So you thought personal development and business development made a rather odd couple, right? One is all about personal growth while the other is about being cool, calculated and professional. How odd that they could even be considered compatible. How absolutely bizarre! But truth is always stranger than fiction, and I would like to break the myth that business and personal development don’t go together.

Numerous corporations and organizations today hire qualified and experienced executive coaches and trainers to take their personnel through rigorous training modules to increase their efficiency. From communication skills, to sales & marketing; from EQ, to leadership and time management, there are a host of training requirements which are needed by corporations around the clock. The end result of all this training is that each and every employee should be more efficient and present timely results, they should have good communication skills to maintain harmony in the working environment; they should be able to eliminate stress and have the ability to work as a team.

You would be surprised to know that more and more veteran small business owners and military spouse business owners are signing up for personal development and life coaching every year. The benefits of such a classes are many and people are beginning to realize that.

Even if you are a veteran or a military spouse that prefers to have a job, the corporate world is rife with high tension jobs, immense stress and competition. Many people suffer from lifestyle disorders because of their hectic schedules, and some even suffer from a burnout. Such a situation would take a toll on anyone’s performance, and this is exactly where the personal development aspect of business ownership is so important.  Your business cannot grow any more than you do!

Personal development coaching not only increases motivation in people, it works on the subconscious mind to look at the positives and build self-confidence. A person with confidence is motivated, and a motivated person can perform better, be it while making presentations, pitching for new business or when performing the role of a team player. Managers like life coaching because it helps them manage their relationships better, whether at home or at work, even while keeping their emotional well-being intact. It helps in increasing their basic communication skills. These personality changes can positively affect a manager’s negotiating and leadership skills, while making them effective communicators.

Personal development and business development go hand in hand.  Your business can grow no more than you do!  Today is your lucky day because right now, I’m looking for 5 people that I can commit my time and energy to help them be successful and get paid!!!  I’m not looking to work with just anyone.  Serious Inquiries Only!  Click Here to Apply.

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Businesses are constantly evolving to meet the needs of their clients.  My business is no different.  So, just in case you haven’t noticed…

We’ve made a few changes around here…

First, I am posting here on the blog a lot more.  And, you are probably receiving more emails from me, too.  If this is a challenge for you, I ask that you, please, unsubscribe.  This trend will continue because, quite frankly, a great many people asked for it!

I did a survey a few weeks back and one of the things that came up was that people wanted more information about what exactly we do here to help active duty, veterans and military spouses.  If you missed that survey, the link for it is here.

By the way, folks, I realize that a lot of people say “put in your email address so that I can contact you” then proceed to blast you with tons of spammy emails to get you to buy stuff you don’t really need….

However, I’m not one of those people.  One thing we all know is that military members, veterans and military spouses should be able to trust each other, so honestly, if I say, I’m not going to use your email to spam you, I’m really not….

So, why is this an issue….?  Because I offered to give a $500 prize to one person who responded to that survey…

I have chosen four winners….and no one has responded to me and the fact that they won the prize!  Clearly, people were expecting to be “blasted” with emails and gave me bad email addresses.  Like I said, I understand…I’m not one of those people…I’m sure you’ve figured that out by now.

I appreciate your valuable input, though so. I’ll be posting more often, doing more videos, offering free and paid webinars and frankly spending more time letting you get to know me and, far more importantly,

I’ll be getting to know YOU!  Finally, starting next week, the content schedule will change:

Sundays:  We will feature the next guest on The Deanna Wharwood Show.  The Deanna Wharwood Show airs every Wednesday on blogtalk Radio at 1pm CST.  The show broadcasts “news that the military family can use” especially if you’d like to start your own business.  Please join us and ask questions of our subject matter experts!  You can call into the show at (646)915-8977

Mondays:  Business Morning Monday will stay the same.  I will blog about one of the 9 Core Competencies of Business.  If you are unfamiliar with the 9 Core Competencies of Business, please take a peek at the article here.

