Over the years many people have offered their models of the "Good Life", and some have left quotes that nicely summarize important truths. The following are ten of my personal favorites.
1. Know Thyself – Socrates.
From ancient Greece comes this reminder that introspection, keeping a journal, paying attention to the heart of things, comes first. Before we can know the world around us, and make wise choices, we must first come to grips with who we are and what we value.
2. To Thine Own Self Be True – Shakespeare.
In life there is no substitute for integrity. My grandmother was fond of saying, "We either stand for something, or we'll fall for anything." Integrity is about going beyond the truth to full and complete honesty, openness and fairness.
3. And the Greatest of These is Love – St Paul .
He also observed that "without love I am just a clanging symbol or a noisy gong." Without love, caring relationships, and compassion, life is indeed a dry and shallow thing.
4. Imagination Rules the World – Albert Einstein.
The good life is at least partly based on dreams that are worthy of us, dreams that elevate and challenge and inspire our best. Bobby Kennedy noted, "Others look at the world and ask, 'Why?' I dream of a world that never was and ask, 'Why not?'" Martin Luther King's defiant cry, "I have a dream!" will live long after most of us are gone and forgotten.
5. Too much of a good thing is just right – Mae West.
The good life is about living large, about expressing the joy and love of life. It's about song, exuberance, and about taking chances, and "going for it".
6. Opportunities multiply as they are seized – Sun Tzu.
Success depends on the courage to act, and courage in turn requires a level of faith that every opportunity acted upon will lead to more and better ways to serve, learn, grow and prosper.
7. Do, or do not. There is no "try". – Yoda (The Empire Strikes Back).
Life requires action, boldness and decisiveness. Mae West also observed, "He who hesitates is a damned fool."
8. Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away – Antoine de St. Exupery.
Henry Thoreau recommended, "Simplify, simplify, simplify. Let your concerns be as 2 or 3, not more." Friends, work, the media and this thing called the Internet, along with our own "wish lists" try to seduce us to complexity, busy-ness and anxiety. Keep it simple!
9. The artist is nothing without gift, but gift is nothing without work – Emile Zola.
Only focused, intelligent, diligent effort turns potential into reality. Without creative effort, talent and "gift" seem to atrophy and die. Truly a case of "use it or lose it".
10. There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. – Albert Einstein.
I highly recommend practicing the attitude of gratitude. What else is there?
Friday, February 16, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Do You Have the Mindset and Skills to be an Entrepreneur?
You probably already know that starting a small business requires extensive research and analysis of many factors. But the one requiring the most critical assessment is often overlooked by many entrepreneurs. And, it’s as close as the nearest mirror.
That’s because wanting to be an entrepreneur is one thing; being one is quite another. You will take on responsibilities and commitments far different from those of an employee, even if you have management experience. It’s a challenge that can be exhilarating and rewarding. Unless you’re prepared mentally and emotionally, however, it can also be overwhelming.
Before you study financing options and plan store layouts, sit down and conduct a probing interview with yourself to see if you’re the right person for the all-important job of entrepreneur-owner-boss.
Are You a Self-Starter?
Nothing in business happens by itself. As the owner, you’re responsible for everything from establishing your firm’s vision to setting the daily work schedule. The fact that you’re exploring small business ownership and asking questions is a good sign.
Are You a Positive Thinker?
The moment you become a business owner, you represent yourself, your business and your expectations for success. What you say and do must convey confidence and commitment to moving forward. Employees who sense these qualities will share that determination to succeed, even under difficult circumstances. If you work alone, there will be days when you have to be your own cheerleader.
Are You Disciplined?
Your days of the “9-to-5 routine” are over. Running a small business requires a continuous commitment to quality and detail. You cannot afford to cut corners, miss deadlines or make promises beyond your capabilities. If you plan to run the business from home, you must be able to resist temptations and distractions in order to get your work done.
Are You a Lifelong Learner?
Entrepreneurs who continually seek information, new ideas and sound advice have the best chance for success. Being attuned to market trends and issues makes it easier to adjust products and services to customers’ needs and preferences. You’re also in a better position to enhance your competitive advantage and efficiency, and address potential problems before they harm your business.
Can You Market Yourself and Your Business?
Some people have trouble with this one because of the negative (and often unfair) connotations associated with being a “salesperson.” No business, no matter how good, will succeed without some kind of marketing. The good news is that promoting your business is easier than you may think as long as you know what to do and how to do it. After all, we all enjoy saying good things about ourselves. When you craft and tell your story in the right way, more people will be willing and eager to hear it.
Can You be Objective?
Your ideas and practices may seem “bulletproof,” but reality may be far different. Is there really a need for a particular product or service in your area? Are the hours of operation fair to your employees? Is renting equipment better than owning it? A good business owner knows how to examine an issue from many perspectives and understand that strengths and limitations of each.
