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January 25, 2020
LESSONS LEARNED FROM NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL - BUSINESS SUCCESSION & RETIREMENT PLANNING 101
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
What follows is an uncut, unfettered, non grammatical, politically incorrect splicing of my thoughts immediately following the NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL - BUSINESS SUCCESSION & RETIREMENT PLANNING 101
The percentage of businesses that successfully transition to the next generation:
30% of businesses to the 2nd generation
12% to the 3rd generation
3% to the 4th generation
When you consider what this means practically speaking, this represents an epic loss of wealth. For example, let’s take a business that consistently generates $50,000 a year in revenues for example. A business succession plan is put into place that accounts for the reality that the kids may not want to operate it, but they’re ok with managing it, or owning it.
- Over the course of 20 years that’s $1,000,000
- Invest 50k annually into an asset that gives you a 5% return = 1,653,563
- Over the course of 40 years that is $2,000,000
- Invest 50k annually, 5% return = $6,341,988
- Over the course of 80 years that is $4,000,000
- 5% = $50,989,513
You see where this is going right? It’s enough to make you sick to the stomach when you’re a former investment advisor operating in the B2B space, and speaking with business owners who are so nonchalant about putting a business succession plan in place. No this simple illustration doesn’t account for taxes….
BUT, It doesn’t account for capital re-investments, and it doesn’t account for what the numbers look like at the 3rd and 4th generation either.
This is what I’m thinking every time I’m sitting in front of a small business owner, with an even smaller vision. The impact of not having a business succession plan is disastrous.
HELLO FELLOW ENTREPRENEURS 100% OF US ARE GOING TO DIE.
WHY IS ARE BUY SELL AGREEMENTS AND KEY PERSON AGREEMENTS IMPORTANT?
It costs 250% of a key employee’s salary to find a replacement. Wow.
When you’re first starting out in business, your key employees are your system. They are invaluable.
Some would say they can’t afford to pay their key employees more…. However compensation can take many forms. If you’re saying these things, you’re not being creative or thoughtful enough. Also, if you want to truly own or build a business (something that functions independently of you), you cannot afford not to invest in your key employees.
Additional documents that banks and investors look for to determine the stability of your business. https://www.catchjsbuford.com/2019/10/business-origination-documents.html
You can make a lot of money and be a bad business owner. I’ve seen this a million times. An entrepreneur that knows how to generate revenues, but won’t onboard employees or potential partners who are superior to them in some area; refuses to invest in a business plan, origination documents (operating agreements, NDAs & confidentiality agreements, non-circumvents, or actual contracts), because they must focus on the bottom-line.
AND WHAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE? ARE YOU BUILDING A JOB / CONTINUAL HAMSTER WHEEL FOR YOURSELF, OR BUILDING A BUSINESS?
No systems. No key employees. No business. Or they don’t want to give up any ownership. Ok. What do you want? 10% of a 25 million dollar company or 100% of $100,000 that you have to toil 24/7 around the clock to keep afloat?
Book Recommendation. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Documents that you should view as frequently as you view your bank account statements:
Cash Flow Statement
Balance Sheet
Income Statement
Borrowing from family to start a business is a problem (especially if they need their money back); because the ROI on a business typically isn’t going to come back right away.
Estate Planning for Business Owners. What does it address? Why is it a Priority?
What happens in the event of death, disability?
Especially as it relates to ownership? Don’t assume.
Who is going to be responsible for dividing things up?
How are things going to be divided?
If you best friend, business partner, brother dies, do you really want to have to make decisions with his absent wife and four children?
What if you have three children:
Child 1: is a knucklehead.
Child 2: wants to be an artist or teacher, and has no interest in the business at all.
Child 3: was parroting your sales pitch perfectly by four years of age, and by age 13, was generating more prospects per week for the business than you are.
Should each child really have equal say so, and receive equal interests in the business?
RULES TO LIVE BY:
Have a professional (an estate planning attorney) build the estate plan
Have witnesses, and put everything in writing
Don’t delay on the plan. No one rehearses funerals.
A couple slides to take note of.
