Written by: Kate Volman, Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce
I just got home from an event where Matthew Kelly spoke about “Becoming-the-Best-Version-of-Yourself” and I am confident that everyone in that room left feeling a bit more inspired than they did when they first got there. He always amazes me with his messages… They seem so simple, yet it can be so easy to stray from what we know we should be doing in order to reach our goals.
Best-selling author Matthew Kelly helps companies of all sizes discover their dreams and provides the tools to achieve them. His book, The Dream Manager inspires us all to run towards our dreams. Don't let a challenging economy stop you and/or your company from reaching its goals! Now, more than ever, we need to fight for our dreams and do what it takes to accomplish what may sometimes seem impossible. Some dreams are large, others are small, but all are extremely powerful.
Matthew says that "you and I are most fully alive when we are chasing our dreams" and now, more than ever, we must work smarter and harder to reach our goals. The GBRCC is committed to your success and we hope that you take advantage of the amazing opportunity to spend the day with Matthew Kelly at the Living the Dream event. Click here for more information.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Small Business
Written by: Ian M. Berkowitz, Berkowitz & Associates, P.A.
As many small business owners continue to struggle in these tough economic times and the "official" recession progresses, die-hard entrepreneurs of all kinds try their very best to develop and implement new ways keep their heads above water and maybe even grow their businesses. Many of the most highly successful business men and women have been created during the most challenging times in our economic history. I believe that if you take advantage of these challenging times by challenging yourself to be open to new ideas and networking opportunities then you might begin to reap some new and unexpected benefits.
One new and exciting opportunity that I suggest you take advantage of as soon as possible is to join a chamber of commerce. In my humble opinion, you have no idea how many business connections, benefits and opportunities you are missing out on by not joining a chamber of commerce. Case in point, last week I was privileged to have participated as a panelist at an event for the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce called back to Basics, A Guide to Business Survival. I, along with two highly successful business leaders presented numerous answers to questions such as: How to get government money for your business; how to market your business more cost effectively; how to reorganize your daily routine to make your operations and sales more efficient and what are the three biggest areas for business owners to focus on during these tough economic times? The amazing thing is that it was free and there were over 100 other business owners present with whom to network.
As defined by Wikipedia, a chamber of commerce, also referred to in some circles as a board of trade, is a form of business network. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. Generally, chambers of commerce serve the following purposes: to create a strong local economy, promote the community for businesses, provide networking opportunities, educate business owners on all types of areas to become more effective business owners, speak with all levels of government entities that affect the local community on behalf of businesses and participate in political action, such as getting pro-business candidates elected to office. In case you might not be aware, it is believed that the first chambers of commerce were founded in 1599 in continental Europe specifically Marseille, France and Brugge, Belgium. An equally interesting fact is that the world's oldest English-speaking chamber of commerce is Glasgow, Scotland, which was established in 1783.
Each and every day business owners like you and me are looking to reach out to more customers and clients and turn them into loyal and supportive paying patrons. Joining a chamber can and will provide you with a substantial amount of opportunities to meet potential customers, develop a network of like-minded business owners to refer you business, gain knowledge on the business issues in your community, and learn all types of new skills to enhance yourself and your business.
Here is a fact and a thought for your consideration. Our Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce is composed of more than 1,700 companies representing well over 35,000 employees. Is reaching out to that number of businesses in our local community worth it to you? I know it is to me and that's why I am a proud member and supporter of our chamber. If your goal is to add one new thing to your list of networking and educational opportunities with the potential impact of growing your business then I would strongly urge you to consider membership in one of the local chambers of commerce.
As many small business owners continue to struggle in these tough economic times and the "official" recession progresses, die-hard entrepreneurs of all kinds try their very best to develop and implement new ways keep their heads above water and maybe even grow their businesses. Many of the most highly successful business men and women have been created during the most challenging times in our economic history. I believe that if you take advantage of these challenging times by challenging yourself to be open to new ideas and networking opportunities then you might begin to reap some new and unexpected benefits.
One new and exciting opportunity that I suggest you take advantage of as soon as possible is to join a chamber of commerce. In my humble opinion, you have no idea how many business connections, benefits and opportunities you are missing out on by not joining a chamber of commerce. Case in point, last week I was privileged to have participated as a panelist at an event for the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce called back to Basics, A Guide to Business Survival. I, along with two highly successful business leaders presented numerous answers to questions such as: How to get government money for your business; how to market your business more cost effectively; how to reorganize your daily routine to make your operations and sales more efficient and what are the three biggest areas for business owners to focus on during these tough economic times? The amazing thing is that it was free and there were over 100 other business owners present with whom to network.
