He is the butt of a lot of jokes these days. Late-night talk shows and comedians are having a field day with him. But despite all the wisecracks about his hair and his endless references to China and his absurd approach to immigration policy, one thing is certain: Donald Trump is gaining major popularity and […]
Proving yourself repeatedly in the marketplace results in greater numbers of people hearing about you, reading about you, and seeing you in action—and this is key for success in any professional endeavor. I recently wrote an article about ways to gain more “street cred,” (i.e. a reputation for consistently “delivering the goods”) and I presented […]
A few days ago I met with an old friend and colleague who was thinking about starting her own business and was concerned about establishing credibility as a newcomer in her chosen field. Anyone in her position would likely share this concern, of course. Whether you’re a rookie sales person or a seasoned small business […]
Long before I started my first business, I was a voracious learner about anything business-related. I knew that at some point in the future, I would spread my entrepreneurial wings and I wanted to be prepared to soar…or at least not fall flat on my face. One of the early lessons that struck me in […]
Whether you think the economy is still screwed up, or you think we’re moving towards another golden era in business—one thing is clear: the current changes in the market place have made it tougher than ever for a business to survive, much less thrive. I recently had a conversation with a colleague, discussing significant changes […]
As I mentioned in my last article, most people who claim to have a 95% close rate are either stretching the truth or using some slick sales language. However, your chances of a higher close rate will be greatly increased by implementing a well thought-out, well-executed Referral Partner Cultivation Process (RPCP). Again, finding the right […]
When someone says, “I have a 95% close rate!” two things probably pop into your mind. This person is either full of B.S. or is using very persuasive sales tactics to charm people into buying their product. (Think Rasputin.). Over the years, I’ve come across my fair share of these types of people, and I […]
There’s nothing like more competition to shake you to your core and make you re-examine what you do, how you do it and how you can be better. In fact, increased competition is one of the five business disruptors that are wreaking havoc with lots of businesses that are seeking growth. There is one question […]
Prior to the advent of the internet, face-to-face interaction was the quintessential skill required for getting ahead in all areas of life—personally, socially, and professionally. Nowadays, the exact opposite seems to be the case: social media is the new prerequisite, both for social advancement and also for gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. This, […]
I was talking to a former client yesterday and she shared how her business was booming, which is always music to my ears. She was booked for several months in advance, something she was not used to in her line of work. She was also wrapping up her best year ever, as far as growth […]
