The Home Depot Guide to Success

Published on November 30, 2009 by in Business Success, Favorites

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The Home Depot Guide to Success

Last night I stayed up and watched, Biography on CNBC. It was on Home Depot, one of the world’s fastest growing retail chains. The story is absolutely incredible and it really inspired me. As an entrepreneur there’s so much we can learn from success stories like theirs. I’ve embedded the video at the end of this post, but let me share with you a few points that I think are noteworthy as it relates to your success.

Define Your Niche and Rock it Out!

Home Depot wasn’t the first company to offer home improvement supplies and products, but they were the first to really capitalize on the niche. They expanded their products, services, and retail space to reflect their market’s needs. When you know exactly who you are as a business and who you want to cater to in your business, the easier it is to differentiate yourself and generate sales within that space.

Define Your Brand and Own it!

Can you deny who Home Depot is as a company and what they stand for? The orange color scheme, large warehouse, and universal marketing message all equals a complete picture in the minds of people looking for home supplies and even appliances. This is a great example of an accomplished brand.

As an entrepreneur what image should people see in their mind’s eye when they think of you and your business? What service or product comes to mind in regards to who you are or what you have to offer? These are the questions that will help you define your own brand and magnetically attract business to you.

Don’t Just ask your customers, “How May I help You?” . . .  Solve a Problem!

At the start of Home Depot’s success, customer service was king. Where else could you go to get expert advice on fixing your home, find the exact tools you needed, and learn how to use the tools as well? Simply being open for business is not serving your customers; customer service means solving problems. You don’t have to bend over backwards and give the store away, but a considerable amount of time should be given to solve your client’s problems with your products or services.

Have you ever been to a store, found exactly what you think you need, but unsure if it’ll fix your problem? It’s a retail curse, but if you’re a small business owner there’s a lesson to be learned here as well. When I used to develop websites I made sure not only to meet my client’s need of being on the net, I solved their marketing problems too once they got online. I typically included these services in their package price. This was a huge value and created a sense of loyalty to me and my (sometimes high) prices.

Lead with Passion and They’ll Follow with Fire

Depot’s internal strength came from the passion of upper management which started fires of loyalty amongst the store associates. As a result employees stayed later, worked harder, and really began to LOVE helping customers. Whatever business you have or want to start, if you lack passion for the vision then you won’t see it through and neither will your partners or employees.

I can’t teach you how to have passion for what you do or want to do, it’s got to be there before you start. It’s the reason why you want to do it in the first place – because you love it, silly! I absolutely love being a content creator and producer. I love interacting with all of you here so when I have employees that fire of passion will catch on and deliver even more content that I hope you’ll love as well.

Teach Your Customers and Unlock the Key to Residual Success!

By far the cornerstone of Home Depot’s success is their customers and the value they added by offering weekend workshops. People were able to get expert advice, learn tips, tricks, and home improvement techniques absolutely free. Can you imagine teaching potential clients how to maximize your products or services before they buy them . . . and they want to learn? It’s a powerful lesson to learn for any entrepreneur. That’s why seminar leading is such a powerful form of marketing (free seminars that is). You’re able to engage with an audience who’s thirsty for knowledge and offer a product or service at the end because you’ve earned their trust.

Are you engaging with potential clients and customers outside of the web? If not, seminars and workshops are powerful ideas to act on. Doing so positions you as an expert in your field, gives you a platform to build your business on, and earns you trust with potential clients.

Final Thoughts

Home Depot has grown their business to thousands of stores nationally, being a globally recognized brand, and over 50 billion dollars in annual revenue. Take those statistics and plug in your name or business name . . . do you see what’s possible? Can you see yourself in that position sometime down the road? I do and you should too!


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Rod Kirby helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations take advantage of social media marketing and new media through his company, Kirby Enterprises. Follow Rod on Twitter here.

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5 Best Black Friday Gadget Deals for Entrepreneurs

Published on November 26, 2009 by in Uncategorized

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5 Best Black Friday Gadget Deals for Entrepreneurs

Black Friday is here and the stores are packed to the walls with eager early morning shoppers on the hunt for the best deals of the season. Personally, I’ve never been too motivated to get up at the “butt-crack” of dawn and spend money [Count it towards laziness if you will]. If you’re like me then you’ll want to shop in your PJs while everyone else tramples over each other for bargain gadgets. As an entrepreneur this is the perfect time for you to get the tools, supplies, gear, and equipment you need to be successful in your business.