As defined by Wikipedia, a chamber of commerce, also referred to in some circles as a board of trade, is a form of business network. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. Generally, chambers of commerce serve the following purposes: to create a strong local economy, promote the community for businesses, provide networking opportunities, educate business owners on all types of areas to become more effective business owners, speak with all levels of government entities that affect the local community on behalf of businesses and participate in political action, such as getting pro-business candidates elected to office. In case you might not be aware, it is believed that the first chambers of commerce were founded in 1599 in continental Europe specifically Marseille, France and Brugge, Belgium. An equally interesting fact is that the world's oldest English-speaking chamber of commerce is Glasgow, Scotland, which was established in 1783.
Each and every day business owners like you and me are looking to reach out to more customers and clients and turn them into loyal and supportive paying patrons. Joining a chamber can and will provide you with a substantial amount of opportunities to meet potential customers, develop a network of like-minded business owners to refer you business, gain knowledge on the business issues in your community, and learn all types of new skills to enhance yourself and your business.
Here is a fact and a thought for your consideration. Our Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce is composed of more than 1,700 companies representing well over 35,000 employees. Is reaching out to that number of businesses in our local community worth it to you? I know it is to me and that's why I am a proud member and supporter of our chamber. If your goal is to add one new thing to your list of networking and educational opportunities with the potential impact of growing your business then I would strongly urge you to consider membership in one of the local chambers of commerce.
Monday, December 8, 2008
St. Pete Beach: Troubling Developments in a "Hometown Democracy" Testing Ground
Written by: Ryan Houck, Floridians for Smarter Growth
In 2006, St. Pete Beach became the only city in Florida to adopt a local Hometown Democracy (HD) measure, requiring voter approval for all comprehensive plan changes. Since becoming an HD test case, residents of the small Pinellas County town have endured seemingly endless legal battles, unavoidably chaotic elections, and serious economic setbacks. The local tourism-based economy has stagnated and costly legal and administrative delays have prevented the city from complying with state growth mandates.
Playing by Hometown Democracy rules, community leaders in St. Pete Beach organized an effort to reinvigorate the local economy by placing four comprehensive plan changes on the ballot. Eager to end the legal and economic malaise, the voters of St. Pete Beach decisively approved all four plan changes in a special election on June 3rd, 2008.
Lawsuits soon followed. Indeed, the same anti-growth activists who championed the "right to vote" are now seeking to overturn a free and fair election. In fact, Hometown Democracy disciples have filed nearly a dozen lawsuits aimed at stopping, stalling or invalidating the will of the people in St. Pete Beach.
In a recent development, Florida Hometown Democracy (FHD) Co-chairman Ross Burnaman filed a legal challenge that seeks to overturn the election. Most Floridians will marvel at the brazen hypocrisy of a group that preaches "power to the people" while simultaneously seeking to frustrate elections at every turn.
FHD leaders have claimed that Hometown Democracy is all about the voice of the people. However, the message they are now sending to the residents of St. Pete Beach is perhaps closer to the truth: "you can have any opinion you want, as long as it’s ours."
This is the natural result of a system that encourages conflict rather than compromise. In fact, most observers will not be surprised that the same Hometown Democracy supporters who campaigned on ‘the right to vote’ now seek to overturn an election. They don’t really want to empower people; they want to stop all growth at any cost.
If Hometown Democracy is aimed at stopping growth, then its leaders should have the intellectual courage to say so. However, if their idea is really about letting the will of the people prevail then FHD leaders should withdraw their legal challenge and let the election stand.
Although it did not appear on the 2008 ballot, we can expect a full-fledged campaign in 2010.
With your help, Floridians for Smarter Growth (FSG) remains dedicated to building that campaign and alerting every community to the dangers of this radical proposal. If you want to get involved, please visit the Floridians for Smarter Growth website at www.Florida2010.org.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Vision for Today's Family
Written by: Dr. Stephanie May, Families by Design
The idea of "today's family" has transformed many times over in the last several decades. Our lives seem anything but simple. Everyone is going in different directions at different times. And so, in this hectic time where people would rather text message than talk, we would love to inspire you and your family to connect.
