Networking is a vital skill. Preparing for it will make you better at it. Q   What is Networking? A     Networking is interacting with people to establish mutually beneficial relationships and Brand yourself so positively that they are emotionally pre-disposed to like, trust, support and invest in you. Networking is a serious activity and should not be approached casually. When you are an effective Networker you will: Enjoy a powerful Competitive Advantage – an enhanced personal Brand Expand your sphere of influence … Continue reading →

A Think Tank can produce amazing business solutions at very low cost Q   How do business problems get solved? A     Business problems are generally solved by individuals, small groups or large groups. One highly effective small group format is the Think Tank. Q   What is a Think Tank? A     A Think Tank is a group of five to seven people assembled to Brainstorm solutions to a well-defined problem in a structured but informal environment. Think Tank participants: Offer their perspectives … Continue reading →

A marriage between Entrepreneurship and authorship doesn’t seem synergistic. But it is. Q     Why should Entrepreneurs write a book? A     There are 6 good reasons for Entrepreneurs to write a book: 1.     Gain insight and expertise The act of writing confers upon the writer insight and understanding far beyond mere information and knowledge about the  subject of the writing. Writing is a process that distills, crystallizes and  clarifies thought. Writing creates subject-matter expertise. 2.     Be seen as an authority When you author a … Continue reading →

Love Money, under the right conditions, is an outstanding source of Capital for Startups. Q   How much Love Money is available? A     Love Money is by far the single largest source of Capital available to Startups. The pool of Love Money is many times larger than the pools of Venture Capital, Angel Capital and Government Programs combined. There is over $10 trillion in North Americans’ savings, brokerage and retirement accounts and almost all of this money could be Love Money. Not only … Continue reading →

You get just one chance to make a strong first impression. Your Elevator Pitch is often that chance. Be sure to get it right first time. Q  What is an Elevator Pitch? A    An Elevator Pitch is a snapshot of your business. It is a tantalizing pick-up line. It is an infomercial. It is your ticket to meet an important person. It is the reason why a potential Stakeholder will take a specific action. It is a creator of positive first impressions. An Elevator … Continue reading →

Entrepreneurs can win listeners’ hearts and minds with inspiring descriptions of their Purpose and Vision. It is people who drive the success of every business. These people include customers, Founders, Employees, consultants, partners, Mentors, Directors, Support Group members, suppliers, creditors, Investors and Professional Advisors. As an Entrepreneur, it is crucial that you attract the right people into your orbit. Q  How do I attract the right people? A    Inspire them. And when you do they will enthusiastically give you their Capital and wisdom, work with you and … Continue reading →

For Entrepreneurs, Networking is a crucial skill. We can learn to be effective at it. Effective Networkers enjoy a powerful Competitive Advantage. Indeed, it is hard to imagine building a great business without strong Networking skills. Q  How do I become a great Networker? A  The following 21 tips will boost your Networking effectiveness: Don’t allow the hors d’oeuvres, drinks or your best buddy to distract your focus from making a certain number of quality business contacts The key word in ‘Networking’ … Continue reading →

Businesspeople who launch Franchises bought from proven Business Format Franchisors have high success rates. Independent Entrepreneurs who launch Startups have significantly lower success rates. Independent Entrepreneurs who understand the reasons for these different success rates will be well-equipped to improve their Startup’s success probability. Proven Business Format Franchisors do six things for their new Franchisees that reward them with high success rates. These six things are: 1.  Screening to select Franchisors force their applicant-Franchisees to undergo tests and interviews designed to weed out the … Continue reading →

When Entrepreneurs are Confident they are unstoppable. Confidence literally means ‘with faith in self’. It is the source of Entrepreneurs’ guts, chutzpah, balls, grit, boldness, bravado, cunning, daring, decisiveness and tenacity. It evokes the type of mindset that allows enthusiasm, commitment and inspiration to work their magic. The opposite of Confidence is doubt. Doubt is a huge detractor of personal genius, creativity and energy. It gives Entrepreneurs befuddled mindsets, paralyzes them with fear and causes them to torture themselves with … Continue reading →

How can an Entrepreneur benefit from belonging to a Support Group? Support Groups provide Entrepreneurs with no less than 15 big benefits: Boldness to do things that might not be possible otherwise Inspiration to dream bigger dreams Clarity of purpose Focus on the next step Confidence to Execute Friendship Objective advice, fresh perspectives and constructive feedback Experience to make fewer mistakes Opportunities to Brainstorm Insightful questions Accountability / surrogate bosses Integrity with stated Goals Collaboration on many levels including: sharing … Continue reading →