Learning ForumLearning Forumhttp://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2012-01-15T13:26:56ZSquarespaceWANTED SERIOUS NETWORKERS...............http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2012/1/15/wanted-serious-networkers.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2012-01-15T13:23:31Z2012-01-15T13:23:31Z              Networkers should BE REQUIRED to list in advance what services they want to buy BEFORE the event so that the organizers can pair them up during the event ----what is so hard for everyone to understand? Time & life is too short!

]]>Afraid to spend a few bucks to get the word out about your Business?http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2012/1/5/afraid-to-spend-a-few-bucks-to-get-the-word-out-about-your-b.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2012-01-06T00:04:49Z2012-01-06T00:04:49Z      You are spending more money than is coming in your business.  Your spouse tells you are wasting TOO MUCH MONEY advertising and promoting the business. Wasting? Not really -You need to fight back and not give in to the normal temptation to cut back on marketing. You need to bring more attention to your business ....not less!

      You really have just one shot to present your pitch to a prospective client . Familiarity with you and your product will make it easier to break down the pre conceived walls that  prospects put up at the first signs of a sales pitch.

]]>Most REALLY small businesses don't get it & NEVER WILL!http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2011/7/9/most-really-small-businesses-dont-get-it-never-will.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2011-07-09T12:16:09Z2011-07-09T12:16:09Z       Yep - you get an idea or a burning desire to start your own business. Then you have a little initial success and then you fall into this deadly trap: you procreastinate hiring the right advisors lawyers, accountants, or whatever... and eventually PUFF you screw up- the governments (Fed , State, or Local) or your bank or your credit card company or most likely your empty wallet kils your dream & business once and for all. You never sought out an accountant to make sure that you were paying the least or the right taxes. You never sought out a lawyer that protected the assets that you had or accumulated. This death happens so often it is sickening for me to watch. And your bigger competitors just sit back and laugh at how one threat after another to their wealth crumbles to its own death due to this lack of planning and taking the time to do it the right way.  

]]>Social Networking alone won't cut it!http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2011/2/9/social-networking-alone-wont-cut-it.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2011-02-09T12:54:25Z2011-02-09T12:54:25ZIn fact depending on it to bring new clients may spell doom for some businesses who spend way too much time "establishing relationships" in the virtual world, It seems much better to make things like Linkedin a time filler when you just need a break from your daily grind. 500 or 5000 Linkedin "friends" may yield a "connection" that leads to a sale, but you can't count on it if you not a stable mature business. That's just my take on this new social networking world.Much better that you you use tried & tested marketing methods until you really have the time for it.

]]>You need to Network More!http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2011/1/9/you-need-to-network-more.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2011-01-09T14:44:40Z2011-01-09T14:44:40ZWhenever we ask ourselves or professional sales consultants what can do to increase our sales, the number 1 response is always "You need to spend more time networking!" How true ...whenever I look over my current client base, that's the number 1 reason why I gained that client. Yet many of the groups that I belong to are not able to bring "new" faces to their networking event. Why?

    As long as you pay your dues to these organizations and associations, they do little or nothing to find out why dues paying members never show up at their networking events. That's why exclusive networking groups that restrict membership to one member per category work so well for many small business owners. If run properly, these exclusive networking clubs work because the other members keep their eyes and ears open for referrals for you. As non-exclusive chambers of commerce and neighborhood business organizations are finding this out the hard way- their memberships are declining and interest is starting to wane. Unless these non-exclusive organizations get more new faces at their events, their popularity and financial stabilitity will continue to fizzle. 

]]>What will happen in 2011?http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2010/12/20/what-will-happen-in-2011.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2010-12-20T13:49:07Z2010-12-20T13:49:07Z               We are hearing a lot of good news with regard to the economy...but it will take some some time for the good stuff to tricklel all the way down to the small business owners. You must network like crazy to keep your name in front of your current and potential customers. Look to join new groups of business owners with which to network - expose your business to new faces......pull the plug on groups that have not brought little or no new business to you over the past year.