Tuesdays: Building Your Home Based Businesses and Maximizing Your Opportunity.  It’s no secret, our “earn while you learn” program is a home-based business opportunity.  We combine Team Scorpion Coaching with Company Training.  Currently our Team Go to It is “crushing it.”  We have two programs to help those who need to make cash right now.  For more information, click here.

Wednesdays:  The Deanna Wharwood Show will air and I will be bringing you “news you can use.” I’ll also be posting articles on Internet and Social Media Marketing, quite simply because my own journey has me rather focused on exploring these avenues of growing my business.  I’ll be passing on the lessons that I am learning to you for you to use in your business.

Thursdays:  Thursdays will remain the same.  It will still be Transition Thursday.  I’ll continue to blog about the transition process and giving away tips, hints and tricks to find a job that you love and move toward living the life of your dreams.

Fridays:  I’ll be blogging about careers that many be of interest to our community and how to transition from your current military specialty to a new career that you will love.  Also, personal development tips, hints and tricks so that you can transition easily from military life to YOUR dream life!

Saturdays:  I will probably not be posting, unless something super important comes up that will be of value for you.  And, frankly, I’ll probably need a break!

So, today, enjoy the music.  Smile and even laugh.  I have a feeling that we are going to become great friends!  We’re on Fiyaaahhh this morning!  Feeling all the energy from my clients that are excited about life!

So, if you woke up this morning dreading your day, you may want to consider changing some things about your life and here’s a tip: it requires stepping outside the box that you’ve been trapped in and a willingness to embark on something unfamiliar, scary and risky, but worth it all!

Need a little guidance… click here.

Success and Blessings,

Deanna Wharwood, the Veterans Coach

P.S.  Have you seen our new Resource Page?  Check it out and let me know if there is anything else you need.

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Today, I am excited to blog on a very important topic:  Sales!  So many of my clients hate the sales process, and here is the reason why:  their definition or personal barometer on sales is a little…shall we say…”skewed.”

So, how do YOU define selling?  Many of my clients, before they start business coaching with me and the rest of Team Scorpion, in a nutshell see sales as “persuading/convincing people to buy things they may or may not want or need.”  To some, selling is all about “closing a deal.”  Thinking of selling in this manner is not very empowering. Frankly, if you have this perspective on selling, it’s no wonder if you hate it. I would too!

So, here’s a better definition of sales that will help you to feel better about the process.  Remember that list you made during the business planning stages,  the list of all the problems that you can solve for your target market?

You’re going to be surprised how long that list grows over time. So really, if you look at your list and you think about it, you are a master problem solver. What you’re really doing is helping people. Right?  Right!  So try on this perspective about what selling is:

Selling is helping people. Selling is serving. Selling is a process of identifying and solving people’s problems.  For more information on how to “coach” a sale, click here.

See, feel and know that selling is serving.

With this perspective, you will really become passionate about wanting to help people. Find this passion and let it shine through.  It is your purpose, your moral obligation, to have as many sales conversations with people as you can so you can help as many people as possible. If you’re not having these types of sales conversations, you are holding back the gift you have to offer the world. You owe it to people to be there for them with your expertise and wisdom.

So, the next time you’re talking to a potential client or customer, think about how you can help them, how you can serve them. Forget about trying to sell them something. If what you have to offer does solve their problems, and you facilitate the conversation using the strategies we are covering, people will sell themselves and will subsequently buy from you.

If you have a perspective on selling which is one of service and helping people, how do you think the people you’re talking to will feel? Think about this: “people hate to be sold.”  The minute they feel they’re being sold, they often want to get away – fast.

Don’t you? On the other hand, if they feel you are sincerely trying to help them solve their problems, they will relax and open up to you.  If you have a perspective on selling which is one of service and helping people, how do you think you will feel? Does energized, excited, relaxed, and natural come to mind?  for more information on “slaying the sales dragon,” click here.

