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	<title>2ExcelNow</title>
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	<description>Retail Business Coaching &#38; Consulting</description>
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	<itunes:summary>Retail Business Coaching &amp; Consulting</itunes:summary>
	<itunes:author>2ExcelNow</itunes:author>
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		<title>Do You Live in Abundance?</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/do-you-live-in-abundance</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/do-you-live-in-abundance#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business consulting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1368</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Living in Abundance Do you know what living in abundance is? Living in abundance is a key principle for business success that is overlooked by many people. It’s a mindset issue that significantly affects both customer loyalty and retention, and has a huge impact on employee morale, work effectiveness, and allegiance. Let me give you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Living in Abundance<br />
Do you know what living in abundance is? Living in abundance is a<br />
key principle for business success that is overlooked by many people.<br />
It’s a mindset issue that significantly affects both customer loyalty and<br />
retention, and has a huge impact on employee morale, work effectiveness, and allegiance.<br />
Let me give you an example from one of my clients who embraced<br />
the concept of living in abundance. A new customer was coming from<br />
out of town to take delivery on his purchase. My client arranged to<br />
have him picked up at the airport in a limousine, booked a room for<br />
this customer at the Ritz-Carlton for the night, and took him out to<br />
dinner at one of the finest steak houses in town.<br />
What do you think this customer thought of and said about my client<br />
after he experienced this unexpected, first-class treatment?<br />
Well, first of all, he was very thankful and surprised that a business<br />
owner would appreciate his business that much. Some of you may<br />
think this example is an over-the-top action, but let me tell you the<br />
reaction of the customer was also over the top. He appreciated his<br />
royal treatment so much that he referred many other customers to<br />
my client and has placed additional high-ticket orders that have more<br />
than made up for the initial cost of the limousine, the night at the<br />
Ritz-Carlton, and the steak dinner. This one customer is responsible<br />
for hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of new business for my<br />
client. Did the effort to reward this customer in a very abundant way<br />
pay off? You bet it did!<br />
I hope one of the lessons you learn from this example is to go the extra<br />
mile with your best customers and turn them into huge fans of you and<br />
your business. Another fantastic outcome is that this specific customer<br />
told several of his friends who are in the same line of business about<br />
his extraordinary experience, and they are now customers of my client.<br />
This example also demonstrates the power of a referral. Taking extra<br />
care of your best customers through living in abundance will come back to<br />
you, multiplied in so many ways. The conversation on price will become<br />
secondary, and referrals will effortlessly flow your way. When you act<br />
abundantly referrals will seek you out, and when you treat customers<br />
with abundance they will buy. Referrals are the best kind of customer<br />
you can have — they already know about you, trust you, and are anxious<br />
to do business with you!<br />
Continuing with the theme of customer appreciation and respect,<br />
let’s now explore living in abundance a little further. Think about where<br />
you love to shop or a business you enjoy buying from. Why is that?<br />
Most of the time, it isn’t because of the price or product. No, the<br />
reason you are a loyal customer is because of how you are treated when<br />
you are there! Every single customer should be considered special, and<br />
you and your employees should have a plan to always keep that at the<br />
top of your minds.<br />
Now, you may ask, “How do I make every customer seem special?” Of<br />
course, the answer is to treat them in abundance, but that doesn’t mean<br />
you have to treat all of your customers to a steak dinner. One simple<br />
example of extraordinary treatment is to greet your customers by name<br />
whenever possible. Make it a priority for you and your employees to get<br />
to know the names of your most frequent customers. Think about the<br />
times when you go to a favorite restaurant and the maître de or waiter<br />
knows your name. Doesn’t that make you feel special? When you “Live<br />
in Abundance” you upscale your business. You feel, look, and behave<br />
differently, and your customers will sense it and see it.<br />
Your employees will be watching, and they will see it as well, so let’s<br />
talk about how living in abundance benefits your staff. When you live<br />
and — more importantly — act in abundance, you will have highly<br />
motivated and loyal employees who want to become part of the success<br />
of your business. One of the keys to creating great employee morale is<br />
to treat them as you would want to be treated.<br />
You should always remember to over-deliver on every aspect of your<br />
business, including how you treat your employees. Make a conscious<br />
effort to do this, and you will be rewarded with a business image and<br />
perception that will be extremely difficult for your competition to beat.<br />
Wouldn’t it be great to never have to go out and recruit new employees?<br />
If you become known for treating your employees well, potential<br />
