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Higher "positivity" leads to success
posted by Lianne

Business Plan - check
Investment Capital - check
Marketing Plan - check...

Running a business is a big undertaking. Doing your homework in the areas listed above is a very good start. But have you thought about positivity as an indicator of success? Take a minute to read this article and consider the impact the so-named "positivity ratio" has on your success. It's an eye-opener to learn that positivity factors of 3:1 up to 5:1 are indicators of success. Yet many of us aim for 1:1, which is simply having no more negativity than positivity. This is another way in which breaking even isn't good enough! And it's not just about yourself:

"If you are a leader, consider that managing your moods is one of your chief responsibilities. You are a 'walking mood inductor' and your subordinates are 'receptors.' Your mood impacts how they feel, and, consequently, how they perform."

Which helps determine the culture and impacts the performance of your business.

Relationship marketing: beyond making friends
posted by Lianne

Relationship marketing is a process that goes well beyond establishing cordial friendships. Here are a few resources with some thoughts on the topic.

Design. Edit. Enjoy.
posted by Lianne

Follow this link to enjoy some well-designed and well-edited examples of architecture. Keep scrolling; some are stark and cool, and many are warm and inviting. All of them are interesting.

I once had an instructor who said, "you can't argue with taste." He was right! Whether these homes appeal to your tastes or not, I will argue that they are examples of brilliant design and editing.

Obviously before breaking ground, there was a high level of commitment to the design of each square foot of the spaces. This is important to success in any area of business or life. Underlying this commitment is 1) a purpose -- what did the designer set out to "say" and "accomplish" with his or her completed home? and 2) a plan -- how does this angle, room, color, accessory, storage area, hallway, engineering feat, building material, etc, fit the purpose?

The best use of your money, energy, and time is spent on those investments that move you toward your purpose. Some of your decisions will connect you with your target customer (as opposed to the world). Some of your decisions will connect you with your values and what you set out to do.

So, spend some time calibrating or recalibrating: 1) your purpose (values/vision), 2) your plan (design), and 3) your steps (editing out what doesn't get you there). It doesn't have to be done in solitude. Further down the road you will enjoy the time you have earned in return for your effort.

Thinking in Reverse
posted by Lianne

Thinking in the reverse can be refreshing and mind-opening.

Techniques like reverse brainstorming and reversal problem-solving helps see things from a new angle and gain perspective about the direction to go. Entrepreneur magazine has several interesting articles about what not to do (desperation marketing and holiday mistakes*) that can free up your mind to do the right thing as you reach out to your customers.

*It's always a good time to make a plan for the year including the holidays.

Find out more with market research
posted by Lianne

I found a place where you can hang out (or revisit a few times) to help you think about market research. If you are making business plans for '10 or if you'd like to know your target client better -- then get clicking!