JuJuan Buford is a Detroit native, entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of JSB Business Solutions Group, business development professional, and writer dedicated to helping families, entrepreneurs, and business owners establish thriving enterprises, achieve financial independence, and build lives of satisfaction.
IS THERE MORE? YES! Join my email group to receive my best stuff!! Continue to Learn & Grow
Desire a free initial consultation? Schedule Your Initial Consultation Here
Follow him online here:
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/linkedinpublicprofilejujuanbuford
Twitter: @JSBUFORD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchjsbuford/
YouTube: http://bit.ly/catchjsbufordatyoutube
January 07, 2020
WE'RE ALL ABOUT GROWING YOUR BUSINESS - NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL IS JUST NINE DAYS AWAY!!!
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
Learn More About Projects, Articles, Events, & Other Really Cool Stuff I'm
Working On to Support Entrepreneurs @ https://www.catchjsbuford.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
BUSINESS SUCCESSION & RETIREMENT PLANNING 101 for BUSINESS OWNERS
What is Business Succession Planning? Why is it Important?
What is the role of a will, trust, operating and partnership agreements for small business owners?
What is a buy sell agreement? And how can it help me retain my best employees and help me sell my business for a profit, or create retirement income?
What is a cash flow statement and balance sheet have to do with how to valuate my business?
Can you believe we're not going to get out of this game called life alive? What happens next? How can my business create generational wealth?
What role does tax planning play in my business succession planning?
AND MORE.......
Learn More & Register at http://bit.ly/nextoppsocialbusiness_succession
We know being an entrepreneur can be lonely sometimes. Where do you go for camaraderie, support, or just the opportunity to engage a willing sounding board for ideas. Let’s face it, with all the changing demographics and landscapes, there seems to be less and less watering holes or spaces for entrepreneurs to congregate together and have stimulating conversations; enjoy live coaching from business experts or gain insights from up and coming entrepreneurs. And ultimately, that is what NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL is about; building social and business ties; and promoting opportunities to promote and learn from established and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
We are inspired by a simple, yet empowering philosophy that change can occur when people are equipped with the tools to exercise agency in their lives. We provide a space for entrepreneurs to build, grow, and scale their enterprises: providing networking opportunities and ACTIONABLE CONTENT to use to build thriving enterprises.
START 2020 WITH MOMENTUM & REGISTER @ THIS EVENTBRITE LINK
#entrepreneurshipisempowerment
JuJuan Buford, Business Development Officer
248.560.7564 / [email protected]
My Personal Profile: http://bit.ly/linkedinpublicprofilejujuanbuford
Website: https://thebufordco.com/
Learn More About Projects, Articles, Events, & Other Really Cool Stuff We're
Working On to Support Entrepreneurs @ https://www.catchjsbuford.
December 28, 2019
NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL - BUSINESS SUCCESSION & RETIREMENT PLANNING 101
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
About this Event
ARE YOU READY FOR WHAT'S NEXT in 2020!?
We'll be covering the following topics:
What is Business Succession Planning? Why is it Important?
What is the role of a will, trust, operating and partnership agreements for small business owners?
What is a buy sell agreement? And how can it help me retain my best employees and help me sell my business for a profit, or create retirement income?
What is a cash flow statement and balance sheet have to do with how to valuate my business?
Can you believe we're not going to get out of this game called life alive? What happens next? How can my business create generational wealth?
What role does tax planning play in my business succession planning?
AND MORE.......
Learn More & Register @ http://bit.ly/nextoppsocialbusiness_succession
Being an entrepreneur can be lonely sometimes. Where do you go for camaraderie, support, or just the opportunity to engage a willing sounding board for ideas. We are committed to providing a space for stimulating conversation; live coaching from business experts; building social and business ties; coupled with opportunities to promote and learn about various business endeavors.
We are inspired by a simple, yet empowering philosophy that change can occur when people are equipped with the tools to exercise agency in their lives. We provide a space for entrepreneurs to build, grow, and scale their enterprises: providing networking opportunities and ACTIONABLE CONTENT to use to build thriving enterprises.
WHAT'S EVEN BETTER?
