By: O. Ross  

Condition Yourself for Success

Why we do it…

Entrepreneurs create change, initiate movement, inspire creativity, and solve problems. That’s a lot to take on, isn’t it? We do it because we know our ideas have value. Entrepreneurship is generated from one of two avenues. You can solve an issue and make life a little easier or you can create a desire and make life a little livelier. When I think of solving a problem, I think of necessities, like soap. When I think of creating desire, I think of all the soap products on the market – different scents and many skin care lines. Some skin care caters to skin conditions; others are just distinctive by scent. Note: million dollar businesses have been built because of different soaps and their aromas! Now that’s creating desire. What about electronics? You don’t need a navigation system, a MP3 player, or a gaming system but it certainly becomes a need once you’ve experienced one – to the tune of multibillion dollar industries!

From this, entrepreneurs learn early, we don’t have to limit our vision.  I’ll go a step further. Don’t let others limit your vision.

Are you following your passion or falling prey? Not honoring your passion is what I call the Dream Assassination. Succumbing to a prey – like attitude is carnage! Don’t be a victim or allow others to victimize you. I thoroughly enjoy what I do. The strategy behind overcoming obstacles, driving forward, and executing success is what my company is known to accomplish. You can’t quench that passion!  I know someone who always asks me, what’s on the horizon in my businesses? I got suckered into answering this a few times until I realized this person wants me to be her prey.  Conversations shouldn’t leave you unhappy. No matter what success or excitement or burgeoning idea I shared, her response was “Why are you gonna do that?”  And after I explained my plan and sometimes even the positive market feedback, her response was never encouraging. Now keep in mind, feedback – pro and con, is always needed; but it should be practical and evoke thought. I soon realized I was falling prey to her negativity.  If the emotion of positive change is not induced when sharing, move on!  Ideas are rarely bulletproof, so feedback is necessary. That’s what market testing is all about.  Just understand the difference between worthwhile feedback and negative chatter! Don’t fall prey!

By: O. Ross 

Let’s open our minds. Many entrepreneurs complete business reviews several times a year. Are your reviews hittin’ the bull’s-eye? Think about this… When you review your sales techniques, your marketplace, and your communication, you’re also reviewing that of your competition. Common thought exercises include questions like: How do my sales fare with those in my region and in my industry? Do customers know we’re here? How do we embed our business in their minds? Do I have the right people to drive our vision? Am I servicing the customer?

Without proper benchmarking, your plan is inadequate.  Consider some of these techniques when reviewing your business and your competition’s business.

Sales

Have you asked your customer base what they really need? There is always a need that’s overlooked. As your vision develops, don’t cloud it with a unilaterally conceived goal. Seek the insight of others.  Your products should always satisfy a market need. Think of it this way. For every need out there, how is it currently addressed in the market? You must be able to answer this question before you continue. Ask this of yourself and your competition. 

Real Marketing = Real Visibility

Hot topic: Social Media. Social Media is a remarkable tool; I use it all the time. It’s even more remarkable that people think it’s a haphazard tool. Social Media is a resource like any other marketing tool. Foresight is one of the best attributes of an entrepreneur. Don’t forsake it… especially in your Marketing!

Consider these Social Media traits and thoughts:

·          - It’s free

·          - Although there are great time preserving tools, it does take time

·          - You can target an audience

·          - Its ability to interact with your customers and potential customers in real time can save your reputation and offer ideas

·          - Will Social Media always be here? How will evolve? Will it always be free and the best tool? 

It’s no wonder we’re gravitating toward this success. I do ask for my clients to consider some basics about their visibility. Is it Social Media or Social Media Marketing? It’s the latter. Remember the marketing element! The steps of successful business have not changed. (1)  Start with a Business Plan (2) Research, build, and incorporate your Marketing Plan (3) Identify your customer (4) Think about where your customer is and how to reach them (5) Go to the mediums where your customers will be found. If your customers are in Social Media and use it congruently to your business model, then great, you’re ready to speak with an expert. If not, what is the best way to find them?  Use your research to find your customers and adopt the necessary tools. Now, do this exercise for your competition. 

Communication: Overcoming Objections

So many people shy away from customer and market pushback. No need to do this. Welcome it! You will never close a deal unless you directly find out what your customers’ issues are.  You can’t compete unless you really know what’s out there. Sometimes the objections are concrete and other times they’re not. It’s your mission to demystify your customer’s concerns. The only way to do this is to ask.

It’s a detriment to sell, broadcast, & communicate inappropriately. Know your game!