It seems obvious that first impressions are important, but you’d be surprised how few business owners maximize this idea. The goal is to establish an identity which is both attractive to prospective (and current) customers, and matches the company’s products and position in the marketplace. The identity is part of a strategic marketing plan which should be analyzed and carefully constructed. While many people think of a logo when identity is mentioned, it really is a great deal more. It’s the company’s style, theme or attitude. When beginning identity development, a significant list of messages or ideas is considered. Which messages best represent the company – is it… Traditional or Modern Expensive or Discount Dependable or Disposable Local or Imported The fonts used for the text helps to demonstrate the desired messages. Color also plays a large role in projecting the ideal image. Green is very different from Red. The …more
Strategic Plans
Finding New Sources of Business
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe… it can achieve.” Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich Let’s say you’ve got a successful business with a decent stream of buyers. Everything is moving along smoothly. Steady. The question is, how can I find more profit in this situation. My answer is …more
Are People Born Entrepreneurs?
Becoming one of the 25 entrepreneurs on the StartupBus Miami, I instantly recognized we all have one thing in common - our entrepreneurial spirit. Our skills and backgrounds are very diverse, and yet we all have a passion for business success. We are willing to brainstorm new ideas, work long …more
Why is “Non-Profit” a Dirty Word?
I was at a networking event discussing startup ideas when I mentioned starting a non-profit… silence fell on the group… After a moment (or two) someone finally said in a dismissal way – “those don’t make any money, why would want to start one of those???” My goal was to …more
3 Fast-Start Business Success Tips
I was recently inspired by an article on “Fast Start Tips”. The article was based on the idea that there are often three, short-term, high-impact activities which can be quickly implemented to improve business profits. Focus on three things and you’ll get a result. My initial reaction was to look …more
Introduce Yourself
You must go out and start networking. Get started with masterminding, or brainstorming with like-minded, success driven people from outside your industry. Find new contacts who can share perspectives, real life experiences and recommendations with you. If you’re a lonely entrepreneur out there trying to knock it alone, and you’re …more
You Are What You Say, Everyday
I just met my 20+ competitors on the StartupBusMiami. We’ve all gathered for the adventure which has officially begun. As I anticipated, being with this group of intelligent, creative thinkers is going to test my own expertise and abilities. At this point the competition is friendly as we mingle and …more
The “W” Questions of a Prospect
Do you remember the “W” Questions? I’m talking about the Who-What-Which-Where-When-Why Questions. Those basic questions from elementary school… I want you to ask yourself these “W” Questions about your Prospects or Customers. The questions help you know your customers and their buying habits. The more answers you have the greater …more
Every Startup Needs a Great Name
I’ve started working on my idea for the StartupBus project and I need to find the perfect name. The StartupBus is a great name and lends itself to add geographic subnames for each bus in the national competion. (I’m on StartupBusMiami, if you forgot!) Always one to start with …more
How to Get More Customers
The first step to getting new customers, is to understand why your current customers buy from you. Take a few moments and ask them why they spend money at your business. Find out why you are better than the competition. Why do they choose you? It’s really easy to make …more
