So much work to figure out my IRS Business IRS Activity Code…
August 26, 2009 by derek · Leave a Comment
So much work to figure out my IRS Business Activity Code. I think it is 541511 “Custom Computer Programming Services”.
Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port
June 27, 2007 by derek · Leave a Comment
Michael Port in Book Yourself Solid delivers a fantastic guide for anyone in business that wants to have a solid, reliable business. This book is particularly useful for people in sales and in the consulting business. From the very beginning of the book he describes the foundation necessary to build a successful practice and “Book Yourself Solid”.
- “Choose your ideal clients so you work only with people who inspire and energize you.” This idea goes counter to the shotgun approach. I have used this “sniper” approach and it has work well for my business.
- “Understand why people buy what you are selling” In other words do your homework. Many businesspeople assume they know the triggers that motivate their customers to purchase their product and as a result mismanage marketing dollars and never achieve excellence.
- “Develop a personal brand so you’re memorable and unique.”
- “Talk about what you do without sounding confusing or bland.” Be specific so that people can immediately ascertain whether or not they can use your services.
Michael Port covers how to get referrals, how to network effectively and how to write and speak with high impact. The chapter on the sales cycle is worth rereading.I am sure small businesses will greatly benefit from this book and find it a productive investment of their time, as well.Enjoy!
Technorati Tags: book review, business, entrepreneur
Business of Software by Michael A. Cusumano
June 26, 2007 by derek · Leave a Comment
The Business of Software What Every Manager, Programmer, and Entrepreneur Must Know to Thrive and Survive in Good Times and Bad by Michael A. Cusumano presents a solid overview of the software business appropriate for software managers and entrepreneurs:
- Do you want to be mainly a Products company, or a Services company?
- Do you want to sell to Individuals, or Enterprises | Mass market, or Niche market?
- How horizontal (broad) or vertical (specialized)is your product or service?
- Can you generate a recurring revenue stream that will endure both good and bad times?
- Will you target mainstream customers, or do you have a plan to avoid the chasm?
- Do you plan on being a Leader, Follower, or Complementor?
- What kind of character do you want your company to have?
- Case studies
Software Entrepreneurship:
- Strong management team
- Compelling new product, service, or hybrid solution
- Strong evidence of customer interest
- An attractive market
- A plan to overcome the credibility gap
- Business model showing early growth and profit potential
- Flexibility in strategy and product offerings
- Potential for large payoff to investors
Technorati Tags: book review, business, entrepreneur
Business: Fortune 500 that blog
April 26, 2007 by derek · Leave a Comment
The Long Tail reports Fortune just released its latest Fortune 500 list, with 31 new companies including Google, Yahoo! and eBay in the blog entry Fortune 500 business blogging update.Check out the complete latest listing in this wiki Fortune 500 Business Blogging Wiki – Fortune 500 Business Blogging Wiki or see a summary below.
Technorati Tags: blog, business, entrepreneur
Cluetrain Manifesto by Christopher Locke, Rick Levine, Doc Searls, David Weinberger
March 26, 2007 by derek · Leave a Comment
Even today, Cluetrain Menifesto is still a very important business book and when it was written, it was ahead of it’s time.It has 95 Theses. A few favorites include:Markets are conversations.Markets consist of human beings, not demographic sectors.Elvis said it best: “We can’t go on together with suspicious minds.”Companies that do not belong to a community of discourse will die.You’re too busy “doing business” to answer our email? Oh gosh, sorry, gee, we’ll come back later. Maybe.You want us to pay? We want you to pay attention.Don’t worry, you can still make money. That is, as long as it’s not the only thing on your mind.We are waking up and linking to each other. We are watching. But we are not waiting.The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual @ Amazon.By Christopher Locke, Rick Levine, Doc Searls, David Weinberger. Available at Amazon
Humor: Making it big
January 26, 2007 by derek · Leave a Comment
Visit Mark Joyner for more of hispersonal development brain puzzle cartoons.
Technorati Tags: business, entrepreneur, humor, marketing
Mind Maps at Work by Tony Buzan
November 20, 2006 by derek · Leave a Comment
Be the Best at Your Job and Still Have Time to Play
I’ve used mind maps for years to
- Organize projects at work
- Take notes to remember books
- Identify goals
- Outline papers I’m writing
This is the latest book by the author Tony BuzanMind Maps at Work.
- Mind Maps are a revolutionary thinking tool
- Visual and colorful form of note-taking
- Unleashes creative and logical sides simultaneously
- Plan and strategize effectively
- Solve problems creatively
- Recall facts easily
- Maximizing every individual’s creativity and productivity
Technorati Tags: entrepreneur, mind maps, Tony Buzan, work productivity
The Irresistible Offer by Mark Joyner
September 15, 2006 by derek · Leave a Comment
The Irresistible Offer is good to help you figure out how to stand out from the competition with your offer. You do not have to be a veteran copywriter and marketer. This book is innovative and useful as well as readable, memorable, easy to understand.
- Solid coverage using practical examples
- Make a memorable offer
- Differentiate your company
- Interesting tips on crafting a pitch
- Go beyond the USP
- Improve competitive position
The Irresistible Offer @ Amazon by Mark Joyner.
Technorati Tags: business, entrepreneur, Mark Joyner, The Irresistible Offer, marketing
Seth Godin speaks at Google
June 27, 2006 by derek · Leave a Comment
All Marketers are Liars author Seth Godin speaks at Google, watch the video:
Technorati Tags: google, marketing, Seth Godin
Tricks of the Podcasting Masters
May 15, 2006 by derek · Leave a Comment
Tricks of the Podcasting Masters Rob Walch and Mur Lafferty is a good read if you want to find out the who, what, when, why and where of the podcasting phenomenon. It is a discussion of the creative side of podcasting, its history, personalities, techniques, tricks and motivations. It is a good read for anyone interested in creating and promoting a podcast, and also for anyone who is interested in the inside scoop on what makes podcasters do what they do.Have you wondered:
- How do I interact with listeners and get them to come back next week?
- How do I conduct a great interview over the phone?
- How do I attract sponsors?
- How do I stay motivated?
This book goes far beyond what is available on the web.If you want to craft a show, promote it, shape it into a business, then get this book.
Technorati Tags: blog, podcasting, book review, marketing
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