The UNFAIR Advantage

Entrepreneurs Must Embrace the Necessity to Change

2010-11-16T21:04:00.005-05:00

As an entrepreneur, you can attest to the fact that it isn't easy running a business. It can be especially challenging in a bad economy when businesses and customers may be on a tight budget and unwilling to take risks. But, as long as you can make the necessary changes to find ways around these barriers, you can overcome your most formidable challenges.

Whether you're facing the challenge of attracting new customers, insufficient capital, poor business location, competitive disadvantage, ineffective marketing, lack of experience... the key is to develop a plan of action and execute it. If other businesses are able to thrive within your industry, let that be an indication that you can as well, so don't overreact.

Rather than making big dramatic changes that veers you away from the vision you have for your business, take baby steps. Change might require you to consider:

1. Adding an economy product or service line, either permanently or for a limited time.
2. Taking advantage of the real estate market to secure a new location in this buyer's market.
3. Diversifying your products or adding a service component.
4. A more aggressive PR campaign to set yourself apart from the competition.
5. Take a survey of your target market and give them what they want.
6. Step out of your comfort zone and test the waters.
7. Build your platform through social media, email marketing and traditional networking.
8. Set a realistic goal and accomplish it.
9. Stop procrastinating and 'strategizing' and JUST DO IT!
10. Do what it takes to become a master at your craft.

If you want your business to improve, you must overcome the resistance to change. Such changes have to be managed with a positive attitude. Don't allow the negative 'noise' to convince you to use the 'recession' as an excuse to just sit idly by and ride it out. Now is the very time to press forward full speed ahead and give yourself an unfair advantage!

Website: http://www.YourUnfairAdvantage.biz

5 Time Management Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs

2010-10-30T17:00:00.008-04:00

Time is your greatest asset. Yet, managing it is one of the greatest challenges for busy entrepreneurs. There’s always too much to do, and there’s only so much time in a day. Here are my top five time management tips that will help boost your personal productivity and boost your business profits:

1. Write down today’s priorities in advance
Organize your to-do list the night before, so that you can hit the ground running rather than having to set aside time to actually think of what has to get done the very same day. Make it a habit of writing out your list of things to do in a convenient electronic format—Notepad or an online calendar that is in sync with your Smart Phone device.

The more organized you are the more you’ll be able to check off your to-do list. Start with a tidy desk, organized filing system and set of procedures to handle tasks that come in.

To keep from procrastinating, if possible, tackle the most difficult, tedious and challenging things first. Begin with the tasks that you must do, although you really don’t want to do them. Once you’ve gotten past the most undesirable tasks, the things that you want to do will be more enjoyable and productive. The more difficult the task, the better you’ll feel once you’ve gotten it done.

2. Set aside uninterrupted time
Remove all distractions that will prevent you from staying focused. Once you’ve checked your emails and made your important phone calls, close all open programs on your computer, such as email, web alerts and updates. If necessary, close your office door, shut off the TV in the background and let your calls go to your voice mail or route them to an assistant.

How you start your day will set the tone for the remainder of the day, so begin your day with some quiet time by yourself, and get centered inwardly. This will help see you through the rough and tumble you might encounter during the day.

3. Avoid multi-tasking
Some people claim that multi-tasking saves time. The truth is that you are not most effective when multi-tasking because the human brain is designed for focused concentration. You need only look at the rise in vehicle fatalities, due to texting and talking on cell phones, to grasp that truth.

Whether you’re in your office or vehicle (a life-threatening “no no”) you will be most effective focusing on a single goal or task, whether it’s something you are trying to accomplish that very moment or a long term goal.

4. Delegate Work to Others
You can try to do it all, and it might seem cost effective, but it’s just not the best way to use your time and it could actually be costing you revenue. As a business owner, your attention needs to be focused on the big picture of strategic planning and promoting your business. Delegate the execution of the smaller tasks to well-trained staff. Trying to do all the minor work, in addition to managing all the major issues, is often overwhelming, distracts your attention and can render you over-exhausted and inefficient.

