Benchmark Business Group - Business Owner Newsletter

Benchmark Business Group - Business Owner Newsletter http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/rss/2013 Benchmark Business Group en-US Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:20:13 +0000 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:20:13 +0000 Copyright 2026 Benchmark Business Group. All rights reserved. postmaster@globalreach.com (Benchmark Business Group) postmaster@globalreach.com (Benchmark Business Group) Global Reach News Aggregator v0.96 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Your Story http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-story http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-story Tue, 17 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000 <table align="none" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; border-style: none; border-width: 0;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="vertical-align: top; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; width: 37px; height: 99px;"> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; width: 491px; height: 99px;"> <div> "Behind every small business, there's a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores - these didn't come out of nowhere."  -<a shape="rect" style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Paul Ryan </a>  </div> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; color: #000000; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; width: 42px; height: 99px;"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> As the end of 2013 draws near, we wanted to take a moment and thank you for allowing us to hear and even participate in your story. Running a small business is not for the faint of heart.  We see the time and energy you devote day in and day out.  We hear the worry along with the excitement for the dream you are bringing to life.  In the middle of all this hard work there are the milestones that really count.  Sure there are the sales goals that you meet, but more important are the customers you help,the employees you empower to create a better life, and the difference you make in a community. Every day you are creating a story that is bigger than we often stop to think about.   You Can Always Find a Distraction http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/you-can-always-find-a-distraction http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/you-can-always-find-a-distraction Tue, 10 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000 Question: In what ways have distrac.......... Oh, in what ways have distractions kept you from realizing your potential? State of Distraction http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/state-of-distraction http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/state-of-distraction Tue, 03 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000 It’s December and as a business owner you’re probably in a state of distraction. Those distractions can be fun such as your vacations and holiday parties. They can also be work related as you try to close deals before the end of the year, set goals for next year, and run end of the year processes.   The pressure is on and it’s there not just for you, but for your employees and customers as well. All of this while trying to run the day to day business operations that already occupy at least 40 hours of your week.    Double Vision http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/double-vision http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/double-vision Tue, 26 Nov 2013 06:00:00 +0000 Before jumping into this week's article we wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for making the time to read our thoughts each week.  We know that as business owners you don't have spare time and we truly appreciate every moment that you choose to spend working with us on building your business.  We wish you, your staff, and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.   Does Your Frequency Need Adjusting? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/does-your-frequency-need-adjusting http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/does-your-frequency-need-adjusting Tue, 19 Nov 2013 06:00:00 +0000 This week we'd like you to set aside all of your doubts and concerns for just a moment and step into the dreaming room with us. Take a moment, stretch your imagination, and think about the customer contact strategy you'd put in place for your customers if time and money were not an issue.     You probably have some great ideas, but why don't they get implemented?   Because time and money are realities that business owners are constantly balancing against each other. While we like to hear that anything is possible the truth is some things simply are not possible, right now.   Your Customer Contact Strategy http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-customer-contact-strategy http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-customer-contact-strategy Tue, 12 Nov 2013 06:00:00 +0000 What would your customers say about your customer contact strategy? Do I or Don't I: Holiday Cards http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/do-i-or-dont-i-holiday-cards http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/do-i-or-dont-i-holiday-cards Tue, 05 Nov 2013 06:00:00 +0000 This month we're focusing on client contacts and what better place to start than the Holiday cards that will soon be filling up your mail box. Many businesses are rightfully asking: Should we send a holiday card this year? And if so, do we mail it or will an email work just as well?   