Toyota’s new “Swagger Wagon” Social Media Video
Business ownership is on the rise.
Every time you turn on the television or pick up a newspaper, you hear new reports on record unemployment or corporate downsizing. The economy has impacted almost everyone from high-level corporate executives to middle managers to recent college graduates. If you are affected, the traditional approach has been to immediately send your resume to multiple employers in hopes of landing your next job.
Instead of hoping for that call from a potential employer, many Americans have made the decision to become business owners. So you if that’s you, the big question is “Is it really for me?” First ask yourself these questions: 1) Am I self-motivated; 2) Do I enjoy customer service and sales; 3) Am I responsible, organized and persistent and 4) What is my tolerance for risk?
There’s a great feeling of satisfaction generated from starting a business, but it also comes with its share of responsibility and risk. Many individuals who have taken that leap of faith have enjoyed great financial security, work-life balance and professional success.
A September 2009 USA Today article stated that starting a business from scratch or buying a franchise has been the way to economic recovery for many Americans. The author writes, “Job seekers who gained employment in the second quarter of 2009, nearly one in 10 — did so by launching their own businesses.”
One popular method of business ownership is purchasing a franchise. There are unique differences between buying a franchise and starting a business from scratch. Franchise owners receive a proven business model, an established brand name and a built-in support system in exchange for paying the franchise company a monthly royalty. When starting a business from scratch, those capabilities must be built over time.
Due to the current economic climate people are forced to reevaluate their career. Establishing a franchise has become a popular choice that has allowed people to achieve financial, professional, and personal success.
Banks are beginning to lend again and additional governmental incentives are becoming available. Whether purchasing an established franchise model or starting your own business, becoming a business owner gives you control over your career, provides personal satisfaction and financial security. 2010 is shaping up to be an exciting time for prospective business owners. You’ll probably work longer and harder than you ever have before, but you’ll enjoy it more…because it’s yours
by Darian Richardson
RMC Franchise Connect
The Challenge
by John Kieffer
The Results Group
– There is never enough time to get done what I want.
Networking is a Business Decision
• Creating and developing relationships: While networking, the goal is to find something in common and exchange ideas with the purpose of creating a relationship. Once the networking is over, be proactive in developing that relationship by arranging a follow up meeting tofigure out how the two of you can grow each other’s business.
• Networking with professionals who can refer you business. Create a referral partner. Seek out people who can refer other people who use your product or services. Referrals are better quality business for you to increase your revenues.
• Network with professionals who have a need for your product or service. This makes the sales process easier and creates a more loyal customer or client.
• Network with people who can enhance your business. Create relationships with people who can give you greater exposure. These people will be connected and have great visibility. This will provide more visibility and credibility.
1. Have your networking tools with you (business cards, literature, etc)
3. Act like a host.
4. Listen and ask the W questions: Who What Where When and Why.
5. Give a lead or referral whenever possible.
6. Describe your product or service in 60 seconds.
7. Exchange business cards.
8 Spend 10 minutes with each person.
9. Write comments on back of business card.
10. Follow up with people you meet.
Mom Was Wrong,Name Calling is a MUST
By: Brennan Scanlon, Referral Institute Cincinnati
As a younger man I have fond memories of conversations I had with my older brother. He was successful in business and had many friends. Knowing this, I always paid close attention to what he had to say. On a car ride to lunch one day, he shared with me one of his pet peeves…being called “guy”. As in “hey there guy” or “what do you say guy?” I found that interesting because being called “guy” did not offend me. In fact, I brain-stormed all the “I don’t know your name clichés” including but not limited to; chief, sport, fella, partner, buddy, boss, pal, and of course guy. None of these offended me, why was “guy” so bad?
As I got older I realized that it was not the word that was offensive, it was the arrogance/laziness of those who use & abuse them. What is easier, learning everyone’s name or picking one generic name for everyone? Call all males “pal” & all females “sweetie”. On to the easy life! Okay, I’ll stop, but its only funny because these people do exist! Now, I realize that most of us don’t use these generic name’s, typically we just don’t say anything. However, there are an elite few who regularly speak the sweetest sound a human being can utter, someone’s name. If you are like me, you appreciate a couple good strategies for drawing out the precious name of the person that you may have forgotten.
First, teamwork is everything. Often times you are not by yourself, literally. Whether you are with your spouse, a business associate, or a friend, get into the habit of helping them remember names too. For example, you & and your spouse approach a friend of yours that your spouse has only met a few times. In the first 5 seconds of the greeting politely say, “honey, you remember Bill don’t you?” To which your spouse will proclaim “of course!” Do this enough and your hubby, among others, will do this for you too.
Second scenario? Let’s assume you are alone. How do you proceed from here? You can either hang in the corner hoping not to make eye contact. Now you not only don’t remember their name, but you are snubbing them too! Or perhaps, try this. With all the confidence in the world walk directly up to the individual who’s name you’ve forgotten, extend for the handshake, and with your free hand point directly back at yourself and utter the sweetest sound in your universe, your name. Then, be silent. I’d love to say all the time (though I cannot), but the majority of the time they will point at themselves and do the same. Why is this a good strategy? Odds are, they have forgotten your name too, and you’ve just let them off the hook.
Of course, name badges solve a lot of these problems. Although, they can look a little silly if folks are wearing them at the little league baseball game or at the swimming pool (chest hair…ouch). No matter what, people appreciate sincerity and humility. Be real & be honest. If you have forgotten a name, politely ask for it again. It is only when you repeatedly ask for it that you will lose credibility. If all else fails, you can always use “guy” or “sweetie”, just don’t be offended if they call you “dude” or “honey”.
Brennan Scanlon is a Referral Institute Franchise owner as well as an Executive Director for BNI, Business Network Int’l (www.bni-ohio.com) SW Ohio & No. KY Region. He has been ranked in the Top 10% of BNI Directors nationally for the last two consecutive years, this ranking resulting in performance reviews submitted by BNI members. Most recently, Brennan has been inducted into BNI’s Founder’s Circle 2008-2009 as nominated by his peers and approved by BNI’s Founder, Dr. Ivan Misner.