The Wealthy Business - by EnergizeGrowth

Join us in August: "Extreme Business Builders" Cruise

I just returned from San Mateo, California where my friend Robert Middleton hosted a collaboration conference. We started talking about our next collaboration--and the video camera miraculously appeared! Robert and I are keynoting at the first annual Extreme Business Builders Cruise to Alaska, August 8-15, 2010, and I just had to tell you about it. If you're a small business owner, there are two things you probably don't get enough of. The first is enough rest and relaxation. The second are more opportunities to work "on your business," instead of "in your business." If that describes you, check out this 2 minute video and website: www.extremebusinessbuilders.net

Robert and Lisa Invite You to the Extreme Business Builders Cruise

Copyright 2010, Lisa Nirell. All Rights reserved.

Marketing Strategy Meets Sales Strategy

I recently met Jill Konrath, the founder of Selling to Big Companies and author of the book with the same name.

I haven't met a sales powerhouse like Jill in a long time, and had to share my experiences with you.

What I most appreciate about Jill's book, "Selling to Big Companies," is her practical, no-nonsense view on selling to decision makers in today's understaffed, overstressed organizations. 

A Zen Business Development Process

I'm in San Mateo, California attending the Action Plan Marketing InfoGuru Summit. Robert Middleton, my friend and mentor, is a hub for authors, consultants and coaches and organized a powerful event. He publishes one of the best weekly publications for solo-preneurs that reaches over 55,000 readers.  Now he is taking his network to a whole new level -- by bringing together the experts that he recommends to his clients. I am also thrilled to reunite with my good friend and colleague Samantha Hartley.  She inspires me with her commitment to everything related to strategic marketing.   I am honored to be among these Zen Marketing Masters!

Twenty of us from Canada and the USA are enjoying the art of collaboration. Many of us will forge new business alliances and marketing plan strategies as a result of this conference.

Tonight, Robert shared a koan that I hope you will ponder. Koans are Zen "puzzles" that really offer no solution. Their purpose is to ask questions that are intentionally beyond the power of our minds to solve. Permit me to apply just a modicum of rationale to this koan. Then I will get out of the way and let you take your own intuitive leap about how it applies to your 2010 business plan and marketing plan strategies:

Kick Start Your 2010 Strategic Growth Plan

Welcome to the new millennium!
 
Within the past 30 days, I have logged 5,500 airline miles and interacted with over 100 business leaders from Providence to Portland. Everywhere I travel, I am encouraged.  Executives are expressing optimism and hope for 2010.  Even leaders from the top banks-- one of the most conservative (and precarious) sectors of our economy -- are investing again in growth and innovation.
 
Maintaining a positive outlook is a good start.  Yet few companies are clear about where they need to invest to harness the economic recovery.  Instead, they are taking a "wait and see" attitude while their competitors pounce on new markets and innovations.
 
How can you harness the economic recovery and create a more sustainable company...and perhaps even position your business for sale in the future?

Heading to Seattle tomorrow for meetings and keynote with CREW Seattle. If you are in the area, let's meet at MITEF meeting.