| Small business consulting advice for entrepreneurs at | | | | make every dollar of revenue count. |
| all levels looking for success in this economy. | | | | 5) You Must Be Prepared to Sell: |
| What do companies like GE, HP, Microsoft, CNN, Hyatt | | | | Great sales people are made, not born. You must |
| and Burger King have in common? They were all | | | | learn and apply the essential skills of selling your |
| started in economic downturns by entrepreneurs | | | | product or service to succeed and prosper. |
| whose passion, commitment, and ability to execute far | | | | 6) Put Your Customer Ahead of Yourself: |
| out-shadowed the temporary economic obstacles. For | | | | Great entrepreneurs know that success is all about |
| the fearful, our current economic environment is an | | | | serving the customer. Keep your focus on meeting |
| obstacle, for the bold, it is an opportunity. | | | | and exceeding the customer's needs, and you will not |
| For those bold entrepreneurs, here are 10 Tips to | | | | only stand out from the competition, but your customer |
| Starting a Business in This Economy: | | | | will reward you for it. |
| 1) Your Idea Must be Fresh and Innovative | | | | 7) Don't Go It Alone; Ask For Help: |
| Many entrepreneurs have made a fortune on a simple | | | | People love to help others, you just need to ask them! |
| twist or new application on an existing product or | | | | The key to success in any economy is to seek the |
| service. Having a great idea is the first critical step of | | | | advice and counsel of experienced business persons |
| success. | | | | in your niche or industry. |
| 2) Your Idea Must Compel the Customer to Spend | | | | 8) Use Leverage to Grow: |
| Customers are more cautious than ever with their | | | | Successful entrepreneurs know that big success |
| purchasing dollar, knowing what makes your product or | | | | comes from leveraging their contacts, experiences, |
| service irresistible is the key to success in a down | | | | relationships and finances. Learning this critical skill is |
| economy. | | | | essential in a struggling economy. |
| 3) You Must Have an Executable Plan with Clear | | | | 9) Harness Technology and Social Media: |
| Objectives | | | | Pencil and paper entrepreneurship is dead, make sure |
| Writing a plan, doing research, and having a well | | | | you are familiar with the latest technology and social |
| thought out strategy along with realistic projections for | | | | media platforms to speed your operational efficiencies, |
| revenues and expenses are crucial in an economy | | | | and drive marketing and sales results. |
| where every dollar counts. | | | | 10) Never Give Up, Never Surrender: |
| 4) You Must Be a Watch Dog on Costs and | | | | Your ability to motivate yourself and your team is |
| Expenses: | | | | paramount in a tough economy. You must set the |
| With access to capital scarce in a slow economy; it is | | | | course, share the vision and kick it up a notch if you |
| more important than ever to cut costs to the bone and | | | | expect to survive and thrive in this economy. |