Business Growth Archives - Page 10 of 15

How to Become a Professional Business Consultant and Promote Client Happiness!

I’ve lived here in the Philippines for 12-years. But, being in Asia hasn’t stopped me from doing business with people outside of the country as a professional business consultant and coach.

In fact, over the last few years alone, I’ve worked with close to 100 consultation clients from all around the world – with 95% of my business being done outside of the country that I live in. Amazing, isn’t it?!

I’m pretty up front with the fact that I’m based here. In fact, it’s actually seen as a bonus most of the time, because of the industry that I’m in. Both my call center company and my virtual staffing agency definitely benefit from the fact that I am based here, as I’m seen as a thought leader in the niche and someone with a good reputation to do business with when it comes to working with a startup business consultant directly – instead of just going through one of the many business consultant companies out there – some of which are just not worth their weight at all.

As some of you may know, the biggest inspiration for creating content on this site is YOU, the readers. I get some many great emails, tweets and Facebook messages that I rarely have to scratch around for ideas on content creation (thankfully!). Recently I’ve gotten a handful of questions around the subject of setting yourself up as an international business consultant, or even someone that is more of a marketing consultant for small business owners. Along with some tips on how I work with my own coaching clients, too.

So, I thought I’d focus in on this a little, and let you know how I feel on the subject and pass on a few tips and ideas that work well for me. All good? Cool.

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5 Podcasts Every Entrepreneur Should Be Listening To!

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been recording the first batch of episodes for my new podcast, which will be launched in time for Christmas, entitled ‘The New Business Podcast”.

More about this next week… However, in the meantime, I wanted to bring to you a little listening pleasure in the meantime.

Podcasts are a great way to digest information and gain plenty of business tips and tactics. I’ve been a big fan for a long time, and regularly listen to them myself, obviously!

So, today I bring to you five of my personal favorite podcasts, and hope that you add a few more to the list, too, in the comment section below.

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11 ‘Online Video’ Content Ideas to Help Market Your Brand & Business Online!

When it comes to the world of online video, I’ll admit, I’m still learning (even after almost 15-years of flirting with it!) – but, there’s one thing I do know for sure… it works. Plain and simple.

I’ve had a lot of emails and tweets recently from people that have started to get active with their online video production, which is awesome!

Amongst all the questions I’ve gotten, from “Does quality really mater…?” and ‘What’s the best camera to use..?”, to “Who does your cool video intro…?” (It’s the guys over at Splasheo, for your info!) – the one topic that has stood out above and beyond them all is about content.

What type of content is best for video and what kind of content should we be creating to help market and promote our businesses online? Well, I thought I’d shoot this quick video myself, to answer the question, and give you lots of ideas! Enjoy.

For you text-heads out there, here’s the list… although, by watching the video you’ll see my own examples of all these different ideas and concepts, as a little inspiration.

Talking Head Stuff
Location Shots
Interviews
Split Screen Convo’s
Live Speaking Footage
Behind the Scenes Stuff
Unboxing Clips
Event / Conference Walk-Thru’s
Business Promo Clips
Answers to Community Questions

What about No. 11 Chris….?!

I know, the title of the post says 11 ideas, right…? Well, that’s where you guys come into play! I’d like you to add to the discussion by giving us a little info on just ONE thing you’ve shot on video and posted online.

The fact is that nobody has a monopoly on good ideas. We can ALL inspire and motivate each other to get better at what we do when it comes to producing great online video content. Share your video with me on Instagram by using the button below!

Additional Resources

Myself and the team have used Canva for years and their new video editor has been a game changer when it comes to creating new marketing videos! If you’re new to video editing, or you simply want to be able to knock a few quick videos together, I highly recommend checking it out. You can even get started by using a free account to get a feel of it first!

With so many tools available to us, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones truly work. Well, you’re in luck! I’ve put together this resources page featuring all of the tools we personally use as a business, and have had a test-drive by yours truly. Catch you in the next one.

10 Quotes that Instantly Inspire EVERY Entrepreneur!

Short, to the point and actionable post today, guys…

Not because I’m lazy.

Not because I have nothing to say – trust me, that will NEVER happen!!!

But, because all these quotes will turn your day into a profit generating, result orientated MONSTER of a day. And one that will lead to growth, happiness, inspiration, more money, more family time and ultimately… your business and life goals being achieved – today, and tomorrow.

Make today count, my friends.

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Why Small Businesses Have it WRONG and How to Avoid Making the Same Mistake!

Since the day I started my call center company I have always put my employees first and I continue to – all 260-odd of them.

Always.

It’s simply been my number one priority, with the understanding that if I treat them well, pay them right, give them opportunities for growth and be a nice guy to work for, that they will stay with me for the long-term.

The call center industry here in the Philippines is pretty tough, with an annual staff turnover rate of around 60% (yes, you read that right!). At my company it’s been under 8% since day one – we’re celebrating our fifth anniversary in March next year.

It’s something that we pride ourselves on at the Live2Sell Group, and something that personally, as the owner of the business is a driving force for me both as an entrepreneur, and an employer.

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3 Fast and Easy Ways to Kick-Start the Growth of Your Business!

Business growth is one of those terms that is thrown around a lot nowadays. For me, this used to simply mean increasing revenue.

