When I’m asked to give an impromptu speech or share my coaching tenets, there are seven basic proficiencies that come to mind. Whether you’ve just started your business or have a long record of success, take a moment to check out these tips to make sure you’re in great shape.

1. Be friendly. Be the type of person others want to be around and you’ll have no trouble with getting clients or employees.
2. Show appreciation. Let your customers, employees, business associates, vendors, suppliers, friends, and family know that you appreciate everything they do for you.
3. Be a good listener. The answer to any problem is always right in front of your face. Sometimes the person in the midst of it can’t see it because they’re too involved. By listening calmly, you can often help them find the solution quickly.
4. Avoid arguing; it consumes too much of your energy. Proving that you’re right to someone who is not going to do business with you is never worth it in the long run. Move on; they’ll figure it out and possibly come back if you didn’t make them angry.
5. Be noticeable. (In a good way, of course!) Play up your great qualities. Dress the part. Find a persona and develop it. Find ways to be the person – and the business – you want to be.
6. Sincerely praise others. We always remember those who uplift us and leave us feeling a little better about ourselves – be that person to the people in your life, even if it’s just the people at your luncheon table.
7. The absolute best way to improve your business is to improve yourself. Be vigilant about self-improvement. Improve the owner and the business gets better automatically. There are thousands, possibly millions now, of self-development courses, books, coaching programs, and websites. Take part in all of them! Invest in yourself just as you would your business. When you’re a business owner, you are your business.

Hi

a. Start an email newsletter, or if you already publish one, increase the frequency you send it out. (Weekly is best. The more often your list hears from you, the more responsive they'll become.)

b. Hold a free teleclass. Make sure you come up with a really great special offer to turn your listeners into customers.

c. Go buy a new dress and hang out on the social networking scene. Okay, I'm kidding about the dress. But if you aren't making the social networking rounds, you're missing major business opportunities. No it's not a waste of time (unless you let it become one).

Thanks