This entrepreneurial endeavor is being curated by actual entrepreneurs and business owners who as a collective bring over 40 years of experience across a diversity of markets, disciplines, and real world experiences. They've done it and are continuing to build thriving businesses online and offline.
Learn More About > Michael Sharber
Learn More About > Terrence Quinn
Learn More About > JuJuan Buford
YOU'RE THE BEST THING ABOUT WHAT WE DO!
ACTIONABLE CONTENT
We are inspired by a simple, yet empowering philosophy that change can occur when people are equipped with the tools to exercise agency in their lives. We provide a space for entrepreneurs to build, grow, and scale their enterprises: providing networking opportunities and ACTIONABLE CONTENT to use to build thriving enterprises.
JuJuan Buford is a Detroit native, entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of JSB Business Solutions Group, business development professional, and writer dedicated to helping families, entrepreneurs, and business owners establish thriving enterprises, achieve financial independence, and build lives of satisfaction.
Follow him online here:
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/linkedinpublicprofilejujuanbuford
Twitter: @JSBUFORD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchjsbuford/
YouTube: http://bit.ly/catchjsbufordatyoutube
How to Grow from 0 Prospects to Over 3000 Referrals - Part 2
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
Audio Prospecting Training > CATCHJSBUFORD - Episode 52
Thank You for taking the time to visit CATCHJSBUFORD!
I believe entrepreneurship empowerment. The impact of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem is apparent at every level in our communities, nationally, regionally, locally, and in our households. And while everyone may not be ready to make the leap, everyone can benefit from a more entrepreneurial mindset.... and we simply need more.
I started this site out of belief that change can occur when people are equipped with the tools to exercise agency in their lives. And what better way to curate a life of satisfaction and fulfillment, than to build an enterprise/s that allow you to spend more time doing things that edify you, give you energy, and provides the means to live a purpose driven life.
As usual we’ll be sharing some actionable content to help fellow entrepreneurs and listeners to level up. The topic I’m going to be covering today involves a prospecting strategy I learned approximately 20 years ago, and have applied periodically throughout my entrepreneurial journey; when I’ve needed to quickly build up my prospecting funnel, break into new markets, or when I’ve felt kinda of stale or dead in the water.
- No network. No problem.
- No previous sales training. Not a problem, really.
- Need to break into a new market. Listen intently.
- Feeling stuck, stale, and bored with your current prospects. Listen intently, and act immediately.
- Not sure what direction or market you should focus on. Challenge solved.
- You were inconveniently dropped off in a city, with no family, friends, or acquaintances. We gotcha.
Whether you’re a new to prospecting and sales or an experienced professional or entrepreneurial this is a strategy has served me well, and others who’ve adopted this approach.
Read the full article @ https://www.catchjsbuford.com/2019/12/lessons-learned-from-the-how-to-grow-from-0-prospects-to-over-3000-referrals-in-3-months-workshop.html
JuJuan Buford is a Detroit native, entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of JSB Business Solutions Group, business development professional, and writer dedicated to helping families, entrepreneurs, and business owners establish thriving enterprises, achieve financial independence, and build lives of satisfaction.
Follow him online here:
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/linkedinpublicprofilejujuanbuford
Twitter: @JSBUFORD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchjsbuford/
YouTube: http://bit.ly/catchjsbufordatyoutube
December 05, 2019
Lessons Learned From the How to Grow from 0 Prospects to Over 3000 Referrals in 3 Months Workshop
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
What follows is an uncut, unfettered, non grammatical, politically incorrect splicing of my thoughts immediately following the How to Grow from 0 Prospects to Over 3000 Referrals in 3 Months Next Opportunity Social workshop.
A couple of quick takeaways that were shared with me from workshop attendees, November 19, 2019, along with some insights combed from my mind while facilitating the workshop. Did you know for every thought that is articulated, many public speakers have a 1000 thoughts go their minds?
SPEAK WITH, NOT AT YOUR AUDIENCE
How many talks have you attended whereas the speaker began outlining their resume of achievements, and within the first 5 - 10 minutes people are in their cell phones, filing out to head to the bathroom (waste another 10 minutes on their cell phones in the hall)? And then began to dictate to their audience how they should behave if they want the same results.