So how did your “candidate” for entrepreneur-owner-boss do? If every answer was a “yes,” your small business dream is on its way to becoming a reality. For areas of concern, the solution may be business counseling, management courses, or a concerted effort to discard some unproductive habits in favor new ones.
Finally, make it a point to conduct regular self-reviews. Thinking and approaches that worked in the start-up phase may not be as appropriate for a thriving concern, or if a major market shift occurs. When you work for yourself, you want to be confident the entrepreneur-owner-boss knows exactly what he or she is doing.
That’s because wanting to be an entrepreneur is one thing; being one is quite another. You will take on responsibilities and commitments far different from those of an employee, even if you have management experience. It’s a challenge that can be exhilarating and rewarding. Unless you’re prepared mentally and emotionally, however, it can also be overwhelming.
Before you study financing options and plan store layouts, sit down and conduct a probing interview with yourself to see if you’re the right person for the all-important job of entrepreneur-owner-boss.
Are You a Self-Starter?
Nothing in business happens by itself. As the owner, you’re responsible for everything from establishing your firm’s vision to setting the daily work schedule. The fact that you’re exploring small business ownership and asking questions is a good sign.
Are You a Positive Thinker?
The moment you become a business owner, you represent yourself, your business and your expectations for success. What you say and do must convey confidence and commitment to moving forward. Employees who sense these qualities will share that determination to succeed, even under difficult circumstances. If you work alone, there will be days when you have to be your own cheerleader.
Are You Disciplined?
Your days of the “9-to-5 routine” are over. Running a small business requires a continuous commitment to quality and detail. You cannot afford to cut corners, miss deadlines or make promises beyond your capabilities. If you plan to run the business from home, you must be able to resist temptations and distractions in order to get your work done.
Are You a Lifelong Learner?
Entrepreneurs who continually seek information, new ideas and sound advice have the best chance for success. Being attuned to market trends and issues makes it easier to adjust products and services to customers’ needs and preferences. You’re also in a better position to enhance your competitive advantage and efficiency, and address potential problems before they harm your business.
Can You Market Yourself and Your Business?
Some people have trouble with this one because of the negative (and often unfair) connotations associated with being a “salesperson.” No business, no matter how good, will succeed without some kind of marketing. The good news is that promoting your business is easier than you may think as long as you know what to do and how to do it. After all, we all enjoy saying good things about ourselves. When you craft and tell your story in the right way, more people will be willing and eager to hear it.
Can You be Objective?
Your ideas and practices may seem “bulletproof,” but reality may be far different. Is there really a need for a particular product or service in your area? Are the hours of operation fair to your employees? Is renting equipment better than owning it? A good business owner knows how to examine an issue from many perspectives and understand that strengths and limitations of each.
So how did your “candidate” for entrepreneur-owner-boss do? If every answer was a “yes,” your small business dream is on its way to becoming a reality. For areas of concern, the solution may be business counseling, management courses, or a concerted effort to discard some unproductive habits in favor new ones.
Finally, make it a point to conduct regular self-reviews. Thinking and approaches that worked in the start-up phase may not be as appropriate for a thriving concern, or if a major market shift occurs. When you work for yourself, you want to be confident the entrepreneur-owner-boss knows exactly what he or she is doing.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
7 Business Lessons From Dad
Pay Your Dues
My dad worked a lot of late nights, weekends and holidays. He had packages of mail and paperwork delivered to him at the beach, and took conference calls in our hotel room while we swam in the pool. He instilled in me a strong work ethic that has served me well in my career. His father used to have a sign on his desk that read: "The harder I work, the luckier I get!" I guess it's in our DNA.
Do Work You Enjoy
If you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. When I'd get up and watch him get ready for work, my dad always seemed excited to go to the office. He bounced out of bed in the morning full of ideas and energy. His enthusiasm was contagious. He found a career that was a great fit for his talents and skills and moved quickly through the organization. I think it must have been hard for others in the company who had to drag themselves to their job every day and work along side my father, who was having a ball finding creative solutions to the latest problems they were facing.
Walk and Talk
My dad walked the halls every day and he knew everybody's name, not to mention their kids' and pets' names, birthdays--you name it. His door was open and he always had coffee or tea available so people could stop in with news, good and bad. Being accessible and approachable is important if you want a culture where people can admit they don't have all the answers and need help in a certain area.
Lead by Example
Never ask people to do things you wouldn't do yourself. My dad worked in every department of the company during his career, so he knew why and how each group was important to the overall success of the organization. I think his experience and strong moral compass gave him a lot of credibility throughout the company. His colleagues didn't have to wonder where he stood on issues--he was consistent in doing the right things for the right reasons.
Share Success
When good things happen, make sure everyone who contributed is acknowledged and rewarded, not just the people at the top. In order to learn from every experience and not repeat any mistakes, it's important to share the lessons you learn, too. If those around you feel part of the process, they'll work even harder to guarantee a positive outcome.
