LinkedIn is a great platform, yet highly underutilized for most small business owners. There’s an assumption that everyone on there is either a large corporation or a job seeker. While there is no shortage of either, there’s certainly a variety of people and...
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...
It’s easier said than done, but you must prepare yourself for the entrepreneurial journey. Most entrepreneurs start out as solopreneurs–by themselves. But at some point, you realize that the isolation will only get you so far. There are a finite number of...
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...
Value Your ProductIf your product provides value to customers, this post is meant for you so that you’ll stop undervaluing your creation (and yourself). Below are the Top 3 reasons you should not give your product away for free, particularly if you are trying to...
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...
Interviewing potential customers is a major component of building a startup from an idea. Startups are all about finding customers, not building and pushing something you’ve dreamed up. It’s important that you are providing a solution to someone’s problem–a problem...
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...
We’ll Pass Those are the words most founders hate to hear. It’s like being clotheslined! Well, at least it physically feels that way. Here you are, happily running along and BOOM! The wind gets knocked right out of you. You’re in shock. ...
Cold Calling is not dead, but… You need more. You need more than the yellow pages and a phone. It’s 2018 and with caller ID and the ability to stop and block calls with the simple flick of a thumb, it’s harder now, more than ever, to reach people on...
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....
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,...
As a business owner, it is your responsibility to tell people why they should buy from you. People must know how you provide value to them and why it’s worth paying for. If that isn’t done well in both your communications, sales, and marketing efforts,...
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...
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...
