4 Reasons You Need to Be Face-to Face Networking

Today, everyone relies on social media for networking. They focus most (or all) of their efforts on meeting people online and establishing relationships that way. However, as business owners, networking face-to-face is still important for many reasons.

Here are some reasons that you should still be networking face-to-face for your business.

• Builds trust. Meeting face-to-face builds trust a lot faster than online relationships. When you meet someone in person, you can start to build a relationship which can grow quickly and easily. Online, it takes a lot more work to feel comfortable around someone that you have never met.
• Memorable impressions. When you meet someone in person, it is very memorable. You can’t get that online. You meet so many people online that they are easily forgotten. So make sure that when you go to a networking event, you make a good first impression.
• Real. When meeting people, you make your business seem more human because they get to see a side of you that is real. Sometimes, there are so many businesses online that it is hard to determine if they all really do exist. Seeing the person who runs a business can help someone realize that your business is truly real. They are more likely to refer your business once they meet you in person. QUIT BEING SO FAKE!
• Solve problems. There is no other way to put it but, if there is a problem with your company, the easiest way to solve it is in person, not online (especially when meeting for the first time). There is nothing better than talking through your problems in person rather than waiting for an email when you have a question or concern.

Listen up, networking face-to-face is REAL important. It helps to build trust and make your business real. People are more likely to refer a business once they meet you in person. Plus, how can you really solve any problems if you’re not meeting new people that actually know the niche you’re entering. Now close this blog post and get on meetup.com, or…Watch our free videos to help your business grow through networking.

Start Public Speaking to Increase Entrepreneurial Success

As an entrepreneur, you are the brand builder and primary lead generator. You can’t afford to turn down the honor of being visible and showing your expertise, no matter how small the forum or indirect the role. Plus, with so many aspiring entrepreneurs being afraid of public speaking, the competition is low. Here’s 3 reasons you should start participating in events as a speaker (or panelist or moderator):

1. You’ll be seen as an expert.  When there is an audience listening to you speak, you are the implied expert on the topic. Even as a moderator you clearly have some expertise on the topic to be able to interview panelists about the said topic, this provides your community proof that you indeed are the founder that can take your idea to market. It discourages competition, and can encourage collaboration.
   YOUR ACTION ITEM: Get on Meetup.com and message organizers of events relevant to your startup. Go!
   
2. You’ll have better networking opportunities.
   After each event where you speak, you’re much more qualified to talk to other speakers than everyone in the audience. Learn about their businesses, and add value that directly helps their bottom line. There’s nothing more powerful of a network of high-caliber speakers who you’ve already given a favor to.
   YOUR ACTION ITEM: Message one speaker, asking them to coffee, and help them selflessly.
   
3. You’ll improve your messaging & vision.
   Even Forbes argues that every entrepreneur needs to master public speaking, and it’s because entrepreneurial success basically requires a honed, concise brand and ‘elevator pitch.’ Take every opportunity you can to make your message more concise and exciting.
   YOUR ACTION ITEM: Record your pitch from your front facing camera right now and publish it on your YouTube channel. Ask 1 friend for feedback.

Yep! So there ya go. Launch your business in the Handshakin Startup Pre-accelerator or pitch publicly at a Startup Denver Meetup Event.

Are You Ready to Start Your Business?

Dreaming about being an entrepreneur and actually starting a business are two separate things, and a lot has to happen to make the jump from dreaming to doing. The risks involved, along with the investment, leave a lot of entrepreneurial hopefuls lingering in between the two worlds, sometimes indefinitely. To help you bridge the gap, here are some ‘traditional’ signs that you are definitely ready to start your own business:

Sign 1: You have money to invest and some in savings
It takes more than just a dream to make a business happen. Traditionally, you need to have startup capital, and you should also have some cash set aside in savings for your personal ‘financial runway.’ This step is crucial, and it might mean you need launch when you feel you have enough money saved up.

Sign 2: You can’t imagine doing anything else
It sounds great to own a business and be your own boss, but you still have people to answer to when you set off on your own. You basically have several bosses, just not a traditional boss. If you are unhappy in your current career, and truly can’t imagine being happy doing anything other than starting your own business doing what you love, then follow your instincts. But don’t start a business just to avoid having a boss. There’s plenty of happier companies that will allow you to spend time with them and pay your bills if you spend all of your waking hours at work and thinking about work.

