Its all about business.

Archive for September, 2006

Disconnected? Get involved!

Sep 30

Posted by Robert Gerrish in Health and Safety Dept, Human Resource Management, People!, Personal Development, Starting out in business, The Board Room | No Comments

Disconnected? Get involved!

Ironically for a number of novice soloists the very thing that appeals – the vision of working alone – becomes a major reason to quit.

Working solo doesn’t suit everyone. Without planned habits and behaviours, isolation and loneliness is extremely destructive.

The trick is to engage in ‘purposeful participation’.

If you’re running a business, you’re clearly participating at some level. We’re talking, though, about purposeful participation, the ‘purpose’ in this context is to avoid the incidence of you becoming isolated or cut-off from the rest of the world.

To keep isolation at bay we must feel connected; we need to foster the habits and behaviours of a purposeful participant.

The onset of isolation is rarely heralded. One day you’re chuffing along nicely supported by throngs of unseen supporters and advocates, the next you’re seemingly invisible and alone.

Here are 4 tips to keep you connected:

1. Build meaningful relationships

Take a look at what you’re doing to foster business relationships that have meaning and a strong sense of connection.

If you’ve got it right, a customer conversation will bring the same joy as speaking with a good friend. You will enjoy a feeling that lasts.

Too often we ignore the ‘relate’ aspect of relationships as the emphasis is on sales outcomes. Look instead at building relationship as a means of furthering a sense of connection.

Hmmm. Reckon this depth of relationship may just impact on sales as well? Now there’s a thought.

2. View your neighbourhood as a bustling office

Next, look at how you relate to those around you – the people with whom you regularly come into contact.

Isolation rarely impacts those working in a busy, populated office. Why? Because all they need to do to maintain a sense of connection (without even realising it) is breeze through a workstation or two, collecting smiles and nods along the way.

So consider your acquaintances as your co-workers – whether suppliers, neighbours, corner shop owners, couriers, or the postie.

Relate more with everyone you meet and you cannot help but feel connected.

3. Start talking to people

While email has hugely expanded communication, it has also, sadly, diluted the essential element of voice dialogue. You remember speech, don’t you?

Talking with others is pivotal to the demise of isolation. Before you whizz off another email, make sure you’re not missing an opportunity to connect with a fellow human being.

4. Challenge established actions

Finally, give some of your habitual actions a going over. For example, how do you travel around? Could you move by another means, one that would help you connect more? Think, too, about what you read. Are you learning anything new from your reading? When is the last time you read a teenager’s magazine or tried to understand alternative music/lifestyles?

Remember, every time you take a proactive step towards getting involved, you’re taking one step back from falling into the isolation trap.

How To Target Left Handed Buyers of Blue, 4 Door Fords

Sep 29

Posted by Michael Crooks in Innovation and Creativity, Starting out in business, The Marketing Dept, The Sales Dept | No Comments

How do you target a market as specific as left handed buyers of blue four door Fords? Pretty much the same way you target – mothers to be, pink toilet owners, and those who have a bobble-head on their dash.

First ask yourself, “Who has access to those I want to reach?” the answer is the opportunity I call, ‘Reciprocal Partnership Marketing’ (RPM). RPM is a powerfulmarketing concept. It allows you to literally, and effectively, put your message into the hands of your prospects.

Here’s an example of how:

Mr & Mrs Baker buy a $1000 necklace from Rolling Gold Jewelry Store. Aftr completing the transaction, the clerk hands a package to the Bakers and says, “Rolling Gold Jewelry and Jim’s Insurance want you to have this jewelry cleaning cloth as our gift.” Inside the package is a jewelry cleaning cloth bearing the logos and phone numbers of the jewelry store AND the insurance agent. A card explains the importance of ‘protecting your investment’ by keeping it clean. The card also points out under what circumstances a jewelry insurance policy might be beneficial to ‘further protect your investment’. The card carries both the logos and contact information of both the jewelry store and the insurance agent.

The insurance agent reciprocates by referring peole to the jewelry store for appraisals in advance of writing insurance jewelry riders. In addition, upon completing an insurance sale, the agent gives the client a nice document / policy holder, again bearing the logos and phone numbers of the agent AND the jewelry store. Inside, a card reinforces the value of annual insurance check ups. The card further points out that nothing ‘insures’ (creative license, the correct word is – ensures) fond memories of annual events such as anniversaries and birthdays … like fine jewelry.

The concept works across a broad spectrum.