employees will be lined up waiting to secure a position with you.<br />
A simple act of abundance is the practice of sending short thank-you<br />
notes to your employees. This small gesture will go a long way towards<br />
building an unbeatable staff for your business. Take a look at www.<br />
sendoutcards.com for an easy way to handle this. Tomorrow, I want<br />
you to send one of your employees a simple written thank-you note<br />
for something good they have done, and then wait to see what happens.<br />
This very simple action will get a big, positive response. Happy<br />
employees = motivated employees = more sales and more money for<br />
everyone. I guarantee it!<br />
Let’s shift gears and talk about your money mindset around pay and<br />
recognition for your employees. Does it need a little abundance tune-up?<br />
This can be a very difficult topic, and easy answers are not always<br />
available. I believe happy and hard-working employees will produce<br />
the best results. Living in abundance may mean paying them above the<br />
going rate, and then expecting more in return for their performance.<br />
Employees want to be recognized and appreciated for their hard<br />
work and contribution to your business success. They also want to be<br />
paid a good wage equivalent to what they think they are worth. An<br />
employee’s first priority is usually pay, but work environment, treatment,<br />
flexibility, and communication all play a major role in determining an<br />
employee’s morale.<br />
Employees will usually leave if they are not paid competitively, so it is<br />
in your best interest to know what your competitors pay, and then pay<br />
more. But in return, you must expect more from your staff. Another<br />
simple way to show employees that you value them is to have a formal<br />
review process. Tell them what a great job they are doing!<br />
Would you be surprised to learn most employees want to be held<br />
accountable? They want to know how they are doing and how you<br />
feel about them — so tell them, and tell them often. What systems do<br />
you have in place to hold your employees accountable? Do you have<br />
a formal review process? Is it effective? I suggest a one-page quarterly<br />
review that is simple and straightforward. Evaluate them on the top<br />
five things you have clearly communicated and expect from them. By<br />
implementing a simple review process, it will be easier for you to keep<br />
your employees on track doing the things that are most important for<br />
growing the business.<br />
Are you recognizing your employees and showing them your appreciation<br />
on a regular basis? As I mentioned earlier, thank-you notes go<br />
a long way, but what other ways can you show appreciation? Small,<br />
simple things on a frequent basis work the best. Quantity vs. quality is<br />
the best direction to go, because frequency will keep them motivated<br />
and in touch with what you expect. Is there a small quarterly incentive<br />
program you can implement? Do you have a contest for “employee of the<br />
month or quarter”? You could implement this by simply establishing a<br />
bulletin board in a visible area, such as the break room or Intranet site,<br />
dedicated to honoring your best employees.<br />
Another way to live in abundance with your employees is to allow<br />
them the opportunity to help you run the business by simply asking for<br />
their advice, ideas, or help. Your interaction with abundance-minded<br />
employees should translate into higher sales and happier repeat customers<br />
every single day, which ultimately translates into more profit for you.<br />
Before we go any further, let’s talk about coming from a position of<br />
lack for a moment. Lack is the opposite of abundance. It is a negative<br />
mindset that can impact your entire business. Ask yourself, “Is there an<br />
attitude of lack or abundance in my business today?” Do you have the<br />
mindset that all customers are just looking to get the cheapest price or<br />
that they’re all trying to steal or cheat you in some way? Or, that expecting<br />
exceptional customer service from your staff doesn’t really matter<br />
in the end game?<br />
I hope this is not the case, and that you are coming from a perspective<br />
of abundance with both your employees and your customers. If you act<br />
with abundance, they will recognize the positive energy, because acting<br />
from abundance is a key driver of employee and customer behavior.<br />
Make a commitment to banish coming from a position of lack forever!<br />
It’s okay to start small and live within your means, but stretch whenever<br />
you can and live in abundance within your business. It will have a<br />
significant impact on customer loyalty and retention. Have you defined<br />
your customer service policy? Is it written and displayed for all of your<br />
employees to see? Have you put in place the top 10 things you do for<br />
all customers that you and your employees practice every day? These<br />
small actions demonstrate to your staff and customers that you care<br />
about them, and this is what living in abundance is all about. It doesn’t<br />
have to involve spending large sums of money!<br />
I encourage you to get into the practice of living in abundance by<br />
learning your customers’ names and then calling them by name whenever<br />
they visit your business. In addition to writing thank-you notes<br />
to your employees, send your customers a thank-you/follow-up note,<br />
expressing your thanks for their business. “Thank you” can be two of<br />
the most powerful words in business. These small actions will build<br />
huge loyalty, and the special treatment you give to your employees and<br />
customers will allow you to live in abundance all day, every day! Put<br />
these actions into place to establish a happier employee team and a<br />
much more loyal customer base. In return, you will be rewarded many<br />
