New Markets

NewMarketYou may have reached a point where you have explored all the possibilities of your current market or, in the case of the individual, your current employer.  So it may be time to go boldly where you have not gone before and examine new markets or employers.  Here are some tips to help you explore.

Tip 1:  Volunteer.  A great way to meet people with different backgrounds and careers.  The possibilities are endless.  Volunteering can be within your current industry or in your local community.  Ask around and see where you can get… Continue reading

Your Market

CurrentMarketThere are several ways to grow your self and your business.  I’ve seen both individuals and businesses exploring new markets (or companies) outside of where they are currently operating.  Oftentimes, the business has yet to saturate the market they are currently in or, in the case of the individual, they are not exploring opportunities that reside within their current company.  Before developing a completely new market, consider the following tips to continue on your business development journey.

Tip 1:  Current products/services.  Unless you’ve been in the market a long time, most likely there are those… Continue reading

Planting Seeds

growthWhether you are an individual looking for your next career move, a sole proprietor expanding your business, a business manager seeking new markets or a CEO reaching out for new opportunities, the key to development is planting seeds.  The days of the “hard sell” are behind us.  People are inundated with marketing messages.  Planting seeds is a gentle way of marketing and making your services known to others.  Here are some tips to creating a growing market.  Some seeds will sprout, others may not – you won’t always know the impact that you might have… Continue reading

Development – External

ExternalDevelopmentExternal development is just as important as internal development for both the individual and a business – to ensure career growth and business growth.  Here are some tips for individuals and for businesses.

Individual

Tip 1:  Within – You can build your career inside your current organization.  Play with the following:

  • Make your career aspirations known to your supervisor and others who will listen.
  • Take on projects that are out of your comfort zone and will allow you to work with others you may not interact with.
  • Keep your relationships with fellow employees friendly and professional, you… Continue reading

Development – Internal

Development InternalFebruary is devoted to developing – your career or your business.  The first step in development is to strengthen your infrastructure.  Here are some tips for individuals and for businesses.

Individual infrastructure

Tip 1:  Systems – Creating systems can smooth recurring functions in your life.  For example, select the clothes you’ll wear the next day before going to sleep so you won’t fumble around in the morning.  Place whatever you need to take with you by the door.  Have one afternoon each week to get all your errands done.  Systemizing routine functions can… Continue reading