Give Back
Be active in your community. Business leaders must stay connected to the local organizations and should encourage their colleagues to get involved, as well. Local hospitals, schools and non-profits can all benefit from business leaders' advice and support, so be generous with your time and resources.
Stay Positive
My dad is one of the most upbeat and optimistic people I've ever met. He has a great attitude and people love being around him. I think it makes them feel better about themselves. He always has a kind word or encouragement and smiles a lot. There's something very magnetic about people who exude happiness.
My dad worked a lot of late nights, weekends and holidays. He had packages of mail and paperwork delivered to him at the beach, and took conference calls in our hotel room while we swam in the pool. He instilled in me a strong work ethic that has served me well in my career. His father used to have a sign on his desk that read: "The harder I work, the luckier I get!" I guess it's in our DNA.
Do Work You Enjoy
If you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. When I'd get up and watch him get ready for work, my dad always seemed excited to go to the office. He bounced out of bed in the morning full of ideas and energy. His enthusiasm was contagious. He found a career that was a great fit for his talents and skills and moved quickly through the organization. I think it must have been hard for others in the company who had to drag themselves to their job every day and work along side my father, who was having a ball finding creative solutions to the latest problems they were facing.
Walk and Talk
My dad walked the halls every day and he knew everybody's name, not to mention their kids' and pets' names, birthdays--you name it. His door was open and he always had coffee or tea available so people could stop in with news, good and bad. Being accessible and approachable is important if you want a culture where people can admit they don't have all the answers and need help in a certain area.
Lead by Example
Never ask people to do things you wouldn't do yourself. My dad worked in every department of the company during his career, so he knew why and how each group was important to the overall success of the organization. I think his experience and strong moral compass gave him a lot of credibility throughout the company. His colleagues didn't have to wonder where he stood on issues--he was consistent in doing the right things for the right reasons.
Share Success
When good things happen, make sure everyone who contributed is acknowledged and rewarded, not just the people at the top. In order to learn from every experience and not repeat any mistakes, it's important to share the lessons you learn, too. If those around you feel part of the process, they'll work even harder to guarantee a positive outcome.
Give Back
Be active in your community. Business leaders must stay connected to the local organizations and should encourage their colleagues to get involved, as well. Local hospitals, schools and non-profits can all benefit from business leaders' advice and support, so be generous with your time and resources.
Stay Positive
My dad is one of the most upbeat and optimistic people I've ever met. He has a great attitude and people love being around him. I think it makes them feel better about themselves. He always has a kind word or encouragement and smiles a lot. There's something very magnetic about people who exude happiness.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
5th & 6th secrets!
5. Expect Icebergs.
Millionaire entrepreneurs know that no matter how successful they are, no enterprise is unsinkable. The Titanic sank its first time out, but if you’re prepared, even enormous icebergs won’t sink you.
In 1990, I hit an iceberg when my company’s largest clients dissolved their firm. Thankfully, I had the necessary lifeboats in place. I quickly reorganized and was able to put more resources into building the education portion of my business, training RNs to become Certified Legal Nurse Consultants. My business stayed afloat, and I charted a new course that changed my future.
Icebergs happen, but you have to sail before you can fail. Starting small is better than not starting at all. Be willing to set out and maneuver around icebergs. If you never leave the dock, you’ll never have an enterprise to keep afloat. Had I missed the iceberg, I might have continued happily in my original direction, satisfied with my solo consulting practice. That iceberg turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me and my bank account.
6. Compete Only With Yourself.
While mushing a dog sled across an Alaskan glacier, I learned firsthand that if you’re not the lead dog, the view from the rear never changes. And the rear is exactly where you’ll be if you compete only with others. Innovate--don’t imitate. To excel in enterprise, you must be aware of your competition, but you can’t allow that awareness to steer you off course. Compete with your own best performance--be the lead dog your competitors imitate, and you’ll leave them with that rear view.
If anyone had told me 24 years ago that I could own a multimillion-dollar company, I wouldn’t have believed it. It took me two decades to learn these secrets. I wish some millionaire entrepreneur had shared them with me sooner. I invite you to use these six secrets to earn the ultimate payoff: the satisfaction of creating your own million-dollar business.
5 Promises to Keep.
Vickie L. Milazzo, founder and president of the Vickie Milazzo institute, uses the following promises to guide her every decision. The magic of the promises is that they are simple and can work for any entrepreneur.
1. I will live and work a passionate life.
Listen to your heart; then build your enterprise based on that passionate desire. When you wake up every day to a business you love, you’ll do what it takes to succeed.
2. I will go for it or reject it outright.
Don’t spend your life in a holding pattern. Do it or forget it. Make a plan, and be realistic. Do you have time? Can you afford it? If not, reject it and come up with an attainable goal.
