HERE’S HOW SYLVIA STARTED SIX SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES!

I recently had the blessing of speaking with Sylvia McNiel, a Mary Kay business owner. In our discussion, I was touched by the experience and wisdom of her words. Due to a series of moves around the U.S., Sylvia has successfully started six different businesses from scratch. Three times Sylvia’s business was successful enough to…

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THE DISCIPLINE OF MARKET LEADERS

Successful businesses know precisely who their customers are, what they need, and how they want to receive their product or service. They also need to choose the correct strategy to maximize their value to the market. In The Discipline of Market Leaders, authors Michael Treacy and Fred Wiersema suggest that “No company can succeed today…

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LESSONS FROM A TV SHOW

I enjoy watching the genre of reality TV programs where an expert helps owners fix their business. One show, “Restaurant: Impossible,” features an expert who helps a business owner turn around their restaurant with a budget of $10,000 and only 48 hours. Many aspects of the fix are glossed over in a one-hour show, but…

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A MORE EFFECTIVE ELEVATOR SPEECH

We are all taught that an elevator speech is a crucial sales practice. A well-crafted elevator speech will concisely communicate (1) who you are, (2) what you are looking for, (3) the benefit you provide, and (4) do it within 30 seconds. The two biggest challenges I have with this old approach are that it…

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT IS NEW?

We just sold our house. It is a great house, and we enjoyed raising our family in it, but now my wife and I are empty nesters, so it is no longer a great fit. We are moving on to something new. Your personal life changes, and so do your needs. The same is true…

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COVID-19 IS NO LONGER A VALID BUSINESS EXCUSE

COVID-19 is no longer a valid business excuse. It is more than past time to move on. While today’s economy has not fully recovered, it is more than 90% there, and the momentum is more limited by a lack of supply and employment than demand. Economic factors have not all returned to pre-COVID levels, but…

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THREE KEY QUESTIONS WHOSE ANSWERS WILL GROW YOUR BUSINESS

THREE KEY QUESTIONS WHOSE ANSWERS WILL GROW YOUR BUSINESS Here are three key questions whose answers direct you to growth opportunities. The answers don’t come from you. They come from your customers. No navel-gazing. 1. Who are your best customers? Your best customers are the ones whose needs you meet best and are the most…

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