Tag Archive for: Business Owner

What Can You Do in Your Business During a Slow Period? If Business Is Slow, Do You Rest?

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What Can You Do in Your Business During a Slow Period? If Business Is Slow, Do You Rest? by Dave Bresler

Last October, during a recent Around the Horn session, a business owner asked what he could do during a slow period. 

  • The first suggestion was an obvious one — don’t stop marketing your business, both in high and low demand periods.
  • The next recommendation came from a group member who works as a professional presentation instructor: Take the show on the road and make presentations at trade shows and conventions.
  • A marketing consultant commented that if the business owner hunkered down in difficult times, it’s already too late. Instead, they should have taken steps to make themselves top of mind, thus farming referrals during the good times.
  • Another idea was to use interns to do prep work so the business owner can do more important things.

The corollary is you should always have a full pipeline. Track your referrals! I always say, “If you don’t know where your referrals come from, track your business and you’ll find them — then be good to those who refer you.” In other words, give them referrals when appropriate or do something nice for them so that you stay top of mind.

What do you do during a slow period in your business?

Dave Bresler
President of Network!Network!
Phone: 914-924-1297
Contact us using this online form.

How Can You Deal with a Bumpy Market?

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How Can You Deal with a Bumpy Market by Dave Bresler

When markets move, how can any negative effects it may have on your enterprise be reduced? This was the question posed from a business owner during a recent Around the Horn session.

One of the group members commented that it’s a matter of critical mass. Anticipate the bump and bring on interns (typically for low pay). Have these interns complete other duties when demand is low. Someone else pointed out that students make good interns, especially students in your field.

Another member suggested that the business owner makes their team more efficient so more work gets done in less time. This is not always possible, of course, but making processes more efficient would help. Another suggestion was for the entrepreneur to be the champion for a new plan or process.

How have you made your business more stable during a bumpy period?

Dave Bresler
President of Network!Network!
Phone: 914-924-1297
Contact us using this online form.

How Do You Create Depth Within Your Organization?

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How Do You Create Depth Within Your Organization? by Dave Bresler

As a business owner, what happens if you want to take some time away from the daily operations of your business? Do you have someone with whom you are confident in their abilities to handle the reins, to manage the helm?

You must find subordinates who can fill in for you if you go on vacation (or so you can go on vacation). You will also need support if you and/or members of your family fall ill, or if you have other obligations that must be honored.

Here are a few suggestions on finding that right person to fill your shoes in your absence:

  • “Don’t simply delegate; teach them how to run the business. This will inspire and generate leaders rather than people who just ‘do the job.’”
  • “When a subordinate comes up with solutions, they own it.”
  • “Infrastructure and Process will enable both your time away and also contribute to an exit/succession plan.”
  • “Identifying the right person, obviously, is critical to the success of this process.”
  • “Find people who can deal with people and then train them to do the technical work.”
  • “Look in odd places – waiters, service personnel who come to support your business.”
  • “Communicate and be transparent: What are the possibilities? What do they need to improve in order to be considered? What is happening in the marketplace and in the business that they should be aware of?”
  • “Create an atmosphere where everyone is valued for who they are. The cream will rise.”

Avoid burnout and find someone to take the reins so you can rest and recharge your batteries. For more tips and ideas, visit Network!Network!

Dave Bresler
President of Network!Network!
Phone: 914-924-1297
Contact us using this online form.