The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer. Instead of getting caught up in the "do I" or "don't I" battle, focus on the following three questions. Once you're finished, the answer to the original question should be clearer. Choose Your Flight Plan http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/choose-your-flight-plan http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/choose-your-flight-plan Tue, 29 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000 All through October we have explored Sales; we have looked at steps you can take to make an <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001gibSrqGsSPc7diUc0t22TvEO7w00Gouou5wVuQIdrVz3xgw-oY8z85wcKNy6hgwtddlGCjY6D4ZVB2BLJeDUbKo7PVfjj3pYNVXM-HYqdi9PVyRoio7u8SMce9ea4xdahon4IzTnCIoTfe7CiXsKKc1h4axFPGH9kg05EZVGDwNqzzoNLFCt04RiLTtOiGqsbgK536hEB2UEiiL2HN97Tw9diW_WQnUC" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">immediate impact on your sales</a>, asked the question, "What is the attitude of you and your sales team when interacting with prospects," delved into the importance of <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001gibSrqGsSPc7diUc0t22TvEO7w00Gouou5wVuQIdrVz3xgw-oY8z85wcKNy6hgwtddlGCjY6D4ZVB2BLJeDUbKo7PVfjj3pYNVXM-HYqdi9PVyRoio7u8SMce9ea4xdahon4IzTnCIoTfe7CiXsKKc1h4axFPGH9GTcPAxtsK_hqqSoh5w4zH9hqeRliXQWeZhKBRF5TeHA=" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">developing a hot list and working the plan</a>, and then laid out a <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001gibSrqGsSPc7diUc0t22TvEO7w00Gouou5wVuQIdrVz3xgw-oY8z85wcKNy6hgwtddlGCjY6D4ZVB2BLJeDUbKo7PVfjj3pYNVXM-HYqdi9PVyRoio7u8SMce9ea4xdahon4IzTnCIoTfe7CiXsKKc1h4axFPGH9O3urYkovoTNBPSZSNFMv3DUvdJmFmTQN" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">call to action challenge</a>.  Now, let's touch on the necessary energy and attitude that projects how you feel about what you are offering. Call to Action http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/call-to-action http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/call-to-action Tue, 22 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Last week you read about <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/10/is-your-plan-to-fail.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">the Hot List and planning to fail</a>. What did you do with those concepts?   <ul> <li>Have you formulated a Hot List? </li> <li>Are you still planning to fail by failing to plan? </li> <li>Have you planned how to contact the list but just haven't had the time? </li> </ul> Whatever your response may have been, it won't change the fact that now is the time to take action. Make one call from your Hot List. Just one. We dare you. Is Your Plan to Fail? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/is-your-plan-to-fail http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/is-your-plan-to-fail Tue, 15 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Do you have a plan in place for reaching out to your potential or most likely customers or clients? If not, according to Harvey MacKay, "If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail." When you desire to grow your business, becoming clear on who you intend to reach and how you intend to reach them is of the utmost importance. There is one item that is essential as you plan to grow your sales - a Hot List. Sales Attitude http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/sales-attitude http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/sales-attitude Tue, 08 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000 What is your attitude with prospects?  Your sales team's attitude with prospects?   Are you making these sales mistakes? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/are-you-making-these-sales-mistakes http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/are-you-making-these-sales-mistakes Tue, 01 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000 In an effort to avoid being pushy and to avoid a “NO,” most business owners skip two vital elements of the sales process.  Below are the elements PLUS simple, effective ways you can make a difference in your sales process TODAY. 3 Business Disaster Essentials http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/3-business-disaster-essentials http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/3-business-disaster-essentials Tue, 24 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000 No matter how bad it seems at the time, your business will go on in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The office could be wrecked, the store destroyed, the inventory ruined, the computers gone but you will move past all of that because you had the foresight to put together essential information and tools that will get your business back on its feet. In addition to <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/09/your-business-interruption-checklist.html" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">the disaster checklist</a>, the following are three essentials to get your business back up and running after a natural disaster. Your Business Interruption Checklist http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-business-interruption-checklist http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/your-business-interruption-checklist Tue, 17 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000 "It won't happen to me." Have you ever stopped to think about how many business owners have made that statement or thought something similar? The simple truth is we never think a natural disaster will affect us, even though we see proof nearly every week that disasters can, and do happen. The most current example of this is the flooding that happened in Boulder County, Colorado last week. Emergency Business Interruption Checklist http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/emergency-business-interruption-checklist http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/emergency-business-interruption-checklist Tue, 17 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Checklist for preparing your business for an emergency or natural disaster. National Preparedness Month http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/national-preparedness-month http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/national-preparedness-month Tue, 10 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000 <a href="http://www.ready.gov/business" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">September is National Preparedness Month</a> - What do you need to make sure is in your preparedness kit to ensure that you are never taken by surprise? preparing for computer problems http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/preparing-for-computer-problems http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/preparing-for-computer-problems Tue, 03 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Computers crash...it's a fact of business, but most small business owners are unprepared.  