Eric Tippetts

Social Networks And Groups For Entrepreneurs

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Growth in your business somewhat relies on who you know and how you grow personally.

Networking with other entrepreneurs is a good way to learn new strategies, attain assistance in your start up or even just have support. You may be able to discover partners, investors or even customers or recruits.

Maybe you attend trade shows and other events locally to meet other entrepreneurs, but we now have the world at our fingertips.

You can network with entrepreneurs all over the world. But you just need to know where on the internet those entrepreneurs are “hanging out.”

In today’s post, I am going to share a huge range of social networks and groups on well known networks where you can associate with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Social Networks And Groups – Google+ Partner Up

This Google+ group has over 19,000 members. The goal is to help each other with small business needs and issues.

You can join here: https://plus.google.com/communities/105088976956808519330

Social Networks And Groups – Data.Com Connect

Set up primarily like a forum, this network has entrepreneurs sharing questions and answers on topics in the areas of sales and marketing.

I suggest you check out this community at: https://community.data.com/

Social Networks And Groups – Linkedin Executive Suite

Anthony Vlahos started this group designed to put many together to share best tips and strategies for managing your business. This group has well over 300,000 members, so you are networking with a wide range of entrepreneurs.

You can ask to join at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1426/profile

Social Networks And Groups – Facebook Entrepreneur Hustle

With 20,000+ members, Entrepreneur Hustle is a great Facebook group designed by Danny Veiga.

Just ask questions about taking action and many experienced entrepreneurs will be there to answer and help you.

You can join Entrepreneur Hustle at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dannyveigahustlegroup/

Social Networks And Groups – Linkedin Bright Ideas & Entrepreneurs | Small Business Startup Community

This Linkedin entrepreneur group was started by Steven Burda who is a entrepreneurial master in the Philadelphia area.

The group has over 21,000 members and continues to grow.

Just ask to join at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/39824/profile

Social Networks And Groups – TheFunded

Finding funding sources for your startup can be a daunting task.

This network puts entrepreneurs together to rate and discuss various investors.

I highly recommend this site if you are seeking startup funding…

http://thefunded.com/

Social Networks And Groups – Ryze

The founding investor for Napster, Dr. Adrian Scott started Ryze as a means for entrepreneurs to come together in one location.

There is only one problem… This can become an addicting network and you must have self control and know when to get back to work.

You can join Ryze at https://www.ryze.com/

Social Networks And Groups – Meetup

This well designed network website allows you to meetup with other entrepreneurs within your general local area.

Find out what is happening and where… I know you will love it!

Check out Meetup here: http://www.meetup.com/

Social Networks And Groups – Linkedin A STARTUP SPECIALISTS GROUP Online Global Network for Entrepreneurs, Startups

This group was started by Ravi Kikan and has over 250,000 members. Get advice and offer suggestions for startups.

Working together, entrepreneurs can help each other have success.

You can ask to join at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/56766/profile

Social Networks And Groups – Facebook Savvy Business Owners

This is a female only entrepreneur group… Sorry guys.

There are over 12,000 members led by Heather Crabtree.

I recommend you females consider this Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SavvyBusinessOwners/

Social Networks And Groups – Linkedin Digital Marketing

Completely dedicated to discussing marketing strategies and tips in the digital world, this linkedin group will soon reach 1,000,000 members.

I do recommend that you join so you can get tips on your digital marketing methods.

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/62352/profile

Social Networks And Groups – UpSpring

Just creating a business profile on UpSpring can give you greater visibility. It is a wonderful method to engage with other entrepreneurs, prospects and customers.

It is free to list on this network, so it only makes good sense to have your business there.

http://www.upspring.com/

Social Networks And Groups – Linkedin Leadership Think Tank

With nearly 230,000 members, this Linkedin group is focused on leadership concepts, strategies and practices.

Do not overlook this group if you are a solopreneur… Leadership is still important.

You can ask to join at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/39683/profile

Conclusion

This is just a few of many…

Not long ago, I wrote about IBO ToolBox… If you haven’t yet joined that community, I also recommend it.

Get involved with these communities. You can learn and also help other entrepreneurs. It is a win-win.

By the way, while not a social network, Rocket Recruiting is a system designed to make your recruiting process fun and easy. Check it out here.

Do you have any groups you would suggest?

Just leave your comments below and please share this post with others.

Thank you and we will see you on your path

To The Top!

eric tippets

10 Tips To Go From Average To Awesome – To The Top Tuesday

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So many people settle for average.

