Author Archives: Barbara Eldridge

Stand Out in the Crowded Marketplace

| February 22, 2012

There are reasons these days that people distrust big business. They list a set of values on all their advertising, but rarely do they show up in reality. JCP has just come out with a new ad program that says they will treat us “fair and square” in how they price their merchandise. A nice promise but after 110 years, why is this just happening now?

Recently on a TV episode of Undercover Boss, The President & CEO of The Dwyer Group®, a company that has 8 Different Franchises across the Country was featured. Like most companies, The Dwyer Group® … Read More

Business Security: Behold Your Customer!

| January 28, 2012

We are living in a world of change. Competition is engaging in price wars, customers expect more for their dollars. Businesses can no longer be in the business of selling products and services—you must be selling a “customer experience.” According to Bloomberg BusinessWeek Research Services “a customer experience is not one thing but many: It is the practical and emotional manifestation of how a company delivers on the promise it makes to its customers through … every direct and indirect customer encounter a company has across all its customer or enterprise functions.”

Ultimately, your business exists to do two things:… Read More

The Yearly Dilemma

| December 7, 2011

 By Barbara Eldridge

 Are you keeping up with the pace of change?  The pace of technology? The pace of your marketplace? The pace of your competition?  The Yearly Dilemma is how much do you and your business have to change to keep pace?  As a business owner you need to have information at your finger tips that help you make the best decisions. 

 Planning each year is a hands on process.  You might start by asking some tough questions. 

 Do you recognize the need for change?

Are you prepared to look reality in the face?

Are you willing to change … Read More

Prospect Your Way to Millions

| November 8, 2011

We use goal setting in various areas of our life, why not set a goal to master Prospecting?

The internet has created a false sense of hope about millions of customers out there waiting to beat a path to your door. Having people friend you or like your business page, or those who comment on your postings aren’t the answers to generating the sale.

Prospecting demands a more proactive approach. Suspects still have to get to your web site or you have to meet them face to face so you can begin prospecting (finding out what their needs/problems are).

A … Read More

On Your Mark Get Set – Charge

| September 12, 2011

Last Minute High Value Strategies to Achieve Your 2011 Goals
Monday, October 3, 2011 in Mission Valley from 9:30am – 12:30pm

Are you scrambling to finish out the year? Or are you just going to get by and get through to Thanksgiving and Christmas and THEN ramp up to go for your important goals in January?

Three months is plenty of time to make some serious progress on the goals you want to achieve. And in doing so, you could really position yourself for an exceptionally successful 2012. Now is the time to get clear, stay focused and take consistent … Read More

Is Getting It Done, Putting You in Overwhelm?

| July 19, 2011

When I have asked my solo-preneur/small business owners how they plan and keep track of their work I usually find they keep overwhelming lists of to dos.

Having just finished Mind Masters 3rd Quarter Strategy workshop I always stress that a specific plan of action is essential to progress and success. A worthwhile plan is more then a to do list, it is a design, a blueprint. 

        ~Action steps implement the chosen strategy and tactics to realize chosen goals and   results. 

        ~Action steps or action planning is a tedious, but critical, part of the planning process. It is a … Read More

Do You Know if Your Business is Working for You?

| June 16, 2011

Last time I talked about the importance of developing basic systems and procedures for all areas of the business. Probably the most ignored or avoided area I have seen with small business owners is a system or program in place for regular review of progress. Just like any game, there must be a score card in order to determine the outcome. Nothing is accomplished by setting objectives, resolutions, and behaviors unless you utilize the business resources required to measure it.

#1. How often do you review your outcomes?
In business a monthly or quarterly review will help determine where the … Read More

Does Your Business Need A Summer Boost?

| June 1, 2011

Mind Masters June Strategic Business PlanningJust because summer has arrived doesn’t mean your business has to be on a break. True success doesn’t wait. And meaningful success comes by first identifying what mountain you want to climb. Building a business, like climbing a mountain, takes courage and keeping your sights on the goal. At this very moment, you are in one of these three positions – above, on or below your target. RIGHT NOW is the best time to review, reflect and if necessary, correct your performance before too much time and distance gets away. Take control of this time to create clear, easy to … Read More

Is Your Business Working for You?

| April 26, 2011

In working with entrepreneurs over the last 20 years I have emphasized the importance of developing basic systems and procedures for all areas of the business. The more new things that get introduced, whether its technology, new markets, new products or services, without the basics it costs you money.

There are days when so much is going on, it doesn’t leave much time for improvement or making your business work better. Starting with some basics allows you to adjust one thing at a time.

Of all the areas that small business owners violate the most are marketing and sales. Consistency … Read More

The Foundations of Excellent Time Management

| March 8, 2011

Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life lies in eliminating the nonessentials. Chinese proverb

  Have you ever wished that you could have 30 hours in a day? If you are like most people, more often than not, you are plowing through your day full speed with all possible energy and ability and yet at the end of the day, you still find yourself floundering for enough time to do everything you had wanted to do.

  Time is a unique resource. Every person every day is assigned … Read More