Do You Look Like A Successful Entrepreneur?

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do-you-look-like-a-successful-entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs cover the entire business spectrum from Silicon Valley tech geniuses to that small mom and pop flower shop on Main Street. There are no hard and fast rules on who will or will not be successful as an entrepreneur. The risk of failure is always present when you go out on your own and leave the safety of a typical full-time corporate position.

If you decide entrepreneurship is right for you, you’re not alone. The 2015-2016 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report, a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School, reported there were 27 million working-age Americans who are starting or operating a new business.

Anatomy of a Successful Entrepreneur

So if you’re wondering what a successful entrepreneur might look like, we have the perfect info graphic for you thanks to Startupbros.com. See how you match up!

Additional Resources:
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/243792
https://www.kauffman.org/what-we-do/research/2010/05/the-anatomy-of-an-entrepreneur
https://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/5-entrepreneurs-with-surprising-educational-backgrounds.html

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Career Coaching News Sales

Six Traits to Look For in a Good Sales Rep

It’s Only Natural to Want the Best for Your Business.

It can be hard to determine just what that entails though, especially when you’re working with people. Sales representatives are a crucial part of your team, but how do you know if you’re hiring someone who will perform well? Turns out, the best sales reps consistently display the following traits:

1. Levelheadedness

Dealing with customers can be challenging and stressful. People treat sales reps poorly on a daily basis, and it takes a special kind of person to cope with that stress. Your team members need to think clearly and keep their cool no matter what the business brings. Choose candidates who consistently think fast.

2. Confidence

When a sales rep is self-conscious, it’s distracting and presents a poor image of your company. You want to choose individuals who don’t falter in the face of strangers. They should also be able to rebound quickly from difficult customers. There’s no room for bashfulness or inhibition on a top sales team.

3. Efficiency With Time

Sales representatives should be some of your boldest, most energetic employees. Never hire someone who’s lazy or uninvolved, or you could be wasting money with every shift. Find prospects who know how to divide their time intelligently, such as people who automate repetitive tasks as much as possible (like emailing and answering calls).

4. Memory

Your sales reps should be able to familiarize themselves with your products and services. They need to know features, applications, tips, and more. A rep has to be sharp-minded in order to keep up with the demands of a business.

5. Willingness to Learn

There will always be new technology to discover; there will always be new competition and adjustments to make. The best sales employees are not only able to adapt to the changing environment – they’re enthusiastic about it.

6. Persistence

Being part of a sales team takes tenacity. When you’re trusting your brand to these people, you want them to be dedicated. Eighty percent of sales take five follow-ups, but about half of all reps will stop after one. If you want to see maximum gains, you need a team that will keep pushing.

If you keep an eye out for these traits while choosing your sales team members, you’re sure to find the best possible candidates. Look for dedication, enthusiasm, and intelligence, and you’ll see the difference.

Additional Resources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/239465
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4173-personality-traits-successful-sales-people.html

Career Coaching Entrepreneurs News

Critical Mistakes When Building Your Online Presence

An Online Presence Used to be Optional, But Not Anymore.

If you want your company to be a success, you have to pay special attention to how potential customers or clients will view your business online. Unfortunately, simple mistakes often get in between a business and prosperity. Don’t miss your chance at greatness by making one of these common errors:

Not Having a Vision

You can’t just slap together some ideas and hope they’ll take off. You have to look far into the future and think about what your company wants to accomplish. Don’t just think about the monetary gains, either – think about the problem your products or services can solve. Thinking long-term will provide a much more stable foundation for success.

Not Finding a Unique Name

With so many companies out there, you have to be able to stand out amongst the competition. Choosing the right name is one of the most important parts of crafting that image. Find something unique and exciting and then make sure no one else has it. You want your website’s domain name to match, too, so keep doing research until you have something 100 percent available.

Trying to Build Your Site on Your Own

Even if you’re pretty good with a computer, it’s usually not enough. Sure, you can figure out the basics with a premade website template and some copy and pasting, but that’s not how you find success. Enlisting professional help means you’ll have a truly unique website that’s ready for search engine optimization (SEO).

Not Having a Backup Plan

Data loss can cripple a company, especially when its presence is mainly online. Don’t settle into complacency, thinking it won’t happen to you, because it can. Fires, floods, even viruses can destroy valuable information. Be prepared with backup solutions at all times.

