Author Archives: Barbara Eldridge

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

2011 2nd Quarter Refocusing Strategy Session

| March 4, 2011

Maximize Results and Accelerate Your Success

The only business sessions that gives you the “slight edge” for
consistent growth and success.

Today, nothing plays a greater role in the success of your company then being able to think fast and move fast. And if you are going to succeed in today’s ultra competitive climate, you’ve got to take time to create a catalyst for your ideas.
That includes how to design and deliver your products or services, how to find
and sell customers, how to create a business that works all of the time and how
to integrate your vision … Read More

Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

| March 3, 2011

On Sept. 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act, the most significant piece of small business legislation in over a decade. The new law is providing critical resources to help small businesses continue to drive economic recovery and create jobs. The new law extended the successful SBA enhanced loan provisions while offering billions more in lending support, tax cuts, and other opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

For more detailed information on the Small Business Jobs Act, go to www.sba.gov/jobsact.… Read More

Selling for People Who Don’t Like Selling

| February 1, 2011

Here’s some tips to set the stage for better Selling:

1. Create the sales process ahead of time, (an appointment script, a list of qualifying questions, a presentation script and your closing question).

2. You need a lead management system, (know who your A, B and C prospects are).

3. Perfect your two most important sales skills: listening & observing.

4. Remember, people trust people they like and selling is all about trust

5. Take action and track your results, (know your appointment to call ratio, presentation to sales ratio so you can work on the areas that need improvement).… Read More

Sales is NOT an Evil Word

| January 25, 2011

How are you at selling or is selling a concept that you tend to shy away from? You are not alone, but resistance to it shows up in how consistently your business grows.

Perhaps you find marketing tactics more fun, you know postcards, email newsletters, brochures, social networking, but sales tactics are essential to every business and can be learned. In fact sales is a function of marketing and requires a process and tactics.

When you walk into a department store, their sales people are assigned to a particular department so they can answer your specific questions about colors, or … Read More

How Do You Spell Success?

| January 18, 2011

What it takes to be an Entrepreneur of the Year:

The willingness to stand alone

The confidence to challenge the conventional

The commitment to a vision

The passion for being on top

An ability to believe what we want is possible.

The Mind Masters Entrepreneur of the Year person had a good year! I have observed him willing to push himself into uncharted waters during tough times. Working on his vision for the future and transforming his business to grow has been his biggest challenge, but he has never let up and is always willing to learn. While handling clients, … Read More