Make yourself human. Be Nicole the waiter. John the carpenter. Erica the retail store salesperson. Aaron the car washer. Or Jamie the bank teller. Find common ground right from the beginning. Be someone that the audience can identify with. Be thankful for their time. And then launch into how the information and insights changed your life, and came to save the day. How it can change theirs. Take them on a journey.
LIFE IS 90% ATTITUDE. OK, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
We have all these axioms that get thrown around. Life lesson quips. And we pretend to know what they mean. It allows us to feel part of the culture, environment, blend in. So people can be comfortable around us. I digress. But not really.
The life is 90% attitude axiom should be amended to, life is 90% positive expectation. People can hear your positive expectation in your voice, and the words you choose, for example. Aren't these two sentences basically saying the same thing.
Can I send you some information to look at if you have time, and follow up when you have a moment for me?
If I were to forward some information to you, when do you believe you'll get around to viewing or listening to it? Great, so if I follow up with you on that day, you will have viewed it by then. Thank you so much for your time, I look forward to your feedback on that day or time, and being of service to you.
Two people of equal skills, talents, educational training, and know how, attire, well kept appearances, walk out the door in the morning. Or let's be honest. Within the first 30 minutes of their waking and moving thoughts. One believes the day is going to be incredible, they know gravity is real, so everything good that happens is a blessing. Every positive moment is a success stories. And they're about to collect a lot of success stories today. The other believes the day is going to be ok. They brace themselves for the bs.com that awaits them. Another day, another dollar. Let's go to work.
They're both going to find what they're looking for. Because your attitude (the inside) does determine your outlook. What you find, gravitate to, pull to you, and entertain all day long. Both people are right.
In other words scripts are important. Prepared elevator pitches are important. Sales pitches are important. Telephone scripts are important. Don't be lazy in language. Words do have power. However, know that people are paying closer attention to the energy and positivity of what articulating more than anything else. People live hellish lives. They're dumped on at work. They're endure terrible customer service experiences all day. Rude phone calls. Bill collectors. They come home, and their spouses are giving them the business. Their children give them the business. Their supervisor or the owner, text messages them or sends a nasty email, then they watch constantly negative news before they go to sleep.
Be a walking, talking, moving emotional and psychological defibrillator. People need to literally be charged with positivity and enthusiasm, in order to wake them out of their funks. When they pick up the phone, they are often times on auto-pilot, falling into daily rehearsed, habitual responses, and reactions. The way you cut through the malaise, is for them to hear and feel your smile and positive expectation over the phone.
GOOD FORM IS IMPORTANT
FORM = Family. Occupation. Recreation. Motivation.
Don't make the mistake most people make when meeting someone for the first time (or anytime for that matter), at networking events, or sitting across the table and starting up random banter.
Especially, when meeting someone for the first time, make every attempt to FORM them before you begin ticking off all the reasons why you and your stuff are so interesting. If you are able to start a conversation and the business owner or entrepreneurs shares two of the four topics, they are going to like you. If you're able to collect four of the four topics, they're going to do business with you, sooner or later. They're going to remember your next call. Accept your next lunch appointment, or respond favorably to the next invitation.
Business owners and entrepreneurs are bombarded with sales pitches, the latest greatest business idea, and a million other "buying opportunities" all day, everyday. It's very rare that someone genuinely takes an interest in them, the person, and takes the time to understand why they're in business, what they want their business to provide for them and their families, and what they desire to happen 5 to 10 years from now.
If you FORM a person, they will have divulged almost all the things that of greatest importance. And if you can help the achieve or reach the things that are of greatest import. Now you have a client and a brand ambassador for life. Assuming you don't make a bonehead decision later to mess it up.
As an aside, one you reach 50 prospects, you're going to need to invest in a CRM. You can't afford a CRM you say. You can't afford not to invest in a good customer relationship manager.
THE FORTUNE IS IN THE FOLLOW UP
As a general rule, you should ask for the sale or attempt to make contact 7 times. After the first attempt to reach them verbally, I may call back the following day. Then I may follow up via voicemail or text 2 business days later; then 3 business days later with an email, then weekly for a couple weeks with a combination thereof; then monthly for a quarter; then the prospect ends up in some type of automated funnel whereas they begin to receive related content.
