SubscribeSMALL BUSINESS LEADER May 2008
Small Business Leader
Marian Banker, MBA, Business Leadership Coach, and creator of the Business Success System.
"Lead Your Business to Success" ISSUE #105
May, 2008
In This Issue
Success Tip #1
Program
Event
Feature Article
Success Tip #2
Products
Small Business Leader Marketplace
About The Publisher & Feedback
Quick Links
Past Newsletters
More About Us
Note from Marian:
Thanks for your enthusiastic response to my new "One Page Marketing Plan", http://primestrategies.com/one-page. We found we had to unlock a section on one of the Word templates to allow you to input your data; but that's all fixed now. The intro price runs until June 30th, but why wait till then if you know you can use the help now.
I just launched my first blog, http://primestrategies.com/blog. This will give me the opportunity to pass along valuable insights, ideas, resources and links. I invite you to participate by subscribing, commenting and adding your own contributions. You will not have to register, but I will review and approve all posts before they go live. I look forward to staying closer in touch.
I just got back from Savannah, GA, where I spent 5 glorious days of vacation. I share what I learned in Savannah in my blog, http://primestrategies.com/blog.
I had promised myself a vacation after the Summit, http://smallbiztechsummit.com, but I just couldn't get away before now.
If you're in New York City on May 14th, please join us for our first Brain Exchange Roundtable, http://primestrategies.com/bxrt-5-14-08, in well over a year. The evening's topic is "Really Effective Business Networking". With a recession looming, you'll definitely want to beef up your networking skills to maximize your return. We'll hear from our guest expert, Ilana Eberson, and have lots of time for group discussion. The space limits us to 12, so if you'd like to be part of the Roundtable, sign up n0w, http://primestrategies.com/bxrt-5-14-08.
If you're concerned about what you're hearing in the media, our feature article this month offers "Strategies to Recession-Proof Your Business". To make sure your business is on solid footing to withstand a downturn, take a look at the 3-month Fast Track Intensive, http://primestrategies.com/intensive, which starts June 4th. You'll be walked through the steps of the Business Success System and be ready with a proactive plan.
Take command of your business this month. Your business will thank you.
To your success,
Marian Banker
Publisher
Small Business Leader
P.S.- This past month I lost my kitty (and office buddy), Charlie. He had lived a happy and healthy 17 years. Suddenly he just stopped eating and became very lethargic. We found out he had a huge tumor in his belly which really wasn't operable. It was a sad day, but at least he didn't suffer for long. I still miss him.
NOTE: We have had to disguise some words in order to keep them from getting caught in the $pam filters. Please bear with us.
Success Tip:
If you focus on the problems in your business, you'll continue to see problems. Turn the tables and focus on the positive things you can do for your business. Then take command and make the changes needed.
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Program:
FAST TRACK INTENSIVE
The mini-series that applies the Business Success System
to YOUR business.
Next series starts Wednesday, June 4, 2008, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. EST.
In 9 content rich tele-sessions you'll learn the principles of running a successful business using the proven Action Steps of the Business Success System. Between-session assignments with interactive tools and materials will start you on the habit of spending time working "on" your business. In 90 days you'll have gained a new set of skills for managing day-to-day operations and will know what it means to be in command of your business.
Early bird price good until June 1st. Register now and save, http://primestrategies.com/intensive.
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Event:
BRAIN EXCHANGE ROUNDTABLE
Topic: "Really Effective Business Networking"
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.,
Location: City Space Virtual Offices at 817 Broadway, http://nyvirtualoffices.com
Guest Expert: Ilana Eberson, RealLivePeopleParty, http://reallivepeopleparty.com and http://entrepreneur.meetup/427.
Are you maximizing the results of your networking? Join with a small group of peers where we will learn from each other what's working and what's not. You'll have lots of time to share your experience. Put it on your calendar and join us. Full details at http://primestrategies.com/bxrt-5-14-08.
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Feature Article
7 Strategies to Recession-Proof Your Business
By Marian Banker
We don't yet have confirmation that we're in a recession, but the media are certainly leading us to believe it's imminent. I've spoken with a number of small businesses who are already starting to feel a slowdown.
That tells me every small business needs to take a hard look at the status of their business to make sure it can withstand a downturn. The secret is to have your Plan address spots where you may be vulnerable. Prevention n0w definitely beats fixing things after they become difficult to turn around.
Following are top strategies for weathering a downturn. They are actually good business practices in any economy.
1. Get your house in order.
Start by solving as many problems as possible n0w. Unresolved problems hurt even more in difficult times. Get your cash under control. Choose strategies that conserve and manage it. If you need help, get it ASAP.
I recommend using the Warning Signs Checklist to show you the priorities to address right now. Fortunately for you the Checklist is available f-r-e-e at http://primestrategies.com/warning_signs. Just download it and respond to 24 Yes/No statements about your business. You'll learn where you need to focus attention immediately.
2. Be proactive.
Consider what specific benefit your product or service may offer to customers who are feeling the pain of recession. If you can solve a problem, you'll have customers. Talk to them. Adjust your marketing messages and your offer to focus on how you can help. Track the media and trends, but trust your instincts and draw your own conclusions.
