Six Keys to a Winning Team Key #2 – Common Goal

By Action Coach Dave Beam

Do you have a clear vision for your business or department? The second key for a winning team is to have a common goal. To win the game as a team, it is essential for everyone to share a clearly defined target, and it is the responsibility of the leader to effectively communicate that goal to the team.

Once you have a strong leader that has the respect of the team, the next logical question is "Where are we going?"

Six Keys to a Winning Team! Key #1 – Strong Leadership

By Action Coach Dave Beam

As a business coach, I often get asked by business owners and management staffs how they can get their employees to work together, quit blaming each other for problems, and take more ownership for their job. My response is often a bit abrasive. I ask the owner if he or she meets regularly one-on-one with their employees, if they blame their employees for problems, and if they truly take full ownership and accountability for what is going on in the business. It is interesting that the employees are a reflection of the owner.

How to Create a Marketing Plan that Works! (Part 4 of 4)

By Action Coach Dave Beam

If you are with us in creating your winning marketing plan, you have identified your ideal target customers, and you know where to find them, especially in groups.  You have also brainstormed a list of offers that you think will get their attention, get them excited, and compel them to take some action to get some more information from you.  So the last question to answer is how; how are you going to communicate this offer to your ideal target?

How to Create a Marketing Plan that Works! (Part 3 of 4)

By Action Coach Dave Beam

We are right in the middle of a series on how to create a marketing plan that actually brings in new customers!  If you are new to our newsletter, just e-mail and ask us for Parts 1 and 2.  Part 1 was about addressing THE most important question to ask in marketing, “Who is my best customer?”  Last week, we asked “Where can you find these customers?”  Where do they gather in groups?

So today, the next question is “What is your offer?”  Specifically, what can you offer your ideal customer that will get their attention, get them excited, and compel them to take action?  Many will say this is obvious.  It must be whatever my product or service is – that’s what I have to offer, right?  Certainly, that is your ultimate offer.  However, if you want a marketing strategy that works, you need to do a little more thinking and creative work.  Answer this question.  What are the UNIQUE features and benefits that ONLY you can offer?  Focus on the benefits, not just features.

How to Create a Marketing Plan that Works! (Part 2 of 4)

By Action Coach Dave Beam

Last week we addressed THE most important question to answer for effective marketing, “WHO is your best customer?”  You ideally should have a list of several ideal customer profiles.  Not all great customers are alike, nor do they all like the same things.  So with that understood, let’s move to the next critical question; “WHERE would you find these ideal customers, especially in groups?”

How to Create a Marketing Plan that Works! (Part 1 of 4)

By Action Coach Dave Beam

I am going to do a four part series starting with this newsletter on how to create a marketing plan that works.  This is actually pulled from the marketing module of "BusinessRICH" our premier 2-day paid training. All that to say this is fantastic stuff!

The first key point in creating a great marketing plan is asking the most effective questions in the right order.  Most business owners, barraged by advertising representatives, believe that the most important issue in marketing is the how.  Should I use TV, radio, newspaper, website, internet, flyers, direct mail, etc. etc.  If so, which paper, which flyer, which ball team, which charity, new business cards and on and on it goes. Although these are legitimate questions, they are not the first questions that need to be asked.  The “how am I going to do it” is one of the last questions to answer.

Destination Mastery – Where are You Headed

By Action Coach Dave Beam

Hopefully most of you are either planning or enjoying your summer vacation.  Here is a simple question that will help us take a look at the subject of Destination Mastery.

What is the first decision you need to make when planning a vacation?  It seems to me it has to be the destination.  All of the other decisions grow out of that one!  Where will you stay? How you will travel there? What will be the budget?  How long will it take to get there?  What will you do when you get there?  What needs to be packed?  None of these questions can be adequately addressed unless you first know where you are going.

Creativity and Business Success

By Action Coach Dave Beam

Do you own your own business?  If you do, you know that there is a consistent set of challenges every week, if not every day, to be addressed.  Owning a business is the quickest way I know to find your strengths and weaknesses.  It will test you in about every area of ability.  So to be really good at the business of business, you must be a great problem solver, and that takes creativity.

