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Marian Banker Articles

Written by: Marian Banker

A Small Business Community Success Story - Click To Read Article
"Thank you for creating an environment where business owners, suppliers and information specialists can gather to strengthen ties and build our firms." Shirley Frazier SoloBusiness Marketing

Want More Sales? Create More Value - Click To Read Article
If you're feeling frustrated with the results of your sales efforts, don't give up; try creating more value. Of course, value will be different for each type of business. Your job is to determine what it is and how you can provide it. Read this article for tips and options on adding value.

Think Like a Leader - Click To Read Article
As most of you already know, my mission is "transforming business owners into business leaders". As the economy moves into the next phase of recovery, it will be those who think and function as leaders who will be the winners. Leaders will have identified pertinent opportunities and prepared themselves for advantage as things improve. Are you thinking like a leader? Let's see.

Three Keys to Finding Gold in Your Business - Click To Read Article
Gold is certainly a hot commodity in today's economy. Any gold you have is worth more today than it was a year ago. I'll bet you have some gold you're not even aware of, right there in your own business. Let's see if we can find it. If you could make twice the income in half the time, would that be as good as gold to you? Would that increase the value of your business? Sounds like a marketing rant, doesn't it? Well, there are three basic underlying truths that, once learned and applied, will allow you to make more money while you work less. Here they are

The Secret Ingredient: YOU - Click To Read Article
Want to create a strong brand, add to the sustainability of your business, increase your confidence and really enjoy being an entrepreneur? Just add the secret ingredient. Billion dollar businesses have been built on the secret ingredient. In your business the secret ingredient is "YOU" and your personal assets. It's up to you to know who you are: your strengths, your motivators, your values, and to apply those liberally to how you conduct and present your business. A good part of what attracts customers and clients is you.

Use Strategic Alliances to Grow Your Business - Click To Read Article
Many of today's successful businesses are built on strategic alliances -- a collaboration of resources for the purpose of gaining an advantage in the marketplace. This is especially true of virtual businesses, which are usually based on a network of people in different locations, with defined roles, in a temporary or evolving organization. In order to grow you need others. If hiring an employee or contracting for service is not the right solution, a strategic alliance or partnership may be the answer. Engaging a "partner" in the process means you will share risks, responsibilities and rewards. Strategic alliances are a great way to create or test new business ideas without a huge expense, but it does require attention and good management to succeed.

Two Steps to a Winning Strategy - Click To Read Article
Before considering a Strategy, you need to know what you're trying to accomplish. Think about the Priorities facing your business n0w and select one or more SMART Goals, with a target date for achieving each one of them. I find it's easiest to work in 90 day (quarterly) planning segments. Creation of a Strategic Plan involves only two basic steps: analyze pertinent information and make decisions.

The 3 R's of Business Leadership - Click To Read Article
Are you a leader? If you're the owner of a business, by default the buck stops with you. But that doesn't necessarily mean you're functioning as a leader. When you don't step up to the plate, take charge, make a decision on a timely basis and see that it's carried out, you're creating a potential problem. Your job as leader is to make decisions and take action. When decisions are put off because you're not sure what decision to make, or you take action without really making a decision, problems can start to pile up. That's when your business can get into trouble.

Planning: The Roadmap to Success - Click To Read Article
Think of a plan as a map. It's meant to be a guide. The planning process helps us focus on the "how" of what we want to accomplish. It organizes our thinking, identifies the steps and gives us tools to monitor how we're doing. Those who create and write plans have a much better chance of success, yet so many people don't follow through. Why not? We may think there's little value in spending the time to create a plan. Also, it's unfamiliar territory and we're not sure what we need to do. We may carry the plan in our head, but it's always in an abstract state. We want to take it from the abstract to the next stage of realization - putting it in writing.

Information Overlaod: 5 Ways to Cut Through the Clutter - Click To Read Article
Two or three years ago you could create a marketing campaign, send out a series of e-mails and expect a reasonable response rate. Things have changed. We've hit information overload and we just don't have time to read and respond to everything we'd like. Information overload has become a chronic problem, so if you want to reach your target you must cut through the clutter. Something has to really grab me and be super easy or I'll just delete it. And that seems to be true for many people I speak with. So how do you move beyond information overload to reach those who will want to respond to your outreach?

How to Add Innovation to Your Business - Click To Read Article
Earlier this year a client in the executive search industry told me she was beginning to see the need for executives who can bring innovation to their position. Based on her research she chose to add innovation as a practice specialty. Doing a bit of my own research I learned there's an amazing body of knowledge on the subject.