A clothing store that wants to target women for a Friday sale partners with an appropriate nightclub (bar) that features a Thursday Ladies’ Night. Specially imprinted cocktail napkins, a cople of drawings for dual-logoed prizes and a few posters could drive sales for the clothing store’s Friday event. Of course, the clothing store hypes next Thursday’s ladies’ night for the nightclub by handing out the nightclubs promotional item, other promotional info, and displaying posters.

And the targets I mentioned earlier? To target mothers to be, partner with an OB-GYN. Pink toilet owners – partner with a plumber. hose who have bobble-heads on their dash boards – partner with an instant oil change firm. And if you really want to target left-hande buyers of blue Fords. It’s as simple as partnering with someone who sells Fords.

Who has access to those YOU want to target?

The power of Reciprocal Partnership Marketing can be as simple as passing out each others literature. However, through creative thought and the right promotional products and approach, you can really drive up the RPM’s on the ‘ole sales meter.

5 Ideas for Writing Effective Sales Letters

Sep 29

Posted by Alexandria Brown in Starting out in business, The Marketing Dept, The Sales Dept | No Comments

Sales letters, sent via e-mail or snail mail, are an effective and inexpensive way to get your message out. Even if your letter goes out to thousands of people, it can give the feel of a personal communication — IF you write it in a direct and conversational tone.

To get your creative juices flowing, here are five tried and true formulas that can work for either e-mail or printed letters.

1. Tell a story — from either your point of view or a customer’s.

Example: ‘”When I started my own business, I was very nervous about keeping my books. I’m not a numbers person and wanted nothing to do with it! Then I purchased ‘EZ-BOOKS’ software. Instantly, all my accounting “dirty work” disappeared. I gained instant peace of mind, and now I can focus on my real job — finding and keeping customers!”

Copy written in a story format has great appeal. By telling a short story that relates to the reader’s situation, you create empathy with her. People are also familiar with stories and enjoy hearing them (they appear daily in newspapers, magazines, TV, etc.). If your letter happens to be a long one, you can draw out your story for added suspense, saving the outcome for the end. (People WILL read long copy… IF they are really interested in it.)

2. Ask questions.

Example: “Have you ever stared at yourself in the mirror and wanted to cry? If we told you we have a product guaranteed to help you drop pounds fast, would you be interested? And what if we told you this product sells for less than $30?”

Basic psychology dictates that when you ask a question, the reader feels compelled to answer it. You’re involving them immediately in the issue at hand. Many effective sales letters ask a series of questions that are all likely answered with a “yes” from the reader.

3. Offer something for free.

My Own Example: “Would you like a complimentary copy of our FREE report, “The 3 Simple Secrets to Publishing an Ezine That Makes You Money?” Then just go to http://www.boostbizezine.com/ and you can download it instantly.”

Think of three free things you could offer right now. A free e-mail or printed newsletter. A helpful article, report, brochure, or booklet. A complimentary consultation or a discount on a first visit.

4. Point out a fear or problem the reader may have.

Example: “You may feel safe in your own home, but did you know that burglaries are on the rise in your neighborhood? This may be the ideal time to install that home security system you’ve been thinking about.”

This method may seem sly, but the advertising industry has been doing this to us for years. Remember how Listerine convinced all of us we have “halitosis”? (It’s the clinical term for bad breath, but it sounds like the plague!) Direct marketers call this “pushing the ouch button”. This method isn’t appropriate for all topics, but you’d be surprised at how many situations you can use it in.

5. Mention someone the reader knows.

Example: “Your friend *Jenny Smith* told us you could use a little ‘R&R.’ That’s why we’re inviting you to the grand opening of our new ‘Bath and Beauty’ Web store, featuring home spa products to help you relax.”

If you operate a referral program, this is an extremely effective way to reach out and touch your prospects. I wrote a letter using this format for a prominent day spa in New York City, and it generated quite a bit of attention. Why? The reader immediately sees the name of someone she knows — the letter makes an instant, personal connection.

(TIP: Ask your clients for the names of a few people who may be interested in your products/services, offering them an incentive if those people respond. These types of referral programs — or “affiliate programs”, as they’re called online — take some time to generate, but they’re well worth it!)

One Final Note:

Remember that your number-one goal is to “hook” your reader right away! We’re all bombarded with tons of e-mail and snail mail every day, so you have a limited amount of time to grab our attention.

Your best bet is to keep your e-mail sales letters within one or two computer screens, and your snail-mail letters to one or two pages.

