Showing posts with label Entrepreneur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entrepreneur. Show all posts

Monday, 22 September 2014

Blind Spots in Business and in Life

Are You Missing Your Blind Spot?


By


201109-orig-blind-spot-600x411Over the years while driving I’ve been surprised many times when I found someone hidden in my blind spot. Of course I’ve made it a habit to check my blind spot before making a move, and it’s certainly avoided many potential collisions. I’m sure you do the same.



However, are you taking a similar approach to other life and business situations? All of us have blind spots. Maybe it’s in a relationship that’s having problems, maybe it’s around keeping in shape and healthy. But without a doubt most of us have blind spots in our businesses.


These blind spots can cause you to keep doing things even though they aren’t working. Are you working hard and not getting the results you want? Chances are you’ve got a blind spot. Most often, I see people trying to market their business in a way that just doesn’t work simply because they don’t know what they don’t know. You may be trying certain marketing activities and assuming they will bring in new subscribers and clients, only to be disappointed. I call this your Marketing Blind Spot. Very simply, you need to pay attention to your blind spot and eliminate it so you can move forward.


blindSpotLgWhat you don’t know can keep you stuck and frustrated. There are many areas in your business where you can unconsciously overlook a blind spot. This is often caused simply by a lack of knowledge or skills. I see people overspending on poor web design, or spending huge amounts of time doing things manually that could be automated, or chasing after every idea that comes along. I see people struggling year after year with ineffective marketing because they don’t know enough about how to best promote their products and services. But if you don’t know the elements of an effective website, or what it should cost, or if you don’t know what tools to use to automate, or that they even exist, or you really don’t have a proven marketing system, then those blind spots will cost you lost time and money.


Your blind spot could also fall in the area of what I call the “entrepreneurial mindset“. You could be blind to the true value of your services and what you really could be charging. Or you could be blind to an ingrained belief or habit that’s sabotaging your best efforts. That’s why it’s so important to get feedback from people who you trust and who will be very honest with you and hold you accountable. It doesn’t matter how successful you are, we all have our blind spots.


Here are a few steps you can take to identify and begin to eliminate your blind spots:



  1. For one week make a list of situations in your business that make you feel stuck, overwhelmed, frustrated or confused.

  2. Hold a magnifying glass up to each one and ask yourself-”Is there something I’m not seeing here that is causing this problem and that I need to change?”

  3. Then ask yourself where you can go to brainstorm the problem and get a new, fresh perspective. Make sure you go to someone who doesn’t have the same problem. So for example, if I had a rough time being organized in my business, I’d seek feedback from someone I trust who is very organized.


Comforting girlfriendSometimes you will not be able to see your blind spot, so you’ll need to work with a coach, mastermind group, or trusted colleague who will delve deeper to identify where you are overlooking something important or where you need to learn a new habit, change a belief, learn a new system, gain a new skill or master new knowledge.


Make it a habit to check for blind spots every time you feel stuck or you’re not happy with the results you’re getting. Maybe you had a product launch that didn’t work (we’ve all been there). Maybe you’re trying your hand at article marketing and you don’t see any results. Maybe you’re having trouble closing sales with people that you know need your help. You can be sure there’s something you’re not aware of, something you’re not seeing, or something you need to learn to turn it around.


If you keep asking yourself and those you trust, “where is my blind spot in this situation”, rather than just feeling disappointed and discouraged, you’ll be able to not only avoid potential “collisions”, but you’ll gain the sight you need to really soar.







The post Blind Spots in Business and in Life appeared first on Robert JR Graham.


Sunday, 21 September 2014

Expand Your Resourcefulness

Expand Your Resourcefulness!

by: Damien Senn


The success and failure for the entrepreneur is largely dictated by the ability to gain access to resources, both personal as well as those of others.


So the big question is then ‘how does one become more resourceful?’ Like many of the skills of the entrepreneur, resourcefulness requires constant cultivation. However, if you can develop this one skill the payoff will greatly exceed the cost!


Below are 4 simple strategies you can put into practice to increase your resourcefulness;


1. Manage Your State.


use your mind

use your mind (Photo credit: max_thinks_sees)



The best way to gain access to an increased level of personal resources is by managing your state of mind and being. If you are feeling lousy, chances are the internal resources that you are able to tap into are going to be pretty lousy as well. If you are in good physical condition, well rested, fed and hydrated, your ability to push yourself towards the destiny you desire vastly increases.


Develop awareness around what pushes you into both productive and unproductive states. Then if you really want to be more resourceful, make the simple decision to do more of the things that inspire your productivity and less of the things that don’t. One of the disciplines I personally follow, is exercising first thing in the morning before I do anything else. If I miss a day, the difference in my energy levels and consequently my resourcefulness is profound.


2. Seek Out Expert Resources.


Your ability to succeed in business is largely influenced by your ability to gain access to expert knowledge. The secret here is that you don’t actually have to be the one that has that knowledge! You just need to be able to know when and where to find it.


Make a habit out of leveraging the experience and expertise of others. Meet with these people in person or access their knowledge through their books, CDs/DVDs, coaching programs and workshops if they offer them. You’ll be amazed at the transformational effect it can have on your business.


3. Develop Relationships with Connectors.


English: Malcolm Gladwell speaks at PopTech! 2...

