1. Watch the market and spot opportunities. Just be aware of what is going on, not tied to the T.V. Recessions can mean business closings however it also means those with experience and knowledge can build a strong company . People will continue to spend they are just more cautious so knowing your market and do not reduce your prices but ensure you are giving quality for what your clients are paying for and be innovative.

2. Think creatively. You must have your thinking cap on overdrive. Brainstorm with a partner or mentor like crazy! Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” People will stay home more, spend differently so tapping into that with products or services that assist people to do just that will assist the customer. Come up with solutions to detract from the negatives as everyone still loves to be pampered. An example could be, offering home delivery of products or services.

3. Diversify. Think proactively and about abundance not scarcity. Do not cut quality or costs. Competition may fold, however you have an opportunity to fill the gap, step in and be seen and assist your target market.

4.  Take Action. Taking action is key, and being quick and adaptable to change. Launch new products and innovative ideas. You will then be in a strong position when the market turns. Now do not go out and spend extra money to achieve these goals. Think rationally but do take action.

5. Get good value for your money. Look for free or cheap publicity to market your business, be creative on money saving strategies as well for your business. Feel good about your business.

6. Expand & Start new ventures. Recruit the best, expand your business, with grants or government funding. Expanding a business is a wonderful idea, but a really great way to expand without spending excessively is to instead buy client lists. Some competitors are willing to sell, however buying a client list for a competitor is possible.

Think ahead, be smart but take action toward fulfilling your goals and keep a close eye on overheads, staff, and sales. Remember customers needs are still there, and learning how to tap into them can bring golden opportunities.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author,  Speaker, and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder.  Darcelle coaches entrepreneurs and business owners on understanding their brilliance and how to increase their profits for their companies by taking strategic steps to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through speaking engagements, tele-classes, online products, and Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com or  www.strategicbizbuilder.com .

It has everything to do with it. If your limiting belief is that I can’t achieve what I want in my business because;

I’m too busy, It’s just the way I am, or people just don’t understand me… reflecting on where these ideas came from and looking at if you are being authentic with yourself…. and if they are truly your beliefs…. may reveal something different for you.

Who are you really? What do you really believe? Lorraine Harvey has a wonderful story she tells in our recorded teleseminar which you can download by visiting one of our websites about how her daughter had a limiting belief around a simple subject that was passed down for generations. Generations! It is a great funny story of how true this can be for all of us! How one idea that is passed down determines how we see the world and what we accept as truth but whose truth is it really?

Where are you in your own way? What steps can you take to move forward? Understand your values, know where those beliefs came from and challenge everyone of them until you know at your core that those values are yours because only you are going to make the choice of how you will live.

Understanding that you are the reflection of who you believe you are is significant especially if you are looking for lasting change. So look at those beliefs to make damn sure they are yours and not your ancestors is a great place to start. lol

Yes…then there is something else….  A Big one….    

Confidence in ourselves and our abilities is everything! Becoming self aware you realize what you are really hiding, and what things are really limiting you from moving forward.

I talk about discovering your brilliance in the powerful thinking teleseminar and about how understanding your strengths is all about energy and creating that space of acceptance and self worth that then allows you to look at yourself in a whole new way.

Believing in yourself your skills and your brilliance, understanding your values and limiting beliefs …and pushing through your fears despite them… are all the vital ingredients for that success you are looking for in your business and personally… and when you find that strength in yourself you will begin to believe that anything is possible.

Now on the business side, once you are ready to take action for your business, here are 5 quick steps to help:

1. Ensure you have an exit strategy,
2. Make your marketing message clear,
3. Take advantage of social media and use it for promotion of your business
4. Understand who your target market is, and what their triggers are, and show them the benefits while creating emotion.
5. Think BIG!!! What are your big goals for the remaining year and next? You have to have big goals in order to move forward if you want to tap into more than just a small portion of the local market. What is your plan? What’s your strategy?

Some of my goals are to help people worldwide, and to become one of the biggest philanthropists in the area. So this will take work, perseverance and dedication, and my Drinks with Darcy program is one of the things that helps me get there. Some of the proceeds go to KIVA Loans, which help working poor around the world.

My Passion is working with business owners and entrepreneurs and looking at their business strengths to assess if they are working with a solid strategy for growth, and if not to plan ways to help them Rock their business.

You can hear more about these topics by downloading two different products which are  7 Blocks in Business and how to fix them! With Rose-Anne Kumpunen and myself.  You can go to www.businessblockbustersnow.com to access the free download and then purchase the full teleseminar recording. Our full program is coming soon so keep posted!!!!

