Archive for the 'Entrepreneurship' Category

The Art of the Business Lunch; Building Relationships Between 12 And 2, by Robin Jay

Posted by Dan Janal, Your Fearless PR LEADER | April 2nd, 2008

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Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Anyone in sales or ANY relationship-based business, whether you’re an interior designer, franchise owner, manager, etc.

Q: What is the book about?
A: When you introduce a social aspect into your business relationships, it works to bond you with your clients, elevating the relationship to a higher, more intimate level. The book stresses the importance of building solid relationships, then shares how to do that productively. Sharing a meal is a great way to get to know someone and become friendly—people prefer to do business with people they like.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: After hosting more than 3,000 client lunches, I saw my sales increase by more than 2,000%, Because I appreciated the value of lunch done right, I was often booked out for lunch up to three or four weeks in advance. My clients started calling me “The Queen of the Business Lunch.”

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: While there are many books on the topic of building strong business relationships, my book is the first one that shares the importance of breaking bread with clients as a means of building more productive relationships. Plus, my book covers the nuts-and-bolts of how to accomplish one’s lunchtime goals. Everything in the book also applies to breakfasts, dinners and networking events; there are chapters that cover networking events, the job interview business lunch (a growing trend) and do’s and don’ts: from being prepared for casual conversation to whether or not it’s okay to drink alcohol in front of clients.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: It has been sold in TEN languages worldwide. It seems EVERYONE wants to know how to do a business lunch the RIGHT way!

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The 51 Fatal Business Errors And How To Avoid Them, By Jim Muehlhausen

Posted by Dan Janal, Your Fearless PR LEADER | March 31st, 2008

Pitch reporters with our up-to-date media databases:

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Small Business Owners

Q: What is the book about?
A: As a business coach, after 3,000 live one-on-one sessions, I found many commonalities in the mistakes business owner’s make to limit their success. I spent the last 4 year formulating these lessons into The 51 Fatal Business Errors. Each error contains a detailed description of the error, a real-world example (after all, business owners learn from stories), and the recommended solution. Unlike many theory-filled books, 51 Errors focuses on meaningful action needed to take a business to the “next level.”

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: I have made every one of these errors myself because I too am a businessperson. Every day, I help clients improve their lives and their profitability from the lessons learned and explained in this book.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: Most business books are full of theories. Theories may be great cocktail party banter, but small business owners are action-oriented. They like the theory as much as anyone, but they want more. They want the “then what?” Each of the 51 errors contains an action step so the businessperson can easily but it into action.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: For over twenty-five years, I have seen entrepreneurs, including myself; learn the only way they knew how: from the School of Hard Knocks. Let’s face it, business is not learned in school or at an MBA course. Business is learned by doing, from the School of Hard Knocks. The frustrating part is that the School of Hard Knocks is expensive and slow. Entrepreneurial CEOs have no patience for either. I have written The 51 Fatal Business Errors to help you learn some of the lessons from the School of Hard Knocks the easy way instead of the hard way.

Most business books are like gym memberships, lots of initial enthusiasm and not much meaningful action. These books are great in theory, but useless unless put into practice. We all “know” we need to exercise. I do not want to be another business person selling you on the benefits of a health club membership. Done right, a business book should energize you AND leave you with tangible action items to make your business better. Done wrong, it is nothing more than theoretical generalities that get you “juiced up” but have no real impact on you or your business.

The purpose of this book is to debate whether or not to go to the health club, but what to DO when you walk in the door. I want to move past the temporary excitement of a new idea and into permanent gain created by making meaningful, lasting changes. My goal in this book is to give you specific tools for using “the gym equipment” thereby empowering you to get your business in good shape. I want to energize you about the boundless possibilities of your business while giving you practical action steps to move forward to the next level.

This book is designed to be used as a reference that you can come back to repeatedly as new issues arise in your business that need “toning.” The 51 Fatal Business Errors fall into four categories: Myth-Busters, Improving your personal effectiveness, Using best practices, and Mule-kicks.

As you can probably guess, with a name like Muehlhausen, my nickname as a kid was “Mule”. In my current career as a business coach and writer, I found myself giving clients a few kicks in the butt. Combine the two and you have a Mule-kick. I will give you many Mule-kicks in this book. I don’t give a Mule-kick out of mean-spiritedness, ego, or humor. I will give you a Mule-kick out of compassion, empathy (I have been-there-done that), and desire to see you succeed. To me, watching a CEO fall short of their full potential is far “meaner” than giving them a Mule-kick. A Mule-kick is designed to give you the little nudge you need to change your mode of operation, change your perspective, or simply do that uncomfortable task.

Each individual error is divided into sections highlighting each problem area beginning with a description of the “error,” followed by a real life example and concluding with a concrete solution. All of the stories in this book are real-life examples. Many of the errors contain a bonus. These bonuses are available for free on my website for download. The names and circumstances in the book have been changed for illustration purposes.

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Advance to Go, Collect $1 Million, By Kirsty Dunphey

Posted by Dan Janal, Your Fearless PR LEADER | March 7th, 2008

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Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Advance to Go is ideal for that young person who has all the potential in the world and needs some inspiration, direction or a little push in the right way. Our most common readers also include property investors, real estate agents and the young at heart!

