Weekend Long Run March 2, 2012

I recently sat in on a program called TechStart Essentials that TechColumbus uses as an on-boarding initaitve for companies that are interested in working with them. I usually get to say a few words on behalf of the Ohio SBDC at these events. I realized a few things as I prepared my comments for the program.

I have been doing this entreprenural and small business development thing for almost 13 years and specifically with the SBDC for 10 years. Pretty amazing.

It's hard to type on my tablet, but I guess I already knew that.

There are typically four types of people starting a business.

• Product Focused: The sun rises and sets on their product and business be damned. People will flock to the product because it is so great. LOSE
• Vision Focused: These people have a dream that has taken almost mythical proportions in their mind. Odds are that the business will never launch or grow because it can never attain the heights that the founder envisions. LOSE
• Money Focused: All they need is money and the business will be a success. Odds are that there are a number of holes in the plan that they are not addressing because they are so focused on funding. LOSE
• Execution Focused: These people are focused on what it will take to move the business forward. They focus on milestones and are efficient in the use of their funds. They recognize their strengths/weaknesses. They build their team based on needs of the business and not ego. They strive to mitigate risk, not just rush ahead. They realize they don't have all of the answers and seek support and counsel from people who have been there, done that. WIN!!!

Today's quick tip: To win the race you need to be an execution focused entrepreneur.

Now on to this weekend's business long run. Remember these are articles that I have come across this week that would be good to look at to improve your business. NOTE ~ I did go to the doctor this week and I have a case of Runner's Knee. The doctor prescribed physical therapy but did say I could run, just let the pain be my guide as to how much to run. Leaving it up to me isn't a good idea. I once had a doctor threaten to put a cast on my leg to keep me from running. I do plan to run a little this weekend to get back going and I am reading these posts:

Attain Success at The Ohio Growth Summit at OhioGrowthSummit.com ~ Shameless plug by me for my Ohio SBDC entrepreneurship event on May 24.  It will be a great event. Be sure to check it out.

How do you get people to comment on your blog? at Show + Tell by Allison Lehman ~ If you are blogging you want comments but how do you create content that will encourage interaction by the readers? Allison provides some great tips as do the people leaving comments.

Using Content Marketing to Attract BtoB Customers by Rieva Lesonsky at Grow Smart Business ~  Interesting article about how content generation fits well to how business buyers make buying decisions.

How To Get Your Staff To Take The Social Media Plunge at Chicago Business by Crain's by Gini Dietrich ~ The eternal question, how do you get employees to engage in your company's social media activities. Here are some things you should try.

Pinterest – To pin or not to pin, why even question it? by Kari Palmer at Social Media Club of Columbus ~ I'm starting to get Pinterest, are you? Check out Kari's post for help.

8 Things to Think About Before You Make Your Next Product Pitch at Read Write Enterprise ~ Tips for making any pitch for something new, such as a product idea or a project.

Be sure to get out and put in your mileage this weekend so you are ready for your business marathon.

Comments

[Gini Dietrich]

Thanks MB! Super excited to see you at the end of May!!