The Start Small, Win Big Challenge

Jesse Redd — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:52:42 +0000

Special Thanks to Success Magazine. Recent Article by Tony Johnson, Darren Hardy.

“Part 1: Enter your small business in the contest to win great prizes and boost your business to the next level.

Pat yourself on the back: You survived 2011.

Like you, I wake up every morning to a drumbeat of bad news that could easily send me back under the covers. But to what end? As a small-business owner for 13 years, I can tell you that none of my success has come easily or in my sleep.

In the last three years, when people have first heard about Women For Hire—career expos geared to women—they’re stunned that I’m still standing.

Sure, millions of Americans are looking for jobs, but most people think that, at a time like this, selling recruiting services to employers—which is where we make money—is like selling ice to Alaskans.

Obviously, there have been steep challenges, but giving up was never an option: I couldn’t afford to allow the economy to destroy my business. I’m sure you can’t either.

None of these steps were huge moneymakers alone, but collectively, they replaced lost revenue while many competitors in the career expo business folded.So I took a series of deliberate steps that allowed me to not only survive, but thrive. I ramped up online sponsorships, allowing companies that aren’t hiring to keep their brand top of mind with women. My sales staff began pitching smaller firms with jobs to fill and popular direct sales companies to join us at our expos. We produced a webinar series about working from home that thousands of women purchased at a $20 introductory price.

However, my most profitable move came from listening to attendees at my career expos as the recession took its toll. Whether they had been downsized or were just starting out, more women told me they wanted to start their own businesses but needed basic steps on exactly how to do it. When, they asked, was I going to hold an expo for budding entrepreneurs?

So I launched Spark & Hustle to produce intimate conferences and provide private consulting services to current and aspiring small-business owners. In less than a year, Spark & Hustle broke the million-dollar revenue mark. Yup, in a recession.

What I’ve learned is that becoming successful and staying successful is hard work. It’s very doable, but it takes smart, deliberate, consistent persistence.

Over the next few months, I will challenge you at success.com/winbig to do and be your best, with a free 12-week, 12-step program to help boost your business. These are all things I have learned along the way, use in my own business and teach to my clients. Consider me your entrepreneurial mentor.

In fact, the Start Small Win Big Challenge grand prize winner will be featured in the magazine and win some great stuff, including lunch and SUCCESS’s personal coaching sessions with me and Darren Hardy. So, register for the challenge right now and start the first step today!

Step No. 1

Commit to Your WHY

When I started Women For Hire in 1999, my financial goal was simple: Replace my paycheck. I could have done that by getting yet another public relations job, so money alone wasn’t part of my why. My why was rooted in the permanent scar from a pink slip.

After being unexpectedly fired from a job I loved at NBC—one I thought I’d stay in forever—I wanted to be my own boss. I was determined to never have my family feel the pain and financial devastation that comes when someone else controls my destiny by taking me off their payroll.

Since I knew I could never control the decisions of an employer, I went the path of small business ownership. Giving up or giving in was—and still is—never an option because starting a new business wouldn’t be any easier. And getting a “real” job, so to speak, wouldn’t insulate my family and me from the possibility of one day revisiting a layoff.

So my why remains crystal clear—and I never lose sight of it.

Ask yourself now: What’s my why? Why bother with small business ownership? Maybe it’s because you want the financial freedom to choose medical treatments for a loved one, based on the best options, not the price tag. Maybe it’s that you want to control where and when you work to accommodate personal responsibilities. Maybe it’s because you want to generate awareness for a cause that’s close to you.

When you understand your why—why you’ve chosen small business ownership over traditional employment; why you’ve chosen this business type; why you’ve chosen to go after any particular goal—you’re much less likely to throw in the towel when the going gets tough, which it most certainly will.

This isn’t a five-minute conversation you have with yourself—take some time to think it through.

⇒ Week 1 Action Step: In a place that you’ll keep your notes for this challenge, write this down–”WHY I started/I am starting my small business” and list your reasons. Also, visit the SUCCESS Blog to share your why and correspond with other entrepreneurs. Find ideas for discovering your “why” in the Start Small Win Big Challenge week 1 newsletter for registered participants, delivered to your inbox Monday, Jan. 23.

Step No. 2

Take Responsibility—You’re in Control

Part of owning where you are right now is a willingness to pinpoint exactly how you wound up here, especially if you’re looking to go someplace else.