I’ve got 10 years of retail experience so I know a good buy when I see one. Here are my picks of the best black Friday deals for entrepreneurs from Amazon.com. I’ve also added a few thoughts on each product as well as how I would maximize each for business use. Check out the widget below for a quick look or skip it and read my review of each. Enjoy!

Note: Amazon affiliate links are in full effect, all sales help support my work here at The Success Center, thanks!

Need Content Creation?

Need Content Creation?

#5 - HP Pavilion DV6-1350US 15.6-Inch Laptop – $719.99 (after a $50 rebate)

Regular Price: $899.99

I’m definitely a fan of all things HP. Solid manufacturing, excellent support for the lifetime of the system via phone & email, and great features are what you can expect here. As an entrepreneur a laptop computer is essential to your mobile content creation strategy, financial planning, business planning, and becomes your office.

Under the hood you’ll get 4 gigs of memory, a 320 gig hard drive, and a core 2 duo processor, this baby’s built like a Ford truck. This system is a great buy with it’s core entertainment and multimedia options as well as enough power to run varying productivity programs. Beyond that, it’s really sexy with its black finish and Windows 7 Home premium.

If you’ve been needing an upgrade to your old office computer this is the system I would recommend for the price, features, and possibilities. Buy Now!

Need to Find Your Way to Success?

Need to Find Your Way to Success?

#4 – Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch GPS Navigator – $119.99

Regular Price: $229.99

Imagine this, the largest company in your area wants to meet with you at their corporate headquarters concerning your products or services. It’s the meeting of a lifetime, but you’re not sure how to get there. How many times have you ever wasted gas looking for small businesses and hard to find appointment locations? Never get lost again with this baby!

It’s got a brilliant 4.3 inch widescreen graphical display, shows you turn-by-turn directions, with voice prompts. Did I mention you can also download maps and such and add it with a memory card? Yea . . . it’s loaded. This is by far the lowest price on a [good] GPS I’ve seen in a while. Better jump on it folks! Buy Now!

Need to Connect Handsfree?

Need to Connect Handsfree?

#3 – Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset – $84.99

Regular Price: $99.99

Small business owners are always on the go, setting meetings, and making calls. If you don’t have a dependable bluetooth headset to compliment your phone then wasting energy finding contacts and dialing numbers.

This little gem receives calls wirelessly and can even dial numbers via voice (if you have the right software or phone – that’s why I love my crackberry!). It even connects to two devices simultaneously. I bet you could sync it to your cell phone and bluetooth enabled computer for Skype chatting, hmm . . . Buy Now!

Need to Be Seen virtually?

Need to Be Seen?

#2 – Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 – $69.99

Regular Price: $99.99

If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re not broadcasting your brand then you’re missing out. Tools such as Skype, TweetChat, and Camtasia Studio make it super easy to do virtual meetings, trainings, web chats, virtual trainings, and webinars. What does this mean for small business? You’re able to extend your reach beyond brick and mortar.

I use my Logitech webcam to do short training videos and quick video blog posts. What I love is it comes with a Carl Zeiss lens (the same camera lens found in Sony digital cameras – awesome quality!) plus, it’s 2 mega pixels deliver excellent quality video. Great price, portable, and great quality. Don’t miss this deal people! Buy Now!

Need to Capture the Moment?

Need to Capture the Moment?

#1 – Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation – $89.00

Regular Price: $149.99

The flip camcorder has really come a long way. It used to be just for teenage kids uploading pranks, stunts, and short skits to Youtube. However, now with better video resolution, bigger storage, and better features it’s proven to be an excellent ally to the solo-preneur.

With 120 minutes of high quality video at your disposal you’ll have plenty of time to do client videos, testimonials, or even blog posts. With it’s great size you’ll be able to stow it pretty easily in a purse, pocket, or small camera bag and take it anywhere. Video takes your website or blog from static to dynamic in zero to seconds (or, however long it takes you to upload the video . . . whatever). I’ve benefited tremendously from video right here at The Success Center. It adds a layer of depth and exclusivity to your content that you just can’t get from a typical website or blog. Trust me . . . if you don’t have one, get it now!