To this day, the majority of my clients have come from the 6th or 7th attempt to contact them. The challenge is most people stop attempting to reach someone on the 3rd or 4th attempt. That's like asking turning over 47 cards of a deck, giving up, leaving the opportunity open for someone else to follow you, turn over a couple more cards, and claim the 4 aces you've been digging for.
First rule of business: do no harm.
Second rule. Your customers are your bosses.
When you gain the customer, your just at the beginning. If you want them to convert to a client - someone who repeatedly patronizes you, and becomes a brand ambassador - you must follow through and create and confirm a success story. Confirm the delivery of your services/products. Confirm the receipt of said services. Confirm the use of it, and a happy outcome.
Here's the reality, this is not excellent client services. It's just kinda ok. Be kinda ok, or better and the super-majority of people will gladly refer to you. This is a key recipe for endless referrals.
Also, be clear about who your target market is. Know how to classify your prospects. Trust, 90% of business owners have no idea who their target market is. Be a laser, rather than a light bulb. Know the buyer persona better than you know the back of your hand.
HOW TO WIN ON LINKEDIN
Im not a social media guru. I don't have a 1000 likes per day. I have a good audience of 20k on Linkedin. I'm not Mr. popularity. But i do average approximately 5 appointments (opportunities under favorable conditions to present my value proposition) per week, on a slow week. And I don't live on social media. I'm an entrepreneur. Meaning I learn stuff. I build stuff. I evaluate and review my results. And I share stuff. Eat the fruit and spit out the seed.
How did I build this following? I've bought 100% into a philosophy Tim Ferriss espouses in Tools of Titans, regarding building an audience of 3000 fans. And the philosophy outlined by Gary Vaynerchuk in Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World.
Now, for one of the two key ingredients to the secret sauce required to go from 0 prospects to 3000 referrals in less than 3 months.
Admittedly, I floundered on social media for quite some time until I began to ask the following questions and an initial statement I share with every single person I meet on Linkedin. It hurts my heart to give this way, OMG! it's been so potent for me.
Hello Ms. Halle Berry. I use LinkedIn to network with professionals and entrepreneurs who are pursuing time freedom, financial independence, and desire to make a difference. I look forward to learning about what is most important to you professionally.
I transition into a very, very brief statement further clarifying how I serve people. Then, I follow up with:
Ms. Kerry Washington, if you don't mind me inquiring....
- What is most important to you professionally? What are you taking aim at, at this stage of your business?
- What is a challenge I may be able to help you overcome? How may I be of service to you?
- Who can I introduce you to?
Before, I spill what I do specifically. How much my stuff costs. Why I'm better than the competition. Etc., etc., etc., I'm unrelenting and polite about asking, what is it that you need to level up in your endeavors. I'm transparent. More interested in their goals, then selling them something.
There is another component to this. (You didn't attend, so you'll have to wait until elaborate upon this in a separate post).
Here is an overarching philosophy I share frequently as well to help new start ups in particular.
THE NUMBER ONE STRATEGY THAT I EMPLOYED TO GROW FROM 0 PROSPECTS TO 3000 REFERRALS
This is the bonus track. That I will be attaching to this post within the next 48 hours. I considered typing it out, but this post was supposed to be a small plate recap. It's about to turn into a dissertation. And after a multitude of requests, I'm going to provide the audio instead. Here's a clue, I call this strategy the Columbo approach. Come back in 48 hours........
You mad. Come to the next event.
HERE IS THE BONUS: Audio Prospecting Training > CATCHJSBUFORD - Episode 52
In an effort to curate and deliver events and initiatives that are salient, important, useful, and serve your interests, needs, expectations, WE NEED YOUR HELP!! This is your opportunity to TELL US what topics and content are of most import to YOU. That's right, YOU are being invited to be a fellow curator of the NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL experience.
