I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Shaken and Stirred
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Hi Reader, Did you know that research shows men are more comfortable ordering a cocktail when they know what kind of glass the drink is served in? It's led some restaurants and bars to add images to their cocktail menus to give men the boost of confidence they need. When you think about it, it makes sense. Some men think it doesn't look manly to drink a fruity cocktail or one that comes in a glass associated with fruity cocktails. So rather than risk it, they'll go with what they know. Big deal. So what? The larger implication is that you also need to understand what may be getting in the way of your customers or clients buying what you're selling. What's their hidden fear, anxiety, or discomfort? What's the question they're either afraid to ask or don't even realize they need to have answered so they can buy from you without reservation? This is where some research and a customer or buyer journey map can really deliver value for your business, but odds are you've already got some intel that can help you identify the kryptonite for customers. Start with what you've already gathered and learned through:
While it's important to address what you're specifically finding in all of this information, you also need to read between the lines. People often skirt around what they really want to know, especially if it makes them uncomfortable. For instance, people ask me lots of questions about pricing when what they really want to talk about is money, as in revenues and profits. But talking about money is frowned upon for mission-driven entrepreneurs and is certainly a sensitive subject in our society as a whole and for my audience in particular. However, I love talking about money and I do frequently. One of my goals is to destigmatize conversations around money for entrepreneurs because a healthy relationship with money is vital to running a successful enterprise. I often start off letting prospects know that we're going to be talking about money and I understand that may be uncomfortable for them. Then, I explain why it's so important we have this conversation. Whether or not we end up working together, they've begun an important journey reframing their relationship with and mindset around money, which is a win-win in my book. By initiating that transformation for them, I'm delivering immeasurable value that pays off in current or future business and referrals as well as countless acts of goodwill and good karma. Listen, it's not easy peaking under the hood of your research to find the hidden insights that can turbocharge your business results. If you need help or want to transform your own money relationship, just hit reply. I'm here for you. Until next time, PS - In case you missed it, last week I explained why Diversity Is Key to your business security. Your success is our strategy!No longer want to receive my newsletter but don't want to miss my special offers and announcements? Click here. |
Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Hi Reader, This fall my mom was diagnosed with mild-to-moderate dementia. While sad, it did not come as a surprise. It's one reason I sold her house and we moved in together late last summer. At first, I planned outings to the Y and other senior programs, scheduled visits from family and friends, coordinated physical therapy appointments, and designed little daily activities to keep her engaged and stimulated. This winter it's gotten harder and harder to get mom out of bed let alone dressed...
Honestly, I was going to writing about something else for my first missive of the new year, but I don’t want to add my voice to those trying to normalize what is not normal. I don’t know about you, but it’s very hard to shut out what’s going on and focus on my to-do list these days. Especially, when every item seems trite and pointless against the much larger issues hitting the news feeds multiple times a day. It’s more than a lot. It’s way too much. So today my message is simple: Take care...
Right now, there's a consumer 'blackout' movement afoot to, basically, stop buying stuff for the entirety of the Black Friday weekend from corporations. This isn't just happening in the USA, but also in Canada, as a way to protest the current economic climate and policies that are making the wealthy wealthier and squeezing every penny out of the rest of us. Don't forget, there's still active consumer protests against Target, Home Depot, and Amazon, among others, as well. In other words, it...