If you are one of those people, let me ask you…

  • Is average satisfying?
  • Is average fun?
  • Were you raised to believe average was good?

I am not intending to offend any, but I need to tell you that your life was surely meant for much more than just average.

You have talents and skills that, if used properly will move you from average to awesome.

Let me help you move from average to awesome… Here are 10 tips.

Average To Awesome Tip #1: Keep Dreaming

It is only by dreams that some of the most awesome items have been developed.

  • The Wright Brothers dreamed
  • Einstein had dreams
  • And Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and I dreamed

Do not put limits on your dreams… Dream huge!

And the most important part of that dream; say yes to it!

Do not allow others to say can’t, don’t, shouldn’t or any other negative reflections on your dream.

Now you just start taking steps to turn that dream into reality.

Average To Awesome Tip #2: Embrace And Encourage Diversity

When it comes to tribe members be it followers, employees, partners, etc…, encourage diversity and embrace it.

Don’t seek the “yes man,” seek the “how about this idea person.”

Trust me… Diversity will lead you into the awesome zone.

Average To Awesome Tip #3: Turn Off The Television And Pick Up A Book

We all need a break from reality at times, but is the television really the answer?

Try reading books!

Books are good for the inner soul and outer being.

Average To Awesome Tip #4: Seek And Embrace Constructive Criticism

The average person will have a difficult time accepting criticism even if it is constructive.

The awesome person listens intently to any and all criticism. He/she is able to determine if it is constructive and embraces the education they receive from it.

Average To Awesome Tip #5: Ask For Help

Awesome people understand they do not know it all. They learn to leverage the knowledge of other people by simply asking for help.

Trying to wear all the hats will leave you in average status.

Ask for help and surround yourself with wise and talented individuals.

Average To Awesome Tip #6: Take Action

I am a firm believer in planning, but some people assume they have to develop the perfect plan before they act on it.

To achieve awesome status, you must act!

You can always revise your plan if need be. Just start doing and watch the pieces fall into place.

Average To Awesome Tip #7: Smile And Be Polite

There has been a saying going around for quite some time that states: “Nice Guys Finish Last.”

I believe that is a false depiction.

Smiling and being polite is the road to awesome… Being a jerk is the average, or lower road.

You CAN climb to the top by being a good and nice person. It doesn’t mean you allow people to “walk on you.”

Just use the “Golden Rule,” and you can be known as awesome. Just treat others as you want to be treated; better yet, treat others as they want to be treated.

Average To Awesome Tip #8: Leave The Comfort Zone

Let me just say, if you are always feeling comfortable with your position, you are probably living in the average lifestyle.

Awesome people know they must be uncomfortable at times. It is by taking risks that we climb “Awesome Mountain.”

I challenge you to do one uncomfortable thing every day.

Yes, you CAN BE Awesome!

Average To Awesome Tip #9: Do Not Multitask

Let the average people try to do several things at one time. In doing so, they may get them done but the quality will not be awesome and probably not even average.

Set your sites toward finishing one task at a time, and do so with precision.

Your clients will say, “Wow, that is awesome!”

Average To Awesome Tip #10: Work, Live And Breathe Passion

Let me just ask you, if you don’t have a passion for it, why do it?

It just comes down to having a love for what you do, why you do it and who it is helping.

You see, passion and awesome are synonyms.

So Grab That Passion And Be Awesome!

Conclusion

I just know you have awesome within you… After all, you are reading this post.

If you desire it, you CAN attain it!

Hey, I mentioned reading earlier in this post. Have you read the book I wrote yet? Get a free copy of To The Top here. It can help you reach awesome.

Glad you popped in today.

Now go be AWESOME!

To The Top!

eric tippets

Teach Our Children Entrepreneurship: 8 Tips

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While I do believe children need the basic education they attain from school, one thing that we should never assume or rely on is that the school system will our children entrepreneurship. That is our responsibility.

And if you really examine the situation, a high percentage of educational professionals may not have experienced the entrepreneur lifestyle. If they were to teach our children entrepreneurship, it would all come from books and research with no experience integrated into the mix.

I have always believed the best teacher is experience, so teach your children from your experiences… From your heart.

Here are 8 tips to help you teach upcoming generations.

Teach Our Children Tip #1: Goal Setting

This step is a priority!

Have your child write down 5-10 goals they want to achieve. Now have he/she choose the one goal that they put above the rest.

Work with your child to write down the steps they need to take to achieve that goal and encourage your child to start taking those steps.

Teach Our Children Tip #2: The Lemonade Stand

This old system is a great way to teach children entrepreneurship. But so many parents simply send the kid out with a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses and say “go to it.”