Follow the Money - Click To Read Article
If you're feeling frustrated with the results of your sales efforts, don't give up yet. Follow the money! It may seem like nobody is spending money these days, but that's not true. Businesses of all sizes must spend money to continue operations. Individuals still minimally need the basics. What will it take to get them to spend money with you?

Help for Achieving Your Goals: The 9 C's - Click To Read Article
Humans seem to be naturally goal oriented. We look to the future as the place where we can have more of what we want in our business and our lives. Goals are what help us bring the future into focus. By knowing where we're going, it makes decisions a lot easier and produces better results. In addition to determining where we are now versus where we want to be at some specified time in the future, I find it's helpful to understand the goal achievement process in terms of sequential conceptual stages. This offers another way to look at what might otherwise seem straightforward and colorless.

How Do I Find the Right Business Partner? - Click To Read Article
Having a partner presents a complex mix of interpersonal and business issues, and both need to be addressed for it to work. If your primary interest is having someone to brainstorm with and to help your business move forward, there may be other options besides a partner. A consultant or coach may be able to fill that role. In that case you'd have the benefit of an objective dedicated mind but would still make the final decisions.

Business Communities: A Closer Look - Click To Read Article
You are likely a participant in a number of business communities; some informal, some formal and some personal. Take a look at these three types and determine how you can make the most of each.

Business Fitness: Prerequisite for Growth - Click To Read Article
Everyone knows the value of physical fitness. It may be a struggle in the short term, but the medium and long term benefits are worth it. The same is true in business. If you want your business to grow make sure it is "fit" first. A fit business is sleek, strong, stable, flexible and attractive. My thesis has always been that it's important to reach a state of business fitness as the foundation for future growth. You want to be able to answer "yes" to the following questions. If you can, your business is in a state of fitness and you are ready for growth.

Building Valuable Business Relationships - Click To Read Article
Mutually beneficial relationships are the backbone of a healthy business. Are you building these relationships for your business? And what does it take to create and sustain this type of relationship? To answer this question, I decided to identify the behaviors I see in the leaders in my own small business network.

Business Reinvention: A Surprising Case Study - Click To Read Article
Business reinvention can happen for economic reasons, or to take advantage of new technology, or to reposition the business in the market. It can also happen organically, from life changes, as it did for Genece Hamby, a former packaging and branding specialist who reinvented her business as a digital artist and poet with a branded line of art and gift products. I share Genece's story with you because I think you'll be inspired and encouraged as you consider the reinvention of your own business. Her story is a prime example of how life circumstances, when seeming to be negative, can actually help us to find and use inherent strengths and passions we can apply to our business.

Ask for Help! - Click To Read Article
In a recent interview I was asked what I thought was a common thread for all my clients. Without thinking, I answered, "They're ready and willing to ask for help". I knew it was true before, but I hadn't put it into words. Understanding and acknowledging this I can now focus on finding those who are ready to ask for help. That's a great insight. I can simply ask prospects if they are ready to get help.

Are Your Prepared to Lead? - Click To Read Article
To lead is a verb. It implies action. The leader acts, the follower reacts. The leader is the one who steps out in front and says "Follow me; I know a better way." If he's convincing or trusted, those who relate to the message will follow. There are those who say leadership can be learned -- and I definitely agree with that. There are, however, natural strengths and talents within each of us which are not the result of learning.

Are You Suffering From "Entrepreneuritis"? - Click To Read Article
Today a client introduced me to a new term, "entrepreneuritis". Since I hadn't heard the term, I asked her what it was. She said it's that syndrome that says "I can do it all myself; I want to do it all myself, I have to do it all myself. These are all my ideas, my way of doing things and no one else can do it as well. And I'm feeling overwhelmed because I need to grow my business but I'm so busy doing everything myself, I don't have enough time to do the things that bring in business." Being curious, I decided to do some research myself.

7 Questions to Ask if Your Business is Struggling - Click To Read Article
Are you one of the many small businesses whose market has dried up? Some industries that I've seen hit particularly hard are financial advisors, consultants, graphic designers, event planners, photographers, catering companies, esoteric retailers and many others that depend on discretionary expenditures. For some entrepreneurs it may mean cutting both their business and personal expenditures to the bare bone. Continuing to pursue a declining or over-saturated market is only going to put you closer to the edge. When there are a lot more suppliers than there are customers something has to give. It's time for some strategic decisions and action.

7 Strategies to Prepare for Recovery - Click To Read Article
No matter our circumstances, we all have been affected by the deepest recession in our lifetime. This summer seems to be even tougher than usual for many small businesses. Now is a great time to take a hard look at the realities that exist, get help where needed and rethink our business strategy in preparation for recovery.

