Tag Archives: business development
The popcorn model of business development
For many people, popcorn counts as an essential food group. For smart entrepreneurs, the process of popping corn offers several lessons for successful business development. Turn the heat up. Back in the good ol’ days, you’d put oil in the … Continue reading
They’re just not that into you…
What matters is what your client or prospect SAYS matters. How well do you listen to them? Continue reading
7 first-aid treatments for a sick close ratio
A few weeks ago I wrote about 7 easy-to-overlook factors that will trash your close ratio. Looking back, I realize that, as helpful as that heads-up may have been, it would have been even better to follow up with suggestions … Continue reading
Kicking back? Kicking it up? How ‘bout both?
Folks in the northern hemisphere are basking in the start of summer. If you’re like most such people, you’re looking forward to vacations and road trips and some lazy days off. The question is, Can your business afford to … Continue reading
If they’re not writhing, they’re not buying.
Perceived value is relative. It all depends on how much pain and urgency you’re experiencing and how readily a potential solution can relieve that pain. If you were having a heart attack, who would you want working on you: … Continue reading
Are your clients clueless?
I recently explored how developing clarity through contrast is a powerful way to super-charge your confidence, beef up your marketing messages, and stay sane. Have you gotten crystal clear on the real value you provide clients? Then here’s a … Continue reading
Is your train stuck in the station?
While travel by rail is not as popular as it used to be (like it was before, say, airplanes even existed), you can probably still imagine the thrill of being prepared to go on a fabulous train trip. Bags … Continue reading
Don’t let them kid you: Knowledge is NOT power!
Okay, so you’ve taken purposeful steps to identify what you and others see as your key strengths. So what? Remember: Knowledge is not power. Applied knowledge is power. That means your next step is to figure out a compelling … Continue reading
A rite to help you write right
Getting prospects to trust you and respect your abilities is one of your more crucial business-development activities. A business truism that has stood the test of time is this: Unless a prospect knows, likes, and trusts you, she’s not going … Continue reading
How to make your planner your friend
Despite a recent mini-rant about how “productivity-enhancing” tools and technology can actually decrease your productivity, I do acknowledge that certain tools, used properly, can be an enormous amount in growing your business. A case in point is whatever you use … Continue reading
How to use “not now” to propel your business forward.
You can’t be productive if you don’t stay focused. Continue reading
The Few. The Proud. The Survivors.
Last Monday, I addressed how easy it is for your business to become a failure statistic. Let’s switch the focus today to how to become one of the minority of new businesses: the winners that get to celebrate their 10th … Continue reading
Are you on your way to becoming an SBA failure statistic?
According to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), about half of all small businesses will fail before their fifth anniversaries; nearly two-thirds will fail before their tenth. What’s with that? Why do so many talented, creative entrepreneurs … Continue reading
The minimalist guide to business development
You don’t have the luxury of bouncing from one business-building ploy to another. Here are some ways to keep you laser focused on activities that will actually pay off for you. Continue reading
Business growth doesn’t just happen – you must take action.
Are you a member of the Business AAA Club? Members are entrepreneurs who succeed because they Affirm And Act on ideas for business development success. Read on for ideas on how to get your membership. Continue reading