Assume you’re swooping in as an outsider who has been called in to assess the business. Ask yourself three questions:

First, what worked? Examine what went right, what generated the desired results and where your victories were.
Second, what didn’t work? What didn’t pan out? What intentions were left unfulfilled? What exactly went wrong? This may take more time and soul-searching.
Third, what could have been done differently? Often, when my clients work through this exercise, they realize they’ve had the answers all along. They know in retrospect what they could or should have done, where they stumbled, where they wish they could get a do-over. Most times, they slipped because they didn’t listen to their gut, got lazy or they followed someone else’s advice when they knew better.

Taking responsibility is all part of gaining control over your business. Blaming intransigent politicians, the economy, budget cutbacks—you know the list—is pointless. Own your circumstances. Nobody is coming to rescue you or your business—it’s all up to you.

If you’re stuck or stalled, figure out why. For example, if you hate sales and you know it’s a weakness that’s hampering your revenue growth, isn’t it time to finally address it? If you own up, you can take specific steps to fix just about anything. In this case, read a book or two on selling. Take a course. Hire a sales expert. Get coaching.

When you don’t tackle those key weaknesses that are at the root of your stalled business, you can continue to expect more of the same, which isn’t necessarily a pretty picture.

⇒ Week 2 Action Step: Force yourself to look objectively at your business. What works? What doesn’t? In the place that you’re keeping notes for this challenge, write your assessments as an outsider looking in. Find specific questions to ask yourself in the Start Small Win Big Challenge week 2 newsletter for registered partcipants, delivered to your inbox, Monday, Jan. 30.

Step No. 3

Know Your Numbers—When You’re Down, by How Much and Why

My client Sandy Stein spent years as a flight attendant before she made millions selling her Finders Key Purse key chains. She says it’s easy in an economic downturn to be lulled into complacency, to assume things will magically improve.

“My controller started telling me that our numbers were down in mid-2010,” she recalls. “I told her not to worry, as they would pick back up with the holiday season.”

Although her money chief continued to issue warnings through the year, Stein remained optimistic. Several months later, reality hit: Her business needed help.

The devil was in the details, she said. “When I actually sat down and looked at what the stores were ordering—little tiny amounts—the stacks of bankruptcy letters that we had received and how little our reps were selling, only then did I make the determination that our marketplace had changed, and that it would be necessary to reinvent our business model.”

In retrospect, Stein says her mistake was not paying close enough attention to the numbers all along. “I was resting on my laurels—hoping to coast through this economy—when I should have started much earlier trying to figure out a better way.”

Today she doesn’t allow small problems to become big ones. Each month Stein and her team review every number and they create solutions on the spot rather than waiting for a miracle, which positions her for tremendous growth in 2012.

Now it’s your turn to pay close attention to your numbers, watch key trends and hear out the people you pay to watch your back.

⇒ Week 3 Action Step: The devil is in the details, so familarize yourself with your financial numbers. Even if that’s someone else’s expertise, dive in and understand every single one. Write down questions you have to follow up with answers. Find a list of specific questions in the Start Small Win Big Challenge week 3 newsletter for registered participants, delivered to your inbox, Monday, Feb. 6.

Step No. 4

Own Your Destiny: What Could I Be If I Refuse to Fail?

If you could wave your magic wand and make three things happen in your business, what would they be? Not 30 or 300 things: When you make a list that’s a mile long, you’ll never tackle it. But three is a number you can wrap your head around.

Be specific. For example, maybe you want to get out of debt. Too vague. Instead, make it clear: “Pay off the $9,000 credit card balance in four months.”

One of the items on your list may be “make more money”—again, that’s obvious. Instead, be deliberate and targeted: “Generate $20,000 in sales in the next three months.”

Next, define yourself and declare your expertise. Coin your nickname or moniker—and own it. My client Marianne Carlson calls herself The Granny Geek because she makes complicated web design simple—not what you’d expect from a woman in her 60s.

I love when someone stops me in the airport or on the street and says, “Hey, you’re that jobs lady on TV.” I smile because I’ve worked very hard to establish that reputation and it feels good to see my hard work pay off. That doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I nurture it every day.

You must figure out what exactly you want to be known for before you can build an effective plan to make it happen.

⇒ Week 4 Action Step: What’s your moniker? What sets you apart? Do some research on your competitors and learn from marketing slogans. What keywords are missing out there that you can provide? Record those nicknames in the place you are keeping notes for this challenge. We’ll visit them again soon. Look for more in the Start Small Win Big Challenge week 4 newsletter for registered participants, delivered to your inbox, Monday, Feb. 13.

