Pipelines, people, places and prices

The 4 P’s of keeping your business activities in balance: pipelines, people, places and prices. Each one of these P’s requires your consistent and careful attention. Without a filled pipeline, you will constantly be looking for new clients. Without connecting with people, no one will know or care who you are. Without visiting the right places, you could miss exciting opportunities and you could experience monotony. Without appropriate pricing you could be losing money and/or clients.

Pipelines. Marketing is a verb; meaning an action and when it’s done consistently, it produces results. There are a wide variety of ways to incorporate small marketing tasks that will add up to big results. Refine your marketing message so that it speaks directly to your target audience. Ensure your product or services solve an identified pain point. Clearly communicate your marketing message on your website, blog and social media networks. Keep it fresh. Update your offers and promotions at least, quarterly. Never stop marketing. Staying top of mind ensures potential clients remember your name first when the need for your product or services arises.

People. It takes about 7 touches before a client makes a sale. Develop an effective follow-up system with potential clients. (i.e. 1-day, 3-days, 14-days, 21-days and then monthly newsletter or announcement). Despite the social media wave, there is still a lot of value in face-to-face meetings. Create a personal touch that is unique to you and your customer experience.

Places. Step away from the desk. You can’t get refreshed by doing the same activities and looking at the same four walls day in and day out. Get out and visit local businesses and explore new relationships. Change your routine and experience diverse perspectives by venturing into new geographical areas and seeing people and places you don’t normally visit.

Learn more about recent trends in your industry by connecting with your local professional and trade associations. Attend a trade show in your area or region and seek out new opportunities and markets.

Prices. When was the last time you gave yourself a raise? A raise is always possible regardless of the economy. Consider raising your prices. You might lose a few clients due to the price increase, but you’ll actually be able to give each client more attention, and make more while working less. Market your services to a target market that is recession proof. Do a SWOT analysis and figure out how to service more people at one time for less money (i.e. speaking, ebooks, memberships, teleseminars, etc.)

BONUS: Practice makes Perfect.

Be sure to spend a little time developing the 4 P’s of fundamental business activities. Each one will ensure your business practices are solid and provide you with some of the necessary discipline for growing your business.

Need help reviewing and organizing the fundamentals of your 4 P’s? consider Micro Business Therapy. It’s common sense, practical and realistic. Don’t forget… we want to hear from you. Share your comments and questions below! To address your specific concerns, Skype me: amichelleblakeley or email me at info@simplicitymastered.com

WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

For over 18 years, Simplicity Mastered™ founder and CEO A. Michelle Blakeley has owned or managed small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Expert in her field, Blakeley personally guides her clients out of their Business Brain Freeze™ to streamline operations, increase return on investment, and attain quantifiable results. Forbes.com and FinancialPost.com each recommended her as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, joining the experts who know that Blakeley is a master at growing small businesses … and doing it with “Simplicity.”

 

 

Change is not as easy as you think

Progress should be every small business owner’s objective whether it be increased sales, establishing expertise, brand recognition, organization, functional systems, etc. The list could go on. With a new year, brings excitement, motivation and aspirations. However, it also brings new challenges, anxiety, uncertainty and soon, overwhelm.

The problem with a new year and resolutions is that the New Year essentially is just another day. Unfortunately, we don’t get a clean slate at the strike of mid-night, so all of our issues and concerns and disappointments of the day before are still there. With resolutions, we employ the best of our intentions and ideals to motivate ourselves to look forward to a better year and give us hope. However, resolutions become short-lived and the New Year gets tramped on in anticipation of yet another new year. And real change becomes the daily struggle again.

Progress can only be made with careful calculations. You have to truly understand how you got to the point you are at right now; the past. You have to know who you are and what your capacity is. Sometimes the best of intentions cause the greatest harm; the present. And you have to be able to move forward from a standpoint of reality and practicality; the future.

The past. You can’t move forward without knowing where you’ve been. There is a reason we’ve heard this over and over again. Because it’s true. How will you ever know what needs to change unless you know what the underlying faults and root causes of missed opportunities are? Just like a doctor, you have to treat the disease, not the symptoms. If you are lacking a clearly defined target market, you may not be clear on what the benefits of your product or service are.

The present. What are you capable of right now? With everyday distractions, deadlines and commitments, know what you can realistically expect from yourself. Know your faults. Know your strengths. And be able to exploit them both.

