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What’s Missing?
When making important decisions be sure to look at all the information and data you have gathered regarding that decision but just as importantly, look at what data seems to be missing. Often times it is that missing data that can help you determine what the right decision is at the time.
Don’t Grow Too Fast
There are only so many hours a day for busy business owners and if your business grows too quickly, quality and service can slip. Our colleague Dr. Yvonne Randle at UCLA Anderson School of Management has created schedules and checklists to help you monitor growth to ensure you grow your infrastructure along with your business.
Have a Backup Plan
As much as we try to prepare and execute our businesses flawlessly, always have a backup plan for when things go differently than expected. There is no doubt that there is a little big of luck involved when things go right, but have a contingency when luck and your hard work don’t go as expected.
Making Your Passion Your Business
New Year, New Business? Make your passion your dream job. Start with a business plan to lay out your goals and objectives. For free templates and planning, go the SBA website.
Company Culture - Example - Maria’s Italian Kitchen
Create a company culture that espouses specific ideals and values. Be sure your employees are aware of these and implement them accordingly. Your culture will help your company provide a unique point of difference and help you attract loyal customers.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Resumes Tips for 2010
Be sure to focus on “achievements” as opposed to “skills”. Employers are looking for how you demonstrated measurable results for the companies and teams you have been a part of.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Say No to Yes People
As a strong leader avoid the “yes” people and challenge your employees to suggest unique solutions to your business challenges even if they feel you might resist them. That is the only way to encourage growth outside of your comfort zone. Employees who simply execute your orders probably won’t be around long as they will seek opportunities with other companies that will listen to their ideas.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Make Your Business “Scalable”
If you are looking to attract investors your business must be able to grow efficiently and quickly. Outside investors will not be interested in “lifestyle” businesses that provide a good living for the owner but probably won’t have the growth potential for a large multiple on their investment. Most investors are looking for a potential 10-20x ROI for their investment.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
More Cash for Small Businesses
President Obama has urged the major banks to provide loans to small businesses to fuel the recovery. Start with the Small Business Administration to find out where to go to apply. Many of the banks have been reluctant to lend so we will monitor this new initiative and report back if it is a success.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Happy New Year!
Wishing you the best in the New Year. Listen in this Sunday to 2Minutes&More for a full hour. This week we will cover Corporate Social Responsibility with an interview with the global head of marketing for Whole Foods Markets.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Today is The last Day of the Year 2009
Many companies were started by employees due to the difficult economy and being laid off. But now these same folks are striving to run their own businesses with the entrepreneurial dream. We wish them only success in 2010.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
More about Clichés we Love to Hate
Our listeners really dislike “Walk the Talk” or “Talk the Walk”. Others include “drill down” or “At the End of the Day”. Listen in for more - and more importantly - find new words and phrases to describe what your company does.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
New Year’s Resolutions for Business
Visualize your New Year’s resolutions right away in January before urgent priorities take over. Break down your resolutions to small tasks that can be accomplished daily or weekly. Before you know it, you will have achieved your goal and be ready for the next one.
Give a Reporter a Trend or Prediction for 2010
Year-end is traditionally a slow news time for reporters and editors. This is the best time to introduce you and your company to the ones that cover your industry as they are usually open to trends or unique predictions for the year ahead. Strike now while the news cycle is slow.
Holiday Thanks and Gratitude
Betsy and Renee salute our sponsors and all of our listeners and fans. It takes courage and commitment to successfully launch and run your own business and we wish you the best wishes for success in the coming New Year!
Holiday Thanks and Wishes
Betsy and Renee send out a big thank you to our sponsors along with the employees of Fraser Communications and Berkhemer-Clayton Executive Search. Happy Holidays To All!
Letters of Agreement
At the bare minimum have a letter of agreement with all of your client. Best business practices call for an agreement in writing so there is no confusion or assumptions by either party as to what the scope of work and payment terms are for the products or services your business provides.
Creative an Environment to Encourage Fresh Ideas
Three tips to create an environment to encourage fresh thinking is to listen to all suggestions no matter where they come from in the company, restate the ideas that are brought to you so you ensure you have heard them correctly, then acknowledge the positive aspects of the idea before offering any criticism. Following these tips will provide for an environment of encouragement and employees will offer ideas without the fear of having their ideas shut down.
Stay Upbeat and Positive
We can’t say it enough - optimism is one of the most important qualities for the leader. Your employees look to you and when their leader is upbeat and positive it effects them as well.
Internships
College students are looking for work in their industry of choice. Be sure to get your company on college internship lists so students will know you are hiring. Often times students will work for college credit only and the opportunity to learn from an established organization.
Job News - Hopefully We Have Turned The Corner
There are opportunities for small businesses to develop niche markets and take advantage of the recovery. It will be a long process but if every small business in CA can add one job over the next year, we can go a long way to creating the jobs CA needs.
