Be Available The lines of communication need to be forever open in order to satisfy your clientele.  This does not necessarily mean they need to be constantly reminded of your presence, but it’s a good idea to give gentle reminders letting them  know that you are there. Try to provide you customers with multiple portals of contact.  Email, phone and online contact forms are expected and appreciated.  You should also be communicating via Tweets, Facebook [...]

Sizing up your competition is nothing new in the world of business.  The problem is that most people clump their competitors into one group: the enemies!  When in actuality, there are a variety of different types of competition. In order to take a lesson and to potentially improve your own sales, it would be wise to stop grouping your competitors into one large lump, and instead view them as the individual teachers that they are. [...]

If the dead plants on my balcony could contest to anything, it would be that without nurturing your abilities, your efforts (or rather, your leaves) will turn weak, limp and downright ugly. While there isn’t much hope for my murdered Marigolds, at any age and at any skill level you can still become fantastic at something, even in business.  All it takes is a little water, some mild sunlight and these 3 steps.   Study [...]

With Spring upon us we all may be feeling the itch to get up, get out and live.  Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of warmer temperatures and a world in bloom?  Sounds like the perfect time to prepare for a vacation, doesn’t it? If you’re alternating your head shakes from “yes” to “no” you’re not alone.  A lot of entrepreneurs would agree, taking a vacation sounds great; unfortunately the likelihood of that happening feels [...]

1. Pursue Your Passions Of course you will have to do whatever it takes to get your business up and running.  However, if you want your energy and motivation to keep a similar, steady rate, your best bet is to follow your fundamental passions. Figure out a way to invest your emotional interests into your work.  People’s biggest regrets end up being rocks unturned and interests left un-pursued.   2. Super-size Your Strengths You might [...]