Five Sure-Fire Ways to Keep Your Chin Up in Business!Written by Dan Snow
As entrepreneurs, we all have those times when sales slump a little, or we feel stuck in a rut, or we're just not sure if we're even doing right thing.Before you let a bad day, or a deal gone sour, fill you with self-doubt - which WILL effect your business eventually, try these sure-fire ways to pick yourself up until next time you're celebrating a sale! 1. Read over your testimonials from past clients. This will remind you of how valued your business is, and how much you have been appreciated. No testimonials? What are you waiting for? Get some! Get on phone and call people who you know have been satisfied with your service in past - tell them you're 'revamping your approach' (then it's not really even a little white lie!), and wondered if they would consider jotting down a few words about what your company did for them. Most folks are delighted to oblige! 2. Call a mentor. You probably know lots of seasoned professionals who've been around block a few times more than you. It doesn't matter if they're not in same business - whatever business they're in , they've probably experienced same kinds of 'slumps' that you find yourself in now. And again, most entrepreneurs who have 'been there, done that' would be happy to spend a few minutes encouraging you to carry on with what you're doing.
| | How To Have A Whole Team Building Your Business...Even When You're A Sole Proprietor! Written by Philip Benjamin
There's a big difference between working FOR yourself, and working BY yourself. Every smart small business operator should learn how to build a TEAM of people around them who will help build business - even when they are independent owners.The very first person on your team should be your accountant, or at least a bookkeeper. Even if you're a math whiz, and love doing your own books (will you come and work for ME, please?), an accountant should still be one of people with whom you consult regularly. Based on your financial statements, they can help get you back on track in a hurry if you start veering off-course. The next person you want to have on your team is your banker. Even if you didn't have to borrow seed money or start-up funds, it's always a good idea to develop a positive relationship with your banker - you never know WHEN you might need to dip into pot, and you might as well have a good rapport with person who makes decision! Another person you may need to have on your team is a business lawyer, especially if you are importing or exporting, or doing any kind of international business. If you're in either information or manufacturing business, a good corporate lawyer understands nuances of things like patents, copyrights and trademarks, too - and many of them now have a pretty good handle on demands and diversity of e-commerce enterprises, as well.
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