Mistakes are going to happen.  They’re just a fact of life.  But how you deal with your company’s mistakes will set you apart from your competitors and potentially win you loyal customers.

How can you turn a misstep into a golden opportunity?  Try these techniques on for size:

• Say You’re Sorry!  You’d be surprised at how few entrepreneurs are willing to admit they erred.  Just apologizing will set you apart!
• Give Clients Something in Return.  If the mistake is large enough, offer the clients something more than they think they deserve.  That may be a free offer, a reduced price on a product/service or even a gift card in the mail with a handwritten apology.
• Learn from Your Mistakes.  Your mother always told you to learn from your mistakes… and you know what?  She was right!  If you don’t address the core issue of the mistake, it’s likely to happen again and again.

I’ve met a lot of “big talking” would-be entrepreneurs and I bet you have, too.  They have tons of ideas, they have a million things they’re going to do… and the list never changes.  Year after year. 

The problem isn’t the list.  It’s the fact that these entrepreneurs never do anything.  They never move forward. 

They are Dreamers, but they’re not Doers.

If you fit into this category of entrepreneurs, it’s time to do something, already!

How can you do that?  Try any or all of these steps:

1.  Hire a business coach.  I’m one and I know the value here.  There’s no doubt in my mind that a business coach will help you get moving.

2.  Hold yourself accountable to start getting things accomplished.  Stagnancy begets stagnancy.  You can’t afford to waste more time.  Find a way to remain accountable and begin.

3.  Just do something.  Take a first step.  That’s how it’s all going to begin.  It doesn’t matter how big of a step it is, either.  As long as it’s in a forward direction, it’ll be a huge leap!

4.  Leave the perfectionism behind.  Perfectionism is just a trap that keeps entrepreneurs from doing their best.  Leave it at the doorstep and do something… even if it’s not “perfect”.

5.  Stop talking.  If you’re only an entrepreneur in your mind, that isn’t going to get you anywhere.  Whenever you find yourself pontificating about what you “would” do if you “were” an entrepreneur, stop yourself. 

It’s time to be a Doer, not a Dreamer!

“I don’t have time to go to a seminar offsite, let alone head back to school!”

It’s something that plenty of entrepreneurs say when asked why they haven’t stayed on top of the latest trends and techniques to manage and improve their businesses.  But it’s also just an excuse.

In today’s fast-paced Internet world, there are mucho opportunities for entrepreneurs to keep their ears to the ground.  Best of all, many of them are FREE:

1.  Webinars

These are hot, hot, hot and are a great way to find out what’s going on.  (You can even check out your competitors if they offer free or low-cost webinars.)  You don’t have to leave your home or office, either.

2.  Teleseminars

Like webinars, these learning opportunities take place in a virtual capacity, via telephone.  You’ll call into a special number and be tied into a training session.

3.  Ebooks

Many sites offer free ebooks if you sign up for their newsletters.  Avail yourself of this freebie; most ebooks are relatively short and you’ll probably learn at least a nugget of new info.

4.  The Library

It’s old-fashioned, but it’s free!  All you have to do is take the time to go there and peruse the book aisles.  You won’t spend a penny, but you’ll have all the great minds at your fingertips!

5.  Blogs and Websites

Many blogs and websites keep you up to date on new and emerging trends in your industry as well as peripheral industries.  Subscribe to these fountains of knowledge… you never know when you’re going to read something that makes you go “Aha!”

How many times have you heard the adage: “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail”? Though it might sound a tad trite, the message is solid and true.

In my line of work, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of people who have goals but no plan. Guess what ends up happening to those goals? They essentially get pushed farther and farther into the future.  Many times, they never materialize, which is a shame.

So what’s the problem? Why don’t more entrepreneurs and business people grab the bull by the horns and just make a plan they can stick to in order to achieve whatever objectives they have in mind?

Quite honestly, the problem is threefold:

1. They don’t know where to start, so they don’t start at all.
2. They don’t realize they need to have a plan. They believe that truly wanting to do something with your heart and soul will make it happen.
3. They don’t really believe they can make their goals a reality.

Let’s look at each of these reasons a little deeper:

The first - not knowing how or where to start a plan - is relatively straightforward and pretty darn simple to remedy. Either the person can create his or her own map for getting from the present to the future or (and I strongly recommend this approach) he or she can get help from a business coach like me.

The second - not knowing a plan is needed - means they haven’t been educated in how and why plans work. Maybe they think that plans are for wimps or people who don’t know anything… who knows? Typically once they come to the realization that a plan is like an insurance policy against the risk that your goals will fail, they are more than happy to get on board with the program.

The third reason is perhaps the hardest because it speaks to a deep lack of self-confidence. These individuals not only need a plan, but they need to believe in themselves again. I’ve helped dozens of people who fall into this category, and once they start to have faith in themselves, they’re usually more than happy to create a plan and then “work it.”