Whether you are a “solopreneur” or the CEO of a large company, making sales is the lifeblood of your business.  If you are not personally involved in the sales process, ensure that your sales representatives receive the proper training they need to help you grow your business.  The SBA has some great tips on helping business owners to train their sales force to become subject matter experts and to be aware that they are providing a service to your customers.

Finally, did you complete your business marketing strategies check-up?  Don’t forget to post your current market strategies list on my Facebook page for a chance to win a no-cost consultation with Team Scorpion!

Success and Blessings,

Deanna Wharwood, the Veterans’ Coach

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Are you ready to change jobs, or your career, in the next 12 months? Have you had enough of your current job situation, but you’re not sure what steps you need to take to avoid being in the same mess in the future?

Then, let me introduce you to Leon Scott!

Leon is a Certified Master Life Coach, and founder of You Times two Career & Life Coaching. He is also Certified Referral Marketer. He specializes in job and career transitions.

Leon has had over 25 years experience in the working world, which started while serving in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician. He’s had a variety of experiences in several fields, including HVAC, and fire and security systems, and technical engineering.

He’s worked in the corporate research arena, and in sales; both business to business, and business to consumer. He’s worked for large, international companies, as well as being the founder of his current small business.

Leon’s post secondary education has been entirely as a “non-traditional student”.  He earned an Associate’s degree while on active duty, and studied for his Bachelor’s degree while working full time after he was discharged.

Leon has taught many workshops on various aspects of personal and business marketing for several schools, groups, and organizations; creating specific agendas for each group based on their needs.

He also has a bit of an acting streak. He’s been in a music video, and has done some voice-over acting.

Leon’s passion is to help those looking for jobs find careers that will make their hearts sing.

So, if you have any questions on transitioning from the military into a job you will love, please listen on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 1:00pm CST.  We will be taking calls live during the show, so, please feel free to call the show during the broadcast (646) 915-8977.

Or if you cannot listen to the show while its airing, please send your questions to me here.  Add the show to your calendar by clicking here.

Also if you’d like to nominate your unit, specialty or rating for a Military Shout Out,click here.  Give me the name of your unit and five “fun facts.”  Please leave your email address so that we can let you know when your shout out will be airing.

Please share this post with the Active Duty, Veterans and Military Spouse Business Owners that you know.  Leon will be giving out a ton of golden nuggets of information and sharing his vast knowledge on the air.  Invite those you know that may benefit from his knowledge and expertise.  

Finally, if you feel that coaching may not be an option for you, however, you KNOW you need to brush up on your people skills and find out what employers REALLY want:  Click Here.

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Behavioral interviewing is a relatively new mode of job interviewing. Employers such as AT&T and Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) have been using behavioral interviewing for over 15 years, and since increasing numbers of employers are now using behavior-based methods to screen job candidates, understanding how to excel in this interview environment is becoming a crucial job-hunting skill.  Today’s post is designed to help you prepare for and beat the behavior based interview.

The Federal Government uses behavior-based interviewing, so if you are seeking Federal employment, it is important to understand what is different in this interview method.  I have a list of the most asked questions here.

It is based on the belief that past behavior and performance predicts future behavior and performance. You may use work experience, outsides activities, hobbies, volunteer work, school projects, family life as examples of your past behavior. However we suggest to focus on job related performance as much as possible. Remember, if you choose stories from your military experience. pick stories that civilians can relate to and understand.  Not all of our stories “translate.”  This article will give you great tips on step by step interview prep before the interview.  Click here for that article.
Behavioral Interviewing Questions. This is the key to matching behavioral interviewing questions with specific soft skills or competencies. Below is a short list of 22 competencies with their definitions, suggestions for effective interviewing hints and a sample question for each.

1. Conflict Management: Addressing and resolving conflict constructively.

• Listen for proactive identification and resolution of concerns and issues.
• Sample question: “Describe the most difficult conflict you’ve ever had to manage.”

