Archive for February, 2011
|Your Love-Hate Relationship With Your Business: How to Face Startup Challenges Head On
Monday, February 14th, 2011
Starting a business is like having a new relationship. There’s passion for your work. There’s lust for signing on new clients. And there are rewards from meeting client needs. You’re content and thriving. Ahhh….the honeymoon phase!
But soon the challenges set in. Your resources are limited. You’re working day and night. Your last client is about to wrap up and there isn’t another one on the horizon. The honeymoon is over. So do you throw in the towel or stay the course? After all, they say it takes 3 to 5 years to build a business. Assuming your heart, soul, and commitment is right into the relationship with your business, here are some tips for bonding and keeping the focus on your goals:
- Confront challenges immediately: Make a list of them. Prevent the same challenges from reoccurring by seeking solutions now when your chances of overcoming issues are better. You’ll have a renewed sense of control, drive to achieve, and there are lessons learned.
- Be persistent (even after failure): Thomas Edison “failed” to invent a practical light bulb thousands of times. But he knew 9,000 ways an electric light bulb would not work. His persistence paid off and he became a success by creating a timeless, universal product. Failure is not a reason to give up.
- Learn and review: Keep a log or mental note of what did and didn’t work with your business strategy. According to morebusiness.com “managing challenges means reviewing steps and making changes that meet the goals you have set.”
- Ask for help: Don’t be too proud to ask for help when managing challenges. Use a mentor or hire a consultant for their wisdom, experience and best resources to overcome the issues you’re facing.
- Review your achievements: Take stock of what you did best, right, and won recognition for. Did you form a valuable partnership, over deliver for a client, or get a bigger office?
By implementing these tips you can spice up the relationship with your business, loved ones, and clients and continue to grow. “Business is built on genuine and real relationships,” says BOSS Business Connector, Ryan Coelho. “Don’t treat someone as a business but as a relationship.” Happy Valentine’s Day!
Tags: achievements, confront, Hate, learn, Love, persistent
Posted in BOSS Leadership, Business Advice | No Comments »
Let’s get acquainted! The low-down on two young BOSS Connectors
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
They’re young. They’re professional. And they’re informed. About the right things that contribute to the success of your business. For BOSS Connectors Jonathan Tufts and Ryan Coelho, their 20-something chutzpah is enough to inspire new and seasoned business owners in a community that strives to do one thing—help each other grow. Aside from their uber energy and robust personalities, these guys have a fiery passion for their work. It’s sometimes shocking, often admirable, and at other times just plain WOW.
Bonded in business. United in BOSS vision. And connected in thought, Jonathan and Ryan bring individual talents and skills to the table, making BOSS a successful and collaborative effort. So who are these youthful guys?
A graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business, Jonathan is a marketing guru, who has worked at reputable companies in Toronto. His main function at BOSS is business development and partnership marketing. Outside of work, Jonathan frequents the gym and loves a good party…and is always tied to his BOSSberry! Did you know Jonathan is a die-hard Gretzky fan who watches re-runs of winning goals during his down time? His business philosophy: “Don’t over-think things. Simple is optimal.”
Ryan is a Ryerson aerospace engineering graduate who embarked on an early career change to a meaningful job that makes a difference in people’s lives. Aside from connecting BOSS members, Ryan is the resident online tech expert and social media guru. Outside of work, he is an entertainer—comedian, singer, on-air performer, and dancer. Did you know Ryan spent a year working for Engineers Without Borders Canada in Ghana teaching villagers to start and grow small thriving businesses? His business philosophy: “Business is built on relationships that are genuine.”
Together, their drive, vibrant personalities, academic backgrounds, life experiences, and natural business acumen makes them effective leaders primed for today’s marketplace.
Much like Siskel and Ebert, Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello and other legendary working pairs who essentially defined the meaning of the Chinese symbol Yin-Yang, Jonathan and Ryan are no different. They’re a like-minded team that represents the interaction of two energies (as in the symbol) that cause everything to happen. Seriously. You have more than an extended sales team with Ryan and Jonathan, you have dedication, commitment, loyalty, drive, and a whole lot of respect….sometimes hard to find anywhere else….especially in the business world!
Happy Chinese New Year!
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Written by a BOSS Partner Genevieve D’Souza
Tags: Busines Connector
Posted in BOSS Leadership | No Comments »
