Eric Tippetts

Entrepreneur Time Wasters – The 7 Most Damaging

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It is an issue every entrepreneur must recognize and deal with… Time wasters.

We all know that time is money and when we waste time, it is like taking a $100 bill from the wallet and tossing it into the fireplace.

But what often happens is, we don’t recognize that we are wasting time. We actually think we are doing something that is beneficial. Suddenly, we look back and realize we have been performing time wasters.

Hopefully, we are able to repair the damages.

In an effort to help entrepreneurs, I am going to go through some of the most damaging time wasters. I suggest you review these often to make sure you are not “trapped” in any of them.

Time Waster #1: No Plan

Someone once said, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

If you are going through each day without a plan and just improvising as you go, you are “walking in a mine field.”

Studies have proven that business owners who attempt to “flow as they go” will probably fail.

Be wise and make a daily plan each evening for the next day. Otherwise, people will pull you in various directions and odds are, none of those directions will be the most beneficial.

Time Waster #2: Doing The Tasks Someone Else Could

This is a huge time waster and I believe every entrepreneur commits this one from time to time.

Every business has those routine tasks that the “head honcho” need not touch.

A good way to discover what you are doing that could be delegated is:

  • Write down all you do when working over a weeks time… Everything!
  • Identify 3-5 of those tasks that no one but you can do.
  • Now find tribe members or freelancers who can manage the other tasks and take them off your plate.
  • Focus your time and energy on those 3-5 tasks and let the other items be completed by other people.

Tasks you should consider delegating or outsourcing

  1. Bookkeeping
  2. List management
  3. Cleaning
  4. Errands
  5. Customer service
  6. Social media management
  7. Blog or website management
  8. Etc…

Time Waster #3: Email

Do you really need to check that email box every hour?

The next time you go to your email, note the time and you will cry when you realize you spent 1 or 2 hours going through unimportant stuff.

I suggest you take some time and make a list of email addresses you know carry important material that you will need.

Set yourself to 2 or 3 email checks daily and only open the important. After work is done, you then can clean through that other email stuff.

Time Waster #4: Multi-Tasking

Some entrepreneurs have an assumption they are getting more done when they multi-task.

Research has proven otherwise.

When you are trying to do several tasks at the same time, the odds of mistakes are higher and you are not giving each task complete focus.

It is much better that when you make your daily plan, give your tasks importance scores. Now complete them by order of importance.

Time Waster #5: Chaotic Meetings

Meetings are required at times but when those meetings turn into a form of chaos, they are a huge time waster for you and your team.

Meetings need to be controlled and focused on a certain subject. If you try to throw too much into one meeting, it solves nothing.

I suggest keeping meetings to ½ hour or less and keep it focused on 1 matter. I believe several short meetings is better than 1 long meeting.

Time Waster #6: Getting A Yea Or Nay

If we had any idea how much time we waste with prospects because they are uncomfortable saying no to us, we would cry.

It is not a simple process, but don’t accept maybe or at a later date as an answer. Many of these people are just saying that thinking that no will hurt your feelings.

“Heck Jim… You won’t hurt my feelings by just giving your absolute answer. I don’t want to waste your time or mine. What is holding you back from saying yes or no today?”

Time Waster #7: Social Media

Did I even have to put this on the list?

Just like email, give yourself only set times to go into those social zones and set an alarm to get out.

You just have to use self-restraint and not fall into the social media time wasting trap.

Final Thoughts

I believe these are the most damaging time wasters.

Do you agree?

I suggest you write or print these and keep them visible to help you recognize when you may be “slipping.”

You know, one aspect that is not a time waster is recruiting. Whether you are recruiting employees, team members, freelancers or business partners, it is a primary task that you should be committed to.

Guess what!!!

I can help you with that recruiting task. The Rocket Recruiting App gives you the tools you need to make recruiting a breeze. Check it out here.