3. I will take one action step each day toward my ultimate vision.
Unfulfilled dreams make people miserable. Acting on those dreams makes people happy. By taking action every day, you develop the habit and discipline to make your dream a reality. Success is in the motion.
4. I commit to being a success student for life.
Anyone can launch a new business. Growing a successful business, however, requires learning every day from every available resource, including books, classes and especially successful mentors.
5. I believe I can do anything. Believing is 90 percent of the win.
Imagine your success with sensory detail. If you believe you’ll achieve your goal--no matter what the challenges, no matter what anyone else tells you--you will succeed.
Top 18 Dos and Don’ts for Business Startups
Do engage big things that can grow your business dramatically.
Do practice uncompromising integrity at all times.
Do live beneath your means, and have six months of business and living expenses in savings.
Do develop a strategic business plan, solidly emphasizing marketing.
Do choose a company name that will still represent you in five, 10 and 20 years.
Do ditch perfectionism; get yourself and your product out there now.
Do hire professionals to help in any area where you’re not an expert, especially for your marketing materials.
Do have a backup plan, not just for your computer, but for every essential system.
Do start building your customer database before you start building your business.
Don’t get distracted by naysayers; trust your vision.
Don’t quit your day job until you’re making real money.
Don’t risk losing your home by getting a home equity loan; explore other financing options instead.
Don’t invest in unnecessary bells and whistles such as expensive office furniture.
Don’t try to do it all yourself; delegate to family members until you can afford to hire your first employee.
Don’t cut corners on image; invest wisely in quality promotional materials and your wardrobe.
Don’t get addicted to time-stealers like e-mail and voice mail.
Don’t wait for the phone to ring; go after your prospects.
Don’t let stress wear you down; make time to take care of yourself.
Enjoy! have a good day! =)
Millionaire entrepreneurs know that no matter how successful they are, no enterprise is unsinkable. The Titanic sank its first time out, but if you’re prepared, even enormous icebergs won’t sink you.
In 1990, I hit an iceberg when my company’s largest clients dissolved their firm. Thankfully, I had the necessary lifeboats in place. I quickly reorganized and was able to put more resources into building the education portion of my business, training RNs to become Certified Legal Nurse Consultants. My business stayed afloat, and I charted a new course that changed my future.
Icebergs happen, but you have to sail before you can fail. Starting small is better than not starting at all. Be willing to set out and maneuver around icebergs. If you never leave the dock, you’ll never have an enterprise to keep afloat. Had I missed the iceberg, I might have continued happily in my original direction, satisfied with my solo consulting practice. That iceberg turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me and my bank account.
6. Compete Only With Yourself.
While mushing a dog sled across an Alaskan glacier, I learned firsthand that if you’re not the lead dog, the view from the rear never changes. And the rear is exactly where you’ll be if you compete only with others. Innovate--don’t imitate. To excel in enterprise, you must be aware of your competition, but you can’t allow that awareness to steer you off course. Compete with your own best performance--be the lead dog your competitors imitate, and you’ll leave them with that rear view.
If anyone had told me 24 years ago that I could own a multimillion-dollar company, I wouldn’t have believed it. It took me two decades to learn these secrets. I wish some millionaire entrepreneur had shared them with me sooner. I invite you to use these six secrets to earn the ultimate payoff: the satisfaction of creating your own million-dollar business.
5 Promises to Keep.
Vickie L. Milazzo, founder and president of the Vickie Milazzo institute, uses the following promises to guide her every decision. The magic of the promises is that they are simple and can work for any entrepreneur.
1. I will live and work a passionate life.
Listen to your heart; then build your enterprise based on that passionate desire. When you wake up every day to a business you love, you’ll do what it takes to succeed.
2. I will go for it or reject it outright.
Don’t spend your life in a holding pattern. Do it or forget it. Make a plan, and be realistic. Do you have time? Can you afford it? If not, reject it and come up with an attainable goal.
3. I will take one action step each day toward my ultimate vision.
Unfulfilled dreams make people miserable. Acting on those dreams makes people happy. By taking action every day, you develop the habit and discipline to make your dream a reality. Success is in the motion.
4. I commit to being a success student for life.
Anyone can launch a new business. Growing a successful business, however, requires learning every day from every available resource, including books, classes and especially successful mentors.
5. I believe I can do anything. Believing is 90 percent of the win.
Imagine your success with sensory detail. If you believe you’ll achieve your goal--no matter what the challenges, no matter what anyone else tells you--you will succeed.
Top 18 Dos and Don’ts for Business Startups
Do engage big things that can grow your business dramatically.
Do practice uncompromising integrity at all times.
Do live beneath your means, and have six months of business and living expenses in savings.
Do develop a strategic business plan, solidly emphasizing marketing.
