Business Development
Business Model: Neiman Marcus or Walmart, What’s Your Pick?
I’ve been in business over twenty years and I’ve seen a lot of business models. It always intrigues me to see the difference between those who go after only the high end markets (The Neiman Marcus models), those who only go after the masses and the low end markets (The Walmart models), and those who…
Olympic Lessons in Business: How to Get Your Gold Success
There are some priceless lessons in the Olympics that you can take away for your business success. The dedication, singular focus, and sacrifice many athletes make at very young ages and for several years is astounding. They are setting themselves up for lifetime achievement and success and staying uniquely focused on that greatest of goals…
Marketing Strategies for Small Business: How to Win Customers and Influence Clients
Got some awesome lessons in customer service during a recent stay at The Hotel Palomar in Chicago. First I should say that I am a sucker for modern luxury hotels, however with a business degree in hospitality management I am also a stickler for details and pay close attention to service. They began with a…
The Marketing Trap: Perfect Won’t Get You to Profits
We are living in the Age of the Amateur Invasion. With the gazillions of online marketing methods available today and the popularity of “reality” TV, anyone at any level can make a name for themselves. You don’t have to be an expert, a professional, or a guru. You can claim your status and portray yourself…
Marketing Failure: Are you UNSELLING yourself?
I had a very interesting experience recently. I was looking for a graphic designer to help me with a new website. The gal I wanted to work with was unavailable and she referred me to three other providers. I checked each one’s website and decided to talk with one specifically. I liked his portfolio and…
3 Ridiculously Simple Steps to Stop the Stupid Loop and Get Smart in Business and Life!
Do you know that feeling of going around in circles about something and nothing is moving forward? Your frustration is growing by the minute and you actually start soliciting total strangers for their advice. (Okay, well maybe you didn’t go that far, but you know what I mean.) Well, that’s called The Stupid Loop. It’s…
The Power of One: How to Make Social Easy on Facebook
When you are getting started on Facebook for your business,(yes, there are still many folks who aren’t on board) one of the most challenging tendencies to overcome is acting as if you are speaking to a group or population. Using words like “everyone” “you all” “anyone” is very impersonal and ineffective. You will get more…
Marketing Strategies: Why Winging It, Isn’t Working!
Have you noticed how easy it is to just keep adding new tools to your marketing toolbox without giving any thought to whether they are the right tools and if they fit your plan? Oh, you don’t have a plan? I see, so your idea is that by loading on an infinite level of busy…
5 Really Great Reasons NOT to Join Another Group: Networking Success Tips
Did you drink the Koolaid? Are you convinced that just by having a group logo or name attached to your online profile on Linkedin or Facebook that you are somehow more desirable. Do you believe this will boost your visibility and credibility? GET OVER IT. The reality is that the only way group membership makes…
