Monday, December 21, 2009

How to Finish Strong in Your Business – Every Month

What is the # 1 priority of a business?

Aside from consistently serving its clients at the HIGHEST LEVEL, the # 1 priority of a business is to generate revenue, and be profitable. Often times however, business owners tend to focus on activities that give them the false sense of “being busy” but do nothing –or, do little - to contribute to their revenue, and profits.
They get side-tracked. It’s easy to get side-tracked. We are living in a busy world.

So, the question is...

How can you close strong in your business – every month? By focusing on what is most important, every single day. Here are four steps that can help you stay on track:

Step One: Set a challenging revenue / production goal that you want to achieve every month. Be clear and specific.

Step Two: Define the most important action steps that you need to take in order to make your goal happen. Take action!

Step Three: Put your goal and action steps in writing immediately, and post them everywhere. Track your progress daily.

Step Four: Celebrate the achievement of your goal. You deserve it!

You can FINISH STRONG in your business every month by focusing on what is most important, every single day.

George Haralampopoulos is a business strategist that supports decisive business owners achieve breakthroughs. For more information visit www.GrowthStrategies4U.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Franklin joins the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber - Now 6 Communities Strong

I am pleased to announce that after 62 years of serving the Birmingham Bloomfield area the Chamber is expanding. We have extended our reach and resources to include the Village of Franklin and its business community. Now six communities strong, the Chamber plays a vital role as the lead business advocate in Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and now Franklin.

As a neighboring community with a growing business district, it was a natural fit to include Franklin as one of the served communities. Our complete range of services help build strong relationships with government, education and community to create a prosperous business climate for all of our communities. For Franklin and its businesses this means additional local awareness and support to further strengthen its events, foot traffic and overall visibility.
Today Franklin is home to more than 40 businesses, including designers, architects, attorneys, medical professionals, unique boutiques, jewelers, a fine restaurant and a gourmet market. The local merchants have a tradition of being welcoming and helpful. Current Chamber members in the Village of Franklin include The Franklin Grill and Tavern, Franklin Village Tea Room, Smile Builders of Franklin, TTX Ingenuity, LLC and the Village of Franklin.

The Village of Franklin possesses an enduring charm. In the 1830s it was a prosperous trading community that serviced the many scattered farms located in Southfield Township. When Birmingham became a railroad stop, Franklin settled back to enjoy a quiet existence as a country crossroad. Over time Franklin became a sought after retreat from the hustle and bustle of the growing Metro Detroit area. Currently, the Village of Franklin provides a sense of country living with all the amenities of city life.

On behalf of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Board of Directors, its members and volunteers I want to officially welcome the Village of Franklin and its business community to our Chamber. With more than 30 events per year, numerous business education and exposure opportunities, we invite Franklin's business community to jump in, get involved and reap the benefits of belonging to a larger business organization. We are excited and proud to begin 2010 with our newest partner - the Village of Franklin.

Fun Facts about the Historic Village of Franklin

•Founded in 1825, current size is 2.7 square miles with a population of 2,937.

•Current “Franklinites” are proud to live in “The Town the Time Forgot.”

•Village of Franklin walking tour includes approximately 40 businesses.

•Franklin Cider Mill was built in the 1830s by Peter Van Every.

•There is a strong sense of community with active groups and associations.

The Village of Franklin office is located in the historic Broughton House 32325 Franklin Road in downtown Franklin. Visit www.franklin.mi.us or call (248) 626-9666 for more information.

Carrie Zarotney is president of the Birmingham Blommfield chamber.