​Sign 3: You have either a well-thought out business plan or you make decisions faster than anyone you know.
If you haven’t thought past the first year of your business, it’s time to take a step back before jumping in feet first. And yes this is relevant for those who can make decisions quickly, too. To succeed as an entrepreneur, you need to have a well-thought out plan for the present and the future. Some people make a plan with a 30 page business plan (please don’t ever make one longer that); others make a plan with 3 sales channels in their head and have already pitched 5 clients with a 1 page .pdf). Think about the growth of your business as well as whether you want to stay in one area or branch out regionally or nationally. Having a clear plan in place is a sign that you’re ready to start your own business.
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In Conclusion
Starting a business can be scary, but it is also exhilarating. There is never going to be a perfect time to start out on your own, but having money and a plan will go a long way toward turning your dream into a successful reality. Otherwise, you can keep working for the man. Those of us that take the risk will go ahead and become that man (or woman) ;)

Apply to the Handshakin Pre-accelerator to launch your business today.

Startup Founders: Be Mentally Healthy… or else.

As a business owner, you are a very busy person. This is especially true in the beginning when you can’t justify the cost of hiring any help. You feel like you have to do everything yourself--because, you do. You probably feel like you could work all day without stopping. However, if you asked any entrepreneur for some tips, they would tell you that you need to take time for yourself. ​Sometimes you have to say F*CK IT.

Taking care of yourself is important for the following reasons:

• Family Time. As a business owner, you need time with your family. After all, don’t you work hard for them? Shouldn’t you take time to enjoy them before you get to where you're going?
• Me Time. As a business owner, you wear many hats. You have to take care of the children, your spouse, the house, your business, and everyone else. Probably a dog or cat, too.  Take care of yourself, too. If you don't, you'll basically immediately die.
• Come Back Refreshed. When you step away from your business, you will come back refreshed, recharged, and ready to work harder. This is especially important when you are really swamped with work.  When you're refreshed, it's a great time to start fresh--make a new to-do list.  Don't just come back to right where you left off unless you're in a product sprint.
• Helps When You Are Stuck. When you are having trouble with your business, whether you are facing a difficult problem and you can’t find a solution or you are just having a bad day, walking away for a few minutes might help.  Or a few hours, or days, because you're an 'entrepreneur' and have a 'flexible schedule.'  I like to spontaneously take cruiseships to Mexico on credit cards I don't know how I'll pay back.  Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes to clear your head and you will be able to find the solution to your problem.  Sometimes it's a cruise to Mexico.  

It is hard when you own your own business, especially when you are raising a family. Take some breaks so you can spend time with the ones that you love. You work hard for them so you should take time to enjoy them. You will also notice that you will work harder after a break, with more purpose

Now please follow my company on twitter and I'll tweet you my free e-book for entrepreneurs!
Me:  www.twitter.com/handshakin
My Company:  twitter.com/handshakinshow

Entrepreneurs: Get involved with your local TEDx!

Can I tell you why TEDx is awesome for entrepreneurs?  This weekend changed my life and I want to share it with you. ​Recently, I was invited to attend TEDxBeaconStreet in Boston as an "Adventure Catalyst,"  which means I'm one of almost 100 people involved with organizing a TEDx in my local community.  The goal of our attendance was to learn more about building community through 'adventures' with speakers and the TEDx attendees.

John Werner is one of the many awesome team members behind organizing this.  He is an international visionary and knows how to execute. Friday before the public conference started, John took us on a private tour of MIT, a VIP tour of Fenway Park, and break-out sessions with experts to help us become stronger, smarter organizers.  We quickly learned that adventures are clearly the best way to build our local communities.  I had only known my fellow Adventure Catalysts 24 hours at that point, but we had so much in common and had already experienced so much together.  When it comes to building community, TEDx Adventures work.  Plus, John led by example, rather than teaching us from an awful powerpoint presentation.  Thanks John!

After the public conference started the following day, I realized the entrepreneurial spirit really runs high in the TEDx tribe.  I also learned many stories of how it helped many fellow organizers on their entrepreneurial journeys.  Many of the speakers who we are all so closely connected with are successful entrepreneurs sharing their idea.  I already knew I wanted to urge entrepreneurs across the world to get involved or consider starting a TEDx in their community and it will fast-forward you to success.

To top off the first day of the conference, John invited all the adventure catalysts to philanthropist Bobby Sager's penthouse.  Do you even know who Bobby Sager is?  I googled it for you.  As if that wasn't enough, John's team organized us to see Marathon Sports(founded by Colin Peddie) which is a shoe store, that pivoted into a hub for marathon runners.  Anyone in the public can use their lockers, go for a run, and take a shower.  Smart.

