A new idea doesn’t have to be a new product or service.  It could be a different way of looking at something that already exists.  Sometimes you can’t see the end result.  But you know if you don’t create some new energy and a new approach, nothing will change.  When things stay the same, competition passes you by.

So change is good.  Don’t be afraid of change.  Welcome change.  Learn how to channel the energy that change brings into positive experiences.

Innovate!  Do something different!  Do something new!  Don’t be afraid.

It’s amazing how customer service can vary.  Google me this.

Recently I prepared a proposal for an RFP with the best team of trainers for that project.

There were approximately 5 bidders.  The result was that we were neither the high bidder or the low bidder.  In the end it didn’t come down to who had the best solution.  The winner was chosen because they were local.  Since the training was to support a local community and the funding was to increase sales in their community, it makes sense to a degree.  Unfortunately when decisions are made based on emotion and not logic, the outcomes should come into question.  Needless to say, we were not selected.  I wish them the best, both the community and the training/consulting company they selected.

When you get an RFP, consider the politics and emotions that will come into play when decision making time comes.

More on blog directories later.

John

We are in process towards developing a service set to help small business owners understand, engage and take action towards maximizing the opportunities that Google has brought forward.  If you have time to optimize your own website, this Google SEO Starter Guide is a great reference.   If you need professional support to optimize your website contact us and we’ll meet to explain what’s involved and how we can help you move up closer to page 1.

John

To register call the SCORE Madison office at 608-271-2820.

Date and Time

January 12,  2012   11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location:  MGE Innovation Center

505 S. Rosa Road

Madison, WI  535711  (map available below)

Cost and Registration

The cost for one person is $30.  Two people can attend together for $50.

Sales are part art and part science.  Communicating to prospects why they should buy your product requires a systematic approach.  In this program we’ll cover three key aspects that affect sales.

Marketing – The process by which companies create customer interest in goods or services. It generates the strategy that underlies sales techniques, business communication, and business developments. It is an integrated process through which companies build strong customer relationships and creates value for their customers and for themselves.

Sales – Yesterday vs. today and into the future.  People do business with people they like.  At the heart of every good business opportunity is a strong relationship.

Building your brand- Specific tools are required to help you communicate the benefits and value of doing business with you.  What strategies can you develop to build your brand and help you generate more business?

Bonus Take Away

Every person that attends this program will receive John’s 20 point sales action plan they can use right away  and John’s 78 point sales training program.

This program is being presented by John Russell, owner of The Business Source LLC.  John is a lifetime resident of Madison, a SCORE counselor, graduate of the Entrepreneurial Training Program at the University of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, and has over 25 years experience in helping small business owners as a consultant specializing in customer development.

1.     Play it safe
Listen to that inner voice. “Why should I stick my neck out?” “I’m not going to go out on a limb…” “Safer to let someone else champion that.”
2.     Know your limitations: Don’t be afraid to pigeonhole yourself.
“I’m not an artist.” “I’m not creative.” “I’m not an innovator.”
3.     Remind yourself: It’s just a job.
“I don’t get paid to come up with ideas.” “I’m keeping my mouth shut.” “There’s nothing in it for me.” “When’s lunch?”
4.     Show you’re the smartest guy in the room: make Skepticism your middle name.
“Here’s why that idea won’t work.” “You won’t be able to execute on that.” “Our organization’s not set up for that.”
5.     Be the tough guy: Demand to see the data.
“What does the market research say?” “There’s no evidence it’s going to work.” “That didn’t come out of the focus group.” “Show me the spreadsheet.”
6.     Respect history: Always give the past the benefit of the doubt.
“We’ve always done it this way.” “If it’s such a good idea, why hasn’t anyone thought of it yet?” “That wasn’t part of the original plan.”
7.     Stop the madness before it can get started: Crush early-stage ideas with your business savvy.
“You haven’t made the business case.” “I don’t buy your assumptions.” “There’s no immediate R.O.I.”
8.     Been there, done that: Use experience as a weapon.
“We tried that a few years ago and it didn’t work.” “You haven’t been around long enough to know how things work.” “Let’s not reinvent the wheel, guys.”
9.     Keep your eyes closed. Your mind, too.
“The world isn’t changing. The media just wants us to think it is.” “I refuse to get caught up in all these technology fads.” “Don’t tell me how to run my business.”
10.  Assume there is no problem.
“It was a tough year, but we can blame the economy.” “We think next quarter we’ll see a rebound.” “We’re doing okay.”
11.  Underestimate your customers.
“Our customers aren’t going anywhere.” “They’re not ready for that.” “That’s not what they’re asking for.”
12.  Be a mentor: Give sound advice to the people who work for you.
“Just keep your head down and do your job.” “I got where I am by not rocking the boat.” “Choose your battles, kid. This isn’t one of them.”
13.  Be suspicious of the “Creatives” in your organization: the liberal arts majors, the poets, the anthropologists and other wackos. “Those guys don’t understand business.” “I can’t believe we’re keeping them on the payroll.” “Who invited them to this meeting?”
14.  When all else fails, act like a grown-up.
“I really don’t have time for this.” “Do you have an appointment?” “Back to work, everyone.”

To be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.  To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.  To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.  To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.  To think only of the best.  To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.  To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.  To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.  To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.  To be too large for worry, to noble for anger, to strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

They both focused their talent on one thing.  Jobs focused on a better way to compute.

Zuckerberg focused on how to build a network of friends.

Focus on what you do best.  That’s what we do at The Business Source LLC.

We specialize in helping small business owners increase sales.

Happy Thanksgiving!

John