By Rob Christeson, on August 27th, 2010%
I believe that deciding to focus on a specific customer is the hardest decision you have to make as an entrepreneur. It’s so easy to think that “everybody” will want what you have to offer. After all, you are great, right?
For instance, let’s say you are an expert at decluttering homes. Just like on the reality show when they go in and say “do you need this?”, you are able to help people reduce the clutter and get more space in their homes. You may think, “everyone could use less clutter” and you would be right. But, does everyone need your help (i.e your specific expertise) to do that?
Maybe this is something you do just as a hobby, so your target audience is a bit younger (i.e. in their 20s) and just starting to accumulate that early clutter. Your specialty is to get them back on the right track and using good . . . → Read More: You need a single customer
By Arlen Busenitz, on August 15th, 2010%
A bridge is only as good as the pillars supporting it. Your business (whether speaking, blogging, coaching, writing, etc) will only be as successful as the pillars it is built on.
I love reading business books, interviewing business owners, and discovering how to grow a business successfully. I’ve discovered there are two pillars that essential for success:
Pillar #1: Deliver Value
Value is what people want and what people need. People buy our products, read our blog, listen to us speak because we provide value. The moment you and I cut corners on providing value, people may go elsewhere.
The road of life is littered with small-business’s, companies, and individuals who failed to provide quality value to their customers.
Pillar #2: Build Relationships
People like to buy from those they know and trust. There are several blogs I follow daily, not just because they have fresh content, but because the author is building a relationship with the . . . → Read More: Two Pillars of a Successful Business
