Bringing An App To Market

The App market has always been popular especially as a marketing tool for businesses but for many it has seemed out of reach, even if you have a fantastic idea for an App, many people have no idea where to start, who will build the app and even if they can afford to pay for an App to be built.

There are different categories of Apps and these include Games, Social networking, lifestyle which may include dating and travel, productivity, News, Entertainment and the utilities Apps which may contain notepads, calculators, anything that may make a function easier. It isn't so much about coming up with a new idea but making an old one better.

The kids App market is hugely popular and there is a massive scope for both Game Apps and educational Apps with developers combining the two and creating educational Games. The other markets that are proving popular are videos, it is estimated that we watch videos for an estimated time of 16 minutes every month.

It isn't cheap to have an App built although it is certainly easier than it once was and there are many new developing companies emerging that can help you through the process. Many businesses can justify the cost because it replaces many marketing and advertising strategies the company already has and it adds to the communication between the Business and the customer. There are very few businesses now that haven't got their own App or are seriously thinking of investing in the process. Many companies also have an in house developer who can help with the process hence cutting the costs quite considerably.

If you have a great idea for an App one of the first things you will consider is the cost but don't let that get in the way of you seriously thinking about it. If you want to start your own App business and have thought for some time about bringing an app to the Market there are many resources out there that can give you a rough idea of what the App will cost. There are also some really good sites that will allow you to build your app without coding which is a relatively new concept. Whatever you choose to do, developing your App idea can be a possibility if you want it to be, with a little hard work and lots of research, you could bring your own app to market with great success.

Marcetme is an online resource for those with a business idea, a business or those that want to get ideas and connect with others in their chosen field. Users can advertise their products, business and services as well as chat with other users.

http://www.marcetme.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Claire_Warrington/2289604

2 Reasons Why Business Plans Will Never Disappear

After graduating with an MBA, I thought I had figured out the way to ensure entrepreneurial business success. Up to this time, I had failed twice in operating a pair of businesses (an online travel agency and a network marketing business). One of the things that I did not value during this time was having a clear and focused plan. The courses I took taught me about business plans, but did not make clear the value of having a comprehensive. Over ten years later and various opportunities of working with and for entrepreneurs in addition to operating a consulting business, I've come to realize that without a clear and focused business plan, the owner and / or investor is well on his or her way to a quick dissolution and a possible material decrease in personal net worth. The purpose of this article is to reinforce the importance of taking the time to create a solid business plan and initiating the action to make it a reality.

Reason 1: Is the Business Opportunity Valid?

Too many times I've had the unfortunate privilege of talking about entrepreneurial opportunities with aspiring business owners with the only goal being the desire to make money. Don't get me wrong, making money is great provided the motivation is right. Making money for the sake of having it only is a dead-end plan.

The business plan motivates one to give critical thought and time to a viable market opportunity that truly provides a solution to either a pain or need in the market. What judges whether a market opportunity is valid or not depends on the ability of the business owner to prove market demand. The best method of proving market demand is to disclose actual sales. The only way to prove a business's ability to maintain for the long-term is to disclose a sustainable sales track record.

Reason 2: Where is the Business Going?

In addition to being able to prove the business idea viability by having sustainable actual sales, the business owner needs to have an objective for operating the business. No one just starts and operates a business for the kicks and giggles of it. Either as a way to build and extract personal wealth or as a manifestation of a life long calling, the business represents a vehicle for one to achieve an ideal goal.

The business plan provides a framework for one to disclose to investors, employees, and other important components of the business why it exists and where it's going. I've learned that the business plan is a moving document in that it's always in a state of revision. As the business continues to operate, it will achieve and overcome its initial goals. As time progresses and the market changes, the business will revise and updates its reason for existence.

jerichobizfinance.com is an online platform that specializes in providing expert level advice and guidance to the micro entrepreneur in the areas of accounting / finance, operations, management, sales and marketing, human resources, and lending in order to help grow your business and maximize your cash flow.

Please visit http://www.jerichobizfinance.com to learn more.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Pierre_Pinkerton/1809337

How to Win New Clients for Your Business at Zero Cost

One of the most important things you necessarily need to do to grow your business as a coach, speaker and consultant - or if you are into the business of helping people, is to engage what I call "Marketing Partners".

One of the mistakes I made when I newly started in business as a speaker, coach and consultant, was that I tried doing everything by myself.

And the consequence was that I was worn out, I was stressed and could not get the results I truly desired. Not until I heard about "marketing partners" also known as Joint Venture Partners.

Marketing Partners are those individuals, professionals or organization/businesses who already have relationships with the people you want to attract to your business.

You want to look for those businesses that already have a database of the kind of people you want to attract to your business. Then you build relationship with them, and after a period of time, you approach them and they then introduce what you do to their database, promoting you to their contacts/networks often for FREE.

This is an easy low to no-cost marketing strategy you can use to build a steady stream of new clients with minimal effort and no stress!

So what you want to do, when you go to networking meetings or you live in an area where you can connect with other businesses or experts, who already have relationships with your desired target audience or clients.

You want to identify at least five of them - and go out to get and write down their names and contact details (especially email address and phone numbers).

Next you want to figure out what it is you can do that will benefit them? How can you create value for them?

This is important because you first of all want to go out to them and be of tangible, useful value of them in a manner that makes them appreciate and acknowledge you.

Look for what you can do to serve them first.

Once you've gotten a clear idea of how to do that, make your move to connect with them and present your (hopefully irresistibly packaged) offer.

For instance you could recommend people to them, or share ideas with them or just anything that will help them do what they do better.