Q: What is the book about?
A: Little bit Aussie battler, little bit sassy entrepreneur – Kirsty’s story is truly honest, thoughtful, credible and inspiring. From the cover of BRW to Women’s Money magazine, Kirsty is being sought for comment on not only property issues but across a range of relevant and contemporary issues. This is more than a story about a young, successful business woman operating a real estate office in Launceston, Tasmania. “Anything is Possible” is a catch phrase that accurately describes this true story showing how a young girl can pull herself and her family out of a situation that almost destroyed them financially and emotionally. From absolutely nothing to owning over $3 million dollars worth of property in under four years, Kirsty’s story shows how it can be achieved.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: As a mid-teen my parents went from being my idols: having retired in their 30’s, owning successful businesses and being property investors, to divorce and bankruptcy. Advance to Go shows the first chapter in my life including how I went on from this to own my first two businesses at 15 and my own real estate agency at 21. In addition I’ve been honoured as Australia’s Youngest Ever National Young Business Woman.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: This book is my story – warts and all and there’s no other like it. If you enjoy getting to know the real story behind a business success – grab a copy.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: These are some comments from others who’ve read the book:

Success leaves clues. Kirsty really does prove that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. For an insight into one of Australia’s top young real estate and business minds I highly recommend you read Advance to Go – Collect $1 Million.
John McGrath, CEO McGrath Estate Agents

Kirsty is a rare individual. She has been there, done that, and now written about it. This book would be great for any young person or start up small businessperson who really is after some great insight from a great entrepreneur.
Justin Herald
Managing Director of Major Motivation
Founder of Attitude Inc.
International Entrepreneur of the Year 2004

Kirsty’s success in no accident. Her journey to become one of Australia’s youngest and brightest new business talents is testimony to the theory that the harder you work, the luckier you get.
Emily Ross
Co-author 100 Great Businesses and the Minds Behind Them
Editor, Leadership, BRW Magazine

Kirsty Dunphey represents a tiny minority in Australian business; a female entrepreneur who has made her mark in what is still very much ‘a man’s world’. Her story is an inspiration.
James Kirby, Author of the Business Secrets Series – Gerry Harvey, Richard Pratt, Janine Allis

Kirsty gives some great insights into creating business success and her tips on investing in property are invaluable. I can’t wait to hear what Kirsty does next, I know she will continue to amaze and inspire.
Dr Judith Slocombe, 2001 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year

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Retired At 27: If I Can Do It Anyone Can, By Kirsty Dunphey

Posted by Dan Janal, Your Fearless PR LEADER | February 28th, 2008

Pitch reporters with our up-to-date media databases:

Question: Who is the intended audience?
Answer: Retired at 27 is ideal for anyone who has ever thought them may like to start up their own business (or anyone wanting to improve their current one!) Also, managers and people who supervise staff will directly benefit from the techniques in the book. If, like Kirsty, you want to retire young – grab a copy!

Q: What is the book about?
A: Retired at 27: If I Can Do It Anyone Can is a true story outlining the business mistakes, successes and lessons that took Kirsty from absolutely nothing to retired and financially free at age 27. Kirsty’s story showcases the fact that success is achievable and available to everyone regardless of their current circumstances. Kirsty reveals that being young, female and broke were no barriers because she had the right attitude, determination and integrity.

Q: Why are you the best person to write this book?
A: I started my first two businesses at 15, and wanted to “rule the world” from a young age. Only at 19 I was broke, both my parents had gone bankrupt from their businesses and I had no idea what I wanted to do with myself! Enter a sales career in real estate, and finally – direction! From there I took it and ran.

Q: How is this book different from other books on this topic?
A: The topic is my story – so it’s very unique (I think!). Please don’t think it’s a get rich quick book! It covers the journey that took me from being broke at 19, a self made millionaire at 23, self made multi-millionaire at 25, retired at 27. (I’m 28 years old now). It’s simple advice in an easy to read format. I’d love to have a conversation with every person interested in my story – but I can’t – so I wrote this book and it’s written like a casual conversation with me.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about this book?
A: We’ve just sold out our first print run of 3,000 so we’re now in our second edition (book was released in October, 2007). At this stage, the bulk of our readers are in my homeland – Australia. Also, there’s added bonuses available to readers including ebooks, mp3s and more from fellow authors, speakers and trainers. And here’s what some people are saying about the book:

This book is jam packed full of personal and business gems. In a few short years Kirsty has learnt through practical experience what she believes are the key factors to success. She is living proof of that. By sharing what she has already discovered, this book is certain to inspire anyone to achieve what they want in life!
John Anderson, Contiki Founder

Kirsty Dunphey is an Australian success story. She proves that anyone that desires to achieve, can. I encourage you to read this book, highlight it, but most importantly apply it.
Pat Mesiti, International Speaker and Author

Retired at 27 gives a new meaning to the words informative, insightful, and is a down to earth road map to personal and financial growth! I normally stop reading after the one hour mark. But between you and me I finished the book in the first reading!!! Kirsty you are in DA HOUSE!
Eric Bailey, Activational/Motivational Speaker and Coach

Retired at 27 is practical business advice from someone who’s been there and done it at a young age. It’s a must read for anyone thinking of starting their own business.
Barbara & Allan Pease, Body Language Experts and Authors of 14 Best Selling Books

Kirsty continues to amaze and astound those of us even more than twice her age!!!. In her latest book Retired at 27, if I can do it anyone can, once again is an incredible very down to earth account of Kirsty’s journey through life, this time with the emphasis on her business acumen, her willingness, and complete honesty and openness with readers as she shares her ups and downs throughout her business career. This little Tasmanian Dynamo is a real inspiration and awesome role model to all those whose lives she touches and enhances through her simple formula of maximising life’s opportunities. We all look forward to the next chapter in this amazing journey of inspiration, leadership and success. Good luck Kirsty, you richly deserve it. You are a living legend of someone who makes and utilises your own luck.
Colin Dick, AREINZ

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