Please fill this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous, unless you desire otherwise)
START BY CLICKING THIS LINK - SURVEY
JuJuan Buford is a Detroit native, entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of JSB Business Solutions Group, business development professional, and writer dedicated to helping families, entrepreneurs, and business owners establish thriving enterprises, achieve financial independence, and build lives of satisfaction.
Follow him online here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jujuan-buford-25997a2a
Follow JuJuan Buford on Twitter: @JSBUFORD
Learn, Ask Questions, Review Actionable Content at: https://www.facebook.com/catchjsbuford/
November 24, 2019
YOU Are the Best Thing About We Do & We Need Your Opinion. Will YOU Help Us?
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
Thank YOU for participating with NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL. We hope that you had as much fun attending as we did organizing it.
At the end of the day............IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!
YOU the aspiring or established entrepreneur are the best and most important thing about what we do.
In an effort to curate and deliver events and initiatives that are salient, important, useful, and serve your interests, needs, expectations, WE NEED YOUR HELP!! This is your opportunity to TELL US what topics and content are of most import to YOU. That's right, YOU are being invited to be a fellow curator of the NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL experience.
Please fill this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous, unless you desire otherwise)
START BY CLICKING THIS LINK - SURVEY
JuJuan Buford is a Detroit native, entrepreneur, business development professional, and writer dedicated to helping families, entrepreneurs, and business owners establish thriving enterprises, achieve financial independence, and build lives of satisfaction.
Follow him online here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jujuan-buford-25997a2a
Follow JuJuan Buford on Twitter: @JSBUFORD
Learn, Ask Questions, Review Actionable Content at: https://www.facebook.com/catchjsbuford/
November 03, 2019
October 21, 2019
How to Grow from 0 Prospects to Over 3000 Referrals in 3 Months
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
REGISTER @ http://bit.ly/growfrom0prospectsto3000referrals
Trouble getting started;
You've ran out of people to talk to, and need to rebuild your sales funnel;
You’re suffering from anxiety about how to approach people; or
You’ve compiled this huge stack of business cards, and not sure how to follow up; or
Social media is not really your thing, specifically LinkedIn;
We know that being an entrepreneur can be lonely sometimes. Where do you go for camaraderie, support, or just the opportunity to engage a willing sounding board for ideas? We are committed to providing a space for stimulating conversation; live coaching from business experts; building social and business ties; coupled with opportunities to promote and learn about various business endeavors.
Welcome to NEXT OPPORTUNITY SOCIAL!!!
Learn about inexpensive (money is tight) strategies & tactics that work when initially launching your business. And other practical approaches to engage prospects and build relationships.
What you can expect to learn
-
How to Transition from Cold Market to Warm Market
-
How to Build Your Network from Zero to 3,000 prospects in less than 3 months
-
How to use LinkedIn to Build Your Prospecting Funnel
-
How to Network a Room & Set an Appointment Shortly Thereafter
-
How to Cold Call Effectively (It's Your Punishment for Not Asking for Referrals)
-
Etcetera..............
WHAT'S EVEN BETTER?
This entrepreneurial endeavor is being curated by actual entrepreneurs and business owners who as a collective bring over 20 years of experience across a diversity of markets, disciplines, and real-world experiences. They've done it and are continuing to build thriving businesses online and offline.
Learn More About > JuJuan Buford
ACTIONABLE CONTENT
We are inspired by a simple, yet empowering philosophy that change can occur when people are equipped with the tools to exercise agency in their lives. We provide a space for entrepreneurs to build, grow, and scale their enterprises: providing networking opportunities and ACTIONABLE CONTENT to use to build thriving enterprises.
http://bit.ly/growfrom0prospectsto3000referrals
JuJuan Buford is a Detroit native, entrepreneur, business development professional, and writer dedicated to helping families, entrepreneurs, and business owners establish thriving enterprises, achieve financial independence, and build lives of satisfaction.
Follow him online here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jujuan-buford-25997a2a
Follow JuJuan Buford on Twitter: @JSBUFORD
Learn, Ask Questions, Review Actionable Content at: https://www.facebook.com/catchjsbuford/
October 14, 2019
Lessons Learned From the Building Your Brand Workshop hosted by Rachele Wilson
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
What follows is an uncut, unfettered, non grammatical, politically correct splicing of my thoughts immediately following the Building Your Brand - Grow From Ideation to Launching Your Business workshop with Rachele Wilson, digital marketing trainer and strategist, and CEO of Wright Outcomes.