© 2002-2005 Alexandria K. Brown

Come on baby, light my Firefox

Sep 28

Posted by Sam Leader in Innovation and Creativity, The Operations Dept | 6 Comments

Ask soloists which web browser they use and most of them will answer “Whatever’s preloaded onto my PC.” Typically, this is either Internet Explorer (IE) for Windows users or Safari for those with Macs.

Knowledge of alternative browsers was thin on the ground until late 2004, when Mozilla’s Firefox muscled its way onto the scene. Soon it was obvious this new player was a breath of fresh air for users…and a chill wind for its competitors.
Firefox is ‘open source’ which basically means it’s been developed by users, for users. Its slogan is ‘taking back the web’ and with 64 million downloads since its launch in November 2004, it seems to be doing just that.

Curious as to what all the fuss was about, I made the free download a week ago. I can honestly say after about a day of surfing, I was completely won over. As at the start of every romance, I’m discovering new reasons to love Firefox every day.

So what’s so great about it? Let me count the ways.

1. Tabbed browsing

This enables you to have multiple URLs open in the same browser. You navigate by ‘tabbing’ from one screen to another. Once you use this you realise how annoying managing multiple windows in other browsers is.

2. Bookmark Toolbar

Particularly handy for fans of bookmarking, this toolbar allows you to display your ‘favourites’ horizontally under the title bar. This means you can keep bookmarks on display without having to sacrifice a fifth (or so) of your browser window. While Safari users will be familiar with this tool, it’s not available in IE.

3. Integrated search bar

This lives in the top right of the browser and while it’s defaulted to Google, you can also search other popular sites by choosing from a drop down list which you can customise. My list includes IMDB, eBay, Dictionary.com and Amazon.

4. Security

Firefox is more secure than its competitors and ensures no Spyware headaches. Smarter than the average browser, it alerts you every time you head into a secure environment (i.e. one requiring usernames and passwords) by turning the title bar’s background yellow.

5. Live bookmarks or RSS (Really Simple Syndication)

I’d heard a lot about RSS but, ironically, didn’t understand it. Thanks to Firefox, I now get what it’s about. Basically it’s a way of viewing fresh content from your favourite website without having to navigate through its homepage. When Firefox detects a site with RSS an orange logo appears in the URL bar. Have a play and soon you’ll understand RSS too.

6. Find

Ctrl F for what must be the world’s most intuitive ‘search within a page’ facility.

Having blown sunshine at Firefox it’s necessary to highlight the one downside – some sites won’t load because they have been designed with just IE in mind. However, with millions now choosing Firefox for their default browser, site owners will have no choice but to address this disparity.

I wholeheartedly agree with Forbes magazine’s assessment that “Firefox is better than Explorer by leaps and bounds. I don’t miss Explorer one iota. Give Firefox a day’s worth of Web surfing, and you won’t either.”

So take my advice and download today!

Try another way…

Sep 27

Posted by Steve Gray in Innovation and Creativity, The Marketing Dept, The Sales Dept | 6 Comments

Tried selling by walking in the door and telling them what you have? Lots of us have, here’s a thought though, try selling by not selling. Oh yeah you say how would that work?

Let me give you an example, two artist friends of mine want to be represented by an art gallery, so on a recent “gallery crawl” we discussed tactics while driving from one gallery to the other. I put forward that what people are doing is the same old, same old. Walk in the door and pester, or email and pester. Result… zero.

So we tried a little experiment, I call it the “Research Method” walk in and have the usual “hi how are you” chat, then walk up and start a conversation that is a bit more in depth, perhaps it’s about a particular art work… then let the questions flow further (flatter them a bit with, this is such a nice space) and get into the meat in the sandwich (stuff about how they hire new artists.) the information they share is amazing!

Then maybe ask what puts them off new artists… (this discovers what annoys them, then you know not to do that) All the while you are building rapport (learn to fake that and you’ve got it made!) Before long they are asking you what you have to offer and the relationship is now on a different footing altogether. Note; now they are asking you, not you offering.

The idea could work well in a range of industries I am sure. Go on make a few comments about this topic using the comments link at the bottom, I want to hear if you have an ideas on selling that could use this approach. Or tell us if you have used a similar method before.

Oh the artists… I hope they do well in the future, but we had a great time learning that day. The conversation on the way home was brilliant, discussing how things went and what worked better.