Remember that it’s great to have a dream, but dreams don’t come true by wishing on stars. Take a proactive stance and plan for “luck” to occur.

Remember the old Preference by L’Oreal commercial that ended with the tagline:  “Because I’m worth it”?  The underlying message was that the product had value.  Too bad more entrepreneurs and small business owners don’t think of themselves and their enterprises with the same motto!

Many times, professionals underestimate their value in a number of ways:

• Denying themselves the educational opportunities they know they should take advantage of to stay at the top of their game.
• Not taking calculated risks to potentially propel their businesses.
• Refusing to raise their rates or prices even after years and years.
• Telling themselves they can’t go for their dreams.

If you’re stuck in a mindset that’s holding you back, I urge you to start telling yourself that you’re “worth it”.  You might be surprised to find that if you say it often, you’ll start to believe it… and others will, too.

Everyone loves a maverick, especially an entrepreneurial maverick.  How often do we read stories of people who “bucked the system” and came out on top?  Quite a bit! 

Now, I hate to rain on the parade here, but rule-breaking isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.  In fact, it can backfire rather significantly.  That’s why I suggest if you want to break the rules, you have to follow them first.  Get your house (aka, your company) in order and then see where you can rebel a little… or a lot. 

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to become the revolutionary hero of your industry.  You just have to know when to turn your rebellious nature off for the sake of your organization’s growth. 

From the time we’re kids, we quickly learn that if we aren’t held accountable for certain responsibilities, we can slack off more and more.  For instance, if a youngster is expected to take out the garbage but no one ever checks up on her to make sure she’s doing it, that youngster will probably start “cutting corners” here and there.  The end result?  The job isn’t done (or is only half-finished).

Accountability is just as important for adults, especially those who want to run their own businesses.  Though there are those rare people who can hold themselves accountable, most individuals will stop performing at their top levels if they don’t have accountability. 

This is one of the reasons I am so passionate about my Marketing Made Easy for Small Businesses coaching program which is launching later next week.  While the program’s main focus is to help entrepreneurs and business owners form lasting marketing strategies, a side effect of taking the coaching program is its accountability factor.

If you’re the owner of a business or you’re planning to start a business in the new year, I strongly urge you to join me throughout this year-long program.  You’ll be held accountable for your actions, which will practically guarantee that you’ll get more done than you would otherwise.  And in today’s competitive environment, it’s important to take advantage of every single edge you can!

Send me an email at julie(at)jadcc(dot)com today and I’ll register you within 24 hours.  Alternatively, head to this page and register online.

I look forward to helping you ensure that you’re accountable (and profitable) in 2010!

So you want to make sure that 2010 is better than 2009 was in terms of your business?  Then you have to start thinking about making some corporate resolutions for 2010. 

These types of resolutions differ from personal resolutions in that they are narrowly focused toward the business world.  Still, the resolutions (business and personal) do share some similarities, most notably that:

• The resolutions have to be measurable.
• The resolutions have to be manageable.
• The resolutions have to be logical.

Let’s take each of these points one at a time…

Measurability

I don’t know of any entrepreneur who wouldn’t agree that he or she wants to make a bigger profit in 2010 than he or she did in 2009.  However, that really isn’t a solidly measurable goal. 

Instead of making a sweeping statement, put a number to your resolution.  By doing so, it will be highly specific.  For example, you could say that you want to increase your business profits by 20%, $20,000, etc.  That way, you can map out strategies to make your resolution a reality.  (I’d be remiss if I didn’t add here that this is where a business coach can be a huge help!)

Manageability

It’s great to say that you want to spend more time on the road visiting your prospects and clients in 2010, but you have to make sure that whatever you say you’re going to do is manageable. 

For instance, if everything else stays the same in your company, can you really manage to be on the road more often?  And if you can’t, are you willing and able to outsource responsibilities to ensure that balls don’t drop?  (If the answer is “no”, you probably can figure out that this is one resolution that cannot be implemented.)

Logic

Maybe you’ve always wanted to move your business to a warmer climate.  (Hey, anyone who has been stopped from fulfilling a client’s order because of a foot of snow can commissurate!) 

But what if your family and clients are all in a cooler locale and want you to be there, too?  Obviously, it’s not going to be logical for you to have “Move the company to a warmer climate” as a business resolution, at least until you are able to convince your relatives and customers that such a move will benefit them, too. 

Does this mean that if your resolutions are measurable, manageable and logical that they will come true?  Unfortunately, no.  You have to be willing to work hard to make changes.  However, you’ll have a much better chance at seeing your resolutions come to fruition (at least partially) if they have these three characteristics. 

So… what are your business resolutions for 2010?  I’d love to hear the direction you intend to take over the next twelve months.

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Join my Marketing Made Easy for Small Businesses Program and add marketing savvy to your resolutions for 2010! 

