Bible Verses for Business People

I found this blog post as I was preparing for a Break Free Employee class I was teaching one night.  I thought it was so appropriate for Christians this day and age.  Our economy has been changing like never before, and we need to adapt our businesses for each new season.  This requires that we stay before the Lord in prayer and be quick to obey His instructions!  God knows best! He can advise us like no one else can because He knows the beginning from the end!  Be encouraged to hand in there and press on!  Don’t let circumstances, people, etc. distract you from focusing on God’s call for your life and your business.  Stay on the path to success!

Be Blessed!

Nicki Lynch

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8 Keys to Business Success

Sometimes it helps to just keep it simple. Listed below are 8 Keys to business success. Set your focus on fulfilling these keys, and watch your business grow and prosper!

1. Price your product or service properly
2. Monitor your costs to achieve desired gross margin
3. Measure results against your Business Plan
4. Maintain high product (or service) quality … it sells!
5. Listen to your customers and respond to their needs
6. Know your competition and why you are better
7. Treasure your people . . . They make the difference!
8. Innovate . . . For better quality and better service!

5 Keys to Building a Huge Business Network

I found this article on another business network I am a member of. I thought it would be beneficial to help us learn how to maximize the advantages of social networking sites.

#1 Leave Comments on as Many Profiles as You Can

Leave a Welcome Comment for all New Members daily

-100+ new business owners sign up every day looking to network
-Offer advice
-Leave a signature block with a link to your profile page
-Personalize your greeting to their name, website, or industry

3 Sentence Introduction Comment to Existing Members

-Create a simple introduction and ask a question
-Use a signature block with a link to your profile page
-Try and make at least 20 new comments a day
-Personalize your greeting to their name, website, or industry
-Make a friend request while leaving each comment

#2 Invite Your Friends and Become a Featured Member

#3 Start a Group and Join Groups
-Choose a good image and name for your group
-Add a RSS feed that will supply news and information daily
-Join 3 to 5 groups that you are interested in

#4 Reply to Discussions in the Forum
-Reply to all of the new introductions
-Start your own discussion by introducing yourself

#5 Build a Great Profile Page
-Make it a direct representation of yourself and your business
-Personalize it, add blog posts, 10+ pictures, and YouTube videos

One Final Note:
Social Networking sites are no different from any other business networking event that you attend in person. The rules of success are the same.
1) You need to be well dressed – A nice profile and profile picture
2) You have to work the room – 100 comments a day
3) You engage before selling – Thoughtful comments
4) You ask for a business card – Make a friend request

You would never show up to an event in a tank top and start shouting out loud, “I sell insurance!” over and over again. It is rude, people will ignore you, and you will probably be escorted outside by security and told never to come back.

The same is true here.
SUp.biz, COO
-Inviting your contacts will indirectly promote your business to them
-Networking sites get over 1,000,000 page views monthly
-Having a large group of friends gives you instant credibility

Photograph Your Work

A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say, but pictures on your marketing materials can be worth thousands of dollars to your business. That’s because photos make it easy for you to show consumers who you are, what you do, and what equipment you use. Photos help build trust between you and customers, since they give them a better idea what to expect from your company. They also differentiate you from your competitors.

Consider adding photos of the following to your website, profile, ads, brochures and other marketing tools you may use to attract new customers:

* Before and after shots of jobs on which you have worked
* Any special equipment you may have
* You!
* Your family, especially if your business is a family-run enterprise
* Your company truck, especially if it features your logo
* Your employees, especially if they are wearing company attire and performing a job
* Your office, especially if that is where you will be seeing customers or patients

Keep in mind that in order to look professional, your photos must look professional, too. Today’s photography equipment makes getting good quality photos easier than ever, but you may still want to hire a professional or at least someone who is well-versed with the technology. Remember that you can use one set of quality photos in numerous ways, so it may be worth it to invest a little to have it done right.

By Pattie Baker, kudzu.com

Measure Results

Ever feel like you will never find the time to get around to all those great marketing ideas you have? Well, you know the old saying-what gets measured gets done. By taking just a little time to build measurement metrics into your goals, you can propel yourself closer to achieving them.

Instead of stating, “I need to get more customers,” consider adding a specific quantity, timeframe and tactic to your goal. These goals, for instance, give more focus to your efforts and allow you to measure the success or failure of your efforts, thereby enabling you to adapt them until they work more effectively. Here are some examples of measurable goals:

* By the end of next week, I will put targeted flyers with a new-customer special offer in mailboxes in 10 neighborhoods in which I already have at least one customer.

* I will upload a new photo to my social network profiles each month that shows a recently completed job.

* I will make a video to showcase my business by the end of this quarter.

* I will launch a new branding campaign in conjunction with our annual anniversary sale and will send out a press release to 10 local media outlets about it.

* To coincide with “back-to-school” time, I will start a ‘frequent visit” program that gives a tenth visit free and will then measure customer retention rates in six months as compared to the six previous months.

