October Greetings Everyone!
Have you checked your “BP” lately?
No, I am not talking about checking your blood pressure (but good for you); I am referencing checking your Business Plan.
If you have not visited your business plan in the last year, it might be time to do so.
Business Plans are not just for the initial financing of your business. More importantly, they are to chart your course for the days, weeks, and months to follow. I have often heard that, “The only thing permanent is change” which is extremely applicable when it comes to your clients’ wants, needs, and preferences. Are you keeping up with those changes? If not, they may be searching for a company who is already “on top” of their needs. Remember that your clients are your competitor’s prospects and vice versa.
Here are some suggestions of things you might start with:
- Talk to your customers and get an update on how their business and their consumers have changed.
- Talk to your staff (if any) and ask for their feedback and suggestions on the business (you may be surprised with what they know and think).
- Visit your competitor’s websites and social media to discover how they have changed in meeting their consumer’s needs.
Remember “why” you created your business and understand that everything is subject to change without any notice. Keep your focus on your dreams, be ready to make changes that need to be changed, and never give up.
Our cover honoree for our October 2014 issue, Emile “Chuck” Toups of the EFFORT Companies is a true visionary and dreamer whose business plans are always in motion, much like the race cars he has that are always winning. Barbara and I were introduced to Emile and his companies by Sonia Clayton of Virtual Intelligence Providers. Not only is Sonia on our Publisher’s Advisory Board, she is also a past cover honoree. We have spent many hours getting to know Emile and listen to his dreams about his future plans, all of which incorporate what he values most – his GOD and his family, first and foremost.
It really was fun getting a chance to shoot the cover on the race track at MSR Houston with Emile’s two Porsche Race Cars of EFFORT RACING.
I know you will enjoy Emile’s story and understand his message, “We Come to Win!”
If you are planning to attend the “Houston Small Business Expo” at the NRG Center on October 11th, please drop by our booth at the show. For more information, visit www.HoustonSmallBusinessExpo.com. We will see you there!
Good Reading, Good Sales, and Great Success to You!
Respectfully,
Steve Levine
President & Executive Publisher