I know if you look close, you will start to perform the tasks that are the revenue building aspects and you will stop wasting time.

Let me know if this helped you and will you also do me one other favor? Just click those social buttons and share it with your friends so they will stop wasting time too.

Thanks and have a great day!

To The Top!

eric tippets

What Should Your Priorities Be?

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Recently the Harvard Business Review approached over 100 Harvard Business School alumni with most finding success as entrepreneurs.

HBR asked these people what priorities a new entrepreneur should focus on.

I don’t know if you read the Harvard Business Review, but I wanted to share these priorities because I believe as a new entrepreneur, you can gain some valuable insight as to where you should focus.

You may be quite surprised at the findings of the top 10 priorities. I will start at #10 and work up to what these professionals believe to be most important.

Priorities #10: Engineering Management

This can fall into multiple areas that include:

  • Operations research and management
  • Technology management
  • Product engineering
  • Industrial engineering
  • Etc…

The reason this area sits at #10 is the fact that entrepreneurs should look for team members that can handle these aspects.

It doesn’t hurt for an entrepreneur to gain education in these areas but it need not be a top priority.

Priorities #9: Finances

I know that this comes as a surprise to many… Many of us would think finances should be one of the top priorities.

What some of these successful entrepreneurs stated was: you can outsource or delegate this area.

While as entrepreneurs we should watch the finances somewhat, they should not be the priority. As a matter of fact, there is software that can make the financial area of your business much easier.

Have you reviewed the system I developed? You may want to look at The Expense Tracker here.

Priorities #8: Formulating Strategy

Now this area does carry importance, but much of it will be a “learn as you go” system.

Formulation strategy will include things like:

  • The business model
  • When to build and buy
  • Diversifying
  • Etc…

Again, this is important and you will want to be directly involved but it should be a complete team effort.

Priorities #7: Product Design

Naturally, the design behind your product holds extreme importance. But most of that area can be delegated or outsourced. That will include:

  • Prototypes
  • User personas
  • A/B testing
  • etc…

You must always remember that if you try to attain “perfect,” your product release may never come.

Your team can always revise after release.

Priorities #6: Marketing

Again, marketing is an area that should be delegated.

The entrepreneur should put in their thoughts and ideas, but the whole marketing area should be handled by your tribe.

Priorities #5: Sales

Sales are important, but they should also be handed off to the people who are on your team.

Yes, you should give your input and watch the sales numbers.

Brainstorming sessions to up sales is a great idea. But remember that this is an area best handled by delegating.

Priorities #4: Team Management

Now we are getting into an area that is quite important for the entrepreneur.

You want to be active in helping to set goals, give feedback (constructive criticism), and design how the management structure will work.

You also want to be active in hiring and firing as well as who to outsource tasks to.

Priorities #3: Product Management

This is completely different from product design. In this area, you will want to examine customer response and make revisions according to the needs and wants of the consumer.

This means working directly with engineers to develop the product further.

Priorities #2: Leadership

Leading your team is the second most important priority. The best leaders are able to instill confidence in team players and gain their trust.

With proper leadership, the team will work like a fine tuned machine and you can just be there to answer questions and guide the process.

Priorities #1: Assembling The Founding Team

This is, in the opinion of other successful entrepreneurs, the most important aspect.

You need to surround yourself with team members who know what you know not. And, you need people who have the passion you have and are committed to success.

You need to prospect, recruit and develop these team members so they understand your goals and objectives.

I want to mention at this point that working with other experts, I developed a recruiting system that works.

It takes the resistance away and helps you find other leaders so you can build a massive and successful business.

I suggest you check out what Rocket Recruiting can do for you… Just click here.

Conclusion

Like I said, this was a survey from the Harvard Business Review.

The best of the best have studied at Harvard Business School, so these priorities should help you develop your plan for your new business.

What do you think? Do you have questions?