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Many entrepreneurs have tons of documents, blog posts, etc., that are simply not being utilized to their fullest capacities.  In fact, I’d go out on a limb to say that most business owners aren’t maximizing their assets and information.  In other words, they aren’t getting nearly the bangs for their bucks that they could be!

What do I mean by “maximizing”? 

Let me give you some examples:

Example #1:  The Seminar

You have a seminar that you periodically give to groups.  Maybe you do it three times a year, maybe you do it 10 times a month.  Regardless, it’s already been written and it’s ready to go.

In order to maximize the seminar that’s just sitting on the shelf, why not:

• Ask someone to (professionally or semi-professionally) videotape your seminar.  Upload part of it to YouTube to generate more of a following.  Make sure to link it to your blog (and vice versa)!
• Add a page on your website where you tell where you’ll be giving your seminar throughout the year.  Even if you’ll be doing it for private clients, you can still write the date and the city.  This shows that you’re a professional speaker and may net you more business.
• Use your seminar outline to compose an article.  If you aren’t a writer, pay someone else to write it for you.  Then, post the article on a free article website on the Internet.
• Turn your seminar into an ebook.  Sell it on your site.  (Again, you don’t have to be the writer of it for this to work.)  Alternately, you can sell it as a book.
• Turn your seminar into a workbook.  Again, sell it through your site or offer it to new clients (if applicable.)

Example #2:  The Blog

So you have a blog.  Don’t let it just sit there!  Use it as a marketing tool.  How?  Check out these ideas:

• If you have a real niche market, you can try to monetize your blog using a system like Google’s AdSense.  You won’t make a million dollars, but you might make a few extra bucks a week.  (The more focused your blog and the greater your following, the more you’ll get.)
• Turn a popular blog post into an article and place it on a free articles site.  (Make sure it is keyword optimized.)
• Recycle blog posts that are very popular.  (If you haven’t been following your blog’s stats, it’s time to start.)
• Use Twitter to announce new blog posts and encourage visitors to look at old blog posts.
• Add polls to your blog site for interactivity.
• Have guest bloggers once in a while.  (And become a guest blogger yourself to earn visibility with a new audience!)
• Host a contest.

Example #3: The Logo

If you paid for a logo, you’d better make certain that it’s everywhere and anywhere. 

Some places you might not have considered including it are:

• On every item you send out, whether it’s letterhead, memo pads or trinkets (like magnets and pens.)
• On hats, jackets and coats that you frequently wear.
• On your briefcase.
• On the side of your car.  (I see this quite often, especially in service industries.)
• On your checks.
• On specialized stamps.  (Granted, these are more expensive than the stamps you get at the USPS, but what a cool way to really go “all out” with an amazing logo.)

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Need more marketing ideas?  Join my Marketing Made Easy for Small Businesses Program and make sure you maximize every move you make in 2010! 

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On October 31st, over 5 million adults will choose to dress up as a witch and over 1 million adults will choose either a pirate or vampire costumes. Your Halloween costume choice may reveal more about your entrepreneurial style… as well as what is lacking in your life… than you think!

If You Want to Dress Up as a Witch…

Witches are often depicted as casting spells, controlling situations and having the ability to change their image to others at a moment’s notice. Bottom line - if black robes and hats, pointy shoes and/or warts make up your costume, start thinking about the amount of energy you are using to hide how much you are attempting to control in your business or in other people’s lives.

Delegating tasks or working on teams or with partners may be issues for you. Conversely, a witchy costume choice may reveal that you want more control over certain aspects of your business but may be afraid or may not know how to make it happen.

If You Want to Dress Up as a Pirate…

Pirates are masculine, strong, powerful and, unfortunately, have little problem with corruption. If ripped pants, puffy shirts and eye patches make up your costume of choice, ask yourself why you have a difficult time enjoying your accomplishmentseven though they often surpass everyone else’s! Is it because you truly want to rule the world or is it that you simply feel superior to everyone around you?

Conversely, this costume choice may reveal the lack of power you feel you have over your business or even others around you.

If You Want to Dress Up as a Vampire…

Vampires are evil, scary, and downright creepy. If being a blood-sucking bandit is your costume of choice, this may be your way of giving yourself permission to get in touch with your dark side. Or are you are becoming more aware of your own mortality?

On the other hand, this costume choice may reveal that you want to separate yourself from others - perhaps business associates or even clients/customers - but you are unsure of how to set those boundaries.

If You Want to Dress Up as a Princess or Fairy…

Entrepreneurs beware!  These costume choices SCREAM the following personality traits: wish for safety/simplicity (e.g., your business may be running you instead of you running it) or deep denial (e.g.,  a lack of financial resources!)

So What’s YOUR Costume of Choice?

While Halloween provides a vehicle to express oneself, I am issuing a challenge to all entrepreneurs and executives to think about why they are making the choice for a particular costume.  Who knows?  The insights revealed could be less frightening and more empowering!

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