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Archives for November 2016

Business Development Tips and Tricks

November 21, 2016 by IgniteHQ Leave a Comment

Business Development Tips and Tricks

Finding the time to get everything done is a problem we all face when developing  a business. Whether you’re a consultant, accountant or engineer, practicing your trade takes up all your time making it seemingly impossible to find the extra time to create and develop the relationships necessary to bring in new business. There just are not enough hours in the day to accomplish it all.

As a result, business development activities end up ill planned and inconsistent. This leads to prospects slipping away and poor customer service making it look like you don’t care. On the contrary, you probably care a great deal! So, let’s look at some tactics that will help you streamline your business and your accomplish your priorities.

Creating Schedules and Goals

Creating schedules and goals and following them can be a lifesaver. It is best to have several schedules and goals at one time.  Start with a daily schedule. What do you need to accomplish today in order to have everything situated for the week or month? Next, create a weekly and a monthly schedule. These are your short term and longer term goals that you need to reach. Break everything down into lists and be as detailed as you feel you need to be. It is very satisfying to mark things off as they are completed and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Focus On Efforts That Offer the Best Chance of Success

When you are creating those schedules and goals, know where to spend your precious time. So often, it can take just as much time and effort to seal a $1,000 deal as it does to sell a $50,000 deal. Focus on deals and proposals that have the greatest potential for long-term success for you and your organization.

Be Organized

Being organized is essential for running any business. Business development can be an insane task if you are tracking all your contacts, leads, and activities. To keep your precious time the most effective, use a CRM platform to keep track of your sales conversations. Make sure to take and keep good notes on everything you discuss. At the end of each conversation, set a solid next step for yourself and record this in your CRM platform. This will help you stay organized as well as prioritize your follow-up and sales efforts. There are several good CRM platforms that range from free to paid for small businesses. Here are a few good ones that Business News Daily suggests:

business development

Build Your Business Development Skills

More than likely you learned the majority of the ins and outs of your trade advancing through the ranks and building knowledge around your particular skill. Despite your expertise, you may have had very little business development training. Be sure you are constantly studying and learning business development skills needed to be the best at what you do. Learn how to effectively “sell” your products or services. Don’t be pushy, but have information readily available so that you can talk about what you have to offer if and when the opportunity arises. A sincere belief in your product will translate into a convincing sales pitch.

If you need additional direction in building these skills and need a mentor, please contact IgniteHQ for more information.

Filed Under: Business

Coworking is Here to Stay

November 7, 2016 by IgniteHQ Leave a Comment

Coworking is Here to Stay

Can you imagine not having to worry about a boss looking over your shoulder? Can you imagine not sitting at a desk for someone else from 9am to 5pm everyday? In less than five years, work will no longer mean being attached to a chain to your desk, in an office that someone else runs.

Coworking has become a huge success over the last few years. This coworking trend is so powerful, that we don’t anticipate it to going away. More and more people are realizing that they can start a business working for themselves.

  • By the year 2020, over half of the “full-time workers” in the US will be freelance
  • Coworking spaces have sprouted up all across the United States to cater to the newest generation of business-minded people

What are some perks of utilizing a coworking space?

  • The operator provides flexible terms. This allows renters to move in and out, upgrade or downgrade their rental agreement with short notice.
  • The operator designs community building programs and events to help create strong business networks among their renters.
  • The operator can provide mentors for budding entrepreneurs to help with development, ideas and possibly even investment options.

The coworking movement is growing rapidly and lots of spaces are adjusting to the demand. Corporations are even beginning to adopt coworking concepts into their own offices. Let’s take a look at how the coworking movement has been expanding.

Multiple Locations

There have been several coworking space providers that are expanding into multiple locations to accommodate people in different areas. This includes different locations in and around the same city and state as well as nationally and internationally.

Larger Spaces

Coworking space providers are beginning to expand their current spaces to be able to generate more event based revenue as well as larger clients. Obtaining these larger spaces also enables these coworking space providers to have more effective negotiations with building owners.

Corporate Partnerships

Corporations and coworking space providers are beginning to partner on certain programs and space initiatives. Entire teams and functions are being moved into coworking office spaces to collaborate with business start-ups. Corporations are even bringing coworking operators into their offices to use and manage spaces that are not being used.

Specific Niche Communities

Coworking space providers will often target specific sectors or professionals in an effort to build a stronger community. This helps create loyalty among their renters and fosters partnerships among tenants. Training programs and mentoring services help these groups grow their businesses through teamwork and collaboration.

This is a fast growing industry of like-minded people aiming to succeed in the business world. Should you have any additional questions on coworking space or any other topic on this subject, please contact IgniteHQ.

Filed Under: Business, Partnership

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