A couple of quick takeaways from last Tuesdays event.
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS ARE TOOLS
Just like a hammer. However, if you don’t swing it at something, or know how to use it, you’re not going to get much work done. And just like anything else, there will be a learning curve. In other words you may suck for a period of time, and that is part of the process. The most important thing you can do is get started.
Facebook - Engage Them
Instagram - Get To Know Them
LinkedIn - Educate Them
Pinterest - Share With Them
YouTube - Show Them
You can't get dirty and look good at the same time. Just do the dirt.
IDENTIFYING WHO YOU SERVE
You’ve launched your labor of love. You’re passionate about what you do. You’re confident that everyone who learns about what you do, will be just as enthralled as you. Nope. Or you have a product or service that you believe a particular demographic will find attractive, and instead you find yourself servicing a different client base then you expected. It happens. Or, you find out, you’re really not sure what your selling. It happens more frequently than you think.
What is the difference between a $700 grandfather clock and a $5,000 grandfather clock? What is the difference between a 2 cent paperclip and a $1,000 + paperclip? Lol? The materials and time spent to craft such things? Perhaps. The end user’s perspective regarding the value of the service or product? That would be a yes. Your willingness to lean in, and unabashedly ask for, and root out what the market believes your wares are worth, and get out of your own head? Bingo.
https://www.tiffany.com/accessories/desk/everyday-objects-18k-gold-paper-clip-bookmark-35917179/
Understanding who your ideal customer really is, or what many refer to as your buyer persona is critical. It doesn’t mean you dismiss potential clients, but know who is already seeking or predisposed to patronize you, don’t need much in the way of education regarding your value proposition, and can easily afford your services. Your branding, marketing and prospecting techniques, and how you execute your client services should all be geared to attract and retain your ideal client.
Besides, not being willing to do the work. This unarguably kills a small business faster than anything else.
FACTS TELL & STORIES SELL: THE SUCCESS STORY
Here is a great format to follow.
- What does your idea client look like? What is their challenge before they met you?
- How did/does your service or product save the day?
- What does your idea client look like, sound like, how has their lives been changed as a result of knowing you or what you do?
By the way, if you’re concerned about what to post, and do you have time? It’s because you’re thinking too hard about it.
Share the success stories. Share the process of creating - the product, prepping to deliver the services, the sweat equity put into delivering - the deliverables. Share the excitement, exhaustion, elation, epic failures, and the end result of the happy client. If you’re doing the work, you’ll never run out of stuff to post.
PEEL BACK THE ONION – TELL YOUR STORY
In a world of curated lives. The constant stream of steak and egg, trips to little known vacation destinations, grape juice, celebration of our best lives pics. People want to know if you’re real. Do you really have the academic chops or are you studied? Are you really passionate about what you do, or is this just here to part me with my money? Do you have the experience, or access to the experience. What inspires you, because I’m also looking for inspiration.
Are you creating emotional attachment?
This is a Budweiser commercial, curated by VeynarMedia. But is it?
People don’t buy the chocolate chip cookies because they’re cookies. They buy the cookies because of the love that is cooked inside. Until your wares are branded, you’re the brand. If you’re being your authentic self, and you’re not an offensive SSOB, you’ll be ok.
And remember, TONE, is important too. That was one of the biggest gems for me personally.
CHOOSE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY? ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Don’t get it twisted. In order to stay relevant, you must be present. The more regularly people are exposed to you, it’s like priming the pump, baking the popcorn, bringing that prospect one step closer to FEELING more familiar with you, and being willing to do business with you.
However, identify 3-5 topics that capture who you are, what you do, and why you’re doing it. And consistently drive messaging about these 3-5 topics across all the social media platforms you’re employing. In the beginning, concentrate on the platform that gives you the most traction, and then spread out to the other platforms.
Don’t be all over the place. Keep your messaging as consistent as possible.