Just post them below and we can help you grow your business…

To The Top!

eric tippets

8 Tips On Handling Constructive Criticism – To The Top Tuesday

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They call it constructive criticism but sometimes it feels destructive.

I have noticed that entrepreneurs seem to have the most difficult time accepting criticism. And some criticism is not constructive, but in many cases it is.

You should first consider who is critiquing and measure the authority that person has.

I am providing you with 8 tips on handling constructive criticism. By doing so, you can grow and learn. No matter who the criticism is coming from, you want to handle it calmly and professionally.

I suggest you make a note of these and hang them where you can see them often. You will soon learn how to handle that criticism like a pro.

Constructive Criticism Tip #1: Do Not React

I put this at the top of this list because it will be the hardest one to do.

When someone tells us they have a critique, we tend to react in one form or another.

  • Facial expressions
  • Nervous fidgeting
  • Clenched fists
  • Etc…

You need to work on this. You have about 1 second to make a decision not to react at all.

No reaction is the best reaction.

Constructive Criticism Tip #2: Listen Completely

Most of tend to start searching for defensive responses to the opening sentences of the criticizer. We stop listening and start thinking of defensive “comebacks.”

By listening to the complete critique, you may discover that your initial defensive reaction would actually be ignorant.

Listen completely. You may learn something.

Constructive Criticism Tip #3: It Isn’t Personal

As long as you do not take the critique as an attack against you personally, you should manage the criticism professionally.

You must relate it as business and not a reflection on you as a person.

Remember that we all can learn from other people’s experiences and that is all the person is trying to show you. Maybe they have already failed in that particular area and want to save you from doing the same.

Constructive Criticism Tip #4: Measure Your Trust In The Individual

It IS okay to not listen or accept criticism from a person who does not have your best interests at heart.

I suggest you just professionally decline the critique if you believe the person is doing so to cause you stress or achieve goals only good for them.

If they insist, I suggest having a mediator present.

It really does not make sense to listen to criticism from a person you have no respect for.

Constructive Criticism Tip #5: Admit And Enjoy

When it is obvious during the constructive criticism that you made a mistake, as humans we tend to “brush them to the side.”

That is what the criticizer is expecting…

Throw a curve ball at them and admit you screwed up. Do it with enjoyment. Thank them for pointing this out.

Believe me, if that person likes and respects you, it is probably more difficult for them to criticize your work than it is for you receiving the critique.

By admitting your mistake and showing you are glad they pointed it out, you take the pressure off and will probably get amazing help in getting the issue solved.

Constructive Criticism Tip #6: Ask Questions

After the person has provided a critique, ask questions to delve deep into how they would do it different. Seek solutions and ask the person for help.

Also, by asking questions, you are showing the person you listened to everything they had to say.

Constructive Criticism Tip #7: If You Disagree

Let’s say that you followed all the steps. You listened completely and you are not in a defensive posture, but you still disagree…

The best way to explain starts with, “Thank you for your input. I appreciate your thought pattern but from my perspective…” You explain how you see the end result.

If you use a non-defensive tone and a professional demeanor, that person may just understand your side and why you are doing it the way you are.

Constructive Criticism Tip #8: Stay Positive

Even constructive criticism can hurt deep down. We want to think we are 10 foot tall and bulletproof but we will make mistakes.

“Wow, thanks for pointing that out. I would have never caught that. What would I do without you?”

Staying positive through it all will show that you are the professional entrepreneur and not just another power hungry person,

Conclusion

Handling constructive criticism is a chore… But you CAN DO IT!

Just follow the tips and I know you will be able to take the critiques that come.

And to help you, I suggest you take part in my Challenge… Yes, 7 Days Of Unstoppable Motivation…

Just click here and start that challenge now!

Hey, let me know if this post helped you please. And please share it with others.

And if you have any constructive critiques of my post, let me hear them. Because I want you to enjoy reading these.