There you go: four initial steps to get your mojo going in this new year. I’ll talk to you next month about identifying and listening to your customers and building a specific type of list that’s among the best weapons in my sales arsenal.

Need help? Here’s a few quick tips:

Step one, visit SUCCESS.com/WinBig and click on Signup to enter the contest. Then, visit theSUCCESS Blog for a detailed overview of the contest.

Step two, follow the steps laid out in this and upcoming magazine articles, as well as weekly inspirational newsletters, and make notes along the way.

Step three, review your notes to compose your final submission essay for a chance to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes.”

Once again Special Thanks to Success Magazine & The Writers and Producers of this Challenge for this great article and contest. Post Your Comments & Share Your Feedback. Contact me for details or any questions.

20 Standards Of Success Not Taught In School

Jesse Redd — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:16:02 +0000

No matter what you do for a living, no matter how old you are, and regardless of where you grew up, we all share something in common—a desire to be successful. True success should be defined by you, specific to you and your goals. What success means to one, can be very different for another. Success to some may mean fancy cars and homes. Success to others may mean being a good parent, spouse, or friend. For others, it may be simply to be happy. Or it can be all of the above.

I believe true success begins with this core principle:

Your success, happiness—anything you truly want in life—has to begin with unwavering, non-negotiable desire, commitment, and determination. Without it, you cannot withstand and overcome the challenges that will be put in your way, to not only see how badly you really want it, but to help you appreciate what you have once you get it. Because it is through the challenges and obstacles, that you discover yourself and your purpose, which is what you were really looking for to begin with.

Through my journey, and as I continue to write my own “story of success,” I have faced many obstacles and made many mistakes. The result from those obstacles and mistakes are a set of standards, which I use as guidelines—or should I say my way of life—to keep building my foundation stronger, and reaching higher to live to my passion and purpose.

The only thing in life you have control over is your perspective and actions towards that perspective.
No matter what happens, YOU control what the meaning is, and what to do with the meaning you give to the circumstance.
Have more fear of regret than failure. Be “Fearless”
Failure is only part of the journey to success. There is not one success story out there that hasn’t experienced failure. The reason you are hearing about it as a success story is because those people saw failure as a tool to get it right, after many attempts and challenges.
It’s not about what you want to do for a living, it’s about who you want to be. What is your purpose and legacy? I believe the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is wrong. We need to be asking, “Who do you want to be? What footprint do you want to leave in this world?” From there, you will have your answer as to what you should “do” and also “how” you should do it.
Stay focused as much as you can, because a great power comes great responsibility. When you are too busy looking behind and around you, people are passing you by.
True leadership comes from good energy. Worry more about what your energy is like in order to take the necessary steps.
Life will give you the same challenges/problems over and over again until you truly learn your lesson.
Until you jump over your inner roadblocks, or “limiting beliefs” your outer ones will be dominant. We spend so much time focused on all the exterior obstacles around us, letting them be our excuses. But the more clear and aware we are of our internal roadblocks, and dissolve them, the external roadblocks will begin to disappear, too.
The most successful people are the ones that work on themselves first.
Do not judge—be inspired. If you are too busy judging everyone and everything around you, you are not remaining open to find inspiration in everyone and everything around you.
You are not allowed to complain about something unless you are going to do something about it.
Surround yourself with people you want to be like. “Association” Your Network is your Net-worth.
Learn to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. The more fears you face, the more you will grow.
Always ask, “What if?” and, “Why Not?” Instead of thinking, “What if I fail?” ask, “What if I succeed?”
Creativity is your unlimited capital. Understand and harness its power. “Organized Knowledge”
“I only have good days.” If you start off everyday with this mindset, even when challenges emerge, your positive mindset will help you overcome them more readily. Production, regardless of anything.
Create your own footprint. You do not need to do what others have done before you. Be independent, both in thinking and actions.
Hit the “mental reset button.” When you are thinking negative thoughts, envision hitting the “delete” button in your mind and begin to rewrite a better story. Take a step back and look at you from outside.
Abundance is everywhere. You must choose to see it and believe it in order to fully experience it. Prosperity, Success, it’s all there, but you have to be willing to get it.
There is a lesson in everything that happens to us—wisdom to be gained and gratitude to be given. Begin with gratitude and everything else will come on its own.

The best about success is that it can have many layers and aspects. Success doesn’t need to be limited to one aspect of life—but as many aspects as we desire to succeed in. The critical part of being successful is to be aware of what you want. Define it, write it down, reflect it, and work on it every day, on which steps are necessary to achieve what you define success.