The future. Rome was not built overnight, so why do we continue to expect ourselves to achieve so much in such a short period of time. Without benchmarks to closely measure your progress on a regular basis, you’ll have no idea what works, what doesn’t work and why. Which, in turn, prevents you from making necessary adjustments. (i.e. how will you know if you are reaching your ideal clients?) Real progress is carefully planned for and measured. Your future is created by the actions you take today.

Real change should yield progress. Progress cannot be made without proper planning. Smart and savvy small business owners understand the importance of and value proper planning. Proper planning is never complete without giving careful thought to the past, present and future. So, if you resolved to make changes this year and find it difficult to break away from old behaviors, take some time to reflect and understand why you do what you and how you can better work within your means.

Developing, managing and growing a small business is a tremendous challenge. If your mission and purpose have been lost in the daily grind and fire-fighting, consider Micro Business Therapy. It’s common sense, practical and realistic. Don’t forget… we want to hear from you. Share your comments and questions below! To address your specific concerns, Skype me: amichelleblakeley or email me at info@simplicitymastered.com

WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

For over 18 years, Simplicity Mastered™ founder and CEO A. Michelle Blakeley has owned or managed small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Expert in her field, Blakeley personally guides her clients out of their Business Brain Freeze™ to streamline operations, increase return on investment, and attain quantifiable results. Forbes.com and FinancialPost.com each recommended her as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, joining the experts who know that Blakeley is a master at growing small businesses … and doing it with “Simplicity.”

5 Social myths that cause missed opportunities

Social networking is a common time trap for many small business owners. Although we recognize the importance of getting out and meeting people and networking, you do have to be mindful of the real purpose of networking – to put you in close or closer proximity to your ideal clients. Don’t be discouraged by your lack of social media skills and don’t be presumptuous in thinking social media is a cure-all. Here are some important myths to keep in mind when it comes to incorporating social media into your marketing efforts:

I don’t want my private information out there. Many business owners who are unfamiliar with how to actually use social media are concerned about their personal information being available for all to see. The truth is, you can limit what information you post to your profile. More people do themselves harm, by posting unfiltered comments and photos.

That’s for kids and “young folk.” Social Media is not a “trend,” it’s a vital and necessary business tool for all businesses. You simply cannot deny the fact that every day technology advances. It allows us to do things quicker, access information and resources in seconds and connect with people from across the world. The truth is, the “young” may simply adapt to the use of technology faster. The longer you take to adapt to the continuous growth of technology and social media, the bigger the gap will be between you and your clients.

My business doesn’t need it. Regardless of what business you are in, social media has a purpose for EVERY business. It can be used to solicit, engage, communicate, sell, announce, inform, educate, contact, manage, maintain, provide and more. All of which are important to the purpose of a business. You always want to have more clients in your pipeline than you can service and more people interested in your product than you can supply. The truth is, the sole purpose of being in business is to provide a quality product or service that meets the need of a designated target market. To effectively do this, you need to be able to reach your target market from a variety of platforms and that includes social media.

Posting your product or services will automatically generate clients. Social Media is not a “cure all.” It is a supplement to traditional networking and marketing techniques. You cannot replace personal touch with technology. People buy from people and businesses they trust. To build trust, you have to engage people in dialogue, be accessible and keep the lines of communication open. The truth is, you have to have a strategy to social media. Who are you trying to connect with? How do they want to be communicated with? What are their needs? Where do they look when they need your product or services? Why should they choose your product or services?

More contacts means more business. Just because you have 100 people following you or connected to you doesn’t mean they need what you are selling. Your product or service needs to be relevant to meeting your target market needs. Having a lot of contacts is merely a means to “spread the word.” The truth is, have more contacts simply provides you with an opportunity to share your information with more people. That’s it. Whether or not they “purchase” from you takes much more and requires a carefully planned strategy.

Online financial transactions are not safe. We’ve all heard tragic stories of people making online purchases only to be defrauded or have their identity stolen. The truth is, you can take precautions that will dramatically reduce, if not eliminate, the occurrence of fraud or theft. For instance, when you make online purchases, look for trusted symbols like Verisign, Trustee and Better Business Bureau. DO NOT respond directly to emails from your bank, PayPal® or other financial institutions. ALWAYS log-in from the official financial institution’s home page from the search menu or your saved file. Also, carefully examine the return email address. For example: (SPAM) paypal@solonet.co.id (REAL)service@paypal.com DO NOT use links found in your email, log-in separately online. Spammers have been known to send fraudulent messages wanting you to verify your personal information. NEVER verify personal information for a financial institute online. ALWAYS call the 800# found on your card.

