Self Improvement Tips Archives

Business Success: What’s love got to do with it? Everything.

I’m asking the same question Tina became famous for. But this time, we’re talking about success in business. Read most any textbook on growing a business and you won’t see much about “love.” On the contrary, even marketing terms such as “target market,” “shotgun approach,” and “clickbait” treat the customer as less than human, someone to be manipulated into buying whatever is being sold.

Business Owners: What 2021 will require of us

If you are a business owner, and especially if you are a small business owner, 2020 was a very challenging year. Even more so if you were in an industry directly affected by the pandemic. There is hope, though.

Real-world branding strategy: Your brand is the promise that you keep.

I have a real-world definition of branding strategy, based on working as a revenue coach for hundreds of companies and interviewing thousands of customers. It is this: “Branding is the promise that you make; your brand is the promise that you keep.” To help company leaders put this truth to work to increase their own revenues, I explain that they keep (or break) their branding promise with five tools: products/services; people; processes; policies; and passion.

Photo of a woman standing on a tall cliff, contemplating the view

Isolation Blahs: Don’t let regulations squelch your sense of adventure

It’s quiet. Too quiet. A pandemic has put us in a strange cinematic twilight zone consisting of “don’t touch that,” and “home alone.” But just a few short months ago, you were the captain of your ship, living the interesting, goal-driven life of the entrepreneur. It was exciting. It felt good.

Photo of a wooden model being pulled by strings labeled "Fear"

Fear Not: How to overcome fear and rise to new heights

Fear, like stress, is a thief that paralyzes us and keeps us from living life to the fullest. I suppose it can come in handy, at least if you use it to realize the severity of a situation. But that’s about it. Usually fear makes us less productive, less brave, less willing to take risks. We put life on hold when we are afraid. But you can overcome fear, and there’s an easy way to do it. As with most positive changes, it starts with a fundamental decision.

Two businessmen discussing how the internet works

How the Web Works (for Business Owners and CEOs)

What is the first thing people do when they hear of your business or find you in Google? We all know the answer: They go to your site. If you are a service business, they will probably also go to LinkedIn to see more about you. And, further along in their buying process they might