Philosophy
We live in a time where technology is affecting every aspect of our lives. How we earn money is one of those areas being affected. My purpose is to help entrepreneurs and small business owners see the potential of the new opportunities that exist for them.
Although fortunes are being created in the corporate world, there are amazing stories of fortunes (six and seven figure incomes) being created by innovative entrepreneurs and small business owners. These are people, who choose to keep their businesses small, yet they take advantage of web technologies, automation and new platforms of communications and collaboration.
My goal is to help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate these waters and make smarter decisions around how they build their businesses. Many of these methods apply to any kind of small business from consultants, retail stores, restaurants, health & service providers, web based businesses, real estate, financial consultants and others. The list is endless.
Here are 5 principles that I feel every entrepreneur should know, in order to prosper and thrive in the new economy:
First, recognize the technologies and communications methods we use to develop our businesses have changed.
Besides setting up shop, running a few print ads and looking to find customers by selling, or tradeshows we now have to think beyond the traditional norm.
Some of these new strategies include:
- Establishing clear and effective messaging and web presence,
- Developing the right product mix,
- Creating a community, reaching out and building trust,
- Effective communication, & networking strategies,
- Think how to supplement your core business with multiple revenue streams,
- Time management and prioritiziation skills.
Second, Even for companies who focus their businesses locally, there are opportunities to expand and create global markets.
If a restaurant owner has a unique barbeque sauce, why not find a way to package, set up an online store or affiliate program, and offer it via the web to customers globally. This is possible for any restaurant owner with something unique to offer.
If you are a real estate agent and you cater to a local market, you could create a blog with tips for first time buyers. A massage therapist could develop a how-to-video or why not set up an affiliate ad for products that you recommend.
Third, Tribes and Communities are where we find and develop our customer relationships
Whether we communicate with an effective newsletter, establish a Facebook fanpage or a Twitter following, or even network in the community, the opportunities today lie in how well we can connect within our communities.
Fourth, Be aware of the Technology Generation Gap
Baby boomers and even Generation X’ers sometimes have a difficult time adapting social technologies for their businesses. Sure they are connected on Facebook, Linkedin and maybe even Twitter, but many struggle with integrating these social technologies into their business.
Over the next few years, the digital natives (Millenials) or 20 something’s will lead this push to adopt new technologies. Many of them are inclined to think social in the work they do, they are technically savvy and if you are a small business owners, it’s good to have a few of these people in your corner. They can help you navigate the technologies, and put the pieces together.
Finally, most of these tools and technologies to communicate, automate and build your brand are available today.
Whether it’s web productivity tools, website design tools, video technologies, there are thousands of options to make business life easier for the small business owner. In this website I do plan to review a number of these technologies.
Entrepreneurship is becoming the fastest growing segment of our economy. Technology is the force that is making starting your own business easier than ever. The economy will expand and change over the years, as tribes and business communities lead the way. This is an exciting time for being an entrepreneur and I look forward to connecting and helping those with a strong passion to build their business.
Please check out my website’s services page for information on the Small Business Health Check. You can also connect with me on Twitter, Linkedin or through the Third Tribe Marketing community. Third Tribe Marketing is an online community where all the innovative entrepreneurs connect to share ideas on building businesses in the new economy.