Anyway, all I can stress to you is that as an aspiring entrepreneur, you must get involved with your local TEDx.  Join TEDxMileHigh as a volunteer if you're in Denver with  me.  Apply for a TEDx license to open one if your community if there is not one already.  Network to speak about your idea if it's an idea worth sharing.  Just do it.

PS want to see my favorite TED Talk?  Check out Simon Sinek on "Start With Why."

See 4 video interviews with Adventure Catalyst on the original blog post here.

Entrepreneur Tips: Building a Better Strategic Plan

2015 is quickly drawing to a close and now is the time to begin the strategic planning process for the coming year. Since this is such a crucial area when it comes to building better relationships with the customers, it is something that a great deal of time should be spent considering. Throughout the process, be sure to consider the following entrepreneur tips when it comes to building a strategic plan

Customer Experience
One way to enhance customer experience is feedback. Developing relationships with clients is a great way to learn this information, but so is customer feedback programs.

Spend some time looking through your Yelp reviews and any other sites that may offer reviews regarding your service and products. Businesses can definitely develop a stronger strategy by learning what their customers are missing.

Consider Mobile ServicesTechnology is an important factor for customers and should be included with every strategic plan. Businesses should offer customers with ways to engage with them through technology. Many are choosing to provide specialized apps that help the customer find exactly what they are looking for.

Keep in mind that learning new technology can be challenging for both employees and clients. One way to make these types of additions easier is to hold in-person training opportunities or demonstrations for both customer and employees to learn the best ways to utilize the new technology.

Adapt to New HabitsOne new habit that must be included with in a strategic plan is the idea of social media. Customers now expect to have the option to view businesses through these mediums. Businesses should add a section in their strategic plan that revolves around the social media plan and how they will use this tool to their advantage.

Be sure to consider your online presence. Are customers able to receive the information that they need when they need it the most? One idea to ensure that this is the case is to offer video meetings for customers. With this system, customers will always have access to the specialist that they need even when they are not physically at the business.

Naturally, the work of an executive when it comes to strategic planning is never quite finished. Instead, this is more of a living plan that indicates the direction that you wish to take for the future. By focusing on these key areas, you will be certain that your strategic plan is ready for the next year and continues to help you grow your member base. Be sure to contact us to learn more about this process.

How to Survive This Holiday Season as an Entrepreneur

You can't stop it; the holiday season is coming up right around the corner whether or not you're ready for it. This can be an anxiety-producing time of year if you're a new entrepreneur, but it doesn't need to be. If you're getting nervous about how to keep your momentum going, don't fear. Here are our best entrepreneur tips to survive (and thrive) during the holiday season:

1. Schedule what you need to get done for the holidays: Chances are, you have something going on outside of your business that you need to attend to during the holiday season. Whether it's shopping, travelling to see your family, or getting to your kids' annual holiday pageant, schedule it in now so you can work around it. Yes, you need to stay productive at work, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't also make time for your most important relationships--family & friends. Scheduling your priorities now will ensure that you can get to them without having them interfere with work, making you a more rejuvenated and productive entrepreneur when you do settle back in to the office.

2. Get festive: Yes, it can be cheesy (think the holiday parties on The Office.) But that doesn't mean it isn't fun to get a little decorative and creative this time of year. Holiday decorations can be as classy or as cheesy as you want, so get shopping and start decorating the office. It will bring good cheer to your employees and clients.  Decorating the office is a smart way to take professional relationships personal in a healthy, fun way.

3. Schedule important meetings NOW: Nobody, and I really mean nobody, wants to do business during the last few weeks of December, so get important meetings on the calendar now so you can hold them in November or the first week or two of December. Only conduct business with clients, suppliers, and other offices during the last few weeks of December if it is an absolute emergency. The same goes for important deadlines at the office. Even if you don't officially shut down for more than a couple of days between now and January 1, chances are many of your employees will be taking time off. Don't impose any strict deadlines between December 20th and January 1 unless they are absolutely critical. 

​The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time of year, so be sure to have some fun with them. Lighten the mood at the office with fun decorations, but make sure people understand the importance of staying on task from now until the end of the year. Added incentives for your employees like taking a long lunch or getting out an hour early for meeting a particular deadline or other goal can be great ways to keep momentum going without costing you a fortune. For more ideas about how to stay productive and get through this holiday season, contact us.