Check out this fascinating video about the reach and effect of social media: Social Media Revolutionhttp://youtu.be/sIFYPQjYhv8

There should be a method and purpose behind your social networking efforts. Know what it is you want to accomplish (i.e. meet a decision maker, meet potential collaborative partners, ask questions for market research, connect with others in your industry, etc.). Your goal should not be to simply hand out 20 business cards.

Need help getting started with simple and easy social media skills that work for YOU? Be sure to check out Micro Business Therapy for additional information and support or ask about a customized Micro Business Plan for social media. Don’t forget… I want to hear from you. Share your comments and questions below! To address your specific concerns, Skype me: amichelleblakeley or email me at info@simplicitymastered.com Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to Simplicity Mastered RSS and never miss a post!

WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

For over 18 years, Simplicity Mastered™ founder and CEO A. Michelle Blakeley has owned or managed small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Expert in her field, Blakeley personally guides her clients out of their Business Brain Freeze™ to streamline operations, increase return on investment, and attain quantifiable results. Forbes.com and FinancialPost.com each recommended her as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, joining the experts who know that Blakeley is a master at growing small businesses … and doing it with “Simplicity.”

 

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

You cannot run a business on instinct alone. Growth isn’t just about revenue; it’s about rejuvenation. Developing, managing and growing a small business is a tremendous challenge. If your mission and purpose have been lost in the daily grind and fire-fighting, call TODAY! … Everything I share is common sense, practical and realistic.

A Year in review with Simplicity Mastered

2010 has been an extremely eventful year, full of learning, sharing and growing. The feedback, comments and traffic from the articles below have shown themselves to be the most helpful to readers. They are sources of encouragement, strength and empowerment. Use them to set the tone and foundation for a remarkable New Year!

9 Powerful Social Networking Sites for Women Entrepreneurs. Not just for women, this list of social networking sites provides women with connections and resources they need.

91 fundamental habits of highly motivated small. Use this list to keep the momentum and excitement of starting the New Year on the right foot.

31 of the best business books for solopreneurs and micro business owners. Business and personal transformation are equally important. One without the other is unsustainable. Use business books to expand your mind and hone your business skills.

35 ways to keep your clients YOURS. It’s not too late to give your clients the gift of ATTENTION. Use this list to find ways to provide your clients with an extraordinary experience.

7 Seeds to Plant That Will Grow Your Business. These simply strategies are practical and easy to implement. Water one seed at a time and watch your business flourish.

5 Ways to Erase Daily Procrastination in Your Business. Increase your business discipline with daily practice. Prepare yourself to break old habits and cultivate new ones.

10 Smart and savvy small business questions for 2011. Proper planning prevents poor performance. Review and analyze the past, present and future direction of your business.

Need more help creating a business that works for YOU? Be sure to check out Micro Business Therapy for additional information and support. Don’t forget… I want to hear from you. Share your comments and questions below! To address your specific concerns, Skype me: amichelleblakeley or email me atinfo@simplicitymastered.com Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to Simplicity Mastered and never miss a post!

WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

For over 18 years, Simplicity Mastered™ founder and CEO A. Michelle Blakeley has owned or managed small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Expert in her field, Blakeley personally guides her clients out of their Business Brain Freeze™ to streamline operations, increase return on investment, and attain quantifiable results. Forbes.com and FinancialPost.com each recommended her as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, joining the experts who know that Blakeley is a master at growing small businesses … and doing it with “Simplicity.”

Couch sessions: What do I do about bad press?

Are you a struggling, frustrated or just inquisitive small business owner? Got a question you just can’t seem to find the answer for? Please submit your small business questions here.Get a new perspective and quick tip to help point you in the right direction. Be sure to bookmark and check this page, your question and the reply may appear right here in Couch Sessions for the Small Business Owner. This week on Couch Sessions…

Q: I own a micro publishing company that prints books using print-on-demand technology. The books are on Amazon and available as e-books, but it seems to take a one-on-one approach to get them distributed to bookstores because conventional distributors don’t deal with print-on-demand. Any suggestions for how to get books distributed more efficiently? Nancy Lynn Jarvis, http://www.goodreadmysteries.com

A: Have you considered or looked into on-demand publishing sites like www.lulu.com, www.selfpublishing.com/,www.cafepress.com? They eliminate the need to hold inventory and order large quantities.

