Starting a business requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. It can be a challenging and risky endeavor, but for many, the potential rewards outweigh the risks. Here are some of the reasons why people want to be in business for themselves:

Independence: Many individuals dream of being their own boss and having control over their work life. Being an entrepreneur provides the autonomy and freedom to make decisions, set goals, and create a work environment that aligns with personal values.

Fulfillment: Starting a business can be a deeply fulfilling experience. Building something from scratch, watching it grow, and making a positive impact on customers and employees can bring a sense of purpose and satisfaction that is difficult to find in traditional employment.

Financial potential: While financial gain should not be the sole motivator for starting a business, it is undoubtedly an attractive aspect. Successful entrepreneurs have the potential to earn significant profits and build wealth over time.

Creativity: Starting a business is a creative process that allows individuals to express themselves and bring their ideas to life. Entrepreneurs have the freedom to innovate and develop new products, services, and business models.

Legacy: Building a successful business can leave a lasting impact on society and future generations. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to create a legacy that can endure beyond their own lifetime.

Of course, not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. Starting and running a business requires a unique set of skills, including leadership, problem-solving, risk-taking, and resilience. It is essential to do your research, create a solid business plan, and seek advice from experienced entrepreneurs before embarking on this journey.

The desire to start a business is driven by a combination of factors, including independence, fulfillment, financial potential, creativity, and legacy. While it is not an easy path, many entrepreneurs find that the rewards of building a successful business are worth the effort and risk.

“In the world of business, the people who are most successful are those who are doing what they love.” – Warren Buffett

So, what does it take to be an entrepreneur?

Being an entrepreneur requires a unique combination of skills, traits, and behaviors that are essential for starting and growing a successful business. Here are some of the key characteristics that make a successful entrepreneur:

1. Vision: Entrepreneurs are often driven by a clear vision of what they want to achieve. They are able to see opportunities where others see challenges, and they have the ability to develop a long-term strategy for their business.
2. Creativity: Entrepreneurs are innovative and creative problem-solvers. They are able to develop new products or services, find new ways to market their business, and adapt to changing market conditions.
3. Risk-taking: Entrepreneurs are willing to take risks and make bold decisions. They understand that starting a business involves some level of uncertainty and are able to tolerate risk and uncertainty.
4. Adaptability: Entrepreneurs are flexible and adaptable. They are able to pivot their business strategy as needed and are not afraid to change course when faced with challenges or unexpected setbacks.
5. Resilience: Entrepreneurs are resilient and persistent. They are able to bounce back from failure, learn from their mistakes, and keep moving forward.
6. Leadership: Entrepreneurs are effective leaders who are able to inspire and motivate their team. They have strong communication skills and are able to delegate tasks effectively.
7. Financial management: Entrepreneurs need to have a good understanding of financial management. They need to be able to manage cash flow, create a budget, and make strategic financial decisions for their business.
8. Networking: Entrepreneurs need to be able to build relationships and networks. They need to be able to find mentors, partners, and investors who can help them grow their business.
9. Passion: Finally, entrepreneurs need to have a strong passion for what they do. Starting a business is not easy, and entrepreneurs need to have the drive and motivation to overcome challenges and persevere through difficult times.

To summarize, being an entrepreneur requires a combination of vision, creativity, risk-taking, adaptability, resilience, leadership, financial management, networking, and passion. While not every entrepreneur will possess all of these characteristics, having a strong foundation in these areas can greatly increase the chances of success.

Resources & Support

Do You Have What it Takes to Start a Small Business?

Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur?

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate.

You can reach us on LinkedIn, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797-9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and also at Entrepreneurship411.com and OwnABizness.com.

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn, entrepreneur, author & motivational speaker

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

For entrepreneurs, planning their week ahead on Sunday night can be especially important, as they often have many tasks and responsibilities to manage. Here are some tips for entrepreneurs when planning their week:

1. Review your goals: Start by reviewing your long-term and short-term goals. This will help you stay focused on what’s most important and make sure your weekly tasks align with your overall vision.
2. Create a to-do list: Make a list of all the tasks that need to be accomplished for the week. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps so you can easily track your progress.
3. Prioritize tasks: Determine which tasks are most important and need to be completed first. Consider the impact each task will have on your business and prioritize accordingly.
4. Schedule tasks: Once you’ve prioritized your tasks, schedule them into your calendar for the week. Be realistic with your time estimates and give yourself some buffer room in case unexpected tasks come up.
5. Delegate tasks: Consider delegating tasks to team members or outsourcing tasks to free up your time for more important tasks.
6. Set aside time for strategic planning: Make sure to set aside time each week for strategic planning. This could be time to brainstorm new ideas, review your business plan, or analyze your financials.
7. Take care of yourself: Finally, make sure to schedule time for self-care and rest. Entrepreneurs often work long hours and can easily burn out, so taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining productivity and overall wellbeing.

“Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 1,000 percent return on energy!” – Brian Tracy, author & motivational speaker

Overall, planning ahead can help entrepreneurs stay organized, focused, and productive throughout the week. By prioritizing tasks, scheduling them into your calendar, and taking care of yourself, you can reduce stress and achieve your business goals.

Resources & Support

Sunday Night Planning: Make Monday Morning Amazing

Sunday Night Routine Ideas For A Highly Productive Week

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate.

You can reach us on LinkedIn, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797-9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and also at Entrepreneurship411.com.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

As an entrepreneur, it can be challenging to find a balance between work, weekends, and family time. The demands of building and growing a business can sometimes lead to long work hours, stress, and a lack of personal time. However, maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for your overall well-being and the success of your business.

“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.”  Arianna Huffington, Co-Founder of The Huffington Post, Founder of Thrive Global

Here are some tips for entrepreneurs to maintain a healthy work-life balance during weekends and family time:

1. Set boundaries: It’s important to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Communicate your availability to your team and clients, and avoid checking work emails or taking work calls during family time.
2. Prioritize family time: Make sure to set aside time each week for family activities, whether it’s going on a hike, having a game night, or simply spending time together. This can help you stay connected with your loved ones and reduce stress.
3. Schedule downtime: Use your weekends to rest and recharge. Set aside time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, playing golf, or taking a long walk. This can help you reduce stress and increase happiness, which can ultimately lead to greater success in your business.
4. Delegate tasks: As your business grows, it’s important to delegate tasks to trusted employees or contractors. This can help you free up time and reduce stress, which can help you be more present during family time.
5. Plan ahead: Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to plan your schedule and prioritize tasks. This can help you stay organized and focused, which can increase productivity and reduce stress.

Remember that maintaining a work-life balance is a process, and it’s okay to make adjustments along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and be open to changing your schedule or routines to better suit your needs.

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” – Dolly Parton, Founder of The Dollywood Company

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for entrepreneurs to achieve long-term success and happiness. Setting boundaries, prioritizing family time, scheduling downtime, delegating tasks, and planning ahead can help entrepreneurs stay organized, productive, and present during weekends and family time.

Resources & Support

Entrepreneurs & Weekends: Do What’s Best for YOU!

What is “balance” in the mind of today’s entrepreneur?

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate.

You can reach us on LinkedIn, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797-9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and also at Entrepreneurship411.com.

“Too many people measure how successful they are by how much money they make or the people that they associate with. In my opinion, true success should be measured by how happy you are.” – Richard Branson

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Yesterday’s article, Key Strategies for Turning Around a Struggling Business generated some very thoughtful comments including one in particular by Thomas Scott, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Home Run Franchises. Thomas commented, “You can’t cost cut to profitability! I see so many owners do this and they can’t pull out of a death spiral. You have to focus on driving sales and increasing margin!”

Driving sales and increasing profitability are critical goals for any business. While there are many strategies that can help achieve these objectives, here are seven key approaches to consider:

1. Focus on customer needs: In order to drive sales and increase profitability, businesses need to prioritize the needs and preferences of their customers. This means understanding what customers are looking for, and tailoring products, services, and marketing efforts accordingly.
2. Streamline operations: Inefficient or overly complex operational processes can lead to increased costs and decreased profitability. By identifying areas for improvement and implementing more streamlined processes, businesses can reduce costs and improve productivity.
3. Invest in marketing: Effective marketing can help to attract new customers, retain existing ones, and increase sales. By investing in marketing efforts that resonate with target audiences, businesses can drive increased revenue and profitability.
4. Expand product and service offerings: By expanding product or service offerings, businesses can attract new customers and provide additional value to existing ones. This can lead to increased sales and revenue, as well as increased customer loyalty.
5. Optimize pricing strategy: Pricing is a critical factor in driving sales and improving profitability. By analyzing market trends, competitive pricing, and customer demand, businesses can optimize their pricing strategy to maximize revenue and profitability.
6. Improve customer experience: A positive customer experience is critical to driving sales and improving profitability. By focusing on customer service, ensuring timely delivery, and providing a seamless purchasing experience, businesses can improve customer satisfaction and drive repeat business.
7. Leverage technology: Technology can be a powerful tool for driving sales and improving profitability. By leveraging tools such as ecommerce platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and data analytics, businesses can gain insights into customer behavior and make more informed business decisions.