P.S. The other thing we noted was the three of us together gave a more rounded and interested front to the discussion and the gallery owners were more than willing to chat to us. At first they possibly thought we were art investors rather than artists.

Crucial questions for start ups

Sep 27

Posted by Robert Gerrish in Planning, Risk Management, Starting out in business, The Board Room | No Comments

New solo ventures require plenty of planning. Here are five questions that all aspiring soloist’s need to consider.

1. Have I done the right amount of research?

The excitement of starting a new business can cause new soloists to be too hasty. Often driven by the mistaken belief that some imaginary boat will be missed if the business isn’t started NOW, this haste can result in the cutting of corners, particularly in the area of research.

You need to research potential markets, the activities of competitors, the mechanics of the business, financial projections and methods of marketing.

However, too much research can signal and fuel procrastination. Many prospective business owners remain just that – prospective – rendered motionless under the weight and anxieties caused by research excess.

Do your best to strike a happy medium between these extremes.

2. Have I been realistic about the pitfalls?

If you’re starting up a new business, you’ll know there are risks involved. It’s really important, though, you draw the distinction between risk and irresponsibility. In a nutshell, risk is not usually terminal. Sure the business itself might fail, but the possibility of loss will have been foreseen and personal disaster will generally have been avoided. Irresponsibility on the other hand generally indicates that pitfalls have been blatantly ignored.

When risks takers don’t pull it off, it’s onto the next. When the irresponsible fail, it’s lose everything and head back to employment.

3. Am I cut out to working on my own?

Working for yourself sounds like bliss and to many it is. To others, however, it’s lonely, isolating and downright destructive.

Before starting out on your own, take a good look at your strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself these questions as a starter:

  • In what way may my behaviours sabotage my business?
  • Am I a good problem solver?
  • Will I interact with enough people during the week?
  • Can I strike the balance between freedom and discipline?

The answers will help reveal your readiness to go it alone.

4. Can I handle administrative tasks AND develop my business?

‘How did I get here?’ is a far too common complaint of the soloist. Just a few months into the business and the optimism of the pre-launch period has been replaced with mountains of paperwork and endless action lists. At this point, days can go by when nothing gets done.

This can be due to insufficient thought being given to the mechanics of the business, i.e. a lack of procedures. Formulate procedures beforehand and you’ll find it easier to keep control of your business once you’re up and running.

5. Do I have sufficient financial reserves?

Commonly, start-ups are under funded with insufficient reserves to survive the development period. Here we see the new owner opting for the “she’ll be right” seat of the pants approach to business – not a sensible strategy.

Of course occasionally we hear of an under-capitalised business that launches and succeeds effortlessly. But ever wondered why it’s so newsworthy?

Imagine trying to promote, market and network your business when you’re anxious about whether you’ll meet the next rent payment. Not only is it very personally draining, it becomes very apparent to others that you’re in difficulty.

It’s a harsh reality, but few want to give custom to a business that appears to be failing. Make sure you have the funds to ride out the storm.

In conclusion, much is spoken of the high percentage of solo businesses that fail. Don’t let yours become a statistic. Do your preparation and get ready for the best journey of your life!

Give Good Meetings

Sep 27

Posted by Tony Alessandra in Human Resource Management, Planning, The Board Room | No Comments

Meetings are not supposed to be, as one office critic said, “a practical alternative to working.” In fact, if you plan the time and space, meetings can be productive as well as a means of promoting relationships.

Time. Meetings have been described as “a place where you keep the minutes and lose the hours.” To avoid this, it’s always wise to have an agenda and a time limit. Tell everyone when you expect the meeting to end. That will help everyone stay on track and get everything done.

Space. Try to hold meetings in an attractive location so participants will feel comfortable and important. If they enjoy their surroundings, they will probably have a more positive attitude toward the discussion. A neutral location avoids the territorial problems of meeting on someone else’s turf. Movable seating allows participants to establish their own semi-fixed territories and spatial arrangements.

Meetings do not have to waste people’s time; if planned and executed correctly, they can be a useful and constructive activity.

You cannot be serious!

Sep 27

Posted by Sam Leader in Human Resource Management, The Board Room | No Comments

Judging by a recent poll, credibility is a big issue for solo businesses. Over two-thirds of respondents were concerned that their business was not being taken seriously by others.There’s no doubt cynical attitudes abound in the wider business community.

When you think about it, those who view soloism using a traditional work paradigm are bound to struggle with the concept. It’s easier for them to talk in patronising terms like ‘how’s your little businesses?’ or ‘Are you still just working from home?’ than it is for them to appreciate our integrity, autonomy and earning potential.