2. Employee Development/Coaching: Facilitating and supporting the professional growth of others.

•  Listen for a belief in the potential of others and promoting of learning and development.
•  Sample question: “Describe your personal experience with a mentor or coach.”

3. Interpersonal Skills: Effectively communicating, building rapport and relating well to all kinds of people.

• Listen for self-awareness, understanding and an ability to communicate effectively with others regardless of differences.
• Sample question: “Describe the most difficult working relationship you’ve had with an individual.”

4. Teamwork: Working effectively and productively with other.

•  Listen for a strong commitment and contributions to team members working towards a specific goal.
• Sample question: “Give me an example of one of the most significant contributions you made as a member of a high performing team.”

5. Self-Management: Demonstrating self-control and an ability to manage time and priorities.

• Listen for composure, assertiveness and emotional stability.
• Sample question: “Give me an example of when you were able to meet the personal and professional demands in your life, yet still maintained a healthy balance.”

6. Empathy: Identifying with and caring about others.

• Listen for genuine caring, compassion and initiative in assisting others without expectations of rewards.
• Sample question: “Give me an example of when you identified with someone else’s difficulties at work.”

7. Planning/Organizing: Utilizing logical, systematic and orderly procedures to meet objectives.

• Listen for logical, organized and systematic approaches.
• Sample question: “ Describe the most complex assignment or project you’ve worked on.”

8. Customer Service: Anticipating, meeting and/or exceeding customer needs, wants and expectations.

• Listen for extraordinary efforts in responding to customer needs and wants to insure satisfaction.
•  Sample question: “ Give me an example of when you went out of your way for a customer.”

9. Written Communication: Writing clearly, succinctly and understandably.

• Look for clear and understandable knowledge or written communication.
• Sample question: “Give me an example of something you wrote for work that was effective in achieving a communication goal.”

10. Presenting: Speaking effectively to small and large groups.

•  Listen for awareness, accuracy and composure.
• Sample question: “ Describe a situation when you had to give a presentation to a group of people you have never met.”

11. Persuasion: Convincing others to change the way they think, believe or behave.

•  Listen for persistence, determination and a “never-give-up” attitude in efforts to meet goals.
•  Sample question: “Describe a situation where you were able to convince others to your way of thinking.”

12. Goal Orientation: Energetically focusing efforts on meeting a goal, mission or objective.

• Listen for the ability to maintain their direction in spite of obstacles in their path.
•  Sample question: “Give me an example of the most significant professional goal you have met.”

13. Flexibility: Agility in adapting to change.

•  Listen for a positive attitude towards lots of activity, multi-tasking and change, in general.
• Sample question: “Give me an example of when you were forced to change priorities or direction.”

14. Continuous Learning: Taking initiative in learning and implementing new concepts, technologies and/or methods.

•  Listen for a positive attitude towards self-improvement, learning and the application of knowledge.
• Sample question: “How do you keep current on what’s going on in your field?”

15. Personal Effectiveness: Demonstrating initiative, self-confidence, resiliency and a willingness to take responsibility for personal actions.

• Listen for a strong sense of self, personal responsibility, courage and resilience.
• Sample question: “What do you think has enabled you to meet your goals?”

16. Problem Solving: Anticipating, analyzing, diagnosing and resolving problems.

•  Listen for an analytical and disciplined approach to solving problems.
• Sample question: “Describe a situation when you anticipated a problem.”

17. Negotiation: Facilitating agreements between two or more parties.

• Listen for seasoned expertise in negotiating “win-win” agreements.
•  Sample question: “Give me an example of when you were able to facilitate a “win-win” agreement between two or more adversarial parties.”

18. Management: Achieving extraordinary results through effective management of resources, systems and processes.

• Listen for shrewd business sense, understanding of operational issues and an ability to improve the bottom line.
• Sample question: “Describe the largest budget you’ve ever developed and had responsibility for managing.”