The Power of Process Goals vs. Outcome Goals

By Action Coach Dave Beam

How do you feel about goal setting?  Is it an enjoyable experience, or an activity you avoid?  Most of us have heard about the “power” of having clear goals, yet how many of us actually set clear goals and use them?  If you are like me, the reason you may avoid the whole goal setting scene is because goals can actually lead to discouragement and even despair.  Being reminded of unfulfilled outcomes can produce questions like “Am I just kidding myself?” and “Will I really ever get there?”

We Want Your Thoughts

The ActionCOACH defintion of a Successful Business:


A commercial, profitable enterprise that works – without the owner!

What are your thoughts on this? I have a few of my own but I would love to hear yours first!


-Nathan

Key Financial Mastery Issues – The Cashflow Budget - Part 3

By Action Coach Dave Beam

In the last two newsletters, we have looked at two fundamental money mastery concepts, cashflow and breakeven.  Today I want to get even more practical, and address how to make and use a cashflow budget.

I am going to assume that you already agree that it is essential to track and project your cashflow.  If not, give me a call and I will gladly provide a free coaching session – no kidding – and ask you some really interesting questions!!!

Profit Break-Even - Part 2

By Action Coach Dave Beam

Last week we considered the number one financial mastery issue, cashflow.  It is essential for you to understand the flow of money in and through and out of your business.  For some businesses, this can even be a daily issue.  Positive cashflow (more money coming in than going out) is essential to keep the business going.

Flying in the Fog – The Importance of Financial Mastery - Part 1

by Action Coach David Beam

Most of us have probably driven an automobile on a foggy night with low visibility.  There is really not much you can do but slow down.  But that is not an option when you are flying an airplane.  You are dependent on your instrument panel to tell you what is happening.  This is certainly no time to “fly by the seat of your pants”.  You need to know critical numbers like air speed and elevation.  Your system is telling you your position and helping guide you to a safe arrival at your destination.

Juggling Elephants - “Comments on a book by Jones Loflin and Todd Musig”

By Action Business Coach Dave Beam

I read a book this weekend that really helped me simplify the concept of goal setting and priorities.  The book is “Juggling Elephants” by Jones Loflin and Todd Musig. 

It was a refreshing follow up from another book I am listening to by David Allen, called “Making It All Work” (a sequel to his classic “Getting Things Done”).  Mr. Allen definitely has the most comprehensive system for organizing life and business that I have ever found.  I have been using several of his concepts for myself and also a few clients with some wonderful results.

Your Customer 4-H Club

by ActionCOACH David Beam

Here's a way to help you think about the Action concept of A,B,C,D customers.

Your customers are members of your 4-H Club; Hilarious, Happy, Hassle, Horrible

A (Awesome) customers are Hilarious

B (Basic) customers are Happy

C (Can’t Deal With) customers are a Hassle

And D (Dead) customers are Horrible

Think carefully about your customers. Typically about 10-15% are horrible and drain the money and energy from you and your business, and 10-20% are hilarious and are a sheer delight to work with and serve. The other 65-85 % are either basically happy or a hassle.

Quit Wrestling and Take Some Dance Lessons!

By Action Business Coach Dave Beam

Greetings fellow Business Owners and Managers! Today I want to suggest an alternate to wrestling with employees – dancing!

Let’s compare wrestling and dancing. Both require energy. Both typically involve two people. Both involve close contact.

Why People Challenge Price

by ActionCOACH David Beam

Customers want several things from their suppliers. Surveys of consumers have shown that most want timely service first, quality products and services second, and low price third. When asked in sales seminars what they think is most important to consumers, sales people have offered consistent feedback. They believe the consumer wants low price first, quality second, and good service last. There is a clear difference between what customers really want and what salespeople think they want.

5 Ways to Increase Your Profit

By Action Coach David Beam

If you have been hanging around Action Coach for very long, you have heard of the “5-Ways”. It’s great to know about simple profound principles that can really boost your business success. However, the only way that the “5-Ways” is going to do that for your business is by taking ACTION. So here is a challenge for every reader of this newsletter. Today, create at least one strategy from each of the five ways to implement in your business over the next 30 days, and do it.

Your Biggest Competition

by Action Coach David Beam

A common question that I get asked as a business coach by business owners is “Who do you think is my biggest competitor?”

Many business owners are very focused on their competition. “How much are they charging?” “What are the new services or products that they are going to roll out?” “What do they say about us?” “How well do we compete in the market compared with them?”

