LeBron James and Your Business

It was amazing to see all of the buzz that the recent free agency of LeBron James has created in the sporting world, but it is also interesting to evaluate the corollaries between the Lebronathon and the marketing small businesses try to engage in.  Here are two takeaways your business can learn from the LeBron James decision:

1) Let Your Excellence Demand Attention-

LeBron James was able to do something that most small business owners wish they could do, command the attention of the world.   It is amazing that one player was able to get the number 1 sports media outlet to change their scheduling and allow him to make his announcement on their station.  Now it is highly unlikely for you to be able to get your product on CNN, Fox Business or other major media outlet today, but there is a lesson to be learned from LeBron.  Be excellent and your excellence will put you in a position to get the attention that you need.  LeBron had measurables (key statistical figures) in his field that put him as arguably the best available player in this year’s free agent class.  Because of that he was able to demand and get attention.  Make sure that as you develop your product or service, you have a way to demand attention because you have the “stats” to back up your excellence.  Something that will allow people to see why they need you.

2) Improve Your Management and Retain Key Employees-

LeBron James leaving Cleveland was a great blow to the fans of Cleveland and to the Cavaliers organization.  Almost instantly, LeBron James was converted from a hero to public enemy number one.  But much of the blame for LeBron’s departure has to be placed squarely on the feet of management.   Dan Gilbert and his management team simply did not put a team around LeBron James that put him in a position to win a championship and it did not appear that they had the capacity to do so.  Furthermore, following LeBron’s very public departure, Mr. Gilbert wrote a letter that appeared more apt for a bitter 13-year-old ex-girlfriend or boyfriend than a high profile company owner.  That letter could significantly impact how future star player perceive his management style, role as an owner and how he treats players.  What are you doing in your business to ensure that you indispensible employees stay with the organization?  What are their opportunities to meet their goals?  What ARE their goals?  Also, if someone does leave, what signal are you allowing to be sent to current and future employees?  Make sure that your properly and respectfully manage your organization.

The business of sports can provide many examples of general business principles… What examples do your see?

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Small Business Work Week More

I think all of us would like to get a little more enjoyment out of the sometimes more mundane things that we face on a daily base.  All too often work moves to the top of the list of things that people dislike.  Here are 5 ways that you can enjoy your business week more.

1) Incorporate One Passion Into the Work you Do-

Everyone has things that they love to do or information/ideas that they love to follow.  Our workload becomes far more interesting when we can find a way to bring that passion in to the things that we are doing in our jobs.  Take some time to make a list of the things that are most interesting to you.  Then make a list of some of your responsibilities or tasks at work.  Compare the two lists to see if there are some things from the first list that you can merge with the things that you are doing on the second list.  You would be surprise to see how you attitude about those tasks changes when you incorporate things you are passionate about.

2) Find a Way to Serve-

Service has an amazing way of invigorating the mind and motivating us to become more engaged in the work that we are doing.  Don’t discount the impact that it can have in making the work that we do become more meaningful.  Service can happen in a couple different ways: 1) plan projects with co-workers to build up  your community or 2) find ways to do something extra for clients, neighbors, co-workers or friends.  Set aside some time each week to do something entirely focused on someone else.  It will enrich your work week.

3) Cut Out the Unnecessary-

Take careful stock of all the tasks that you have on your to-do list.  What items are necessary?  What can be cut out or delegate?  When we do a better job of managing our time and our responsibilities, it can go a long way to giving us peace of mind and more enjoyment because we are doing more of what we enjoy and less of the mundane.  Now, unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to cut out all the mundane tasks that we have on our plates, but better time management will allow us to minimize the time wasters that we so often engage in.

4) Make a Friend-

People are really social creatures and it is critical for peace of mind to develop meaningful relationships.  This is especially true in business.  Your week will become more enjoyable as you find clients, customers and co-workers with whom you can have interesting conversations.  Be engaging with those around you and take some time to learn more about others.  Invite someone new to lunch this week.  Ask a client about their family.  Have a conversation that you wouldn’t normally have.