In summary, driving sales and increasing profitability requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes customer needs, streamlines operations, invests in marketing, expands product and service offerings, optimizes pricing strategy, improves customer experience, and leverages technology. By focusing on these key areas, businesses can achieve their goals and position themselves for long-term success.

Resources & Support

Strategies to Improve Sales and Profitability

21 Sales Strategies To Increase Sales

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate.

You can reach us on LinkedIn, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797-9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and also at Entrepreneurship411.com.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Running a business can be a challenging and rewarding experience. However, when a business is struggling, it can be a daunting task to turn things around. Many entrepreneurs face this challenge at some point, and it can be a defining moment for the future success of the business. In this article, we will explore some of the key strategies for turning around a struggling business.

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” Napoleon Hill, American self-help author

Assess the Situation

The first step in turning around a struggling business is to assess the situation objectively. This means taking a close look at the financial statements and identifying the root causes of the problem. It could be due to low sales, high expenses, inefficient operations, or any other factors that are negatively affecting the business.

Identifying the problem is just the first step. It’s essential to develop a plan to address it. This plan should be realistic and practical, taking into account the resources available, the market conditions, and the competitive landscape. The plan should also include specific goals and objectives that can be measured and tracked over time.

Focus on Sales and Marketing

One of the most effective ways to turn around a struggling business is to focus on sales and marketing. This involves identifying the target audience and developing a marketing strategy that will resonate with them. It may also involve rebranding the business or launching new products or services that meet the changing needs of the market.

A business that is struggling may not have the resources to hire a dedicated marketing team. However, there are many cost-effective ways to market a business, such as social media, email marketing, and content marketing. The key is to find the right channels and messaging that will resonate with the target audience.

Streamline Operations and Reduce Costs

Another critical aspect of turning around a struggling business is to streamline operations and reduce costs. This can be achieved by identifying inefficiencies in the business processes and implementing measures to address them. It may also involve renegotiating contracts with suppliers or outsourcing non-core functions to reduce overhead expenses.

A leaner and more efficient operation will not only reduce costs but also improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability. However, it’s important to strike a balance between cutting costs and maintaining the quality of products or services.

Seek Outside Help

In some cases, turning around a struggling business may require seeking outside help. This could involve hiring a consultant or bringing in a turnaround specialist who has experience in revitalizing struggling businesses. It may also involve seeking financing from investors or banks to inject capital into the business.

A consultant or turnaround specialist can bring a fresh perspective and expertise to the business. They can identify areas of improvement and implement strategies that have worked in similar situations. An injection of capital can also provide the business with the resources to make the necessary changes.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Finally, it’s important to maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on the goal of turning around the business. This requires strong leadership and effective communication with employees, customers, and other stakeholders. It also requires a willingness to take calculated risks and make tough decisions when necessary.

A positive attitude can be infectious and can help to motivate employees and stakeholders. It’s essential to communicate the vision and goals of the business and involve everyone in the turnaround process. By working together, the team can achieve a common goal and create a sense of ownership and pride in the business.

In conclusion, turning around a struggling business is a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires a combination of analytical thinking, strategic planning, and effective execution. By focusing on sales and marketing, streamlining operations, seeking outside help, and maintaining a positive attitude, entrepreneurs can bring their failing businesses back to life and achieve long-term success. It’s important to remember that turning around a business takes time, effort, and persistence, but the rewards can be significant.

“The only way you are going to have success is to have lots of failures first.” Sergey Brin, Google co-founder

Resources & Support

5 Steps to Turning Around a Failing Business

How to Save Your Failing Business: Problems and Solutions

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate.

You can reach us on LinkedIn, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797-9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and also at Entrepreneurship411.com.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Creating the right culture within a franchise organization is crucial for the success and sustainability of the brand. Franchise organizations are made up of franchisees who operate under the same brand and business model. Each franchisee has their own team, but they should all share similar values and goals. As such, it’s essential to foster a culture that reflects these values and goals, and that everyone can rally behind.