It's easy to think that it'll never happen to your business or that you already have a system in place to handle this. We know from experience that as much as we wish those two thoughts to be true, they are often not. So even if you have a system in place read these 3 tips and evaluate where your business is really at: Systems and Your Vision http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/systems-and-your-vision http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/systems-and-your-vision Mon, 26 Aug 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Systems are a means to an end. And that end is your vision. As we've discussed, <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/08/is-the-e-myth-revisited-still-relevant.html" style="color: black; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">some argue that systems are robotic and kill creative environments</a>.  And they can be....if you let them. The simple truth is that as a business owner, you control how systems are written and operated which influences that end result.   If you don't want to have a robotic and uncreative environment, let your Entrepreneur personality kick into gear. Re-Inspire Your Business with the E-Myth Revisited Book http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/re-inspire-your-business-with-the-e-myth-revisited-book http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/re-inspire-your-business-with-the-e-myth-revisited-book Mon, 19 Aug 2013 05:00:00 +0000 The E-Myth Revisited has a way of staying with readers long after they first picked up the book. Perhaps it's because business owners read it and immediately relate to the stories of Sarah. If you haven't read the E-Myth Revisited let us give you a biased opinion-you should! If you have read the E-Myth Revisited it is a good time to pull it out and be re-inspired. Here's a list of great topics in the book to check out. System Quote and Question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/system-quote-and-question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/system-quote-and-question Mon, 12 Aug 2013 05:00:00 +0000 "When you first start off trying to solve a problem, the first solutions you come up with are very complex, and most people stop there. But if you keep going, and live with the problem and peel more layers of the onion off, you can often times arrive at some very elegant and simple solutions. Most people just don't put in the time or energy to get there." - Steve Jobs This week we ask you to set some time aside and ask yourself: "What problem in your business tends to keep reoccurring, because the solution is complex?" Is the E-Myth Revisited Still Relevant? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/is-the-e-myth-revisited-still-relevant http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/is-the-e-myth-revisited-still-relevant Mon, 05 Aug 2013 05:00:00 +0000 There are critics who say that the world and the world of business have changed to the point that the E-Myth Revisited, by Michael E. Gerber, is no longer relevant. Often times, anti E-Myth arguments center on the idea that systems make for a formal and rigid work environment, thus creating an almost robotic culture that crushes any sign of creativity and innovation. It's easy to ignore the critics. The E-Myth Revisited is a New York Times Best Seller and has been used successfully in over 50,000 businesses worldwide. We know that it works. We see the successes every day, but it's worth asking, "Has the world and business changed since the writing of the E-Myth Revisited? Absolutely!   Social Media wasn't a hot topic when Gerber penned the E-Myth. Employers were talking about how to manage the baby boomer generation and prepare for the generation X. In today's world, social media is a topic of interest with other "traditional" media and employers are talking about how to handle the retirement of the baby boomers and prepare for the millennium generation. See referrals can be fun http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/see-referrals-can-be-fun http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/see-referrals-can-be-fun Mon, 29 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000 ... We saw this sign while driving and just had to send a kudos to this business for working a pun and the start of asking for referrals into their name!  It's very catchy and sure to be remembered. we challenge you http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-challenge-you http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/we-challenge-you Mon, 22 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000 This month we have focused on <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/07/how-many-rs-are-you-asking-for-.html">developing a referral strategy by zeroing in on the art of proactively asking for a referral</a>. Asking for referrals is known, as it should be, as a required element of a successful business. Yet, what we see time and time again is that most businesses do not have a proactive referral strategy in place. Referrals may come to them, but they've yet to develop the combination of <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/07/referral-quote-and-question.html">habit and experience</a> that is needed to have a true referral strategy in place. The result of not having a referral strategy in place? A loss of opportunity and at what cost?!   Take a moment and imagine if your business could double the number of referrals that come through your doors. How would your closing ratio be impacted? How much would your revenue increase? How would your sales process be impacted? Are referrals on your agenda? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/are-referrals-on-your-agenda http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/are-referrals-on-your-agenda Mon, 15 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000 sample agenda for gathering referrals http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/sample-agenda-for-gathering-referrals http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/sample-agenda-for-gathering-referrals Mon, 08 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000 A sample agenda designed to help business owners ask for referrals. Referral Quote and Question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/referral-quote-and-question http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/referral-quote-and-question Mon, 08 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Last week we focused on <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/07/how-many-rs-are-you-asking-for-.html" style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">creating a referral strategy</a> and discussed the importance of proactively asking for referrals. Another important element of creating a referral strategy is making sure your business creates a quality experience that your customers are excited for their family and friends to experience.  This week we challenge you to think about these quotes and their corresponding questions that focus on both elements of a successful referral strategy: the habit of asking and creating the experience.   How many "R's" are you asking for? http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/how-many-rs-are-you-asking-for http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/how-many-rs-are-you-asking-for Mon, 01 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000 "Hey Tim, have you tried the hardware store over on 6th? They were super friendly and had everything I needed to finish the deck." Does that statement sound vaguely familiar? Of course it does! Without even thinking about it, people refer acquaintances and friends to different places or services on a regular basis. Referrals are far and away the most missed opportunity for business owners. Referrals provide the most qualified leads at the lowest cost. Are you taking advantage of that? Is your business getting as many referrals as it should? When was the last time you or anyone in your business asked for a referral from a client? The truth is that most businesses, and their owners, do not ask for referrals because they are uncomfortable about asking and have no clear strategy for asking for referrals. Every business has the responsibility to create a strategy for referrals that is clear and intentional Professional Service Relationships - System Outline http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/professional-service-relationships---system-outline http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/professional-service-relationships---system-outline Mon, 24 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000 In the past few weeks we've discussed the <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/06/leverage-what.html" style="color: #0000a5; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">importance of leveraging professional relationships</a> in your business. Today we are looking at the steps you can take to make sure you're leveraging your professional services to the max. Leverage Your Insurance Agent http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leverage-your-insurance-agent http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leverage-your-insurance-agent Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000 1. Keep the regular reviews with your agent.  Businesses are making changes daily and keeping up with those changes requires some effort.  Depending on the size and type of business, you may need to review with your agent quarterly, or even more often.  Your agent wants is done correctly and at the lowest cost as you do. 2. Your agent is the only advocate you have with the insurance carrier.  Disclose everything to them.  They can't help you or educate you if they don't know what exposures you have.  It is better to know up front what pitfalls there are than to find out after a claim happens. Leverage Your Banker http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leverage-your-banker http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leverage-your-banker Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000 1. A good Relationship (Personal) Banker will want to be very involved with your business, keeping up with the daily happenings of the business, and working to be an advisor for the business owner. 2.  The good Relationship Banker will aid the business owner through all stages of business: Growth, Sustainability, Succession Planning, and Exit Planning. Leverage Your Accountant http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leverage-your-accountant http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leverage-your-accountant Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Tips on Leveraging Professional Services http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/tips-on-leveraging-professional-services http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/tips-on-leveraging-professional-services Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000 In the June 3rd article, we talked about <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/06/leverage-what.html" target="_blank">leveraging your professional service relationships</a> such as your Accountant, Insurance Agent, and your Bank or Relationship Banker. Rather than give you more of our own ideas and experiences, we thought we would go straight to the service providers themselves for their thoughts on what business owners need to know and how they need to approach the relationship. Click on the professional service type to see what the experts had to say! Leveraging Strategic Business Partners http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leveraging-strategic-business-partners http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leveraging-strategic-business-partners Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Last week we discussed the <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/06/leverage-what.