5) Stay Focused-

Finally, do your best to stay on task.  Work is most meaningful when it is done properly and with full energy.  Remove the things that normally distract you and focus on achieve all that you desire from your workday.  Be persistent and actively engaged in your tasks and they will become more enjoyable as time moves along.

25 Ways to Jump-Start Your Business

Linked is an interesting article from Inc.com that discuss 25 things that you can do in order to jump-start your business.  Here are why three of them stand out to me:

#2 Engage Your Employees-

By engaging your employees more in decision making and planning within your business, you can an added “advisory board” with an unique and fresh perspective on the direction of your business.  It also allows employees to feel more committed and involved in the organization, thus further motivating them.

#6 Shed Your Problem Customers-

This is true in any industry, we should not be so caught up in making a sale, closing a deal or signing a new client that we lose sight of what they might cost us in the long run (e.g. unrealistic demands on time, inability to be satisfied, consistent complaints about work product).  You are better served focusing on a few good clients.  Don’t let the bad ones distract your time from that.

#18 Find Some Amazing Interns-

As the article says, interns help to fill gaps within your business.  Take advantage of local colleges and university.  Work with career services offices to create new and unique ways of motivating quality interns to join your team.

 

For more ideas, check out the article-

 

http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/02/25-ways-jumpstart-business.html

Miami-Dade Mayor’s Microenterprise Workshop

The Mayor’s Micro-Enterprise Workshop
Thursday, March 25, 2010
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
University of Phoenix Learning Center
11410 Northwest 20th Street, Miami 33172
Meet and connect with governmental purchasing
professionals from Miami-Dade County departments,
other municipalities, and various economic
development agencies.
Learn more about:
• Alternative Financing
• Business and Financial Plan Preparation
• Community Based Programs & Other Technical Assistance
• Education in the Business World
• Financial Opportunities & Information
• How to Be Green & Be Profitable
• How to Do Business with Miami-Dade County
• How to Market Your Business
• Legal Requirements of Owning and Operating a Business
• Pre-Qualification/Technical Certification & Contracting Opportunities
• Small Business Certification & Contracting Opportunities
Registration is required & space is limited. RSVP before March 22, 2010
to Lawanda Wright-Robinson at wlawand@miamidade.gov.
For more information call (305) 375-3186

Should Small Businesses Be Allowed to Be Bigger?

Here is an interesting article about the SBA policies related to small businesses and thoughts related to adjustments that may need to be made in the definition of a small business.  Adjustments definitely have their benefits and disadvantages.  How much growth is too much?  Read and feel free to interject your opinion in a comment:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/11/should-small-businesses-be-allowed-to-be-bigger.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+entrepreneur/dailydose+(Daily+Dose)

Women Owned Business Event

Here is information on an upcoming business event for women:

Memoirs of a Woman “Women Leading Extraordinary Lives” And our Host University of Phoenix Invite you to a Power Packed Luncheon on Friday November 20th 2009 12:00pm – 1:30pm Leverage your competence and confidence to get the business you want, TODAY!  This interactive luncheon will highlight how to make powerful new business relationships by: · Making a great first impression · Using communication effectively · Building solid professional contacts · Converting contacts into new business · Cultivating business relationships This luncheon will be fun, engaging, and will get you connected to new business immediately, so if you want to boost your bottom line, RSVP today! Guest Speaker: David Suarez, Business Owner, Entrepreneur David Suarez, MBA is President, CEO, and lead facilitator of Interactive Training Solutions, LLC and has worked with many organizations to create, and implement customized corporate training and team building solutions to address pertinent challenges and needs.  A South Florida native, Mr. Suarez has been in the field of corporate training for over seven years, and has developed a full complement of workshops, strategies and solutions for small to large sized organizations. Mr. Suarez has been profiled in the recently released, The Actor's Other Career Book, as well as in The Miami Herald, Miami New Times, and The Street. Mr. Suarez is active in the South Florida community volunteering his time with several charitable organizations.  He enjoys cycling, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
PRESENTED BY: SUPPORTING SPONSORS
For additional information please contact us at  info@memomirsofawoman.com
Date:  Friday, November 20, 2009 Place: 11410 NW 20th St Miami, FL 33172 (305) 428-4910 RSVP to 954-274-4102 info@memoirsofawoman.com Time:  12:00 to 1:30 PM Registration beginning at 11:30 AM Admission: $25.00 In Advance Due to capacity limitations Lunch Included Meet other women business owners and develop business relationships and friendships to support your business endeavors. Create Extraordinary Connections Come and join your colleagues, and be Inspired! Sponsorship & exhibit opportunities available by calling 954-274-4102