What are your top gadgets for entrepreneurs? What would you add to this list? What’s on your wish-list? Share your thoughts below.

Note: If you don’t see anything here that you can’t absolutely live without, check out the rest of Amazon’s amazing Black Friday deals!

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Rod Kirby helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations take advantage of social media marketing and new media through his company, Kirby Enterprises. Follow Rod on Twitter here.

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6 Articles That’ll Get Your Turkey Cooking Before Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is turkey day and I’m sure everyone’s getting ready for the big feast. Before you dive head first into that turkey and dressing take a look at some of these great articles I’ve found for you around the web. I’m traveling pretty extensively today so I’ll be checking in regularly on Twitter and Facebook. Let me know if you find any of the articles useful with your thoughts below.

6 Ways To Create Opportunities on LinkedIn

5 Plugins To Make Your WordPress Blog Blazing Fast

10 Things You Can Learn From Infomercials

3 Ways for Businesses to Take Full Advantage of Facebook

How to Create Ebooks That Sell

How To Backup Your WordPress Blog In Three Easy Steps

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Rod Kirby helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations take advantage of social media marketing and new media through his company, Kirby Enterprises. Follow Rod on Twitter here.

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7 Tips on Becoming the Master over Debt

Published on November 24, 2009 by in Uncategorized

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7 Tips on Becoming the Master over Debt

Slavery

Slavery

Archive Spotlight: I thought it would be a good idea to start spotlighting a couple of posts that are buried in the archives. Some of you are fairly new to this site and others are lifelong followers (you are, aren’t you?). No matter what category you fall into, I’m sure there’s at least 1 article here you haven’t read. Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment or two.

7 Tips on Becoming the Master over Debt

Did you know that debt = slavery?

If you have any amount of debt then money becomes your master and you become the slave. You’ll work tirelessly for the slave master day and night just to get him off your back. Whenever you “buy” a car with your good credit he’ll crack you on the back with his whip. When you put those new clothes and shoes on the charge card he’ll rape your finances and steal your joy (It’s that critical of a situation).  It’s hard to accomplish your goals, grow your business, and enjoy your life with a mountain of debt looming over you. According to Hoffman Brinker and Roberts’ credit card debt statistics;

Americans have conflicting attitudes about debt. While 91% believe debt can be controlled by disciplined saving and spending, 72% also believe that debt is a part of modern life and difficult to avoid.

Can you believe that 72% of Americans believe that debt is just another part of life? That’s interesting because according to the Bible, it says that God will bless us as He has promised. Read the scripture below;

Deuteronomy 18:6 says,

“For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.”

Don’t you believe that? Isn’t it time you got out of the rat race and really got what God has for you? If you’re ready, then  open your heart and receive words of knowledge from Dave Ramsey, financial freedom guru. Dave outlines several great tips on managing your debt and ultimately becoming debt free in the short video below.

As entrepreneurs, we have to exercise patience and self-control in our spending and maximize what we already have. Don’t let debt become your master. And if he already is, then declare your freedom today and follow the tips Dave outlined in the video above.  I am currently utilizing the envelope system that Dave mentions in this video and it’s bringing me some great results. What are some other tips, advice, or techniques that we all can use to help manage our finances and eliminate our debt? Sound off in the comments below!

Update: 11/24/09: I’ve also started to buy my lunch for weeks at a time and cook it the same day I buy it. It’s saved me tons of money and time. Also, paying for things with cash only has helped out a great deal, but sometimes I fall back and swipe my debit card. I’m working it out though!

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Rod Kirby helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations take advantage of social media marketing and new media through his company, Kirby Enterprises. Follow Rod on Twitter here.

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6
The Used Car Salesman’s Guide to Social Media Marketing
Image courtesy of joebnfran

Image courtesy of joebnfran

When you think of a used car salesman, what comes to mind? Sneaky, untrustworthy, aggressive, uncaring what else? What about marketing guru or sales genius? You wouldn’t think so off the top of your head, but if we take a closer look that’s exactly where they fit into the scheme of things. Hopefully, at the end of this article you’ll have changed your perspective on used car salesmen and how they can help you make sales online.

What’s their Story?