19. Leadership: Achieving extraordinary business results through people.

•  Listen for an ability to obtain the trust, commitment and motivation of others to achieve goals and objectives.
• Sample question: “If you have held a leadership position in the past, draw the organizational chart above and below your position to illustrate the scope of your leadership responsibilities.”

20. Decision Making: Utilizing effective processes to make decisions.

•  Listen for an ability to make timely decisions under difficult circumstances.
• Sample question: “Give me an example of when you had to make a quick decision when the risk of making an error was high.”

21. Futuristic Thinking: Imagining, envisioning, projecting and/or predicting what has not yet been realized.

• Listen for optimism, predictions and a commitment to future possibilities.
• Sample question: “Describe a situation when you were correct in seeing a future trend that others didn’t.”

22. Creativity/Innovation: Adapting traditional or devising new approaches, concepts, methods, models, designs, processes, technologies, and/or systems.

• Listen for “out-of-the-box” thinking and unusual approaches.
• •Sample question: “ Describe a work situation when you adapted a concept, design, process or system to meet a need.”

Be sure to probe for as many details and specifics as possible such as names, dates and other verifiable information. Skilled interviewers will also ask candidates for their thoughts or feelings about a situation to gain further insight.

Active Duty, Veterans and Military Spouses;  now that you know what they are looking for, please take some time and prepare for the interview.  Plan a strategy based on what you’ve learned here.  Getting a job is not difficult, it really isn’t.  Keeping a job is not difficult, it really isn’t.  However, you’ve got to have good people skills and unfortunately, military life doesn’t always emphasize those skills.

If you think you need help with your people skills, click on this link NOW.  It can make all the difference between getting a job that pay well and that you love.

Registration for the next Team Phoenix Reverse Boot Camp Transition Assistance Program is now open!

Click here for more information!  this program is for the Elite service member or military spouse who has decided to step up and take control of their post military experience.  Serious inquiries only! 

Training will be held June 14, 2013 thru June 17, 2013 at our new Gulf Coast location.  Feel free to bring your family, there’s lots for them to keep busy  while you are training!  See you then!

Success and Blessings,

Deanna Wharwood, the Veterans Coach

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In last week’s spot, I spoke to you about “Veterans Organizations: What’s in it for me?”

This week I’m going to explore The American Legion.

Arguably, The American Legion is probably the most recognizable of Veterans Organizations and has been around since 1919. Membership in The American Legion is tied to periods of honorable Active Duty service during periods of wartime. The American Legion generally has very active auxiliary units associated with the local post called the Sons of The American Legion and Women’s Auxiliary. You can read all about The American Legions history on Wikipedia if you would like to see all the history and program particulars.

The American Legion in your “HomeTownUSA” is generally most recognizable for Fish Frys, Honor Guards, bingo and the like. American Legion members generally meet monthly to discuss post programs, finances and any other post business. In my area of SE Ohio is the legion is traditionally organized and we have 13 posts in our County. Each month or quarter, county posts gather to discuss current events at their local posts at a County Council meeting. This is a place where best practices are shared as well as upcoming events. The American Legion is further organized regionally in Districts, then State Department and National. In addition to the brick and mortar ground organizations, The American Legion has an extremely informative website; www.legion.org and an outstanding internet store call Emblem Sales www.emblem.legion.org.

Back to the HomeTownUSA perspective; “What’s in it for me?” Obviously from a local post perspective, there are picnics, the canteen and post organization that is of interest to some. Others join a local post as a conduit to assist with American Legion programs such as Youth Baseball, Boys & Girls State, Americanism, Veteran Volunteers at the VA, helping other civic organizations and others.

My personal perspective, I joined to be part of the network and to be around people that shared my experience of service. Initially, I thought it would be similar to my military experience. But you know what, it’s really not. You see, once service member leaves the service, that page in their life is closed and becomes a memory. In my case, a very good memory. From a networking perspective it has exceeded my expectations.