Real Talk & Truth about Industry of Network Marketing

Jesse Redd — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:08:56 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Let Go!

Jesse Redd — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:15:03 +0000

Let Go! Seriously…Just Let Go!

This post is in regards to what I believe to be the biggest and most difficult “habit” or “mindset” to acquire in all aspects of life, not just business. No matter what, if you’re an entrepreneur, your personal life will still affect your business and your performance that you have on your business.

Most of us, and yes I mean most of us, including myself (the reason I say this because most “wanna be” gurus always talk about everyone else, like it doesn’t happen to them too or have gone through it) we are stuck in the past, and this is all due to PAST FAILURES, either in business, career, school, parenthood, finances, relationships, friendships, family or even goals we never meet or things we procrastinate on.

And it is okay, because everything is a process and it does take time. But the truth of the matter is that all those past failures make you who you are, and always make you stronger and wiser, and failures equal successes. Learn from your mistakes, because yes I’m telling you right now, no matter what people tell you, you will make mistakes and you have to learn from them unless you want to keep struggling.

And usually you need someone else to tell you, because you can’t see yourself unless you’re outside of the frame. Get rid of the negativity, of your unconscious mind, and battle with the mind. Just Let Go & GO!

WHY?

Jesse Redd — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:55:14 +0000

Get the Weapons of Mass Production –> Blow Up Your Business 2012!

WHY? – That is a Great Question…Why do most people fail? Why do most businesses go OUT of business? Why are “times” tough? Why is it more “difficult” to make money these days? Why do most people don’t make money online? Why do 99% of Network Marketers fail in MLM? Why do most people attend Seminars and are no further in their business and life? Why have you read Think and Grow Rich and you’re still Not Rich? Why..why…why?!

I believe the Answer lies within the Question. Yes! That’s right…most people don’t have a Strong WHY!

They don’t have a purpose or passion for what they do. Most entrepreneurs are desperate, and are caught up IN their business. They are not open minded to get help or ask for help.

I see and talk to a lot of older business owners, who have been in business for several years, even 10-20 years more than I have. A few of them even started young like me, but not as young as me. The difference between myself and most entrepreneurs and business owners is that I love entrepreneurship, I am passionate about business and entrepreneurship. I got into business and entrepreneurship for both the financial and also personal rewards. I got into business to build Big Businesses and create jobs and financial opportunities for people. I got into business to build Teams, to Help, Teach and Train people, to impact people’s lives. In my case, young entrepreneurs and to create entrepreneurs.

Like my business coach and mentor Joe Cross said, most people and business owners are Selling Fish, they are Sell-Fish. They are not open minded to getting the proper help and training to build and grow their business. Most entrepreneurs are comfortable and are not Passionate Entrepreneurs anymore. They just have a…business…that’s it.

I am a Young Entrepreneur. I am passionate about Entrepreneurship at Heart. I breath, eat, sleep and dream Entrepreneurship. That is who I am because I made a Decision to be a real entrepreneur since I was 15 years old. My decision was to build big enterprises and help young entrepreneurs becomes successful and make money.

2012 is just around the corner…stop making lame goals and even lamer excuses about the next year. Start making decisions and start making money.

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, network marketer, internet marketer or want to become an entrepreneur and make money. Join our community.

80% of Success is Showing Up – First Step Get the Weapons of Mass Production

Enroll in our $100K-a-Year Affiliate Program
Register at http://www.yasnation.com/

Building Wealth in 2012 – I AM A 1%ER!

10 Ways To Kick Start Your New Year

Jesse Redd — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:13:07 +0000

Building Wealth in 2012 – Blow Up Your Business!

You have to love a New Year. It means you can start afresh, change your wayward habits and create new stretch goals for you and your business.

It is also a great time for reflection and to celebrate all the successes and failures of the year that is now behind you. You can take through the things you did well into the New Year, and leave behind the screwups (but not the lessons learned).

If you haven’t already, I suggest you take time out for yourself to write down what you want your 2012 to look like in every way, shape and form possible.

As the experts say, if you don’t know where you’re going how will you know how to get there? The same is true for what you envisage for yourself – the clearer you can get, the more realistic it will be, and the more likely it will happen.

To ensure your 2012 is truly exceptional, here are the top 10 things you can start doing now:

1. Expect the best for yourself.
There’s nothing selfish in wanting to live the best possible life. Set your sights high, push yourself and always keep the big picture in mind. You’re going to need a fair amount of discipline to stay focused and achieve a life that you love, that you’re passionate about and that makes you happy. You know it’ll be worth it!

