How to Get Your Customer’s Attention

The internet streets are busy.  It’s hard to get anyone’s attention unless you really have something they want or are specifically searching for.  Just imagine Times Square in New York City times a million—that’s the internet.  That’s why...

No One Wants to Steal Your Business Idea

Seriously, no one. It might be a great business idea. It could be an idea that’s going to make someone a LOT of money. It may be an idea that seems simple enough to implement, that you think someone else can easily do it. But in reality, the idea could be great, but...

Why Hire Consultants?

Top 7 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Hire Consultants Consultants: Provide objectivity Can act as a change catalyst Can identify problems as an outsider looking in Have the right expertise when you need it Can be hired to create new businesses Can be hired to influence...

Are Business Plans Out of Style?

What is a Business Plan? Business plans can be defined as: a document, usually 10-20 pages long, that describes the opportunity, product, context, strategy, team, required resources, financial forecasts and expected returns of a business venture. Are Business Plans...

It’s Not Possible for EVERYONE To Be Your Customer

Despite how useful your product or service is to the world, it’s not possible for EVERYONE to be your customer–unless you’re selling water (something everyone needs to survive).  When many new entrepreneurs are first getting started with a fresh idea...

When to Act on Your Business Idea

Everything is just so uncertain when you first start a business or even when you have an idea that you think you want to execute on. Yes, the thought of it gets you excited and nervous all at the same time. It’s completely normal and EVERYONE (regardless of how...

Chasing the Carrot–Who Got Funded?

Who got funded? This question is so popular these days so much that there are entire websites and platforms that will give you the details about who got funded by who, how much, when, other companies they’ve funded and so on.  Who would’ve thought that would be a...

The Obsession with Startup Pitch Competitions

It seems there’s a new startup pitch competition announced every month in cities all around the U.S.  Many pitch competitions are located in the “hot” cities with thriving startup communities while others are held by smaller cities that are trying to position...

Tough Decisions – Hiring and Firing

Seeking the right people for your business is an ongoing challenge for any business, no matter the size.  But when you’re just starting out and especially if you’re a small business, you have to be nimble and quick.  If you realize someone is just not working out, you...

Mind Your Business

Everyone is looking for the one who got it right, with hopes of duplicating the formula.  NEWS FLASH:  There is no such thing. “One can learn from a successful business model, but copying it verbatim almost never yields a similar result.” You cannot copy and paste...

Components of The Business Model

First Things FirstThe business model of your company represents the value you’re delivering (or planning to deliver if you haven’t started your business yet) to customers and how you will make money (profits) from providing your service or product.When people first...

The Low Down on “Free”

There seems to be some misunderstanding in today’s world and quite honestly, it’s not getting any better. We’re in the world of “finding free”, particularly when it’s a service-based business. Have you ever scheduled one of those “Free 15-minute consultations”?Even in...

Top 2 Reasons Startups Fail

We prefer not to use the term “fail” as we don’t believe there is failure in startups, only testing. You only fail when you give up.When you have the courage to step out on faith and start a business of your own instead of just talking about it, you’re certainly not a...

Most Important Skill for Entrepreneurs

The most important skill any entrepreneur should have is the ability to sell.  This is directly related to being able to communicate effectively.If you can’t sell yourself, your product, or your service you’re out of business b4 you even get started. Click To...

Begin With The End In Mind

Although many don’t like this phrase, it’s one to consider:”Begin with the end in mind.”What this means in the world of business is:”What is your exit plan?””What are you seeking to get out of this business when it’s all...

The one thing successful entrepreneurs possess…

Are you able to influence others?  Being an entrepreneur and being a leader is not mutually exclusive.  In fact, successful entrepreneurs possess a well-developed ability to influence without formal power.  What does that mean?  Well, it means they have the ability to...

Just Say “No” And Forget FOMO

Just say “No” to the1 millionth startup pitch competitionRandom coffee meeting request to “pick your brain”100th entrepreneur networking event of the month……and get back to work on your startup! This may seem like harsh words, but there will always be...