                 2011 promises to be a good year .........taxes will be less........consumers will have more money in their pockets. Be part of the party by energizing yourself and your business. Do something different to get your business noticed. 

                   Lets get this party started NOW!

 

]]>Everything is on SALE this year!http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2010/11/27/everything-is-on-sale-this-year.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2010-11-27T13:07:55Z2010-11-27T13:07:55Z  As the song says.... "YOU BETTER SHOP AROUND!"

 

Everything seems to be ON SALE during a recession. Everything you need to support your business from A to Z have with very few exceptions never been cheaper.

If you can't raise your prices or revenues, reducing your expenses is the next best thing.Now's the time to review what you are paying for all or any of the following services for your business:  

Accounting

Banking Fees & Services

Computers & Peripherals

Data Backup Services

Energy-Saving Devices & Programs

Finance Charge Costs

Gym Memberships & Exercise Programs

Health & Wellness Services

Insurance Costs (other than health)

Janitorial Services

Knowledge of Competitors and Books

Legal Services

Marketing Services

Net Worth Valuations

Objectives & Goal Analysis

Plans for Business

Quality Printing Services

Restaurant Costs

Software Programs

Tax Preparation Services

Utility Cost Savings Analysis

Vacation Costs

Website Redesign & Marketing

Xit Strategy Consultations

Youthful Appearance Makeovers

Zest for Living Advice & Counseling

 

]]>Every moment is precious in the Business World....http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2010/9/21/every-moment-is-precious-in-the-business-world.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2010-09-21T13:40:45Z2010-09-21T13:40:45Z              The need for entrepreneurs to use their time efficiently has never been as great as today. Distractions caused by time-consuming social networking sites and endless telemarketing calls makes it an absolute necessity to designate some time each day to planning and getting done essential tasks. But don't ever forget customer service - follow up, follow up, and follow up some more. Make every minute count and do the unexpected to differentiate yourself from your competition. 

]]>Are some small business owners ever going to learn?http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2010/8/4/are-some-small-business-owners-ever-going-to-learn.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2010-08-04T13:15:12Z2010-08-04T13:15:12ZIn What Areas Do Small Business Owners have to do a better job in the future in order to grow their businesses?

 a)           Most small business owners do not keep their BOOKS up to date – so tax planning is more difficult, if not impossible to do.

b)          Most small business owners do not have or have ever created a BUSINESS PLAN……. So if you suddenly want to bring in a partner, or you suddenly need get a significant loan to expand your business, or maybe you even want to or have to sell your business someday….. Without a business plan you will be without a vital piece of information necessary to do these things at a time when you want to do them.

c)            Most small business owners need to be made more aware of the NEW TAX LAWS - because there are more tax laws being passed these days than ever before and some of them do impact your business & can save you tax dollars now.

d)           Most small business owners fail to consistently contact their most natural source for new business- their historical list of past satisfied customers.

e)             A lot of small business owners are set up in the wrong LEGAL ENTITY and as a result these businesses pay a lot more taxes than necessary – Companies TAXED as Subchapter “S” Corporations almost always pay less income taxes, less self- employment taxes, less local earned income taxes, and less unemployment taxes than sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLC’s not taxed as Subchapter “S” corporations .

f)             Every small business owner should have some kind of business Pension Plan – Given a choice, I would rather pay my own pension plan and as a result pay less taxes to the government

   

]]>Whatever happened to "FOLLOWUP" ???http://www.newbusinesslearningcenter.com/learn/2010/7/18/whatever-happened-to-followup.htmlEarl L. Sigmund2010-07-18T12:55:29Z2010-07-18T12:55:29Z  I belong to a lot of organizations and I try like most people to BUY GOODS & SERVICES from those organizations' members as much as possible. BUt I RARELY, IF EVER get any followup to buy more product or services or a even a THANK YOU EMAIL LETTER for that matter. What the hell is going on? Doesn't anyone really want to grow their businesses out there? Am I only a one-shot deal in everyone's mind? Has the Business world gone plan nuts? Tell me if have the same feelings out there in cyberspace?

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