2. Love your gorgeous self.
The above can’t be achieved if you don’t appreciate yourself, warts and all. You are probably your own toughest critic, so don’t forget to let up on myself once and while and celebrate your achievements. Congratulate yourself during the year when you’re making great progress. Take time out to treat yourself each time you reach a milestone.

3. Have a grand vision for your business.
Let’s face it 2011 was a tough year for anyone in business. 2012 can only get better so it’s time to envision the success your business will have in the New Year, the growth it will experience and the traction you’ll make through consistent and concerted effort in the right places. Keep that picture in your mind and solidify it on a daily basis through whatever works for you – vision boards, written statements, weekly progress sheets or constructive team meetings.

4. Surround yourself with positivity.
No matter what, stay positive. Just stick to your company’s vision and think positive. Remember that problems don’t last long and having an optimistic outlook will get you through the toughest times. If you can’t muster it yourself, then turn to your support network of your best friends, mentors and advisors. Learn to let other people help you.

5. Plan ahead.
It is always best to have a clear plan in anything you do in life, especially in business. Better yet you should aim to have a plan A and a plan B for those times when things just aren’t working out. Flexibility and acting decisively on changes in your business landscape are key to success. Being flexible is more important than rigid plans set in stone. Life happens and you need to be able to react to make the most of it.

6. Bridge the gap.
A new year is also a year to re-connect with contacts and to start afresh with previous business relationships that may have gone sour. Learn to forgive. If you had a client or customer interaction that ended on a bad note then get in touch and ask how they are doing. Conduct business with an open heart and mind. It’s the best way forward for everyone.

7. Socialize more.
Get out and experience the world outside of your comfort zone, known as your office. Meet new people and exchange business cards with them. Who knows, that new acquaintance might be your next loyal client or future business collaboration. It invigorates your soul to meet with like-minded people and to learn from them. Don’t forget to pick up the phone and talk instead of just tweeting or emailing!

8. Become trendy.
Study the market and visualize what your target market may need or be interested in for the coming year. Read up on daily basis about emerging trends in your business space so you can stay ahead of the game, and prepare for your next move towards making your business more profitable. Around this time of the year you’ll see a lot of great articles on what to expect in 2012. Make sure you read them.

9. Share your fortunes.
Become a shining example of corporate social responsibility. Plan an activity where your company can contribute and help the less fortunate members of the community. It doesn’t have to be a grand party that needs to be publicized. A simple act of donating to an organization that’s making a difference is enough to show you care.

10. Relax and enjoy life.
It’s easy to say this when you’re on holiday but it really won’t hurt if let yourself enjoy yourself with mini breaks throughout the year. Yes, as entrepreneurs we tend to love our business and become addicted to it, but taking a break to recharge will do you and your business wonders.

Join Our Entrepreneur Facebook at http://www.1percentnation.com

Taking Your Social Networking Offline

Jesse Redd — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:07:14 +0000

TO RECEIVE TIPS ON MARKETING AND BRANDING TEXT “yasnation” TO 90210

It seems as though everywhere you look, there’s another blog post, article, or news story about social media. If a person didn’t know better, you might think social networking is the only way to connect with people anymore. Of course you do know better… right?

Social media is an amazing tool and can make a significant impact on your business, whether you’re based online or have a brick and mortar store. But it isn’t the only way (and, some argue, not the best way) to make a connection with your customers. Good, old-fashioned, face-to-face networking was the first form of social networking, and it’s still an outstanding way to meet and engage with customers, peers, industry leaders, and prospects. What’s interesting is that many of the rules of online networking are applicable to in-person networking. Here are some of the parallels:

Pushy Doesn’t Work

Online, it’s the person who posts his or her site or page on your Facebook page immediately after ‘liking’ it. Or it’s the one who’s more sneaky and posts a link in the comment of all your posts. Not only do page owners not like this tactic, it doesn’t work with their followers either, because it’s so obviously pushy and self-serving.

The same goes for the offline version of this, which often takes the form of someone shoving their business card in your face the moment they meet you. If you’re only interested in selling yourself and your products or services, you’ll put people off. You might not be banned from a networking event as you could be from a Facebook page, but just as there, you’ll end up doing more harm than good for your company.

Be a Resource

One of the best ways to establish a network and engage with followers in social media is to become a resource. Sharing relevant, interesting content from others in your community or around the web and answering questions are a couple of ways social media pros develop a strong following.

