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How to hack a Black Friday promo in hours

Because your business needs to get that Small Business Saturday $$$

How to hack a Black Friday sale in hoursIf you are struggling about how your business can participate in Black Friday, I’ve got some solutions in my video below.

Even if you are a busy shop owner – like the pie company I mentioned – you can engage in the holiday spending season.  Why?  People are going to spend money this time of year.  Why shouldn’t they support small businesses??

And yes, I get that you are an eternal perfectionist who wants to spend 10 months on your website.  Or you are still battling over which service offering to share.

I’ve got some tools to help you cut through the noise.

The truth of the matter is you HAVE to become an expert at sales.  Even if you HATE selling.  So roll up your sleeves and get some quick wins.

Plus I’ll be happy to answer any questions to arise!  Just shoot a comment to me.

Highlights from the video  include:

  1. 1 easy tool to share your Black Friday special that DOESN’T REQUIRE A WEBSITE!!
  2. The reason why ALL small businesses should run a Black Friday special – it’s more than sales
  3. How you can sell in the next few days even if you don’t have inventory

No time to listen?  No worries! I’ll share the highlights below the video.

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The #1 reason why you must run a Black Friday promo

Even if it freaks you out

Don't worry about just sales for Black Friday. There is a bigger win that you can gain from offering a promotion.I’m betting you have a list of reasons why you aren’t interested in promoting a Black Friday special.

  • I can’t afford to discount my prices drastically.
  • I don’t have a ton of inventory.
  • I wouldn’t know where to start.
  • I don’t have the business model that makes sense to run a Black Friday special.
  • It’s just too much work to my already overloaded calendar

These are all legit concerns.  It IS a heavy lift. You to think and execute a promotion that makes sense to your bottom line.

However, you might want to participate after listening to the audio below.  There are sooooo many benefits besides earning revenue.  Sure, sales is a great thing!  But as a small business owner you want to learn how to connect with your people intimately – and Black Friday specials can help you do just that.

So listen to the audio or read the short list below:

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Why “I want a mentor” is the wrong question to build your business

I overheard someone asking “Would you be my mentor?”  It’s such a tough question!! You are trying to grow your business and need help. But you know that your chances of getting “yes” are pretty slim.

So how do you do it well?

I participated in a small business mentoring roundtable this year.  Attendees asked one question and the mentors shared advice.  My job – along with the other mentors – was to give amazing on the spot coaching.

Which of course, lead to ongoing mentoring requests as soon as the event concluded.

But, I had the chance to see a few participants nail the request.  I wanted to share how they did it. It might give you some ideas to grow your business by getting expert advice  in your corner.
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Should I accept half of my regular rate if I really need the money?

How to decide if you should take client work when you are in a lean season

Need to decide to take a project earning much less than your usual rate? Here are some tools to make it work:
It’s a common problem when you freelance/consult. You have a group of good paying clients. Life is rosy. Invoices and cash are coming in. Bills and expenses are paid on-time.
 
Until you reach the famine period. Where the work dries up. And you are stuck trying to figure out how to make rent/lights next month.
 
So you start “rainmaking”. You call evvvvvverrrryone and their brother. You spend hours on social media and jumping into groups to get a new client.  You find one person willing to hire you. But they will only pay you half of your normal rate. Citing their own cash flow issues. You sense that you might need to spend a good deal of time working on the project. But at least it would be some cash in the bank.

What do you do?

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Black Panther – Why this movie could make you a BETTER entrepreneur

If you haven’t heard the buzz about Black Panther, you might be on a serious social media/news fast!  The movie is breaking all types of records and has generated a solid cult following.
 
As an small biz coach who wants to see more small businesses succeed by connecting the dots, I couldn’t resist.  There are some SOLID business principles embedded in this movie.
 
Like you needed an excuse to go back and see it again. LOL
 
So let me dive in.  I’ve got three tools from Black Panther can help you strengthen your entrepreneurial leadership prowess:
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The group you need to remember when you set business growth goals

Did you ever write this “I am DETERMINED to grow my business” list?

  • I’m gonna make 10k this month
  • I will land 5 new clients
  • I’m going to grow my social media by 1,000 new followers
  • I’m going finish my website relaunch

You might be missing out on a key variable when you set these growth goals.  You have to start first with:

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The 1 goal that really matters in the New Year

Focus on the life changing goals for your business rather than getting distracted by the out of the ordinary moments.I saw a car on fire during the AM commute.  I hoped that the driver was OK.
But I wasn’t OK with the reaction of other drivers.
–No one got out to help.
–No one helped him flag down help.
 
Instead they stopped, stared, and caused a massive pile up.
 
And it made me wonder. Why do people stare intently on events that don’t matter but are cautious about what they can control? 
 
Be clear.  I am not pointing fingers.  I have my own vices.  Talk to me while I surfing Pinterest for new recipes or natural hair care videos on Youtube. You might hear some choice words.
 
But, if we are going to be successful entrepreneurs, we need to have a way to refocus our attention.  Especially when something occurs that sidetracks our focus.
 
Interested? 
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3 game changing tips if you want to start your business next year

I heard some amazing start-up business ideas this year.  So, if you are ready to start your business next year, consider these tips as you prepare.

Because starting a business is like my favorite Facebook status – It’s complicated.

And rather than share the traditional checklist like:

  • Consider your legal structure
  • Order business cards and secure your domain name
  • Create an elevator pitch

I wanted to dive into the oft-neglected steps.  These are the things that can trip up entrepreneurs if you don’t plan for them.  I’ve heard all types of stories in my business plan classes this year. And I’ve taken notes when listening to successful entrepreneurs share their stories.

So take heed and start your business on a high note!  Read below:

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Black Friday: How to recover if didn’t get the results you wanted

First Time Black Friday blues

Did you offer a Black Friday promotion and get less than lackluster results?  Perhaps it was your first time and you are totally disappointed that no one purchased.  Or you have tried Black Friday sales before but are still not seeing the numbers you want.

Let’s take a deep dive.  After receiving way too many Black Friday/Shop Small Biz Saturday/Cyber Monday emails, I noticed a few trends.  Also I gained a few insights from my own promotions.

So let’s not suffer in silence.  Let’s review some possibilities about what might be going on behind the scenes.

Especially if you are a newbie or an early adopter to selling online.

So watch the video or read the three bullets below.  Because we need to lower your alcohol bills this weekend