Our message is simple: Learn about yourselves and each other! Learn like you are mastering something. And even better, Learn Proactively! This is what creates connection. So many times, parents turn to us once a problem has already occurred; and while there are effective solutions to assist a family in this place, we ask you now...Why wait until then??? Do you really want to live your life being in reaction to this problem or that surprise? Or do you want to take active steps to be as healthy and happy as possible?
Below you will find some key suggestions in creating connection in your family and learning more about yourselves and each other:
Create a Family Contract which outlines agreements between all family members as to how they interact with one another. Some possibilities include: Talk to each other with respect- or- Call if you are running late. Just like the vision statement, this should be written together and then posted in a visible locale. Enroll in personal development opportunities. There are a multitude of workshops, trainings, and courses for this reason. No one gave you a manual on being a parent for example, so this is the perfect thing to seek growth about proactively. Listen with your full attention when you ask each other about your day. Be aware of what differences you create when you are truly fully present with them versus when you are distracted. And lastly, sit down together. Let this time be focused and dedicated to what activity you have chosen. Turn cell phones, television, and even computers off. Yes that includes Mom and Dad too. We certainly hope that you will use all or some of the suggestions presented here. Even our own experience tells us that it all starts just by having a vision- a purpose- and then living by it each and every day to the best of our ability until the results show up that we had originally intended. This is exactly how our Families By Design team was created, and we are honored to share our vision, purpose, and passion with you.
For further information about Families by Design and our services, please go to http://www.familiesbydesign.net/ or call 561-994-7222.
The idea of "today's family" has transformed many times over in the last several decades. Our lives seem anything but simple. Everyone is going in different directions at different times. And so, in this hectic time where people would rather text message than talk, we would love to inspire you and your family to connect.
Our message is simple: Learn about yourselves and each other! Learn like you are mastering something. And even better, Learn Proactively! This is what creates connection. So many times, parents turn to us once a problem has already occurred; and while there are effective solutions to assist a family in this place, we ask you now...Why wait until then??? Do you really want to live your life being in reaction to this problem or that surprise? Or do you want to take active steps to be as healthy and happy as possible?
Below you will find some key suggestions in creating connection in your family and learning more about yourselves and each other:
For further information about Families by Design and our services, please go to http://www.familiesbydesign.net/ or call 561-994-7222.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tips to Keep Your Holidays ‘Lite’
Written by: Jodi McCarty, Lite For Life of Boca Raton
As the holidays approach, many of us are dreading the inevitable weight gain in December, and the annual New Year’s Resolution to lose weight in January. End the cycle this year by following these tips to keep ‘lite’ during the holiday season!
1. Make a commitment to yourself and your goals.
Put your goal to maintain your current weight through the holidays in writing. Read your goal daily and don’t let anyone or anything derail you.
2. Plan ahead, in detail, for social events.
Make a firm plan of action such as sticking to the vegetable tray. “I’ll just watch what I eat” won’t work. You’ll watch yourself eat everything in sight.
3. Eat normally and have a healthy snack just before leaving the house.
If you starve yourself during the day, you will overindulge later. Eating most of your calories in one big meal is the worst way to eat and to watch your weight.
4. Slow down and savor your food.
Put your fork/utensil down after every bite. Chew thoroughly and enjoy the taste of your food. Eating in and of itself should be an enjoyable experience!
5. Take a 20 minute break before having more food.
It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full. Take a break and let your body communicate internally before you head back to the buffet line.
6. Drink plenty of water throughout the event.
Adequate hydration is imperative for your body to function efficiently and effectively. Plus, if you are full from your water intake you will eat less food.
7. Use alcohol in moderation or not at all.
Alcohol is full of empty calories and a high amount of sugar. The body has no way to store alcohol so it metabolizes quickly for immediate energy, pushing food into the fat storage queue.
8. Stick with coffee or tea if rich desserts are offered.
If you feel self conscious, accept a small portion and leave it on the plate.
9. Schedule in exercise.
Regular exercise goes a long way toward controlling holiday stress and helps promote better sleep. Both are keys to keeping your weight steady through the holidays.
10. Don’t use exercise as an excuse to overeat.
Most people overestimate the number of calories they can burn during a workout.
11. Don’t call attention to the fact that you are watching your weight.
If it’s not brought up, people won’t notice!