Establish Daily Forecasting

Managing labor and resources is especially important to small business owners in this economy.  Here is a good article on things to do to establish daily forecasts:

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/11/establish_daily.html

Sell Value, NOT Time

One struggle that many businesses face is how to quantify the value of the product or service that they provide.  Here is an interesting article about what pricing figures should be based on; especially in services businesses.  Enjoy the read:

http://blog.smallbusinessadvice.com/2009/10/21/sell-value-not-time.aspx?ref=rss

Can States Save Their Small Businesses:

Entrepreneur.com has an interesting article about the things that states are doing in order to assist their small businesses.  Read here:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/10/can-states-save-their-small-businesses.php

Event Helping Businesses Connect to the Global Marketplace:

A Twitter Contest That Allows Businesses to Make Their Pitch to Venture Capitalists

Everyone wants access to funds.  Here is a unique contest that will allow business owners their 140 characters or less to pitch their idea.  I love when companies buy in to new media!  Here is the article:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/10/contest-lets-winners-pitch-vcs.php

International Business Networker

Here is some information on upcoming international business networking events in South Florida:

 

The First Step For A Successful Networking,

Is To Be Involved In One...

Networking con Americas Community Center

Jueves 29 de 2009

at Carlos Albizu University

2173 Nw 99th Ave

Doral, Fl. 33172

7:45 - 9:15 AM

RSVP: 9543239526

andrea@americascc.org

Small Business Lending Workshop:

Information is key in a recession and now is a great time to get information about how your company can get access to funds.  Here is some information on an upcoming event:

 

BUSINESS WORKSHOP
JOIN OUR SURVIVE & THRIVE
WORKSHOP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
CO-SPONSORED BY:
Reach Local
Thursday, Nov 12th
6:00pm-8:00pm
CITIBANK
899 W. Cypress Creek Rd,
Suite 8 Ft. Lauderdale,
FL , 33309.
(Inside the Citrix Building)
To Register:
Call (305) 807-5782
ACCION USA is a nonprofit
organization that has provided
loans and small business training
since 1991. Learn more at
www.accionusa.org
Get personalized business advice at this FREE
event sponsored by Citibank & ACCION USA.
RECEIVE FREE COACHING FROM PROFESSIONALS IN THE
AREAS OF:
• Banking for Small Businesses
• Boost sales with e-marketing
• Alternative Financing for Small Business

Upcoming Toy Drive

Business is about community.  I am a firm advocate of businesses doing what they can to commit to their communities in a broader way.  Here is an upcoming opportunity:

Web Resources for Small Businesses

On my law firm website,  I am compiling a list of small business resources.  If you or someone you know is a small business resource, especially for small business and international business, please comment and I can add your information to the site.  Also feel free to link to the list of resources.  Check back frequently as the site will be updated with regularity.  Here is the link:

http://www.corallaw.com/Small%20Business%20Resources.htm

Florida International Business Tip of the Day

Engaging in international business can be exciting and lucrative but it also presents its own unique challenges.  The normal business concerns of cash flow, marketing and publicity are amplified in the international sphere because of cultural differences, communication issues and access to markets.  Because of the difficulties that a business can face, it is necessary for a business to have access to good international business resources.  Two governmental organizations that can assist businesses in Florida that operate internationally are: Enterprise Florida and the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium.  If you have any questions about opportunities, concerns or tips, reach out to those organizations and they can help guide you.  Their websites also have great informational resources and links to help you in your international business ventures.

