It’s a brand new world…of pitching that is. On one hand, the idea of meeting someone in an elevator is less likely (I’m not sure if it ever was likely). But on another hand you can actually connect with angel investors, venture capitalists and other types of funders and potential fans easier than ever before […]
Before You Move Forward, What Do Your Numbers Say?
I recently traveled to Austin to take an intense 4-day course titled Know Your Numbers. It was a practical course on how to analyze how a business is performing, plan for the future and make decisions on how (and when) to afford growth – from business financials. My work supporting business owners and programs and […]
Your 100 Day Business Sprint Begins
Today made it official. There are about 100 days between now and the holiday season (and if you only count business days, there are about 100 before the new year). Take a breath. (Inhale…and count down from 10 to 1 during the exhale) My intention is NOT to send you into panic mode. But to […]
Pitch to Win™: The Nervousness Within
Everyone, no matter who you are… or how many times you’ve pitched or presented… gets nervous. But nerves can be managed and transferred into the type of energy that can propel you vs. hold you back. These tips are what I actually do and use for myself AND others. So they aren’t kooky ideas but real hacks. See […]
Pitch-to-Win™: Save the Day with Q&A
This lesson is all about the Q&A or Question and Answer. Don’t sleep on this part of your pitch. It’s your opportunity to: Address an area your pitch didn’t address Clear up an area in your audience’s mind Reinforce why you should get the money (or the business) Contrary to popular belief, Q&A is a part of your pitch that […]
Bamboo Shoots and Business Models
Proof You Actually Have a Business In my early experience coaching start-ups, it became clear that the number one piece of evidence that said you actually have a business is selling something to someone other than your family and friends – the second time (anyone can get lucky the first time). Since working with more […]
Death by Shark Bite
The other day CNBC had a Shark Tank marathon and because I absolutely love the show (who doesn’t?) I was hooked for a few hours at least. There are more lessons than I can publish here. But one was clear: After watching entrepreneur after entrepreneur pitch their ideas to the 5 opinionated investors, I came […]
Promote Like Beyonce: 4 Ways to Build Buzz
When it comes to marketing, the music industry has a formula that’s been used for years to market its icons. The formula is: Put out a single on the radio first, then blanket the market with promotion, and finally schedule a big release party. This is how it’s always been done. That is, until pop-star […]
What A Nun Can Teach You About Small Business Success: Part 4
I’m finishing Part 4 of What a Nun Can Teach You about Success in Business. Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. The convent I stayed in was a private retreat. Although it was my first, I’m familiar with the practice from friends who have visited in the past. But for those who weren’t […]
What A Nun Can Teach You About Small Business Success: Part 3
Today I want to continue my series on what you can learn from a nun about business. You can click on the links to read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4. Over the winter holiday, I stayed at a non-speaking convent in Northern Alabama. The lessons I learned here really put my own life […]