The first step in developing the right culture is to define the brand’s core values. Core values are the beliefs and principles that guide the organization’s decisions and actions. These values should be communicated to every member of the organization, including franchisees, employees, and customers. When everyone understands the core values, it creates a sense of unity and purpose, and everyone is working towards the same goals.

Once the core values are defined, it’s important to ensure that they are reflected in all aspects of the business. This includes the brand’s mission statement, branding, marketing, and messaging. For example, if one of the core values is “customer satisfaction,” then every interaction with a customer should reflect that value. This could include providing exceptional customer service, responding quickly to customer inquiries, and resolving any issues promptly.

“In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart. They are real and sustainable. Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, not an ad campaign. The companies that are lasting are those that are authentic.” – Howard Schultz, CEO, Starbucks

Another essential aspect of developing the right culture is training and development. Franchisees should receive training on the brand’s core values, as well as any specific processes and procedures that are unique to the franchise. This training should be ongoing, as new employees and franchisees join the organization. By investing in training and development, franchise organizations can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

Communication is also a vital component of developing the right culture. Franchisees should have open lines of communication with the franchisor, as well as with other franchisees. This can be achieved through regular meetings, conference calls, and online forums. By fostering communication, franchise organizations can create a sense of community and support, which can be especially important for new franchisees.

Finally, it’s important to celebrate success and recognize achievements. Franchisees should be acknowledged for their hard work and contributions to the organization. This can be achieved through awards programs, public recognition, and other forms of recognition. By celebrating success, franchise organizations can create a positive culture that inspires everyone to work harder and achieve more.

In conclusion, developing the right culture within a franchise organization is crucial for success. By defining core values, ensuring they are reflected in all aspects of the business, investing in training and development, fostering communication, and celebrating success, franchise organizations can create a positive culture that inspires everyone to work towards common goals. With the right culture, franchise organizations can build a strong brand and thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Resources & Support

10 Ways to Create a Great Company Culture

What Is Work Culture? 11 Ways to Build a Positive Environment.

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate.

You can reach us on LinkedIn, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797-9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and also at Entrepreneurship411.com.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Restaurant ownership can be a rewarding experience, but it can also come with significant stress and mental health challenges. Running a restaurant requires long hours, financial investments, and the ability to manage a team of employees. These pressures can take a toll on a restaurant owner’s mental health.

One of the biggest sources of stress for restaurant owners is financial concerns. Starting and running a restaurant requires significant financial investments. Many restaurant owners have to take out loans or invest their own money to get started. As a result, financial instability and the fear of bankruptcy can cause significant stress and anxiety. This stress can be exacerbated by factors such as changing economic conditions, high overhead costs, and unpredictable revenue streams.

Additionally, restaurant owners often work long hours and face constant pressure to meet customer demands. This can lead to burnout and exhaustion, which can impact both physical and mental health. Many restaurant owners also report feeling isolated and disconnected from their families and friends due to the demands of running a business.

Furthermore, restaurant owners have to manage a team of employees, which can be challenging in its own right. Employee turnover and conflict can cause stress and anxiety for restaurant owners, as can the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of their employees.

Despite these challenges, there are strategies that restaurant owners can use to promote their mental health and well-being. For example, seeking support from friends and family, as well as mental health professionals, can help restaurant owners manage stress and anxiety. Engaging in self-care practices, such as exercise, meditation, and taking time off, can also promote mental health and well-being.

In addition, creating a positive work environment and culture can help promote mental health and well-being for both restaurant owners and their employees. This can include providing employee benefits such as paid time off and mental health resources, as well as fostering a supportive and respectful work environment.

Restaurant ownership can be a challenging experience, but it is important for restaurant owners to prioritize their mental health and well-being. By seeking support, engaging in self-care practices, and creating a positive work environment, restaurant owners can help promote their own mental health and the well-being of their employees.

First Watch Expands Wellness and Learning Benefits to Improve Quality of Life for 12,000 Employees

Kudos to  First Watch, the leading Daytime Dining concept with more than 470 restaurants nationwide, has unveiled expanded wellness benefits for its 12,000 hourly and salaried employees to further build upon a quality of life that is unparalleled in the restaurant industry.

As part of these enhancements, First Watch is providing a complimentary annual membership to Calm – a top-tier app for sleep, meditation and relaxation – to all employees and up to five friends and family members as well as telemedicine services through CirrusMD that can connect all employees with a doctor in minutes, with no out-of-pocket expense. Read more HERE.