Q: Press Releases are a big part of our marketing strategy and I have yet to get a consistent straight answer on two questions and I was wondering if you had some insight. Since we basically live in the virtual world, we take advantage of available online newswires. My first question- is there any real advantage in paying for a service versus the huge number of free ones? When I talk to PR professionals they say yes, when I talk to other business owners they say no. My second question; is there an advantage to posting a story on numerous newswires? Is it considered bad etiquette? Jeff Bogensberger, http://www.socogames.com

A: I am by no means a PR expert, however, experience and research tells me that press releases are most effective when they are relevant, prepared with pertinent information and sent to reporters you have cultivated relationships with. Get to know your local reporters. It’s less about paid v. free and more about “where and who” the press release is being distributed to. Connecting to a focused audience is far more effective than a random one.

Also read these articles:

http://www.canadaone.com/promote/newsrelease1.html

Tips from a recovering journalist: How to write effective press releases that help SEO

10 key elements of an effective press release

Q: A friend of a friend asked me if I could do him a last-minute favor and participate in a webinar conducted by a female Silicon Valley business consultant. I told him that I was in pre-launch mode and not a suitable case study. The recruiter assured me that I was qualified and that the webinar was a low-key event. Putting my desire for knowledge ahead of my personal fears, I stayed up all night reading the “expert’s” summaries on “clarifying your business.”

The next morning I had 3 minutes to present my business in front of 25 callers. The expert shot me down, humiliated me, and accused me of not reading her teachings. She did the same thing to the other female presenter. This public lashing was recorded, posted on her website and followed up by a scathing written summary of me and my business. The recruiter called me and apologized profusely. I demanded that the summary be removed immediately, citing defamation, as I am a public person.

Her personal attack about me “not doing my homework and ‘spraying and praying’” was removed, but her negative summary of my business and the webinar recording remain live on the web. This is hardly the first impression I want consumers to get if they Google my business. The follow-up emails soliciting her curriculum, magnify the consultant’s strategy: Make the entrepreneur feel they need to be cured by purchasing your materials. Is there anything I can do to correct this?Jeanne Chinn, http://www.jclaboutique.com

A: What a horrific experience! Are there any avenues for a “rebuttal?” Is there anywhere on the site where you can submit YOUR point of view on what took place and correct the mis-information? What are the odds your clients will even read or listen to the audio? Do you have a blog? Write about your experience so that your readers get both sides of the story. A quick Google search of your business name did not find any “negative” information about your business. I would try to let it go and focus on continuing to provide your clients with the same wonderful experience you’ve been doing. One small incident can be easily overlooked by the abundance of your “excellent client service” and positive brand presence. I have a feeling the business consultant damaged her own credibility just in publicizing her poor business demeanor. Continue to monitor both your name and your business name. It’s good business practice.

Here is an article for additional insight: Six things you can do to remove bad press from the search resultshttp://t.co/rZW2UjN

Now let’s talk about YOU! Are YOU a struggling, frustrated or just inquisitive small business owner? Need help NOW? Get a quick tip here for your specific business concern. An Introduction to Micro Business Therapy session is held monthly (no cost). Register here. Be sure to subscribe and RSS this column at the top.

 

Couch sessions for small business owners: How do I market my app?

Q:  We recently had an issue where a vendor refused to pay an invoice.  There were no complaints about the service.  Their stated reason was a matter of the vendor’s employee who made the agreement failing to get authority.  It was frustrating because a quarter of a billion dollar company that made thousands of dollars off of our promotion refused to pay our $600 fee. We brought 400 customers into their store and watched them ring up dozens of high-end sales. We learned a lesson and will now require prepayment before executing a promotion.  But, what should we have done?  $600 is not worth suing over.  We don’t want to create bad blood.  But, they took advantage of us.  When should we write something like that off as a loss and when/how should we get more assertive? Carl Ewald, www.ODDysseyHalfMarathon.com

A: As a business owner, you need to choose your battles and determine what you will consider a “lesson.” It sounds like you have done just that. Recognizing an error that could be prevented in the future and making an immediate adjustment is key to being a wise small business owner. Determine how long you are willing to “wait for payment,” what your “cut-off” (dollar amount) is to proceed with legal action or write off, make it all policy and stick to it.

