7 Myths You Probably Believe About Successful Entrepreneurs
I spend a large percentage of my time connecting entrepreneurs with companies trying to solve wicked problems. So I get a kick out of some of the most common misperceptions I hear about people who start their own companies. Here are some common myths along with the truths about entrepreneurs and what actually makes them…
Read MoreThe ABC of Selling
I learned the ABC of selling from a vacuum cleaner salesman. What he said was, “Always Be Ready To Close The Deal.” I call it the ABCD of selling… Always Be Ready To Close The Deal! The ABC Of Selling While some may think that the ABC of selling means you are always ready to ask for the close,…
Read MoreBuilding a Successful Business is Harder without Trust
It probably goes without saying that without trust in your partners, your employees, or the people you rely on for parts or supplies, building a business is exponentially more difficult. As a small business owner, I’ve had partners I trusted, partners I’ve respected, and one or two who lost my trust. So when Lynda Bekore…
Read MoreFinancial Freedom is Not Just About Wealth
What does financial freedom mean to you? Is it the ability to work less so you can play more? The freedom to do what you want, when you want? Or just not having to worry about your finances. Financial freedom is all of these things and more. It’s the holy grail of financial situations. It…
Read More10 Most Common High Tech Business Plan Fails
I was asked about high-tech business plan fails on Quora recently. So this isn’t about lean plans for all business owners, but just the business plans submitted for angel investment and business plan competitions. I read about 100 of those business plans per year. So here’s my list of high-tech business plan fails: Naive profits. Drives me…
Read More5 Steps to a Compelling Story for Business Proposals
If you are proposing a merger or acquisition, or simply seeking an investor for your business, the process is the same. You have to put together a convincing story of a win-win opportunity for both sides. This may seem intuitively obvious, but as an angel investor, I have heard hundreds of new business pitches that…
Read MoreThere’s No Second Chance to Create First Quality
Let me illustrate this insight with a personal story. As my enterprise computer software company which produced innovative lodging systems for hotels and resorts grew quickly, we found ourselves straining to keep up with the hiring and training of good customer support representatives, a critical part of the equation then and still so today in…
Read MoreHow Emotions Influence the Decision-Making Process in Business
Have you ever been shopping at one of your favorite stores when suddenly you see something nostalgic? It might be a shirt that favors one you had when you were young or maybe it is a toy that reminds you of one your dad bought for you when you were a child… But, you just…
Read MoreArt Marketing Tips: Simple Tips to Promote and Market Your Art
Are you an artist who is looking to earn money by pursuing your passion? If so, then the first step is to reach the right audience and potential buyers. As an artist looking to make a living, just producing good work is not enough. If you are looking to profit, you need to promote and…
Read MoreBest Ways to Research Before Buying a Franchise
Buying a franchise is a big decision. Since this decision will be one of the largest you will most likely ever make, you will want to consider the fact that a successful franchise, with a proven record of success, could serve as a shortcut towards creating the successful business you desire. Buying a franchise is…
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