As 2010 hits the halfway mark, I’d be remiss to not recognize these additional Pearls of Wisdom - and the people who have contributed so much to my own business growth and learning and entrepreneurial expertise over the past six months…

1)   Recognize when it’s time to get stuff off your plate - and onto someone else’s 

Courtesy of Aldonna Ambler, aka “The Growth Strategist” and one of my advisors who said over a year ago that it was time to find a marketing assistant, and that an intern might be a good place to start.  Took a while, but I’ll never go back to not having this position filled.  Having good marketing help is critical in this economic landscape.

2)   Never hesitate to reach out for help

I’ve had some difficult organizational transitions to make over the last few months, and I am deeply grateful to two of my colleagues, Ted Lebow - who has been a wonderful sounding board and crisis helper and John Gerber - who had stepped up to the bat for me when I required legal advice and counsel.  It’s been great having people like them in my life.  Their support has been invaluable!  Thanks guys!

3)   In economic times like these, be willing to experiment with new marketing and sales tactics

We’ve certainly been experimenting - a lot!  From blogging about our story - thanks to Kevin Daum and his advice and counsel back in January…to utilizing the telemarketing services of Corporate Call Centers (thanks to another advisor - Claudia Timbo - and her great marketing right hand person Jean Dilley) - and getting their assistance running our first lumpy mail campaign…to having the opportunity to speak at Square 2 Marketing’s University last week, we’ve been strategically reaching out and “touching” people.  And it’s keeping us in the game!

4)   Find partners with sympatico - and form strategic alliances

The relationships which we’ve forged with Jim Devine and his crew at the Mid-Atlantic Employers’ Association as well as Karen Marsdale at the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce have been key to expanding our reach in the Greater Philly area.  We’ve really enjoyed partnering with both organizations - and our partnership has resulted in more business for all of us!

5)   Define (and discover) your ideal client

And there’s no way that we could have done what we’ve done without the help of our clients.  From giving us feedback on our value prop,  to participating in video interviews,  and even taking the Caliper Profile (thanks to Dave Griffith of Modern Group - another informal advisor) who suggested that we use the profile to more closely identify our ideal client - Great idea!

So that’s some of our “pearls”.  What are yours?  What have you learned and to whom have you reached out this year?  Drop us a line or give us a call if you’d like to learn more at   ckuchler@ceothinktank.com ….

u’d like to learn more…   ckuchler@ceothinktank.com