“SOCIAL MEDIA IS INTENDED TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS.” - Rachele Wilson
Nothing else needs be said.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TOOLS & TACTICS THAT ARE WORKING PRESENTLY? CAN I GET THE WORKBOOK, AFTER THE FACT?
You should have come. Be checking for the next one. We’re evolving. Changing. And only going to get better. So keep your eyes peeled for the next, NEXT Opportunity Social in your neighborhood. By the way, Rachele is the real deal, Evander Holyfield. Down to earth. Truthful. Gritty, with a nice splash of lemon juice and honey.
THE BEST COMPLIMENT WE COULD EVER RECEIVE.
One of the attendees uttered the following words.... I may have gotten the sequence wrong.
“This was really good. I can tell you are really doing it. Experienced at this.”
When I heard those words repeatedly shared from attendees, all the other stuff didn’t matter anymore. Our goal is to put our clients (those in the audience) in front of people who have done something other than read a book, watched a YouTube video, received a bunch of recognition from well-connected friends. We are about actionable content. Introducing people who are about the entrepreneurial life and are living it: learners, doers, evaluators, sharers, elevators.
It’s about informative, actionable content. YOU, the most important thing, about what we do. Leaving more informed, but also ready, willing, and in a comfortable place to execute.
We believe entrepreneurship is empowerment, and while everyone isn’t ready. We don’t need everyone to be an entrepreneur, although we can benefit from a more entrepreneurial mindset. We simply need more entrepreneurs making a living and making a difference.
JuJuan Buford is a Detroit native, entrepreneur, business development professional, and writer dedicated to helping families, entrepreneurs, and business owners establish thriving enterprises, achieve financial independence, and build lives of satisfaction.
Follow him online here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jujuan-buford-25997a2a
Follow JuJuan Buford on Twitter: @JSBUFORD
Learn, Ask Questions, Review Actionable Content at: https://www.facebook.com/catchjsbuford/
September 14, 2019
Building Your Brand - Grow From Ideation to Launching Your Business
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
REGISTER @ http://bit.ly/buildingyourbrandideationvsexecution
TIME TO HIT THE GO BUTTON & GROW!
Have a Business Idea & You're Ready to Turn the Corner?
Need Help Curating Your 2 Minute Elevator Pitch?
Need Help Crafting Your Origination Story?
Want to Know What Social Media Platform is Most Suitable for Your Business?
Want to Know How to Pivot from Enjoying Vanity Statistics to Actually Acquiring Customers via Your Online Branding?
Desire to Learn How to Identify Your Audience, How to Show Up, & How Often to Show Up for your Audience?
& MORE............
Being an entrepreneur can be lonely sometimes. Where do you go for camaraderie, support, or just the opportunity to engage a willing sounding board for ideas. We are committed to providing a space for stimulating conversation; live coaching from business experts; building social and business ties; coupled with opportunities to promote and learn about various business endeavors.
We are inspired by a simple, yet empowering philosophy that change can occur when people are equipped with the tools to exercise agency in their lives. We provide a space for entrepreneurs to build, grow, and scale their enterprises: providing networking opportunities and ACTIONABLE CONTENT to use to build thriving enterprises.
YOU'RE THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS!!
What Can You Expect to Learn From this Workshop?
What branding is in 2019 - and what it isn't?
How to articulate a clear branding statement?
How to tell a clear story?
How to and where to show up for your audience?
Workbooks & guides will be provided to help you put everything you learn into practice, with guides and checklists to help you continue to level up offline and online.
WHAT'S EVEN BETTER?
This entrepreneurial endeavor is being curated by actual entrepreneurs and business owners who as a collective bring over 40 years of experience across a diversity of markets, disciplines, and real world experiences. They've done it and are continuing to build thriving businesses online and offline.
Learn More About > Rachele Wright
Learn More About > Inglish Reed-Jones
Learn More About > JuJuan Buford
REGISTER @ http://bit.ly/buildingyourbrandideationvsexecution
LEARN MORE OR DESIRE TO BE A PROGRAM SPONSOR @ http://bit.ly/nextopportunitysocialsponsorship
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