Do choose a company name that will still represent you in five, 10 and 20 years.
Do ditch perfectionism; get yourself and your product out there now.
Do hire professionals to help in any area where you’re not an expert, especially for your marketing materials.
Do have a backup plan, not just for your computer, but for every essential system.
Do start building your customer database before you start building your business.
Don’t get distracted by naysayers; trust your vision.
Don’t quit your day job until you’re making real money.
Don’t risk losing your home by getting a home equity loan; explore other financing options instead.
Don’t invest in unnecessary bells and whistles such as expensive office furniture.
Don’t try to do it all yourself; delegate to family members until you can afford to hire your first employee.
Don’t cut corners on image; invest wisely in quality promotional materials and your wardrobe.
Don’t get addicted to time-stealers like e-mail and voice mail.
Don’t wait for the phone to ring; go after your prospects.
Don’t let stress wear you down; make time to take care of yourself.
Enjoy! have a good day! =)
2nd, 3rd & 4th secrets!
2. Million-Dollar Ideas Can Come from Anyone.
Ninety-five percent of CEOs never ask the $8-an-hour employees for their opinions. Yet, those employees are the ones touching the product and speaking to the customers. Brilliant ideas are generated by the most unlikely employees, and you’ll never know what they’re thinking if you don’t ask.
Tapping into my employees’ ideas at Vickie Milazzo Institute helped me grow my $12 million legal nurse consulting firm more than 300 percent over the past five years. We have monthly brainstorming sessions where the entire staff, from the mailroom clerk to the director of finance, offers ideas and opinions on new products, marketing strategies and ways to streamline systems. Everyone works as a team. Back in their departments and offices, they continue to brainstorm with one another and solve problems brought up at the original brainstorms.
If you don’t have an employee base yet, collect gray matter wherever you can find it. Someone else has already solved every single problem you will encounter. Don’t limit yourself to the experts; you can learn from everyone. Your daughter’s soccer coach who’s been a successful salesman for 20 years can be a gold mine of sales tips.
Leveraging other people’s talents and ideas to accelerate your future success is just plain smart. I’ve met many entrepreneurs who say, “I want to do this all on my own.” When I hear that, I think, “That’s crazy. Ride the horse of anybody who has what you need.”
3. Networking Is Not Working.
Many new entrepreneurs spend more time at networking events than on their businesses. Millionaire entrepreneurs are selective about relationship building. You won’t find them at networking events. They’re busy building their companies, not their business cards collections.
The people you really need to be networking with are most likely not at your typical networking event. Always strive to network above your level. Just as you improve your tennis game by competing with better players, so too will you become better at your enterprise by interacting with people who are already successful.
If you do spend valuable time at a networking event, make sure plenty of prospects or powerful resources will be there. Don’t confuse networking with socializing, and don’t give credence to anyone just because they show up at a networking event. Though ideas can come from anywhere, you do need to be selective about whose advice you decide to follow. Always assess the validity of the advice offered, and don’t take advice from people who mean well but are not qualified to give it.
4. Don’t Underprice Yourself.
Smart buyers understand that anything cheap can be expensive in the long run. They’ll buy in to your enterprise as long as you provide value for their dollar. For 24 years, people have said my products are too expensive--until they purchase and use them.
Whatever you do, don’t create a commodity business. For example, my company doesn’t sell $16 DVDs or CDs, although those are the media we employ. Instead, we sell a $7,400 educational system. We build value by providing the highest quality products and innovative services such as free mentoring. We build trust by providing unmatched attention to customer service. Competitors might be able to duplicate our ideas, but they can’t duplicate the experience our customers receive. Stamp your enterprise with innovation and originality so it’s not easily duplicated by a cheaper, low-quality version.
Above all, you must make a profit. People who say, “I love this so much I’d do it for free” are not entrepreneurs--they’re volunteers. An enterprise is profitable, otherwise it isn’t an enterprise--it’s a charity. The word profit stems from the Latin word profectus, which means “advancement or improvement.” Millionaire entrepreneurs are willing to start small and grow slowly, but they fully intend to make money.
The 5th & 6 th secrets will be coming out tmr! =)
Ninety-five percent of CEOs never ask the $8-an-hour employees for their opinions. Yet, those employees are the ones touching the product and speaking to the customers. Brilliant ideas are generated by the most unlikely employees, and you’ll never know what they’re thinking if you don’t ask.
Tapping into my employees’ ideas at Vickie Milazzo Institute helped me grow my $12 million legal nurse consulting firm more than 300 percent over the past five years. We have monthly brainstorming sessions where the entire staff, from the mailroom clerk to the director of finance, offers ideas and opinions on new products, marketing strategies and ways to streamline systems. Everyone works as a team. Back in their departments and offices, they continue to brainstorm with one another and solve problems brought up at the original brainstorms.