You would do this so well that they would begin to feel a drive or hunger to find ways to do something on their part that will benefit you in return.

So, let me end by challenging you to go out and commit to looking for Strategic Alliance Partners or Marketing Partners that you can plan and execute Joint Venture marketing campaigns with, to help you build your business.

If you need help making use of the ideas I've shared here, send me a message using the contact form on at http://www.efeohwofasa.com.

Good luck!

PS: This article was written based on a short experience sharing video I did while taking my regular Monday morning walk in the neighbourhood park, where I live here in the United Kingdom. This early morning walk actually helps me feel alive, energized and centred. I recommend you try it - you may find it does you good as well.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Efe_Ohwofasa/2244729

Asset-Based Lending For 2017 And Beyond

Asset Based Lending - The Preferred Solution Despite the industry's sometimes negative reputation, Asset Based Lending can be a preferred solution for borrowers who put in the effort to find the "right" lender, with appropriate collateral and loan structure.

The primary difference between Asset Based Lending and Commercial Bank Financing is what the lender looks to first for repayment of a loan. An ABL lender looks to collateral. Banks look for collateral and covenants.

As access to capital had become increasingly restricted for middle-market companies, many businesses seeking liquidity have begun to see alternative financing solutions, like those offered by online asset-based lenders.

Pre 2010 there was little innovation in ABL; banks continued to offer formulaic, cookie-cutter products that did not accommodate companies with unusual characteristics, seasonal attributes, or atypical business cycles. ABL lenders became known as "lenders of last resort," and the industry was often associated with failing companies and bankruptcy.

Positive: Asset-based loans can be a much-needed source of capital for companies that are rapidly growing, highly leveraged, in the midst of a turnaround or undercapitalized. Sometimes a company simply needs that infusion of cash to get over a financial hump or prevent growth from stalling out.

Lenders who provide ABL credit facilities will work closely with the borrower, working and monitoring the collateral with the client when challenges arise. Clients will frequently attest to the flexibility offered by their lenders.

ABL often comes under fire from critics who claim these loans drive borrowers to default, but it can be a useful tool. ABL provides liquidity to both distressed companies undergoing a turnaround process and growing companies looking to expand. It's more expensive than traditional borrowing, but generally an Asset Based Lending arrangement gives the borrower access to the lender's expertise - which some mid-market businesses find to be worth the steep price tag, even if they have a number of borrowing options.

A vast majority of those same small business leaders, nearly 80%, indicated that one of the biggest impediments they face in creating new jobs is lack of access to capital. One sector of the financial services industry that did not restrict the flow of capital to businesses during the downturn, and continues to lend to businesses today, is the asset-based lending and factoring industries.

Negative: The chances of securing a credit line are only as good as the quality of the receivables. Commercial lenders will sort through your customers to identify the ones that pay in less than 60 days or have a strong credit rating. They may not deem sales to individuals or small businesses as "eligible receivables."

Asset-based lenders can often provide more liquidity than traditional lenders by using the value of the collateral. ABL typically has fewer covenants surrounding financial performance, which can give the borrower more flexibility in operating its business. And Collateral Based loans can be tailored to meet a company's specific needs, such as providing increased seasonal advances to help the borrower through a low selling season.

Communication Is Crucial To determine a prospective lender's approach to communication, a borrower's management team needs to spend as much time as possible with the lender, ideally at its office. They should understand the process by which the lender makes decisions, and should get to know as many of the lender's decision-makers as they can - not just the underwriters, but also the people who make credit decisions after the loan is executed, as these will be their day-to-day contacts. These relationships will help them better understand the lender's culture and how it operates.

Asset Based Lending lacked innovation in the past, leaders in the sector have begun to evolve in their approach to asset-based loans. Borrowers can distinguish forward-thinking lenders from the old guard by looking at whether prospective lenders value open, two-way communication. Borrowers should look for a lender that truly views the lending relationship as a partnership in which both parties are responsible for maintaining transparency and clarity about their objectives.

Structure Matters
One topic that a borrower should discuss with the lender before entering into an Asset Based Lending agreement is the structure of the ABL facility - and the borrower's management team needs to read all the paperwork.

While traditional ABL is rather commoditized, some elements of the loan's structure may be critical to the success of the partnership.

Lending on Collateral, Not Covenants
Alternative lenders often have a different approach toward covenants than do traditional lenders, whose covenants are primarily focused on the balance sheet and financial performance. While asset-based lenders may also consider performance-based metrics, they are much more concerned with collateral and liquidity covenants.

Covenants are useful for driving dialogue between borrower and lender, but they shouldn't be the only driver. At the end of the day, an asset-based lender should focus on the borrower's collateral and leading performance indicators rather than on financial covenants that may be restrictive or too rigid.

Along the same lines, the borrower's management team must understand, before entering an agreement, the degree to which the lender is willing to work with them through the flows and ebbs of their business cycle. The purpose of any covenant should be to act as a trigger so that when the borrower reaches a certain point, management must take a "time out" for a dialogue in which the lender can ask key questions and determine next steps.

Asset Based Lending vs Equity Partner
Often, the relevant comparison for the borrower is not ABL lender versus traditional bank, but rather ABL lender versus equity investor.

Thus, when selecting a lender, the borrower needs to pay close attention to the service, flexibility, and responsiveness of its prospective partners, as well as the access borrowers have to decision-makers within the lending organization. An innovative, forward-thinking approach to the lender-borrower relationship can complete the value equation and make ABL's price worth paying.

Wade Henderson is a recognized Expert in Business Finance with over 20 years Experience in the Commercial Lending Field and a strong reputation for getting the deal done.