Q: As other one-man business owners know, you have to wear a lot of different hats to get the job done. One of the most painful parts for me is trying to get new clients via cold calling. I hate that “telemarketer” type approach. Do you have any tips for making it easier or getting clients another way? Also, are there any good services that do the calling for you for a fee? Matthias Hager,http://www.2helixtech.com/

A: Is “cold-calling” necessary for you to connect with potential clients? An effective and efficient way to connect with clients is social media and social networking. First, contact your sphere of influence (friends, family, associates, local vendors, group members, people you talk to on a regular basis, etc.) and see if anyone has any potential leads. We are only 6 degrees of separation from those who can take us to the next level.  Identify your specific audience, create a marketing message that clearly states the benefits of your product or service, find the social networking sites that your ideal clients use and start sharing relevant information, introduce yourself and make connections and start cultivating relationships. Social media is a very powerful and effective tool when planned and used properly. I can tell you this from personal experience. I’ve never made a cold call and I was only on Twitter for 6 months before I was mentioned in Forbes as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter. And yes, I have gotten clients from Twitter and other social media networks. However, again, it takes planning and time.

Q: I launched “THAT SHOULD BE ON A PILLOW!” for the holiday season in 2008, right after the meltdown. Not the brightest move, especially selling a “non-essential,” high-priced item. I have consistently gotten rave reviews from all of my customers by over-delivering on product and service. They don’t expect the attention to detail and craftsmanship. The orders are trickling in– 58 items so far this year. Two of which were corporate orders. I think the only way to make money at this is with multiple orders of the same design (corporate gifts, weddings, special events). The individuals who find me by Googling “custom phrases on pillows” are never going to create enough volume to get me out of debt, I net 20% per order. And shipping costs are killing me. Do you think focusing on corporate gifts would be the right move? Would firms be interested in the pillow as a gift idea that could feature a corporate credo, the CEO’s mantra, an advertising slogan, a sales lesson, etc? Are event/meeting planners a good target? Many thanks for your help. Anne Marshall, http://www.thatshouldbeonapillow.com

A: You may want to start by analyzing/profiling your previous sales. Develop a short customer survey. What exactly interested them in your product, why did they purchase from you and how did they find you? You also need to look at your client demographics. In addition, some market research on novelty items and purchases will give you some insight on other potential target markets. You may want to consult with an SEO expert to see how you could incorporate keywords like “novelty” “corporate gifts” “bridal gifts” etc. into your website. The wedding industry sounds like a viable place to market your wares as well (bridal gifts). Are there any potential collaborative partners/vendors you could connect with?

Q:  I launched a new iPhone app, ✄ Fabric U ✄, a few months ago with much anticipation. This was going to be the app of all apps. The one that I could bank on, the one I could retire on…you get the idea. I haven’t had an avalanche of downloads since. What I’ve earned could pay a few bills, most of the utility variety. I’m actively promoting my app by commenting on related blogs. That’s probably the extent of my advertising. I also have a t-shirt that says, I app-solutely ♥my✄Fabric U✄ iPhone app! Anyhow, I’m working on another app, ✄Yarn U✄, which I hope will be even more popular…however, I’m haunted by the humbling lessons I’ve learned on my first app. What can I do to learn more about my audience for my first app, which I can apply to my newest product? That said, I don’t know who’s buying ✄Fabric U✄. If I knew more I could re-jigger the content even the app promotional content on iTunes. Do you have any ideas for me? Mary Beth Klatt, http://tinyurl.com/242bua9

A: I would suggest you find a way to capture nominal info (demographics) on your buyers as a starting point. Perhaps as part of the “download” or purchase process. Where are people who would benefit the most from using your application “mingling?” Are they even tech-savvy? Can you partner with another vendor who may have access to your ideal clients (i.e. Joann’s, Michael’s, local arts and crafts stores, etc.) They could add/incorporate your app into their site, marketing, etc.

Now let’s talk about YOU! Are YOU a struggling, frustrated or just inquisitive small business owner? Need help NOW? Get a quick tip here for your specific business concern. An Introduction to Micro Business Therapy session is held monthly (no cost). Register here. Be sure to subscribe and RSS this column at the top.