If you can sell a car you can sell pretty much sell anything. From the salesman’s point of view, getting your initial stock is expensive, keeping them on the lot is expensive, and having a physical location to sell them brings about more bills than owning a home. But, selling one of them is the golden ticket to living a lifestyle that is hardly blue collar.

So, you’ve got to give the salesman a little slack, it’s a hard business selling a car, even if it is a lemon and they know it. What’s fascinating to me is how they sell it and what we can learn as social media marketers from them.

Step 1 – Form a Relationship

The best car salesmen know that you have to really get on “the customer’s side” when it comes to selling. You’ve got to make them feel like you care, get to know them, and help them make the best car buying decision.

Fortunately for you, your platform is social media so you’ve already established a relationship with your fans, followers, friends, and associates in your field right? You don’t have to “make them feel like you care,” because you really do (at least you should). Here are a 10 tips on building relationships and here are a few more;

  • I find that Facebook is great for cultivating relationships since it really brings things to a personal level. I enjoy chatting with you all there as well as other bloggers that I follow and it really brings people together. Note: I especially enjoy the business chat at my Fan Page as well.
  • Don’t forget your local community online. We get so wrapped up in making connections all over the world that we forget to make them at home as well. Give Twitter Local or Twitter Search a try and connect with users in your own backyard.
  • Remember the Biblical principle of Sowing and Reaping? That applies to relationship building as well. Sow good seeds [information, how-to's, links, articles, resources, etc.] into good ground [other bloggers, your followers, your fans, colleagues, etc.] and you’ll reap a harvest [donations, sales, endorsements, resources, tools, etc.]

Connecting people with information, articles, tools, etc. ultimately makes you a resource to people. By doing so you’ll leave a valuable impression on their minds and when they need something they’ll come to you.

Step 2 – Go for the Connection, Not the Sale

Ever notice when you’re looking at a car and the salesman says, “You and this car were made for each other,” “I can see you cruising down the highway with the wind in your hair in this baby!” Or, “Wanna give this puppy a quick test drive and see how she’ll handle on the open road?”

Connecting you with the product is a covert, yet genius way to sell because it puts the product in your hands or on your mind. A great used car salesman knows that if he can get you thinking of how you’ll use the car or put you in it, it’s only a matter of time before you sign on the dotted line.

How can you use this technique in social media? Here are a few ideas;

  • Give free samples of your products
  • Hand out free trial offers of your services
  • Create video tutorials that demonstrate a particular skill, ability, or usage of a tool
  • Start a contest or free give-away
  • Write “How-to” blog posts that show people how to make the most of a product or service
  • Create a podcast and interview people who have used your products or services
  • Write white papers, case studies, or ebooks that demonstrate the benefits and results of using your product or service.
  • Start a directory with the information of entrepreneurs within various fields of expertise

The possibilities are endless but the end result is the same; get your product or service in the hands of your market or in their imagination and you’ll make sales.

Step 3 – The Big Pitch

Once the car salesman has successfully established a relationship, connected you and the car in your imagination [or got you to test drive], he goes for the big pitch. This is the moment of truth, now or never, do or die. Let’s listen in on how the master used car salesman seals the deal;

“This baby’s only got 12,000 miles so you’ll definitely have reliable transportation, new tires, and I’ll throw in a limited warranty, and free car washes for a week! You ain’t gonna find a deal like this anytime soon! What do you think pal? Can I get you to sign here so you ride home in your new car?”

Look closely at the pure genius of the salesman. He clearly states the 4 laws of sales attraction;

  • Features – what the product has.
  • Benefits – what the product can do for the buyer.
  • Value – what extras come with the product.
  • Call to Action – what the prospect needs to do.

How does this translate for the social media marketer? It’s simple, when your viewer or prospect enters your sales funnel, make sure you clearly state the 4 laws of sales attraction mentioned above. Like a fisherman with too much bait on the end of his line, they’ll net you sales every time. However, they don’t work unless you’ve established the first two steps. Without them your net will simply break.

Imagine a spider spinning its web with the intricate patterns crossing each other to strengthen the core of the web. As you exercise the first 2 steps you’ll strengthen the foundation for which to lay your pitch upon.

The Wrap-Up

So, as you can see, used car salesmen are sneaky, uncaring, and pure marketing geniuses! You meet a few honest ones here and there, but the majority that I’ve met really have looked like the guy in this picture above. Do you agree with their sales tactics and methods? What else can we learn from them? What strategies are you using to sell your products and services online? Leave your comments below and let’s really talk this out!

