.
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Apply the framework that Risk is Always Reducible both in your own business and on the projects you do for your clients. Learn why.
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Learn some of the obstacles that stop business owners from reaching their Biggest Vision.
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Opening a new business? Get a head start by heeding these time-tested success factors -- doubly important for the Solo Entrepreneur!
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A recent study of 29,000 business startups noted that 26,000 of them failed. Of those failures, 67% had no written business plan. Think that's a coincidence?
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Some people make decisions without any difficulty, while others struggle. Are you having trouble making a decision? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the choices you have, and aren't sure how to pick just one? No matter how big or small those decisions might be, here's how you can make good, strategic decisions.
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