 

Couch sessions: micro business therapy for the small business owner

Are you a struggling, frustrated or just inquisitive small business owner? Got a question you just can’t seem to find the answer for? Please submit your small business questions here.Get a new perspective and quick tip to help point you in the right direction. Be sure to bookmark and check this page every Wednesday, your question and the reply may appear right here in Couch Sessions for the Small Business Owner. This week, readers want to know:
Q: There are so many good responses, yet slow sales on a product that we do not have competition with. Our frustration is how do we get more people to know of our product, and what does it take for people to make the decision to buy? T. Demme, www.skaterscoach.com
A: Your story is a prime example of “if you build it, they may NOT come.” Clearly you have what is perceived to be a great product, but slow sales. You may want to re-examine your price point, your marketing plan and target market. Not all marketing venues are appropriate for all markets. For example, are you simply selling via a website or doing live demonstrations? Which method does your target market prefer? Is there room to decrease the price or provide something of additional “perceived” value?

Q: What is the cost difference to my business between a 1099 contractor and employee? J. Asti
A: It depends on the position, but more importantly there are a lot of legal and tax implications for hiring employees and independent contractors. You want to consult with a tax and/or legal professional to answer your questions. Also check out this link for quick tips.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for effectively marketing an online service (transcription) without using paid advertising such as expensive PPC campaigns, banner ads etc. www.writeaudio.com
A: How are you currently connected to and connecting with attorneys, paralegals, process servers, legal associations and legal-aid services? When you are marketing to your ideal client and target market don’t forget to connect with those on the peripheral who can put you in direct contact with your ideal clients. Also, professional social networking sites like LinkedIn are a great way to connect and communicate with small law firms (check out and join the legal subgroups as well). Be careful not to jump into your “pitch.” Ask questions about the needs of small firms and go from there.

Q: Is it better to increase prices slowly and steadily or raise them markedly once and keep them stable? S.Silbeberg www.fitpacking.com
A: People should naturally anticipate price changes. Many times it is out of the business owners hands (cost of living, cost of goods, taxes, etc.). When determining prices changes, consider the reason why, can the difference be made up somewhere else, can value be added, can you combine or change packages/services, etc. If you have an annual or standard nominal increase each year or every other year to cover cost of living type expense, clients will generally understand. However, “price creeping” can be hard to swallow. Just think about the gas prices. People are forced to pay out of necessity and will look for the cheapest price. Are your services a necessity? Are your prices competitive?

Q: I have become a local subject matter expert in my field and am a regular guest on the FOX, ABC and NBC networks talking about my field. Apart from hiring an expensive PR firm, which is out of budget right now, how can I make the leap to being a national, or even regional, expert? C. Rocha,www.pocketyourdollars.com
A: Where are your marketing efforts currently focused? Are your clients regional or national? Are you connections regional or national? Tap into your 6 degrees of separation and see who you are already connected with on a national level. Inquire about collaborations and speaking opportunities in their areas.

Q: I have been in the small business financing industry for over 10-years as a broker and would like to expand by leveraging my industry knowledge to consult with small business owners on how to obtain financing. How do I bring consulting/speaking into my present business model? S. Stock
A: You may want to start by developing a signature presentation (approx. 15-20 min.) This presentation is basically an introduction to some the ways you address pain points experienced by small business owners who are seeking financing. For example: 5 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make When Obtaining Financing and How to Avoid Them. Use that presentation to get on the agenda at local business meeting groups, associations, etc. Start with the ones you are affiliated with first and work your way around any associations or meetings where your friends and colleagues work. If your presentation is helpful and energized enough, it will provide you with a good start.

Are you a struggling, frustrated or just inquisitive small business owner? Don’t forget to submit your questions. Get new tips, tools and techniques every Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe and RSS this column at the top.

Small business owners shouldn’t fear failure

Failing can bring you closer to success when you learn to embrace it. No business achieved real success without failing first. Embracing failure can be difficult, but it can also be empowering. What is it that is causing you fear? Is it real or imagined? Sometimes we create our own “monster in the closet.” What’s the worst-case scenario if you fail? Failure forces you to face your errors, shortcomings and fears, which are required for growth.

