Al Paoli ⋅ Dover, DE PositiveKASHflow ⋅ 28 years experience

Hello and thanks for your service brother...do not fret yet ActionTNT (today, not tomorrow) is paramount!

Key themes...increase Visibility & Credibility for Profitable Cash Flow (assuming pricing is not an issue) to follow over next 30-60-90 days!
1) Focus...narrow focus based on greatest demand that will yield profitable revenue - any opportunities to carve out niche (The Military Pro)!
2) Get Strategic...narrowly define Vision, Mission, USP, Values, Non-Negotiables & Goals
3) Identify Relationships..."reintroduce" the new TSPG
- past / present customers are highest priority (they already love you!)
- list all people you know then prioritize based on potential to buy now or refer you to others in their network that may buy now
4) Get YOUR Network Working Daily...leverage your circle of influence (customers, church, family, military family, community partners, etc) to build relationship referrals!
5) Block Out 20-50% / Day for Relationship Building & Customer Love!
6) Start Speaking, Writing, Blogging, Leading and Engaging Others NOW
7) Ignite Fires...tease then please (give limited stuff away) to close deals!
8) Be Remarkable 24/7...establish same day / next day service levels (reply) - meet ASAP to WOW them with Value, Differentiation and Results.

Do this for 30 days...assess and improve next 30 day plan then again for 30 days so that you build upon successes in short 90 day season of life - simplistic approach is best!

Michael Helgeson ⋅ Billings, MT ⋅ 22 years experience

Paul: The important & simple thing to remember is that there is only 3 ways to grow a business (any business).

# 1: Increase number of clients (customers)
# 2: Increase the average profit per sale
# 3: Increase the number of times a client purchases from you

I recommend you really ponder the above 3 in the form of questions about your business. The fastest way to get some cash in your business is to first figure out who your very specific market is (it is unclear on your site and needs to be in the form of a headline with sub-headline). Next figure out what makes you unique and "uncommon" from the other businesses that provide similar solutions (saying you have great quality service and low price is not sufficient-- it must be a compelling reason... "Why You?"). Next, go find out who else serves the same market that you serve and do a joint-venture with them (I'm not talking about a competitor, I'm talking about a industry that has the same types of clients you want. For example, Gyms and Karate studios are non-competing but can share same types of clients). The joint-venture partner will ideally have one or more of the following; a mailing list, newsletters, email list, blog, twitter followers, website with lots of traffic etc. They do an endorsement of your services and market your services to their list in exchange for a percentage of the sales revenues. These joint venture partners now become your sales people. They are no risk & no cost. You only pay when a sale is made. Email me and I will send you a couple of short PDF marketing books/chapters that may help you. email: michael.helgeson@yahoo.com
God Bless and thanks for your service!

Nancy Leonard ⋅ Manasquan, NJ Technology Companies/Software, IT,Mobile ⋅ 20 years experience

Hello Paul. I'd be delighted to help if I can. Please take a look at my profile. Many thanks for your service.

Nancy

Charles McGrue ⋅ U.S. Army Reserve, Captain ⋅ 21 years served

My only recommendation from looking at your website is to remove the clients piece if you don't have any. From what I can see, you have a space for clients and then state that it is under construction. Putting under construction on a website has become a negative over the years as any website that is up and running should be fully up and running from day one. Someone might disagree with that, but consider what is it saying to a potential customer/client.

If you don't have that there, they it shows that you employ client confidentiality. Having it there means you need to convince someone why they should be a client (or your first client) if you don't have any. It's like a kid trying to get their first job. They don't have the experience, but they can't get a job to develop the experience.

Hope that makes sense.
Regards...

Joe Floyd ⋅ Norfolk, VA U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

Paul: There are two books I suggest you read. They are by Norman Vincent Peele> The power of Positive thinking and Enthusiasm makes the difference. After 30 years in business, I read all the self help books and these were the best. A Chapter on Entusiasm Makes the Difference, Dr. Peele discuses Sales and how to make them happen. Nothing artificial, just good , plain common sense. The main thing is believing in your product and more importantly, YOURSELF>Get out there and promote what you have. After all no one can sell like the man with the knowledge. Good Luck,

Joe USAF

tony pezza ⋅ Point Pleasant Beach, NJ american standard businesses ⋅ 45 years experience

Hi Paul,
First let me say thanks for protecting this great nation from outside forces and the fine work all you guys have done over these so many years. Words cannot express what you and your fellow men and women have performed.

