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Archive for the ‘Starting Your Business’ Category

One of the biggest mistakes many small business owners make is not putting the right systems in place to run their business and often feel overwhelmed by the chaos and the disorganization. As business owners, we are expected to manage our lives, our business, our people, our process and build our business at the same time. Being organized allows you to focus on your business versus being stuck in the chaos of running your business. Read the rest of this entry »

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The power of a shared company vision is the key to achieving results.  However, many business owners don’t successfully communicate the vision and get the team’s buy in so the vision is never translated into actions resulting in poor customer experience, disconnected brand and low morale with the employees.  Here are 5 tips for getting the team to buy-into your vision.

1.       Identify team members that are critical for making the vision happen

There are key individuals on your team that are critical for the success of your vision.  They are usually major influencers and leaders that others follow in your organization.

2.      Create messages about the vision and allow the team to be part of the decisions.

Open communication is the key to a successful plan.  Create messages with your key stakeholders and allow them to be part of decisions so they feel as though they are part of something bigger than themselves.

3.      Walk the walk and live the vision

Make sure you are consistent in your messages and in your actions so you do not send out conflicting signals.  This consistency will create trust and support among the team.

4.      Update the team on your progress

When you get buy in based upon the team feeling they are part of something great, you need to continue to communicate and update the team on the progress including the pitfalls and the action plan to propel the business further.

5.      Monitor the team’s verbal and non verbal feedback and actions and adjust your communication accordingly

A good sign of success is that the team begins to talk about the vision in everyday conversation.  You can pick up their actions and behaviors and tell if they are still believers.  When people don’t act in a ways that supports the vision, they don’t have buy in and you will need to rethink your process

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Working from home is a dream come true for most.  Thoughts of simpler times and easier work – life balance, conference calls in your pajamas and uninterrupted focus on your work.  Well, think again.  Before you know it the lines between work and life begin to get blurred as you start to be pulled in multiple directions and are faced with choices such as “should I put in a load of laundry before I start this proposal”, or “Should I plan dinner before inputting my business expenses”.  These are real world examples of what happens in home based businesses and before you know it, there are unforeseen distractions, lack of balanced time and sometimes, a lost identity since many relate who they are with want they do.  But don’t give up just yet; her e are 10 tips to keep you on track and to be more productive in your home business. Read the rest of this entry »

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Many small business owners open their business with the greatest of intentions but the statistics do not lie. Most small business will fail within the first five years of business. Do not be a statistic. Learn the necessary skills to take your business to the next level or partner with someone who can assist you. Here are 5 surefire ways to immediate business failure.

1.Failing to stay focused

So many business owners get swept up in the next opportunity, the next big thing, the next great idea that they fail to stay focused on their business and driving performance. This lack of focus often results in the core business being impacted. Remain focused on your business and allow time for you to implement new ideas as long as they relate back to your business.

2.Failing to keep up with the times

The business world is changing. People’s skills are evolving, technology is booming and the way business is conducted these days is different than in years past. Stay current with the times and especially technology. Look for ways to improve your business, stay modern and invest in projects that are going to move you beyond where you current are.

3.Failing to take action

Action is the driving force behind all success. Making things happen for your business and for your customers is the single most important task a business owner can focus on. Failing to take action will result in opportunities passing you by. Be sure to take action everyday to propel your business forward.

4.Failing to diversify income streams

Look for ways to have multiple ways to make money within you company. This will help shield you from any impact that one business line or product may suffer from time to time. For example, you can always introduce additional products and/or services. You can sell informational products or create a membership program or loyalty program. Be creative and look for other ways to bring money into your business. For example, a hair dresser client of mine has hair parties once a month in her home. She charges a premium for the experience and makes sure that the evening is top notch.

5.Failing to manage cash

In business cash is king. The number one reason most business fail is because the business owner fails to manage the cash requirements of the business or leave enough of a reserve to help them through difficult times. Make sure you work with your accountants to determine the optimal amount of cash reserve you need for your business and develop a strategy to respond to changes in your business and cash position before it gets too late.

Kellie D’Andrea is the creator of the BLAST Marketing System and teaches Marketing Mondays, a FREE Teleclass on Sales, Marketing and Business strategies to build your brand from the inside out. To sign up for this class or to subscribe to her FREE ezine The Marketing Edge, go to http://kelliedandrea.com/blog

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When is the last time you checked under the hood of your business?  Checked for leaks, outdated business strategies and inefficient process?  After time, many businesses are put on autopilot using systems and automation that may or may not be creating revenue issues or operational inefficiencies.  In today’s age of rapidly moving technology, educated consumers, an increasing competitive environment and an unstable economy, businesses need to adapt to survive.  Many business owners who fail to incorporate “tune – ups” into their businesses often find themselves in a reactive position when challenges arise.  Here are some suggestions to tune up your business: Read the rest of this entry »

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