Month: January 2012

Don’t you wish opportunities would show up with a large ribbon and a sign affixed to them proclaiming their greatness (or to stay away)? Many times opportunities are disguised as ordinary events. While it’s tempting to dismiss some of these, true entrepreneurs will recognize that this just might be the lucky break they’re looking for. How do you know what’s in front of you?

Before I attempt to answer, let me share two stories: the first is of an opportunity lost and the second, of an opportunity seized. Two days before Christmas I was in a local jewelry store with my son, Ben. He needed to have his new watch resized (it was a present from his sister and he was excited to wear it). I knew it was a simple and quick request so we popped into a jewelry store that we had passed by many times before, but hadn’t been inside due to its poor location. The holiday spirit was not alive in this shop. When we entered this really tiny shop (so small you have to make an effort to overlook customers) the owner somehow managed to completely ignore our presence. It was rather awkward standing a few feet away from him and being totally ignored but he was with a customer (who was having some very expensive jewelry appraised) so we were patient. After five very long and uncomfortable minutes he finally managed to look up and tell us he would be with us shortly. Lesson #1 – if your store is no wider than 10 x 10, at least say hello to entering prospects (Duh!)

Visit the Marketing Edge website to read the full article!

Amazon.com: Raymond E. Pinard’s review of Lucky By Design.

2012 Must Read for Business Owners, January 27, 2012
By Raymond E. Pinard
This review is from: Lucky By Design (Paperback)
Is your business and personal success the result of waiting to be lucky or are you in a position to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves? Are you working on making your own luck? Today, entrepreneurs have to be very forward looking and focused to ensure the long-term success of their business and to achieve a higher level of personal and professional happiness.

Beth Goldstein’s new book, Lucky By Design, is rich with information about taking control of your business and your future in these very challenging times. Complete with worksheets, scorecards, succinct tips for success and noteworthy anecdotes, it is the book any small to medium-size business owner must read this year. If you are really ambitious, it is a great guide to use as a discussion and planning tool with your management team. I’ll certainly be using it with my clients.

Ray Pinard, Chief Freedom ArchitectSM
Monticello StrategiesSM
Deerfield, NH

Welcome to Lucky By Design. I am passionate about helping small business owners and entrepreneurs accelerate growth. As a small business trainer, entrepreneurship educator at The Boston University School of Management and founder of Marketing Edge Consulting Group, I work with business owners every day to help them navigate a path to success. My latest book, Lucky By Design, is about learning how to take control of your business and your future. My goal is to teach entrepreneurs how to create actionable Business Growth Plans that allow them to recognize and seize ‘lucky’ opportunities that accelerate growth.

I hope that you’ll share your passion for small business innovation here as we explore how to navigate a path to unprecedented growth and success.