times over — guaranteed!</p>
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		<title>Scottsdale Business Wealth Club Event</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/business-wealth-club-scottsdale</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/business-wealth-club-scottsdale#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:14:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Wealth Club]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1369</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Scottsdale Business Wealth Club  is the Worlds first blended training and Networking Club to help business owners of all sizes to accelerate their Sales, Profits and Growth – attend one our launch events for Free* and experience the power of being part of a Community dedicated to Supporting you to Success. Our Mission is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Scottsdale Business Wealth Club  is the Worlds first blended training and Networking Club to help business owners of all sizes to accelerate their Sales, Profits and Growth – attend one our launch events for Free* and experience the power of being part of a Community dedicated to Supporting you to Success.</p>
<p>Our Mission is to “Deliver World Class Transformational Business &amp; Personal Development Training that Fast Tracks Business Owners to Success!”</p>
<p>Scottsdale Business Wealth Club is a premier professional networking club for entrepreneurs and business owners only. The Scottsdale Business Wealth Club is one of the most powerful Business Training, Coaching Community in the US.</p>
<p>A UK founded system, with a 7 Year Track record of Success, that provides entrepreneurs and business owners with a professionally facilitated twice monthly breakfast meeting format that includes training. Each weekly session is packed with proven, practice and highly valuable business coaching and joint venture training.</p>
<p>You come for the Networking&#8230; and stay for the Coaching but join for the Results!</p>
<p>Our Goal&#8230; More Business, More Wealth, More Teamwork, More Profits, More Fun and More Free Time for our Members.</p>
<p><strong>Date of Event:  3/20/2012</strong></p>
<p><strong>Title of Event: Scottsdale Business Wealth Club Free* Business Success Meeting</strong></p>
<p><strong>Times of Event: 7:00am – 9:30am / 7:00am -11:30am (2<sup>nd</sup> meeting of the month)</strong></p>
<p><strong>We meet on the 1<sup>st</sup> and Third Tuesday each &amp; every month</strong></p>
<p><strong>Business event will be held – Starfire Golf Club </strong></p>
<p><strong>Address – 11500 N. Hayden Rd.</strong></p>
<p><strong>City – Scottsdale, AZ, 85260</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact Doug Hecker @ 480-951-4988 or visit: <a href="http://www.scottsdalebusinesswealthclub.com"> scottsdalebusinesswealthclub.com</a> for more information.</strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>&#8220;My Definition of Success is the Freedom to be Yourself&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/my-definition-of-success-is-the-freedom-to-be-yourself</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/my-definition-of-success-is-the-freedom-to-be-yourself#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:06:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business Mindset]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1361</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The title of my blog is a quote from Kathy Kolbe&#8230;. Backed by more than 30 years of research and practical applications, Kolbe ® provides an amazingly accurate map of an individual’s natural instincts or method of operation (modus operandi). Kolbe Indexes are fun and easy to complete in less than 20 minutes. The Kolbe [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The title of my blog is a quote from Kathy Kolbe&#8230;.</strong></p>
<p>Backed by more than 30 years of research and practical applications, Kolbe ® provides an amazingly accurate map of an individual’s natural instincts or method of operation (modus operandi). Kolbe Indexes are fun and easy to complete in less than 20 minutes. The Kolbe Index measures a person&#8217;s instinctive method of operation, and identifies the ways he or she will be most productive. It need only be taken once, since these innate abilities do not change over time.</p>
<p>The Kolbe Concept®</p>
<p>The Kolbe Concept holds that creative instincts are the source of mental energy that drives people to take specific actions. This mental drive is separate and distinct from passive feeling and thoughts. Creative instincts are manifested in an innate pattern that determines an individual&#8217;s unique method of operation, or modus operandi (MO).</p>
<p>A person&#8217;s MO is quantifiable and observable yet functions at the subconscious level. It governs actions, reactions and interactions. It also determines the person&#8217;s use of time and natural form of communication. Understanding and exercising control over this mental resource gives people the freedom to be their authentic selves.</p>
<p>When people act according to instinct, their energy is almost inexhaustible – like water running downhill. But when people are forced to act against their instinct, their energy is rapidly depleted – like water being pumped uphill.</p>
<p>Individual performance can be predicted with great accuracy by comparing a person&#8217;s MO with self-expectations and the requirements of specific tasks. Performance fluctuates based on how closely these elements align.</p>
<p>MOs vary across the general population and show no gender, age or racial bias. When groups of people with the right mix of MOs function interactively, the combined mental energy produces synergy. Teams organized along these lines can perform at a higher level than is possible for the same group of people functioning independently. Team performance is accurately predicted by Kolbe&#8217;s proprietary algorithms which determine the appropriate balance and makeup of MOs.</p>