Visit https://IMMFinancial.com to get our team to put together Business Financing to Suit Your Needs.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Wade_Henderson/287014

Should I Start My Own Lawn Care Business?

Starting a lawn care business can be easier than you think. Really the difficult part is deciding on how you want to operate your business. I've had my own business for about five years now, and look forward to helping someone who is interested in getting in the field. So I have put together some questions that you should ask yourself before you start your business.

Decide whether you want your business as part time, or a full time venture?

I attend college while I run my lawn care business on the side. If you're just starting out and don't have a job already you're going to have to remember "Rome wasn't built in a day." If you have bills you need to pay, at least get a part time job doing something else. You could even work for another lawn care company. The goal Is to get enough clientele until you can branch out on your own, and still support your needs. I have a friend who works 40+ hours at a local landscape company, and on the weekends he runs his own lawn care route. You have to remember lawn care is seasonal, so having a second job can save you in the winter.

Do you want to eventually have someone running day to day operations?

Sometimes people think because you're the boss you can just sit back and relax. This is not true, if you want to be able to just sit back and put bids on jobs, you are going to need to get employee's that you can trust. You have to have someone that can make decisions on your behalf and who will please your customers. You are going to have to mold these employees' in your image.

How are you going to manage your profits, and expenses?

During my business I had pretty much no expenses other than food, insurance, and taxes. So it wasn't hard to budget because as long as I could cover those expenses I could spend as much as I needed. You also need to keep a record of your expenses and mileage for the IRS.

Are you going to do without equipment until you can afford it, or will you finance it until you can pay it off?

Living with my grandparents I was able to purchase a residential Hustler zero turn in cash. If you have too many bills you have two options. You can buy a push mower, and use it until you save enough money for a zero turn, or you can finance a new zero turn on payments. If you buy your equipment on financing, you need to pay the bills monthly. You can use this formula below to calculate your monthly income stream for each yard. (Mows per year*Charge per cut)/(12 Months)

Is working outside something you enjoy doing?

If you don't like working outside, lawn care is not for you. Here in Florida its hot, muggy, and humid. Don't feel bad working outside is not for everyone.

Do you want year round contracts, or are you just wanting summertime work?

The biggest difference between the big companies, and the small ones is the way they do the payment system. Bigger companies will require new customers to get on a one-year contract. This is so that they can have a fixed payment plan throughout the year, regardless of the amount of grass that they cut.

My last and final point. Do you enjoy it?

There is more to lawn care than just mowing, and weed eating. You have to enjoy it. I can say first hand that no one lasts very long that does it for the money. Running a lawn care business, I found that sometimes you're spending as much as you make. If you work hard, and treat people with honesty, you will prosper. Just start small like I did, and work your way up. It won't take more than a year to realize if this is something you want to do full time.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. If you're interested in the field I hope this may have given you some insight on starting your own business.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Colby_Sullivan/2384037

Mental Health's Negative Attitude Toward Marketing

Recently, a board member of a state counseling association to which I was about to present a day-long seminar on practice management and marketing said she was uncomfortable with "advertising" my books and with my "attitude of self-promotion." If I am guilty of "advertising" and "self-promotion," so be it. I am not ashamed.

The mindset of many mental health providers is that we are too good for "advertising," "self-promotion," or "marketing." Somehow these activities are beneath us-even unprofessional. For example, the American Psychological Association until recently did not sponsor continuing education credits for seminars specific to "practice development." I have one word to describe clinicians with this negative view of marketing: "Poor!"

I fervently challenge this negative attitude. The old adage "Build a better mouse trap and the world will come to your door," simply is untrue. You may design a new and better mouse trap, but if no one knows about your invention, you will not be able to distribute it.

You cannot help the client you don't see. You may be an excellent clinician. Yet, if only a few persons know of you and your skill, you won't be successful and many prospective clients will not get the benefit of your services.

Ph.D., Psy.D., EDD., MD., NP., MA., MED, MC, MSW, MFT, LPC, LCSW, etc.. Psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, analyst, clinician, counselor, marriage and family therapist, family therapist, social worker, coach, etc.. Therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, psychoanalysis, analysis, EMDR, family of origin work, solution-focused treatment, medication management, life coaching, etc. Above, are the credentials and titles of professionals who offer private mental health services and the types of services that can be provided. Obviously, the average client/patient cannot differentiate among all these providers or comprehend the various forms of treatment. They likely well be lost in the "alphabet soup" and will be incapable of appreciating one provider over another.

Unless you promote yourself, deserving clients will likely not find you in the morass of initials, titles, and services. Providers of mental health services must promote themselves to rise above the "alphabet soup." We need to let potential clients know of our training, experience, and expertise. Why would any client select a therapist unless that client believed that professional was distinctive and special in some way?

To stand out from the crowd mental health providers can and should do things that "brands" them as an "expert"-such as write articles, speak on the radio and/or TV, speak professionally, or write a book, etc. By engaging in such activities you are advertising and self-promoting-all in a professional, ethical manner. If you won't promote yourself, who will?

Larry F. Waldman, Ph.D., ABPP is a licensed psychologist who practiced in the Paradise Valley area of Phoenix for nearly 40 years. He continues to speak professionally to laypersons, educators, corporations, attorneys, and fellow mental health professionals, particularly on practice development. He teaches graduate courses for NAU. He is the author of numerous articles and six books. His contact information is: 602-418-8161; LarryWaldmanPhD@cox.net; http://www.TopPhoenixPsychologist.com.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Larry_F_Waldman/1188293

Benefits Of Being Wealthy - Check Out These Amazing Benefits

It is great to be wealthy. In fact, the pursuit of wealth can be a noble initiative. You can do a lot of things if you have the necessary wealth. Being wealthy is a great advantage. Let's examine some of the things that come with being wealthy.