Why not take it further?

First, explain the cost of making that lemonade and how much he/she should charge to make a profit. Next, teach your child some good marketing methods and customer service. You may even want to instill some ideas that can be used as promotions to drive more customers to their stand:

  • A free cookie with 2 glass purchase
  • Child in a costume
  • Etc…

Teach Our Children Tip #3: Allow Your Child To Be A Part Of Family Financial Discussions

Children learn a lot by listening and asking questions.

When you are discussing finances with your spouse, don’t send your child off to their room; allow them to sit in the conversation. You may be discussing where to go and how to save for the next family vacation.

Ask your child’s input. You may be in for a surprise when they explain ways to save for that vacation you hadn’t considered.

Teach Our Children Tip #4: Promote Reading Related Books

There are many great books written for children that teach entrepreneurship. I suggest you promote reading lists for your children in this area.

As you are reading an adult business related book, invite your child to sit and read their entrepreneur book that you gave as a present.

Teach Our Children Tip #5: Show Them How To Focus On The Solution Rather Than The Problem

Your child comes to you with a problem…

“Dad, there is a cricket in my room that won’t let me sleep.”

While many parents would just bypass the issue or go find and kill the cricket themselves, the wise parent who wants to teach his children entrepreneurship will say, “Okay, we need to figure out how you can solve that problem. What are some ideas you have to get the cricket out so you can sleep?”

Instead of focusing on the problem, you have turned your child’s focus to solving the problem.

Teach Our Children Tip #6: Allow Failure

This is one of the most difficult parts of teaching our children entrepreneurship. We want them to succeed at everything, but that is impossible.

We all fail at some things and the best way to teach children is by allowing them the opportunity to fail.

“Mom, I found a car that I have enough money saved for. I looked at it and I drove it. It is only $500 and it has some rust, but it seems to run good. I want to buy it.”

This is when you give your opinion but still allow your child to make the final choice.

“Son, $500 sounds risky and did you ask what other problems it has? I believe you should save more money and buy a more reliable car. Do you want me to look at it? No matter what honey, I will support your decision.”

When the car breaks down, which will probably happen, you don’t say I told you so. You go back to tip #5.

Teach Our Children Tip #7: Encourage Inquisitiveness

As I stated earlier, children learn by asking questions. Teach your children that no question is stupid and invite them to attempt to answer their own question before providing the answer.

Teach Our Children Tip #8: Independence

The idea is to show them how to attain what they desire through their own creativity and not being dependent.

Instead of handing your child that $5 bill when they ask, show them how to brainstorm methods to earn that $5. This teaches them independence.

Conclusion

These are just a handful of ways to teach our children entrepreneurship. I will cover more in upcoming posts.

Let’s help our future find success. These are ways to do just that.

Another great way to show them is allow them to learn how the Expense Tracker works. This tool I developed helps you keep your finances straight and helps find tax deductions you may not had used before.

You can get the Expense Tracker here.

I hope these tips help you teach your kids.

Let me hear your feedback; you can post it below.

Thanks and have a great day.

To The Top!

eric tippets

10 Email Marketing Tips That Work

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Today, I want to help you understand the methods of email marketing. So many entrepreneurs need to see this post because I know that many people are frustrated with how a large percentage of entrepreneurs and businesses are sending marketing emails with no value and could be deemed as spam.

These marketing methods harm all of us because people begin to just send emails to their trash bin if it even “hints” of marketing.

So before I start sharing these tips, I ask that you please share this with others so we train and teach others proper email marketing methods.

You can do so with the simple social media share buttons at the end of this post.

Email Marketing Tip #1: For That Person’s Eyes Only

That email should give the assumption that they are the only person receiving it. Do not write it saying you are sending it to 1,243 other people. I am not telling you to lie, but write that email in such a way that it feels like they are the only person getting it.

Email Marketing Tip #2: Different Strokes For Different Folks

While it may seem more time consuming, I suggest you design different emails and sales messages depending on various demographics.

  • Age
  • Location
  • Gender
  • Etc…

Use wording and information that “fit” within that group.

Email Marketing Tip #3: Tell Them What To Expect Immediately

If you make it clear how often and what type of emails you will be sending people when they choose to subscribe. By doing so, the person will understand and by still subscribing, it shows they have interest.

Also, make it easy for the person to get off the list and honor their wishes.

This all falls in line with following CAN-SPAM rules. You can find all those rules on the FTC’s website here.