Build Creative Partnerships with Your Clients to Solve Their Problems
Strive to build your clients’ business - not just sell them your services. When you build their business you build a strong relationship with your clients that cannot be broken. So focus in and helping them and the rest will fall into place naturally.
Get Organized at Year End
Get organized and stay organized. The end of the year is a great time to wrap up old projects and get rid of the clutter. Studies prove that our focus improves when we eliminate the clutter and unfinished business that can surround us.
Women Businesses In California
According to the Center for Women’s Business Research there are 1.3 million Woman Owned Companies in CA that generate 300 billion dollars and provide over 2 million jobs.
How Small Business Can Beat Big Business
Focus on Innovation, Price and Service to win the day. Remain nimble, react to market changes quickly and beat the bigs to the punch every chance you get.
Create a Culture of Applause
Your employees are new business ambassadors for your company. Get them excited about your business and engage them in the process of winning new clients - and be sure to reward them - it is a win/win situation.
Become Known As An Expert
Be seen and heard at events your clients and potential clients are attending. Offer to speak on panels at trade shows and professional trade associations to gain visibility for you and your company.
Year End Tax Preparation
Listen in to review items you need to cover as you go through your expenses from the past year. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Measuring Productivity - Even for the Boss
Record all of your time so you can track it against your clients. Another great tip is to check the clock every 15 minutes to ensure you are making progress on your key items for the day.
Anticipate 2010 Trade Shows Now
Listen in for strategies on how to be effective at Trade Shows. Your booth should convey who you are and what you do in 5 seconds. The most important time of a Trade Show is the week after when you follow up on all your new leads.
Don’t Procrastinate - Budget Now for 2010
Take the time now to review your budget for next year. 2 weeks spent now to plan your 2010 - setting clear strategic goals - will pay many dividends once the New Year takes over with its new time demands.
Your Business - Your Dream Job
Not all businesses start with the goal of raising money through venture capital funds and selling quickly at the IPO. Most small businesses are life long projects where the CEOs created their very own dream job.
More on Partnerships - Money Matters
Watch The Money
Have an agreement in place before you begin and have a clear understanding on how money will be spent and how much will be spent on business development. Most partnerships split when there are issues around money management.
When to Take on a Partner
Consider a partner if your business has grown beyond what you can handle alone or if you are looking for expertise to complete your offerings or perhaps looking for more working capital.
Diversity in the Workplace
A good mix of diversity in your company will give you a broader range of understanding and creativity in what you can offer your clients.
Give Thanks and Reflect
Economic indicators are looking up for the New Year, so be grateful this year for making it through, but start planning now on how to become more successful during the recovery ahead.
Consider Forming an Advisory Board
Consider forming an Advisory Board to help expand your business and gain expert advice. Sometimes all it takes is offering a monthly dinner meeting. A very small cost for a potentially big payoff.
Prevent Work Place Violence
Take Your Clients to Lunch and Ask Them How You Can Do Better
Celebrate the holidays by taking your clients to lunch. Take that time to learn more about their business and how you can do better in the coming year to help them achieve their goals.
Planning The Holiday Party
Especially during this difficult economy it is important to take time to celebrate the holidays and reward your employees who have helped you get through. Listen in for ways to celebrate without breaking the bank.
‘Tis The Season To Network
There are plenty of Holiday Events to mix and mingle with potential clients. Get out there and celebrate the season, and build those relationships for next year’s new business win.
Buy and Use Your Customers’ Products
Using your clients’ products and services not only makes a positive impression and builds loyalty, it also allows you to keep learning about your client and what you can do to help them improve.
Been There - Stop That - More Cliches To Avoid
We have all “been there, done that” - and we’re tired of hearing it. Make an impression by not using those old and trite turns of phrases like “thinking outside the box,” “to die for,” or simply “awesome.”
Pictures Paint 1,000 Words
You don’t have to be an expert photographer to use terrific and impactful images. Go to iStockPhoto, Getty Images or BigStockPhoto to find them.
Make Sure You Are Visible At Work
You have to let your boss and even your boss’ boss know what you are accomplishing in your position. Be assertive but not aggressive.
Successful Job Interviewing
Tips on how to ask or answer the right questions at the interview.
Congratulations to California First Lady Maria Shriver for Another Successful Women’s Conference
Congratulations go out to California First Lady Maria Shriver for another successful Women’s Conference. Great learnings came from the conference especially about leadership. We have said it many times on our show, you must provide bold leadership as an entrepreneur in order to inspire the best from your employees.
United Way HomeWalk
Join us tomorrow, Nov. 7th, for the 3rd Annual HomeWalk, a 5K walk to help end homelessness. More individuals and families live without a place to call home in Los Angeles than any other city in the nation. Help make a difference for these families. Register here.