As a business owner myself, I’m focused. My eyes are ‘on the prize’.

However, in my pursuit to continue to grow my own businesses, and start-up new ones – I have come to a realization. Actually a few… And I’d like to share these three quick tips that I hope you seriously consider taking on board, so that you can start growing your business a little faster in today’s market.

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The Importance of Innovation in Business and Why You Need to Get Busy – NOW!

Over the last month or so the importance of innovation in business has become more and more obvious to me.

I’ve come across a handful of people either trying to completely copy one of my business models, duplicate my online content (from this blog), blatantly copy the design of my Facebook branding and even had someone rip footage from one of my YouTube videos, and include it in a video to promote their business elsewhere online!

I’m left thinking “Really? C’mon. Get original, already..!”.

I appreciate that its tough to come up with a ‘truly’ original ‘idea’ nowadays, but knowingly copying, or ripping off someone else’s idea, or business model is not gonna get you anywhere.

Knowing the type of people that read my blog, I’m sure we’re all in agreement on this point!

Benefits of Innovation in Business

It’s easy to copy what is seen as working in today’s market. It’s a tough game out there nowadays, and anything you can do to help kick-start your new business, blog, WebTV show, podcast, service, product or digital magazine in a positive manner is understandable.

However, I’m a big believer that the advantages of innovation in business go way beyond just doing well, or making money!

It’s about creating the right kind of persona as an entrepreneur. It’s about moving and shaking in the right circles. It’s about ‘killing it’ live on stage, in the boardroom, over the dining table, or on the golf course.

The benefits of being innovative in the way you startup, grow and develop your business far outweigh the benefits you’ll enjoy by simply copying someone else’s idea, or model.

Why is Innovation Important in Business?

Why shouldn’t it be? Why is it important that you water indoor plants daily; that you keep the tempreature of your tropical aquarium at the right setting; that you workout regularly?

Since I launched this new site, just 6 weeks ago, I’ve taken the following steps to stand out from the crowd, re-brand myself and generally make a statement:

The site is 100% customized – there is no other site out there like it.
I created a 7-Day Bootcamp course to help reenforce my entrepreneurial philosophies on building businesses in the 21st century.
Backing it all up, I launched the New Business Manifesto, along with a customized video to help promote it.
I’ve provided free website critiques, as well as replied to every single comment posted on the blog.
My Facebook page has grown at an awesome pace, down to my interaction and giveaways.
Plus much more!

I feel good about making these moves, and I have a lot more planned in the next few months, too.

Advantages of Innovation in Business

It’s easy for me to rant and rave a little about this – and don’t get me wrong, I’ve got this! I’m not all that concerned by any of it – but, I do see this trend of cutting corners, copying, etc. developing more and more nowadays, which is why I decided to create this post on the subject.

As an entrepreneurial network, we need to respect original ideas, business processes, market concepts and so on. If we don’t we leave ourselves wide open to being spanked ourselves – probably when we’re doing well, and it’s really going to sting!

And here’s the thing… Exactly how innovation helps business, depends on your business model.

If you’re running an online business, creating mobile apps or selling informational products via your blog, being seen as an innovative sort will help you immensely, of course.

If you own a pet store, then you might not have to be SEEN as an innovative person, but if you can inject a certain amount of innovation into the way you market and promote your business in the local community, not only will you get more business, but you’ll also be respected as a local entrepreneur.

Conclusion

There are always going to be those that copy and duplicate what you have done, because you’ve done okay for yourself doing it. Get over it. Life goes on.

The big difference between those business owners that continue to crush it, and those that merely taste ‘the crush’ (is there such a term?! well, there is now!), is how you conduct yourself in business. How you promote, market, sell and look after your customers.

Get busy being innovative my friends. Stand out for the right reasons, and the rewards will come to you over and over again…

What do you think about the role of innovation in business? Do you place the right amount of focus on the importance of innovation in business, when it comes to your own activities? I’d love to know your feelings on this important subject. Comment below.

10 Top Tips for Working with Virtual Assistants (Infographic)

Infographics are big business. On average they cost around $500 to create (if you want them to be good), but the ability for them to be spread all over the internet is insane – I mean serious viral stuff!

I’ve seen them popping up more and more this past year, and not one to ignore a trend, nor what a trend seems to be delivering for those that jump on it (Neil Patel recently attributed 2,512,596 visitors to his sites via his infographics!), I thought I’d give it a whirl myself.

This first cool infographic of mine (I have a few planned) points out ten simple, but a lot of the time ignored, tips for working with virtual assistants, a subject I know, well, a few things about!

Enjoy this interesting infographic and please comment below letting me what you think, and if you feel doing more is a good idea, or not – before I spend any more money!!!

🙂

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7 Ways to get Your Inbox Under Control and Regain Your Entrepreneurial Sanity!

Email is probably the biggest time-sucker for every and any entrepreneur working hard to create, build and run a business in today’s economy.

I’ve struggled with it myself in the past, but I’m happy to say I now have it very much under control – and it was all because of a handful of steps I incorporated into my daily work life.

A couple of days ago my buddy, Leslie Samuel published a post outlining changes that he was making in order to better manage his time and especially communication with followers and customers. This prompted me to shoot this video, which I hope will help bring some calm to the entrepreneurial storm, known simply as ‘Inbox Hell’.

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