<p>The Kolbe Concept is backed by substantial scientific research and validation and is examined in numerous research articles. Additional scholarship work has focused on the historical and theoretical basis that underlies the Kolbe Concept.</p>
<p>Doug Hecker is a Kolbe Certified ™ Consultant, providing unique knowledge and expertise to help people from all walks of life discover how to harness the power of their instincts to reach their full potential.</p>
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		<title>Using Kolbe® To Get The Most From Your Team</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/useing-kolbe-to-get-the-most-from-your-team</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/useing-kolbe-to-get-the-most-from-your-team#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:33:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1323</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A long time ago I knew that I did not like wasting my time with details and doing unproductive “busy” work. My job was to get things done, improve business and make more profits. When my job let me do what I liked doing best, I was happiest. Jobs that fit with my instinctive strengths [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A long time ago I knew that I did not like wasting my time with details and doing unproductive “busy” work. My job was to get things done, improve business and make more profits. When my job let me do what I liked doing best, I was happiest. Jobs that fit with my instinctive strengths and gave me freedom to do what I do best were satisfying and the results much better for my company.</p>
<p>As a manager and later as the President of my own business things changed. The goal now was to get the best out of other people, that is, <em>everyone</em> that I managed.</p>
<p>Some people love detail work.  Some people are more creative than others. Some people prefer to work independently. Others enjoy the working in teams and having social engagement. Wow, there sure are a lot of different kinds of people! How could I make sense out of all of this? There must be ways to measure people to identify what they do best, so I could manage better and have better teams?</p>
<p>Like many managers and business owners I bought many popular “how to” business books.  After reading at least 50 of these books I realized this was becoming busy work and I don’t like that! Books offer lots of good ideas but they did not tell me how to identify what works best for different kinds of people.  I was not sure if it was good advice or bad advice. How could I tell what would work for <em>my </em>business and improve how my people work together? No matter what practices, if they do not fit the people, it won’t get done.</p>
<p><em>Many experts say…”Do what you do best.”  </em>You can never go wrong with that! But how do you know WHAT you do best?  How do you know WHAT each of the people on your team does best? Is there a test? Is there a way to measure this? <em>What should we measure</em>?</p>
<p>Enter Kolbe ®…</p>
<p>Yes, there are proven, validated and verified measures that deliver clear and usable results that produce different measures and scores for different people. When you know your Kolbe scores and the Kolbe scores of your people, you know what needs to be done to become more productive and your people will be happier and more productive too.</p>
<p>There are three parts of the mind. The first is the cognitive or “thinking” part. The second is the affective or “feeling part” that involved emotions and attitudes. The third part is the conative or the “doing” part. Kolbe developed assessment materials and measures that help people of all ages identify their instinctive talents, develop their confidence and use their innate abilities to succeed in all kinds of business challenges and situations.</p>
<p>Certified Kolbe Consultants use these measures of the cognitive, affective and conative parts of people’s minds to get the most out of people and teams in any kind of work or business environment. It does not matter what kind of occupation or business size; from small retailers to large companies or the kind of job expertise; from attorneys, CPA’s and accountants, to sales and marketing teams. These measures and understanding is a vital part to individual and team improvement to get the best out of people so that they are allowed to do what they do best.</p>
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		<title>Attorney Marketing Solution</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/attorney-marketing-solution</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/attorney-marketing-solution#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:53:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Attorney Marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1294</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So if you hate networking, have no time for marketing, are getting frustrated by not bringing in enough business or are just plain confused by Social Media – we are here to help! Times have changed, you not not only need an effective offline real world advantage; but you also need an online real world [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="center"><strong>So if you hate networking, have no time for marketing, are getting frustrated by not bringing in enough business or are just plain confused by Social Media – we are here to help!</strong></p>
<p>Times have changed, you not not only need an effective offline real world advantage; but you also need an online real world presence and campaign.<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Nowadays, your potential clients are searching on-line for answers to their legal problems. They are looking for information and help. Many want to speak to a lawyer or to get info&#8230;right now. They have no time to wait.  </strong></p>