Not Being Consistent

One of the worst things you can do for your company is to present a jumbled image. You need to provide relevant information and support every time. For example, liking a bunch of Facebook pages in hopes of getting more exposure could send contradictory messages to your clients.

If you want the best chance of being successful in your business, remember to use your common sense, plan ahead, and always do what you can to stand out.

Additional Resources:

https://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/10/17/11-common-mistakes-must-avoid-when-building-your-online-brand.html
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231966

Career Entrepreneurs Mastermind Networking News

Are You Ready for The Mastermind for Masterminds?

Do You Feel Stuck and Need Inspiration for Your Career or Business?

Are You In Search of a Strong Peer Network of Trusted Colleagues?

If you answered YES, then we have the perfect solution – THE MASTERMIND FOR MASTERMINDS – a private meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads.

Event Details:

WHEN: Monday, December 12, 2016, 8:30-11:30 am

WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932

COST: $97.00 p/person; includes Breakfast

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Why Should You Attend?

You want to tap into the experience and skills of others!
You are “stuck” and need a new perspective which can come from brainstorming with the group!
You need to increase confidence in your decisions!
You need to validate that you are taking the right actions to achieve your goals!
You need or want to find an instant and valuable support network!
You want to find a sense of shared endeavor with others in the same position you find yourself in!
You need to find new ways to jump-start your business!
You want to boost to your everyday positive mental attitude!

Who Should Attend?

Sales Consultants
Realtors
Accountants
Lawyers
Small business owners
Consultants
Fund Raisers
YOU
And anyone responsible for driving their business!

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT will you take away from The Mastermind for Masterminds?

New connections with a supportive team of Mastermind partners
Relationships with like-minded professionals who want to MEET or EXCEED their goals
New ideas for REAL CHANGE to get you where you need to be
Elevating your passion for life and work to overcome the fears that are holding you back

The Mastermind for Masterminds isn’t creating just another business network, we’re building a community of professionals dedicated to helping one another overcome obstacles and achieve greater success.

Join Us Today!

Career Coaching News Solopreneur

The Best Benefits of Being a Solopreneur

solopreneur tips

A business owner who runs and works his or her own business is a powerful person, indeed. Solopreneurs are becoming more and more popular across the country. Individuals are jumping at the chance to claim the associated benefits for themselves.

So what’s so great about being a Solopreneur? Plenty!

Here are Just a Few of the Benefits:

• Work as much as you want. Some careers don’t offer enough room for workaholics to grow. When you’re behind the wheel of your own business, you expend all that energy and enthusiasm for the good of your brand.

• Keep all the profits. Once taxes are out of the way, you won’t have to share your money with anyone else. You’ll have no employee payroll, no greedy investors – just big opportunities for financial success.

• Be in charge of all the hiring. Whether you need a seasonal contractor or temporary guidance from an advisor, you get to make all the decisions for yourself. You can be as selective as you like – without having to consult a committee.

• Be able to run at maximum efficiency. When you’re the only one on your team, you’ll never have to guess whether your employees are performing up to par. Solopreneurs can experiment with automation and outsourcing to create the most streamlined business model possible.

• Feel more fulfilled. Few things in life are as exciting as carving out a place in the world for your business. The risks and rewards are so much greater than the regular corporate grind. Solopreneurs have the opportunity to experience hard-earned success in a way most of us never will.

• Be able to change at the drop of a hat. Solopreneurs can switch the course of the entire company with only themselves to consider. They can remodel the business and pivot with an agility that’s truly unbelievable.

• Have a company that’s 100 percent yours. Making decisions can be overwhelming. For solopreneurs, it’s exhilarating. When you travel the business road alone, you’ll be able to decide every single detail.

• Have whatever schedule you like. If you’re a night owl or early bird, you can work when you want to work. When you craft every detail of your company, you can choose how long to work to fit your life best.

Being a solopreneur is a challenge unlike any other, but the rewards can far exceed your expectations.

Additional Resources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/251738
https://addicted2success.com/success-advice/9-exciting-advantages-of-being-a-solopreneur/

Career Coaching Entrepreneurs Leadership

Business-Building Tips for First-Timers

Starting a Business is Very Exciting!

