Shark Tank

Shark Tank

I look forward every week to a show on ABC called Shark Tank.  The gist of the show is that creative / inventive people present their product or service to the sharks.  The novice usually is seeking money in exchange for a percentage of their business.  The sharks, wealthy entrepreneurs, decide if the product or service is a worthwhile investment.  If it is, they negotiate a deal.  If not, the amateur leaves the shark tank with nothing more than national exposure.

I like the show because it gives me a glimpse of how the big players think.  The sharks “attack” each other at times, and other times partner together on deals.

To me – the show is very motivating and inspiring.

But there is so much more than viewing entertainment in this 60 minute program.

I will use the phrase “to make it big” to mean being a success, or being a star in your field.

To make it big, one must be creative by seeing a need and fulfilling it.  Or, by taking an existing product or service and improving it.   So, put your thinking cap on or pay attention to your surroundings.

To make it big, one must also know when to seek help.  At times there have been young entrepreneurs on the show who have unrealistic projections for their business.  In short, sales do not jive with what they think their business is worth.

Seeking help is a great thing, however, who you seek help from requires wisdom and discernment.  Having just $500 in sales would not justify you seeking a $1 million loan.  You must know when your fruit is ripe for a larger opportunity.

To make it big, one must also be flexible.  Know when to negotiate and when to stand your ground. 

To make it big, one must learn who to seek help from.  Seek help from people who have the expertise in the arena you are playing in. 

To make it big, one must know when to STOP talking.  All too often people talk their customer into the sale and continue talking – taking the customer out of the sale.

To make it big, one must know how to present their product or service.  Flashy words, the latest audio video tools are not always what will get you to the top. 

For many years, the term elevator speech was used in the business world  – a 30 second description of what you do or your business.  Times have changed.  That 61 speech is now a 10 to 15 second blurb.

One must know when to say yes.  Fruit is ripe on the tree for only so long.  Know your target market.  Know the public’s buying patterns. 

And, in line with that – know when to step away.  It is better to step away gracefully, than to have an ugly memorable tumble.

To make it big, one must know who is offering the best deal.  Do your research, know your team’s strengths and weaknesses.  Then, go out and fill that weakness gap.

To make it big, one must have self confidence and believe in YOU.

Have a great week

Ron  

To schedule Ron to speak to your business, civic group
or organization, contact him at:

ron@ronorendi.com
717-802-0483

Color



Color

This week’s blog is about color.  Okay, more specifically, it’s about how color affects us.

Color plays a role in our moods, how hungry we are, our buying patterns, and our creativity.

Madison Avenue (i.e. business) has been using color to its advantage for years.  These folks are aware that certain color combinations give a homey atmosphere – like a Cracker Barrel.  Other places use color along with lighting to create the mood in your mind. 

Shades of orange, yellow and green often inspire a person to get in touch with their artistic or creative side.  Avoid certain shades of red if you have a business otherwise you will be dealing with angry customers.   Dark blue, dark green, black and other dark shades give the impression that a business is hiding something.  However, a black colored car can give a buyer the sense of being important (possibly an executive).

Take the Color Quiz      http://colorquiz.com/

Go ahead, take a moment and take this quiz and learn about you and how color interacts with you.

Now that you have learned the power of color, how can you use color to your advantage?  Paint your office a cheery color and watch your creativity get “kicked up a notch.” 

Change the colors you wear to a meeting and notice the difference.

NOTE:  Ladies, if you are not aware of colors and what highlights your beauty – speak with a color analyst who can tell you whether you should stick to winter tones, summer tones, etc.  Learn your season and how it accentuates your beauty as it blends with your hair color and skin tone.

Color.  It can make a break a business deal.  Be aware of it.  Use it.  And, share it with friends, colleagues, coworkers and family.

Have a great week

Ron  

To schedule Ron to speak to your business, civic group
or organization, contact him at:ron@ronorendi.com
717-802-0483

The Price Of Fuel

It’s the hot topic in water cooler and break room conversations.  It has replaced discussions about the weather.  It has everyone’s attention.  The price of fuel is being monitored by Americans more than ever.

I don’t want to say I am old – but when I started driving gas at the local HiFy gas station was 27 and 9/10ths.

The fact is we need to get to work, the kids need to get to school, little Jimmy needs to get to baseball practice.  Susie needs to get to her soccer game, and mom needs to get to the store.  So we are forced to suck it up and pay the price at the pump.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we circle the parking lot at the mall several times looking for a closer parking space.
We complain about the price of gas, yet we sit in a long line at the fast food restaurant drive thru with the engine running.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we let the car engine idle while we do our banking through the drive thru window.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we think nothing of buying the giant bucket of popcorn at the movies.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we pay no attention to the price we are paying for the morning cup of Joe at the convenience store or at Starbucks – when we have a
perfectly good coffee maker or Keurig at home.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we don’t bat an eye at blowing $20, $25 or more at happy hour after work.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we don’t even bat an eye at the price of the name brand clothing at the store.

Understand, I am not against any of these items listed above.  I am merely making a point.  When it is something we want, we don’t mind paying the price.  In our minds we justify the expense with things like: its entertainment; I needed to treat myself; it’s only a few dollars; it’s a matter of convenience.

The truth is we see the value as bigger than the price.

Price vs. value.  My mentor, friend and coach Bob Burg speaks of that often.

The gasoline gets us to work so we can earn a living.  Yes, I don’t like paying higher prices at the pump no more than the next person. 

But I see the value in the price of gas because it gets me to where I need to be.  It enables me to serve more people.  It helps me build on my own value.  It serves a great purpose in me growing and moving forward.

I am 100% sure there will be people who disagree with what I am saying and my thought process or approach here.  That’s okay.  Perhaps they do not see the price of gas from my vantage point.

Again, I am NOT happy about gasoline hovering around the $4.00 a gallon mark.  But I am willing to pay it because I see the value in what it can get me in the long run.

I am sure there are people who cannot see the value in buying a book, a kindle book or purchasing a seminar ticket because they see it as an expense.  I see that as an investment in my personal growth and an opportunity to expand my mind, sphere of influence or customer base. 

Is gas worth the price if you are using it to get you to church on Sunday?  For me, it is a bargain.

Is gas worth the price if you are using it to meet with your mentor?  Absolutely.

Is gas worth the price if you are using it to get to work?  Sure.

Is gas worth the price if you are using it to just cruise around or run errands?  Probably not.  (an aside here – I run my errands while en route to my appointments where I am investing in me).

$4.00 a gallon.  Is it an expense or an investment in getting you what you want, where you want to go, what you want to achieve.  It’s your decision.

Have a great week

Ron  

To schedule Ron to speak to your business, civic group
or organization, contact him at:ron@ronorendi.com
717-802-0483

Settle For

Settle For

What is a “settle for” you may be asking. 

A “settle for” is a phrase I use around the house and in business.  I feel it aptly describes pieces of life that one is willing to settle for.

A wise man once told me that whatever you are willing to tolerate you will never change.

A “settle for” can apply to a variety of things:
• A couple refuses to keep a tidy home.  Then when they get visitors, they scramble to tidy their home.  Time is of the essence, so there are things that need done or cleaned – but because of time restraints, they must “settle for” not getting them done.
• A young man goes to a car dealership with visions of that shiny new sports car.  After looking at the sticker price, talking with the sales person, and evaluating his financial situation – he drives off the lot in a 5 year old car that barely passed inspection.  He had to “settle for” what he could afford.
• A woman is in love with a man.  The problem is he has a drinking problem.  She loves him, and justifies her feelings with the rationalization that at least he doesn’t beat me like my last boyfriend did.  She lowers her expectations in order to “settle for” a man with addiction issues.

The list of examples could go on and on, but I am certain that you get the picture.

When we “settle for” something other than what we want, we must force ourselves to believe that THIS is really what we wanted.

Everyone at one point or another had BIG hopes and dreams.  But as we traveled our life’s journey, we opted to “settle for” less than what we dreamed.

The reasons for our “settle for” can be:
• The economy.  Really?  This is America, and the last time I checked one could do or become whatever one wanted to within the parameters of the law.  So please do not use the con game of the economy.  Be truthful.  The reason you did not get what you wanted is because you were not willing to put in the time, the work or the effort.  So you went to the excuse machine and bought the “economy” card.
• My upbringing.  Really?  How much was that card in the excuse vending machine?  We all are responsible for our own actions.  If you lacked a skill, go out and learn it.  If you grew up on the wrong side of the tracks – move.  If you are this ethnicity or that color, or this gender or that belief – prove them wrong.  The problem has nothing to do with upbringing – it has everything to do with the desire to do better.
• I don’t know how.  Are ya serious?  Learn!  Get retrained in a field that combines your passion, skills, and is marketable.  Most people that made buggies had to learn a new skill when cars were mass produced.
• I am too old.  C’mon!  What’d that line cost you in the excuse vending machine.  People are going back to school at an amazing rate.  If he’d have stuck with that thinking Col. Harlan Sanders would never have opened a KFC.
• Physically, I just can’t.  So?  Surround yourself with people who can.  Transfer your passions to people who can work alongside you and make that _____ happen.
• It costs too much.  Hmm.  So you believe this is a financial issue?  Dr. Mike
Murdock has said over and over, “there is no such thing as a financial problem.  There is only wisdom problems.”  Go out and make more money.  Sacrifice what is going on in your life for the long term goal you REALLY want.  

Look around your own personal house, your own life situation.  Are you happy?  Or did you just “settle for”? 

Now make a list of the things you want to change.

BTW – if you have none – that’s okay by me.  It just says you have tossed in the towel and said, “I’ll Just settle for that.”  If that’s you, then great.  I am happy for you.

If you feel you have maxed out your goals – then you need a bigger dream.

Under each one – write out (honestly) what options you have.  Take your time.  This is NOT a rush project.  Consider it part of your spring cleaning.

Have a great week

Ron
  

To schedule Ron to speak to your business, civic group
or organization, contact him at:
ron@ronorendi.com
717-802-0483