South Florida Business to Business Expo

Included below is information for the South Florida Business-to-Business Expo.  Expos are a great way to see what is out there, gain access to resources and grow your business.  Go out and meet other business owners:

SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS EXPO

@ Quality Inn Sawgrass Conference Center

1711 N. University Dr. Plantation, FL 33322

Thursday, November 5^th, 2009

General Admission 4PM – 9PM  Only $10

EXCLUSIVE “Exhibitor Only” Reception & Networking 1PM – 4pm

74 Sold-Out EXPO’S – 1^st Ever @ This Hotel – 150+Exhibitors, 3K Business Executives

74 Consecutive Sold-Out Trade Shows, Over 14,250 Exhibitors, Over 262,000 Attendees, Millions of Dollars in Transacted Business, Partnerships, Alliances, Contracts, New Customers, New Relationships, New Products!!!

Presented By

Broward County Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Business News Newspaper, Broward County I.T. Council, Broward County Real Estate Committee, Broward County International Committee, Broward County CEO Forum, & Many World Class Partners, Alliances and Chambers of Commerce!

The BROWARD COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is a 501 c 6 Non-Profit Corporation

Traditional Chambers of Commerce are a thing of the past… At the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce, our “Highest Priority” is to “Bring Business to Our Members.” When you join this chamber, you, in effect are hiring a professional marketing company, a public relations firm, a multi-media consultant, an advertising company, a website marketing firm, a merchant services firm and an outside sales force at an incredible “mere” fraction of the cost. We promise to bring new customers to your door, to your website and calling on your phone! WARNING: This is not your grandmother’s chamber of commerce!!!

Clear Channel Communications will be promoting this Expo on all of its Radio Stations – Y-100, BIG 105.9, LOVE 94, 940AM, NEWS RADIO 610, 103.5 THE BEAT, ZETA ROCKS, MEGA 94.9. RADIO Advertising Gives you MORE BANG for the buck! Miramar offices are located at:7601 Riviera Blvd. Miramar, FL 33023 Phone: (954) 862-2000 http://www.ccmiami.com

ECONOMIC STIMULUS – TAKE ACTION - SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS!!!

Register to Exhibit at www.ChamberRSVP.com

Under one roof, businesses and professions serving a huge variety of market sectors. Meet with our area's buying community and decision-makers. Interact one-on-one with potential customers. Establish and build relationships with other vendors.  Exhibitors demonstrate and showcase goods and services while making contacts and developing new clients. Technology, commerce, finance, manufacturing, insurance, healthcare, education, and more... It's All Here!!! There will be businesses participating from Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties!!!

25+ Reasons to Exhibit at South Florida Business EXPO: Secure new business contacts, develop prospect database, accelerate the sales process, access the decision maker, provide hands-on exposure to products and services, identify and assess new markets, maintain market viability, introduce a company to a new market, launch a new product or service, counteract competitor claims, generate media exposure, build brand awareness, recruit new distributors, retailers or representatives, recruit personnel with specialized skills, network with the regional business community, expand your business out of county and Internationally, gain customer feedback, maintain profile with competitors,  test the market for new product or service development, identify and assess new markets, getting your customers to buy more, maintain  or extend relationships with existing clients, trade show return-on-investment is lasting, market research, prevent client switching.