<p>If you don&#8217;t have a presence, (but your competitor does) and you don&#8217;t have a process to get sort and get back to them right away or another way to instantly let them know if you are a match for them, (but your competition does) who  do you thinks wins the client?</p>
<p>You can start reaching local prospects right away with with 2 Excel Now’s High Performance Marketing System.</p>
<p>We wil help you take your firm to the next level.</p>
<p>We have a few programs and systems that we can offer you and your staff to target your problems head on and give REAL solutions right away</p>
<p>To make sure we recommend the perfect solutions for you please speak to me (Doug) the founder directly on the phone for an hour.  Again, it’s free. And not only will I get to know you and your firm, your needs and unique situation but I can also play “consultant” and give you actual solutions on the call.  I’m not going to pressure you into buying anything from me, but if we both see a fit, and you like what you hear, and we both see a match, then that’s great.  Perhaps I can help you immediately or a little down the road.  You won’t be speaking to some “sales guy” you’ll be speaking directly with me.</p>
<p><strong>Call me at 480-951-4988 now to schedule a date &amp; time that works for you.</strong></p>
<p>Here’s what often my attorney clients tell me:</p>
<ul>
<li>They need more sales</li>
<li>They need more customers / clients</li>
<li>Social Media is confusing and complex, where do I start and with what platform. I.E. &#8211; Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, You Tube</li>
<li>I do not have time to market my business</li>
<li>I do not know where to start to market my business</li>
<li>In past years clients came from referrals, today I&#8217;m not sure where to get new clients</li>
<li>I hate networking and I do not have the time</li>
<li>I need more time to spend marketing my business, once I know what to do</li>
<li>My team does not do a great job closing leads</li>
<li>How do I get my team to be more effective getting client leads?</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Business Marketing for Lawyers, CPAs, and More</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/business-marketing-for-lawyers-cpas-and-more</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/business-marketing-for-lawyers-cpas-and-more#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:31:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Attorney Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CPA Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1279</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’ll teach you how to take full advantage of the FREE and available Internet services for businesses to use including: Facebook, Twitter, eMarketing, Groupon, Merchant Circle and many more. High Performance Marketing for CPA’s Marketing your CPA practice is not an easy task. Keeping up with the ever changing state &#38; federal laws, regulations and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’ll teach you how to take full advantage of the FREE and available Internet services for businesses to use including: <strong>Facebook, Twitter, eMarketing, Groupon, Merchant Circle and many more.</strong></p>
<h2>High Performance Marketing for CPA’s</h2>
<p>Marketing your CPA practice is not an easy task. Keeping up with the ever changing state &amp; federal laws, regulations and licensing requirements takes up much of your time and energy, leaving even less time for you to market your business.  2 Excel Now increases client acquisition, freeing you up to do what you do best.</p>
<h2>High Performance Marketing for Attorneys and Law Firms</h2>
<p>Marketing the legal profession has evolved to become specialized as well as extremely competitive. Deregulation of the legal profession is having major impact on lawyers who are now allowed greater latitude for marketing and offering their services. In addition, non-law businesses and alternative business structures (ABS) are moving into providing legal services with less restrictive licensing, resulting in an even more competitive marketplace.</p>
<p>It takes experienced marketing professionals, with the expertise of 2 Excel Now to take the marketing helm and navigate these waters for you.</p>
<h2>Consulting &amp; Coaching Small Business and Retailers on Solutions for Success</h2>
<p>“Imagine the possibilities” as we help you make genuine breakthroughs and find retail solutions and success? You gain the right combination of retail marketing, management, strategic planning, and business operations support with 2 Excel Now.</p>
<p>Helping retailers and manufacturers grow and improve sales is my specialty and passion.  In this competitive retail business environment, a business expert is a necessity. Learn short cuts and get the tools and strategic help to grow beyond your expectations and thrive in today’s competitive market.</p>
<h2>Top Revenue Star Sales Training for your Team</h2>
<p>Confidence and selling ability go hand-in-hand and building your teams sales confidence is not easy. Having a good understanding of what it takes to sell your products and services requires knowing your competition. 2 Excel Now offers the most effective sales methods to help build the confidence that turns average sales reps into Top Revenue Stars.</p>
<p>2 Excel Now offers a variety of sales training solutions to help your sales force grow into a mature and highly effective group. Training is available for individuals or for your entire team and is best implemented as part of our comprehensive package which includes sales consulting, business assessment, social media and the use of new technology.</p>
