Comments on: The 1# Way to Make Money as an Entrepreneur

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:42:02 +0000

Carnal sin??? I think you mean cardinal. Then again,maybe not!

By: Christian Russell

Christian Russell — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:14:47 +0000

No doubt your attitude is a big reason your business is successful…so many new entrepreneurs want to get everything figured out, learn the “trick” or the “system” of how things work. After they have all the answers, THEN they'll act. The trick is that there's no trick…don't avoid failure or mistakes, embrace them…act and put yourself out there. Make offers, get clients and learn from your mistakes!

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:02:08 +0000

Great post Maren!

I fell into the same pitfall of starting my business thinking my website just needs time to grow and will pay off in a year or two. I soon realized that I need to start making money NOW! I have never been in sales before, but I'm going to dive in headfirst and see how it goes. If I find it's not my cup of tea, I can always hire someone to do that for me.

Excited to start working with you!

Tony

By: Maren Kate

Maren Kate — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:01:00 +0000

Thanks!!

By: Maren Kate

Maren Kate — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:30 +0000

Hmm… I couldn't tell you objectively because I don't think lying to “pump” up your image will ever really do you justice in the end but I do hate when, because you're newer to your business people immediately think poorly of you. Tell me how it works out and maybe you can do a few free gigs before so you can have a client list!

By: Maren Kate

Maren Kate — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:58:49 +0000

I totally agree with 2) because you really do HAVE to have an amazing salesperson on your team, if that isn't your shtick then it is the best to get someone who is passionate about selling.

By: TheInfoPreneur

TheInfoPreneur — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:43:17 +0000

Hi Maren,

I love to see diary posts like this, makes it all seem viable to those of us yet to make the leep.

One thing, it's a good job you are a great entrepreneur, because your second video .... dude! lol

Great work, rt-ing now

By: Stephen Bozzone

Stephen Bozzone — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:26:18 +0000

I had a potential client on the hook. He asked how many other times I had done a licensing deal he what he was looking for. I was honest and said that I had several licensing proposals in the works but nothing signed yet.

Not a peep from him in a week. Was I wrong?

By: John R. Sedivy

John R. Sedivy — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:42:14 +0000

Hi Maren - We seem to have had the same problem starting out. I tweaked my marketing collateral (both online and offline) and continued to evolve my ideas incessantly. I did not focus on selling, or my focus on sales was minimal at best. In hindsight I realize that I likely avoided it due to being uncomfortable in sales. I understood the theory by reading books, but had not practiced selling - two very different things.

If I could go back and offer myself advice I would have the following two comments:

1. Just do it. Just go out and sell. If you're not accustomed to selling this will be very painful but will become easier over time. The only way to overcome the pain and awkwardness is to get out and sell.
2. Hire dedicated salespeople. Sales professionals are very different from those who manage or execute the company competencies. Many sales professionals are accustomed to working on commission and even thrive on it. They realize the risk, but also recognize the opportunity. They will also help you make your product easier to sell. It's important to note that you should accomplish the first item before hiring a salesperson - this will help you emphasize with your sales force and also help you in determining what qualities that would help compliment you. It's difficult to lead someone whose task you have not at least accomplished once yourself.

These are fairly basic comments but would have helped me tremendously early on. Admittedly I am still learning more by the day. I hope this helps!