When networking face-to-face, the same methods can be used. Approach everyone you meet with a “How can I be of service?” attitude. Find out what people need help with or need to know, and facilitate that. You’ll establish yourself as a go-to person in your community, and those are the people others “go to” when it’s time to buy!

Focus on Others

This is similar to being a resource, but it goes further. In addition to sharing content and answering questions, a very effective strategy in social media is to reach out to others to offer expertise and assistance, and to share others’ content, even if it isn’t relevant to your business. Promoting other people’s businesses can be an excellent way to connect with a wider audience and build a strong bond with other business people.

You can be that person IRL (In Real Life) too! There always seems to be that one person at networking events who carries everyone’s business cards with them. You mention you’re looking for a good print shop, and he instantly has a contact that will take great care of you if you mention his name. Need a new hair stylist? “Here’s the card of the best one in town,” he’ll say. The advantage of being that person is that yours is the business card people pull out when someone mentions they’re looking for what you do!

CONNECT WITH OTHER SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS AND TO RECEIVE ADVICE ON MARKETING, SALES, SOCIAL MEDIA, ETC AT http://www.1percentnation.com

The Simple Ingredient For Business Success: Care

Jesse Redd — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:29:41 +0000

TO RECEIVE TIPS ON MARKETING AND BRANDING TEXT “yasnation” TO 90210

There are a million and one ‘systems’ and ‘programs’ out there that claim to hold the secret to having a successful business. For a price, consultants, gurus, and experts of all kinds will tell you what it takes to be at the top in business and in life. But it’s been my experience that it mostly comes down to one simple thing: Caring.

Many of those systems, books, blogs, and other programs certainly have value. Many are of tremendous value, in fact. And they all require you to truly care before they’ll work. I’d go so far as to say that before you do anything else in business or invest a dime, you’d better learn how to care, or you’ll fail.

It’s About People

The reason caring is so important is that business, at its core, is all about people. You might have a website that pays off of ad revenue, or you might have a donut shop where regulars come in every day. It doesn’t matter. Both ultimately rely on other people to be successful. Just because you don’t see or actually meet anyone through your business doesn’t mean its okay not to care about those you’re serving.

And when it comes to who you’re serving, it’s important to see the whole picture. Generally, people think of ‘customers’ as the group they need to care about, and they often forget about other groups of people that are vital to a successful business. There are three primary groups every entrepreneur needs to care about to realize success:

1. Customers. Obviously it’s your customers or clients who pay the bills. Those who actually spend money with your company are the ones who must feel as though you care about them. If they have the impression that you don’t care – or don’t care enough – they’ll quickly look for someone who does. And how you show that you care for your customers can come in many forms. It’s not only about the face-to-face interactions you have with them. It goes well beyond that to the marketing copy you write, the performance of your website, your return and warrantee policies, and the quality of whatever products and services you’re offering. If customers feel you care and treat them with value at every step of the buying process, they’ll want to return, and they’ll tell others. And that’s what we should all be striving for.

2. Employees. Do those working for you really feel as though you care about them? If you don’t want employees who think of the work the do for you as “just a job,” you can’t treat them as “just employees.” This is a tough one for a lot of entrepreneurs. Personnel management doesn’t come naturally to many people, and it can be difficult to balance being the boss with expressing appreciation and caring. But if you’re able to strike that balance, the payoff can be huge. Loyalty and exceptional performance come from employees who feel valued and cared about, and you can’t put a price tag on those things. Happy employees take better care of your customers, perform their duties better, and tend to generally be a lot easier to manage. A word of caution though: don’t make the mistake of thinking that raises translate into caring. While a fair wage is important, it isn’t what employees value most. Make them feel important and as though what they’re doing matters, and it will go much further toward communicating that you care than just a paycheck.

3. Vendors. Some business people feel that they’re doing suppliers and vendors a favor by buying from them. And to some extent that’s true. But again, whatever business you’re in, you’re really in the people business. And your vendors are people who also need to feel cared about. Why is this important? Next time there’s a glitch in an order, a delay in shipping, or an unexpected rush order, the vendor who knows you care about them will be the one who’s most likely to go out of their way to make things right. And even when it comes to pricing, the advantage often goes to the client who treats people well.

There’s more to being successful in business than just caring, but if you start there, a lot of the other stuff falls into place. Caring about what you do and the people you serve – it’s the ingredient that makes all the difference.

