Michel Koopman explains how reading books may result in the growth of your business.
Often, we think of reading as a leisurely activity that people who have “free time” engage in when they’re lying on the beach or when they’re curled up by the fireplace. If you’re running a business, you’re probably not one of those people, but you still need to make time to read. Reading is a magnificent way to get out of the rut of merely running your business – and to get on track to growing your business.
Running in Circles
Dr. Greg Bier explains why "ruts" are bad for your business and how to get out of them.
For employees in a small business, maintaining a state of perpetual youthful energy can be tough. Workers fixate on the duties of their “daily jobs” and easily lose the creative, adventurous perspective everyone possesses in their youth. The reasons are usually the same: They don’t have the time, they’re tired, they’re used to a no-nonsense approach in their workplace, and they’re stuck in this boring rut of monotony. Work isn’t fun; that’s reserved for vacations and weekends.
Why Ruts Hurt
1532 Land O'Lakes Blvd, Suite B
Lutz
FL
33549
United States
How SCORE Helped
As a result of working with 2 fantastic SCORE advisors, I was able to obtain a loan through the Pasco Economic Development Council (PEDC). With the funds, I have had a new web site built at covertampabay.com and brochures designed, purchased new computers, and most importantly, I was able to hire a part time agent to assist in my office. Without the wisdom and experience of Hap Fairman and George Motran none of this would have been possible. My business is growing, and I have SCORE and the PEDC to thank for it!
8143 Brumby Court
Trinity
FL
34655
United States
My Successes
The Go Caddy has been on Channel 8 with Gail Guyardo and on the Today Show with Katie Lee and Hoda. It was recently reviewed in the Tampa Tribune and in many newspapers across the country. It was sold in many catalogs such as Solutions, Taylor Gifts, and now Harriet Carter, and on our website
www.thegocaddy.com, AAA, and fine luggage stores.
What's Great About My Mentor?
I am very happy with the SCORE and the SBA, and how much they have helped me along the years. I have and always will recommend them to anyone who needs advice or help in any aspects of starting or running a business, especially Hap Fairman.
How SCORE Helped
Back in 2002, I reached out to the SBA. I had attended a couple of seminars and requested a mentor to help me get my invention patented. Hap Fairman was my counselor back then, and he helped me find a patent attorney and get my business started, BVT Products, LLC. I had invented a product, at the time, called the Fitness Caddy. lt is a slender tote and water bottle holder that conveniently holds a water bottle, car keys, membership card, driver s license, cell phone and eye glasses. Now called the Go Caddy is also perfect for walking, hiking, hands free traveling, sporling events, outdoor festivals or wherever your active life style takes you. Fast forward to 2012. After reading about the Micro-loan offered by the PEDC in my local newspaper I again reached out to the SBA. What a pleasant surprise to be assigned Hap Fairman again 10 years later! Mr. Fairman helped me write a business plan and fill out all the required paper work for the Micro-loan and with his help I received the loan in May of this year.
Bruce Bohrmann's magic, after 50 years of honing, still flows from his fingertips. In the last two years, Bohrmann's hobby has exploded into a full-fledgled business.
When Bohrmann's commemorative knife took off, one local SCORE mentor, Skip Orem, was fascinated with Bohrmann's process. "I got so enthralled by what he was doing, I said, 'I think I'll take this guy,' " said Orem, 83, of Harpswell, a former submariner and executive of a marine propulsion company.
Related Topics
Published Nov. 26, 2012
SCORE ExpertAnswers
Every small business wants more customers. But how do you get “good” customers? These are the kinds of customers that start-ups and famous brands alike have found thanks to Sam Richter.
A best-selling author and expert on sales and marketing, Sam was named one of the nation’s Top 25 Most Influential Sales Leaders in both 2011 and 2012. His most recent best-selling book, Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling, has also won numerous awards, including 2012 Sales Book of the Year from the American Association of Inside Sales Professionals.
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What attributes define the “ideal” customer?
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About the Author
Sam Richter is an internationally recognized expert on sales, marketing, and reputation management. His award-winning experience includes building innovative technology, sales, and marketing programs for start-up companies and some of the world's most famous brands.
Sam has been featured in thousands of television and radio programs and national and online publications, and has presented his customized Know More! keynote and training programs to audiences around the globe.
No doubt about it. Business owners and startups are piling into social media marketing like never before. But the most successful businesses don’t go naked. They deploy a variety of digital tools to amplify and monitor their efforts.
No doubt about it. Business owners and startups are piling into social media marketing like never before. But the most successful businesses don’t go naked. They deploy a variety of digital tools to amplify and monitor their efforts.
About the Author
Daniel Kehrer, Founder & Managing Director of BizBest Media Corp., is a nationally-known, award-winning expert on small and local business, start-ups, content marketing, entrepreneurship and social media, with an MBA from UCLA/Anderson. Read more of Daniel's tips at
www.BizBest.com, follow him at
www.twitter.com/140Main and connect on LinkedIn at
www.linkedin.com/in/danielkehrer.
Published Nov. 24, 2012
When I began my civil engineering firm three years ago, I wrote a business plan to guide our growth. We’ve been somewhat successful to date, but the marketplace and a lot of our initial assumptions have changed, so it’s time to update our plan. Any tips you can offer? Read more.....
Roslindale
MA
United States
How SCORE Helped
My SCORE counselors have been integral to my business's growth over the last 3 years. Since working with them I have redefined by business and my goals, my revenue has increased nearly 50%, my client base has grown, and my confidence has soared. The SCORE mentors not only care about my business, but they care about me and their support has made all the difference in my success.
Q: I was wondering if you could help me increase my cash flow? My business makes a fine profit every year, but the bulk of our sales come during Christmas and summer. The rest of the year, business is slow and it is difficult to pay bills on time then. Thank you.
Cesar
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