Startup founders: Are you walking blindfolded into the startup world? Once a business idea comes, many people take off with it. The excitement and potential success of it consume them and additional ideas start to flow. Maybe a friend, classmate, or family member...
THE QUESTION New entrepreneurs OR those who have just founded a new company from an idea, consistently ask this question: “Where do I find customers?” WHY MOST ENTREPRENEURS ARE ASKING THIS QUESTION When you first have the idea for a business, you think you have it...
In today’s startup frenzy, although business planning is most important, we understand the pressures many entrepreneurs are under to move fast and show what they’ve accomplished to attract investors and talent. We know from first-hand experience many of the pitfalls...
It’s All About People Consulting is all about people. Good consultants are great listeners and naturals at building genuine relationships with others. Most began consulting because they had a skill set or specific knowledge that is useful to others and enjoy sharing...
This is a MUST READ if you’re considering starting a new business or adding a new product or service to your existing business. Why? Because many companies fail simply because they didn’t consider the steps outlined in this post.At TPM Focus, we assist...
Have you ever become a copycat by mistake? Let’s say you have a great idea and you want to start a company from it. Great! There’s a series of steps you’ll have to go through, but the focus of this article will be on doing competitor research....
“Hey friend! Let’s grab some coffee next week. How’s Wednesday morning?”Maybe it stops at “Let’s grab some coffee?” and the ending is not included, but you soon find out the part about “…to pick your brain” once you get to Starbucks.How many...
Whether they are users or the customers, the question is: “What’s in it for me?” Although many people won’t say that aloud, they’re thinking it anytime someone tries to sell them something. When you are communicating about your business,...
Dear Small Business Owner, If you’re reading this, it’s evident you are looking for solutions to grow your business. If you have a brick and mortar business, defined as a business that is located in a building and relies on customers physically coming...
Business is Like BoxingAs Mike Tyson so eloquently stated, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. - Mike Tyson Click To TweetYes, as funny as it may seem, we just called Mike...
This article was written by Monique Mills, CEO of TPM FocusLet’s talk about scalability. As a startup and SMB consultant for new and innovative products, I hear a lot of great business ideas. A lot. I also hear a lot of great business ideas that will be more...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