P.S. – Don’t forget to cast your vote in this week’s poll, Has Social Media Marketing Changed the Online Sales Landscape?

Has Social Media Marketing Changed the Online Sales Landscape?

  • Other (60%, 3 Votes)
  • Yes, I trust and buy from everyone! (40%, 2 Votes)
  • No, I still don't buy from people online! (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 5

Want More? Check out these awesome related articles;

How [not] to Make Money like a Used Car Salesman

Making Social Media Marketing Work

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Rod Kirby

Rod Kirby helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations take advantage of social media marketing and new media through his company, Kirby Enterprises. Follow Rod on Twitter here.

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Poll: Has Social Media Marketing Changed the Online Sales Landscape?

Published on November 19, 2009 by in Uncategorized

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Poll: Has Social Media Marketing Changed the Online Sales Landscape?
Buy Now!

Buy Now!

Remember back in the days of AOL being the only way you could get online and everyone wanted to sell you something online? A lot has changed since then, but it’s a different online landscape now-a-days. Today things are more social and all that really means is people want to get to know you, interact with you, and then sell you stuff. There’s certainly nothing really wrong with that, but has your perspective on buying online from total strangers changed since then?

I can remember a time when my mom wouldn’t dare pay a bill online or buy some shoes, but now she shops online like there’s no tomorrow. Certainly trust has been earned with companies like Amazon, Paypal, and other major retailers. But is it the same for solo-preneurs or small business owners who sell services or products online in today’s social climate? I don’t know the answer to this question so I want to open it up to you and we’ll meet back here next week to discuss what we come up with. Deal? Be sure to use the “share this” button below to get your friends and colleagues involved. The more people we bring into answering this question the greater the results. Till next time kids!

Has Social Media Marketing Changed the Online Sales Landscape?

  • Other (60%, 3 Votes)
  • Yes, I trust and buy from everyone! (40%, 2 Votes)
  • No, I still don't buy from people online! (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 5


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Rod Kirby helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations take advantage of social media marketing and new media through his company, Kirby Enterprises. Follow Rod on Twitter here.

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6
How [not] to Make Money like a Used Car Salesman
Image courtesy of joebnfran

Image courtesy of joebnfran

There’s something odd about a used car salesman isn’t it? Maybe it’s the fact that they have a lot of inventory that they have to get rid of by the end of the year at any means necessary? Maybe it’s their fast talking, aggressive sales tactics. Or could it be that they’re masters at selling dreams into a half ton box on wheels? Whatever the case, you can’t deny . . . they creep you out too! When you’re a solo-preneur or small business you don’t have to craft sneaky sales material, resort to switching and baiting, tricking prospects, or anything else to get a sale. In a world full of sneaky used car salesmen how do you get people to trust in you, your business, product, or service? First you have to understand that there’s a big difference between your image versus your character.

Image vs Character

Your image is what you portray 24/7 and your character is truly who you are 24/7. So if you portray the image of a professional multi-million dollar company but get sales like a sneaky used car salesman then you’re not going to be in business very long.

A Short Story

I did some graphic work for a hospice owned by two African American women here in Memphis once. They hired me to redesign their logo and website which was terribly outdated. They specifically wanted something that would appeal to Caucasian clientele because they felt that’s where the money was. In our initial meeting I asked them, “What are you going to do when customers meet you face to face and the image of your marketing material doesn’t line up with the truth?” They were really dumb-founded and didn’t really know how to answer.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

The truth is, people might throw you a bone because of your image, but your character is what earns you the meal. Remember, you are your business. You don’t have to put on a front like you’re some kind of fortune 500 company. When you’re honest about who you are and what you have to offer people respect you more, pay you what you want, and will become your most outspoken advocates.

A Success Short Story

My very first logo design check was for a whopping $400. I knew it was a bit high but I felt like the work was really worth the time and effort I put into it. My client paid for it because the work, my professionalism, and ultimately my character spoke for themselves.

As a small business owner you’re not going to have the luxury of starting out with a house-hold brand name. All you have is the quality of your product or service, but your character will set you out from the crowd. As a business owner have you ever set out to portray a specific image to get specific clientele? Do you agree or disagree with the this method of selling? Share your thoughts below. I’ll be exploring some other principles in a series of future posts so stay tuned!

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14
The Coach John Calipari Guide to Effective Leadership in 5 Steps [with Pictures!]

Archive Spotlight: I thought it would be a good idea to start spotlighting a couple of posts that are buried in the archives. Some of you are fairly new to this site and others are lifelong followers (you are, aren’t you?). No matter what category you fall into, I’m sure there’s at least 1 article here you haven’t read. This was one of my most favorite posts to write and I still enjoy the pictorials. Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment or two.

The Coach John Calipari Guide to Effective Leadership

Coach John Calipari

Coach John Calipari

If you haven’t heard by now, Coach John Calipari of the Memphis Tigers basketball team is heading to Kentucky to take over head coaching duties. Sad news for Tigers fans everywhere. However, instead of gripping about his decision to move on with his career, how much more can we learn from Coach Cal as it pertains to being an effective leader?

In this article we’re going to explore 5 keys to being an effective leader illustrated by Coach Cal’s career defining examples.

According to the Memphis Business Journal;

Calipari posted a record of 252-69 in nine seasons at Memphis, leading the Tigers to three consecutive Elite 8 appearances in the NCAA tournament in 2006-2008. He led the Tigers to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game in 2008, where the team lost to The University of Kansas Jayhawks. The Tigers advanced to the Sweet 16 this year, but were defeated by the University of Missouri Tigers. Calipari was named Sports Illustrated coach of the year before the start of the NCAA tournament, the first time he received the award.

So, what keys to effective leadership can we learn from Coach John Calipari?

Coach Cal - Communication

Coach Cal - Communication

Communication – Effective leaders are great communicators. Communication is defined as the activity of conveying information.

Your facial expressions, what you say, and how you say it are all forms of communication. Conveying the right message is critical to you and your business’s success. Here are a couple of tips on communicating effectively;

a. Listen more than you talk,
b. Ask questions and engage a conversation,
c. Give people your undivided attention,
d. Make your objectives “plain” so others can run with them.

Coach Calipari - Vision

Coach Cal - Vision

Vision – Effective leaders are visionaries. Having vision means you are able to see “down the road.” It means you’re always looking ahead no matter what circumstances surround you.

Here are a couple of quick points on vision;

a. In order to bring a vision to fruition you must be able to communicate effectively. (See above)
b. Record your dreams, goals, and aspirations into a journal.
c. Take baby steps to accomplishing your goals by keeping a calendar.

Coach Cal - Drive

Coach Cal - Drive

Drive – Effective leaders have a constant drive to succeed. When you’re faced with increasing debt, passed due bills, family issues, and life in general you have to continue to press towards your goals.

To “drive” is defined as a continued effort to accomplish a goal. Notice the key word is continue. That means you keep going. No matter what. Whatever your vision is for your life or business, declare your victory, “No Matter What!”

Coach Cal - Mistakes

Coach Cal - Mistakes

Mistakes – I hate to break it to you, but leaders make mistakes too! That’s right you and I are human like everyone else. There are going to be times when you are actually, “not right.” When the unthinkable happens try these tips to keep the success ball rolling;

a. Repent – To repent is to turn away from. So repent for whatever error you made and keep it moving!
b. Don’t dwell on the mistake, get back up and get moving!

Coach Cal - Passion

Coach Cal - Passion

Passion – Finally, effective leaders are passionate about what they do. No punchline there folks. If you don’t love what you do then you’ll hate doing it. If you don’t have passion for what you do then the people who you’re trying to lead won’t either.

In the picture to the left coach Cal looks pretty crazy right? Well, when you’re passionate about something it will drive you MAD!

And there you have it, 5 keys to effective leadership. Remember, anyone can lead in anything they do, but effective leaders; communicate well to their team, have a vision for where they want to go, drive towards their goals no matter what, correct mistakes quickly, and ultimately have – and inspires everyone else to have – passion for what they do.

What else can we learn from Coach Cal and his exemplary leadership? Leave your comments below.

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Rod Kirby helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations take advantage of social media marketing and new media through his company, Kirby Enterprises. Follow Rod on Twitter here.

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Inside the Success – Interview with DeLores Pressley

Published on November 16, 2009 by in Uncategorized

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Inside the Success – Interview with DeLores Pressley
Inside the Success

Inside the Success

Gather around ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I’ve got another exciting episode of Inside the Success! Today’s show features DeLores Pressley, Personal Power Expert and Keynote Speaker. She has been speaking for 21 years, giving acclaimed keynote speeches and presentations for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance.

Her keynote motivational speeches have given her such acclaim that she’s been featured on every major network, including Oprah and Entertainment Tonight. Listen in as I chat with her about life, business, how she brands and markets herself, as well as how she defines success.

This was by far one of my most favorite interviews. DeLores shares a lot of rock solid information for entrepreneurs who are getting started and some great advice on how to get to where you want to go in life. When you’re done listening, let me know what you think or leave a thought or two in the comments below. (Run time – 30 minutes)

Note: You can learn more about DeLores by visiting her website: http://bornsuccessful.com/


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About The Author

Rod Kirby

Rod Kirby helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and organizations take advantage of social media marketing and new media through his company, Kirby Enterprises. Follow Rod on Twitter here.

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Building B.I.G. Entrepreneurial Dreams

Published on November 15, 2009 by in Miscellaneous

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Building B.I.G. Entrepreneurial Dreams

Paul Wilson, Jr.

Paul Wilson, Jr.

By Paul Wilson, Jr.

As a life and business coach, I often encounter people who are vocationally misplaced. In essence, they are making a living in the wrong career or business, but they are not making a fulfilling life. My assessment is based on the fact that what they are currently doing as a vocation does not align with their purpose, passion, or professional skills. Further, most of these people are frustrated with their current situation and would love to be doing something more purposeful and meaningful.


One of my passions is to lead and equip people to fulfill their life calling through the development and operation of purpose-driven entrepreneurial ventures. While I realize that everyone is not an entrepreneur per se, there are plenty of people in the workforce who are running away from entrepreneurial opportunities because of fear, lack of knowledge, and other excuses.


I believe there are many people who will not reach their full life potential working as an employee for someone else. Their capacity to thrive is limited by people and environments that are not geared to help them maximize their talents and abilities. Those are the people I want to empower to make a successful transition from employee to entrepreneur.


At the core of a true entrepreneur is an unbridled dreamer. Entrepreneurial dreamers and thinkers are always concocting new concepts, shaping fresh ideas, considering new possibilities, and asking “why not?” Without an active imagination, entrepreneurs cease to produce creative solutions that are transacted into valuable assets, i.e. revenue-generating products and services.


The book I recently wrote will help current and aspiring entrepreneurs transform their dreams from an idea into a purposeful and profitable reality. Dream B.I.G. in 3D: How to Pursue a Bold, Innovative, God-Inspired Life! is an incredible resource that will help you discover, develop, and drive to your dreams. This book is inspirational and instructional, providing the reader with acute insights, creative exercises, and probing questions that will help you transform your dream into a bold, innovative, God-inspired life.


I believe that for an entrepreneur to find true fulfillment in their business, it should be an extension or expression of their life purpose. Therefore, those who aspire to operate a purpose-driven business – an entrepreneurial venture that produces financial and social profits – will find Dream B.I.G. in 3D both enlightening and igniting. It will empower them strategize their life plan just as much as they do their business plan.


This timely message of B.I.G. entrepreneurial dreams is much needed considering our current economic environment. It’s my contention that as time goes on the United States will become even more of an entrepreneurial economy. I am driven to equip people to not just survive, but thrive now and into the future. And that begins with a B.I.G. dream.


I want to teach you how to dream B.I.G. On Saturday, November 21st in Marietta, Georgia, I will be presenting the Dream B.I.G. in 3D Live Experience. Based on content from my book, this interactive, high-energy seminar will provide timely inspiration and practical instruction to empower you to “Live in 3D!” by equipping you to:


1. Discover Your Dream

2. Develop Your Dream

3. Drive To Your Dream


For more details, please visit http://dreambigin3dlive.eventbrite.com

If you are currently an employee or an entrepreneur, don’t fear the unknown path of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Don’t be afraid to transition your life to something that may be unfamiliar, but more fulfilling. The time is now to dream B.I.G., live B.I.G., and own a B.I.G. business!

Your Dream Coach,

Paul Wilson,

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