Resources & Support

Shedding a Light on Mental Health in the Restaurant Industry

The Wealthy Franchisee: 10 ideas for supporting mental health in workplace

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate. You can reach me on LinkedIn, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797-9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and also at Entrepreneurship411.com.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

After spending a significant portion of their lives in the workforce, many people dream of becoming their own boss and starting their own business. This is especially true for those who have acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience in their industry and are looking for a new challenge. If you are considering business ownership after a long career, here are five key factors to keep in mind.

Assess Your Goals and Interests

Before embarking on any entrepreneurial venture, it is essential to take the time to assess your goals and interests. Think about what motivates you and what you hope to achieve by owning your own business. Are you looking for financial independence, creative freedom, or the opportunity to make a difference in your community? Also, consider your skills and experiences and how they can be leveraged in a new business venture.

Research Your Market

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, research your market to determine if there is a viable business opportunity. Look at industry trends, competition, and customer needs to identify potential gaps that your business can fill. This research will also help you determine the feasibility of your business idea and whether it has the potential to be profitable.

Develop a Business Plan

With a clear understanding of your goals and the market, the next step is to develop a business plan. This plan should outline your business model, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections. It will serve as a roadmap for your business and help you stay focused on your goals.

Consider Your Finances

Starting a business requires a significant financial investment. Consider your personal finances, savings, and potential funding sources to determine if you have the resources to start and sustain a business. This may also involve seeking out small business loans or investors.

Take the Leap

Once you have done your research, developed a plan, and secured the necessary resources, it is time to take the leap and start your business. This can be a scary and uncertain time, but it is also an exciting opportunity to put your skills and experiences to work and create something truly unique.

In conclusion, exploring business ownership after a long career can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. By taking the time to assess your goals, research your market, develop a plan, and secure your finances, you can turn your dream of business ownership into a reality.

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Like a kid entering a candy store for the first time, exploring business ownership for the first time presents many options and stimulates a multitude of emotions – excitement, joy, uncertainty, doubt, and frustration are just a few.

First, let’s think back to your initial candy store experience. Your eyes were wide open in amazement as the candy on the shelves and behind the counter looked extremely tempting and certainly, all the colorful wrappers eye-appealing. However, with a limited amount of money to spend, many items were immediately eliminated from consideration. The field diminished further, as you were trying to decide between chocolate and other candies. The possibilities were reduced even more as you then had to choose between plain chocolate and chocolate with nuts or marshmallows. If you chose other candy types, was it going to be hard or chewy candy or, maybe even bubble gum… and what flavor?

After all that was said and done, guess what? That’s right, the decision-making process continued and possibly even became more complicated or emotional. Sometimes a quick decision resulted in regret or one of your earliest feelings of buyer’s remorse as you exclaimed, “Geez, I should have gotten the chocolate instead of the licorice.” You may have actually left the candy store planning on saving your money and along with next week’s allowance you’d be able to buy some baseball cards instead of candy. Who knows, baseball cards might have your favorite player in a pack and the [sentimental] value of your purchase would skyrocket? Or, maybe you were actually counting on it and when it didn’t pan out, you were disappointed, AND with no money left? Talk about an emotional roller-coaster!

Exploring business ownership is certainly a more important task than buying candy but in the minds of the eight-year old and you, the process can be very emotional, relatively speaking, of course. 

Here are 10 steps to minimize the emotional ride of exploring business ownership:

1. Determine your investment level. Is this amount a stretch? If it is a stretch or if you’d be interested in a business with a higher investment level, would you consider a partner? If so, an equal partner? Is your “financial house” in order?
2. Sooner rather than later, determine if your spouse or significant other will be involved in the business. Is this truly a possibility and if so, could you see yourselves working together day in and day out? Who would be responsible for decision-making? What are the defined roles? Would they be partners or just working in the business? What would potentially happen to your relationship if the partnership or business failed?
3. Define what you love to do. What is it – in detail? Could you see yourself doing this every day, every week, every month? Would this be a determining factor in your decision?
4. Identify various aspects of business you don’t like doing, feel you’re unable to do or would hate doing. How would these items be addressed under your ownership? Would you be willing to handle some of these items even if it meant having to learn how? Could you see yourself helping out as necessary?
5. Think about your comfort level in starting a business. Could you see yourself starting a business generating the first dollar in revenue and building over time towards profitability? Would you be more comfortable purchasing an existing business with solid financials? 
6. Explore what is fast becoming the norm in business venues – home-based offices. Would you be diligent in owning and operating a home-based business or would a bricks and mortar business provide you with structure? Would you be comfortable with employees working remotely?
7. Explore various business models. Whether starting from nothing or in purchasing an existing business, explore franchising as a possibility. Would you be more comfortable owning a business within a proven business system? Could you see yourself being part of a larger brand albeit with certain restrictions, limitations and expenses than if you were to operate independently?
8. Research various personal assessment tools and take the tests in order to provide you with a true snapshot of your personality and abilities, especially as they relate to business ownership. Are you suited for business ownership? Would you need a team around you or could you operate as a one-person operation? Are you suited to lead a team and delegate effectively? Are you risk-adverse?
9. Identify individuals that can help you explore business ownership. Do you know any successful small business owners, including franchisees? Could you be honest sharing with them information, including your responses and assessment results identified above? Would you be willing to seriously consider their advice and recommendations?
10. Compile all the above information. Review it in detail. Once that is complete and your emotions are in check, you’ll be closer to determining if business ownership is right for you and well on your way towards determining the business and business model that may work best for you. 

