(And run your business, instead of your business running you!)

By: Gil Effron

It seems like wherever you turn these days, someone is telling you that you should be working “on” your business, and not so much “in” your business.

They’re telling you that you should be focusing on your company’s purpose, vision, direction, strategy, structure, systems, people, goals, and accountability processes.

It’s good advice. However, for many business owners and professionals, it’s hard to slam on the brakes suddenly and say, “I’ve had it with working 60-plus hours a week… I’ve had it with too many restless nights… too few days off… and no relief in sight. I’m going to change and magically do it differently… starting right now!”

It’s not easy to make the transition from the do-all, know-all, touch-all owner/manager/worker/slave to that of a Strategic Business Owner — an owner that’s truly in control of the business, and not the other way around. But one thing is for sure. If you don’t start the transition, you’ll never break the 60-plus hour habit and the stresses that come with it.

If you don’t do something now, you look in the mirror in a month or two or three… or a year or two or three… and nothing has changed. You’re still working 60 plus hours a week.

Because for things to change, you must change!

Read the full article here!

By: Mike Rosen

There was a time when marketing was like a strong, aggressive salesman in your face. In fact, it was all about how many faces you could get in front of and how aggressively could you get them into the tent. Push the product, promote the service, and push the deal.

More on The Pull of Marketing

By: Bernadette Doyle

The thank you page is one of the most overlooked places of real estate on the web.

That quote, from one of my mentors, Yanik Silver, speaks volumes. There is so much opportunity to promote more business and further your relationship with a new client on your thank-you page.

That client has just indicated that they trust you by opting in to your offer. Signing up to your list is a sign that they want to hear more from you. Don’t let them leave wanting; offer them even more before they click off your thank-you page.

More on Did You Remember to Say Thank You?

By: Adrian Miller

We’ve all been guilty of one or two networking gaffes over the years, but if you’re consistently making these faux pas, you’re missing out on valuable business opportunities.

Number 10 – Not Saying Thank You to the Person Who Made the Introduction
An introduction is a gift. Treat it as such. Thank the person who gave it to you, regardless if it leads to a sale or not.

More on Top 10 Networking Gaffes

By: Adrian Miller

No, that’s not an error. I didn’t mean to ask you “why” you are in business. My question isn’t about your goals, your aims, your vision, your mission, your business plan, your targets, or any of the other stuff that come together and answer the “why you are in business” question.

I’m here to ask you, specifically and simply: HOW are you in business?

More on How Are You in Business?

By: Paul Lemberg

It’s the oldest sales tactic in the world…
Before you make your next price cut in the face of sales resistance, the question you have to ask yourself is not, “Does it work?,” but rather, “Can you live with the bargain?”

More on Why Cutting Prices Is Like Cutting Your Own Throat

Extreme makeovers make for exciting TV as they feature emotionally charged situations and dramatic improvements to houses, landscapes, the clothes we wear, and so on.

The extreme makeover has now made its way into business in a serious way thanks to Gil Effron, a 30-year marketing veteran, and his 10-Day Marketing Makeover approach.

More on Does Your Business Need a Marketing Makeover?

By: James P. Farrell

Nobody likes to receive a complaint but if you are in the business of providing a product or service, then they are inevitable. It is impossible to please everybody all of the time. The best way to combat it is to view a customer complaint as an opportunity to achieve something positive.

More on How to Handle Customer Complaints

By Bill Hogg

Positive Sales Team Your sales and customer service team are the primary customer contact for every business. What does their attitude say about your company? If some of your team are not communicating the message you want, here are 10 questions to ask yourself to ensure they stay positive, focused on message and deliver an exceptional customer service experience.

More on Ten Tips to Keep Your Team Positive

Author: Rebecca Metschke

I feel your pain. Networking. The very word conjures up all sorts of negative connotations for some people. To them, networking is kind of like an unpleasant medical procedure… you know you’ve got to do it—it’s for your own good—but that doesn’t make it any less loathsome.

Here’s a secret, though. There’s a lot more to “networking” than cocktail receptions or business mixers.

More on But I Hate Networking!