It has the potential to be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do and could dramatically change the course of your future. Of course, beginning a company comes with countless questions and decisions. While many of them will be specific to your niche, there are certain tips that support the core of every new company.

If You’re Beginning the Life of a Business Owner, Heed the Following Advice:

1. Choose a business about which you are knowledgeable and passionate.

It’s difficult to build a company from scratch, and nothing gives you a better chance to finish it than personal enthusiasm and desire. Always start with something you enjoy.

2. Make sure your business has opportunity.

Some companies simply can’t survive in today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem – no matter how much you love them (VHS rentals, for example). Start with something that has the opportunity to grow.

3. Dive in with full pockets.

Starting a business is costly, so you should be prepared. Gathering startup financing can be arduous; you should be ready to supplement with as much of your own money as possible. Lots of development, production, and marketing costs can plague new unprepared companies.

4. Do your homework.

Know who your closest competition is and why people love them. If you can find a weak spot in their plans or take your services beyond what they do, you’ll be in a better place to rake in the customers.

5. Create a solid pitch.

Before you start sending your advertisements into the world, you need to have a clear mission statement. Take time to think about what problems your services or products eliminate and then think about whom such issues affect. Build goals and compelling descriptions (especially before you search for investors).

6. Find worthy employees.

Many companies will fill positions with the cheapest possible workers. Instead, make sure your new employees are a match for your products and all of your goals. The more passionate they are about the business the better they’ll perform.

If you’re starting a business of your own, take these tips to heart. With a bit of extra preparation and common sense you’ll be well on your way to a successful company in no time.

Additional Resources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245697
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/203254

Career Coaching

Biting the Bullet: Knowing When to Hire a Business Coach

Stressed businesswoman

There are few things more fulfilling than making your own decisions, especially when it comes to the direction of your business.

Sometimes it can be hard to choose the right direction. In that case, you should see a business coach to guide you. A business coach is a professional who can show you the path through all the tough parts of owning a business. It may feel as if you’re giving up on your own abilities, but business coaches work to train you to function on your own in the future.

If you’re not sure whether you could benefit from the help of business coach, that’s OK. It’s a big step for many entrepreneurs. Some situations make it easier to decide.

Here Are the Top Signs You Should Enlist the Help of a Professional Business Coach.

1. You’re Drowning in Obligations and Decisions

Feeling overwhelmed is the biggest sign you should turn to someone else for assistance. If you simply don’t have enough hours in the day, then you’re taking on too much. If you feel as if you’re stuck in an endless loop of uncertainty and have no control, you need to bring a business coach onboard.

2. You Need to Bounce Your Ideas off Someone Else

There are business details you can’t share with your employees, friends, or family members, because they don’t have enough understanding of your business to be of any assistance. It’s important to be able to talk to someone about your company, whether it’s about making decisions or simply sharing your excitement about what you are accomplishing. A business coach is someone you can always turn to for honest feedback and support.

3. You Have Big Ideas, But They Never Come to Fruition

Have you ever drafted a brilliant concept for your company, only to beat around the bush until the idea falls back into oblivion? Business coaches are motivators, but they’re also partners. A good coach will help you break down your goals and ideas into small, achievable steps that make a difference. If your company isn’t fulfilling its potential, a coach can help.

Although it may seem a daunting task, hiring a business coach could very well be the best decision you make for your company. No one likes to tackle obstacles alone, and with the right partner, you’ll never have to go it alone.

Additional Resources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2016/03/24/eight-signs-its-time-to-hire-a-business-coach/#10b00cd1408d
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/should-you-hire-a-business-coach/

Career Coaching Entrepreneurs Leadership

How To Navigate Your First Year as an Entrepreneur

Congratulations on starting your new business.

In an economy where the traditional 9-to-5 job is giving way, there is plenty of room for everyone to grow. However, the first year is hard on any entrepreneur. Knowing what to expect and how to operate your business smoothly will help you navigate that year successfully.

Keep Goals Realistic

Most people begin entrepreneurship with long-term goals, such as becoming the leading service or product provider in their area. Long-term goals are great. They show you have vision. Yet focusing too much on them can leave you burned out and feeling like a failure. Keep long-term goals in mind, but make plenty of short-term ones. A short-term goal might be making X amount of money in the first month or drawing in Y number of clients.

