http://denver.yourhub.comThe latest blog posts in The Denver Newspaper Agency YourHub.comen-usnews@yourhub.com(c) 2009, YourHub.com5July 12th, 2007 This week's selected question: Q: I recently became more aware of my expenses and some of the waste that multiplies them. How can I better manage how things get done without my doing them? A: Great question! In our "6 Steps" approach, we first look at ways to create ...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~330555.aspx7/5/2007 9:10:03 AMEarl KemperJuly 5th, 2007 This week's selected question: Q: I believe I understand the principle of leverage. Could you give some examples of how to better use leverage in my business? A: Great question! Leverage occurs when one can apply less effort and achieves the same or greater results. A p...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~330552.aspx7/5/2007 9:08:33 AMEarl KemperJune 28th, 2007 This week's selected question: Q: On your website I've read with great interest about the possibility of turning my business into "A Commercial Profitable Enterprise that Works without Me". What are the steps I need to take to accomplish that? A: After coaching thous...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~330550.aspx7/5/2007 9:07:08 AMEarl KemperJune 21 st, 2007 This week's selected question: Q: Business is booming and I'm adding staff quickly. What's your advice on building a great team? A: There are "6 Keys To A Winning Team". Master these areas and you will successfully build an amazing team. STRONG LEADERSHIP - Decisiven...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~323479.aspx6/18/2007 3:22:10 PMEarl KemperJune 14th, 2007 This week's selected question: Q: I'm very passionate about my business, but realize that I have a lot to learn in order to grow it to where it supports the lifestyle I desire. How can I determine if coaching is right for me and, frankly, if I'm coach-able? A: Spend ...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~318837.aspx6/8/2007 9:02:29 AMEarl KemperJune 7 th, 2007 This week's selected question: Q: What approaches can I take to increase the number of customer referrals I get today? (Follow up to last week's question) A: Last week I discussed the "Ladder of Loyalty"; the importance of creating a client base that is loyal to your...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~318012.aspx6/6/2007 11:06:51 AMEarl KemperMay 31st, 2007 This week's selected question: Q: What approaches can I take to increase the number of customer referrals I get today? A: The obvious approach is to ask. There are many different approaches to asking (and getting) referrals, but before we discuss them in any detail I'd ...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~316037.aspx5/31/2007 3:59:04 PMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: I have a great business and would like to sell it someday. What are some of the key things I need to do to maximize the value at the time of sale? A: Thank you for asking and I congratulate you on having a 'great' business. Several factors contribute to ...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~316035.aspx5/31/2007 3:55:45 PMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: The further I try to go, the further I get behind. It's May and I haven't started on what my annual plan says I'm to do. How do I break the cycle and just "Get to it!"? A: My advice is to develop a plan to stop doing the $10 per hour jobs, get someone else t...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~316032.aspx5/31/2007 3:52:03 PMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: You place a lot of emphasis on systems. I've got several computers, what else do I need? A: In our coaching programs, the term 'systems' covers a lot more than just computers and production machines. We say that a S.Y.S.T.E.M. stands for anything that S-av...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307154.aspx5/11/2007 11:14:15 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: The further I try to go, the further I get behind. It's May and I haven't started on what my annual plan says I'm to do. How do I break the cycle and just "Get to it!"? A: My advice is to develop a plan to stop doing the $10 per hour jobs, get someone el...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307157.aspx5/11/2007 11:15:19 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: You place a lot of emphasis on systems. I've got several computers, what else do I need? A: In our coaching programs, the term 'systems' covers a lot more than just computers and production machines. We say that a S.Y.S.T.E.M. stands for anything that S-av...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307155.aspx5/11/2007 11:14:16 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: What is the most important determinant of a business's success? A: While having a Unique Selling Proposition (USP), great sales people, best location, best products, good customer service or a strong local economy are all factors, based on my experience, th...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307152.aspx5/11/2007 11:12:31 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: I've been reading your articles with great interest and would like to know how I could become a coach with your firm? A: We're always looking for quality people interested in becoming an ActionCOACH . The first step is to contact our office and set up a...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307150.aspx5/11/2007 11:10:37 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: What would you say are the keys to running a successful business? A: Great question. It's really not as complex as you might think. Is it easy? No. But does it have to be complex? Also, no. My practice employs the ActionCOACH program called " Six Ste...