12. Offer to bring a favorite dish to a friend’s event.
Your host/hostess will appreciate the gesture and you will be sure to have a healthy dish to enjoy.
13. When hosting, get rid of the leftovers.
Remove the temptation from your kitchen; send leftovers home with your guests.
14. If you overindulge at event, get right back on track.
Don’t let one or two setbacks undo your plan for the season. Learn from the mistakes and take action steps to better handle similar situations in the future.
15. Set up a reward system for yourself.
Sticking to your plan and meeting your goals is cause for celebration. Treat yourself to a massage, a spa day, or a new outfit. You and your health are worth it!
As the holidays approach, many of us are dreading the inevitable weight gain in December, and the annual New Year’s Resolution to lose weight in January. End the cycle this year by following these tips to keep ‘lite’ during the holiday season!
1. Make a commitment to yourself and your goals.
Put your goal to maintain your current weight through the holidays in writing. Read your goal daily and don’t let anyone or anything derail you.
2. Plan ahead, in detail, for social events.
Make a firm plan of action such as sticking to the vegetable tray. “I’ll just watch what I eat” won’t work. You’ll watch yourself eat everything in sight.
3. Eat normally and have a healthy snack just before leaving the house.
If you starve yourself during the day, you will overindulge later. Eating most of your calories in one big meal is the worst way to eat and to watch your weight.
4. Slow down and savor your food.
Put your fork/utensil down after every bite. Chew thoroughly and enjoy the taste of your food. Eating in and of itself should be an enjoyable experience!
5. Take a 20 minute break before having more food.
It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full. Take a break and let your body communicate internally before you head back to the buffet line.
6. Drink plenty of water throughout the event.
Adequate hydration is imperative for your body to function efficiently and effectively. Plus, if you are full from your water intake you will eat less food.
7. Use alcohol in moderation or not at all.
Alcohol is full of empty calories and a high amount of sugar. The body has no way to store alcohol so it metabolizes quickly for immediate energy, pushing food into the fat storage queue.
8. Stick with coffee or tea if rich desserts are offered.
If you feel self conscious, accept a small portion and leave it on the plate.
9. Schedule in exercise.
Regular exercise goes a long way toward controlling holiday stress and helps promote better sleep. Both are keys to keeping your weight steady through the holidays.
10. Don’t use exercise as an excuse to overeat.
Most people overestimate the number of calories they can burn during a workout.
11. Don’t call attention to the fact that you are watching your weight.
If it’s not brought up, people won’t notice!
12. Offer to bring a favorite dish to a friend’s event.
Your host/hostess will appreciate the gesture and you will be sure to have a healthy dish to enjoy.
13. When hosting, get rid of the leftovers.
Remove the temptation from your kitchen; send leftovers home with your guests.
14. If you overindulge at event, get right back on track.
Don’t let one or two setbacks undo your plan for the season. Learn from the mistakes and take action steps to better handle similar situations in the future.
15. Set up a reward system for yourself.
Sticking to your plan and meeting your goals is cause for celebration. Treat yourself to a massage, a spa day, or a new outfit. You and your health are worth it!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
How Boca Police’s VIPER VANTAGE Benefits Businesses And Community
Written by: Boca Raton Police Chief Dan Alexander
Boca Raton Police Services Department’s new VIPER VANTAGE is an aggressive citywide interactive multi-generational initiative of the department’s VIPER program that features new programs, services, partnerships, and communications channels to promote a collective communitywide participatory “crime prevention” mindset and everyday approach to safety.
Promoting consistent messaging of “Together Let’s VIPER-IZE Crime”, components engage and enlist neighborhoods, corporations, small businesses, schools, universities, retailers, entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels, etc. in the strategic VIPER mission. The integrated VIPER VANTAGE communications/branding program, emphasizes, educates, and promotes that crime prevention does not rely on one single VIPER component (Visibilty, Intelligence, Partnerships, Education, Resources), but rather a cumulative results-driven interactive and participatory program of all components to keep Boca safe.
Initiative components include, but are not limited to:
· VIPER Shield Signage-posted at city entrances to remind those coming in that Boca Raton is a VIPER Shield Community…warning that crime will not be tolerated within the city.
· VIPER Branded Crime Prevention Signage-posted at parks, public spaces, surveillance sites.
· VIPER Branded Police Cars-logo posted fleetwide.