“But, Dan, The American Legion in my hometown isn’t like that.”

Yes, I heard you say it.

Well, they are different in every community. Being part of a veteran’s organization is a choice, within the framework of The American Legion organization there is literally a place that can utilize any veterans expertise and experience. From a “HomeTownUSA” perspective, you are needed in your local post regardless if you plan to be active or a social member.

It has been my experience that The American Legion is devoted to veterans and the community they serve. I’ll be part of an organization like that any time and I’ll find my place to fit and continue serving.

About the Author:  Dan Wilson served in the USAF from 1984-2004 as an Air Transportation Specialist. Assignments included: Panama, Ft. Lee, Virginia, RAF Mildenhall, UK and Ramstein AB, Germany. He is a member of AMVETS Post 275, The American Legion, Air Force Sergeants Association and an advocate for any veteran that he meets. He can help, if you let him.

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Good Morning Active Duty, Veterans and Military Spouses!

This weeks’ Business Morning Monday Post was about offline marketing strategies that would help you to get more sales and increase business in your area.  If you missed that post, please click here.

So, today, I’d like you to take a few moments and complete a Marketing Strategy Check Up for your business.  Take a good, hard, honest look at that list and see what you could implement today to gain more customers and generate more cash from your business.

If you like, please feel free to print out that article and use it to complete the quiz.  Please answer the following questions:

1. Circle all of the marketing strategies on that list that you have used in the last 60 days.

2.  How many of those strategies are you currently using?

3.  How many of those strategies should you be using? (hint:  yes, all of the above, can be the correct answer)

4. Which strategies should you be using?  Why should you be using them?

5. What has kept you from implementing these strategies? (time, money, income, knowledge)

6. What impact is the lack of implementation currently having on your business and income?

7. What happens if you don’t get this under control and become a more effective marketer?

8. Which new strategies are you committed to implementing in the next 30 days?

9.  Whose help do you need to do this in the next 30 days?

Now, that you have taken an honest look at your business marketing strategies, I’m sure that you will realize that you haven’t taken full advantage of them.  Team Scorpion can help you to update your marketing plan, find low cost strategies that will get your message to your customer and help you to make more money.  Contact us here for more information.

Finally, post the strategies you are currently using on my Facebook Page.  One lucky poster will win a no-cost consultation with the Team Scorpion!  It’s a $457 value.

We will look at your marketing plan, show you EXACTLY what strategies your should implement and why, and then assist you to get those strategies working in your own business.  To qualify for this service, you must post between midnight of 05/12/13 and midnight of 05/22/13.  Feel free to share this posting with other vetrepreneurs and military spouse business owners.

Here’s a chance for you to build your businesses at no-cost!  And, veterans help other veterans, right!  So, feel free to pass this  article on to those who may benefit.

Success and Blessings,

Deanna Wharwood, the Veterans Coach

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It takes an entrepreneurial fire in your belly to start a business and make it succeed. Not everyone has it.

Recently, I’ve received a slew of emails and contact requests asking me, “How do I know if I have what it takes to start a business?”

So many vetrepreneurs want to start their businesses but are afraid that they “don’t have what it takes.”  However, please take comfort in the fact that due to the current job market, more and more veterans are turning toward self-employment.  So, you are not alone.  And remember, my company exists to help you and your company get started.

But as to a more concrete answer to “do you have what it takes?”  There’s really no way to know for sure in advance. But I have found that there are some things in common among the emotional and family fabric of people ready to consider an entrepreneurial venture.

You don’t have to fit all seven of these categories to be a good candidate for entrepreneurship. But it probably wouldn’t hurt. In general, the more you have in common with these characteristics, the closer you probably are to being ready to try going out on your own.