Blackberry & iPhone Etiquette
Go old school and pay attention to the people around you. Turn off your blackberry or iPhone while in meetings and even while on business luncheons. If you must check for an important message, announce that you need to check periodically for the message and if it comes through, excuse yourself from the meeting to handle it.
Social Media - It’s a Must
1000% growth for Twitter & Facebook would be the 4th most populous county in the world. Get up to speed with Social Media, it is not going away.
More Tips on Finding and Hiring the Best
When looking at resumes look to see if there is a clear career path established with potential candidate’s past employers. Always verify the information including degree checks and dates of employment. And make those calls to their references - even if the interview goes well, verify that what you see is what you’re getting.
Finding and Hiring the Best
Just like pursuing new business, you have to be proactive to find the best employees. Ask your contacts who is the best person they know. Do not rely only on job boards or online tools. You might get lucky, but the better bet is to search out the specific candidate you want with the skill set your business needs.
Dynamic Logic’s Report on Effective Interactive Advertising
Listen in to the results from Dynamic Logic’s report on effective online advertising strategies.
Bankers - How To Find One
Most entrepreneurs are driven by their ideas and their businesses but don’t know how to speak with bankers. It is an important relationship - just as valuable as your most loyal client. So build a strong relationship with your banker and be honest about your financial needs. The best bankers out there will help work with you to find solutions. So if you are not getting the service you deserve, go shopping for a new banker.
Email Tips Part 2
More strategies to make sure your emails are effective
Email Tips
Strategies to make sure your emails are effective.
Reward All Staff - From the Most Senior to the New Hires
In order to determine how your business can run more efficiently, you need to listen to all your team members. Reward all levels of staff who bring forward suggestions for improvement - not just the senior team. Empower everyone in the organization to help improve your business.
Let It Simmer
If you are faced with a tough problem and can’t find a solution - take a break. Let your subconscious deal with it. You’ll find after a good night’s sleep or even a good run around the park, you’ll have a new perspective and probably a new solution.
Create Partnerships With Your Clients
You must become true partners with your clients and develop long-term relationships. Short term thinking simply for profits will make for short relationships and unsatisfied clients.
Entrepreneurs Think Differently - Always Looking for Opportunity
Large companies often reward employees for maintaining the status quo - Entrepreneurs simply can’t think that way. You must always look for opportunities or ways to improve systems or product offerings to remain competitive and nimble in the marketplace.
Leadership Skills for Entrepreneurs
Successful entrepreneurs must go beyond just doing the work and demonstrate leadership skills and qualities. Listen in for tips.
Reset Economy Means Reset Your Staffing Requirements
Tips to keep staffing levels at an optimum, incorporating part-timers, free-lancers and consultants.
Evalute Costs and Cut, Cut, Cut
The recession has forced us all to evaluate costs and see where we can cut, trim or eliminate a cost all together. But make it a habit to review costs monthly and be ever vigilant. It is easy to let recurring monthly costs continue without scrutiny as to the services purchased and if they are even a business need any longer. Don’t fall into that trap.
First Impressions Take Preparation
You only get one chance to make that first impression. Listen in for tips to insure you prepare your best to make your best impression.
More New Business Tips
Most importantly, the new business meeting better be about the client not about you. Listen in for more tips.
Women’s Conference - The Premier Forum for Women - Hosted by CA First Lady Maria Shriver
This year it is October 26th and 27th at Long Beach Convention Center. The Women’s Conference is the nation’s premier forum for women and is hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Conference, also known as The California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women, has grown from a California initiative for working professionals into an international network of women from all walks of life, backgrounds and perspectives, and a life-changing experience for the thousands of women who have attended. The mission of The Women’s Conference is to inspire, empower and educate women to be Architects of Change in their own lives and in the lives of others. This year the Conference has expanded to two full days of speakers, sessions and events.
Win More Business By Going Beyond Expectations
Always find out what the potential client is looking for and then go beyond what they expect to receive. For the advertising business that can mean finding a key new insight to drive sales.
Go Get Your Opportunities - They Won’t Come to You
Push beyond your comfort zone and network, network, network. The harder you work, the luckier you will get. Try this event from NAWBO-LA:
October NAWBO-LA on the Move (Encino)
Maria’s Italian Kitchen (Encino)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
8:00am - 9:30am
16608 Ventura Blvd.
Encino California 91436 (view map)
818 783-2920
JOIN US and come experience firsthand the power of a community of women business owners who are dedicated to each other’s success! NAWBO-LA on the Move is a networking breakfast meeting especially designed for women business owners that meets once a month in various regions of Los Angeles. The meetings are held in an intimate setting to help you develop valuable business connections, expand your circles of success and build lifelong relationships.
Congratulations to Jane Wurwan, CEO of Dermalogica, a great example of how to grow your business
Congratulations to CEO Jane Wurwan who runs a $200 M/yr manufacturing company of all–natural cosmetics, who started in 1986 here in Southern California. Your story inspires us all!