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		<title>POS Systems for Small Retailers and the Importance of Exception Reporting</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/pos-systems-for-small-retailers-and-the-importance-of-exception-reporting</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/pos-systems-for-small-retailers-and-the-importance-of-exception-reporting#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:20:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Retail Business Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exception reporting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[POS systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small retailers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1267</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The critical element is making this information actionable. We have experience being involved rolling out scanning among multiple retail locations. The information provided by many POS systems and in-store traffic monitoring systems is awesome. The problem is that when you know everything about everything you end up knowing nothing! Information overload is common among retailers [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The critical element is making this information actionable. We have experience being involved rolling out scanning among multiple retail locations. The information provided by many POS systems and in-store traffic monitoring systems is awesome. The problem is that when you know everything about everything you end up knowing nothing! Information overload is common among retailers and more so with smaller retailers who do not have the people resources to mine the data. Traffic analytics is critical for proper staffing and inventory levels but having the information in an actionable way is the key. Simple exception reporting tools are vital because without action there is no ROI.</p>
<p>As an example, a small retailer that owns or manages more than one store will often find inconsistent and even contradictory traffic data, store by store, from the POS monitoring system. An initial conclusion may be that something could be wrong with the data monitoring! In fact, when traffic monitoring shows contradictory information this offers the best opportunity to get to the true root cause, because there will ALWAYS be important variables that have been overlooked. Data monitoring does not lie. Inconsistencies could be the result of a nearby direct competitor that is running a major promotion and it is just as likely that something else is going on. The data is the tip off; better look at this more closely and find the cause!</p>
<p>For instance, it may be assumed that shelf stocking and facings are nearly identical store by store, when it is possible that one store may not have replaced and faced a high traffic SKU…a shelf or display is empty. Inventory shown to be at the store remains boxed in the overstock bins in the back room. This shows up as poor sales and results in significantly lowering ROI. Exception reporting will identify this issue <em>immediately</em> and tells the small owner/manager that restocking is not being done properly.</p>
<p>POS Monitoring systems are invaluable and necessary. Whenever monitoring shows up an inconsistency there is always a reason! Exception reporting is a valuable tool and tips off the small retailer to look closely into the store to identify the cause.</p>
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		<title>Defining Success for Your Business</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/defining-success-for-your-business</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/defining-success-for-your-business#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:09:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Attorney Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CPA Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retail Business Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Mindset]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get more customers and sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Why am I in Business?]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1260</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How do you define success? And more importantly, who doesn’t want to be viewed as successful? Let’s talk about a process that will help you to better frame success in terms of your business. Most retailers think that getting more sales is the answer…but success starts way before that. Or they think that their location [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How do you define success? And more importantly, who doesn’t want to be viewed as successful? Let’s talk about a process that will help you to better frame success in terms of your business. Most retailers think that getting more sales is the answer…but success starts way before that. Or they think that their location or their brand is the answer…but I’m here to tell you that success starts even before that.</p>
<p>Let’s begin with how you determine what success is for you. What does it look like for you? Can you describe it? What does success feel like for you?  Unfortunately, many of my clients, when we first start working together, can’t define their success. Most clients describe it in money terms and while money is an extremely important and critical measurement, having a crystal clear vision of what success looks like for you is fundamental to achieving profitability in your business.</p>
<p>One of the first actions I take my clients through is an exercise that defines who they are and what they do. If you do not know who you are as a business, then guess what? Neither will your customers! I ask my clients to answer the following question: “Why am I in business?” Most of them answer that it is to serve a particular customer group or to provide a service or solve a problem for their customers. I have them define what they are famous for and why their customers choose to buy from them and their answers to these two questions become key in defining their success.</p>
<p>Here’s a simple exercise that takes only a minute but will have lasting impact on helping you define success. Fill in the missing pieces in the following sentence and once you do, I guarantee you will begin to form a clear idea of what success might look like for you.</p>