You can also learn about Power Thinking, and steps to personal and business success by visiting www.strategicbizbuilder.com  or www.lorraineharveyseminars.com to purchase the download.  You can also find out more about what I do and sign up for my weekly EZINE on www.darcellerunciman.com  These programs are meant to help you get your business closer to the success you deserve by taking concrete steps towards learning how to create that framework for your business.

I look forward to working with more of you to help take your business to the next level. “Remember to Inspire yourself daily, Plan your business wisely, and Create a Living worth living for.” Darcelle

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is a Mentor, Author and CEO of Strategic Biz Builder.  Darcelle  mentors entrepreneurs and small business owners how to use systems and their brilliance to increase their profits and create mo*ney making businesses by showing you steps to take to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through tele-classes, through her online products, and her Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com and sign up for her Fr*ee audio on 12 -Tips to Profiting in Business, and her Fr*ee Ezine “Inspired Business”. Also check out www.strategicbizbuilder.com

Evidence of the human network can be found in the rapid rise of social networking. There is a multitude of online websites that offer individuals the opportunity to be connected to just about anyone, anywhere. You can fill in all your relevant information and be “matched” with others who have common interests. You can post your resume and recruiters can check the details on line and you can potentially get a call from someone who has never met you, but feels you have what they might need as far as a job opportunity is concerned. While all of this is wonderful, what happend to the old fashioned face-to-face networking that was once the only way to build relationships?

The human network can connect people to people in myriad ways, whether via emotional, cultural, idological, familial, or behavioural ties. Through most recent advances in communications technology, people are now more than ever inextricably linked through e-mail, photographs, wikis, blogs, podcast, instant messaging, and more.

While this type of network is called the wave of the future, I still prefer my “Human Network” and it is just that–it’s people.

People I take the time to meet face to face, to build a rapport with, to find out what we have in common. If there is a fit between us, I find out how we can help each other or to whom I can refer you.

I am finding that too many people are becoming connected through technology and never actually meet face to face with the “humans” in their network. They are losing the art of conversation and forgetting all about the importance of body language. In fact, people are becoming reclusive, depending on their technology to get them where they want to go. Many of the people in my workshops are not comfortable with this one to one information exchange and are opting out of what is, in my opinion, the best way to network.

I have over 25,000 people in my database, and every one of them I have met at some time. While I use technology to keep in touch with them, I have met all of them face to face.

I feel that taking the time to meet, to get to know each other, exchange information about ourselves- who we are, what we do, and what we need- is crucial to the success of any relationship. So, I host networking events, where participants are forced to become part of my “human network”.

My company ConnectUs Communications Canada is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and I have people in my database that have been with me from the beginning. The secret to my success is that I keep my contacts informed. I update their information when I touch base with them. I send them my newsletters, and sometimes I send them an article that might be relevant to their industry sector. My mandate is to keep my human network current, relevant, and ready to work with me if the need arises.

In order to maximize your “human network”, you need to know your communication style so that when you are in a face-to-face relationship, you know how to communicate with each other. Remember, people like people who are like themselves-they buy from them, sell to them, and refer them.

Being part of a human network means that you have to take the time to learn about the other person. I use a systematic approach to networking that never fails. Each person I meet is an opportunity for me to get to know them and to find ways to add value to our relationship. I am a strategist and I do my best to come up with strategy that benefits both of us.

With effective networking, there should be a win on both sides of every introduction. I am also a negotiator and I find that it is best to lay my cards on the table and tell the other person exactly what to expect from me, as well as what I expect from them. By being up front and clarifying our relationship, we both know what our responsibility will be to each other. Ultimately, we come up with a timely and relevant solution to really maximize our meeting.

If you want to maximize your “Human Network”, learn the art of effective networking.

Use the ConnectUs RISE philosophy. First, you build Rapport, and then exchange relevant and timely Information. Once you have done that, it is important to find practical Solutions that will benefit both of you. Ultimately, it’s an Ethically established relationship that maximizes your Human Network. (printed with permission)

Donna Messer is a speaker, author, and trainer. Founder of ConnectUs Communications Canada, the company designs, develops, and delivers resource-based training programs around the world. Donna specializes in building rapport between companies, countries, and individuals. For more information on The Human Networking System. www.connectuscanada.com

We spoke about confidence and what he finds with people in business and how he helps people to understand where to begin the process of looking for those things that limit them. Philip talked about making change and why it can sometimes be difficult for people to do so.

Philip is also a real estate investor who has invested in 6 countries around the globe. He has a new book coming out this year on real estate called South of 49… A story about residential real estate investing across the border.