Get a Support System

Entrepreneurship is lonely. There’s no way around it, even if you have business partners. However, you should have a support system. These people can be friends and family, mentors, and colleagues in or outside of your field. If you run a bookstore, you’ll naturally want colleagues and supporters who know books. Additionally, you’ll also want supporters in the IT business or people who serve foodstuffs that you can sell in an on-site shop.

Accept Criticism and Failure

The worst thing you can tell yourself is, “Failure is not an option.” Everyone fails, and it doesn’t mean your business will tank. Sometimes the people who tell you “no” at first will become people who say “yes” later. Listen to constructive criticism, and think about where you can change. If you aren’t sure, ask a mentor. If one change doesn’t work, make a new one. Use social media, email, and other avenues to find out what your clients like. Build on what they say.

Do What You Love

Before starting a business, think about your passions. What services or products do you want to bring to people? How do you want them to feel? What can you offer that similar businesses can’t? When you can answer these questions, you’ll know you’re in the right place.

Additional Resources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilpatel/2016/01/15/top-7-tips-for-surviving-your-first-year-as-an-entrepreneur/#52feee714fbe
https://www.business.com/entrepreneurship/the-6-best-business-tips-from-leading-entrepreneurs/

WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS YOU CAN BECOME A SUCCESSFUL AND THRIVING ENTREPRENEUR!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MY BREAKTHROUGH COACHING DESIGNED FOR ENTREPRENEURS.

Career Coaching Interviews

Interview Primer – 5 Tips for a Good First Impression

career coaching

We all want to present our best selves in job interviews.

Unfortunately, we all make mistakes, even if we’ve prepared adequately. Most of the time, interviewees aren’t aware they’re making a mistake. If you know what to avoid, you will impress your interviewer and have a better chance of getting the job you want.

Research the Company

Interviewers appreciate it when you walk in with company knowledge. You don’t have to know everything, but doing basic homework helps. Otherwise, it may seem you don’t care about the position or the company. Start with a simple Google search and lurk around the company’s website and social media sites. Get a feel for its workplace, mission, and culture.

Dress Well

Ideally, no one should judge you by the way you look, but we don’t live in an ideal world. How you dress says plenty about who you are. The wrong clothes leave a poor impression. How you dress should be dictate in part by the company you are interviewing with. This is when that company research will come in handy. For a company with a more relaxed culture and atmosphere, it’s best to wear business casual clothing. For women, this means a dress, a skirt that hits the knee or below, or tailored slacks with a nice blouse. For men, it means khakis or tailored dark trousers, a button-down shirt, and loafers. If you’re interviewing with a law firm or another professional services firm, they will expect business attire. Overall, do not wear excessive jewelry or makeup. Cover tattoos. Don’t even think of wearing sneakers or flip-flops.

Use Proper Phone Etiquette

An interview is not the time to answer your phone, respond to a text or get notified of a friend’s Facebook post. Consider shutting your phone off during the interview, or at the very least turn the ringer off. The interview is your chance to impress your potential employers and demonstrate the kind of employee they want to hire and retain for their business. Fixating on your phone could be interpreted as disrespectful and demonstrates a lack of interest. If an employer thinks you’re wasting their time, you have no chance of getting the job.

Do Not Bring Food or Drink

If you enter with food or drink, your interviewer will think you are focusing more on it than on the task. Eating or drinking during an interview also makes you look hurried and unprofessional. Finally, many interviewees use food or drink as distractions. They play with wrappers or fiddle with coffee cups. Such gestures tell the interviewer you lack confidence and focus. Finish eating and drinking beforehand.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviewers appreciate applicants who ask thoughtful questions. Ask about expectations, including how promotions are decided and what character traits the workplace needs most. If you’re replacing someone, politely ask why he or she left. Limit yourself to two or three well-thought-out questions.

Additional Resources:
https://www.thebalance.com/most-common-interview-mistakes-2061111
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/job-interview-mistakes

ARE YOU READY TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER OR RE-ENTER THE WORKPLACE?

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON MY BREAKTHROUGH CAREER COACHING PROGRAMS.

Career Coaching Presentations Public Speaking

Delivering a Memorable Presentation in Four Steps

presentations

Most people fear public speaking. In fact, more people fear public speaking than fear death.

