Impressario

Supporting the perpetual harmony of business activity

[jmdeuce76]

Calling all entrepreneurial veterans, servicemembers, and spouses to join us Nov 4! #myvetbiz #networking #newskills http://thndr.me/kHNShc

[jmdeuce76]

[jmdeuce76]

[jmdeuce76]

[jmdeuce76]

5 sneaky (but still legal!) ways you can outsmart bigger rivals - The Business Journals

Some small businesses moan and complain that they can't compete effectively with larger, more well-healed competitors. They say those bigger competiton...

[jmdeuce76]

Don't be afraid to be yourself

Hello small business owners,

Today I want to talk to you about YOU!  I have attended some great networking and learning events this week.  Some of them I have participated in, some of them I have led.  All of them were filled with business owners who want to be better at what they do!  

A bulk of the content this week was centered around using social media to generate customer leads or just to market yourself in general.  While there is no way to capture the breadth of information that could be covered by this topic I want to give you a little nugget of information to take with you.  This tiny gem my proclamation telling you, "Don't be afraid to be yourself!"

One important aspect of running a successful small business is gaining your customer's trust and build a connection with them.  You can do this through your marketing materials by providing a clear message that highlights your competitive advantage....what makes you different.  You can do this through social media by interacting with our followers on Twitter and in LinkedIn Groups, mentioning prospective clients on Facebook, and posting good, quality content on all of your sites.  

The rules of "business" have not changed that much...evolved, yes...but changed, no.  For a small business to be successful and grow it is still all about who you know and who knows you.  The networking activities have just expanded from breakfasts and luncheons where you lose yourself in a sea of business cards.  Now these activities and connections are made a nurtured through social media sites.  

I leave you with a challenge to look at your social media profiles and activity.  Can prospective customers understand what you do AND who you are by looking at them? Do you have YOUR picture as your profile image? Do you provide value to them with the content you create?  I

If you answered no to any of these questions then I would advise you to take some time to make some changes.  Your customers will be glad that your did.

[fastcompany]

With the support of Bloomingdale’sand the CFDA, the NFL has commissioned 48 couture helmets from the likes of Alice + Olivia, Donna Karan, Rag & Bone, and Marchesa.

"There are some fashionistas who really like football," says Natara Holloway, VP of consumer products at the NFL. "We want to be inclusive of all fans." More broadly, the helmets are part of an effort to give the NFL a softer touch. "We want to give people a new way of looking at football," Holloway says. "To surprise, and delight."

More: Top designers reimagine the football helmet

[jmdeuce76]

[jmdeuce76]

10 Things Business Owners Can Count On in 2014

Looking for a nice short list of both funny and practical business predictions for 2014? Look no further!

[jmdeuce76]

If you are a small business owner in the military community chances are you have heard of the Small Business Administration's Patriot Express Loan.  Beginning January 1, 2014 this program will be ending.  

Never fear good readers, there is something better on the way! 

First a little background.  The Patriot Express program was a pilot initiative targeted towards businesses that are 51% or more veteran owned and wishing to establish or expand operations.  Although the program had a catchy name and big mission statement, there were no real advantages supplied by the program.  The loan was in essence a run of the mill SBA 7(a) loan with the one distinction being that the  paperwork was expedited.  Thus giving the program the clever name of "Express".  

There is a program in the works to replace the Patriot Express program.  Beginning January 1, 2014 the SBA will be waving loan guarantee fees for Veteran business owners on loans up to $350K.  (The threshold for non-veteran businesses is $150K).  This program adds real and measurable economic value to the business owners.  It is real money left in your pocket and a great alternative!

[jmdeuce76]

Afghanistan's Girl Skaters – Kabul 2012

[jmdeuce76]

Instantly Improve Your Mood Any Time. Here's How

As a leader, highs and lows are inevitable. But you can put the lows in perspective.

[jmdeuce76]

Small business Saturday

Hello!

Since we are only a week away from Black Friday I wanted to share why I support Small Business Saturday!  

I believe that Small businesses are the heart of the American economy.  They ensure that jobs and money stay in  a local economy, they support the American spirit of ingenuity, and they are so dang quirky and fun!

It may not be as convenient to shop small business to small business and you may end up paying a little more money than you would a big box store, but the local business will appreciate it more. 

Small Business Saturday is the classic David vs. Goliath story where the underdog small business owner is competing to win your business.  Holiday shopping is vitally important for the retail industry and is magnified by the scale of the small business.  Remember You Got Mail when Meg Ryan was fighting for her little store, Shop Around the Corner.  That scenario is an everyday dilemma for Main Street America.  By supporting small businesses you are supporting your neighbors, family, and friends.  A thriving small business environment promotes community and reduces crime...and it is just so fun and unique!

So forget sleeping in the Wal-Mart parking lot, stay home Friday,rest up for Small Business Saturday, and make your dollars count!   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suk_UsqFG1E

[jmdeuce76]

Broken Dreams

I love Shark Tank!  In fact, I will admit that I am obsessed with the show!

But this show breaks my heart...seriously!  Time after time there are entrepreneurs that have great products and are innovators!  I can see success and passion written all over their faces and seen in their pitches...but they DON"T GET FUNDED...and I can't believe it!  

I find myself talking to the television, pleading with the "Sharks" to fund them..."Come on Kevin, can't you see the potential?"  and "Lori, these guys need you and they can be big!"

Then the Sharks say: 

"You haven't shown me a (good) business plan"

"I don't understand how you plan to execute operationally"

"I think you will regret giving up that large of a chunk of your business"

All of these phrases ending with...."I'm out!"  Oh man, this is the moment I lose it! You have got to be kidding me!  Lynnae's Gourmet Pickles (http://lynnaesgourmetpickles.com/) and Schulzies Bread Pudding (http://schulziesbreadpudding.com/) you were robbed! 

Why?  Because when there is a great product paired with an innovative entrepreneur all that is standing in the way of success is money and a great business model.

Entrepreneurs, if you want to avoid broken dreams, get some advisors! You need someone with expertise to help you create a good business plan or operational plan.  Someone who will help you discover what kind of funding is right for you (Because funding in itself is a battle).  Most importantly, you need someone who speaks "business".  Who can put your dreams and visionary statements into a language understood by investors, bankers, and wall-streeters.

But beware, not all advisors are created equal. You need to find someone who will be an advocate for you!  Someone who believes in you and your business!

So, go forth entrepreneurs, be visionary, find great advisors, and prove the Sharks of the world wrong!

[jmdeuce76]

If you are in the foodservice industry you will want to check out this case study!

[jmdeuce76]

This Is The Reality Of Running A Small Business

Even back in Shakespeares day, the Bard knew, Better three hours too soon, than one minute too late. But although the advice about punctuality may be eternal, time management in the 21st Century is a lot different than it was in Elizabethan England. Todays super-busy small business owners may still have only 24 hours, but between apps and devices and time management systems galore, they have a lot more ways to slice them up.

[jmdeuce76]

What Athletes Can Teach You About Avoiding Burnout

Some of the same principles that help athletes avoid injury and make the most of their workouts can help you avoid professional burnout as well.