Keeping your Business Alive

•The Van Gogh Syndrome to Marketing Can Kill Your Business
Vincent Van Gogh was an artistic genius. His work is an inspiration to artists and coveted by art fanciers. He was a superb artist. He challenged the norms and created powerful art. Van Gogh was unique. He was a master of his craft. He was a prolific artist. Today many of his paintings sell for millions of dollars. However, he was a failure as a business owner. If you fancy yourself an expert, a genius, or a Van Gogh of your field - wake up before you're dead. Don't base your business model on...

•Branding Secrets from Genghis Khan the Mongolian Marketer
What can a growing business learn about branding from Genghis Khan? He united and ruled Mongolia. Genghis is known as a strong ruler and conqueror. Some might call him cruel and vicious. But he is remembered as a strong, memorable and effective leader. Genghis Khan provides some powerful lessons for business on branding. Consider this branding challenge. Many countries, geographic regions and cultures are looking for creative ways to develop their tourism industry. How can developing...

•Six Secrets to be More Creative
Searching for creative ideas? Just use the six principles described here to create innovative ides on demand. No magic even though it seems to work that way. Skill Creative thinking is not a talent even though some people might appear to be naturally creative. The ability to think creatively is a skill that can be learned, enhanced and taught. People who seem to be more creative have just invested more time and energy learning and practicing to be more creative. Children Children seem to...

•Five Steps to Build a Personal Brand Like Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini died in 1926. Yet he is still remembered as the greatest escape artist of all time. Even David Copperfield doesn't come close in terms of brand and name recognition. That is the power of personal branding. Build a solid personal brand and it catapults you to success. Build a really good personal brand and it survives your death. Will your brand survive 80 years after your death? More importantly, will your personal brand help you while you are alive? Just imagine how difficult...

•Business Networking Stop Working the Room
Have you approached a business networking event as another Room to Work? What a mistake that could be. Some networking experts might tell you to attend networking events and be prepared to work the room. Stop and think about that advice. Is that what you want to do? Is that the first impression that you want to imprint on contacts in your network? That they were just worked by you? How would you feel when you have been worked? Stop doing that. It can feel slimy to you and the people who you...

•Five Rules to Building Your Successful Marketing System
As a marketing expert I am often asked, What is the most important element in a successful marketing program? My answer is, Follow a good marketing system. My research and experience includes interviews with over 450 business leaders, my consulting work, travel through 35 countries, market research and my experience from building my own business. I have noticed that following a system is critical to success in life and any field of business - especially marketing. Too many people fail when...

•4 Backdoor Secrets to Add More CEOs and Presidents to Your Network
Do you want to meet more business leaders? Would you like to include more presidents, CEOs, and executives in your active network? Imagine how that would help your career and business opportunities. The first and most difficult step is making first contact. Here are four creative methods that work. I know because I have successfully used every one to connect with CEOs, presidents and senior corporate executives. Volunteer Volunteer for a community cause, program or event that you support....

•First Law of Networking Scratch My Back and I ll Scratch Yours
The law of reciprocity says that after you do something for me I will feel obligated to pay you back. Say hello and I answer you back. Ask me how I feel and I respond in kind. Hold a door for me to enter and I will thank you and be more inclined to hold it for the next person. This is the most important principle of networking. Give me a business lead and I'll start thinking about who I can refer to you. That's the fundamental principle of business networking. You can apply this law in two...

•How to Get Started as a Professional Speaker
If you are thinking of becoming a professional speaker and you want to know where to start, then I offer you the same advice that helped me launch my speaking business many years ago. The speaking business is not a get rich quick scheme. There are exceptions. If you are a past president of the United States, a recent Olympic Gold Medalist or an airline pilot who just landed your plane on the Hudson River then you can grab some quick and ready cash as a professional speaker. But, beware that...

•3 Marketing Mistakes That Sink Business in a Recession
A recession does not mean the end of your business unless you navigate those rough waters blindly. Here are three rocks that can sink your business ship unless you avoid them while navigating the dangerous waters of a tough market. You might get wet but no need to capsize. Cut expenses across the board Cut marketing. Cut staff. Cut all expenditures! This siren call is the most common and foolish mistake. It's common because it is a knee jerk reaction that requires no thinking. It's foolish...