• One of the biggest advantages of being wealthy is that you can have the best comforts in life. Practically everything in the world is available in return for money. Being wealthy enables you to have the best houses to live in.

• You are able to provide the best education for your children. Some of the best schools and colleges in the world are exclusive for the wealthy people. Studying in such schools has its own advantages.

• You can visit every place on the earth. Visiting exotic places can help broaden your vision and expose you to many cultures in the world. Experiencing them can be a great education for your children.

• Being wealthy, it is natural that you would end up having similar friends and acquaintances. This can help you to forge better relations with them and multiply your wealth.

• You have the advantage of buying in bulk at the best stores in the world. You also have the advantage of investing in a wide range of securities.

• You can do your share of philanthropy by donating a part of your wealth to charitable organizations and medical institutes. This can help the poor and underprivileged people have decent educational and medical facilities.

• One of the noblest initiatives can be taking up the educational responsibilities of poor children. There are people in the world who have the talent but not the means to pursue higher education. You can pitch in with your contribution.

There are hundreds of things that you can do if you have the necessary wealth with you.

Here is the next thing for you to do!

You must develop some skills in order to be a successful entrepreneur. Certain skills include;

1. The skill of being discipline because many start up businesses require around 2 years of hard work before a proper return on investment is made.

2. The skill of being a closer. A closer is someone who is good at closing deals or transactions. In order to be a good closer, you must educate yourself of how to talk to clients.

3. The skill of being ambitious. You will have to have a certain level of drive to be a successful businessperson.

For more free information on how you can experience all the benefits of being wealthy and becoming your own boss, go to Your Free Report

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Marc-Eddy_Drouinaud_Jr/2289154

Is It Work, or a Lifestyle?

There are two things that my friends find surprising, OK maybe 3: 

1. I travel more now than I ever have
2. It's Friday night at 7:30pm and I'm working
3. I'm looking forward to some "office time" tomorrow

The misconception here is whether I'm actually working (when travelling so much) and why I give up Friday nights and Saturday mornings to spend time catching up.

The answer, truthfully, is that this isn't "work" for me, it is my lifestyle.

And comparing their work (stuck in an office on a beautiful day, set vacation weeks), I'll take my lifestyle. I've worked hard for it, and I love it.

Let's take my surprising facts from the beginning. 

1. I travel more now than I ever have - How much fun is that! Yes, sometimes I travel for a true "shut off the email" vacation, but other times I'm just going along for the ride. I just returned from another adventure and worked more than 50% of the time. I successfully put in a full work day while on the plane; I am the master of working offline. During my 5 day trip I only actually took one day off.


2. It's Friday night and I'm working - now I'll admit I'm sitting outside on the patio, not tucked into my office, but I am working. Why? I happen to be creative on Friday nights, and I wanted to share this time with you. I've had a busy week, and its Friday night quiet time when my mind roams, and I start pondering business, the challenges of the week, and many times this forms the basis of the blogs. But tonight, I'm sitting outside with my laptop, just so thankful for the lifestyle I have, and that includes this time with you. Not thankful, however, for the massive spider making its way over here... this is why I don't often work outside!


3. And tomorrow, yes, I will work tomorrow morning. I have a cute little project that I've just started working on, and I've set aside "date time" with it. I have my morning planned, a good cup (OK, pot) of coffee and back outside I go to let my mind explore what's possible. I'm actually very excited about it, and have been planning it over the last few days.

What some consider work, is my lifestyle. The creative process is important to me, giving myself the space to explore the projects in front of me while my mind is relaxed and at ease is an indulgence I take seriously. I appreciate the concerns of my clients, and don't mind checking in over the weekend, if that's what helps them. We're partners, and we're on this journey together. Checking in, isn't work. It's a privilege to be on this journey with my clients.

My hope is for more of my colleagues (and friends) to break free of the concept of work, and explore their entrepreneurialism as a lifestyle, as bliss, and as an expression of their passion. Work should be what's in your heart, what your soul is telling you, and where your dreams lead you.

And if it isn't... how can you get there?

Share with us your lifestyle goals - and let's dream a way for you to get there, together.

We help business owners find more time.

Discover how entrepreneurs just like you have freed themselves from the overwhelm of tech. Download our FREE report at https://pmawebservices.com/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Peg_Murrah/1101384

How Content Marketing Can Help Build Your Business

It's no secret that the internet has become the #1 source for information. The Web is the largest market for seekers of information and providers of information. No matter what your business, everyone must have a website. If you don't, you can be assured that you are a step behind your competition.

What should be included on your site? At a minimum, you must state who you are (About Us Page) and what you do (Home & Product/Services Page). This is all fine and dandy. But how do potential customers find you?

Two simple words can answer this question: "Content Marketing". The second word is easy to describe. Marketing is simply promoting/advertising your product or service. However, the traditional methods (brochures, TV ads, fliers) are being replaced by more cost effective methods. That leads us to the first word: content. Many of us have heard the term before. But what exactly does it mean?

According to the Content Marketing Institute, content marketing is defined as "a marketing technique of creating and distributing relevant, consistent, and valuable information to a defined audience." The key word here is valuable, meaning it is something the end user wants and would pay for. Compare that to and advertisement or junk mail (spam) that someone either turns off immediately or throws in the garbage because they find no value in it. Content marketing doesn't explicitly promote a brand like a commercial for Nike or Coke does. The information is targeted to a specific group who wants it or seeks it out. Thus you are building a long term, personal relationship with your (potential) customers versus treating them like a sale. No one likes to feel like they are being sold to. They want to feel like they are part of a story, and people love stories.