<p>I help __________ (Fill in the blank. Let’s insert here who your ideal customer is, or the target market that you want to go after).</p>
<p>For example, in my company, <strong>I help retail business owners and manufacturers…</strong></p>
<p>Ok, do you have that? Now let’s fill in the next part of the sentence:</p>
<p>Do, or be, or get, or achieve<strong> __________</strong> (Insert here the result that you can get for them.)</p>
<p>Using my earlier example, <strong>I help retail business owners and manufacturers get more customers and sales…</strong></p>
<p>And now we’ll insert into this sentence another word that defines your differentiator: __________ (for example, are you faster, does it take less effort to use your product, or do you offer a more streamlined process, or make things easier for your customers, etc.)</p>
<p>Using my earlier example, the sentence reads like this, “<strong>I help retail business owners and manufacturers get more customers and sales faster and easier.” </strong></p>
<p>Do you see how this sentence is beginning to define who I am and what my business model is?</p>
<p>Are you ready to fill in the final part of the sentence in this exercise?</p>
<p>Even if __________ (and here I want you to insert the biggest objection your customers can have about your business or service).</p>
<p>So here is the complete sentence using my example: <strong>“I help retail business owners and manufacturers get more customers and sales faster and easier than they ever thought possible.”</strong></p>
<p>The sentence you create should begin the process of clarifying for you a crystal clear understanding of yourself and your business model. How your business is different from you competition and how you communicate that is the critically important first step that will lead you to success!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Focus On Communications To Increase Sales</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/focus-on-communications</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/focus-on-communications#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:18:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Retail Business Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attorney Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CPA Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Increase sales]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.2excelnow.com/?p=1188</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The key concept for small businesses is to focus on your communications is that customers do not buy products, they buy solutions and they buy benefits. They also buy value, which is more than just the price you are charging. Believing that you have to communicate price all the time is a mistake. People want [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The key concept for small businesses is to focus on your communications is that customers do not buy products, they buy solutions and they buy benefits. They also buy value, which is more than just the price you are charging.</p>
<p>Believing that you have to communicate price all the time is a mistake. People want value and it is up to you to communicate the value, the solutions, and the benefits you provide to increase sales.</p>
<p>There are two important marketing communications that are on point with this concept.</p>
<ol>
<li>Customers want the best; they want the #1 rated and the best-selling items. Why is that? Customers want to be winners and winners buy the top rated, the best in class whenever possible. It is up to you to communicate how customers are winners when they buy your products.</li>
<li>When communicating value, try using a slightly different communication tactic. Communicate the <em>savings</em> rather than just the price. Do the math for them! When you communicate the<em> savings</em> you communicate the <em>winnings</em>. Saving customers’ money is providing value, and by establishing the offerings on a value base vs. cheapest price you come out the sales winner!</li>
</ol>
<p>Every sign, card, flyer or written communications should emphasis this special value equation. Promote the value, which includes the biggest benefit or solution you provide.</p>
<p>If you are the <em>fastest</em>, then say it! Your message then supports the solution or benefit of <em>speed of service</em>.</p>
<p>If <em>product availability</em> is a solution or benefit your customers are looking for, then communicate <em>100% in stock every day</em>!</p>
<p>Communicate your strongest benefit or solution first and frame it as part of the <em>value equation</em>. Competing on price alone is a tough road.</p>
<p>Let me share another communication strategy around <em>transaction building</em>. It will have a different look and feel than gaining market share.</p>
<p>Always communicate how you are <em>different or</em> <em>better</em> than your competition. Focus on telling customers <em>why</em> they should buy from you and strive to do it in 10 seconds or less before you lose their attention!</p>
<p>Identify your <em>ideal</em> customer and learn to talk to them directly through networking, direct mail, customer loyalty programs and through on-line and social media. Talk with them by every means possible and talk to them often!</p>
<p><em>Personalize</em> your communication. Is your picture on the website? It is more impactful if they buy from Dave, rather than Direct Distributing! Many people fail to put a face on their business. Think of Dave at Wendy’s or Orville at you know where!</p>
<p>Make sure your on-line messaging and personality is the same as the physical store. They should be connected in look and feel, and also in personality. Don’t be afraid to <em>connect</em> <em>in an authentic way</em> and show your customers the personality of your company! If your customers know and like you, that is difficult to beat!</p>