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">importance of leveraging strategic business partners</a>. This week we ask you to question how to use this advice in your own business. Leverage What http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leverage-what http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/leverage-what Mon, 03 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Relationships are the keys to most successful businesses. The more obvious relationships are those you hold with your customers and your employees. The less obvious relationships are those you hold with the other businesses and professionals that provide you and your business with important services, such as bankers, attorneys, accountants, and technology providers. In larger businesses, these disciplines and services are often provided through in-house dedicated departments, because they are so essential. In smaller businesses, this group is most often not leveraged properly and therefore never develops into a relationship that maximizes the value for your business. Yes, your CPA can do more than just prepare your annual tax returns, and your local Banker does more than loan money. There is a possibility you are not asking the right questions, or avoiding the questions altogether.   So, what if you began to think of each of these providers as essential departments within your business, all working as strategic partners towards a common set of goals? To work, all participants in the relationship must be engaged and working towards the same results. You have to be as involved as your strategic partners, and that means taking responsibility for your part and holding your partners accountable for theirs. Money and Time http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/money-and-time http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/money-and-time Mon, 27 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Some think that there is a clear analogy to money and time. We invest our money, we invest our time; we save our money, we save our time; we spend our money, we spend our time; we make more money, we make more.... This is where the analogy breaks down. Yes, there is something to be said about the investing, saving, and spending of both money and time, but you cannot make more time so you are left with two choices: Make it count the first time, or let time just slip away. Time is relentless and continues to tick by no matter what you do to slow it or stop it. This is why what Golda Meir once said is so important, "I must govern the clock, not be governed by it." This past month we have focused on Time Bandits. Three common Bandits identified that will govern how we spend our time when we choose to not govern them were; <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/04/three-bandits-that-steal-your-time.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">e-mail, over committing, and employee interruptions</a>. The proven system of "<a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/04/how-to-implement-do-not-disturb-time.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">How to Implement Do Not Disturb Time</a>" was made available as a tool that will help you to govern the clock rather than be governed by it. Take the system, implement it, use it, and watch your time become your own to do with as you choose. How to Implement Do Not Disturb Time http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/how-to-implement-do-not-disturb-time http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/how-to-implement-do-not-disturb-time Mon, 13 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Last week we discussed implementing "Do Not Disturb Time" as a way of combating <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001kWucBbfFjHL3DAK69jY-H9Ruu6u7jWMkmi6daH6i5SZk0fG_i5qO1h6HvRrwyEUFvQ4ZaRE2URpb_FKfH6Yi4P5tBqpsNvZ7gqoBeE2EEEmu4T9hu_pnfbj4pSMiMZ2XiQHlZNl6cxwo-bbxQsKaqa3-Ilw-KGCWVlF6pzFjktNXNL4Io62gtcdv48cFaFyD33uR3r9gTM68p3c8vnqKig==" target="_blank">Employee Interruptions</a>.   If you're like most of the business owner's we've coached over the years that might sound a lot like Never Never Land: great to imagine, not so easy to implement. The good news is that our business coaches have worked with hundreds of business owners, just like you, with great success of implementing time to work "ON" the business and not just "IN" the business...as Michael Gerber describes.  Three Bandits that Steal your Time. http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/three-bandits-that-steal-your-time http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/three-bandits-that-steal-your-time Mon, 06 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Where does your time go? How is it that you can come in at 7 AM and then at 6 PM suddenly realize that the day has completely passed you by? How did you miss dinner with your in-laws? (Okay, you may want to plead the Fifth on that one, but you get the idea.) Time is the one resource you cannot replace but use and allocate the worst. So, what happens to your time? How does it get away from you? What steals your time?   Time Bandits are responsible for stealing the better part of the day away from you and your business. They can include anything from answering the phone, having a cluttered desk, or having an unscheduled meeting. They can and will be different for everyone, but in the space below, you will find three common bandits that may be stealing your time. Wildcard Business Tip http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/wildcard-business-tip http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/wildcard-business-tip Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Looking for an efficient way to advertise to clients when they are in your office/store? A great tip is to use a digital picture frame or even a TV that displays promotional materials for your business. Consider using a variety of slides that showcase: Business Owner's Implementation Guide to SEO http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/business-owners-implementation-guide-to-seo http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/business-owners-implementation-guide-to-seo Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000 This month we have already looked at Search Engine Optimization(SEO) from the Entrepreneur and Technician point of view. You should already have a <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/04/the-3-e-myth-personalities-and-seo.html" target="_blank">result statement</a> and <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/04/seo-from-a-technicians-point-of-view.html" target="_blank">a basic knowledge of SEO</a>. Today we encourage you to put on your Manager hat. It's time to take that basic knowledge and begin to develop the plan for how you will implement basic