The next question is why would a business create content in the first place? The main answer is to build their BRAND. Your brand is your #1 asset. It can take years to build, but only minutes to destroy. Your brand shows you are an expert in your field. You also raise awareness to consumers about issues they may not have considered previously. Traditional marketing is only effective after the consumer has made the decision to buy. Content marketing moves them along the buying process.

Creating content is much more cost effective than traditional marketing, thus resulting in a greater ROI. What are some key characteristics of good content?

· It's FREE: users don't have to pay for it

· Attracts and retains audiences who will eventually become customers. Your typical :30 radio or TV add is forgotten almost immediately

· Contains backlinks to your website, thus creating a compound effect as your content is shared with your user's users and their user's users.

· Must be mobile friendly as many internet users browse on smartphones and tablets

· Must be keyword oriented for SEO algorithms used by Google and other search engines (a keyword is something you type in your browser when you want to look for something specific. I'm a writer so hopefully I'll show up when someone types in "freelance writer, copywriter, or simply writer"

· Finally, it must contain a call-to-action (prompt the user to do something)

What are some examples of content marketing?

· Blogs

· Success Stories

· Podcasts

· YouTube videos

· Whitepapers

· Articles

· Social Media posts

· E-books

· Newsletters

I hope you found this information useful, as I expect content marketing to replace traditional marketing in the not-to-distant future. I'm sure all of you will now become expert marketers and see your visitors multiply exponentially, thus resulting in more conversions.

Partner Dave is a freelance writer in Orlando, Florida. He specializes in content marketing, business plans, web copy, and building brand awareness. He is the author of the white paper "The Transaction Tax: Has the IRS Finally Met Its Match?", which discusses replacing the income tax with a transaction tax. Visit his website at http://www.partnerdavethewriter.com or email him at info@partnerdavethewriter.com.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/David_Bialecki/2255361

Up-Leveling Your Success - Is a Coach or Mentor Best?

If you look at top business achievers, you will find one common denominator: They didn't do it all alone.

High performing entrepreneurs and business owners know that to truly excel requires guidance and support.

Are you wanting to be a high-performer?

If so, you might be wondering what kind of guidance do you need exactly?

Do you need a mentor or coach?

How can these kinds of advisors best serve in your professional development?

Working With a Mentor

First let's look at the role of a mentor. A mentor is a more experienced individual who offers guidance, friendship, and support based on their past experiences, knowledge and expertise.

Usually there is a level of personal connection as the mentor serves as a role model to help an individual reach their potential.

Working with a Coach

A coach on the other hand serves more as an expert guiding you in a very specific area of performance. If you Google "coach" you'll see coaches for performance, marketing, financial support, sales, business growth, social media support and more.

What's unsettling is that many coaches are self-appointed experts.

While they may present themselves as knowledgeable and highly successful, many could be just one step ahead of you. While they may "talk the talk", you truly don't know if they have the experience or skills to help you succeed.

Advantages of Working with a Mentor

• Outside Perspective - Often we are too close and emotionally tied to our business to see what's really going on. There's a great benefit to someone else taking a bird's-eye view to get a clearer picture of your situation. Sometimes we are too in love with our work to be truthful about areas that need a little work. Your mentor can probe to uncover problem issues that may not be apparent to you.


• Help You Reach Higher - Sometimes we will do things for other people that we wouldn't do for ourselves. Having the accountability of a mentor can help you push harder to reach your goals. Knowing you have to report your results to your mentor can make you go the extra mile to get things done.


• Business Experience - Even if you have years of corporate experience, running your own business can be a real challenge. While you probably know a lot about your particular industry, you may not know enough about running and growing a business. Having someone with experience in creating systems, delegating, marketing, and successfully growing a business is invaluable. Not only can it help you avoid costly mistakes, but it can help you grow farther, faster. Often mentors have proven templates and blueprints to boost your results in a number of areas.


• Cheerleader - Being a business owner can be a real roller coaster ride. There are days you are on top of the world. But there are also days you doubt yourself. You wonder if you should throw in the towel. Everything seems to be going wrong. You don't know what to do. It is in those times that a mentor can dust you off and get you back on your feet again. Staying positive and motivated is key to keeping your business moving forward daily.

5 Common Blind-spots That Crush Our Success

As a mentor, I have worked with dozens of small business owners over the years. When entrepreneurs come to me for help, there are some common areas I see them struggling with.

Here are the most common "stories" we tell ourselves about our business that keep us stuck:

1. Being In Squirrel Mode. When you spread yourself too thin, it's hard to fully monetize your business. One big mistake I see people make is when one thing isn't working, they see the next "shiny object" and try something new. The result is they never fully put in the work it takes to make a new objective take off. Having a mentor can help you find the focus you need to experience growth. They can help you create a plan to use your money, resources, and time in ways that laser focus your results.


2. Not Admitting When Wrong. Being your own boss is awesome. You get to call all the shots and be captain of your own ship. But the problem is that you always get to be "right" - even when you aren't. There can be great value to having a mentor to reframe your situation and show you areas that need improvement that you may be overlooking. Having someone speak the truth to you when it's needed is critical to growth.


3. Getting Stuck in Victim Mode. It can actually be cathartic to gripe and moan about how busy you are, or how out of control things have gotten, etc. but some people find a certain kind of honour in projecting themselves as a martyr that way. But people who succeed know the value is healing those wounded areas. A mentor can hold your feet to the fire and help you move through the bleeding wounds and address the bigger issues.


