Too often, we confuse our experience with creating value. While they are linked, they are distinctly different. Our experience focuses on us–perhaps reference customers that we have worked with in the past. “We’ve worked with Google, Microsoft, Siemens, General Motors…” These are supposed to demonstrate our customer base, implying we’ve done great things with them, […]
Value
Another Personal Story: Timing is Everything in a Sale
Almost anyone who has sold a company has a story to tell about their good deal, the problems with the buyer, a last-minute change of terms, or more. I have saved this next story until now because it is one of my favorites, and certainly illustrates the point about timing being a combination of luck and […]
Everything You Do Adds or Reduces Company Value
Each decision you make to commit resources—your money or your use of corporate or personal time—affects the future value of your business. Minor decisions, such as replacing employees who have left the company or replacing equipment needing updating, are usually considered operational in nature, and unless the business is changing direction, not relevant to this test. […]
On Differentiation
Differentiation is critical in helping customers select our solution over the alternatives. As important as it is, most sales people do a terrible job at differentiation. Ultimately, too many are unable to differentiate in meaningful ways, as a result they end up differentiating on price. Every time we win by taking pricing actions, we are […]
Determining a Pricing Strategy for Your Startup
One of the most often overlooked tasks of any startup is developing a viable and effective pricing strategy. Whether your business provides products or services, the price you charge for those can make or break your bottom line. There are a number of considerations you should take into account when determining a pricing strategy for […]
How to Provide Value to Your eCommerce Customers
Providing value is the ultimate goal of any self-respecting business venture. After all, the reason why customers opt for certain products and services instead of others has everything to do with how valued they feel. Consequently, the companies that manage to maximize their offerings in the eyes of consumers are the ones that tend to […]
So, What If You Run Out of Money?
Money in the bank is like oil in the car. Certainly, you have many ways you are pulled every day, both tactical and strategic. But when money is the issue, your time, energy and focus are drained from other important areas of your life or business. Running out of money is not always synonymous with […]
What Does Your Pricing Say About You?
Last week, we explored some of the key considerations that a business should take into account as they set their prices. But this week, I want to take a look at what your pricing strategy says about your offerings. I believe that pricing is a part of positioning and branding that is often overlooked. How […]
Is Your Value Depreciating Unchecked?
With very few exceptions, business owners include a depreciation schedule when they file their taxes. We become very familiar with these forms. They are black-and-white evidence of the relentless loss of value. Brian Tracy he points out that there is perhaps an even more important item that continually loses value that never shows up (at […]
Why the First $1,000 is the Hardest
You’re not getting paid what you’re worth. You feel under-appreciated, and no one takes you seriously. Your income comes in fits and starts, if at all… and it never adds up to enough. Here you are, trying to get your business off the ground, and it’s such a struggle that you’re almost tempted to throw […]