· VIPER Alerts-daily e-alert service that updates subscribers on the latest crime news within a radius (up to a mile) of any selected location.
· FDLE Offender and Predator Email Alerts-frequent e-alert service that updates subscribers when sexual offenders and child predators move into their neighborhoods.
· New Interactive Website-featuring frequent crime news updates; crime surveillance videos; increased interaction opportunities; social network connection to FaceBook, MySpace, and Twitter; a virtual crime view program; a VIPER Kids page; event calendar; and video messages from the Police Chief.
· New VIPER Kids Program-to engage Boca Raton’s youngest generation in safety awareness, with http://www.bocaviperkids.com/, a youth-oriented website with separate domain from main site; a VIPER Ambassador Mascot; and VIPER Visits from police officers and mascot for safety awareness programming that includes posters, bookmarks, coloring sheets, etc.
· WATCH YOUR BAG BOCA!™ -awareness campaign designed to encourage those who live, work, play, and visit the City of Boca Raton to take a more active role in personal and community safety. Highly visible reminders — via window clings; posters; street signage; and transit, print, and movie screen ads — focus on protection of personal property, from shopping bags, handbags, and briefcases to backpacks, and gym, baby, and grocery bags.
· Community Partners-comprised of businesses, residential communities/HOAs, schools, nonprofits, and individuals committed to championing VIPER as message promoters, safety communicators, advocates, and ambassadors. They post Community Partner decals, posters, and window clings; distribute brochures; provide display space; host crime prevention sessions/talks for employees, tenants, customers, and members; become a VIPER Video surveillance site; participate in Watch Your Bag Boca!; link website to http://www.bocaviper.com/, provide in-kind services, etc. Partners receive an official certificate, Community Partner Pin, logo on VIPER website, invitations to VIPER-related events, etc.
To learn more or register for VIPER services/programs, visit http://www.bocaviper.com/.
Boca Raton Police Chief Dan Alexander, a 19-year law enforcement veteran, is supported by a sworn force of 198 officers, 96 civilian employees, and a volunteer corp serving a population of more than 86,000. VIPER is a crime prevention program of the Boca Raton Police Services Department.
Boca Raton Police Services Department’s new VIPER VANTAGE is an aggressive citywide interactive multi-generational initiative of the department’s VIPER program that features new programs, services, partnerships, and communications channels to promote a collective communitywide participatory “crime prevention” mindset and everyday approach to safety.
Promoting consistent messaging of “Together Let’s VIPER-IZE Crime”, components engage and enlist neighborhoods, corporations, small businesses, schools, universities, retailers, entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels, etc. in the strategic VIPER mission. The integrated VIPER VANTAGE communications/branding program, emphasizes, educates, and promotes that crime prevention does not rely on one single VIPER component (Visibilty, Intelligence, Partnerships, Education, Resources), but rather a cumulative results-driven interactive and participatory program of all components to keep Boca safe.
Initiative components include, but are not limited to:
· VIPER Shield Signage-posted at city entrances to remind those coming in that Boca Raton is a VIPER Shield Community…warning that crime will not be tolerated within the city.
· VIPER Branded Crime Prevention Signage-posted at parks, public spaces, surveillance sites.
· VIPER Branded Police Cars-logo posted fleetwide.
· VIPER Alerts-daily e-alert service that updates subscribers on the latest crime news within a radius (up to a mile) of any selected location.
· FDLE Offender and Predator Email Alerts-frequent e-alert service that updates subscribers when sexual offenders and child predators move into their neighborhoods.
· New Interactive Website-featuring frequent crime news updates; crime surveillance videos; increased interaction opportunities; social network connection to FaceBook, MySpace, and Twitter; a virtual crime view program; a VIPER Kids page; event calendar; and video messages from the Police Chief.
· New VIPER Kids Program-to engage Boca Raton’s youngest generation in safety awareness, with http://www.bocaviperkids.com/, a youth-oriented website with separate domain from main site; a VIPER Ambassador Mascot; and VIPER Visits from police officers and mascot for safety awareness programming that includes posters, bookmarks, coloring sheets, etc.
· WATCH YOUR BAG BOCA!™ -awareness campaign designed to encourage those who live, work, play, and visit the City of Boca Raton to take a more active role in personal and community safety. Highly visible reminders — via window clings; posters; street signage; and transit, print, and movie screen ads — focus on protection of personal property, from shopping bags, handbags, and briefcases to backpacks, and gym, baby, and grocery bags.
