What are you passionate about in your business? What gives you a sense of meaning? I often ask my clients these very questions to help them stay aligned with their authentic self and their business.
You’ll know when you’re working with passion and purpose by the way you feel. If you find you have a lot of energy and you’re engaged in whatever you are doing, you are following your passion. If your energy is dull or flat, you may need to delegate what may not be your brilliance. Allow others to do for you, while they bring out their passion, purpose and brilliance to assist you.
thelearn Personal Growth energy, passion, Personal development, purpose, spirit
Spring is here! I always like to do a bit of spring cleaning not only at home but in my business. It’s a great time to reflect back on those goals you’ve made in January and February.
It’s time to do a check to see what’s working and what’s not. How has the economy affected your business? Are you gaining new clients and increasing profits? If not, why?
We’re almost half way through the year. What do you need to tweek, change or improve upon? What do you need to get rid of? Sometimes, we hang on to products, processes and old business strategies that have outlived their usefulness. We can get so attached to the same way of doing business, we may even miss new opportunities.
I challenge you to do some spring cleaning in your business. Take a good look at what you are creating and achieving. Mid year reviews can save you time and money.
thelearn Business Development, Marketing Business Development, business review, Marketing
These are the worst of times and the best of times. What do I mean by that? We all know the economy is in grave shape, but for those with innovative and creative spirits, these are the best of times.
Now is the time to change your perspective on the potential of doing business in today’s environment and to look at growth in a new light – from an innovator’s point of view. When it’s not business as usual, it’s not business as usual. Innovators demonstrate a keen sense of curiosity and a drive to improve what’s on the shelf – and to develop products and services that are not yet there. Innovators look for new ways – outstanding ways – to enhance their products, deliver their services, heed the needs of customers, and respond with remarkable solutions. They thrive on new ideas, and enjoy re-inventing their products and services, and uncovering new business niches. Good is never enough.
thelearn Business Development, Marketing Business Development, innovation, Marketing
PR can mean different things to different people. In the old days PR meant finding someone to send out press releases for you or doing it yourself. Hoping that you would get quoted or your article would get posted in a major newspaper or magazine. That would still be nice, but newspapers and magazines are also running into big competition with the internet.
In today’s world it’s blogging, content, education and podcasts. There’s a whole new world out there that can be tapped through technology. In fact, I’m reading a wonderful book called The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use News Releases, Blogs, Podcasting, Viral Marketing and Online Media to Reach Buyers Directly. It’s fascinating and I’m learning lots of tips and secrets.
thelearn Business Development, Marketing, What's Diane Reading?
Over the past several months I have been learning about social networking. I must admit that it has taken me some time to grasp what it means and even understand the how to’s.
Here’s a link to a great video that helped me understand the bigger picture of social networking. http://drivingtraffic.com/make-money-with-social-media/
Social networking IS the new world of marketing. Is it right for all businesses? Some say yes, even large corporations are using social networking to stay in touch with their customers and to learn new market trends.
thelearn Business Development, Marketing Marketing, new market trends, social media, social networking
Don’t get caught in “The Chicken Little” mentality. The sky is not falling, just changing.
Don’t let the survival mentality get you down. When you view your business with new eyes, and believe that what you think - is what you’ll get, you’ll quickly realize that when you are positive, creative and pro-active your business can soar to new heights, even in today’s changing marketplace.
thelearn Business Development, Marketing, Personal Growth changing marketplace, creative, pro-active
Market, Market, Market.
When times get tough, some businesses pull back on their marketing and advertising budget. I don’t recommend this at all - companies that market and advertise now gain market share simply because others have left the marketplace. The perception is that if you’re marketing and you’re highly visible, you must be doing well. Everyone loves to work with or buy products from businesses they think are winners!
thelearn Business Development, Marketing advertising, gain market share, Marketing, visibility
Turn your business upside down, inside out and see what opportunities you might have in this new marketplace.
Times are tough, but people still buy, still need your services, and are struggling with how they can continue their lifestyle needs in this economic downturn. Some businesses will definitely thrive in this kind of marketplace. People want value; they still want the same things, but perhaps feel like they simply can’t afford them. That’s where you come in to re-shape your business offerings to address your client need. Try offering a low- risk, low-cost offering. Package your offerings in a different way, or even add new products or offerings based on today’s market. Improving customer service, adding value and going the extra mile will keep your customers happy and generate new business.
thelearn Business Development Business Development, business model, innovation, strategic planning
The times, they are a changing! Are you? With all the recent economic shifts and changes in today’s business world, it’s essential that you take a good look at your business offerings, business structure and client needs. The rules have changed! You must change with them - or be caught in the undertow of chaos, living in survival and business downturns.
thelearn Uncategorized
As a business coach I hear this comment all the time. One reason is because when selling for someone else or someone’s product it’s not a direct reflection of you. In other words, when selling for yourself, you have a lot on the line. It’s your creditability and delivering what you promise along with the follow through.
When I worked in corporate America, I had a sales force of 30 people. I found that if the sales person didn’t fully believe in the product or service - they couldn’t sell it.
You have to believe in you and your product and service. Believe in your abilities and own up to your authentic self shining through. Selling is a transfer of emotion. Your emotion must be real and you MUST feel worthy to succeed.
thelearn Personal Growth authentic, business coach, selling, success