English: Malcolm Gladwell speaks at PopTech! 2008 conference. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



Connectors are the very special people who seem to know everyone and who are described at length in Malcolm Gladwell ‘s groundbreaking book ‘The Tipping Point‘. Chances are if you are experiencing any form of business challenge a connector will be able to put you in touch with someone who can help you. Connectors are resourceful purely due to their ability to tap into the resourcefulness of others. Their desire and willingness to share their resources can often have a profound impact upon the resourcefulness of those around them.


4. Share Your Resources.


If you want to gain access to the expert resources of others you have to be known as someone who actively shares their expertise, knowledge and resources. Remember that you are not in a school playground anymore. There are no prizes for keeping your toys to yourself!


If you are looking to develop an abundant existence through business, become someone who solves other people’s problems. Brainstorm ways you can continually increase the number of people you impact in this world, charge a fair price and then watch your business take off!


The true benefit of resourcefulness


When you are fully engaging your resourcefulness and actively engaging the resources of others, you will become a magnet of opportunity. People, projects and funding will increasingly gravitate towards you and before you know it, your business aspirations will start to manifest!


Source






The post Expand Your Resourcefulness appeared first on Robert JR Graham.


Friday, 29 August 2014

8 Important Traits of an Entrepreneur

8 Important Traits of an Entrepreneur – Can You Make the Cut?

by: Jacque LaMantia


Entrepreneurship in its bland definition is someone who organizes, manages and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise. That could describe many business owners, who may or may not do that well in the role. So what makes a truly dynamic, highly successful entrepreneur? What are the traits of an entrepreneur that set him apart from the average business owner? That definition goes beyond the usual and reveals why not everyone can be or wants to be an entrepreneur.


The extended definition is someone who has a vision, takes massive action, and relentlessly pursues that vision to a successful outcome.


The true entrepreneur does not go down the same old, tired road either, but he is someone who develops a new product or a fresh twist to an existing product, who sees a better way of producing something, or creates an innovative market.


Some say that a child is born with the traits of an entrepreneur, that the child possesses those qualities from the moment of birth and is already a thinker and schemer of things. There is probably some truth to these beliefs, as a certain mindset plays a very important role in the success of entrepreneurial people, and without it you will find it more difficult to succeed in your business endeavors. So even if you’re a born entrepreneur, it is still necessary to develop specific skills and qualities to use in your future success.


There are many elements that comprise the traits of an entrepreneur, as outlined below. As you read, think about what your strengths are, what things you are good at, and your particular capabilities and interests. Just the fact that you are reading this shows you already have a strong desire to succeed in affiliate marketing, so if you possess or can develop these traits, nothing can stop you from being one of the biggest names in the marketplace.


Traits of an Entrepreneur


1. Positive Attitude – Successful entrepreneurs are positive thinkers. Issues that many business people consider to be problems or obstacles are seen as challenges by entrepreneurs. Their confidence allows them to think they can do anything and everything, so they look at situations differently from most individuals. Entrepreneurs have a strong belief in their objectives, so with this attitude and level of confidence they have a high chance of succeeding in any form of business.


2. Leadership – To become a successful entrepreneur, you must be a strong leader. As a leader, you must be able to skillfully guide, influence, and direct people. Staffing is often a responsibility of an entrepreneur, so if he can effectively manage and lead people so that he can entrust tasks to others and be certain they are done properly, there is a greater possibility of handling his business activities with ease and fewer worries. A good entrepreneur will have a certain charisma that few can resist.


3. Communication Skills – A successful entrepreneur must be an excellent communicator. Good communication assures that dealings with all sorts of individuals are handled smoothly and assures your information and instructions are conveyed correctly, completely, and clearly. It is important for everyone to understand what you’re saying. Hand in hand with being a good communicator, you must also be an excellent listener, writer, and reader. One of the most important roles of an aspiring entrepreneur is to maintain customer satisfaction at its highest point through effective communication.


4. Passion – Another crucial trait of an entrepreneur is having a passion for his business or project. Passion and enthusiasm can be infectious and will go a long ways in inspiring others to share your vision and join you in your endeavor. As long as you maintain the right drive and passion, you can continue to keep the momentum going for a successful business.


5. Risk-Taker – This is a very important trait of an entrepreneur. In the everyday course of your business, you will face problems and challenges which require a quick, firm decision. A successful entrepreneur does not fear venturing outside his safety zone; however, he doesn’t take risks blindly. By properly calculating the risks, he can determine if the risks are worth taking and whether or not the risk will benefit the business. Some risks are worth taking, after careful consideration, but if you’re not a risk taker, then you will easily give in to any problems or obstacles. A true entrepreneur should not be afraid of taking chances when opportunity strikes.


6. Energetic – A successful entrepreneur must be willing to work tirelessly and do whatever it takes to reach the finish line. He must sustain the drive to achieve his highest level of performance to accomplish his next goal.


7. Stability – In order to handle tough situations, meet deadlines, make critical decisions, and maintain his physical, mental, social and emotional equilibrium in a fast-paced environment, during good times as well as tough times, a successful entrepreneur must have a stable life. He must make the same effort to eat well, get enough sleep, and watch health issues as he does in watching over his business.


8. Honest/Trustworthy – This may be the absolute most important of all the traits of an entrepreneur. He has to be honest and trustworthy at all times in order to gain and maintain good will with his customers, suppliers and staff. If the entrepreneur is found to be dishonest in any of his dealings, then none of the rest will even matter.


Embarking on an entrepreneurial venture is an exciting and challenging task. If you have, or can develop, the necessary traits of an entrepreneur, then you can make your business dreams come true. But if you simply think, and think some more, and you never take action….you will not achieve anything. If you think and then act, you certainly can succeed.

Source






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