Yes, I'd like to know the five best businesses to "lure" profits . . .

and you're right about the PCGS. When I ran my one-man consulting business, if I didn't constantly "reach out and touch" potential clients, I quickly lost momentum and dollars.

I personally used monthly (or more) event speaking engagements to reach new and old clients; sent "personalized" notes, clippings and phone calls to current,past and potential clients; and scheduled breakfasts, lunches and occasional dinners with those valuable people who gave me referral business.

I also offered a free half hour of consulting prior to getting into a contract. This was a loss leader that allowed me to gain rapport with potential clients, scope the job to see if I could or wanted to do it, and (most importantly) decide if the client was serious and could/would pay my rates and truly gain value from the engagement.

Bob

> I'd also like to know the five best businesses.

I appreciate your response as I am just starting a "one-man consulting business" and have learned from your remarks.

Actually my business cards say business coach/employee trainer. I want to help my clients focus on what's important now. I want to bring value to each client by helping them build winning teams, improve employee performance, cut cost to production or service, and increase customer satisfaction.

I want to target the small business owner. People who know there is help out there but do not know where to turn nor have the time to look.

The small business market (defined as businesses with a $500,000 or less in revenues) is interesting.

Many small business owners are eager to learn and grow, but have no money to pay for consulting services. Others have the "not invented here" syndrome and want to do things their way, seeing no value in outside advice. However, the few that have the money and an open mind are both fun and challenging to work with.

I strongly advise you to use the free half hour of consulting to evaluate each business and business owner. Don't be swayed by promises of future shares of profits in the business in exchange for your "free" advice (unless it's your brother-in-law and you have to keep the peace:-)) Even if the business case for the future is strong, get some kind of upfront payment to ensure you're taken seriously. If you've presented a case that meets their business goals, they will always find a way to pay you.

Just some advise from a scarred veteran!!

Bob

> I appreciate your advice and it is taken seriously. What really triggered this dream for me was when I helped a buddy with his small business. He is in industrial valves. He asked me to write a business plan for him as he needed a loan to expand. I took a few days, bugged him with questions, wrote it and he was happy. While I was talking with him, he told me of a problem he had. He didn't know what to say when people asked him why they should do business with him.

I asked him what made his company better than the competition. He quickly came up with five responses. I wrote them on a 5 X 8 card taped it above his telephone, and his problem was solved.

I love helping people and I know I can help solve small as well as large problems. I think the mom and pop shops may need the most help. You are right, they don't have a lot of cash, are comfortable the way things are now, and probably a million other reasons why they don't need help. I want the people who are not comfortable.

One question though, what does DNO mean? I am new to the sight but love it's content, simple yet powerful.

Thanks again Bob,
Ron Darnell

dno dno dnod dnodnd ndodndn