To The Top!

eric tippets

Tips On Choosing A Domain Name

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Some entrepreneurs do not realize the importance of their domain name. Your domain name, like a business name, is the first impression prospective customers, clients, investors, etc… will get.

If you were looking for a high quality necklace for your significant other, which would be your first choice out of these 3:

  1. cheapnecklaces.com
  2. neckjewels.net
  3. neckwear.com ???

Since 2 of these are actual websites… well #1 is up for sale, I linked them.

But if you really consider the all in all, most people would choose to visit #2 first wouldn’t they?

Your domain name is ultra important, so I am going to offer a variety of tips in choosing one.

Just use these tips when choosing your domain:

Domain Name Tip #1: Get The .Com

Dot com names are like gold in a pile of coal. While dot net names rank high, you should try in all your power to attain the dot com name.

If it is sold, you may want to try hiring an intermediary to purchase it. I also suggest you try to purchase the same name in the dot net, dot biz and even dot info.

That doesn’t mean you have to build separate websites, just have them all redirect to your dot com.

Domain Name Tip #2: No Typos

Some businesses think that using U for you or similar slang will work. Many have used xpress instead of express and unless they have really enhanced their SEO, when a person is searching, they will not discover the business.

I suggest trying to stay away from typos if possible.

Domain Name Tip #3: Brainstorm Session

You should have a brainstorm session with your tribe. Have everyone write a list of potential names and do not search for availability until you have them all.

A great tool is Dot-O-Mator.

Now go through the lists and pick 8 to 10 contenders. You can then go check to see if they are available. You can do that here.

Domain Name Tip #4: Brand Rules Over Generic

Getting a keyword into your domain name may sound great, but you need to consider the competition. How many of your competitors are using that same keyword in their domain name?

It can be much more beneficial to build your brand name.

A great example is my own website. I use my name because it IS my brand. If I were to use anything to do with entrepreneur, networking, etc…, I would be battling a long list of competitors.

Now don’t get me wrong; if you can integrate a keyword to help people understand your business, that is great. But if it is boring and hard to remember, you may be losing website visitors.

Domain Name Tip #5: Register As The Owner

You may decide to hire a freelance firm to purchase and build your website, but you need to make sure that you are registered as the website owner.

If by chance, you decide to sell at some time in the future, you do not want that freelancer’s name on the ownership deed.

This has happened and was quite costly to the person.

Domain Name Tip #6: Stay Clear Of Trademarked Names And/Or Names Similar To Other Websites

Buying a website that carries a known trademarked name within it can cause you huge problems in the long run. I suggest you check this site beforehand: https://www.uspto.gov/.

Another issue can come if you purchase a site that is close to the name of another website. You may find negative reviews toward you that was geared toward them.

One scam company actually did that to the network marketing company NuSkin. They registered SkinNu and have caused a huge stir; so you may want to consider purchasing variables and redirecting those domains to your primary website.

Domain Name Tip #7: Pay Extra For Domain Privacy Protection

Unless you enjoy getting spammed, I suggest you pay the little more for domain privacy protection.

Anyone can get your contact information if you don’t and believe me, spammers see that as a gold mine.

Domain Name Tip #8: Do Not Use Hyphens Or Numbers

Both numbers and hyphens can confuse people searching. It is best to just not use them at all.

Conclusion

The best tip of all is: put yourself in the searcher’s place; use empathy and you will find the right name.

Remember that the shorter the name, the better. But most of the real short domain names have been purchased.

There are websites where you can make contests and have people give names. That can be fun and interesting and you can even stipulate that the domain must be for sale.

Do you have any added suggestions for choosing a domain name? Any questions?

Just post them in the comment section below.

I hope this helps you in your journey to building a massive business.

By the way, have you read my book yet? It is a blueprint to be prosperous. You can get your copy of To The Top here.

Thank you for stopping by…

To The Top!

eric tippets

Why You Should Connect With Other Entrepreneurs

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I once heard a new entrepreneur state that he didn’t like the idea of networking with other entrepreneurs.