I suppose they think a regular job in the Cube Farm is the way forward.

What a cheek. Why should ‘their’ (wider business community’s) be ‘our’ (soloist) way?

In reality, solo businesses have not so much rewritten the work rulebook as razed it to the ground. Furthermore, there are almost as many ways of working as there are solo businesses.

For me, soloism is a lifestyle choice. My business is not a stepping stone to ‘better’ things, but a way of work uniquely crafted to fit and finance the way I live. As a result, work is not a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 endeavour. Instead, my weekdays are a joyous mix of family, friends and office time. Ditto my weekends, actually.

But before you worry that mine is a slacker approach which gives the solo movement a bad name, let me assure you, I can turn on the professionalism when I need to.

For example, I want to go to the beach at 10am on a Wednesday. Do I divert calls to my mobile? No. I have a message that says “I will respond to your call within two hours.” I am aware that clients don’t want to hear seagulls and pounding surf while talking business.

And return the calls within two hours I do, without explanation or apology.

“What if it’s urgent?” you ask. This won’t happen. Because I am not a thrive-under-pressure type, I won’t take on work if deadlines are too tight. Also I don’t believe in being always available, even if it is during so-called work hours. Clients know this, i.e. their expectations are set and boundaries are in place.

Plenty of outsiders, as well as more earnest solo business types, would frown on me popping off to the beach during the day. They would despair of me working propped up in bed, in my tracky daks, sans lipstick. I can empathise with that view, particularly when so many in the solo community struggle with credibility issues.

But, I argue, does my unconventional style mean the work I do for my clients is cack-handed? Hardly. Does it make me incompetent or stupid? No.

Besides, I’ve tried the whole ‘dress smart so you’ll feel more professional’ bit and ended up feeling like an alien in my own skin. It didn’t work…for me.

However, I’ve found a work style that does and I honour it. I love my work, but I also love my friends and family and recognise the time needed to keep these relationships healthy. And if I lavish time on them in the week, that’s my choice. Happy Sam = happy clients.

Whether you’re a serious soloist driven by money and prestige or an idler seeking the path to an easy life, surely finding what works for you has got to be central to any soloist’s definition of success.

What the BLOG???

Sep 25

Posted by Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero in Innovation and Creativity, Starting out in business, The Marketing Dept, The Sales Dept | 1 Comment

Blogs Are the NEW Secret Weapon for Reaching Your Tarket. Just like you, I hate being marketed to. Every day we’re bombarded with over 3,500 marketing messages. And frankly I’m sick of it! But blogs are different. Blogs are a two-way conversation between blogger and bloggee (plus all the readers in between). Through commenting and cross-linking, you can share feedback. You can
build your network. You can become, dare I say it, an Internet celebrity!

See blogs add humanity and instantaneous expression to the web. Like ezines, blogs are a way for your customer to get to know you.

However, unlike ezines, blogs help you with search engine rankings. Did you hear me? I said, unlike ezines, blogs help you with search engine rankings. That’s a big one.
Entrepreneur Magazine, Business Week, even the FCC (Federal Trade Commission) all believe blogs are here to stay. Just last month, Michael Powell, chairman of the FCC, started one. His initial post drew over 30,000 readers. A Microsoft spokesperson says Bill Gates is considering starting a blog. And filmmaker Michael Moore built a blog to promote his controversial new movie, Fahrenheit 9/11.

But who has time to read a blog anyway? Exactly! The job of a blog is to cut through the information overload and deliver searchable, relevant and current content. BlogAds.com recently conducted a survey of over 17,000 blog readers. Here’s what they report:

  • Blog readers are older and more affluent. 61% of blog readers are over 30, and 75% make more than $45,000 a year.
  • Blog readers are more cyber-active. 54% of their news consumption is online. 21% are themselves bloggers and 46% describe themselves as opinion makers.
  • Blog readers are media-mavens. 21% subscribe to the New Yorker magazine, 15% to the Economist, 15% to Newsweek and 14% to the Atlantic Monthly.
  • Whether on the left or right, blog readers have traits in common that often are absent in today’s public spaces: passion and initiative.
  • Blog readers have apathy towards traditional news sources. 82% say that television is worthless. 55% percent say the same about print newspapers. 54% say the same about print magazines.
  • Meanwhile, 86% say that blogs are either useful or extremely useful as sources of news or opinion. 80% say they read blogs for news they can’t find elsewhere. 78% read because the perspective is better. 66% value the faster news. 61% say that blogs are more honest.
  • Blog readers appear united in their dissatisfaction with conventional media and their rabid love of blogs.