How Can I Fix My Business Partnership? - Click To Read Article
If you're in a broken business partnership, you may be able to fix it...or it may be time to move on. Read this article to learn the steps to help you work it out.

Common Partnership Challenges - Click To Read Article
Partnerships can be very beneficial, but they can also be a source of frustration if there isn't a means for addressing common partnership challenges. This article will show how easy it is to go astray from what was originally planned when the partnership was initiated. See if any of these challenges sound familiar. Identifying problems early and taking corrective action may save your sanity and your partnership.

How to Create a Strategy: A Case Study - Click To Read Article
Clients often tell me they're not really clear about the concept of Strategy. It's a lot easier than you might think. Strategy is one of the steps in the planning process and cycle. Learn how it all fits together.

How to Create a Marketing Strategy That Delivers - Click To Read Article
One of the most challenging parts of marketing is creating effective strategies. That's because it's impossible to be certain what outcome any given strategy will bring. But there are ways you can increase the probability of success. This article walks you through the steps to creating a viable marketing strategy based on good information and sound judgment.

How to Attract and Keep Productive Employees - Click To Read Article
It's been shown time after time that there is a high positive correlation between employee commitment/productivity and reduced turnover. A stable, low turnover work force produces significantly more. All the secrets are revealed here.

Help! I Want to Dump My Partner - Click To Read Article
Struggling with a weak or floundering partnership? Read this article to learn what others have done in similar situations.

Delegation and Teamwork - Click To Read Article
Does it feel like your business is out of control? Chances are you could use a new perspective on delegation and teamwork. Both work together and are critical elements of a successful business.

Common Business Challenges: You're Not Alone - Click To Read Article
If you're in business, you've got challenges. Some are priority; some can be deferred. Some will take time; others can be handled quickly and easily. Some will require a financial investment; some will not. They are all challenges because they are holding you back in some way.

Are You Operating From IF or WHEN? - Click To Read Article
Do you wonder why some people move forward with their goals quickly and with apparent ease while you struggle and strive. Maybe you're operating from IF, while they are operating from WHEN. Once you are clear about what you want and the commitment has been made, all forces kick in to help you.

Business Leadership NOW! - Click To Read Article
The leader's old role of charismatic superstar has been redefined as a dedicated team leader with a mission. Spectacular business failures such as Enron, Tyco and others, have shown that short term glory is short sighted and will eventually come back to haunt you. Learn strategies that effective leaders are using today.

8 Steps to Set Your Business on Fire - Click To Read Article
Want your business to really take off? Follow the steps in this article to lay the groundwork for rocketing your business to the next level.

7 Tips for a Business Partnership That Works - Click To Read Article
The secrets to a successful and productive partnership are revealed in these 7 tips. A must read for new or existing partners.

5 Questions to Help Create an Effective Marketing Plan - Click To Read Article
An effective marketing plan is the result of having gathered appropriate information, analyzing it, and making informed decisions. Learn the questions that will give you the information you need.

7 Questions to Ask Before Launching a New Product or Service - Click To Read Article
Launching a new product or service can be a great way to expand your business, if done strategically. Answer these 7 questions before finalizing your launch and avoid what could be costly mistakes.

Strategies to Recession Proof Your Business - Click To Read Article
Every small business needs to take a hard look at the status of their business now to make sure it can withstand an economic downturn. The secret is to have your Plan address spots where you may be vulnerable. Prevention definitely beats fixing things after they become difficult to turn around.

The Partnership Model for Growth and Profit - Click To Read Article
Big businesses do it; so can you. Grow your business using the partnership model.

The One Page Marketing Plan - Click To Read Article
Do you have a Marketing Plan? If not, you're not alone. Lots of small business owners don't...for a variety of reasons and excuses. Are you ready to move beyond the reasons and excuses and give yourself a Marketing Plan that's not only easy to create but will produce the results you want from your marketing efforts? Yes, there is a reason successful businesses have a Marketing Plan. Following a well-calculated strategic Marketing Plan consistently improves result

Negative Relationships: Yes or No? - Click To Read Article
Are you putting up with negative relationships? Do you realize how much they may be costing you? Maybe it's time to mend or end those that are taking their toll on your time and your business.

The Call to Leadership - Click To Read Article
As a coach working with small business owners for over a decade I've seen the difference it makes when entrepreneurs consciously choose to function as leader and learn to apply the fundamentals of good business practice. Learn them here.

The Keys to Finding Good Help - Click To Read Article
The success of a small business is dependent on having good help. Without it, the business just cannot go to the next level. The clearer you are about what you want and the clearer your communication about expectations, the closer you'll come to getting it. Learn the steps and actions recommended by Business Leadership Coach, Marian Banker.





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