I asked why he felt that way and the answer sounded like a conspiracy theory. And, I wondered when phrases like:

  • It is a new world order network
  • or, the Illuminati is present

would come from the person’s lips.

While it didn’t go that far, I discovered this new entrepreneur had a fear that I believe many entrepreneurs have but they keep that fear a secret… They may steal my idea.

Sure, that is a possibility but…

You still purchase and drive that new car even though someone may steal it.

That Rolex watch is still on your wrist, even though a mugger could come from an alley and take it from you.

Etc…

You must beat that fear

The odds of another entrepreneur “stealing” your idea are quite low. After all, they won’t be able to institute your idea the way you could, so even if they try, it will probably fail.

I will just say, There are more pros than cons in connecting with other entrepreneurs.

Let’s look at the benefits of doing so.

Entrepreneur Connect Benefit #1: Referrals

This is one of the primary benefits.

When a customer comes to one entrepreneur with a problem they need solved, but that entrepreneur does not work within that niche, but they connected with you at an event, they are apt to pull your business card out and tell that client they know a person who does work in that area.

This helps you with a pre-qualified prospect and also helps that entrepreneur because that client realizes they will go to great extents to help them even sending their business elsewhere.

And by all means, you should be willing to do the same with your connections.

Entrepreneur Connect Benefit #2: Support

While you may have various people you can “pour out” your stress and fears to, no one understands these issues as well as another entrepreneur.

By connecting with other entrepreneurs, you can normally come to them with your stresses. Maybe they have been in that position and can offer you sound advice. If nothing else, they will have an understanding ear and a consoling heart.

Entrepreneur Connect Benefit #3: A Plethora Of Opportunities

The more entrepreneurs you are connected with, the more opportunities that will come to you.

You will have to learn to say no to many of these opportunities, but it is better to have many choices than none at all.

  • Joint ventures
  • Business purchases or sales
  • Leads
  • Speaking engagements
  • Writing opportunities
  • and Partnerships

Entrepreneur Connect Benefit #4: Idea Perfection

The possibilities are endless when you put multiple entrepreneurs together in a brainstorming session.

You may have a great idea but you are somewhat confused on how to implement a marketing plan or an online recruiting system. But one of the entrepreneurs you connected with may have an idea to market you had not considered and another might have used an online system that is still in Beta but is showing great stats.

When you put it all together, a mediocre idea can turn into the next Billion $ business.

Entrepreneur Connect Benefit #5: Positive Influences

Just surrounding yourself with positive people will create amazing results.

Everywhere we turn, there is negative. But when you get around entrepreneurs, 99.8% will be positive and uplifting.

The benefits are many…

These are just a few.

So where do you connect with other entrepreneurs? Well, one way is to just contact like-minded entrepreneurs through their blogs or websites.

Connect With Other Entrepreneurs: Social Media

Social media is a great place to connect with other entrepreneurs. I believe the best ones are:

  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

But do not negate lesser ones too.

Connect With Other Entrepreneurs: Events

There are events and shows happening all the time where you can meet other like-minded entrepreneurs.

Consider trade shows, speaking engagements, etc…

Have your business cards and an elevator pitch and get out there and meet other entrepreneurs.

I also suggest keeping a contact book or entrepreneur contact app in your phone.

Some Great Apps For Connecting

With the use of mobile devices, we can now connect with other entrepreneurs all over the world. There are some applications that are used in this:

  • WeChat – This app allows you to text or even use a voice system to talk with other entrepreneurs. You can see more here.
  • MeetMe – Let’s say that your connect is in Dallas, Texas and you are in Detroit, Michigan. Using MeetMe, this app will suggest various meeting places that are located somewhere in the middle. See it here.
  • Shapr – This app is a matchmaker for business people. Find other entrepreneurs to “hook up” with here.
  • Namerick – Do you have trouble remembering some people’s names? This app can help you solve that issue. See it here.

