By Tove Rasmussen on July 1, 2011
With the internet, skype and social media, the world is small. It used to be expensive to call friends in Denmark from North America, but now it is free to e-mail or skype. This makes a virtual, global team possible. I suspect that many of the FML readers are solopreneurs, start ups and small businesses. […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on June 30, 2011
Have you ever stopped to consider a prospect’s view of your firm? Their first contact is usually with Sales. So it is of critical importance who is selling your product. Start ups and those who have been in business awhile have different issues. In a start up, I’ve heard a few owners/bottle washers say there […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on June 24, 2011
You only need one lead to make a sale, says common wisdom. However, your chances of selling increase with more leads. So, how do you generate more leads? 1. Offer compelling products and services for your customers. 2. Be compelling. Approach prospects with a view to helping, rather than making a sale. Show your enthusiasm, […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on June 22, 2011
The jungle gym is a great blend of structure and chaos. Perfect for kids. In an organization, we need that same perfect blend — the one appropriate to the company’s size. After all, we are kids at heart, right? A start up has few systems. Expenses need to be tracked. A business plan is needed […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on June 14, 2011
So your company is working hard, doing everything right, and it just isn’t growing fast enough. Well, there is the economy. The recession has slowed customer demand in most segments a lot. Still, excel in a recession and life should be even better when the economy picks up. So, the company has a competitive advantage […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on June 7, 2011
Your top sales manager has been pursuing the largest sale in history of your company. Do you want it? The company needs the sales. Of course, you will take the business. What a crazy question, you say. But do you know you have the capacity to make the order? There is nothing more damaging than […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on April 30, 2011
Even the best laid plans can go awry, and we all have tough times in business. It can be challenging to close major sales, get the growth we want, and our competitors tend to throw up obstacles. Through all this, how do you stay motivated? What works for you may not work for someone else. […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on April 29, 2011
One of the main reasons companies go out of business is for lack of cash. These companies may even be growing, successful in the market — but they run out of cash. Don’t let this happen to you. Make sure you prepare cash flow projections on a regular basis. One time of great risk is […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on April 23, 2011
The bank wants a business plan. You have collected all the information on the external environment, company strengths and weaknesses. You thoroughly understand the market and financial rationale for starting or expanding your business. Maybe that wasn’t wasted time… Now it’s time to put the plan together. Typically the business plan will start with a one […]
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By Tove Rasmussen on April 22, 2011
I just spoke with a bank manager yesterday about how his clients do not have well thought out plans for starting a business or expanding a business. So, I thought I’d help you out here. There are some standard questions the bank will ask: – Do you have experience in the industry? – Does your […]
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Tove Rasmussen, MBA, has strong background in growing small and medium-sized companies through developing and implementing effective marketing strategies, developing leaders, and expanding in emerging markets. She is educated in international development & business with strong experience in all facets of business, including over 20 years experience growing companies with up to multi-million dollar budgets.