1. You come from a line of people who owned their own businesses, and these businesses can include farming.  People who are successful at establishing their own business tend to have had parents who worked for themselves. It’s usually easier to get a job with a company than to start your own business; so people who strike out on their own often have the direct example of a parent to look to.  While I knew that my grandfather and many other relations had their own businesses, I was shocked to find out that my father had once owned his own business and sold Kirby Vacuum Cleaners long before he went into the military.

2.You see more than one definition of “job security.” I am truly sorry for the few people I know who have stayed with one employer for 25 or 30 years. They look very secure. However, I always wonder what great opportunities did they pass up just to get a paycheck?  But how many people do you know who are able to stay with one company for that long? In a rapidly changing economy, job security can be frighteningly fleeting.  Nowadays, there is no job security, not even retiring from the military is guaranteed.

3. You’ve gone as far as you can go, or you’re not going anywhere at all. Sometimes the motivation to start a new venture comes from having reached the top of the pile where you are, looking around, and saying, “What’s next?” Early success can be wonderful, but early retirement can sometimes drive energetic and motivated people totally crazy.  Trust me, you can only play golf or tennis all day for so long until you get bored!  Especially, if you were in the military and have adapted to the military pace of life.

4. You’ve done the market research already. Don’t even talk to me about your great business idea if you haven’t put the time into figuring out if there’s a market for your product or service. As the people behind any number of failed ventures will tell you, “cool” doesn’t necessarily translate into “profitable.” Don’t bother building it if you haven’t figured out whether there’s a good chance the customers will come.

5. You’ve got the support of your family. Starting a business can be stressful at times. Trying to do it without the support of your spouse or other significant family members or friends can be extremely challenging.

6. You know you cannot do it alone. You might excel at promoting a business. Maybe you love running the financial end of the enterprise. You could be someone who starts a business because you have unique creative or technical know-how to create a product. However, you cannot know everything.  It is essential to be able to ask for help and manage your team of start-up consultants to get your venture up and running and to six figures fast.

Any of the above is possible, but it’s unlikely that you are going to excel at all of these tasks — or at all of the tasks involved in running any business. Forget all that doing it alone stuff. You are going to need some help sometime.  And, despite all of the press, there is no such a thing as a “self-made” millionaire!

The willingness to get that help — having employees, partners or consultants for those areas in which you are not an expert — is one indicator of likely future success. “No successful entrepreneur has ever succeeded alone,” development consultant Ernesto Sirolli writes in “Ripples From the Zambezi.” “The person who is most capable of enlisting the support of others is the most likely to succeed.”

Team Scorpion (Veteran Owned Small Business Development Team) and I are  looking for more active duty, veterans or military spouses that we can commit our time and energy to help them be successful and get paid!

We’re not looking to work with just anyone.  Serious inquires ONLY from people who desire change and can use extra $2000-$3000 a month.  Use this money to capitalize your start up or pay off any debts that you may have AND build your business’ Internet presence. Click the button to apply for Team Scorpion.

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Good Morning Active Duty, Veterans and Military Spouses:

It’s Business Morning Monday and today I’d like to share with you a short list of 27 Offline Marketing Methods That Get You More Customers for YOUR Business.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Steve Clark recently at the Emerald Coast Business Builders.  The Emerald Coast Business Builders are a group of business owners who are great believers in delivering high quality service AND “making money and becoming rich by improving sales and marketing skills.”

Steve Clark (centered in the photo) teaches this group as well as runs a separate business owners master minding group where local business owners mastermind and dissect their businesses to increase their revenues and income streams.  If you are in the area for business or pleasure, you might want to connect with Steve for a consultation.  You can reach him here.  He also offers an online analysis of your sales techniques and free sales training, so even if you don’t have the opportunity to meet him in person, it is certainly worth peeking at his site here.

This list is provided as one of the “golden nuggets” that we received during his workshop.  These are all “tried and true” methods of marketing your business, increasing sales and acquiring new customers; however they are also some of the most overlooked and forgotten methods simply because they are “tried and true.”