Confidence is an important part in the new book The Power of Women United which I co-wrote with 21 other wonderful, professional ladies. Within the pages confidence comes up often as something everyone wants and for some due to experiences in life, or in childhood, gain it much earlier than most. The many stories in this book can relate to every woman out there whether she is in business or not. It is a tribute to the lessons learned and the ability for everyone to reach their goals.

One of the many comments that Philip made today that made us think was “some people are achieving goals they set out in the wrong direction and they are running towards it!” It really is the truth, taking time to “be still” as I call it and quieting the mind is the only real time we can look back and assess what we really want and if we are on the right path. I believe that is where you will find your passion or brilliance, and one of Philip’s keynotes is about your Pursuit of Wealth and Happiness.

Regardless of the name assigned to it, (as all are important) finding that quiet space, and looking at blocks or limiting beliefs that hold us back is one of the first steps to finding yourself, your confidence, and the life you deserve.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is Author, Business Mentor and CEO of DarcelleRunciman.com.  Darcelle  mentors entrepreneurs and small business owners how to use systems and their brilliance to increase their profits and create mo*ney making businesses by showing you steps to take to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through tele-classes, through her online products, and her Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com and sign up for her Fr*ee audio on 12 -Tips to Profiting in Business, and her Fr*ee Ezine “Inspired Business”. Or tune in to http://www.InspiredBusinessRadio.com for inspiring guests!

"Powered By Inspiration"

I have many wonderful experiences with many learnings as well along the way. Live your life like you mean it as it’s the only one we have. Be inspired by the things around you, friends, family, business acquaintances and others. Be outside in nature or in whatever situation that brings you joy on a daily basis. This weekend’s Adventure Business Retreat was an inspiration for me. I learned as much as we taught on this beautiful sunny weekend. I thank all the ladies for their openness and laughter they brought to the table. Rose-Anne Kumpunen was great leading us into the perfect mediation to start off the weekend. I spoke on Discovering Your Brilliance. Denise Franklin spoke on ways to effectively network in business and Aprille Janes walked us through a beautiful session on exploration and leading us to our creative side. It was a blast. My personal tagline is “Live Life on Fire” and that is because once I made the “mind shift” to be more and that it was ok to discover my own personal brilliance, only then have I been living my passion. I hope to help others become as inspired as I have been by the many wonderful people in my life. Cheers.

There are some practical steps that on a micro level we can do to keep that confidence strong and move our business forward to living the life we want and boost our confidence regardless of what on a macro level is happening out there, that will make it feel as easy as hitting the easy button.

1. Remind yourself on a daily basis of the things you have done well. What did you accomplish today that moved you in a positive direction? Focus only on what you do well, what your strengths are and what comes easy to you.

2. Gratitude is everything. The more grateful we are the more inspiring the little things in our lives become. If someone gives you a compliment, say thank you and keep it zipped! Be grateful for everything you have in your life that gives you joy. No matter how desperate things get there are still positive lessons in that adversity where we can learn. With gratitude naturally also comes the desire to share which is always a great thing.

3. Read only motivating material! There is no EASY button in watching the news! Stop immediately. Whatever is important and happening in the world you will find out however watching the news on a daily basis misses how much abundance there is in the world. There are many of us out there doing just fine thank you very much and attitude has a lot to do with that. Read motivational quotes on a daily basis, read only positive stories, articles and things that will inspire your soul.

4. Build a group of likeminded people around you. This adds to the support and boost that we all need. Our Excellence Mastermind Network, as many others out there are designed just for that purpose. To have a supportive business group of people who are there for each other with business ideas, joint ventures, linking each other to the resources we need and building that core team of support. Think of it as your cocoon to growth.

5. Motivate yourself and stretch your stride to achieve goals. A great way to do this is with a focusing partner. Getting things done on your list on a weekly basis is a huge confidence builder. Picking 3 or 4 items to make a priority each week really helps put you in high gear. It’s about perseverance and having a partner there to push you when you need the support or even simply having someone there to listen.

These are some important first steps to lead you down the success trail and on your way to hitting the easy button more often. Remember once you have a good stride and have stretched yourself during the week, always take time to celebrate the wins for the week which is very important as it will help you to increase your energy reserve to move forward each day. WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? Feel Free. Simply include this blurb with it: Darcelle Runciman is Author, Mentor and CEO of DarcelleRunciman.com.  Darcelle  mentors entrepreneurs and small business owners how to use systems and their brilliance to increase their profits and create mo*ney making businesses by showing you steps to take to gain clarity and retain that balance that we all strive for. Darcelle works with groups, through tele-classes, through her online products, and her Adventure Mentoring Programs. For more information visit www.darcellerunciman.com and sign up for her Fr*ee audio on 12 -Tips to Profiting in Business, and her Fr*ee Ezine “Inspired Business”.