Entrepreneur Magazine has a great article on the top five fears of entrepreneurs. But why stop at five? I’d like to expand the list to 10 common fears I hear about during my work as an executive coach.
Business Start-ups: 3 Things You Didn’t Know
Posted July 20th, 2009 by Mitch York
For people thinking of starting a business but hesitating because of the recession, you’re out of excuses: a new study by the Kauffman Foundation finds that about half the Fortune 500 and Inc. fastest-growing companies were founded during recessions. Here are some more eye-opening findings.
Three Tips for a Successful Sales Call
Posted July 6th, 2009 by Mitch York
Keith Ferrazzi has a nice piece on his blog called “Surefire Tips for a Successful Sales Call,” including a useful 2 minute video. He focuses on relationship selling–making the customer feel comfortable by focusing on her favorite subject–herself. He gives six great suggestions. Read what he has to say, and then have a look at a few more items that I’ve found useful over the years when it comes to relationship selling. I learned some of these ideas from Rennie Crabtree of Marketing Outcomes, whom I consider my mentor in relationship selling.
How to Re-brand Yourself
Posted April 8th, 2009 by Mitch York
Last week I spoke at a conference called Re-Branding You, sponsored by NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies and organized beautifully by P&V Enterprises and Events by Ny. The conference was aimed at people who are looking to change careers or positions as the economy shifts. There isn’t necessarily a managed services “hook” below. But there is a central lesson for all of us as we mull our career directions.
The Newest New Economy for Entrepreneurs
Posted March 23rd, 2009 by Mitch York
I have a theory about startups (companies forming during this recession) that hasn’t been tested yet, so I’ve been reaching out to my network for input — on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, lots of emails, a few chats over coffee, and now here.
Forced Entrepreneurs: Cheap And Profitable?
Posted March 16th, 2009 by Mitch York
The Times reports that the growing armies of the unemployed are sick and tired of sending out resumes and are starting their own businesses in droves. One laid-off biologist is making–and taking orders for, thank you very much– $25,000 jelly fish tanks. An entrepreneurship professor at the University of San Francisco coined this phenomenon “forced entrepreneurship.” It’s what you do when you can’t find a job and you have to pay the bills. Plenty of former IT administrators, for instance, could become IT consultants and managed service providers.
Why Some MSPs Are About to Lose Customers
Posted March 9th, 2009 by Mitch York
Barry, one of my coaching clients, is a financial advisor in California. He recently told me a story about a certified public accountant (CPA) who fails to connect emotionally with her clients. Stick with me, because the story definitely has implications for managed service providers (MSPs) that are striving to retain customers.
How to Reinvent Yourself In 2009
Posted January 5th, 2009 by Mitch York
I recently spoke with a B2B publishing expert. Her predicament is similar to the challenge facing some VARs and solutions providers: She knows her industry cold, as well as the suppliers and the entire value chain. But she asks a good question: so what? Are the skills relevant to the future economy? Let’s be conservative and say no. But her knowledge can be turned into something very valuable. If I were coaching this person, I’d ask her to consider these suggestions:
Are You Charging Enough for Managed Services?
Posted December 29th, 2008 by Mitch York
Recently, I was updating my contact database and asked my newsletter recipients to answer a question along with giving me their mailing info. The question was, “What is the biggest challenge you faced when making (or thinking about) the transition from being an executive to being an entrepreneur?”
A CFO’s Advice to Entrepreneurs
Posted November 24th, 2008 by Mitch York
I was introduced to B2Bcfo.com’s Keith Simmons (pictured) by my CPA. I don’t often get together for a cup of coffee with a stranger, but because my accountant is someone I really trust, I decided to do it. We had no particular agenda except to see if there might be some common interests, and indeed there were. Keith is a partner in a fascinating business that helps small firms have access to expert chief financial officers on a temporary basis. His focus is Long Island and the New York metro area, but his company has partners nationwide.
MSPmentor Live: Podcast 004, Featuring Executive Coach Mitch York
Posted May 1st, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Welcome to MSPmentor Live: Podcast edition.
- Episode #: 004 (May 1, 2008)
- Featured Guest: Executive Coach Mitch York, from “Executive-to-Entrepreneur Coaching” (www.e2ecoaching.com).
- Topics Covered: Do you have what it takes to launch your own business? What type of issues related to cash, family, and personal priorities should you consider? Executive Coach Mitch York provides some answers.
And check the MSPmentor Live: Podcast Center for additional weekly podcasts.
MSPmentor Live: Podcast 004, Featuring Executive Coach Mitch York Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