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307143.aspx5/11/2007 11:07:40 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: I was recently introduced to the acronym KPI. I track my financials, especially my cash! What else should I track? A: You or your accountant should track standard Financial Key Performance Indicators or KPIs such as Gross and Net Profit, Return on Net Ass...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307141.aspx5/11/2007 11:06:23 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: You've mentioned the "Complimentary Coaching Session' many times. What is it exactly and what's the benefit? A: First, the CCS or 'Complimentary Coaching Session' is your initial coaching session. Second, it's important to understand that each coaching se...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307139.aspx5/11/2007 11:04:48 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: I recently had my business valuated. I learned that "I am" the business and if I choose to sell, the value is a lot less than I expected. Our sales are great, but so much is dependent on ME. How can I improve the value? A: Great question. Certainly, attra...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307130.aspx5/11/2007 10:58:25 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: I'm looking to form an alliance with a bank. What tips would you give to ensure that it provides both of us maximum success in the relationship? A: Great question. Our firm has a Strategic Alliance with a bank and is seeking alliances with other financial...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~307094.aspx5/11/2007 10:11:15 AMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: Recently, I heard that Action International was changing it's name. What is the new name and why change it? A: Our new moniker is ActionCOACH. With over 1100 coaches in 23 countries, we decided our brand needed a makeover. Despite our internation...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306862.aspx5/10/2007 4:08:09 PMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: I've learned that business is about numbers and I try to keep track of my customer, revenue and profit numbers. What other numbers do you recommend tracking? A: First, recognize that the numbers you're currently tracking are high-level 'results'. To bette...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306860.aspx5/10/2007 4:05:26 PMEarl KemperASK COACH EARL This week's selected question: Q: My margins are getting tight. What are some simple ways to work on increasing my margins? A: Glad you asked! Margins are why we're in business. There are dozens of strategies to choose from. The most common ones I see rarely implement...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306854.aspx5/10/2007 3:59:56 PMEarl KemperASK COACH EARL This week's selected question: Q: I think I understand what a coach is. Why might I need a 'Business Coach'? A: In general, anyone who is serious about getting the most from themselves needs a coach. As a business owner, I assume you're playing to win. Each day is the...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306851.aspx5/10/2007 3:58:07 PMEarl KemperASK COACH EARL This week's selected question: Q: Do you have any specific suggestions for keeping my customers? A: The first one may seem obvious, but treating your customers in a special way can make a big difference. Always go the extra mile - the extra touch that makes the custom...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306849.aspx5/10/2007 3:56:46 PMEarl KemperASK COACH EARL This week's selected question: Q: In a recent seminar of yours, you spoke about the importance of knowing my Break-Evens. I have an idea of my Break-Even, but shouldn't I be more concerned about my profits? A: Very glad you raised this question! Knowing your Break-Eve...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306845.aspx5/10/2007 3:55:07 PMEarl KemperASK COACH EARL This week's selected question: Q: Heard about the MAD Day on the radio. What is it and how can it help my business? A: MAD Days, or MASSIVE ACTION DAYS are 8 hour structured planning sessions that assist business owners like yourself to formulate a detailed action pla...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306839.aspx5/10/2007 3:47:10 PMEarl KemperASK COACH EARL This week's selected question: Q: What are some keys that you focus on when developing a marketing program? A: An effective principle to follow in creating a marketing program is " Massive Action Equals Massive Results !" Too many businesses depend on too few market...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306834.aspx5/10/2007 3:45:17 PMEarl KemperThis week's selected question: Q: How Can I Boost My Conversion Rates? A: Conversion rates are often given little thought by the average business owner, and invariably when I ask someone out of the blue, they take a guess. Quite frankly, that's just not good enough. You must start measur...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306824.aspx5/10/2007 3:39:01 PMEarl KemperQ: I am told that I need to raise my prices but I'm fearful of the consequences (losing customers!). How should I address this dillema? A: First take a look at your competition. Hopefully, you already have a handle on what relative prices should be in your market. If not, then find out. A f...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~306713.aspx5/10/2007 2:01:51 PMEarl KemperQ: I seem to be losing customers and finding it harder to find new ones, although the new ones seem to be more loyal? What advice would you give to keep my customers? A: There are dozens of great strategies for increasing the number of transactions. For your 'Ladder of Loyalty', create mem...http://denver.yourhub.com/Lakewood/Blogs/Archive/Local-Business/Blog~289162.aspx4/4/2007 6:03:30 PMEarl Kemper