Voice Mail Tips
Tune in for tips on leaving effective voicemail messages - hint - keep it short and sweet.
Dialing for Dollars
Calls from the CEO are still the best way to drum up business. Make those calls now before everyone gets distracted by the holidays.
Serve the Cause - Join the Board
Getting involved with non-profits is good for them and good for you too. Impressing fellow board members can get you in the door to do for profit business with them as well.
Entrepreneurship At Any Age
Start your business at any age. Typical entrepreneurs are aged 40, married with kids. And these days twice as many women than men are starting their own business. So go for it!
Client Relationship Management (CRM)
Tips to keep track of touchpoints with clients and prospects. Salesforce.com is a good resource.
Lima Beans and Business
Tune in for a funny story about pushing your lima beans under the mash potatoes. It applies to business too when you push the problems under the carpet.
“Reset Economy” Part 2
“Reset Economy” means “re-think” your offerings. Listen to your customers to learn what they are doing differently and align your offerings to match up.
What does “Re-Set Economy” Mean?
Tune in to learn what it means to be part of the “Reset Economy” - a term made popular by Jeff Immelt, CEO of General Electric.
Optimism - Share It - It is Infectious
Seems everywhere you read these days, the experts are finally optimistic about the future economy. How do you feel about the economic climate? Share your thoughts with us.
Small Business is Hiring
If you are looking for work, look to small businesses. Big corporations cut many jobs this past year - but with the economy turning around, it will be nimble small businesses that will be looking to hire first.
Smart for Life Cookie Diet
Good Health is Good for Business and using the Smart for Life Cookie Diet can help you maintain your weight, especially if you have to eat out often with clients. Go to their website here.
Time Flies By - Use Laser Focus to Succeed
Technology has compressed the work cycle and we are all working faster and more efficiently. To keep up the pace use your laser focus to meet fast paced deadlines.
Some Employees Love Working for Small Businesses
Small businesses can offer employees benefits the big companies can’t - access to the boss and the opportunity to grow with the company by wearing many hats.
Roy Choi - Kogi Korean BBQ
A great example of using Twitter - and following your passion. Listen in to Roy Choi’s story.
To Incorporate or Not to Incorporate - We Answer the Question
Lots of options, C-corps, S-corps, LLCs, listen in to hear the differences.
Academy of Business Leadership - Anna Ouroumian President and CEO
Academy of Business Leadership is a program to energize and engage young people to get excited about entrepreneurship. Anna Ouroumian, past NAWBO Rising Star award winner, leads the project. Check out their website here.
Role Models
Hear about some of the role models that inspired small business success.
Financial Planning
Learn about savings plans that benefit both the employees and the employer.
PR OR Advertising or PR AND Advertising
There’s a big difference between Public Relations and Advertising but you need both.
Balance - Strive for It In Your Life and Business
Listen in for tips on how you can “Have It All” even if you might not be able to “Have It All Right Now.”MBA Degrees - Raise your earnings up to 50%
Earning your MBA will help you earn more money. Many local university have well regarded programs including UCLA Anderson School of Management with the option of going to school full time or earning your MBA while remaining in the work force. Listen in to find out how.
What Does an Advertising Agency Do?
Listen in to hear all the benefits of using an advertising agency.
Business Ethics - Big Companies and Small
Your reputation is your most precious asset - don’t put it at risk with unethical behavior.
Business Ethics - Pay Your Vendors First
Pay your vendors even before you pay yourself. Vendors will come through for you when they know they will be paid on time.
When You Lose the Pitch
Determine what went wrong, but more importantly, follow up with the prospect 6 months later to see how things are working out with the selected vendor - you might have a chance to pitch again if things haven’t gone smoothly.
Working With and Motivating Millennials
Tips for hiring and working with the Millennials (Generation Y, aged under 28 years old).
Fraser Listed on the LABJ List of the Top Woman Owned Businesses
Secrets to successful sales presentations - listen to the client and their issues - don’t make the presentation about you.
SCORE With Experts Who Will Provide Advice on Your Business
SCORE - “Counselors to America’s Small Business” - offers toolkits for success as part of the “Accelerate Your Success Campaign” to help entrepreneurs start up and succeed during the recession, keep Americans employed and create new jobs. Access their website here.
Travis Air Force Base - We Support Our Troops
Betsy reports back from a day at Travis Air Force Base. Our troops and airmen are doing an incredible job and deserve our support - and not only that, they can help your small business with procurement opportunities through the Federal government.
Do Well By Doing Good
When you believe in the work you do, your work will show it. Fraser Communications does work in both the public and private sectors to ensure we are doing good in the world.
Work ON the Business, not IN the Business
Strategies to watch the details - delegate only with a firm understanding of all the particulars - without micromanaging.