· Community Partners-comprised of businesses, residential communities/HOAs, schools, nonprofits, and individuals committed to championing VIPER as message promoters, safety communicators, advocates, and ambassadors. They post Community Partner decals, posters, and window clings; distribute brochures; provide display space; host crime prevention sessions/talks for employees, tenants, customers, and members; become a VIPER Video surveillance site; participate in Watch Your Bag Boca!; link website to http://www.bocaviper.com/, provide in-kind services, etc. Partners receive an official certificate, Community Partner Pin, logo on VIPER website, invitations to VIPER-related events, etc.
To learn more or register for VIPER services/programs, visit http://www.bocaviper.com/.
Boca Raton Police Chief Dan Alexander, a 19-year law enforcement veteran, is supported by a sworn force of 198 officers, 96 civilian employees, and a volunteer corp serving a population of more than 86,000. VIPER is a crime prevention program of the Boca Raton Police Services Department.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Give Your Business a Makeover
Written by: SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
Is your small business stuck in a rut? Perhaps your customers no longer seem excited and your staff has stopped offering fresh new ideas. Or maybe the competition has been giving you fits.
Now could be a good time to give your business a makeover. It could be a major makeover or a minor makeover. What’s most important is that you find a way to breathe new life into your profits and get the business back on the fast track. Small, agile businesses have a big advantage in this area over the big and slow ones. You can move quickly to spot changing conditions and put changes into operation.
Stand back and take a top-to-bottom look at your business. In order to identify where changes are most needed, you’ll have to dig for details about your products or services, your marketing and sales efforts, customer service, competition and more. Has your customer base changed since you first started? If so, this could be one area where you need to make changes. Is it broader or narrower? Older or younger? More upscale or less? You may need a new image, revved-up branding or perhaps just a rewrite of your marketing materials to address the needs of this changing customer base.
Take a hard look at whether your products or services are performing to customer expectations. Remember that your goal should be to exceed expectations, not simply meet them. If customers are luke warm on your business, find out why. Perhaps competitors are doing a better job, or maybe they’ve created add-on products and services that you haven’t. Your own customers can help with your makeover if you ask them for feedback.
If your marketing message has never changed, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate and devise a new one. Try revisiting your original business plan. You might be able to recapture some of the insight and enthusiasm you originally had from that document. Think back to your most successful promotions, presentations or sales efforts. Rather than reinventing the wheel, you might be able to update and expand an approach that has already worked for your business.
Some old-fashioned brainstorming sessions can help rekindle your managerial flame. Meet with your most trusted advisors, partners, employees, friends and outside consultants. Ask for their view on what your business can do to improve it.
Is your small business stuck in a rut? Perhaps your customers no longer seem excited and your staff has stopped offering fresh new ideas. Or maybe the competition has been giving you fits.
Now could be a good time to give your business a makeover. It could be a major makeover or a minor makeover. What’s most important is that you find a way to breathe new life into your profits and get the business back on the fast track. Small, agile businesses have a big advantage in this area over the big and slow ones. You can move quickly to spot changing conditions and put changes into operation.
Stand back and take a top-to-bottom look at your business. In order to identify where changes are most needed, you’ll have to dig for details about your products or services, your marketing and sales efforts, customer service, competition and more. Has your customer base changed since you first started? If so, this could be one area where you need to make changes. Is it broader or narrower? Older or younger? More upscale or less? You may need a new image, revved-up branding or perhaps just a rewrite of your marketing materials to address the needs of this changing customer base.
Take a hard look at whether your products or services are performing to customer expectations. Remember that your goal should be to exceed expectations, not simply meet them. If customers are luke warm on your business, find out why. Perhaps competitors are doing a better job, or maybe they’ve created add-on products and services that you haven’t. Your own customers can help with your makeover if you ask them for feedback.
If your marketing message has never changed, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate and devise a new one. Try revisiting your original business plan. You might be able to recapture some of the insight and enthusiasm you originally had from that document. Think back to your most successful promotions, presentations or sales efforts. Rather than reinventing the wheel, you might be able to update and expand an approach that has already worked for your business.
Some old-fashioned brainstorming sessions can help rekindle your managerial flame. Meet with your most trusted advisors, partners, employees, friends and outside consultants. Ask for their view on what your business can do to improve it.
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