Work-related presentations are often the most nerve-wracking of all, but they don’t have to be. Good preparation helps you feel confident in your material, your abilities, and the response you’ll receive from an audience.

Grab the Audience’s Attention

Start your presentation with something memorable. Avoid phrases like, “Let’s get started.” These make you look uncomfortable and uncertain about what you want to say. Tell a related anecdote. Ask a series of questions that will make your audience think, “Yes, I feel this way,” “Yes, I need this,” or “Me, too.” Sometimes you can begin with a joke or a somewhat inflammatory statement like, “I hate committee meetings.” However, use these sparingly. Read the audience members. If you don’t think they’ll respond well, then they probably won’t.

Let the Audience Focus on You, Not the Screen

Since our society is so technologically driven, presenters are tempted to rely on PowerPoint, videos, and other computer-based aids. Resist this urge. If your audience does nothing but stare at a screen, they will get bored. Some of them might fall asleep. If you must use notes, consider paper handouts, perhaps with blanks to fill in or space for questions and comments. This helps the audience interact with you.

Research First

If you don’t know what you’re talking about, your audience will figure it out quickly. Do your homework, even if you’re comfortable with the topic. Let’s say you’ve given presentations on Myers-Briggs personality types for years. Refresh your memory, so you don’t accidentally call an Artisan an Idealist. If you use statistics in your presentations, always check to ensure those numbers haven’t changed. This builds the audience’s confidence and trust.

Keep It Short

Many audiences dread speakers, assuming they’ll drone on forever. Smash that expectation with a short speech. Beforehand, choose two to four points you want to hit and make sure you cover them within a reasonable period. If you have a time limit, respect it. Going over your allotted time affects everyone’s schedule.

Additional Resources:
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/274646
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/young-entrepreneur-council/the-4-qualities-of-a-succ_b_10755688.html

Anatomy of a Successful Entrepreneur

It’s Only Natural to Want the Best for Your Business.

1. Levelheadedness

2. Confidence

3. Efficiency With Time

4. Memory

5. Willingness to Learn

6. Persistence

An Online Presence Used to be Optional, But Not Anymore.

Not Having a Vision

Not Finding a Unique Name

Trying to Build Your Site on Your Own

Not Having a Backup Plan

Not Being Consistent

Do You Feel Stuck and Need Inspiration for Your Career or Business?

Are You In Search of a Strong Peer Network of Trusted Colleagues?

If you answered YES, then we have the perfect solution – THE MASTERMIND FOR MASTERMINDS – a private meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads.

Event Details:

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Why Should You Attend?

Who Should Attend?

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT will you take away from The Mastermind for Masterminds?

The Mastermind for Masterminds isn’t creating just another business network, we’re building a community of professionals dedicated to helping one another overcome obstacles and achieve greater success.

Join Us Today!

Here are Just a Few of the Benefits:

Starting a Business is Very Exciting!

If You’re Beginning the Life of a Business Owner, Heed the Following Advice:

1. Choose a business about which you are knowledgeable and passionate.

2. Make sure your business has opportunity.

3. Dive in with full pockets.

4. Do your homework.

5. Create a solid pitch.

6. Find worthy employees.

There are few things more fulfilling than making your own decisions, especially when it comes to the direction of your business.

Here Are the Top Signs You Should Enlist the Help of a Professional Business Coach.

1. You’re Drowning in Obligations and Decisions

2. You Need to Bounce Your Ideas off Someone Else

3. You Have Big Ideas, But They Never Come to Fruition

Congratulations on starting your new business.

Keep Goals Realistic

Get a Support System

Accept Criticism and Failure

Do What You Love

WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS YOU CAN BECOME A SUCCESSFUL AND THRIVING ENTREPRENEUR!

We all want to present our best selves in job interviews.

Research the Company

Dress Well

Use Proper Phone Etiquette

Do Not Bring Food or Drink

Ask Thoughtful Questions

ARE YOU READY TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER OR RE-ENTER THE WORKPLACE?

Most people fear public speaking. In fact, more people fear public speaking than fear death.

Grab the Audience’s Attention

Let the Audience Focus on You, Not the Screen

Research First

Keep It Short

ARE YOU READY TO DELIVER A POWER PACKED PRESENTATION?