Kim Ellet has recognized the value of networks and working within groups for quite some time. As a member of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and several smaller groups within that organization, Kim has grown her professional friendships and her business. Kim had visited a number of BNI groups over the years, too, but wasn’t sure BNI was for her. She knew if she was going to be referring bus...

Summer is a great time to schedule yourself some time off – even if it’s to catch up on industry news or read a new business book. Recharging your emotional battery and finding new inspiration is a great way to re-energize yourself to grow your business in the second half of the year.If your book list is empty or you have a few Audible credits left over after all your business traveling,...

Referrals are a vital part of any successful business. If your satisfied customers  are talking to their networks about what makes your business awesome, those prospects are going to come to your business with a certain level of faith and trust in your credibility. Of course, if you want your customers to send their friends and family members your way, you have to ask. When was the last ...

Spring is a perfect time to clean your home, but it’s also a great opportunity to spring clean your business. We’re not talking about scrubbing the floors – we’re talking about clearing the clutter out of your company and making it more efficient and systematized. For this blog, we’re featuring Growth Coach Dean Bogues – Coach Dean – who owns The Growth Coach of Austin. Here’s what he ha...

When you’re in business, figuring out what to charge can be stressful. Whether you’re offering a service or selling a product, you have to walk the fine line of making the money you want while keeping customers happy. For this blog, we talked to Growth Coach John Chiaro – who serves the Hilton Head and Savannah region. Here are some of his insights:Setting the right price all comes down ...

“Competition in business is a blessing, for without it, we wouldn’t be motivated to improve.” – Nabil N. Jamal, author of A Harvest of ChangeIt can be nerve-wracking to have competition – especially when you’re a small business owner trying to find your stride. But rather than shunning your counterparts at networking events or stressing over their next big sale, take a moment to think ab...

Creating loyal customers and keeping them coming back can be a big challenge for business owners. A study from the Harvard Business Review estimates that, on average, businesses lose 50 percent of their customers every five years. How does that relate to your business?Whether you’re in your 5th or 50th year in business, look at your customer base and think about who keeps coming back and...

“Stop wasting your time looking for the key to happiness… the door is open and unlocked… just walk through it,” – Dr. Steve Maraboli Entrepreneurs, business owners and executives are busy people. Whether you’re launching a start-up or managing a corporation, it’s easy to get lost in the busyness of business and forget what we’re working for – a better life. Finding the ideal balance that...