All these are good and meaningful suggestions but in the real world of offers and financial programs there are just to many to compete with. I know for a fact because I have been in business and marketing for 45 years and have transacted more than 23.000 businesses since 1975. First you have to many items and not one is explainable in detail, and what benefits will be offered to the client. I have the only 4 day seminar guarantee 100% refundable small business in the country and with full explanations plus all my videos on every social media and still having a problem to explain. Is your market corporate, or personal services, stop using tag lines and subject lines that's called theory and not substance my 2 favorite words in business. On my radio program I talk about authors that write about business success who never owned a business, again theory and not substance. What are you selling or offering is it all free, and is there a fee, is it geared to your service members and who are the contributors on your site, see what I mean not clear and understandable. I will be willing to talk to you if want and my marketing director can assist you. You can call me at 1-646-478-4796 on the air and we will open your problem to the listeners and they also can call in with their suggestions It is up to you and your schedule, the time to call is M W F 2-3 PM EST. the program is called "business talk back" and we are national broadcasters live for all businesses. Your call is welcome and your service was much appreciated. I was a small business educator for the joint bases from 2008 to 2011 and 100's of military personal have taken my course. Thanks Tony Pezza

Pam Snook ⋅ New York, NY Bloomberg ⋅ 20 years experience

Consider doing some public relations activities. People buy from people, so if you are seen as one of the smartest people in your field, you can beat out the competition. Think about doing a blog with some basic and sensible tips on common challenges - information that you can give away for free without hurting your business. Use the blog as a marketing document that you can send to prospects. Leverage this to build a data base of people you'll keep in touch with regularly (if they agree). Hope that helps and thanks for your service.

Stephanie Davis ⋅ Everett, WA U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Third Class ⋅ 6 years served

Hi Paul,
Thank you very much for your service. I hope you're hanging in there. Success only comes to those who stay in the game.
I recently came across a group of individuals who perform an analysis of business models and tailor an approach that brings the customers to you. I will request they look at your business and provide feedback that will help you get some traction in the marketplace.
You can reach me at pghnativ@gmail.com

Regards,
Stevie

Jeff babajani ⋅ Glendale, CA Calpars Wealth Management ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Paul, thank you for years of service
it' seems you need to re-visit your business plan and create recruiting sales force ( Linked-in best place), among some clarifications and usefulness of your products and services. Are you Linked-in?
feel free to send me an e-mail, calpars@hotmail.com With respect, jeff

Benny Vb ⋅ Venice, CA ⋅ 7 years experience

Hi Paul
I have some ideas you can use.
It's a bit long to type here so maybe we can get on a call to discuss.

If you're interested shoot me a private message with your cell and I'll call you :)

Talk soon mate

Ben

john finney ⋅ Palatine, IL Oce ⋅ 20 years experience

Paul, as a sales guy, I must say I agree with Derek above, I went to your web site, it is sort of busy with "what and how" you do things, not "why" or "benefits" aimed to your interested prospects visiting the site. Who can you help and why? Pose questions, such as "are your receivables unacceptable" ? Finally, there's good old fashion telephone prospecting, I'd start with local companies, aim at CFOs and owners/Pres, be brief, be sure to mention you're a Vet starting up, and know who you're target market is and go after them first, what is the "ideal" customer, what are there issues you can solve? But need to get to the right person(s), I'd re-do your web content and then drive them there, they need to realize they have a Pain that needs fixing and you can do it for them, offer a free audit on site to see their needs. Good Luck...any comments from you?

Jason Bousquet ⋅ Papillion, NE U.S. Air Force Reserve, Major ⋅ 14 years served

FYI BNI is the most widely know of these types of one per industry lead groups. Check with your chamber of commerce to see if they have their own leads group or if another 'brand' of referral groups are in your area.

Jason Bousquet ⋅ Papillion, NE U.S. Air Force Reserve, Major ⋅ 14 years served

Paul - If I'm not to late, there should be crazy markets for alt financing and accounts receivables markets. Focusing on your local market for starters, you should visit every Business Network International group in your area. Barring the chambers of commerce, these groups have the most helpful and connected business people in your community. If you make an impression, they will be your unpaid referral sales force.

If you can join one, do, but only after you get your name out there to every single BNI group in the area. If you can visit the top ones twice. Whether you can join or not, offer to substitute at the different groups to get future touches in.

It wont work overnight, but you will get known quickly by the right individuals.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Like Michael, I suggest seeking advice and mentorship from SCORE.org.

Develop a written business plan (it should include a sales & marketing plan.)

Who are your competitors? How do they generate sales?

michael convey ⋅ Camp Hill, PA jh williams Oil company ⋅ 45 years experience

I am a recently retired businessman, who attained success in both the corporate world and as entrepreneur. I have joined a government agency as a volunteer for Score, to offer my experience and skills in marketing and sales. Score offers many resources to people considering going into business for themselves and for people that are looking to improve an existing business. The counselors have experience in many fields, and are capable in assisting with developing a business plan and cash flow analysis to help evaluate the likelihood of success. Assistance such as financing the venture, analyzing your competition to determine what distinguishes your product or service from what they offer and assistance in developing a marketing plan are all provided. I recommend you consider contacting them and setting up an appointment. If you have any questions I can be reached via email at : mike.convey@aol.com