5 Proven Secrets To Build Your Long-Lasting Business

2011-11-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Many claim that 95% of all businesses fail within 5 years...What a "great" way to start your entrepreneurship journey huh?

I have to admit that I've wondered many times if that statistic is really true. I mean: Is it really possible that so many new business owners fail in such a short amount of time even when there's more of us who need products and services that make our lives easier?

I really don't know. And lately, I've stopped caring too much.

In my honest opinion, if this number is true, then it's just a clear reflection of how 4 out of every 5 entrepreneurs treat their businesses: like a job.

I truly hope that I'm not stepping on your toes here if your business is failing, but let me tell you a dirty little secret: "Your business is just a reflection of who you truly are."

That's it. Turn off the lights and let's all go home.

If you accept and understand the principle that I just shared with you, then by simple logic we can conclude that if a business is failing, the only thing that must change in order to accomplish the results desired is the person behind it: YOU.

But...How? How can you change? Is this all "new age" fluff and talk?

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Here are the 5 secrets you can kidnap to create a long-lasting business (Read them in order since they are connected to each other):

#1 Treat Your Business Like A Real Business And Not A Hobby: I feel is fair to admit that this is easier said than done nowadays. I mean...How many distractions do we have? Facebook, Email, Cell Phone, TV, Radio, Ipod...you name it! Even though this is true, you must commit to make a list of priorities in your life and put your business at the top. As I like to call it, focus on the "income producing activities" FIRST and then play around with the other stuff.

#2 Invest In Yourself: There's no smarter move than this when it comes to creating a successful business in the Information Age. Did you know that a top-notch quarterback spends 75% of his time just studying? Get the books, courses, tapes, cds, dvds and ebooks that will increase your personal value. So many Entrepreneurs miss this because they think that their college degree is enough. Well, it's not. If you master a specific set of skills, people will find you (and your business) irresistible.

#3 Build A Brand Of You: This one speaks by itself...As I already said, your business is a reflection of who you are and there's no sense in trying to build it around values and believes that are not the ones that you have. The concept of YOU INC. is without any doubt the sexiest way to attract prospects and customers to your business because you give them the chance to connect directly with the person responsible of creating the products and the services that will make their life better: YOU.

#4 Convey Your Qualities In Your Product/Service: How can you make people's lives better? While there are many industries out there, I personally believe that they are worthless if they don't solve any problems. This is not only a fulfilling way to live but also a very lucrative one...Just take a look around and see how different groups of people have different kind of problems and then create your products and services as solutions to those problems. (HINT: The Internet is a GREAT way to study these groups of people. Just see the people behind Facebook and Google and hang around the places they do. Listen. Observe. You'll be amazed at the amount of ideas you can get in order to solve their problems and make money as a result...)

#5 Re-invent Yourself Constantly: Or Update your PC as I prefer to call this. We do live in an era full of possibilities but also a very challenging one. Our grandparents and even our parents didn't grow up in a world where information was so easy to get as it is in our times. Don't stop learning and observing what problems people are facing. Remember that applied knowledge is where true power lies. (WARNING: Don't change your mind that easily. Successful people make decisions fast and change their minds slowly..)

So, there you have them. Do you still care about the stats?

Whenever the road gets difficult and you don't now what to do, always ask yourself: How can I help more people?

There are endless possibilities.

To Your Success,

Cesar

P.S: Please be part of the conversation and leave your comments below!

Those Are Not Your (REAL) Products

2011-10-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

We can't deny a fact: we need products in our lives...From that shampoo you use to wash your hair to that favorite beverage that you MUST drink when you go out for dinner, these things we love exist because they make our lives better and easier...(at least most of the time)

And you know something? That's valid fact for the Network Marketing Industry too.

What changes is how most network marketers sell "their" products. You see, there's no point in investing a lot of time, effort and money in finding "that" miracle line of products that you want to market and sell if you don't understand a basic principle in sales that will affect your results.

It basically states the following:

"Your real product is people. If you deeply understand how people think, feel and make decisions you can sell them whatever you want as long as it is valuable to them..."

Now, I have to confess that the first time that I heard someone talking about this, I didn't "get" it.

How is it possible that what I thought was the most important thing when going to business isn't? And what about the way I get paid (aka compensation plan)? And the founders of the XYZ company don't matter? Their reputation? How long have they've been in the business?

Well, while these are valid questions, I just feel that they are not the must important ones. Most of them don't matter if you are not a source of valuable and in-demand skills that will solve people's problems. (Believe me when I tell you that you can take these skills out of this Industry and even make more money)

"Get" people and products (almost) don't matter.

Let me tell you that writing and talking about this reminds me of the marketing saying: "People don't like to be sold. They love to buy" and I get it in a different way than before.

For example, I HATE those telemarketers who interrupt my days with their wonderful and super cheap" services packages that nor do I want or need. It's just ridiculous.

On the other hand, I LOVE to go to by Amazon.com and buy a book that someone else just recommended to me. No time delays, no fluff, no this, no that.

Do you get the point?

In times like ours, when people are facing HUGE financial and spiritual problems, there's an amazing opportunity for those of us who are ready to take advantage...The people who are looking for solutions (not just products) are the ones who will join your team and business opportunity IF you truly serve them.

You just have to learn how to "get" inside their heads and give them solutions to their problems.

Do you "get" it now?

Sincerely,

Cesar

P.S: A special thank you to Aaron Rashkin for helping me understand this rinciple.

P.P.S: I would love to read your comments below! (Even if you don't agree)

The Official Blog of Cesar Fasano

5 Proven Secrets To Build Your Long-Lasting Business

Those Are Not Your (REAL) Products