Email Marketing Tip #4: Many Links

Have many links within your email so readers can click and see what you are discussing. While many of these should obviously lead to landing pages, do not neglect to share links from other authorities on the subject.

Be sure the links are obvious too!

Email Marketing Tip #5: Use A Custom Domain Email

Statistics show a much higher open rate when marketers use a custom domain. Trust levels of free domain names from Gmail, Yahoo Mail and others just give the impression to prospects that it could be a scam.

Email Marketing Tip #6: Do You Have A Call To Action?

Every email from your marketing campaign should contain at least 1 call to action.

It does not make sense to develop these emails without giving the opportunity for the person to buy or opt in on some other offer.

In future posts, I will give some great call to action methods.

Email Marketing Tip #7: Give Useful Information

A key component in email marketing is providing the recipient with useful information that can benefit them. By doing so, you will gain respect and trust.

If your email is just an obvious method to sell your wares without offering any valuable information in return, sales will probably be low.

Email Marketing Tip #8: Don’t Bombard

Just because people opted in to your subscription does not mean they want an email from you every day.

I am of the opinion that 1 per week is enough. Some may do 2 per week, but I suggest no more than that.

Email Marketing Tip #9: Write For Scanners

Keep in mind that many of the people opening your email are busy. They usually do not have time to read every word so write it like you should your blog posts. Make enticing headlines, short sentences and paragraphs. Have ample white space.

As people scan it, they will be drawn to headlines and read the parts that “grab” them. So be sure your call to action is “grabby” too.

Email Marketing Tip #10: Preview and Test

It is always a great idea to preview emails before you send them. See how they look in various formats so you can adjust if need be. It also helps to send a test to ensure delivery is okay and the email opens properly.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you will have better open rates. You will also be following responsible email marketing which helps the industry as a whole.

I hope these help you… If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

By the way, have you got the free checklist on creating a crazy profitable website yet? Get it here.

Thanks for stopping in today. Be sure and share this with others and help them with their email marketing.

To The Top!

eric tippets

Entrepreneur Leadership Style – To The Top Tuesday

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You are an entrepreneur and as such, you are also a leader. Your leadership abilities can have a direct relationship with your business success.

Have you considered your leadership style?

Every one of us have a primary leadership style that is our most common approach, but the wise entrepreneur institutes various leadership styles depending on the circumstance and the person they are leading.

I recently read a Harvard Business Review article by Daniel Goleman called Leadership That Gets Results. Daniel and a team of experts did a 3 year long study that looked at how leadership within an organization effects the company’s profitability.

The results were amazing!

The results showed that leadership abilities accounted for around 30% of the company’s profitability.

What I am going to do in today’s post is point out the 6 leadership styles.

It is my opinion that every entrepreneur should use each leadership style depending on the conditions, but you should have a common leadership style that is your “signature” style.

I am going to share each leadership style in order of what I believe is the best to worst in “signature” styles.

Leadership Style – Democratic

I believe this is the best form of leadership to build a high quality tribe.

Just as the name describes, it is a form of leadership that gives each member a piece of ownership in plans, decisions and goals.

Team members feel free to share their opinions knowing that the leader will have the final say.

This leadership style is not good when a decision must be made quickly or team members do not have adequate knowledge of the subject matter.

Leadership Style – Authoritative

When you are working with competent tribe members who still need experience, I believe this is a great leadership style.

The title may give a dictator sound, but it is not. This leadership style simply sets a vision and the end goals and leaves the path to attain those goals up to the individual.

The leader must be able to accept their team members taking approaches to completing their tasks that the leader may not have used.

The easiest way to describe this leader is:

Here’s the blueprints – you get this area and you this area – let’s get it built!

Leadership Style – Coach

I also love this leadership style. It is all about educating and guiding team members.

Try it this way or Let me show you how I do this…

These are statements you would hear from the coaching leader.

Now I don’t believe any of the next 3 leadership styles should be used as a primary style. You may need to intermingle these leadership styles into your business, but they should be used with care.

Leadership Style – The Pacesetter

This is the leader that says

“Do it like I do, at the speed I do.”

This is a great way if you need quick action and results but if a leader always uses this leadership style, he/she is likely to build animosity by burning team members out.

Leadership Style – Affiliative

Daniel calls this the affiliative leader, but I call it the “Mother Figure” leader.

This leader is set on creating emotional bonds between all the team members.

Can we say – Group Hug!

This style is needed occasionally especially during or after high stress situations. But used too much, and it can create unhealthy dependency.

Leadership Style – Coercive

When I consider this leadership style, I can see the Drill Sergeant at Army basic training.