Often Imitated – Never Duplicated

Exhibitor Pricing:

_6' Table Pkg $250

_8' Table Pkg $295

_6’x8’ VIP Pkg $450.00

_6’x16’ Premier Pkg $1,075

Membership & Exhibitor Packages

Membership & Exhibitor Package 1 Includes:

-6 Ft. Table Expo Package (Preferred Space)

- 1 Year Broward County/South Florida Chamber Membership

-Free $250 Ad In the South Florida Business News Newspaper

-A Tile Ad ($240 Value) for 90 days on www.BrowardBiz.com, www.SouthFloridaChamber.org, or www.SouthFloridaBusinessnews.com

- Full business listing in our 4 Color Referral Directory

-Your Member Discount faxed and e-mailed to all members

-One free article, coupon, classified ad & job listing

-Directory Listing on 3 Different web sites plus Much More……

ONLY $450.00* (Value $2,420)

Membership & Exhibitor Package 2 Includes:

-6’ x 8’ Large VIP Exhibitor Package

-1 Year Broward County/South Florida Chamber Membership

-Free $450 Ad In the South Florida Business News Newspaper

-A Tile Ad ($240 Value) for 90 days on www.BrowardBiz.com, www.SouthFloridaChamber.org, or www.SouthFloridaBusinessnews.com

- Full business listing in our 4 Color Referral Directory

-Your Member Discount faxed and e-mailed to all members (2x)

- 2 free articles, coupons, classified ads & job listings

-Directory Listing on 5 Different web sites plus Much More……

ONLY $650.00* (Value $2,960)

Log Onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to Exhibit at this Show and pay on-line

Company Name __________________________________Contact Name___________________________________

Address__________________________________________________City______________________Zip__________

Phone___________________Fax______________________E-mail________________________________________

__6 Ft Table $250 __8Ft Table $295 __6’x8’+ VIP $450 __6’x16’+ Premier $1,075 += Larger space available upon written request

_Pkg #1-6’ Package & 1yr Membership $485* _Pkg #2 VIP & 1yr Membership 6X8 VIP $685* #3_6x16 + 1yr Membership $1,295*

*= + One Time $35 admin fee __$1,000 Silver Sponsor __$2,000 Gold Sponsor __$3,000 Platinum Sponsor – Sponsorships Include Membership

General Admission = $10 x __=$____ _Check ck.#_____ Tot Amt $______ Electricity – $75 Extra

Log Onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to register and pay on-line

__ MC,VISA,AE,DISC #______________________________________________Exp. ________Sig._____________________________

Any refunds requested on this show will be honored towards future shows or advertising. BCCC is a 501 C 6 Non-Profit Organization

Fax With Payment To (954) 566-3398

Or Mail to B.C.C.C. 1640 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Ste. 403, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

Broward County Office #2 B.C.C.C. Broward County Chamber Building, 2425 E. Commercial Blvd, Ste.103 Ft. Laud, FL 33308

7040 W. Palmetto Park Rd. Suite 4-635 Boca Raton, Fl. 33433

701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1550, Miami, FL 33131

INFO: Broward (954) 565-5750  Palm Beach County (561) 683-8414  Miami-Dade (305) 278-1811 

www.BrowardBiz.com

www.ChamberRSVP.com

www.BrowardCountyExpo.com

www.SouthFloridaExpo.com

www.SouthFloridaChamber.org

www.SouthFloridaBusinessNews.com

OTHER EVENTS

__Wednesday, October 28^th – South Florida & Miami-Dade County International Business Trade Show & Seminars at Miami Free Zone, 2305 NW 107^th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172 – 4pm – 9pm. Join the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce and the South Florida Business News newspaper as we partner with dozens of other Chambers of Commerce and other International Organizations to bring you one of the LARGEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOWS IN SOUTH FLORIDA. Over 250 Exhibitors and Thousands of Business Executives in attendance. You can log onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to register to exhibit!

