Barbara Eldridge, Author at Mind Masters

Running a Business is a Constant Challenge

Barbara Eldridge | August 28, 2012

After several years of presenting topics and introducing guest presenters, last week we changed the format of our Marketing Meet Up. We wanted to provide our members with the chance to share their marketing challenges and learn from the experience of other entrepreneurs in a supportive and stimulating environment. Wow what an evening, attendees got how-tos, fresh ideas, and answers they were looking for.

As small biz owners, we all work in a degree of isolation. When things get hard, where do you go for help? Given the time and resources you put into your business, the last thing you … Read More

Are the Sharks Biting?

Barbara Eldridge | June 27, 2012

It’s Mid-Year! Are you ahead of the wave? Are the “sharks” at your heals? What keeps you on top?

My members know I enjoy watching “Shark Tank”, a group of successful entrepreneurs looking to get their teeth (and money) into more entrepreneurial endeavors. I watch in order to understand what investors look for in the individuals that present themselves.

Here is what I’ve learned:
1. How you present yourself says a lot. Can you tell your prospects in 90 seconds a problem-oriented, attention-getting statement about what you do? You may not be looking for investors, but you are always looking … Read More

The Power of the Business Card: It Brands You and Creates a Source of Leads When You Collect Others

Barbara Eldridge | May 30, 2012

How often do you attend a networking event only to find you did not bring enough business cards? Or perhaps the one person you want to connect with had run out of cards and all you could do is give them yours, with the hope they would follow up?

Never down play the power of a good business card and the leverage it can have. Your Business card is one of the
most classic ways to brand you, your business or service. They are inexpensive, portable and a powerful marketing tool.

Your business card helps you put your best foot … Read More

Marketing Elements Through Which Everything Flows

Barbara Eldridge | April 26, 2012

During the last six weeks the topics at our Mind Masters meetings have focused on the essential aspects of a marketing system. Yes, marketing is not only a system, it may be the most important system in any business. We recognized that before you can put all the elements into a system you must gather the “pieces parts.”

To help you determine the current viability of your marketing elements (and ultimately, your marketing system) let’s see what you have in place.

How about an active mailing or email list? Do you have from 500 to 2,000 on this list that

Do It Now!

Barbara Eldridge | March 28, 2012

One of the most important qualities that leads business owners to success is being a self-starter. Within this quality is the ability to manage time for achieving life’s dreams and goals. So much has been written and spoken about time management, but what is the controlling factor that affects how we use our time?

People say it is having a passion for what we do and want. Others say it is sticking to a plan, or being accountable to someone. It is probably all of that plus “awareness.” Here is what I mean by awareness. If you haven’t tapped into … Read More

Strategy Refocusing Workshop

Barbara Eldridge | March 9, 2012

San Diego Mind Masters Strategy Refocus Workshop The only business sessions that gives you the “slight edge” for consistent growth and success.

What is the one thing you must do in your business to be successful? What is more important to focus on above everything else? The One Big Thing is an absolute commitment to attracting new customers.

Have you implemented new ways to attract customers, keep them interested, built committed client relationships so they continue to respond. How prepared are you to meet customers in the changing market place?

Designed to deepen business acumen, broaden decision making capability and strengthen self-discipline, the Mind Masters Quarterly Strategy … Read More

Stand Out in the Crowded Marketplace

Barbara Eldridge | 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!

Barbara Eldridge | 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

Barbara Eldridge | 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