E3C: The Passionate Entrepreneur

Earvin "Magic" Johnson: "32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business"

Earvin "Magic" Johnson visits Google's Mountain View, CA headquarters to discuss his book "32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business." This event took place on March 10, 2009, as part of the Authors@Google series.

Earvin made the transition from great athlete to greater entrepreneur through hard work and by avidly pursuing opportunities. He recognized that densely populated urban communities were ripe for commercial and residential development. He partnered with major brands like Starbucks, 24 Hour Fitness, and T.G.I. Fridays to lead a major economic push in these communities. The success of his businesses proved that ethnically diverse urban residents would welcome and support major brands if given the opportunity. Earvin continues to be a leader of urban economic development that provides jobs, goods, and a new spirit of community.

32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business will inspire and enlighten readers who wish to make a similar impact with their careers and business endeavors.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson--known worldwide for his talent on the basketball court--has an equally impressive career off the court. As the chairman and chief executive officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has helped launch major business initiatives focused on revitalizing ethnically diverse urban communities by bringing brand-name businesses into them. He has been voted number one among organizations and individuals in representing the urban community, and is the celebrity most able to influence minority consumer purchasing.

Divas Doing Business!

Monique Hayward has a few secrets to share and she has just written a new book --- Divas Doing Business: What the Guidebooks Don't Tell You About Being a Woman Entrepreneur (http://moniquehayward.com/books.aspx).

This book arms current and aspiring women entrepreneurs with the tools and firepower to tackle the unique situations that will test their resolve, strength, and spirit as they start and manage businesses. Listen to what Monique has to say!  Ken talks with Monique Hayward www.moniquehayward.com

Listen Now: Divas Doing Business!

Please use this link to buy Monique's Book:
http://www.amazon.com/Divas-Doing-Business-Guidebooks-Entrepreneur/dp/0615268730/ref

Kenneth Brown (Chief Profitability Officer - Sales & Profit Evangelist) E3C www.BetterSalesandProfitsNow.com www.twitter.com/KenE3C www.my-business-community.com www.mybusinesscommunity.ning.com www.E3C.typepad.com

Listen, Learn, Enjoy and Share with a Business Associate!

Bumper Music by Bryan Hunley of New Whyne Music

Creating Value: Richard Brock of Lead Life

Check out this powerful interview with Richard Brock. It is entitled, "Creating Value". 

He was interviewed by Richard Warner on the Georgia PBS program: "Georgia's Business"  on July 27th 2008.   If you want to improve your selling skills, you must create value with your prospective buyer.  Setting your price by adding a simple twenty percent over cost is a losing proposition.  It will not generate more profits for your company.  Richard Brock has a better philosophy.  One of the secrets to successful selling is creating value in the mind of buyer. 

Check out Lead Life company website! 

Watch Now!  Creating Value

E3C Connect Networking Online January 20th 2009!

Are you successful entrepreneur searching for more? Do you desire to learn more ideas and strategies to achieve greater profitability? Do you want to meet and connect with other entrepreneurs from other diverse growth-oriented industries? Do you need more referrals? Is it too difficult to attend networking or educational meetings due to your busy schedule?

This program is for entrepreneurs who want to create more referral opportunities for their business and learn more about other business owners in various industries. This forum creates an atmosphere that encourages participants to support each other in their business.

It is efficient, productive, cost effective and ONLINE!! Participants are able to introduce themselves, share their passion, describe their business and educate others about what makes them special! It is divided into five sessions that includes: establishing a personal connection, sharing client experiences, finding client opportunities, great gate openers and defining your uniqueness.

Listen Now!

George Blake Pridatco www.pridatco.com, Bryan Larrieu The Vital Healthcare Group www.thevitalhealthgroup.com, Scott Wold Paramount Business Solutions www.pbcx.com, Mike Silverman Silver Web Solutions www.silverwebsolutions.com, George Ishee Small Steps to Big Results www.ss2br.com, Stephanie Ivy EB Medicine www.EBmedicine.net, Carl Lane International Acquisitions and Holdings Inc, Sandra Brown Incredible Manicure Hand & Lovely Nails

Sales Lessons From Barack Obama: What You Can Do Today! (Part One)

President – Elect Barack Obama will be our 44^th United States President.  From a relative unknown   law professor, community organizer,  Illinois State Senator and U.S. Senator,  Barack has captured the hearts and minds of the nation's electorate.   With no money or grass roots organization, he has went from State Senator to U.S. Senator to President-Elect in four years!  That is quite impressive.  

 

Here are some of Barack's presidential accomplishments:

 

• Raised $700 million dollars in donations  (the most money raised ever in history)
• earned 64 million votes nation-wide
• achieved 364 electoral votes and 54% of electoral vote
• earned 14 million more votes than President Bush in 2004
• won 66%  of  Hispanic and youth vote
• captured 50%  of suburban vote 
• won 17% of the republican vote
• won nine states that previously voted republican
• recruited 4.1 million campaign volunteers

 

Barack overcame the challenge of popular U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton to win the Democratic nomination and beat U.S. Senator John McCain to win the U.S. presidency.   So, how did President- Elect Obama do it?   What can business owners and entrepreneurs learn from his victory? 