Conclusion

I know that connecting is an important way to grow your business… As a matter of fact, Do you want to connect? Here are my links:

You know for many of us, recruiting is a way we build the business. Have you checked out Rocket Recruiting? It is the answer to the recruiting puzzle.

I hope this post gave you some insight on the importance of connecting. Let me know in the comments area if it did. And, please share this with your social media connections… They may find it valuable too.

Thank you.

To The Top!

eric tippets

Is It Worth The Risk?

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Have you considered entering the entrepreneurial world? Are you tired of working for another business and watching the owners climb to the top while you are sitting in stagnate conditions? Maybe you have been a homemaker for the majority of time and want to create a home based business. Or it is possible that you are in school yet and you believe you have a great idea that will solve problems.

These are all reasons people become entrepreneurs. But there is an important question you need to answer before you choose to become an entrepreneur… Is it worth the risk?

Now I am by no means trying to negate your dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. But it is important that you measure the risks before you dive in.

I say this so you will be prepared and be sure to read this completely because I will show you a tool that can help minimize some risk.

Personal Risk

risk

While you may find yourself working 8-10 hours for your current employer, you will discover that being an entrepreneur requires so much more.

There is risk to personal health as well as time with family and friends.

Entrepreneurs must sacrifice to achieve success.

Economical Risk

As an entrepreneur, you will discover the risk associated with local, national and world economics.

Rules and regulations can create stress in your business. The political climate can play a role. Even things such as economic policies with other nations creates some risk.

Maybe you didn’t watch economic policies much but you will find yourself following them quite closely after you become an entrepreneur.

Financial Risk

The majority of you should know there is financial risk. However you are financing your start up, there is risk.

You will want to be wise in managing that start up money and you will want to use revenues smartly.

Market Risk

There is a level of market risk involved. Will you discover there are other competitors that you did not see? Will the market accept your brand? And, will they trust you?

You will want to question if there is growth room in the market you are targeting.

With proper research, you can take market risk down to a minimal level.

Strategic Risk

When you consider entrepreneurship, you can look at the game of chess. You must use a strategy. And, every strategy carries some risk.

Are you looking several moves ahead?

Are you using your players to their full capabilities.

Just like in chess, entrepreneurs must play both offensive and defensive.

Technical Risk

No matter how many tests and quality control procedures you put your product through, customers can seem to find an issue. Hopefully, that issue can be easily fixed, but it does carry risk.

There have been entrepreneurs who were forced to take products off the market for safety reasons. It was a risk they took and if tests would have been stricter, maybe the safety issues would have been caught.

Human Risk

Unless you are going to be a solopreneur, you will have a measure of human risk in your entrepreneurial dream.

Be it tribe members, investors, consultants, etc…, some of these humans may not “jive” together.

Much of this risk can be controlled with your leadership abilities.

Entrepreneurship = Risk

Why do I write this post?

I have discovered that many people assume they can become entrepreneurs and have no risk.

I have no goal of scaring people away, I just want all of you to understand that there is risk. But those risks can be quite low if you follow proper procedures.

To help you minimize those risks, I have developed a kit that carries 3 tools in one:

  1. To The Top – The book I published that is a wealth blueprint.
  2. Rocket Recruiting – This system makes recruiting easy. It will take the hardest objection away… Money!
  3. And The Expense Tracker – I developed this tool to help you stay on budget and find tax deductions you may not have discovered before.

Putting all of these tools together into one kit, I know that your risk levels will drop substantially.

So just click here and get your Business Success Kit now.

Conclusion

I hope this post did not come off as negative. I did not want to give that message. My goal is to just take your mentality to one of research and study before becoming an entrepreneur.

Being an entrepreneur is not a hobby, it is a way of life. So you need dedication and passion.

I give this all to you because you are on your way…

To The Top!

eric tippets

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