“Carry that rock pile over there…NOW!”

This leadership style should only be used in extreme circumstances such as emergencies. It should seldom be used by entrepreneurs unless you want a rebellion.

Conclusion

What do you see as your primary leadership style?

I suggest you try to utilize the other styles when they are required.

We will look closer at entrepreneur leadership in upcoming posts.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask below.

By the way, have you read my book yet?

You can get your free copy of To The Top here.

Thanks for stopping in today… Please share this with your team members, Social media buttons are below.

To The Top!

eric tippets

Entrepreneur Decisions: 8 Tips

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Everyday and night, humans are tasked with making decisions…

  • Coffee or tea?
  • What’s for dinner?
  • Should I sleep in?

While these all seem like unimportant decisions, they are decisions that must be made none-the-less. And if you choose not to decide, you are still making a decision.

I hope I am not sounding like Sigmund Freud.

So, now that we know each and every one of us must make decisions, let’s look at entrepreneurs.

Like I said, the choices in the bullet points at the start of this post will not greatly affect other people, your finances or your health for the biggest part.

But entrepreneurs must make decisions that can carry lasting consequences.

In today’s post, I am going to share a wide variety of tips that can help you make the best choices when faced with complex issues.

These tips are in no particular order, so I suggest you print or write them to help you when you are in periods of decision making stress.

Decisions Tip #1: There Will Never Be A Perfect Time

I believe we all have had those times when we “postpone” a decision because we assume there will be a better time to make it.

If you are putting it off to get more information, that is one thing. But if you are postponing the decision because Jack has the flu, Sally is having marital problems or any other issue like those, you are not being a good leader.

Decisions Tip #2: Put Your Ego In The Closet

When you weigh potential outcomes as a result of the decision you are about to make, you may discover the answer goes against something you stated to your teammates just 2 months prior.

“We will never settle for less than 1,800 square feet of manufacturing space!”

But now you have been offered a huge tax break on a building that has 1,100 square feet. Plus, the location is great in relation to your suppliers.

It only makes good sense, but it also means you will have to put your ego on hold when you announce the decision at the meeting scheduled at 2.

Decisions Tip #3: Get Feedback From All Who Have Vested Interest In The Decision

If it is possible, you should attempt to get feedback from any, and all who will be affected by the final decision.

In some cases, this is not possible because some decisions must be made on spur of the moment.

It is important that when asking their feedback, you need to explain you value their feedback but the final decision will be yours to make and it may not agree with their thoughts.

Decisions Tip #4: Make A Daily List And Prioritize

Just like a daily business plan, you should have a daily decision plan.

I suggest you list the decisions you know you will have to make each day. Now prioritize those decisions.

I suggest you get that most important one made early. Some call this “eating the frog.” By doing so, you will discover the other decisions will be easier.

Decisions Tip #5: Trust Your Instincts

As a person who loves to analyze all the possibilities, I have discovered that I sometimes decide to go against my first instinct.

And it usually comes out bad!

If you follow your instincts… NOT YOUR EMOTIONS, you will have great results the biggest percentage of the time.

Decisions Tip #6: One Decision Does Not Solve The Complete Problem

Far too often, we can assume that one decision is going to solve a problem. Normally, it is a series of decisions working in tandem that solve the problem.

I have found that if we do not focus on the problem but focus on the basic decision we must make, the end result, after making all the decisions is – problem solved!

Decisions Tip #7: Consider Decision Making Technology

Some decisions require a large amount of data. Having someone go through data and attempt to separate the important from the unimportant.

There is a wide variety of software that has been developed to aide you in decision making. 3 well-known and trusted examples are:

  1. 1000 Minds
  2. Expert Choice
  3. and Decision Lens

Decisions Tip #8: Consider The Worst

Most of you know that I live a completely positive life. But when it comes to any decisions, yes we look at the positives, but the wise entrepreneur always considers the worst possible outcome of that decision.

Is it worth the risk?

Conclusion

You need to understand that you WILL make some bad decisions. Accept that and when you do, just admit it and make revisions to mend the situation. You will gain more respect if you make a bad decision and admit it than you will by making no decision.

To gain success as an entrepreneur, you will have to make some tough decisions.

But guess what?

I have a simple decision for you now. You see, awhile back, I developed the Home Business Success Kit. It is 3 tools in one to help you grow your business.

Your decision is, “Do I want Eric’s help?”

You can get that Success Kit here.

If you have any comments or questions, please share them below. Thank you and let’s take your business…

To The Top!

eric tippets

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