<p>Let’s talk about communicating your <em>call to action</em> clearly. Most businesses fail at this because they just don’t ask for the sale! How many retailers sell vs. how many allow their customer to shop and self-select? Helping a customer find and select the product that<em> best fits</em> their solution, benefit, or problem will result in a more satisfying transaction. Whenever possible, help the customer select, rather than allowing them to self-select.</p>
<p>Lastly, direct the focus of your communication on the customer. It is great that you have been in business since 1927, but is that the <em>most important thing </em>you want your customers to know about your business? Today’s consumers care more about themselves and less about you as the retailer. Communicate your strongest benefit or solution first and then frame it as part of the <em>value equation</em>. Do that and you will increase sales and your customers will come out winners!</p>
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		<title>The 5 Week Makeover: C-Store Edition</title>
		<link>http://www.2excelnow.com/the-5-week-makeover-c-store-edition</link>
		<comments>http://www.2excelnow.com/the-5-week-makeover-c-store-edition#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:22:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Doug Hecker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Retail Business Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retail Business Sales Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[makeover]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[training]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://2excelnow.com/?p=544</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The 5 Week Makeover: C-Store Edition Massive improvement in your c-store (Convenience Store) in 5 Weeks? NO WAY! The real need for you, as a C-Store (owner, is YOU being in control of your business rather than your business being in control of you and this can change VERY, VERY quickly. You see, having a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The 5 Week Makeover: C-Store Edition</p>
<p>Massive improvement in your c-store (Convenience Store) in 5 Weeks? NO WAY!<br />
The real need for you, as a C-Store (owner, is YOU being in control of your business rather than your business being in control of you and this can change VERY, VERY quickly.<br />
You see, having a thriving C-Store is not about the location or the Plan-O-Gram or your gas price or the demographics of your business. A thriving C-Store is dependent on the one thing that a thriving chiropractic office, a thriving restaurant, a thriving coffee shop or a thriving Jet engine parts manufacturer need. And amazingly, all of these businesses that I just mentioned need the same thing to thrive.<br />
Peter Drucker, a world renowned management consultant, commented, “Since an organization has one and only one function – to attract and retain a customer, an organization only has two assets. Marketing and Innovation. Everything else is an expense.”<br />
Are you in need of innovation or marketing? Most C-Store owners think they are not. And you may not really think you are in need of additional cash. What you really want is what the additional cash gives you –<br />
• Peace of mind<br />
• Financial stability in a world of instability<br />
• A way to pay for your children’s education<br />
• A way to pay for refurbishing your store with upgraded or new equipment<br />
• A way to hire better quality workers as you have the cash flow to his them<br />
• A way to fund that fun vacation you have been dreaming about<br />
• A way to work less while making more<br />
Hi, my name is Ted Leithart. For several years, I worked in retail management for a Global 10 petroleum company that owned many retail outlets. During those years, I worked crazy hours. At times I worked up to 35 hours from the time I left for work until the time I returned home (as one tired manager!). I regularly worked 15-17-19 hours at a time when an employee called in, call in and noted they would be there (but never showed), and so on.<br />
I’m sure you can identify with this.<br />
And through it all, I substantially increased my inside sales even though two major competitors built new stores within one mile of me. What was my secret? Well, here’s what you will learn:<br />
There are dozens of strategies and hundreds if not thousands of iterations of strategies that can be used to build a business fast. But of all these, there are 5 or 6 that top all of the others…<br />
These are not the strategies that I picked out – these are the strategies that I have gleaned from 15 years of studying. While many were out enjoying their evenings at a concert, a ball game, at the bar with their friends or at a family cookout, I was reading, studying and applying these strategies to see which ones worked the best – and the quickest.<br />
In other words, by attending this seminar, you will have saved countless evenings and weekends of learning what to apply to your C-Store to make it thrive and make it flourish.<br />
You will have saved fifteen years of headaches of what doesn’t work and what does. And this is all backed to protect YOU with a money back guarantee. If you are not convinced that the insights and applications are well beyond the investment in your business that this teleseminar series is, you’ll not pay a cent.<br />
For additional details – and to register, go to www.cstoregrowthprofessor.com Click the Get Instant Access button and fill out your first name and email address (I already have most of yours). Then you can watch the videos if you haven’t already.<br />
If you have watched the videos and want to learn more details about the teleseminar series, just click the I Want More NOW button and it will take you to the page that gives you additional details.<br />
The teleseminar series begins on October 10. Stay tuned for details.</p>
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