CONNECT WITH OTHER SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS AND TO RECEIVE ADVICE ON MARKETING, SALES, SOCIAL MEDIA, ETC AT http://www.1percentnation.com

25 Barriers to Starting a Business for Young People

Jesse Redd — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:51:38 +0000

TO RECEIVE TIPS ON MARKETING AND BRANDING TEXT “yasnation” TO 90210

We have been doing a lot of research in YAS about the real truth and fundamentals of Young Entrepreneurship and what stops most young people from starting their own business or following and pursuing their passion. After some research and reading some posts we found some of this answers from other entrepreneurs. We have compiled their answers below:

Question: What do you think is the biggest barrier to starting a business for young people?

1. Knowledge, I would say fear is big too. Ignorance handicaps you and fear paralyzes you. - Jason Baudendistel

2. Credibility & trust. – As Shashee

3. Market changes. – Med Larbi Bahou

4. Yourself first and foremost. Cultivate a little of the “I don’t care” attitude then be wary of friends and associates. Sad (but true) that those closest to us are often kryptonite. “What you resist persists, what you embrace dissolves with grace” – Maria Joyner

5. Finance is a major barrier for most young people, start up seed is a stumbling block. – Okeh Oj

6. Pressure from parents and family members, telling you, you can’t achieve it!! And you need a full time job, being a slave worker n trying to climb the corporate ladder. – Rush Bhana

7. The paperwork, social pressure, no mentor, fear of failure, contentness with the status quo! – Michael Michalowski

8. Funding and legal matters. – Vinay Balan

9. Courage. – Shiv Kumar Agrawal

10. Confidence and the knowledge that often you won’t get it right first time but that it makes you a better business person. – Gemma Regalado-Hawkey

11. Lack of vision, or a vision that is not compelling. – Gel Puyat

12. People be looking down on you because of “lack of experience” when their “experienced” asses keep on failing in business too. i’d have to say in order to succeed it only takes 20% experience at the most. the rest is mentality, sense, wit, confidence, connections, personality, and open mindedness. Grrrrrrr! – Juno Han

13. Start up capital. – Kim Garback

14. Confidence is the least of young people’s barriers, you won’t find a group of more confident entrepreneurs than in the young ranks. The issues faced and the vary from person to person in this category are competence, commitment, and capital. Many of the above answers are excellent, there’s certainly some issue with outside pressure to get a job instead or go the more traditional routes. –Millionaire Concepts

15. Listening to all the doubters and not yourself. – Impactiv8

16. Experience and people just don’t want to listen to a young person. – Chris Tylenda

17. Just plain ol’ bad vibes. – Beaudy Camacho

18. The motivation to actually act upon an idea. – Robert Jandura-Cessna

19. Time management, fear, and lack of follow through. – Adam Klein

20. Having the lack of financial resources along with the support is my biggest hurdle. Continued motivation is the key… – Unique Hutchinson

21. Finances, uncertainty and sometimes unsure of where to start in the whole process; that’s what I hear from my friends with start-ups. – Josh Beaty

22. Too many government regulations. – The CEO TV Show

23. Capital!!! – Travis Baird

24. Fear, lack of knowledge, self-doubt, and lack of financial resources. – Dana Leavy

25. Fear, Lack of Determination, Commitment, Vision, Passion and being Coach-able and Open-Minded. – Jesse Redd aka Mr. Entrepreneur

What are your barriers?

What Bad Looks Like (And What It Means For Your Business)

Jesse Redd — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:23:35 +0000

TO RECEIVE TIPS ON MARKETING AND BRANDING TEXT “yasnation” TO 90210

My wife and I recently stayed at a nationally affiliated “luxury” hotel in Miami and learned a lot about customer service…the hard way.

Being Okay with Blown Expectations: Staying at a nice hotel ($350+/night) and being willing to pay $25/person for breakfast, you’d naturally have certain expectations. Our first morning, we grabbed the USA Today (because I love the pretty pictures) and headed down to eat. We checked out the buffet and immediately knew something wasn’t right. It was the closest thing I’ve seen to airplane food (coach) outside of an airport. Runny, sheet pan, powdered eggs. Paper-thin, translucent bacon. Danishes from Sam’s Club. Being hungry and not having a good alternative close by, we ordered off the menu. It was awful. When we questioned the waiter about the quality of the food, he said, “Sorry you don’t like it,” and proceeded to hand us our hefty bill with 18% gratuity included (more on this later). It was easy to infer that the waiter, restaurant manager, and hotel didn’t give two shits about the customer. They were fine serving terrible food at premium prices.