If you’re a solo entrepreneur you’re probably wearing all of the “hats,” from CEO to mail clerk. Try soliciting the help of family members who can assist you on an “as needed” basis for a small fee rather than retaining a professional, which can be draining on your budget. Forwarding your calls, updating your website, creating professional promotional materials and maintaining inventory are just a few responsibilities that can be delegated to family members until you can afford to hire a staff.

5. Automate Repetitive Processes
As valuable as your time is, it is crucial that you work smarter, not harder. One way to do so is to automate as many processes in your business as possible. The more you can automate, the more profitable your business can be. Leverage the genius of your website by taking orders online, set up automatic responders, use an online time scheduler such as Time Trade and block-out times your clients can book an appointment with you and set up an automated telephone answering system.

In this day of social media mania, make sure your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other accounts are in sync so that one post will update them all. Also use sites such as Tweet Deck and Tweet Later to schedule some of your more general tweets days or weeks in advance.

The best solution for managing your time is to find out what works for you. Use these tips as a guideline and incorporate other time-management measures that work effectively for you and your team.

For more resources visit www.YourUnfairAdvantage.biz

The UNFAIR Advantage: A Matter of One Degree

2010-10-14T21:18:00.000-04:00

The UNFAIR Advantage: A Matter of One Degree

A Matter of One Degree

2010-10-14T20:11:00.006-04:00

As entrepreneurs we're challenged to find ways to attract new customers and clients, manage our time efficiently, use our funds wisely, promote our business and strategic planning. Many of of us attend conferences, networking events and training sessions seeking some new and profound revelation that will catapult our business to the next level. Rather than being inspired, it's often blah, blah blah...we've heard it all before and we walk away disappointed that it was just a waste of time. Not because there wasn't anything of value to take away, but because we graded the experienced based upon how much of the teaching was more of the same rather than honing in on that little nugget that could dramatically improve our bottom line.

Suppose you to to take off in a ship at the equator with the intent to sail the globe. Let's say you plot out your route but, without realizing it, you're of by one degree. By the time you return to the same longitude, you would be off course by a thousand miles. This same principle can be applied to your business, but with positive results.

The key to building a long-term, thriving business does not always require a major overhaul, but it could be a matter of making a small shift in the way you're currently doing business. It all depends upon your stage of development. If you're a start-up, it's not uncommon to make a major change in the beginning. But, if you've been in business a while and you're looking to take it the the next level, more than likely you may only need to make incremental shifts to position your business for long-term, sustainable growth.

I recently had a business strategy session with the networking guru, George Fraser. I soaked up every word like a sponge. During the course of the hour, he shared many aspects of business that were not really new--I'd heard them before. I knew, however, that at his level of success, there was something he could impart to me that would be a game changer. Well, he didn't disappoint! In answering my questions, "George, what is the secret to your success?" he advised me to "Build your platform." Someone had suggested that to me two years prior but, at the time, I just didn't take it that seriously. But this time around I had a light bulb moment! Suddenly I realized that this could be the one degree shift I needed to profoundly impact my business for the long-term.

Four little words that can sabotage the success of your business are, "I already knew that." It's not what you know that determines your success, but it's what you do with what you know that makes the difference. If you're hearing more of the same, it could be an indication that you're further along in your development that you realize. Enter every learning opportunity with an open mind. Don't make the mistake of overlooking the obvious in search of the spectacular. The key to unlocking the future of your business may be just one degree away.

Give Your Customers and Clients What They Want

2010-08-27T22:30:00.004-04:00

One of the first aspects of business that we as entrepreneurs and business owners learn is that it's easier and cheaper to keep existing customers and clients that it is to get new ones. A lot of time can go into getting leads and landing a sale. However, marketing is only one component of your business strategy.

Excellent customer service should be a top priority in any business, regardless of its size. It's easy to get caught up in the cycle of trying to attract new business that you neglect customer retention, especially in the early stages. But, if you expect your business to grow and thrive, it is essential that you evaluate whether you're providing the best over-all customer service.

Below are five things your customers and clients want and how you can deliver good customer service:

1. They want to know that your product or service will enhance their life--that is, can you solve their specific problem? Be straight-forward and confident in letting them know what you can do for them. Be up front in stating how your products and services make the lives of your customers better so they can make a decision.

2. They don't want to go through a bunch of changes in order to do business with you. Make it easy for your customers and clients to understand your prices, policies, and procedures. Avoid using complicated jargon and "un-user" friendly order systems and applications.