__Thursday, December 10^th – South Florida Business-To-Business EXPO & International Trade Show in Pembroke Pines/Miramar Business District. 100+ Exhibitors and 2,500+ Business Executives.

__Tuesday, December 15^th – Happy Holidays Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Networking Cruise along the Winterfest Boat Parade Route 3 days later without the crowds. Join over 300 Business Professionals for Great Food, Drinks, Awesome Networking & Holiday Cheer!

PLEASE RSVP __More Info __Exhibitor Registration __Free Vip Passes for Oct. 28^th Expo

__Please send us Free VIP Passes for Miami Free Zone Expo on Wed, October 28^th @ in Miami-Doral, FL.

__Our company would like to submit articles or press releases in the South Florida Business News newspaper.

__Please send us Membership information that we may be included in the “Official” South Florida Referral Directory.

__Please send us information on attending the “Doing Business with Broward County Government” Seminar.

__Please send us advertising pricing so that we may place an ad in the New 2009 South Florida Referral Directory.

__Please send us sponsorship information for the October 28^th, November 5^th, December 8^th expo or another future expo.

__We Would like to be a distribution point for the FREE South Florida Business News Newspaper __25 Copies __50 Copies

__We would like to be a distribution point for the 2009 Official South Florida Referral Directory __15 Copies __30 Copies

FAX REPLY TO (954) 566 – 3398 or e-mail Publisher@SouthFloridaChamber.org

www.BrowardBiz.com www.SouthFloridaChamber.org www.SouthFloridaBusinessNews.com

www.ChamberRSVP.com

Two New Ways Entrepreneurs Can Band Together

It is not hard to find networking organizations that seek to bring businesses together in order to provide a forum to promote your products or services, but many do not focus on the role of the entrepreneur in the local economy.  This article outline two new organizations that focus specifically on entrepreneurs and their unique situation:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/09/two-new-ways-entrepreneurs-can-band-together.php

Start Up Tip of the Week

Each Tuesday, I will share a business/law tip for small businesses that are just getting started.  This week: Know your friends and keep them close.

What do I mean when I say “know your friends and keep them close."  This means that you need to know who your resources are either from a referral standpoint, business development standpoint, strategic partnerships, or business management support.  There are three things I would advise doing related to "knowing your friends."  They are: 1) setting up a team of strategic advisors, 2) creating referral sources and 3) remaining in contact.

“Strategic Advisors”

Each small business is different but I believe many small business would greatly benefit from setting up a team of strategic advisors.  Sit down and think about your strengths and your weaknesses then consider who you know that can complement those strengths or build up your weaknesses.  Individuals to consider a strategic advisors are: a lawyer, an accountant, a marketing or public relations advisor, and a sales expert.  The benefit to evaluating your business with this team of advisers is that it will allow you to understand both your needs as well as your services and build your business accordingly.

“Creating Referral Sources”

Most everyone that you know probably know somebody that can use your goods or services.  But how can you tap into that resource without appearing overbearing, demanding, or desperate?  The key is in matching people to needs.  Make a list of what your business needs are and then make a list of the individuals that you personally know that can help address that need.  This is especially important relative to referrals.  What are your products or services?  Who do you know they can best assist in client acquisition relative to those products and services?  Create the lists and connect the dots.

“Remaining in Contact”

following up and following through are sometimes the most difficult things for small businesses to incorporate into their business.  It is not simply enough to make one initial contact or to send one e-mail or to make one phone call.  We can work directly with our contacts to know how often we should contact them and by which means.  Our contacts need to know who we are, what we do, and how we can help them or their associates.  Everyone is busy.  Everyone forgets.  That's why we consistently need to be reminded.  They're excellent programs for small businesses can access in order to automate this constant contact process.  Research and evaluate which method is best for you.

Latinbiz Women of Virtue Event

Next Thursday, October 29, 2009, there is a great event to support the role of women in business and the positive impact that they are having in South Florida.  This event is sponsored by LatinBiz.  Information is included below: