So I decided I’ve had it. I’m done. I’m not putting up with it any longer.  I’m quitting. What, you ask am I quitting? Whining, and hanging out with whiners…

Recently at a business function I couldn’t help but hear multiple people complaining about how bad business was. Really, I thought this was networking not a support group.

Let me be clear, I’m sure it’s harder to make a dollar right now than it was a couple of years ago. But I’m working with a lot of folks that are doing PRETTY darn well this year and I’m not going to be out there whining about how bad it is. Think about it. Who wants to do business with a guy who’s about to lose his shirt? Not me. But the guy who’s fighting, I’m gonna go out of my way to give him not only business, but a little extra if I can help it.

Your attitude is everything. If you don’t believe it, you might want to check with the facts. Complainers have fewer friends, and do less business than positive people. I’m sure I can google up a study that talks about that somewhere, but it’s common sense. No one likes a whiner.

But it’s so bad out there, haven’t you seen the numbers? Yes, I have and here’s the rest of the story.

It’s a better time to own your own business than ever before. The workforce is ripe with talent, and they’ll work cheaper and harder than you could have dreamt 4 or 5 years ago. Bright folks are waiting for good ideas. Property prices are down to record levels, and while that’s lemons to some, that’s cheap rent to those who have a little sugar and some ice… I can sit down and have a sip of that.

What about our business, we are down 50% from last year? I’m sorry to hear that. Have you changed your strategy?

What we did last year doesn’t work this year. It’s not your customers’ job for YOU to stay competitive. But I can promise you this—If you’ll dig a little deeper and talk to your customers, you can probably figure out what they NEED and turn that in to a profitable business.

Yes, it’s a jungle out there… There are loads of pitfalls and tough times and you may be having some. But keep your chin up, dig a little bit and figure out how to make someone else happy with your product or service. Some folks are having record years, and I’m not just talking about the RepoMan… There’s plenty of money circulating around here—but it’s being spent with winners, not whiners.

Your attitude rubs off a little on everyone you are around. Don’t come see me if you are going to whine.

Photo Credit: zzzack

Next week on ResultsRevTV Live, Luke Abney, owner of the Rogue & Good Company and 4450 will be our guest.  The Rogue, which has been in business for 42 years, has been owned by Luke and his wife Alison for the past five years.  After the purchase of the Rogue, these parents of two opened Forty Four Fifty, a women’s retail store, in September of 2008.

In addition to the stores, the couple owns the property they are on, including the property that houses a restaurant adjacent to the businesses. With a motto of, “Yes is the answer, what is the question?” Abney realizes what makes his stores special is the experience customers have while shopping there. “We believe that our associates make the difference in why we have repeat business,” Abney says. And with close to 200 years of combined retail experience among his associates, Luke Abney knows his two stores strive to provide the best in quality and customer service.

Abney also says not only should the customer experience be special, but so should the merchandise.  He hopes the selection of merchandise, the shopping experience, and the efforts of the associates will help his customers achieve their desired clothing needs and wants.  “[Offering] that experience is definitely an advantage in our marketplace,” Abney says.

Tune in to this episode of ResultsRevTV Live to hear more from this experienced businessman as we ask him about the ins and outs of retail merchandising and his marketing approach.

When thinking about every single aspect of your small business marketing, make sure that your “brand” never disappears or is weakened through the loss of one or more elements. Make sure that every single marketing piece – whether signage, business cards, advertisements or your Facebook Page – sticks to your brand:

1. Logo. (Use in the same ratio and clear resolution, no matter what.)
2. Color Scheme. (Make sure you know the exact Pantone color or process color formula for your exact brand color or colors. If you don’t know what this means, sound off in the comments, and we’ll be happy to collectively answer your questions!)
3. Domain Name. This is your URL or www.mycompanyname.com. Yes, every single business needs a web site because 63% of ALL consumers across all demographics visit a web site before making a brick and mortar buying decision (USA Today/Neilson study, April 2009). This is not optional. Neither is the inclusion of your domain name of every single communication or brand presence that you make public. Put your URL EVERYWHERE.

Use all three of these elements consistently and constantly. You will be surprised at the improved effectiveness of your marketing overall when you take care of this seemingly small and sideline piece of your overall marketing puzzle.

Jill Conner Browne, The Sweet Potato Queen, on small business success, media relations & customer service.

This week on the premier of ResultsRevTV, our audience learned from Multiple #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and small business mega-success story, Sweet Potato Queen Jill Conner Browne. Jill had a lot to share, especially on the topic of dealing with the public – from her customers to the media. Best of all she offered encouragement to all of us as small business owners to “do what makes your heart sing.” Jill said the best advice she ever received was to “do what makes your heart sing – what you are passionate about – and the money will follow.”

While much of her advice is simple, few of us apply such basic principles consistently in our businesses. Based on Jill’s experience and success, consistency in the small things could mean big returns for your small businesses.

Production Note: Each week, our show will be archived in this space for you to watch and learn. However, due to a production problem, this week’s show will not be archived. However, please register for the Results Revolution, and we will send you a copy of this week’s e-mail lesson. In addition, you can interact with the conversation about this event on Facebook and see more photos from the event there, too.

Show Sponsor: Many thanks to our show sponsor, Mangia Bene Restaurant Group. Whether breakfast, lunch, supper or catering needs 24/7, please remember to Mangia Bene Catering, Broad Street Baking Company, Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint, and Bravo! Italian Restaurant & Bar.

Tune in next week as we learn how to grow our small businesses by marketing smarter with small business owner and restauranteur Jeff Good, co-owner of Mangia Bene Restaurant Group in Jackson, Mississippi. Next week’s show will be live at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9.

A huge special thanks to Jill Conner Browne for being our guest on our premier broadcast!!