 

What made our President-Elect successful?  It was a combination of his vision, message, uniqueness, personal story, communication skills, organization,  endorsements and testimonials, strategic alliances and partnerships and embracing the power of the Internet.  With politics aside, let's review the Obama campaign and discover what sales lessons we can learn and apply in our businesses.

Barack's Vision and Message

President -Elect Barack's  vision was simple:

• Build a grass roots organization young, old, rich, poor, white, black, Hispanic,  Asian, democratic, republican and independent across the United States. 
• Offer a democratic candidate against the war in Iraq. 
• Project a moderate image promising a tax cut for the middle class, national health care and access to educational opportunities. 
  

“Change”,  that was Barack Obama's message.  The vast majority of people wanted a change and a new direction.  His goal was to offer that and differentiate himself from President George Bush and his policies of the past eight years.  Barack offered change for a better America.  His message of hope and promise was inspiring and produced crowds in the hundreds and thousands  across the nation.  Obama's message of change generated new enthusiasm not  seen in recent political campaigns. He wrote two best sellers: Audacity of Hope and  Dreams of  My Father.   His message connected with many people.  Time was critical.  He had to win the the majority of the Democratic state primaries,  capture the Democratic nomination and the U.S. Presidential election in less than a year!  Barack was quite successful.  Consequently, his candidacy produced millions of  enthusiastic volunteers and new voters.  His mission was clear:

• win the majority of the votes in the democratic primary
• win 270 electoral votes on November 4, 2008.  
• Set up a grass roots organization in every state. 
• Utilize the Internet to promote Barack Obama,
• generate campaign donations and  enlist volunteers  and
• win 270 electoral votes on November 4, 2008 to win the U.S. presidency 
  

U.S. Senator Barack Obama won the race and will become the next president of the United States January 20th 2009.

Action: 

What is your vision for your company?  What is the target message for your best prospects?  How can you improve to increase sales?  Your vision and message must stand out, be unique, authentic,  interesting and inspiring.  Ensure that your vision and message really address the needs and concerns of your top client prospects .  Use it to connect with them.  It should grab their attention and encourage them to want to talk to you and learn more.  If it doesn't light your prospects' eyes and generate curiosity, your vision statement needs improvement.  Also, make sure that it is quantifiable.  It should have a defined time-line.   For example, your vision can be to generate 100 clients and produce annual sales revenue of $1 million dollars by 2010.  Additionally, ensure that your opening selling statement connects with your potential clients and gets their attention and has punch!  

Looking for More?   Read the whole article and check out my other articles now!

My First Sales Job!

I did not aspire to become a professional sales person.  It was not a life long dream to pursue a career in sales.  As a youngster, I really did not realize that people could make a living by selling a product or service.  I thought that I might become a professional football or baseball player.  If I did not go into professional sports, I thought that I would become a police officer, chef or  farmer. 

Sure, I was a successful paperboy in Detroit, Michigan.  I won many of contests and earned lots of prizes:  televisions, bikes, radios and cash!  I had the biggest route in my district!   I never realized that I was in sales, but  I was!  I never really considered myself in sales.  I was successful because, I was good at selling newspapers.  Unconsciously,  I created my own successful sales system! 

My paper route consisted of  just two streets with five or six large apartment building.  Each building had three to five floors.  Every floor had at least 10 apartments.  It was a great opportunity for an ambitious boy.   However, nobody wanted this route.  There not a lot of customers.  Paper boys  would quit  and customers were not happy with the service.  Conservatively,  there were  potentially over 300 customers on my first street and  about 150 on the second street.  I seized it!   I built this route to over 200 daily and over 300 Weekend Saturday Sunday deliveries.  Believe it or not, I hired a couple of assistants to help me!  I could not use the standard red wagon for my route.  I delivered my newspapers from a shopping cart!  It was the only way to finish my deliveries! 

As a paperboy, I would talk to everyone on my route!  I was friendly, courteous and       always smiling!   Those people were potential customers.   Every two months, I would visit door –to – door and ask everybody who answer to buy a newspaper from me! I  was a numbers game.   I practice my sales pitch and smile.   Hello, my name is  Kenny.  Would you like to subscribe to the Detroit News?   I offered a free newspaper to every new customer!  I was selling and asking for the sale!  Some said, “Yes”, some said, “No”  and others said, “Call or Come back later”.  Happily, I did!   I was making good money!

I delivered my dailies after school in the afternoon.  Early in the morning, I delivered the weekend newspapers.  I would run up and down the stairs and see if how fast I could finish each apartment building.  I would time myself.  It was a good work-out.  I made it fun!  I collected my payments and asked for referrals from satisfied customers on Fridays and Saturdays.

Looking back, I seized the opportunity.  I knew my product, my target market.  I created an efficient and effective prospecting, delivery system  and collection system.   I asked for the business, generated new sales and earned referral business.  At twelve years old, I created a sales strategy and a system that worked for me!      I did not have business experience, training or education.  However,  that did not stop me from becoming a successful paperboy!   I had a passion and I was determined to be successful because my mother needed and depended upon me to make money!

