Posts Tagged ‘Small business’

The Top 5 Things Start-ups Should Focus On

// March 15th, 2010 // Comments // Tips & Tools

Top 5

As a battle-tested entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize the hard way that there are a few things that are most important when building a new company.  There are so many things to do that really are distractions until you stabilize the company and everything else can be shelved for later.

Here’s my Top 5:

  1. Figure Out Your OSS (Optimal Selling Strategy) - If you cannot generate sales you do not have a business.  To me this is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing for a new company to figure out and it does not always come easy.  You have to get very clear on what the true value is of your product or service and how it really benefits your prospective customer.  I recommend that you have some objective advisors that can help you get this right - it can mean all the difference in the world to growing and becoming a company.
  2. Focus On Solving The Problem - You must create an environment for yourself and others to enable the ability to really lock down and focus on solving the problems of your customers and getting things done that move you closer everyday to generating sales.
  3. Cash Flow - limit expenses, if what you are considering buying, signing up for, etc., does not lead to the end goal of generating revenue you don’t need.  Make it a policy that before anything is purchased that you must get a co-founders or someone else you trust to help you make an objective decision to buy or pass.
  4. Measure, Measure, Measure - track everything you do with some type of metric, goal and timebound date to achieving or evaluating the task.
  5. Balance Your Life - To many entrepreneurs get sucked into the business consuming their entire life.  In order to be effective and productive you must have a release.  Watch this great video on the importance of play “The Big Buddha Baba Rule”.

What do you think?

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What Should A Magic Business Success Box Include?

// June 24th, 2009 // Comments // Business Resources

Image representing Blellow as depicted in Crun...
Image via CrunchBase

I constantly find myself looking at companies, cool products and studying visionary leaders and marketers.  I have to say that I’m attracted to success and I love trying to understand how to mix the right ingredients for my own success potion.  I also love to share experiences and lessons learned to help others and really enjoy connecting with and collaborating with others, sharing ideas and trying to make a significant impact on this world.

Some times I have the answers some times I don’t.  Yet, one string of passion that keeps a strong hold of me is trying to help other entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed and get to the next level.  So, I got to thinking - if I had a magic box with a handful of success tools given to me, what would it include?

Now, my personal box will probably be a bit different than yours but, there could be a few things that are constant in all business success boxes.  Here goes my short list:

  1. You must have a Meaningful Marketing potion ( here’s a great recipe ).
  2. You must have a Great Team of People with Excellent Leadership, Strong Values & Vision.
  3. You must have a Keg of Passion, a Troth of Determination and an Evangelist that is a network monster who brings in customers and business deals like there’s no tomorrow.
  4. You must have Faith, Belief & Focus if you expect to succeed.
  5. Some cold hard cash and luck are always fantastic but you can do it with lots of elbow grease.

Here are some great resources to consider:

There is a ton more out there and I’m sure that you have some great information and resources to share so please do.  I’m personally working on a Social Media Starter Kit of sorts with Dean & Mark, who are fellow members of building43.com another fantastic resource for learning about cutting-edge internet technology and strategy. And, I would love to add any suggested resources to the starter kit.

What would you include in your business success box?

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