Make no mistake, if your business is going to be a success, you will certainly face some failures along the way. If and when you do fail, could you start again? What could you do differently? Take precautionary measures and limit your liability to help mitigate losses. Consider the following:

• Analyze your previous mistakes: Be clear about what works and what doesn’t work. Know what went wrong and why and correct it. The worst thing you could do is to make the same mistake twice. Also, learn to use your weaknesses as strengths.

• Ask for help before you need it: No business owner is an island. Use your sphere of influence, advisory board, mentors, coach, colleagues, associates, etc. (or micro business therapist) to help you determine your best plan of action, identify gaps and address needs. If you go it alone, you will certainly increase the odds of you missing something important or relevant.

• Proper planning prevents poor performance: Never proceed without a plan. Give careful thought to goal setting, campaigns, communications, organization, etc. Do your homework and research. Due diligence will reveal the pros and cons of any venture or concept. Always proceed with both eyes open to the possibilities and opportunities.

There are valuable lessons in failure. When you acknowledge that failure is possible and identify the source of your fear, you can work through it. If you learn from your failures and mistakes, you empower yourself with wisdom, confidence and the courage to face your next one.

WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

A.Michelle Blakeley is in the listening business. As a Micro Business Therapist, she provides an open-minded and non-judgmental ear to listen to the real issues and concerns that start-up, emerging and women entrepreneurs experience and negotiate solutions through comprehensive discussions and practical micro business plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, contributor for the San Francisco Examiner and Fearless Woman Magazine; the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com and author of the NEW e-book: “Get it Right and Move Along… a collection of practical tips, tools and techniques for small business owners.”

Couch sessions: micro business therapy for the small business owner

Are you a struggling, frustrated or just inquisitive small business owner? Got a question you just can’t seem to find the answer for? Please submit your small business questions in the comments section below.

Get a new perspective and quick tip to help point you in the right direction. Be sure to bookmark and check this page every Wednesday, your question and the reply may appear right here in Couch Sessions for the Small Business Owner.

This week, readers want to know:

Q: I’m the co-founder of Wishter.Net, an online wish list and gift registry for kids’ birthday parties and a donation generator for schools and other non-profits. What is the best way to promote our service, which is free? C. Sees, www.wishter.net

A: After reviewing your sight, I would put your “how it works” somewhere more prominent. If you target market is moms, how connected are you to mompreneurs and social networking sites that specialize in moms? What does your marketing message look like? How are you engaging your ideal clients? Also think about (local) vendors for children’s parties and how you can collaborate or connect.

Q: Where and how do we reach the right people in companies who have the authority and/or vision to see what we do as a potential independent contractor or B2B services rather than getting sucked into the HR employee nightmare? J.Marie, www.creativeoptions.com

A: It would serve you best to look at your existing sphere of influence and see what opportunities are hidden there. Assuming you’ve amassed quite a few relationships over the years, professionally and personally, consider your objective and whom do you already know that can help you meet that objective. Oh, and be sure to check out 100 places to sell and share your knowledge here: http://ht.ly/1S9cU

Q: At what point do you shut down your business and go back to work for someone else? Assuming I’m making as much on my own as I could working for someone else, should I continue working for myself or reduce my stress and go work for someone else? The flexibility is great, but the stress of always trying to bring in new clients is taking its toll on my health. S.Fischer, www.fischer-law.com

A: Small business owners should always consider their health when making life changing business decisions. If your health is being adversely affected by your business, you may want to consider going back to work for a firm. However, will you just be replacing one stress with another? Have you considered collaborating with another attorney or paralegal who enjoys the marketing/social networking side of the business?

Q: Where can I get market research data on my target market? K. Lovejoy

A: These two sites would probably be a great place for you to start (http://ht.ly/1S908 and http://ht.ly/1S92P) You should also set up Google alerts for keywords that will help you mine the information you are looking for (i.e. “women consumers” etc.)

Q: Can you offer any insights on places or organizations that offer grants or other funding to help new business owners get their business off the ground? L. Patrick, www.gloriousgoodiesglutenfreedesserts.com

A: As you know, grants and funding for start-ups are sparse and competition is great. However, you certainly want to be sure to connect with your local SCORE office and speak with a counselor for SBA financing options. Do you have a relationship with your current business bank? If not, establish one. Do a Google search for micro finance, micro loan and/or micro grant opportunities.  (websites like Accion USA )

Are you a struggling, frustrated or just inquisitive small business owner? Don’t forget to submit your questions in the comments section below.  Get new tips, tools and techniques every Wednesday.