When you are on a mission and you need a product or service and it doesn’t exist, that is the time to realize the opportunity.  We, for instance, have discovered several applications that we would buy if only they were for sale. We have had to use work-arounds, coble together various applications, and overpay for poor services that sort of do the job, but not really.

On the other hand, we have had to buy certain services that try to be all things to all people and offer huge options we just don’t need and can’t use. But we still have to pay full price for the big clumsy service. Every day we see the opportunity for improved services and applications. Why do we see these opportunities? Because we are on a mission to share our knowledge with others, and that mission requires integrated services. Yet others are asking us where to find the same services we need.

The building industry is a great example. Many of the innovations in fasteners, brackets, materials, and jigs come from the construction workers themselves. They wanted to get the job done in a faster, cheaper, better and safer way than what was readily available. If they hadn’t been building, they never would have seen these opportunities.

There is the big advantage to working with an entrepreneur prior to starting your own business. You’ll see what they are missing, what could help them, or how to save them time and money. Keep your eyes open. Look at the applications they are using, the service they subscribe to, and the other tools they use. Take notes! There is huge room for innovation and you can be the one to spot it – if only you are moving toward a goal! Even though it is someone else’s goal, by working with others you will be more likely to see the opportunities.

Opportunities exist wherever there is an unsatisfied demand. So make sure that you are not the only person who would pay for the solution. Then get ready to devote your time to the opportunity. There are no half measures.

We are often asked why, if we see so many opportunities out there every day, do we not jump on all of them. The fact is there’s not a shortage of opportunities, but there is a shortage of time, commitment, and focus. Michael’s father used to say, “Good ideas are like belly buttons; you have to push them to get them going, then you have to run to keep up with them, and nobody has time for two!”

So it’s not about where the opportunities are so much as it is if you are willing to do the research, prove the market, and see it through to fruition. And it’s this latter part that kills most new ventures. Many proponents have no idea what is involved in seeing it through to fruition. We surely didn’t when we first recognized the opportunity for a low-cost, high-quality everyday American house wine. But we found out while doing it, learned our lessons, and stuck with it.

Opportunities abound! But you must get started in the business world to discover what is needed by you and others. So, get out there and get going!

Who We Are

Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.

Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.

They offer their Guiding Principles for Success (GPS) to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People, helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.

Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, & keynoting at business schools, corporations, conferences. They are regular media guests and contributors to international publications and professional journals. They are C-Suite Network Advisors & