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Advising, Consulting And Mentoring Greater Houston Area Business Since 1986
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From the Editor...
Richard Hendee
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Focus On Your Main Business
There have been many studies conducted and written about the topic of "Why Businesses Fail," and most site the same reasons --- lack of proper funding, inability of management to run the business, lack of a proven concept, failure to communicate the business' message to the market, and no real competitive advantage. Further, it is well written in business publications that over half of new businesses fail in the first five years. Over the course of my 40 plus years in dealing with businesses, I can confirm that all this information and data research is pretty much on target.
However, I have also seen many very successful businesses fail because the owners decided to chase a "Shiny Object." What do I mean by that? Let me detail one of numerous examples that should help you have a clearer understanding.
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CEO Communications Can Boost Employee Morale
By John Sweney, President & CEO Brookwoods Group and a Silver Fox Advisor
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While Houston remains a robust, diverse and thriving city, there continue to be hotspots of concern for employees:
- Slowed business activity and layoffs make the news and create a level of uncertainty about the future.
- Hurricane Harvey blew through the heart of our community, leaving chaos, disruption and lasting scars for many businesses and their workers.
- The polarization of viewpoints on public policy can turn any informal workplace gathering into a forum for uncomfortable debate.
Clearly, we are all more anxious and worried for the future. We are all emotionally affected, even if it is not apparent to others.
In this environment, how do company leaders maintain a high level of employee morale and effectiveness? How do we guide our teams in this time of uncertainty? The short answer is, "Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!"
Here is the recipe I recommend for any business or team leader:
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Monthly Marketing Tip
By Mark Miller a Silver Fox Advisor
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Are You Selling Or Telling?
Prospects have been trained by the vast majority of sales people to feel entitled to your valuable information. Most sales people are comfortable in providing up their expertise for free. However, when the orders don't come, and the prospect has shopped your information to your competitor, the sales person has fallen victim to unpaid consulting. Before giving information, ask good questions: What does the prospect want? What is the urgency? What are the consequences of not buying anything? What is the decision-making process? As Zig Ziglar said, "Less Telling, More Selling"
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Silver Fox Advisors
Silver Fox Advisors are current and former business owners, entrepreneurs and executives dedicated to assisting business owners to improve their enterprises through mentoring and consulting. Advisors have been sharing their knowledge, experience and skills since 1986. To work with a Sliver Fox Advisor, please visit our website at www.silverfox.org and select your advisor.
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Upcoming Events
Lunch & Learn
Note: No Lunch & Learn Events in November and December due to the Holiday Schedule
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Guest Speaker: Announcement Coming Soon!
Topic: Announcement Coming Soon!
Location: The Houston Racquet Club
1079 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77024
Mark Your Calendar TODAY for this January 25, 2018 Lunch & Learn
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This Month's Featured Book
by a Silver Fox Advisor
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