Yes, that means another trip to the candy store but this time, you’ll be better prepared to make a decision that you will be more apt to enjoy long after the purchase. 

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

I’m often asked to help salespeople succeed. Whether in business or franchise brokerage, or in any professional sales setting, the fundamentals are essentially the same.

Listed below are various points I make in a typical sales training workshop including 30 Rules of Sales Success and 5 Degrees of Failing followed by two sets of questions about why salespeople fail and whether you were born to sell.

As you’re reading through the questions, make note of your answers. Following each of the two questions is a simple grading system. See how you rank. Be honest with yourself as you’ll only be deceiving yourself if you act otherwise. If you’d like to discuss your results afterwards, feel free to reach out to me.

30 Rules of Sales Success

• Establish rapport and client confidence
• Establish and maintain a positive attitude
• Believe in yourself
• Make a plan…set and achieve goals
• Learn and execute sales fundamentals
• Understand the client and meet his/her needs
• Sell to help
• Establish long-term relationships
• Believe in what your selling
• Always be prepared
• Always be sincere
• Be on time for calls, appointments and follow-up
• Look and sound professional
• Use humor strategically
• Master total knowledge of what you’re selling
• Sell benefits, not features
• Always tell the truth
• Always keep your promises
• Don’t dog the competition
• Listen more than you speak
• Anticipate responses – statements and objections
• Overcome objections
• Ask for the sale
• Shut up after asking closing question
• If sale not made, make firm appointment for follow-up
• Follow up… Persist until you succeed
• Redefine their rejection
• Find your success formula through numbers
• Do what you do passionately
• Create positively memorable experiences at all times

5 Degrees of Failing

• Failing to do your best
• Failing to learn the science of selling
• Failing to accept responsibility
• Failing to meet pre-set goals
• Failing to have a positive attitude

Why do salespeople fail?

Answer YES or NO

• I watch the news for I hour each day.
• I read the paper each day.
• I read a news magazine every week.
• My work is a drag.
• I get angry for an hour or more.
• I talk to and commiserate with negative people.
• I look to blame others when something goes wrong.
• When something goes wrong or bad, I tell others.
• I get angry at my spouse and don’t talk for more than 4 hours.
• I bring personal problems to my work and discuss them.
• I expect and plan for the worst.
• I’m affected by bad weather enough to talk about it

How did you do?

• 0-2 yes answers: You have a positive attitude.
• 3-6 yes answers: You have a negative attitude.
• 7 or more yes answers: You have a problem attitude.

Are you born to sell? No, you learn to earn!

Answer YES or NO

• I have set my goals in writing.
• I have good self-discipline.
• I am self-motivated.
• I want to be more knowledgeable.
• I want to build relationships.
• I am self-confident.
• I like myself.
• I love people.
• I love a challenge.
• I love to win.
• I can accept rejection with a positive attitude.
• I can handle the details.
• I am loyal.
• I am enthusiastic.
• I am observant.
• I am a good listener.
• I am perceptive.
• I am a skillful communicator.
• I am a hard worker.
• I want to be financially secure.
• I am persistent.

How did you do?

• Answer over 15 with an honest yes and you’ve got what it takes.
• Between 10 and 14, it could go either way – better chance if you answered yes to knowledge, enthusiasm, self-confident, perceptive, self-motivated, persistent)
• Under 10… well, a career in sales is most likely not for you!

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!