SEO techniques in your business. As described in the <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/what_we_do/emyth-defined.html" target="_blank">E-Myth Revisited</a>, the Manager is the "planner" of work. There are three basic elements that you need to consider as you plan your SEO work: Don't worry if you do not know this information right now. Later in this article we provide you with links to resources that will help you gather and analyze the needed information. SEO from a Technician's Point of View http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/seo-from-a-technicians-point-of-view http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/seo-from-a-technicians-point-of-view Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Last week we discussed the importance of starting <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/04/the-3-e-myth-personalities-and-seo.html" target="_blank">Search Engine Optimization (SEO) from an Entrepreneur’s point of view</a> by creating a result statement.  This week we are skipping to the Technician's point of view.  At the end of the month we will cover the Manager's Point of View, but before you create your plan it's helpful to be familiar with some of the technical points. As described in the <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/what_we_do/emyth-defined.html" target="_blank">E-Myth Revisited</a>, the technician is the "doer" of work.  When dealing with SEO the technician's work is often making changes to websites or creating links back to your own website.  As a business owner, the goal is not to do this tactical work yourself or to be an expert in SEO, but it is important for you to have some technical knowledge.  By understanding at least a few basics of SEO, you have the ability to ask the right questions and to delegate the work.  The truth is many businesses are hurt by small SEO errors that are easy to fix.  The good news is that there are many options out there for learning the basics.  Here are two to get you started: The 3 E-Myth Personalities and SEO http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/the-3-e-myth-personalities-and-seo http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/the-3-e-myth-personalities-and-seo Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000 Can your business afford to ignore leads that are looking for a place to spend their money? Consumers are becoming web savvy and turning to their favorite search engine to help decide where they want to spend their money. And if your leads are turning to search engines, then you need to know how to influence those searches. Search Engine Optimization, commonly referred to as SEO, is the way you can influence how easy it is for your leads and your customers to find your business via search engines. Put simply, SEO is a marketing strategy for the internet age, yet it is often overlooked by business owners. Why? Many business owners view SEO mainly from a tactical point of view. It is shrouded in a web of jargon that can be down right frustrating and thus easy to discount by saying, "It's not for me." Granted there is a technical side to SEO, but more importantly, SEO is a marketing strategy that when neglected or ignored can cause you to lose out on leads and revenues. Not All "Likes" Are Created Equal http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/not-all-likes-are-created-equal http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/not-all-likes-are-created-equal Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000 On Facebook, when you “like” a page it is easy to assume that you will see that page’s updates, but in reality not all “likes” are created equal.  As we discussed in <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/03/five-features-to-bring-your-business-into-focus.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Five Features to Bring Your Business into Focus</a>, there is an algorithm often called Edge Rank that decides where a post shows up in the news-feed.     Today, we look at another way to boost Edge Rank, which is controlled by fans that like your page.  When someone “likes” your page the default is set to “Show in News Feed.”  This means that when they like your page the results will show up in their news-feed, but how often and where depends Five Features to Bring Your Business into Focus http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/five-features-to-bring-your-business-into-focus http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/five-features-to-bring-your-business-into-focus Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000 In last week’s article, “<a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/03/3-keys-to-getting-your-business-recognized.html" target="_blank">3 Keys to Getting Your Business Recognized</a>,” we discussed the importance of creating an online presence by using Likes, Comments, Shares, Tags and Check Ins on various social media sites. This week we’re looking at why you should use the features and how to use these features in more detail. Note: We’re mainly focusing on Facebook features in this document, because it is one of the most widely used social media sites. However, most social media sites have similar features and you should look at using these on all sites. 3 Keys to Getting Your Business Recognized! http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/3-keys-to-getting-your-business-recognized http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/3-keys-to-getting-your-business-recognized Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 +0000  Have you ever found yourself standing in a book store or novelty shop looking at one of those pictures with an image hidden in the graphics? You stare, and stare, and stare at one point in the picture until the image shows itself. In today's small business climate, getting your business recognized can be like staring into that picture. Customers make thousands of choices everyday that decide the success or failure of small businesses and it is up to you to bring your business into focus. How do you make your business standout? What is different about what you do and how you do it that drives customers to your door? What are you doing to get the name of your business out to your potential customers? As Michael Gerber pointed out in "The E-Myth Revisited," you have to know who your customers are and what they want from your business. In the following bullets, you will gain a high level view of how to get your business recognized by your customers, their friends and the surrounding community. 