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What does follow-up mean?

Follow-up may seem to be a boring topic for discussion, but in my personal, career and business experience, I have benefited immensely by making a simple follow-up call or sending a follow-up email or letter. One simple follow-up email has helped my clients achieve phenomenal results, generated thousands of dollars worth sales, and maintain good relationship.

The dictionary definition of Follow-up is “An activity that continues something that has already begun or that repeats something that has already been done.”

Here are the FIVE major ways an Entrepreneur can follow-up: (more…)

Learning New Things And Your Business

A Small Business Owner/Consultant starts a business because he is an expert in something. The truth is, while operating your business, you are always learning something new, to find ways to improve upon and grow your business. Even though learning new things may seem to be fun, it can be frustrating if you are NOT sure of YOUR best way of learning new things and transforming it into a Revenue Producing Activity (RPA). When you are not sure, you are afraid of learning new things, that are necessary to run your business.

Five Ways Of Learning New Things

In my experience with my clients, colleagues and friends, I have found these Five ways of learning new things and transforming it into a Revenue Producing Activity (RPA)

In a quiet environment: Some people can learn and do their best when they are alone. When no one is around, they are able to focus completely. If you are such a person, never underestimate the need to be alone. Just block 2-3 hours of quiet time either in the morning or in the evening for this purpose.
Example of RPA-Writing your article or newsletter
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Being a part of a team: Some business owners learn and work well when they are in a group. When they are a part of a team or group, their creativity sparks in. They are able to use the ideas generated in the group and easily implement it in their business. You can create a mastermind group that consists of like minded business owners. Ensure that the group is small and meets regularly. Meetings could be held face to face or virtually.
Example of RPA: Webinars/teleseminars to discuss industry updates.

By writing on paper: With the invention of computers, PDAs, iphones,iPad etc this may seem outdated. However, this works best for me to get my tasks completed quickly, easily and effortlessly. If you are a techie, feel free to use the above gadgets. The key here is to record it somewhere. When you do so, you are putting your heart and soul into it, your mind is free from clutter and you can be sure that Universe will come forward with resources to help you achieve what you want.
Example of RPA: Your daily, weekly, monthly Action Plan.

Speaking and hearing yourself: Some people create an audio of what they speak in meetings/seminars, transcribe and get inputs from their audience and readers. They learn best from the inputs of their audience and readers.
Example of RPA: Creating your information product such as ebooks, audio books.

By listening: Some people are primarily auditory in nature. They learn and work best by listening. I personally like this very much, because, while listening I can work out in a Gym or even do some errands. This saves my personal time and I feel empowered.
Example of RPA: Listening to recorded calls from your Coach, mastermind group.

Learning New Things-Action Steps

You may choose any one or all the styles that best suit YOU .The point is to be AWARE of what your predominant style is and utilize that style in executing your revenue producing activity (RPA)

Action Steps:

Here are the two things that you can do right now:

First, read this article as many times you want to, sit quietly and identify the style you used primarily in the last 30 days, for learning new things.

Now use YOUR best style of learning new things and do at least 3 of the Revenue Producing Activities listed above.

The Need For Business Consultants

During my 30 minute Discovery session, when I ask the prospect,
“Do you have Business Consultants in your team?”

I get one of the following answers:

My business has not grown large enough, to hire a Business Consultant.

When I need a Business Consultant, I will think about it.

The thought of hiring a Business Consultant scares me about the cost associated with it.

As an Entrepreneur, I too can relate to this feeling. Now you have two options. The first option is to ignore the thought of hiring Business Consultants at all. The second one is to start thinking about the services YOU want your Business Consultant to provide, that will FIT YOUR needs. Typically you want to have a very clear understanding on the OFFER made by Business Consultants to service your company.

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First of all you must consider hiring Business Consultants as an INVESTMENT and NOT a cost. You must get HIGHER value on the investment made, which means YOUR Return on Investment (ROI) must be high. To receive a high ROI, your Business Consultants must be in a position to address the following concerns or questions that you may have BEFORE hiring:

Business Consultants-Top Four Things To Consider

1. NATURE OF SERVICES:

Complete details of services which are offered. What type of support/commitment do the Business Consultants require from YOU? There should be NO surprises. Will the services be delivered by phone or email or personally? How soon will you receive the services? Is there a guarantee? Will you get 24/7 customer support?
2. YOUR INVESTMENT (cost):

How much will be the cost (INVESTMENT) be? Would the payment be required monthly, quarterly or yearly? Will you be in a position to cancel their services any time with no further obligation?

3. BELIEVABILITY:

Do you have proof that the Business Consultants are established for a reasonable period of time? Are there testimonials on the quality of their services? Is there a trial offer?

4. BENEFITS:

In addition to addressing the concerns 1 to 3, to make it worthwhile for YOU, there is one more question and that is that is “WIIFM”-What’s In It For Me? In other words, how will their services BENEFIT YOUR Company?

Your Turn To Hire Your Business Consultants

Action Exercises:

WARNING: When you get caught up in day to day activities of running your business, you tend to ignore these points, as they seem trivial. However doing the following exercise will help you in making a sound investment of hiring Business Consultants for YOUR business.

Here are three things you can consider doing:

Write down a list of areas of business where you need help. Example of such areas could be Incorporation, Accounting, Taxation, marketing, sales, investment etc. In you questions, you can schedule your 30 minute Free Discovery Session here

Write down the nature of services in each area that YOU want your Business Consultant to provide.

Using Yellow Pages, call the Business Consultants in the area of specialty, interview them keeping in mind the aspects mentioned above and make a sound INVESTMENT.