3. They want to feel that you are right for them. Be genuine so that people will know what they are getting when they do business with you. Perhaps you're a firm, no-holds barred CPA; a humorous, high-energy event planner or a naturally conservative realtor. Showing people the real YOU makes it easier for them to decide if you're the right fit for them.

4. They don't want a pushy sales pitch. We all like freebies and taking a test drive before making a final decision on a purchase. Ease skepticism by offering freebies and samples in the form of demos, trial periods, complimentary service or a money-back guarantee.

5. They want to purchase your products and services and trust that they can be easily accommodated. Make it convenient and easy for your customers and clients to pay you, and extend to them an open line of communication, easy exchange and support.

Understanding what your customers and clients want is vital to boosting your revenue and maintaining a loyal customer base. If you give them a pleasant, reliable and value-added experience they will patronize you for the long-term and hopefully become evangelists for your business.

Get Noticed by the RIGHT People

2010-08-08T23:31:00.002-04:00

If you spend most of your time perfecting your products and services and mastering your craft, expecting a huge return on your investment, what I'm about to say might sound unfair. And that is--it's not what you know that will determine your long-term success, but it's who you know and who knows you! The reason I can state this with such conviction is because it wasn't until I wholly embraced this truth did I see my business make an upward spike.

You can have the greatest product in the world and a dozen letters behind your name, but if you're not in the loop with the right people, you're going to be in for a long, slow haul. People are critical to the success of your business-but not just any people. There must be people in your network who are more advanced than you, and have enough influence to give you a leg up. Just keeping it real! I heard Dennis Kimbro say, "If you're the smartest person in your circle, then you're in the wrong circle."

Apart from your broader networking circle, think of two people you would like to meet. Your agenda shouldn't be for the sole purpose of what you can get from them. There needs to be a genuine desire to connect and create a mutually beneficial, professional relationship. Here are four guidelines to follow if you're interested in connecting with a specific person:

1. Ask around to determine if there's someone you know who can introduce you to the person. You will be surprised at the connections the people close to you have.

2. Subscribe to their newsletter or blog and interact with them.

3. Purchase their products and services
4. Attend the same events as they attend.

Be patient and look for the right opportunity to reach out to them for help. If you invest in other people and they feel that you are genuine, and are benefitting from their product and services, they will be more inclined to help give you a leg up.

Have You Considered a Business Partner?

2010-07-07T14:50:00.000-04:00

On yesterday's Self-employed Women's Teleforum, Tarona Lee, President of TLL Human Resource Services, led a dynamic discussion on the Power of Partnership. Tarona did a great job explaining the benefits that a win-win-win alliance with another business can help to expand your business in a way that you would not be able to do alone. She also shared some of the pitfalls that should be avoided in entering a partnership agreement.

I realize that a partnership can be a value-added dimension for my business. I'm looking to create one. It's taking time to find a partner that I feel is just the right fit. I've been approached by other speakers and coaches, but our agendas are too similiar to join forces. I'll continue in my search and when it does come together both parties will know that it's a win-win proposition.

The Self-employed Women's Teleforum is held on the first Tuesday on each month at 7:00pm ET. The expert presenters are well versed in their areas of expertise. To RSVP for the next call, visit Teleforum.

I'll talk to you again soon. RM

The Unfair Advantage

2010-06-27T05:35:00.000-04:00

Well, today I'm starting to blog again. It's been a while, but now the time feels just right. I'm going to be blogging on various topics, mostly business related, but also on current events and life in general.

Lately, I have taken my Unfair Advantage business solution to entrepreneurs and business owners. The presentation, "Busting the Performance Myth with Real Keys to Developing an Unfair Advantage on the Playing Field" is being well received and yielding measurable results. With The Unfair Advantage entrepeneurs are applying The VIP Rule to their businesses and standing out from the crowd, getting noticed by the right people, becoming a client magnet and generating repeat business.

I'm really excited to share these time-proven tips and strategies that have boosted by business and is helping ordinary people achieve extraordinary outcomes. If you'd like to learn more about The Unfair Advanage, Click Here.

That's all for now. I'll be signing in on a regular basis!

Rebecca