Don’t you want to be a blogger too? How about looking at some samples of the good, the bad and the bizarre?

Model citizen blogs: http:/ /www.marketingsecrets.com/blog/ – John Reese’s blog. Hey, the guy just made $1,080,496.37 online in a single day. Here’s a good rule of thumb. If Reese is doing it, you should be too.

http://www.talkbiz.net/ramblings/weblog.php – Copywriter Paul Myers keeps us up-to-date on SPAM and other Internet marketing nightmares.

http://ww w.thinkbigrevolution.com/ – Michael Port’s weekly calls to inspire those who aspire now have an online connecting point. Designed by Andy Wibbels.

Loser Blog (for now): http://www.red-hot- copy.com/blog.htm – my blog today. Check it out now, then check it out in 5 weeks after Andy helps me out (see end of article).

Bizarro Blog: Jeff Bridges’ site is considered a “blog.” It’s hand-written! (Yes, really). http://www.jeffbridges.com

I’ve been dipping my toe into the blogging pool since earlier this year. Now I’ve decided it’s time to really learn how to do this stuff with an expert who will take me by the hand through the scary forest of the blog-world. I’m going back to school! Through another client, I met blogging guru, Andy Wibbels. Sure, he has a funny name, but he is adorable! And his writing style has me rolling on the floor. Well Andy is a self- professed geek. And Andy knows blogs. He holds a 5 week class to get you up and running with a blog. He says it’s easy and I trust him. Wanna be in a class together? Read more about it here. www.easybakeweblogs.com

The 7 Point Ultimate Biz Start Up Guide

Sep 25

Posted by Steve Gray in Starting out in business | 4 Comments

I was delighted when a good friend recently introduced me to John, a young man that wanted to get started in business. My friend said to John “Steve knows a bit about the business game, chat to him about it…” John told me about his ideas and I shared some with him. I then realised that there are lots of resources on business but just where do you start!
I said to John when I got started I wanted to get into it as soon s I could but was frustrated by red tape and finances. I was so excited, but then when the dream became reality PIF! it turned out so differently!
So after years of working with business people (starting out and experienced) I wanted to put together the ULTIMATE guide to getting started in business. So here are my 7 points to getitng started. For those in business, let me know what you think… For those starting out, try these tips to get a solid start on business.

  1. Idea – Okay, to get started you need an idea but ask yourself, is it unique, is it something people need or want? Is it something you can discuss with others to see if they think its viable? If so, do it so you can be sure its going to be a useful thing to do, just because you think its a good ideas does not mean it is in reality.
  2. Is there a gap? – Is there room for one more of what you are offering? If so what makes you so sure your version of it will set you apart from the rest so people will pay for what you are offering.
  3. Courage and commitment – Do you really have what it takes to be so committed to the business? It requires a great deal of strength and determination. If you are hiring staff you will need to be good at people skills and have the courage to take them on and the commitment to provide their wages.
  4. Explore the risk – Do your sums! If you want to earn $60k from your business you have to know how much you have to turnover to get that, and yes turnover is very different from what you will take home! Also work out how you will finance it, and no the bank does not lend new businesses money (rarely anyway). You will need enough money to get through to the break even point and start really earning money.
  5. Get advice – Accountants are just one way to get advice on business, ask people who are in business, what would they do if they were starting out again? Check out internet resources, government support services for businesses, business courses so you will have a reasonable idea of what you are getting into. Ask questions LOTS OF QUESTIONS! Really know what you are getting into.
  6. Sustainability – Is your idea for a business something that will last? Example if your idea was to create a dust cover for a mobile phone built in the early 90′s then it will have become useless in no time. It needs to be adaptable to changing market forces. Set up solid plans for success,  you would not build a house without plans, so don’t build a business without one either.
  7. Get passionate! – You will create a product or service and then sell it… If people want to buy it they want to get it from someone with confidence and professionalism not a foolish amateur. Kow yo product, know your customers and give 110%. Let them know you are starting out and that you are personally going to provide the back up, people love that. You don’t need to be over the top to be passionate, but let them know you mean business.

So thats the list… The ultimate aim would be to know that someone used the list and thrived. For the guys already in business, what are your thoughts on the list?

Cheers

  • You are currently browsing the archives for September, 2006