That was my first sales job!

What was your first sales experience?  What did you learn?  What did you enjoy?  How can our children learn about the sales profession?  What opportunities can we offer to our children?     

Mylle Mangum: Making The Transition From Fortune 100 to Entrepreneur!

How do you make the transition from an executive of a Fortune 50 company and become a successful entrepreneur?

Mylle Mangum did it! She is Chief Executive Officer of IBT. (www.ibtenterprises.com) Her company is the leader in developing retail environments for bank branches, specialty retail and mixed-use concepts. The pioneer of in-store banking, IBT offers domain expertise in a comprehensive range of integrated services, including retail distribution strategy, market research, performance training, design, architecture and construction for in-store, storefront and brick and mortar facilities.

Making The Transition From Fortune 100 to Entrepreneur!

Listen, Learn, Enjoy and Share with a Business Associate!

Bumper music provided by Bryan Hunley of New Whyne Music

E3C Links:
www.BetterSalesandProfitsNow.com (company website)
www.twitter.com/KenE3C (Twitter)
www.my-business-community.com (community website)
www.E3C.typepad.com (Blog)
www.E3C.podOmatic.com (podcast) www.E3CPassionateEntrepreneur.pbwiki.com (wiki) www.mybusinesscommunity.ning.com (business social network)

Is Your Business A Hobby, Job or Profitable Enterprise? Take the Quiz and Discover For Yourself! Click on this link: www.my-business-community.com/quiz1/player.html (multi-media presentation)

Get My Business Tips! Go to my business profile and sign-up! http://mybusinesscommunity.ning.com/profile/KenE3C

E3C Connect Meeting Audio Recording for August 26, 2008!

Are you successful entrepreneur searching for more? Do you desire to learn more ideas and strategies to achieve greater profitability? Do you want to meet and connect with other entrepreneurs from other diverse growth-oriented industries? Do you need more referrals? Is it too difficult to attend networking or educational meetings due to your busy schedule?

This program is for entrepreneurs who want to create more referral opportunities for their business and learn more about other business owners in various industries. This forum creates an atmosphere that encourages participants to support each other in their business.

It is efficient, productive, cost effective and ONLINE!! Participants are able to introduce themselves, share their passion, describe their business and educate others about what makes them special! It is divided into five sessions that includes: establishing a personal connection, sharing client experiences, finding client opportunities, great gate openers and defining your uniqueness.

Listen to E3C Connect Meeting Audio Recording for August 26, 2008 Now!

Dr Robert Joseph (Technology Guru) GluLife www.glulife.com www.cybernetkids.com

Norma Stanley (Public Relations) NFS Communications and Publishing Inc. www.nfscommwriter.com

Elizabeth Atkins (Author, Journalist & Speaker) www.theblissreport.com and www.elizabethatkins.com

Shauna Smith (Real Estate) Outreach Property Solutions www.Rent2OwnInGa.com

Ethan Kwame’ (Graphic Design Specialist) E.K. Allen www.ekallen.com

Dargan Burns III (Condominium Rentals) Corporate Housing of Atlantic Station www.atlanticstation-condo.com

Anthony Kellum (Author, Speaker & Housing Consultant) Kellum Group anthony@kellumgroup.com www.kellumgroup.com

Kenneth Brown (Chief Profitability Officer - Sales & Profit Evangelist) E3C www.BetterSalesandProfitsNow.com www.my-business-community.com www.E3C.podOmatic.com www.mybusinesscommunity.ning.com www.E3C.typepad.com

Listen, Learn, Enjoy and Share with a Business Associate!

Are you interested in joining us at our next session?  Invitation only!  Please submit your request ASAP! We would love to hear from you!
 
Yes!  I want to participate in the next E3C Connect Online Meeting  Sign-Up Now!

Conversation with Multi-Millionaire Mike Roberts

Mike Roberts shares his insights on business success. Mr Roberts and his brother, Steve own 72 companies and have over 1,000 employees!

Mike has a new book, "Action Has No Season" . Mike's business philosophy for the 21st century is simple yet concrete. It is a breakthrough in thinking about how entrepreneurs can control their success or failure.

Michael V. Roberts, a self-made multi-millionaire, is a highly sought after public speaker and lecturer. Among his more acclaimed appearances are: The Harvard Business School AASU, St. Louis University School of Business, Morehouse College, The National Minority Supply and Purchasing Council, and The Lawyers Association.

Conversation with Multi-Millionaire Mike Roberts

Check out Michael Roberts website: www.MichaelVRoberts.com

Listen, Learn, Enjoy and Share with a Business Associate!

Bumper music provided by Bryan Hunley of New Whyne Music

Are You The Next Tycoon?

This a chance for entrepreneurs to compete with their business plan on a new CBS 46 reality show, “The Next Tycoon,” and win a business prize package valued at $25,000.

As a televised business-plan competition, “The Next Tycoon” will bring you and other entrepreneurial thinkers in front of national business leaders to show what makes your business plan better than all the rest. Is it unique? Is it feasible? Is it profitable?

Read More!