If you don’t have an employee base yet, collect gray matter wherever you can find it. Someone else has already solved every single problem you will encounter. Don’t limit yourself to the experts; you can learn from everyone. Your daughter’s soccer coach who’s been a successful salesman for 20 years can be a gold mine of sales tips.
Leveraging other people’s talents and ideas to accelerate your future success is just plain smart. I’ve met many entrepreneurs who say, “I want to do this all on my own.” When I hear that, I think, “That’s crazy. Ride the horse of anybody who has what you need.”
3. Networking Is Not Working.
Many new entrepreneurs spend more time at networking events than on their businesses. Millionaire entrepreneurs are selective about relationship building. You won’t find them at networking events. They’re busy building their companies, not their business cards collections.
The people you really need to be networking with are most likely not at your typical networking event. Always strive to network above your level. Just as you improve your tennis game by competing with better players, so too will you become better at your enterprise by interacting with people who are already successful.
If you do spend valuable time at a networking event, make sure plenty of prospects or powerful resources will be there. Don’t confuse networking with socializing, and don’t give credence to anyone just because they show up at a networking event. Though ideas can come from anywhere, you do need to be selective about whose advice you decide to follow. Always assess the validity of the advice offered, and don’t take advice from people who mean well but are not qualified to give it.
4. Don’t Underprice Yourself.
Smart buyers understand that anything cheap can be expensive in the long run. They’ll buy in to your enterprise as long as you provide value for their dollar. For 24 years, people have said my products are too expensive--until they purchase and use them.
Whatever you do, don’t create a commodity business. For example, my company doesn’t sell $16 DVDs or CDs, although those are the media we employ. Instead, we sell a $7,400 educational system. We build value by providing the highest quality products and innovative services such as free mentoring. We build trust by providing unmatched attention to customer service. Competitors might be able to duplicate our ideas, but they can’t duplicate the experience our customers receive. Stamp your enterprise with innovation and originality so it’s not easily duplicated by a cheaper, low-quality version.
Above all, you must make a profit. People who say, “I love this so much I’d do it for free” are not entrepreneurs--they’re volunteers. An enterprise is profitable, otherwise it isn’t an enterprise--it’s a charity. The word profit stems from the Latin word profectus, which means “advancement or improvement.” Millionaire entrepreneurs are willing to start small and grow slowly, but they fully intend to make money.
The 5th & 6 th secrets will be coming out tmr! =)
6 SECRETS MILLIONAIRES KNOW THAT YOU DON'T
Many new business owners look at successful entrepreneurs and envy their million-dollar lifestyles and accomplishments. “If only I knew their secrets,” they think. “Why isn’t my business as profitable or growing as fast?” The secret is simple: It’s not hard work or long hours; it’s acting like a CEO, no matter what the size of your enterprise.
CEOs expect a payoff for every venture. Millionaire entrepreneurs focus on the business practices that create the biggest results. When you choose how to invest your time, money and resources, you should ask “What’s the payoff?” Once you make that investment, if the return is insufficient, find a way to make that project profitable, or ditch it.
Millionaire entrepreneurs use these six secrets to guarantee an enviable payoff.
1. Everything Is Marketing.
The success of a company is based more on the marketing of the product than on the product itself. Everything is marketing, from the way you say “Good morning” to the contacts you make on an airplane to your company name and brand, your wardrobe and vocabulary. Here’s how to approach each aspect of your business like a marketing genius.
Treat every opportunity as a marketing opportunity.
The waiter at your favorite restaurant might introduce you to a new client. A stranger in the elevator at your bank is a potential referral. You always create where your next client comes from.
Realize that not all marketing opportunities are created equal.
Sticking business cards under 30 windshield wipers in a parking lot isn’t as effective as speaking to 30 people at a luncheon. Speaking to 30 people at a luncheon isn’t as effective as exhibiting at a national convention attended by thousands.
Be your own number-one fan.
That means announcing your achievements. This is hard for many people, but if you don’t do it, who will? With humility, let people know when your business wins an award, you have an upcoming speaking engagement or you add a new service. Announcing your achievements also lets your clients know they bet on a winner.
Know that your existing clients are your best prospects.
It costs much more to get a new client than it does to increase the cash flow from an existing client. The best client is a loyal one.
Never stop marketing, no matter how successful you become.
When you get busy, you may be tempted to cut down on marketing, but that’s the time to rev it up. It’s always time to send out more promotional packages. It’s always time to call on new prospects. It’s always time to update and optimize your website. Don’t wait until you’re going hungry to replant the garden.
The next 5 secrets will be coming out later, stay tune!
CEOs expect a payoff for every venture. Millionaire entrepreneurs focus on the business practices that create the biggest results. When you choose how to invest your time, money and resources, you should ask “What’s the payoff?” Once you make that investment, if the return is insufficient, find a way to make that project profitable, or ditch it.