Take a moment to think about your business objectives and what measureable marketing action you can take to help achieve them.

By Pattie Baker,
kudzu.com

Nurture New Business

Ever get a call from a doctor a couple days after your visit, asking if you are feeling better? This has happened to me several times and has bowled me over each time. And you can be sure I not only keep going back to those doctors but also recommend them to others. These doctors have the perfect prescription for nurturing patients both in the office and afterwards in a way that truly stands out.

You can apply this concept of following up with clients no matter what your industry. Did you just install a new carpet? Call and ask your new customer how he or she is enjoying it. How about a new client at your hair salon? Call a week later and ask if he or she is finding the style easy to maintain. Sure, you may get some negative feedback – one edge of the carpet keeps coming up – but it’s far better for you to hear this than for new customers to either tell others about his or her dissatisfaction or never come back without telling you why.

Remember, it costs less to keep a client than to gain a new one. In addition to touching base right after a service is performed, build regular “customer touch-points” into your marketing strategy so that you can reinforce the positive impression customers have of you and encourage repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

To nurture new business:

- Have a marketing strategy specifically geared to your customer lifecycle. For example, if customers typically need repeat service in three months or three years, be sure to touch base with them before that time is up so that you are top-of-mind when they are choosing a service provider. Never forget that they will be needing the service you provide again, and never assume they will automatically choose you.

- Build customer nurturing into your sales training efforts, or designate a particular person or function at your company for this strategic initiative. A sales assistant could conduct the “just checking” calls right after a service is performed or a marketing person could send out emails offering “customer-only” specials or reminders.

- Remember to go to your existing customers first to encourage positive word-of-mouth (such as endorsements for your website) and to offer additional services. That homeowner whose wood rot you fixed may now be ready to finish his or her basement. Plus, he or she may have some neighbors thinking about doing the same thing.

Using these tactics just might leverage your current and new customers into even more business for
you!

By Pattie Baker,
kudzu.com

Economize During Downturns

Remember that old adage, a penny saved is a penny earned? Well, guess what? Those pennies add up, especially during tough economic times. Even if your business is booming right now, there’s no reason to be wasting money. Here are four simple ways that “make sense” to “save cents”:

Use less paper.

Plan your trips.
With gas costs going through the roof, take time to plan your routes carefully. Make as many stops along the way as possible, rather than traveling the same route more than once for different customers. Some businesses designate a certain day of each week for the different parts of the city that they service. It may even be time to invest in one of those cool scooters for sales calls! That could even help you claim some green credentials, and many customers are looking for companies that are making noticeable steps in that direction.

Encourage repeat and referral business.
It costs more to gain a new customer than to get new business from an existing customer who is already sold on you. Go through your database and see what customers might be interested in repeat or additional services. Also, consider offering a referral incentive to your existing customer base. There is no easier way to get more business than through word-of-mouth referrals from happy customers to their friends, coworkers, neighbors and family.

By Pattie Baker,
kudzu.com

What are some ideas you may have?
Print on both sides of the paper, switch to electronic billing, send e-newsletters instead of printed and mailed ones and you’ll be shocked how the savings add up.

5 Critical Elements that Every Business Steward Must Know

I have found yet another article that is exactly what we need to know as entrepreneurs in this day and age. Check out the article below and provide any other critical elements we all should live an operate by in business.

Nicki Lynch

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Preparing Your Business For the Future

Other small businesses may have been vulnerable to changes in the economy, but creating a long-term strategy can help your business weather the storm and emerge even more successful on the other side. Here are some ways that you can plan ahead for long-term success:

Expand the way you define your company.
Instead of thinking of your company as solely a Siding Contractor, for instance, broaden that identity to be known as a resource for Painting and Staining as well. Let customers know that you offer a broader range of services, and keep the door open to expand into other areas.

Explore additional products and services so that you can provide an easy solution or “one-stop shop” for your customers.
If you are a dry cleaner, offer alterations or shoe repair. If you are a Pet Sitter, offer a pet taxi service or sell a line of designer collars and leashes. In today’s hectic world, companies that offer solutions to multiple needs are likely to get repeat business from satisfied customers.

Establish a marketing communications strategy that positions you as a trusted expert with your customers.
Blogs, newsletters and monthly emails are great ways to develop and maintain ongoing relationships and will help you disseminate accurate information in a timely way. They also increase the chances that customers will feel a sense of loyalty to you during any transition period that your business undergoes.

Align with business owners who offer services that are complementary to your own, and package yourselves together with a broader range of customer solutions. Working together can help bring in business, especially if there is an incentive for the customer to use both companies. Take advantage of the Kingdom Business network to refer customers back and forth.
Original Author – Kudzu

14 Character Traits of a Good Business Person

I found another excellent article I thought should be shared. As business people with the state of the economy, we do not want to get caught up conducting business that is sub moral standards. Here are a list of good character traits that can keep us ahead of the game.