3. Focus on return on investment (ROI).
Prioritize your time and your projects where you, and the customer, can expect the best ROI. Keep cash flow on the top of the list, but consider ROI on gross revenue and productivity as well. Cut or defer expenses that have little or no return on ROI.
4. Accelerate marketing.
Rather than cutting back on marketing expenses, this should be the one place you can justify an investment. Be creative and think through the possible scenarios in a changed economic environment before finalizing a Plan. Be sure to calculate the ROI. Use strategic alliances whenever possible to open new doors and new options.
5. Expand your network.
Strategically increase your networking activities and maximize the results of your efforts. Ask colleagues to introduce you to their network. Join selected organizations and find a way to contribute. Follow up with people who seem to have a connection with what you're doing or where you want to go.
6. Be a resource.
Find out what your prospects and customers need now. Ask how they are faring and learn from their response. Help them connect with those who can provide what they need. You'll be remembered.
7. Increase communications.
Make new connections and rekindle old relationships. When you make a commitment, keep your word. Approach strangers as if they are friends. They will be, if you treat them that way. Increase the regular two-way communication with staff and colleagues. Ask for their observations and insights.
As you can see, it's all about staying in command. That's especially important in a downturn.
Consider yourself as a military leader who has the task of moving your army to the other side of the hill through possible land mines. You need a strategy. You must learn all the factors that are in play in such a move. You must look at the possible scenarios with probable outcomes. Then you need to decide what resources it will take to achieve the move. Only then are you ready to put together a Plan of Action.
Don't wait until problems come knocking! Recession-proof your business n0w.
>>>
Learn to apply these strategies to your business in the Fast-Track Intensive. The next series starts June 4th. It's the teleconference series that puts you in command of your business. Sign up n0w and get the early bird price, http://primestrategies.com/intensive.
Success Tip
Accountability is a beautiful thing. Most of us need and want some outside accountability beyond our own. It's how we learned in school. It's also how we learn the thought and behavioral changes that will accelerate our success. Find a way to increase your accountability to yourself and your business.
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One Page Marketing Plan
Everything you need to create a Marketing Plan specific and timely to your business. You'll be amazed at how easy it is when you know the exact steps to follow. It's more than an e-book; it's a "system"; based on the same "take command" principles used in all the Business Success System materials.
Special intro price = $27 (save $10)
http://primestrategies.com/one-page.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Business Success System Course
Want your own Personal Roadmap to Business Success? Take Command of Your Business with the Prime Strategies Business Success System Course. Gain the confidence to make well-calculated strategic business decisions in spite of challenges and crossroads.
Included is a step-by-step guidebook, interactive tools to organize your thinking and your actions, plus coaching audios to support you as you take each step in the system. It's totally risk f*r*e*e because it comes with a 100% satisfaction *guarantee*. http://primestrategies.com/business-success-system.
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Small Business Leaders' Marketplace
Introduce your product or service he.re.
Get your own Wordpress blog and website up and running. Small businesses are using blogs as a new form of marketing. For $99, Dean Hua of Sachi Studio Web Design, can help you get your own blog installed onto your domain with ease. Learn more here; http://sachistudio.com/wordpress-blog-installation/
Adrian Miller Sales Training, www.adrianmiller.com, provides customized sales skills training and sales strategy solutions for businesses interested in generating more new business as well as increased business from existing accounts. Adrian's programs are provided on site or thru teleconference or webcasts and Small Business Leader subscribers will get a 15% discount.
Gain financial control of your business and more time to do it. By The Bookoffers an exciting, new concept to help small businesses gain greater financial control and increase profitability. We provide Bookkeeping, Payroll Processing, Tax Planning, and Tax Preparation services all for a low, fixed monthly fee. Spend more time building your business and focusing on your customers. www.ByTheBookNet.com
Finally...The Secret Formula That Can Double, Even Triple Your Sales Quickly! Are you frustrated you're not closing more sales? Learn exactly what you need to start doing N0W that will dramatically increase your sales in record time. Sign up for F*R*E*E weekly sales ezine and F*R*E*E bonus article at https://www.mcssl.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=67148&AdID=284640
The Power of Networking - If you're like most small business owners or entrepreneurs who network like crazy but still just can't get results and for whom networking has never really worked, I found the solution for you. It's "The Power of Networking", a 5 Step Program to Maximize Your Networking Results. Learn more at http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?af=496107
Up to 50 words in 3 issues, only $25.
Send your ad to marian@primestrategies.com with Subject as Newsletter Ad.
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About The Publisher & Feedback
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:
Marian Banker has been publishing Small Business Leader since January, 1999. Her focus is on bringing to the busy entrepreneur a quick look into the current world of small business from the perspective she's gained through coaching, consulting and training entrepreneurs in both service and product based businesses.
Marian offers individual coaching, business support groups, seminars and workshops on topics of critical interest to small business owners. Her monthly Lunchtime Telephone Roundtable has proven to be a popular way for business owners to come together around a specific business topic without leaving their office. See notice about this month's topic in the content above.
To learn more about her services, visit http://primestrategies.com.
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FEEDBACK:
Your feedback is always appreciated. Please write to marian@primestrategies.com.
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A publication of Prime Strategies, 333 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010
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