Frankly, searching for answers to those questions really has minimal value. The reality is that your biggest competition is not the other guy or gal, but YOU! The single largest limiting factor to your success is not outside, but inside. Instead of focusing on what others are doing, the most leveraged way to improve your business and realize success is to look in the mirror.

Looking for Opportunity in a Challenged Economy

by Action Coach Dave Beam

Just like the seasons of the year, the economy cycles. It appears that we are headed for a heavy economic winter season. Winter is not bad. It just requires preparation and an appropriate response to make it good. In fact, if you are a child, you look forward to the fun that comes with the change of season. A fundamental principle for facing any challenge is to understand that circumstances are neither good nor bad. It is your response to circumstance that turns that circumstance into a fun adventure or a devastating disappointment. It is essential, especially in challenging times, to be ready to create, change, and innovate. People who are filled with fear, worry, and distress are not in a creative frame of mind. Remember that spring will eventually come, and how you respond in winter will prepare you to plant in the spring.

Using Your Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Using Your Reticular Activating System (RAS)
By ActionCOACH Dave Beam

Your brain is amazing; and setting and focusing on goals is a powerful way to harness its massive energy and power.

There is a network of nerves in the brain that control the state of awareness and attention. This system functions as a filter or doorway to accept and reject the overwhelming stimuli that we all encounter when we are awake.

Help To Recession-Proof Your Small Business

Help To Recession-Proof Your Small Business

by ActionCOACH David Beam

The ‘doom-and-gloom’ crowd is out in force these days. Whether you believe their warnings or prefer to embrace optimism, a prudent business owner should take steps to recession-proof the company in these uncertain times. The key is to take positive steps to acquire and retain market share.

Small-to-medium sized businesses can survive a recession, if they act early while customers have still not committed to other vendors. Securing revenue during a recession is no different than any other time. The company simply needs to increase its marketing effort and scope to reach more customers.

Keys to Great Customer Service

Keys to Great Customer Service

by ActionCOACH David Beam

Customer service in today's economy is at an all time low. That means that it is relatively easy to meet expectations! And if you just merely meet expectations, you will not be building customer loyalty. The goal is to WOW customers by going above and beyond the expectation. A raving fan is someone who is so impressed and excited about their experience with you that he/she can't wait to tell others about you and your products. They become your sales force!

Creating Your Uniqueness in the Market Place

By ActionCOACH David Beam

Mr. or Ms. Business Owner, I have an interesting question for you. How would you like to sell your goods and services and name your own price?

Does that even seem possible? If you don’t ask the question “How can I sell not based on price”, you will be always fighting the lowest price battle. You may say “Dave, that may work for some, but you don’t realize that our industry is completely price driven.” And I will respond and tell you why the customers in your industry are price focused. It is because you and your industry have not given them anything else other than price to consider.

6 Keys to Transform Your Employees into a Winning Team

6 Keys to Transform Your Employees into a Winning Team
By ActionCOACH David Beam

As a business coach, I often get asked by business owners how they can get their employees to work together, quit blaming each other for problems, and take more ownership for their job.

My response is often a bit abrasive. I ask the owner if he or she meets regularly one-on-one with their employees, if they blame their employees for problems, and if they truly take full ownership and accountability for what is going on in the business. It is interesting that the employees are a reflection of the owner.

In a single word, the first key to a winning team is leadership. A strong leader is one that demonstrates integrity and competence. He or she is someone that people trust. Strong leaders also have developed the communication skills to enroll and inspire others to understand and embrace their vision.

TakeACTION - The Back Issues

It was recently mentioned to me by a good friend that our ActionCOACH Franchise here in Southern Ohio should start a blog and at least post the back issues of our weekly newsletter, TakeACTION (from which this blog gets its name).

That being said, for those of you reading who don't know what this is all about please visit:

www.actioncoach.com/davidbeam

I (Nathan Beam) am the Business Development Manager for our business and I work for my Dad, David Beam. Several months ago we launched a weekly e-newsletter which has gained a small following. Ever since then I have gotten several requests for back issues.

That is what this blog is all about. A posting of our weekly articles and because of the wonderful technology of blogging, your all's questions and comments.

I hope that you enjoy what we have to offer as we strive to provide yet another avenue of value for the business community.