When you own and operate your own business, it’s YOU that ‘s in charge, it’s YOU that’s in control, and it’s YOU that takes the credit for the failure or success of the business. Some people are so caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running their businesses that they fail to realize they’re in charge and should be controlling the direction of the business the business or circumstances should not be controlling them.  Jennie was so busy with her business, taking on a much as she could handle, that after a while, she waited for events to happen and then responded. She had turned into an employee of the business, and the events around her had become her boss. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep in mind that you’re in charge and if you feel that you aren’t, then do something about it. Here are some of the traits you can build on to ensure your happiness and business success.

1. Be Persistent:
A persistent drive is an asset; it will help you get through tough times and slumps. Practice being persistent. It pays off!

2. Learn to Easily Adapt to Change:
The business world, among other things, is in constant fluctuation. You have to be able to adapt to change quickly, without modifying your main goal or mission. You may need to change the way you do things or adapt to changes in the market. Adapting to change is a positive for you and your business.

3. Assess Risks:
The better you are at assessing risk, the better your outcome. You’ll be able to make intelligent decisions, and you’ll avoid making decisions that could put you out of business and this will allow you to easily pick up good opportunities.

4. Continue to Learn:
Learning is an ongoing process in all aspects of life, whether or not you’re aware of it. Since you’re learning anyway, you might as well put into your mind positive thoughts that you can use as much as possible.

5. Learn to Welcome Responsibility:
When you avoid your responsibilities, you’re breaking down your self-esteem, slowly and silently telling yourself that you can’t handle it. When you welcome your responsibilities, you’re building your self-esteem and becoming a stronger person.

6. Be Creative:
In business, being creative in the right places can give you the edge you need to stand out and offer something special. Practice creativity in small steps. Ask questions like: What can I do to improve this?

7. Take Charge:
Successful business people take charge and hit the pavement running. Move ahead FEELING powerful, FEELING you can do it and move ahead doing what you do best! Note: This is not to say that you should move blindly and ignore common sense. It’s a mere comparison of moving ahead by walking on a tightrope as opposed to walking on a sidewalk.

8. Know Your Numbers:
Numbers and business go hand in hand if you don’t know much about numbers, you’re going to need to. You don’t need become a financial wizard, knowing the ins and outs of multinational companies and how they operate, nor do you need to become an accountant, but you need to know the basics. You need to know if you’re profitable, how to manage money, how to hold onto your money, etc. Even if you hire an accountant/bookkeeper, you still need to know what’s going on in your business. You can find out more about this from your accountant/bookkeeper, from your banker, online, or at your library.

9. You Must Market Your Business:
Whatever business you’re in, without marketing, you won’t have much of a business. You need to develop skills in marketing. This can be as simple as placing ads, creating promotions, creating enticing signs, etc. anything that gets the right people to know about your business and do business with you is a form of marketing. It must be done. It’s the lifeline of the business.

10. You Must Avoid Procrastination:
If you’re a seasoned procrastinator, then you’re going to have a hard time finding success. You may be doing okay, but it takes so much longer to become the success you really want. You’re just moving along slowly, and you’re probably missing out on a lot of opportunities. Get things done quickly. Don’t start something else, something new, until you complete all you can with the current task.

11. Become Self-Reliant:
When you’re on your own, you have no one pushing you, no one telling you what needs to be done, and it’s hard to stay on track. It’s essential that you keep yourself on track. The first step is knowing what to do, then you may want to create a list in priority order of what needs to be done and how to do each step. You may want to simply follow the list or have someone check up on you to see how you’re doing. I, myself, like to follow the list. I keep it with me at all times on my pocket PC, checking off what’s been completed and adding new items when necessary.

12. Create a Balance Between Work and Play
Successful people usually have a balance between their business and personal lives. They feel a sense of accomplishment and feel good about themselves. Their self-esteem is high, and they feel confident. A balance between your work and your personal life is an absolute must. Keep this balance at all times and you’ll perform much better as well as be happier in your personal life. The traits that were just presented to you are just some of the traits for a good businessperson. I’m sure the list can be expanded to fill books on this topic. There are two more important issues that I’ve left until the end because I feel they can accelerate your becoming an excellent businessperson.

13. Focus on the Business, Not Your Needs:
Focus on what’s best for the business. What can you do better for your customer? How can you make your customers happy? Questions like these help you become an excellent businessperson. When you focus on yourself, then you tend to cut corners, finding the simpler ways that may be less effective. They may do the job, but they may not create great outcomes.

14. Focus on Your Performance:
When you’re doing something important, ask yourself, Am I doing the best I can? If the answer is yes, that ‘s great. If you have doubts, then push yourself to do a better job. No one can expect more than your best, not even you. Be the best businessperson you can be, and you’ll do great!

That’s the way I see it. To Your Success! Acey Gaspard