2 Ways to Save Time and Money When Hiring http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/2-ways-to-save-time-and-money-when-hiring http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/2-ways-to-save-time-and-money-when-hiring Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000 If you have been in business a few years you've probably have heard or even worse have your own hiring horror stories.  The truth is hiring can be a huge strain on your resources-money and time-but it doesn't have to be!  This month, we've looked at hiring from a big picture point of view in "<a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/02/the-next-great-employee.html" target="_blank">The Next Great Employee</a>" and recommended "<a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/02/five-underused-resources-for-finding-your-next-great-employee.html" target="_blank">5 Underused Resources for Finding Your Next Great Employee</a>".  Today we are wrapping up our hiring topic with two products that will help you systemize your hiring process and help save you time and money when you are ready to hire.  Five Underused Resources for Finding Your Next Great Employee http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/five-underused-resources-for-finding-your-next-great-employee http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/five-underused-resources-for-finding-your-next-great-employee Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000 Now that you need to find your <a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/02/the-next-great-employee.html" target="_self">Next Great Employee</a> where do you start?  Sure there are the usual tactics such as newspaper ads, website postings, and even word of mouth, but there are other resources out there that are under used by business owners.  Here are five resources you might consider: The Next Great Employee http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/the-next-great-employee http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/the-next-great-employee Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000 Indiana Jones looking for the Ark of the Covenant. Frodo’s embarking on a quest to destroy the Ring. Both tasks daunting in their own right, but not nearly as daunting as finding the next great employee. How do you begin the quest? How do you even begin to think about it?! How do find that one candidate that fits with your organization? Do you understand what type of employee fits with your organization?  These questions, and more, swirl in the minds of many business owners, and are completely ignored by most. Without a hiring process, finding the next great employee becomes a crap shoot, or just dumb luck. The hiring process is something that happens in between the everyday business activities. By taking the time to map the process in advance, you set your business and candidates up for success. It is vitally important to have your strategy planned and your path to hiring set before you embark on the quest to find the next great employee. Work/Life Balance Tech Tips http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/worklife-balance-tech-tips http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/worklife-balance-tech-tips Mon, 28 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000 Hopefully you’ve made a commitment to achieve a work/life balance this year and have already started working on a plan. If not read our article: “<a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/01/planning-to-have-a-life-outside-your-business.html" target="_blank">Planning to have a life outside your business.</a>” If you have, Congratulations! Now take the next step by exploring these tech tips which can help you implement those work/life balance goals! PTO Systems that Your Business Should Have in Place http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/pto-systems-that-your-business-should-have-in-place http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/pto-systems-that-your-business-should-have-in-place Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000 In last week’s article, “<a href="http://www.e-mythbenchmark.com/business_coaching_tips/2013/01/planning-to-have-a-life-outside-your-business.html" target="_blank">Planning to Have a Life Outside Your Business</a>,” we discussed the need to schedule your time away, to have a Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy, and to support your business and employees by creating Systems and Training that enable PTO. This week we are presenting a listing of PTO Systems that your business should have in place to support your employees, clients, and company: Planning to have a life outside your business http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/planning-to-have-a-life-outside-your-business http://www.benchmarkbusinessgroup.com/business-coaching-and-consulting/business-owner-newsletter/planning-to-have-a-life-outside-your-business Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000 Most people take this time of year to talk about resolutions and planning. You know, the weight you’re going to lose, the new business you will bring in, the weight you’re going to lose, upgrading your business facilities, the weight you’re going to lose, and so on. In the context of your business, planning is usually all about revenues and profits, staff, equipment needs, and even how you as the business owner are intending to use your time more efficiently.  What about you?  Aren’t you one of your business’ most important assets?  Isn’t it important to your business, let alone yourself and your family, to maintain your health and your sanity?  Did you not go into business in part to create more freedom and a more enjoyable life?  How is that working? This is a not-so-subtle reminder to plan for your time off. Plan some short days. Make plans for a vacation later in the year. Take the time you need to put your work/life balance back in order. Encourage your staff to do the same and they will thank you for it.