So, just as a suggestion before you jump into Internet Marketing and Social Media Marketing, you might want to check and ensure that your offline marketing methods are congruent with your current business goals and that you are maximizing the use of these methods.

Here’s that list:

Speaking Engagements

Business Association Referral Process

Free Hard Copy Newletter to Subscribers

Book Sales

Workshops That Are Marketed by Someone Else

Outgoing Joint Ventures

Incoming Joint Ventures

Cross Promotions

Cross Selling

Postcard Marketing

Affiliate Marketing

Certified Reseller Program

New Customer Referral Offer

Billboards

TV for Free

Trade Show Exhibitions

Radio

Client Appreciation Program

Press Releases

Tear Sheets

Direct mail

Lumpy Mail Campaign

Three Foot Rule Campaign

Lesson Learned Audios (podcasts/CDs)

Workshop Guest Program

Classified Ads

Lead Boxes

If you don’t know what any of these methods are, please feel free to contact me here.  I’ll be happy to explain these methods to you.

 Also, don’t forget to tune into the Deanna Wharwood Show,  Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 1:00pm CST.  We will be taking calls live during the show, so, please feel free to call the show during the broadcast (646) 915-8977.

Or if you cannot listen to the show while its airing, please send your questions to me here.  Add the show to your calendar by clicking here.

Also if you’d like to nominate your unit, specialty or rating for a Military Shout Out,click here.  Give me the name of your unit and five “fun facts.”  Please leave your email address so that we can let you know when your shout out will be airing.

Team Scorpion (Veteran Owned Small Business Development Team) and I are  looking for more active duty,  veterans or military spouses that we can commit our time and energy to help them be successful and get paid!

We’re not looking to work with just anyone.  Serious inquires ONLY from people who desire change and can use extra $2000-$3000 a month.  Use this money to capitalize your start up or pay off any debts that you may have AND Build your business’ Internet presence.  If you are interested in applying for the “earn while you learn” program, click here!

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Michael Baker is the Founder of Not-for-Profit Organization, PCs4Veterans.  He is a decorated,  combat wounded,  disabled Veteran, honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.  A successful serial entrepreneur, he has started two companies prior to founding PCs4Vets.  One of these companies developed proprietary software and implemented a new management system for its industry.

Mike Baker is also a nationally recognized and published, professional franchising expert with 14 years of experience of revamping programs helping small to medium sized franchisers achieve a national presence.  He has also developed, managed, and then trained personnel to handle corporate marketing and internal communications for multi-million dollar companies within the franchising industry.

He continues to developed and initiated creative teams and revamp existing corporate departments. He regularly conceptualizes and orchestrates marketing campaigns and is responsible for revamping one of the largest franchisers in its industry, encompassing over 1,800 franchisees.

He attended college at SIU Carbondale and studied practical application theory for over 2 years with internationally renowned business mentors in Southern California and Virginia.  He attended Cal Berkeley for post graduate study, and also worked as a mental health coordinator with ongoing training provided by Mayo Clinic in Rochester,  MN.

So, if you have any questions on building or marketing your franchise, please listen on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 1:00pm CST.  We will be taking calls live during the show, so, please feel free to call the show during the broadcast (646) 915-8977.  Or if you cannot listen to the show while its airing, please send your questions to me here.  Add the show to your calendar by clicking here.

Also if you’d like to nominate your unit, specialty or rating for a Military Shout Out, click here.  Give me the name of your unit and five “fun facts.”  Please leave your email address so that we can let you know when your shout out will be airing.

Please share this post with the Vetrepreneurs and Military Spouse Business Owners that you know.  Mike will be giving out golden nuggets of information and sharing his vast knowledge on the air.  Invite those you know that may benefit from his knowledge and expertise.  

“See” you on  Wednesday!

Success and Blessings

Deanna Wharwood, the Veterans’ Coach

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