Millionaire entrepreneurs use these six secrets to guarantee an enviable payoff.
1. Everything Is Marketing.
The success of a company is based more on the marketing of the product than on the product itself. Everything is marketing, from the way you say “Good morning” to the contacts you make on an airplane to your company name and brand, your wardrobe and vocabulary. Here’s how to approach each aspect of your business like a marketing genius.
Treat every opportunity as a marketing opportunity.
The waiter at your favorite restaurant might introduce you to a new client. A stranger in the elevator at your bank is a potential referral. You always create where your next client comes from.
Realize that not all marketing opportunities are created equal.
Sticking business cards under 30 windshield wipers in a parking lot isn’t as effective as speaking to 30 people at a luncheon. Speaking to 30 people at a luncheon isn’t as effective as exhibiting at a national convention attended by thousands.
Be your own number-one fan.
That means announcing your achievements. This is hard for many people, but if you don’t do it, who will? With humility, let people know when your business wins an award, you have an upcoming speaking engagement or you add a new service. Announcing your achievements also lets your clients know they bet on a winner.
Know that your existing clients are your best prospects.
It costs much more to get a new client than it does to increase the cash flow from an existing client. The best client is a loyal one.
Never stop marketing, no matter how successful you become.
When you get busy, you may be tempted to cut down on marketing, but that’s the time to rev it up. It’s always time to send out more promotional packages. It’s always time to call on new prospects. It’s always time to update and optimize your website. Don’t wait until you’re going hungry to replant the garden.
The next 5 secrets will be coming out later, stay tune!
Friday, December 22, 2006
SIMPLE TIPS ON SAVING.
Employing some simple tips on your finances can often make a huge difference in your savings effort. While saving means giving something that you want now a pass, it will reward you greatly in the future. What you need is a consistent long term savings program which can help you in achieving your missions. Savings comes in very handy in times of emergency and uncertainty. No one can predict when they will lose their supposedly secure job or the next economic downturn. Financial experts agree that you should set aside between three to six months of expenses for unexpected events and needs.
Money invested in savings will grow beyond what you put in, due to compound interest. In short, it means that over time, your money will grow more than what you put in initially. However, it is very important to note that inflation can reduce the return on your money.
No doubt, eliminating or even postponing your purchase needs a lot of discipline. However, practice makes perfect. So we include here some helpful tips to get you off the ground.
PAY YOURSELF!
We hear this often. Pay yourself first before anything else. But most people are just not doing it. It is recommended that you have a standing instruction with your bank so that whenever your salary is deposited into your account, a portion is directly transferred to another account. The principle is easy, what you don’t see, you don’t spend!
SAVE IT!
When your next job raise comes, save it! If you’ve been raised 15%, then save all that 15%. This can be done by maintaining your current lifestyle and not indulge in luxury you can’t afford. The same goes for bonus payment. When you get a month bonus or two months bonus, save all of it or at least most of it.
PAY YOUR CREDIT CARD!
Ok, so an entire article can be dedicated to paying off credit card debt. But here, I want to stress the utmost importance of paying off your credit card debt first. By paying off your credit card, you will save an enormous amount in INTEREST! Remember, the interest rate for credit card in Malaysia is at 18% per annum. Just so that you realize how high that is, a fixed deposit only give returns of an average 3% per annum. Think about it.
TRANSFER TO LOWER INTEREST RATE!
This is very important for those of you having a huge credit card debt. There are many banks offering balance transfer. You just need to shop around and determine what works best for you. Transferring to a card with a lower interest rate can help to shorten the time of repayment provided that you keep your discipline. It will also save you a lot of money in the long run.
KEEP YOUR CAR!
Thinking of getting a new car? Who wouldn't be tempted to? With our higher earning power and more affordable cars around it really is a temptation. However, I would urge you to keep your current car…or at least for a year or two longer. Whenever getting a new car, people would usually upgrade to a better and more expensive car. So by keeping your car longer for a couple of years, it would save you a lot of money.
QUIT SMOKING & DRINKING!
With the government increasing cigarette and liquor tax every year, you can only imagine how expensive this ‘hobby’ of smoking and drinking can be. Plus, it will do your body good if you quit this bad habit. If you can’t stop entirely, do cut down on the quantity. You will live a healthier life and your bank account will be healthier too.
STEAL FROM YOURSELF!
Take RM 3 from your wallet everyday and put it somewhere safe and out of reach. Do the math and you would have RM 1095 in a year. Just don’t get into the habit of stealing from someone else.
WRITE A SHOPPING LIST!
Whenever you go shopping, make sure you shop with your list and STICK to it. This will keep you from impulse buying that you will regret on later.
EAT IN!
Everybody knows it’s cheaper to prepare and cook your own meals than eating out.