Do your customers get value for their dollar and come back for more? Or are you constantly hunting for fresh meat? At a minimum, are you being proactive about your reputation, or are you letting customers set it for you?

Gratuity Included: Everything at the hotel had a non-negotiable gratuity added to the bill. When I say everything, I literally mean everything. Food, drinks, activities, whatever. Gratuity allows the client to show appreciation for the level of service received. Under normal circumstances, the interests of the server and the customer are aligned. When gratuity is automatically added, those incentives disappear. Why should the server care that the food is terrible? Why should they make sure to refill the water or deliver good service in any way? They’re getting the same monetary incentive either way.

Do your incentives actually work against you? Examine what behaviors are rewarded and where interests are aligned.

Employee Incompetence + Arrogance: We were notified that we’d be moving rooms for the second time in the middle of our stay. The first time, we didn’t understand, but we got our new room keys and hauled our luggage across the hotel. The second time, they asked us to move out of our room, store our luggage and come back later to retrieve our room keys. What? We were being evicted from our room and forced to wait around the hotel in the middle of the day before getting a new room? I walked to the front desk to ask why I was in this circumstance. The woman working the counter said, “Because we have you in a different room.” No kidding. I got that. I was asking why. She explained that there was a scheduling “mix up.” This was ridiculous. I asked why their scheduling issues were my fault. She smiled and said, “Now sir, we have to make room for our new guests,” then turned to talk to the valet who was looking for change. I felt like I was in the twilight zone. Not only was I being treated like crap, she acted like it was my fault.

Do you use confusion and double-talk to avoid taking the blame? What impact does it have on your customers?

Dirty Floors and More: There are only a few basics that hotels really need to have. Cleanliness is one. Because of the awesome scheduling system, I had the pleasure of sampling three different rooms. All three had dirty floors. When I say dirty, I’m not talking about a little dust here and there. After walking to the bathroom and back, I could make a little pile of crunchies that accumulated on my feet. All three showers had a noticeable amount of junk in the corners. Every bathroom had hair and particles around the toilets.

Are there noticeable defects in your business that you just choose to ignore? If so, why don’t you care? Your customers certainly do.

“I’m Not the Real Concierge”: Before arriving in Miami, a stand-up paddle boarding excursion was planned for some of the women in our group. On the day of the event, my wife checked in with the concierge to get details. The concierge looked up the reservation, acknowledged it had been made, and then explained that she’d call the room with details no later than 9:30 a.m. At 10:15 a.m., a woman left a message stating that there was no pre-arranged excursion, but that the group could rent on their own. Oh, and just an FYI, she explained that she wasn’t the “real concierge.” I had never heard of a hotel with fake concierges. Interesting concept. Maybe the hotel is a trendsetter.

Do you and your employees follow through? If there’s an issue, do they try to deflect responsibility?

Spa Experience: One of the female members of our group decided to indulge in what the hotel literature described as “complete relaxation.” It was a 30-minute massage followed by a pedicure for $60. She entered the spa expecting an inviting and relaxing environment, perhaps with a variety of pools to relax in after the treatments. Wrong. Instead, she walked in to find the staff watching a small TV that was blaring reruns of Two and a Half Men (no joke), abrupt service, and a lackluster rubdown. To top it off, the pedicure consisted of a bucket of warm water and a wooden bench.

Does your marketing promise things you can’t or won’t deliver?

Blank Management: At a certain point, the amount of ridiculous added up to an unbearable level, and I asked to speak with the manager. I was told there was no “manager,” but that I could speak with the “head of operations.” Semantics aside, the man who appeared looked and acted very much in charge. He smiled and said, “How can I help you?” as he looked over my shoulder, apparently very distracted by the nothing that was happening behind me. I calmly explained the situations as his eyes darted all over the room, clearly conveying his lack of interest in my plight. At the end of my spiel, he said, “I’m sorry to hear that,” and stared blankly back at me. That was it…a half-assed sorry was all that my situation needed. Dumbfounded, I just stared back at him until he said, “Well if there’s nothing else, I need to tend to other customers.”

Leadership is top-down. Why should other employees care if management doesn’t care? In fact, they probably learned their indifference from the manager.

Extras: I didn’t have room to tell you about the hotel trying to overcharge everyone, our friends’ toilet flooding their entire room only moments after check-in, being asked to pay for dinner before being served our main courses, or having infomercials blasted through the pool-side sound system. There’s just not enough space.

But I actually feel blessed by my experience. At least now I know what terrible looks, smells and feels like.

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