4. Not Looking in The Mirror. It's your team's fault. Your software isn't working right. The market has changed... The excuses can go on forever. Until you realize that you are 100% responsible for everything that happens in your life and business, nothing changes. A mentor will be honest with you about the role you played in failures. They can help you learn the lesson, grow, and move on. Personal growth is key to your success.


5. Trying to Do it All Themselves. Women are especially hard on themselves when it comes to thinking they should know everything they need to know to run a business. It's a sign of weakness ineptitude if they don't, so they set off to learn everything all themselves. The problem is, the more they set off to learn someone else's skillset and expertise, the less they are focusing on their own core competency and thus, not on their own business. A mentor can help you determine what you should be doing yourself to grow and expand your business, and what you should be outsourcing and delegating. This allows you to take advantage of someone else's skillset so you can spend more time focusing on your own.

Work Smarter, Not Harder - Mentoring Can Help

I'd love to provide you with the empowered support you need to grow your business. As your mentor, we'll look at what's working, what's not, and create a plan to move you forward.

Susan Friesen is the founder of eVision Media, a boutique web development and Digital Marketing firm of over 15 years that specializes in designing, building and marketing professional, unique websites for entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations.

Visit http://www.ultimatewebsiteguide.ca and grab your FREE "Ultimate Guide to Improving Your Website's Profitability - 10 Critical Questions You Must Ask to Get Maximum Results".

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Susan_Friesen/260293

How To Stay Alert And Aware As An Entrepreneur

What makes a successful entrepreneur? Of course, the answer to that is many different things but one of them is definitely their ability to know what is going on within their own industry, within the world of business in general and especially with entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship.

Successful business owners keep up on what is going on and stay informed of the latest trends, market shifts and opportunities so that they can take any advantage they can get to make their business grow. So, how they stay in the loop so successfully?

#1 Successful Entrepreneurs Talk to Other Entrepreneurs

People there in business for themselves don't exist in a vacuum. Besides their customers, suppliers and all of the other support systems that they have around their business, they also have friends and colleagues that are also entrepreneurs and keeping up with these people is one of the best ways that they have a staying informed.

Whatever the virtual water cooler happens to be of these entrepreneurs - usually a forum or social media network - they share information, give advice and keep each other updated about entrepreneurship.

#2 Successful Entrepreneurs Read (A Lot!)

One thing that you will notice about those successful in the business world is they tend to read publications, websites or even social media posts about their business - and that includes books by some of the most successful motivational authors.

The successful people like to stay informed and they like to learn new things. There is so much information on the Internet that you could spend decades learning about a subject and still not know everything about it and being as informed as possible is equal to being as successful as possible.

#3 Successful Entrepreneurs Use The Insider Intel To Improve Their Business

All this information that they gather isn't just going to sit stagnant, either. They are going to use this information to improve their business, increase their revenue or bring in more customers. Successful entrepreneurs know when they learned something useful and work to implement it as quickly as possible.

#4 Successful Entrepreneurs Help Others Succeed Too

Another thing that you'll see is that the more successful entrepreneurs they become, the more willing they are to help other people succeed at the same time. They have been where the budding entrepreneurs currently are and remember what it was like to enter the fray with only the basics. Most successful entrepreneurs are more than willing to share their knowledge and mentor the newbies.

By the way, Keye Wu is on a mission to transform 1 million guys into the most productive, masculine and purposeful men. If you REALLY do not know the 5 Little Known Ways To Double Your Productivity For Men yet, we need to fix that. Join hundreds of other men already using it right now FREE in my value-packed productivity blog here. Alternatively, check out one of my most popular flowstate video here.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Keye_Wu/2314157

4 Simple Business Methods for New Online Entrepreneurs

So, you want to be a successful entrepreneur. But which business strategy should you choose? There seem to be so many out there, with each so-called guru touting a different philosophy, that it can be very difficult to narrow down a business strategy that actually works.

However, when you remove all of the window dressing and break the strategies down to the basics, there are only three that make up nearly all of the entrepreneurial ventures that are out there. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preference, your unique skills and where you see a hole in the market.

#1 Service Providers

The first of our three top strategies is providing some type of service. There are many occupations that provide a service where someone can become an entrepreneur.

Graphic design is one good example; freelance writing is another. Whenever you are doing a service for somebody else and they are paying you for it (while not in the employee of another person or company) you are an entrepreneur.

#2 Affiliate Marketing

Another big boom in online entrepreneurship is affiliate marketing. With the creation of websites like ClickBank, the affiliate programs offered by leading retailers like Amazon and the big profits that could be potentially earned, affiliate marketing is one of the most popular entrepreneurial ventures today.

With affiliate marketing, you find the customers, send them over to the seller to buy the product and the seller pays you a commission. Of course, you have to find the right product and a solid strategic plan because getting your offers in front of people can be difficult nowadays.

#3 Info Product Creation

Rather than being the person that receives the commission when someone buys a product from someone else, you could be the person that they are buying that product from. You could create an info product of some kind that you'll be able to sell to the Internet at large. One of the more popular ways to do this is by publishing Kindle content on Amazon, but the products on ClickBank can also be part of this strategy.

#4 Combining Strategies

Of course, you don't have to just stick with one. You can always combine any two or all three if you like. There are no rules when it comes to entrepreneurship. If you can create something that sells, or add value to someone else's life in exchange of money, you are an entrepreneur.