SOURCE FOR AFFORDABLE ENTERTAINMENT! This could be visits to museums or parks. Go for walks or jogs. What about borrowing a good book from the library? You could also go for movies during movie night.
STOP YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS!
Don’t we all subscribe to something that we don’t really need? What about that subscription to the entertainment magazine? Or do we really need pay TV when we’re out at work most of the time?
GET CHEAPER INSURANCE!
This is especially true for young single working adults. You have so many choices to choose from. Start with a cheaper insurance and you can add on to it once you start your own family.
SAVE YOUR TAX REFUND!
For those of you who are paying tax I only have one thing to say : SAVE YOUR TAX REFUND!
POSTPONE YOUR PURCHASES!
Often, the act of postponing your purchases will kill off your desire of purchasing it at all later on. But there are days when you just feel that you have to purchase something. If that happens, consider on fewer features on your items of choice.
PAY CASH!
If you can’t clear your credit card balance on time, use cash for your expenses.
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! Finally, remember that the more you save, the more and faster your savings will grow.
Article from http://www.ringgitandyou.com
Money invested in savings will grow beyond what you put in, due to compound interest. In short, it means that over time, your money will grow more than what you put in initially. However, it is very important to note that inflation can reduce the return on your money.
No doubt, eliminating or even postponing your purchase needs a lot of discipline. However, practice makes perfect. So we include here some helpful tips to get you off the ground.
PAY YOURSELF!
We hear this often. Pay yourself first before anything else. But most people are just not doing it. It is recommended that you have a standing instruction with your bank so that whenever your salary is deposited into your account, a portion is directly transferred to another account. The principle is easy, what you don’t see, you don’t spend!
SAVE IT!
When your next job raise comes, save it! If you’ve been raised 15%, then save all that 15%. This can be done by maintaining your current lifestyle and not indulge in luxury you can’t afford. The same goes for bonus payment. When you get a month bonus or two months bonus, save all of it or at least most of it.
PAY YOUR CREDIT CARD!
Ok, so an entire article can be dedicated to paying off credit card debt. But here, I want to stress the utmost importance of paying off your credit card debt first. By paying off your credit card, you will save an enormous amount in INTEREST! Remember, the interest rate for credit card in Malaysia is at 18% per annum. Just so that you realize how high that is, a fixed deposit only give returns of an average 3% per annum. Think about it.
TRANSFER TO LOWER INTEREST RATE!
This is very important for those of you having a huge credit card debt. There are many banks offering balance transfer. You just need to shop around and determine what works best for you. Transferring to a card with a lower interest rate can help to shorten the time of repayment provided that you keep your discipline. It will also save you a lot of money in the long run.
KEEP YOUR CAR!
Thinking of getting a new car? Who wouldn't be tempted to? With our higher earning power and more affordable cars around it really is a temptation. However, I would urge you to keep your current car…or at least for a year or two longer. Whenever getting a new car, people would usually upgrade to a better and more expensive car. So by keeping your car longer for a couple of years, it would save you a lot of money.
QUIT SMOKING & DRINKING!
With the government increasing cigarette and liquor tax every year, you can only imagine how expensive this ‘hobby’ of smoking and drinking can be. Plus, it will do your body good if you quit this bad habit. If you can’t stop entirely, do cut down on the quantity. You will live a healthier life and your bank account will be healthier too.
STEAL FROM YOURSELF!
Take RM 3 from your wallet everyday and put it somewhere safe and out of reach. Do the math and you would have RM 1095 in a year. Just don’t get into the habit of stealing from someone else.
WRITE A SHOPPING LIST!
Whenever you go shopping, make sure you shop with your list and STICK to it. This will keep you from impulse buying that you will regret on later.
EAT IN!
Everybody knows it’s cheaper to prepare and cook your own meals than eating out.
SOURCE FOR AFFORDABLE ENTERTAINMENT! This could be visits to museums or parks. Go for walks or jogs. What about borrowing a good book from the library? You could also go for movies during movie night.
STOP YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS!
Don’t we all subscribe to something that we don’t really need? What about that subscription to the entertainment magazine? Or do we really need pay TV when we’re out at work most of the time?
GET CHEAPER INSURANCE!
This is especially true for young single working adults. You have so many choices to choose from. Start with a cheaper insurance and you can add on to it once you start your own family.
SAVE YOUR TAX REFUND!
For those of you who are paying tax I only have one thing to say : SAVE YOUR TAX REFUND!
POSTPONE YOUR PURCHASES!
Often, the act of postponing your purchases will kill off your desire of purchasing it at all later on. But there are days when you just feel that you have to purchase something. If that happens, consider on fewer features on your items of choice.
PAY CASH!
If you can’t clear your credit card balance on time, use cash for your expenses.
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! Finally, remember that the more you save, the more and faster your savings will grow.
Article from http://www.ringgitandyou.com
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