As a service professional, you have three major challenges in cultivating prospects and referral sources. Challenge #1 – They must clearly understand what you do. Challenge #2 – They must remember you. Challenge #3 – They must trust you. Now, it’s time to execute. Her advice, I think, applies equally to referral sources. Be a Resource. Be a Pal. MORE >>

It was Christmas Day. We were at a friend’s house. The friend gave my then five-year-old son, Jay, a gift. asked Jay “Now, what do you say when someone gives you a present?” His response: “ What’s next ?”. He was supposed to say “ Thank you ,” of course. But you can forgive a five-year-old. Kids have a lot to learn. So do some adults. Acknowledge. MORE >>

When times were good, many successful professionals didn’t need a well defined niche. All their business came via “R & R” (Repeat and Referral). They relied on their reputations and connections. The The phone rang. Business flowed in. Then, the phone stopped ringing. This has left many professionals floundering. They have no target market. MORE >>

Unpaid consulting is a service professional’s dilemma. If you don’t offer it, you may not get the business. If you do, you still may not get the business. And, worse, the prospect could “steal” your ideas. Set firm ground rules about what, if anything, you’ll give away. Otherwise, prospects will simply pick your brain. This could be paid or free. MORE >>

I like blogging. It’s fun, and my blog has generated new business, useful connections, and speaking engagements for me. But it’s not for everyone. Before you launch your own blog, test the waters by participating on other blogs. Then you can decide whether to take the plunge. The Downside of Blogging. Sounds like a no-brainer. But it’s not. Slowly. MORE >>