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Research Your Competition and Then Change Your Approach

August 19, 2010 By

Some people welcome competition and see it as an opportunity to improve their business. Others put on blinders, ignore the competition and are happy to run their business as usual. There are a few ways to learn about what works and doesn’t work for your competitors so you can create a business that’s all your own.

  • Research your competition honestly. Never mislead competitors by pretending to be a client. Instead, set up a Google alert with your competitor’s name in quotes. Each time they’re in the news, you’ll receive an e-mail alert. Check out their Web site to learn more about their products, services and business philosophy.
  • Introduce yourself to your competitors. Savvy business people know that there’s enough business for everyone. If a competitor is up to his or her eyeballs in clients, they may send a few clients your way. [Read more...]
Filed Under: Balancing home/office Life, Improving your web site, Making money from home, Marketing/Public Relations, Time mgmt./Productivity, Working with clients Tagged With: , , ,

4 Ways to Make the Road to Success a Little Less Bumpy

July 19, 2010 By

My son just earned his driving permit.  When he slips into the driver’s side and carefully adjusts the mirrors and seat, I realize that everything is new to him.  Yet at some point, he’ll run on autopilot and driving will seem second nature to him.

When I look back at my career and think about every job I’ve ever had, I realize I’ve experienced the same thing. At first I’d learn everything I could and then eventually I’d go into autopilot.  There was nothing new to learn, my boss refused to do anything differently and I quit using my business skills.

Working from home has changed everything.  As my own boss, I can’t afford to sit back and coast through each business day.  Instead, I make a conscious effort to develop more skills. This keeps me in the loop and keeps my business from being left behind.  There are a few ways to do the same.

  • Sign up for webinars in your field. You could spend a solid year (virtually) attending every [Read more...]
Filed Under: Balancing home/office Life, Improving your web site, Internet marketing, Making money from home, Time mgmt./Productivity, Working at home Tagged With: , , ,
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