Running a small business is hard. There are many obstacles that must be overcome. One of the most difficult challenges to figure out, especially for the novice entrepreneur, is how to get clients. Without a doubt, it’s one my students most often asked questions. Every potential business owner realizes the importance of acquiring clientele, but most of us are dumbfounded …
What Will You Do? Dealing With an Argument
You may be right, but that doesn’t mean that people will care. Or pay attention. Or take action. Just because you’re right, doesn’t mean they’re going to listen. It takes more than being right to earn attention and action. Seth Godin The above blog post by Seth Godin really got me thinking. It sums up one of the biggest problems …
The Power of Trust. How Consistent Business Practices Can Lead to Success.
“The toughest thing about the power of trust is that it’s very difficult to build and very easy to destroy. The essence of trust building is to emphasize the similarities between you and the customer.” This quote is from Thomas J. Watson, an American businessman and Chairman and CEO of IBM for over 44 years. This quote can be used …
No One Cares About You. Why What You Know Is Less Important Than How You Are.
I know that this may seem to be an unusual title for today’s post, but don’t bail on me just yet! Obviously, I am going somewhere with this idea. We have all heard the old axiom that people do business with people that they like. This is an obvious fact, and should always remain in the back of our minds …
I Feel for You. Being human in your business.
Running behind today? Feeling like you will never get on top of that to-do list? Always playing catch up? I know exactly how you feel. I wish there were a few more hours in each day, or maybe even another day added to the week. These opening sentences are an example of putting empathy to work for you in your …
Treat them like they want to be treated: Dealing with toddler clients
We start today’s post with a reference to a 1990 song by the artist Father MC. And while it is not necessary to have a working knowledge of the lyrics and melody of this song (but if you do know it, feel free to sing along), the title is the perfect launch point for this discussion. I recently completed a Case Study …