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Sep 2018
How Young Male Financial Advisors Can Build Credibility with Older Female Clients
For young male financial advisors, a youthful appearance isn’t always an asset. Over the years, I’ve been to many financial services conferences. Most were hosted by an advisor’s broker-dealer, RIA or sponsor. Generally, I’d see two attendee demographics: old advisors and young advisors. Sure, there were others, but I didn’t notice them as much. When I’d see an older advisor, I’d think: I can’t hire him/her, they’re retiring before me. Then, I’d see a younger advisor and think: No way, I can’t hire a kid. Are you a kid? Of course not. But, understand what Gen X and other older...
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Aug 2018How to Compete with Large Companies
Do you own or manage a small retail business? What would you do if a large corporation came to town and started offering most of what you sell? The large business probably has deeper pockets, enabling them to offer lower prices and a larger product selection. How do you compete with large companies? Here are 4 simple and affordable marketing ideas to help sustain your small business when Goliath sets up shop in your neighborhood. #1 – Piggyback onto a Powerful & Local Communication Network One of the most affordable ways to advertise your small business is to piggyback onto...
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Jul 2018Summer Reading: One Book Every Small Business Owner Should Read
Summer Reading for the Beach, Lakefront, Poolside & Beyond If I had to recommend only one book every small business owner should include on their 2018 summer reading list, it would be: Conversationally Speaking: Tested New Ways to Increase Your Personal and Social Effectiveness by Alan Garner. It’s definitely worth the time for anyone who needs to start or keep a conversation going, e.g., consultant, vendor/supplier, small business owner of any kind, parent, husband/wife, etc. Why? Because, beyond this being a helpful and easy to read business book, by optimizing your personal communication skills, your small business will likely grow faster. What’s more,...
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Jun 2018How to Motivate Staff in a Hair Salon Including Hairstylists & Makeup Artists
How to Motivate Staff in a Hair Salon One of the most common questions I receive from salon owners is: How do I motivate my hair salon staff? Frankly, there is no one answer. Yet, there is one key approach that’ll help motivate your staff of hairstylists, makeup artists and others. It’s this… Find your staff doing things right. In fact, I recommend setting up reminders to find each of your staff members doing things that positively impact salon growth. These conversations will not take additional time, since you’ll simply be replacing some of your stylists’ conversations with more (organized) positive feedback. Soundbite...
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May 2018Creative Summer Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses
Ah, summertime. That wonderfully warm time of year when many small businesses earn 40 percent or more of their profits for the year due to the onset of tourism. However, for the rest of us, the dog days of summer may be our slowest sales cycle. If June, July and August leave you with empty pockets, first take a look at how you’re packaging your business in order to increase revenue. Ask yourself, is there a better way to position your services and products as a great summer offer? Attract More Customers This Summer Try these 5 marketing strategies coupled...
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Apr 2018How To Know When To Give Up On A Goal Or Project
Some of us spend so much time trying to accomplish our goals, we overlook contemplating when to give up on them. Frankly, there are goals you’ve set for yourself that may no longer be beneficial. To help you determine when to give up on a goal, I’ll focus on the emotional side of your decision making. Specifically, I recommend contemplating the questions and statements below. Upon reflection, you may come to understand that it’s time to give up on your goal. Interestingly, as a professional business coach, I spend roughly the same amount of time helping clients accomplish goals as I do...
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Mar 2018Why Every Small Business Owner Needs This Book
Every Small Business Owner Needs This Book As part of my quest to find business and marketing books that truly help small business owners, I came across a great one written by media and presentation trainer Brad Phillips. It’s called: The Media Training Bible: 101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need to Know Before Your Next Interview. As a small business owner, you are the spokesperson for your business. Therefore, it’s vital to equip yourself with basic knowledge regarding how to handle the media, including preparing for and managing a media crisis (such as an angry customer). For Example: Suppose you own...
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