Category Archives: Startup and Planning

Ep. 021 – Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business Part 6: How to Have a Profitable Mindset

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Today’s episode is a continuation of the series, “Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business,” which was initiated by one of the show’s listeners, Kathy. She is making the shift from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and is in the works of starting her first business; she asks, “What do you suggest that I consider and avoid before taking the leap of faith?” Tom discusses the sixth thing to remember before starting your business.

Key Takeaways
Tom provides 5 tips on how to start your business with a mindset of profitability on today’s episode. Constructing and stress testing your company will determine a solid idea of how your business is going to be profitable in the long run.

Tip 1: Don’t be like everyone else

When many people start a business, they are excited about the concept and the notion of taking the plunge, but most fail to Continue reading →

Ep. 020 – Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business Part 5: How Do I Raise Money for My Business?

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Today’s episode is a continuation of the series, “Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business,” which was initiated by one of the show’s listeners, Kathy. She is making the shift from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and is in the works of starting her first business; she asks, “What do you suggest that I consider and avoid before taking the leap of faith?” Tom discusses the fifth thing to remember before starting your business.

Key Takeaways
Tom works with entrepreneurs and startup businesses every single day, and the number one thing that Tom encounters through coaching and mentoring is the question regarding capital. In today’s episode, Tom discusses the 5 tips for understanding the basics of raising money in order of priority.

Tip 1: Understand the options

First and foremost, you Continue reading →

Ep. 019 – Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business Part 4: Learning How to Sell

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Hello fellow entrepreneurs! Today on Episode 19 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan continues his 10-part series on things to consider before starting your business. Tom delivers realistic advice and expectations for your startup. It doesn’t matter what stage of business development you are at, sales are supremely important. Develop sales as part of your DNA. Own, don’t rent, this core competency. You’ll love it! Continue reading →

Ep. 018 – Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business Part 3: Picking the Right Partners for the Right Reason

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Good morning! Today on Episode 18 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan continues his 10-part series on things to consider before starting your business. Tom delivers realistic advice and expectations for your startup. The important thing to take away here is that we have to do our homework before partnering with, not only investors, but vendors and employees as well. Tom shares his tried and true test to know if someone would make a good partner. And lastly of all he reminds us to do business, not just play business. You’ll love it! Continue reading →

Ep. 017 – Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business Part 2: Build a Kick-Ass Team

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Good morning! This morning on Episode 17 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan continues his 10-part series on things to consider before starting your business. Tom delivers realistic advice and expectations for your startup. As you are building your business surround yourself with people who can open doors! Share whatever resources you have to create symbiotic relationships. This is not an area where greed is good. Greed is fine when you are negotiating your valuation, but when building a kick-ass team make sure you are keeping and rewarding good talent around you. You’ll love it! Continue reading →

Ep. 016: Top 10 Things to Consider Before Starting Your Business Part 1: Testing Your Startup Fit

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Happy Monday! This morning on Episode 16 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan begins a 10-part series on things to consider before starting your business. Tom delivers realistic advice and expectations for your startup. He exposes the fallacy of owning your own business and being your own boss. There are other things to think about as well: the likelihood of having to go without a paycheck in the beginning and the risk of having your reputation on the line. Throughout this dose of reality Tom is optimistic about business ventures because he can help you be successful! You’ll love it! Continue reading →

Ep. 15: Processes, Part 2

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Happy Friday! This morning on Episode 15 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan adds even more great information to his answer to the listener question from Episode 14 regarding which processes to professionalize first. Tom explains that as far as Revenue is concerned, the processes that you want to professionalize in order of importance are: Sales, Customer Service and then Advertising. On the Expenses side of your business you should develop your Production first, then your Finances and your Human Resources. This is the most cost effective way to professionalize your company. You’ll love it! Continue reading →

Ep. 013: How to Calculate Your Price Point, Part 2

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Good morning! Today on Episode 13 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan gives the second half of his answer to the listener voicemail question about pricing your product. Given that Nikki is interested in the health food market, Tom references his work consulting health food companies, but this advice applies to any industry. Sinless Raw Foods, Lusty Monk Mustard and Chipotle are fantastic examples! Networking can be incredibly helpful. Tom also teaches us how to conduct market surveys and assess the conditions of the market you’re breaking into! Join us! Continue reading →

Ep. 012: How to Calculate Your Price Point, Part 1

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Good morning! Today on Episode 12 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan answers a listener question from Nikki. She’s asking about how to price her product. You may have struggled with the same dilemma. Tom teaches us how to determine our costs and assess our competition. There are many things to take into consideration to make sure that you properly place your product in the market. Tom shares a ton of information for entrepreneurs! Join us! Continue reading →

Ep. 009: Getting Employees to Catch Your Vision for the Company

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Good morning! Today on Episode 9 of the Success in Business Podcast your host Tom Ryan answers a listener question from Karl about transferring your vision to your employees. As a business owner, one of our most challenging tasks is assembling a team of talented, innovative and trustworthy people. The next step of this process is to get your employees involved in the discussion when creating company goals, and overall, the company culture. Join us! Continue reading →