-
-
As a business owner, you know what it’s like to lie awake at 2 a.m. Maybe it has happened when you are excited and full of new ideas for your business. More often, it’s because you are worried about issues you will face the next day. Sometimes, it’s because you just woke up with the solution to a problem. I’ve experienced all those emotions about my businesses over the years. Awake at 2 o’clock? is where I share them with you, and hopefully help with answers that will let you sleep.
John F. Dini, CExP, CEPA
-
Small business owners are the Hunters of the 21st century. We are 3% of the US population, and yet we create over half of all American jobs. As Hunters, we may not be inclined to manage by the numbers or stick to systems. Are you a Hunter or a Farmer?
-
-
How prepared are you to exit your company?
The Assessment breaks down the four major categories of exit readiness; Finance, Planning, Operations and Revenue/Profit.
Tag Archives: small business advice
The Man (or Woman) Who Knew Too Much
Most businesses need salespeople. Most salespeople need to know what they are selling. This leaves many owners on the proverbial horns of a dilemma. Should they hire a great salesperson and teach him the business, or should they take someone who … Continue reading
One Response to The Man (or Woman) Who Knew Too Much
Leave a Reply
Performance Reviews- Best Practices
Performance reviews are a pain. In my nearly 40 years in business they have always generated the same complaints. Managers hate to do them. As a consequence, they are frequently over due. They provide the employee with little information on … Continue reading
2 Responses to Performance Reviews- Best Practices
-
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
-
Good advice for small businesses that are growing at an exponential pace. Communication with employees is essential. You pointed out a fair structure to guide that communication.
Leave a Reply
Profits and Savings aren’t the Same Thing
How much profit will you make this year? If you are like many business owners, the answer is “We’ll see.” They consider profit to be the amount left over after all of the business expenses are paid. That’s an accounting … Continue reading
Leave a Reply
When a Good Employee Fails
One of the most difficult challenges facing any entrepreneur is correcting a prior promotion that didn’t work out. Sooner or later it happens to every business owner. You promote employees because they’ve worked hard, were senior in their position, or … Continue reading
Leave a Reply
Why Business Owners Shouldn’t Cold Call
The Owner as Salesperson If your business employs salespeople, then you’ve probably had them bring an account challenge to you. “You need to talk to this customer, Boss. You can (fill in the blank) better than anyone else.” The fill-in-the-blank … Continue reading
3 Responses to Why Business Owners Shouldn’t Cold Call
-
John,
The difference between the Industrial Age and The Information Age…is just that.
Information……found through numerous avenues.
I truly believe “cold calling” is a waste of time (not only for business owners ) but sales people altogether.
The cold calling era is dead….here is why.
We don’t call a decision maker and expect them to say great…..come on in for a cup of Joe and show me what you have to sell.
Cold calling involves coercion, several calls back, emails, voice mails, rescheduling and you know what….?
We as salespeople have given away our control!
People love to buy but they HATE to be sold.
What’s the definition of insanity?
Trying the same thing over and over with the same results. Ludicrous!-
Great points Roy.
I met a business owner two weeks ago that said the problem was people had become rude and discourteous. Asked to elaborate, he told me that he “dropped in” on 20 businesses a week, and asked for 15 minutes with the CEO. Over 90% refused to come out and see him immediately!
Obviously, he is stuck in the wrong century.
-
-
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!
! Finally I have found something which helped me.
Kudos!
John,
As a sales and marketing manager for 30+ years, I couldn’t agree more with your insight. It’s far more important to hire a “salesman” and let him sell than to move a technician or even a marketing person into a sales position. I’ve learned the hard way!
While it’s often good to have the experience of walking a mile in another’s shoes, the sales to manufacturing doesn’t work, just as the manufacturer to sales wouldn’t work either.
Thanks, Gerald