Entrepreneurs Need More Relationships and Fewer Friends

Successful entrepreneurs understand the difference between a good business relationship with more people and having more friends. In fact, the focus on social networking platforms, starting with Facebook, has destroyed the meaning of the word friend and even changed it from a noun to a verb. It’s now common to have hundreds or thousands of…

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5 Ways to Feel More Fulfilled in Your Franchise Ownership

There’s a lot that happens when you buy a franchise. One aspect rarely talked about is the social giving side of franchise ownership. As a new business owner in your community, you have a unique opportunity to give back to the people you serve. This goes beyond your standard service offerings. You are able to…

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5 Benefits to Joining Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Has your local chamber of commerce representative approached you about becoming a member? Not sure if it’s worthwhile? Joining your local chamber of commerce has its distinct benefits. From meeting new people to getting your franchise in front of new political advocacy measures and learning opportunities, you stand to benefit by becoming a member. Here’s…

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5 Reasons to Love Event Marketing

All businesses should be targeting new customers using a number of different mediums: through social media; PPC advertising; print advertising; telesales; but what about event marketing? Events such as exhibitions and trade fairs are a great way to attract new business and should form a key part of your marketing strategy. Here are five reasons…

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11 Apps to Make Your Smartphone Work Harder for Your Business

It’s easy to view your smartphone as nothing more than an elaborate distraction. However, if you use it properly, it has the potential to be an incredibly powerful business ally. By utilizing built-in features, such as GPS, in combination with innovative apps, you can use your phone to multi-task much more effectively. Be Productive MobileDay…

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Do You Meet People and Subscribe Them to Your List?

Dear Business Person I Just Met, It was lovely to meet you at that business networking (or other) event. When I gave you my business card, though, I was hoping to communicate with you. I did not expect you to subscribe me to your list. I wasn’t interested in you communicating at me, but rather in furthering our…

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What’s Wrong with Business Networking

I’m starting to realize I hate the word “networking” used as a verb, meaning—apparently—some variation on connections with people for self-serving business use. Business networking my [whatever]. I’m pretty sure people are actual living breathing human beings, for the most part. Not nodes. Not assets. Not resources to be tapped later for favors. Real connections with…

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How to Make Your First Year of Business Ownership Profitable

After working with your local FranNet consultant, you found the perfect business for your personal goals at last. Yet, while you have come a long way, there are still many obstacles to overcome ahead. It’s time to prepare for getting over the biggest hurdle of your new chapter: the first year. Hot Off The Press:…

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How to Master the Art of the Follow-Up

You’ve attended a networking event. Now what? You have a pocket full of business cards and no idea what to do with them. Business cards have no value if you don’t use them, so let’s go over some simple ideas to help you maximize the initial interaction you had with someone. A networking event is just the jumping-off…

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