What to ask successful business owners

Do you know any successful business owners?
Surely you must. They are all around us.
Identify those you believe might serve as a mentor.
Call them up. Offer to take them to lunch.
Pick their brains.
We’ve picked the brains of people in our industry.
Many are in in the U.S. Some are in other countries.
Pick the brains of any business owner who will sit still.
Just ask:
What do you believe made you successful>
Then shut up, listen and learn.
They like to talk about their successes.
Ask about setbacks and how they overcame them.
Ask them what they have done lately to:
1. Gain new customers.
2. Sell more to current customers.
3. Sell more products and services.
4. Widen their profit margins.
5. Boost their bottom lines?
Listen to their answers to every question.
Take notes. They will feel honored that you do.
For business tips on doing more with less, click here.
Tomorrow we’ll talk about finding balance in your life.

It’s not just who you know

I was reminded of an important business principle Sunday.
At a celebration of the life of a deceased friend, his campaign manager said the first thing he asks his candidates to do is to bring him a list of friends with contact information.
Some bring lists of 50 names. Some 100. A few 200 names.
The deceased had a contact list of more than 5,000.
"That was my first clue we might win this election," the campaign manager said.
Contacts are just as important in business as in politics.
It’s not just who you know. It’s who knows you.
Who trusts you? Who will help you? Do business with you?
Do you have a list? How many names are on it?
If you don’t have one, you’d better get busy.
For more tips, see our "Doing More With Less" workbook.
Click here to read about it.
Tomorrow: Who and what needs to be on your list.

Sales & Marketing: Sell the dream

What do stylists, fashion retailers and dentists sell?
Self confidence. Self esteem. An improved "you".
What do realtors, builders and developers sell?
Your family sanctuary. The home of your dreams.
What do lawyers, cops and insurance agents sell?
Safety. Security. Protection for your family.
What do ad agencies, marketers and the media sell?
More business. Expanded sales. Revenue growth.
Living a comfortable and secure life.
Dream vacations. A house at the beach.
The best camps and schools for your kids.
Not having to ask the price of anything ever again.
Congratulations on choosing your career.
You help people realize their dreams.
Remember that as you craft your sales messages.
Sell the dream. And feel good about it.
Want a copy of my daily sales worksheet?
Write me at Jerry@JerryBellune.com
Please put "Sales worksheet" in the subject line.
You'll quickly see a difference in your sales.