By the way, Keye Wu is on a mission to transform 1 million guys into the most productive, masculine and purposeful men. If you REALLY do not know the 5 Little Known Ways To Double Your Productivity For Men yet, we need to fix that. Join hundreds of other men already using it right now FREE in my value-packed productivity blog here. Alternatively, check out one of my most popular flowstate video here.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Keye_Wu/2314157

How To Be The Right Person For Entrepreneurial Success

So, who's the right person to be an entrepreneur? Is there such a thing at all? The truth is, just about anyone can be an entrepreneur if they put in the work.

But it does take a certain character of the person to become a successful entrepreneur.

The type of person that is the most successful at this can be found all over the world doing things in life that give them the skills that they need to be an entrepreneur. With attributes like drive, determination, patience, the ability to recognize a good idea and persistence many different types of people have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

Below are a couple of examples of the wide range of entrepreneurs.

College Students: anyone who's attended college knows that being a student can be one of the toughest periods of your life. Of course, it can also be one of the most rewarding since young adults are exploring their independence for the first time.

But with all of the hard work that they have to put in with homework, attending classes and participating in school activities, college students have what it takes to be successful entrepreneurs.

Stay-at-Home Parents: another group that is perfect for the entrepreneurial is the stay-at-home parent. One thing that these people have going for them is the ability to sneak in some work when they aren't caring for children, doing housework or running errands.

A woman taking care of an infant might be able to get two hours of work in while the baby sleeping or other stay-at-home parents can work whether kids are in school.

Seniors: senior citizens are in a perfect position to become successful entrepreneurs. If they are retired, they have a lot of time on their hands, which combines perfectly with all of their skills and experience that they've gained throughout their life.

Seniors who become entrepreneurs find not only financial benefits but also a rewarding activity to keep them busy during retirement.

In short, anyone can be an entrepreneur if they want to.

Men and women both have an equal chance of becoming a successful entrepreneur, based upon their individual skills, and even children can start early and become entrepreneurs at any age - which can be seen in the occasional lemonade stand in your own neighborhood.

No matter who you are or what your particular skills and abilities are, you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur. You just need to implement your great idea as fast as possible while willing to take on a lot of hard work.

By the way, Keye Wu is on a mission to transform 1 million guys into the most productive, masculine and purposeful men. If you REALLY do not know the 5 Little Known Ways To Double Your Productivity For Men yet, we need to fix that. Join hundreds of other men already using it right now FREE in my value-packed productivity blog here. Alternatively, check out one of my most popular flowstate video here.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Keye_Wu/2314157

Why Entrepreneurs Need To Workout And Get Fit And Healthy

You wake up to the sound of that not-so-beautiful alarm.

It's early.

Still dark outside.

But, hey, this is what you signed up for when you decided to become an entrepreneur. So you soldier on.

Quick shower. Then you grab a bagel or some other sugar-laden or fatty snack on the way to work.

You arrive at work.

...

10am comes. You're hungry. And you're losing focus. Can't concentrate.

But it's all good. Why? Because you get your coins out and head straight to the nearest vending machine.

You buy your Mars bar, grab another double coffee, and get straight back to work.

Happy days.

Well, for another hour or so. Then it's back to feeling hungry and lethargic until lunch.

Lunch time arrives.

You get a bacon butty. Or something else nice and greasy. And a doughnut for dessert.

Back to work.

The sugar coursing through your veins. You feel great. Full of energy.

Until the post-sugar crash hits you.

HARD.

And guess what? It's only 2pm. You can't really afford to take another break. After all, you've got work to do. And you've already been so unproductive.

The thing is, now you're gonna be even more unproductive. You're just shattered. No energy. Can barely think.

How the hell you gonna come up with a new strategy? Or make an important sales call? Or conduct that interview? Or do whatever it is you need to do to make more money?

The answer?

There isn't really much you can do.

Sorry for sounding harsh. (Well, actually I'm not sorry. Best you hear the truth, right?!)

But at the end of the day, if your body and brain are living off junk food, then it's literally gonna be impossible for you to function anywhere near your best.

(In fact, I might have to get in touch with Tom Cruise... Could be his most impossible mission yet... )

Anyway, the point is this:

If you poured olive oil into a car, would you expect it to move?

Course not.

And the same applies to your body.

If you don't feed it properly, then you're not going to be at your best. And as an entrepreneur (or an executive, or just someone's who's very career-minded and ambitious) then that's gonna be a killer for you. Ultimately, it's gonna mean less money. And even complete failure.

Yet now imagine this scenario...

You wake up naturally after a good solid 8 hours sleep.

You feel refreshed.

You then put on your workout clothes, go downstairs into the lounge, and do a 20-minute workout.

Something quite challenging. Something that's gonna help you lose weight, whilst helping you tone up. Something that's gonna get you feeling great after you've done.

You then shower, before grabbing a nice healthy breakfast. Let's say oats with some blueberries, and a scoop of your favourite protein powder (which tastes just like milkshake by the way).

You then go to work. You're feeling great still.

And guess what?

You get a LOT done!

In fact, you don't even think about food again until lunch. You then eat a healthy lunch of your favourite meat in a wholemeal roll, with a side salad draped in your favourite dressing (you've gotta make a salad taste good, after all!).

You then go back to work. Now feeling even more energetic. Meaning you get even more work done.

You then have a quick snack. Either a smoothie with a few bits of veg and your favourite fruits to sweeten it, or a protein flapjack or something.

Carry on with work. Still feel great. Still getting lots done.

You then finish, go home, and have a meal with the family. Something healthy, but ending with a dessert of whatever the hell you fancy (you gotta stay sane after all!).

Then after spending the evening having fun with your spouse and kids, you decide to call it a night.

You get to sleep nice and relaxed.

Ready to have another great day tomorrow...

So, they're your two options in life.

Which are you gonna choose?

Tom Andrews, "The Executive Fit Coach"

PS- If you want to get a proven nutrition strategy that will show you how you can drop a belt/dress size in just 21 days, then click the link below.

http://www.executivefitcoach.com

Once you've clicked it, type your name and email address into the box at the bottom of that page. You will then get sent a FREE webinar where I will share this strategy with you.

Like I say, it's completely free. So what are you waiting for?

Hurry, go!

http://www.executivefitcoach.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tom_Andrews/2298168

Should You Make The Decision To Start A Business And Retire Early?

Till about a decade ago, it was believed that 'Voluntary Retirement' was something that was applicable only to those who were doing some job with an employer. Retiring early was an option with the service class people only. Entrepreneurs were supposed to be goal oriented workaholic people who had no right to retire from what they were doing. And so, entrepreneurs moved progressively from their valuation dream of $1 million to $10 million and so on. An entrepreneur was not expected to draw a line and say, "This much and no more." He or she was expected to work as long as he or she possibly could.

Starting a business is not easy, and building one that will bring enormous cash to your pocket is even harder. However, you must do what is in your heart. If you feel that you want to start your own business then you should make that decision. However, I am about to share a story that may help you with that decision.

Here Is A Story About An Entrepreneur Named John:

Well, my school time friend and neighbor John was an exception to the above. John was not from a very rich family. But he was indeed very ambitious and daring. He was a thinker and planner, even in the school days. He had a knack for getting into any and every thing related to mechanics and technology. And yes, he dreamed real big!

John started out as an entrepreneur at the age of 20. He managed to get himself a hefty business loan from the neighboring bank. He soon expanded his export business exponentially. His success graph continued to move northwards at a fast pace. And at 39 years of age, he surprised his family and friends by announcing his decision to retire and leaped full time into his childhood passion of outdoor photography. John had already built a fortune for himself and his family by this time. Retiring early had been in his mind for decades.

John is now close to 65 years. We often have our afternoon coffee together and talk about almost anything under the sun. John is enjoying his life to the fullest. He now spends less money on drinking beer in a bar. But he enjoys just as many sessions of beer at home, just like the good old days. He loves to buy new clothes and also spends lavish amounts of money on his outdoor photography. He had planned his retirement well and never regrets his decision.

John always knew the power of compounding and had made good investments in his early days. They are paying hefty dividends now. John had achieved his financial independence early on his life. He never pays any investment fees. He spends less and enjoys more. A joyous retired life to John!

Should You Make The Decision To Start A Business And Retire Early?

The answer is yes. The reason why is because John was able to enjoy a higher quality lifestyle by starting his own investments. However, to be realistic, you must get educated. You must consult with experts on how to build your own business empire.

For more information on how to live a higher quality lifestyle like John for yourself by starting your own lucrative investment, check out Higher Quality Lifestyle

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Marc-Eddy_Drouinaud_Jr/2289154

Entrepreneurs Are The Real Difference Makers

"Be not simply good; be good for something."
Henry David Thoreau

If you want to make a real difference in the world- - start a business; it is as simple as that. Have you ever heard people say how easy it is to make a difference in someone else's life? You hear all kinds of things like: smile; buy a stranger a cup of coffee, or pay for their meal; pay a compliment, give a helping hand, do some volunteer work, make a care package, and of course- donate.

But really, what kind of difference is any of that really making when you get down to it? Those gestures, no matter how genuine you are do not necessarily impact your community, city, nation or the world in a monumental way.

The dictionary defines difference as: a point or way in which people or things are not the same. A synonym of difference is: distinction, which means: excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.

Smiling, complimenting, helping, volunteering, paying for someone's meal and even donating are things not so distinct; but are things that most of us do regularly in our everyday lives'. Business is what sets others apart. Business is the way to make a difference in the lives of people.

Business raises society's awareness of their rights through advertisements. Business produces products and services to meet people's needs. Business provides employment opportunities. Businesses make cities, states and even the country money through the exporting of goods.

Businesses are concerned with profits; which is where more revenue is gathered than it costs in expenses. That in turn leaves a surplus that can be invested in making the world a better place. That is, business via the mechanism of profit can help increase available resources and help fulfill a greater number and a higher level of human needs by investing in housing, education and social matters which ultimately makes the world a better place.

And if you aren't confident that you have what it takes, then let me reassure you that you do. If you have an idea, vision, burning desire and dream of ways to solve problems that people or the planet faces, then you do have what it takes. That is your purpose. You were born to solve that particular problem and it might not ever go away or get better until you take action. As you pursue your purpose, the right resources and opportunities become available to you. One resource to get you started is business credit cards.

Business credit cards are based on a personal guarantee. So, there are several criteria that must be met to be approved: 720 credit score, 30% debt-to-credit ratio, no bankruptcies, no foreclosures, no missing payments in the past 24 months of making application, one or more credit cards with a $5,000 maximum limit and a 10 year personal credit history. And if you are short on any of these criteria mentioned, you can receive mentorship from business credit card consultants on how to meet those must-haves.

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do."
- Edward Everett Hale

Why sit back and watch the same problems continue because you don't feel equipped to handle them. Everyone starts at the same place: the beginning.

You have the ability and the opportunity to set yourself apart and make a tangible difference in your community, city, state and possibly the world; and in the process you can revamp your life and transform the lives of others! It's only an application away. Apply today and you will receive a funding estimate within 24 hours:

https://mwcc.wufoo.com/forms/janine-herrera-prequalification-form/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Janine_Herrera/2328775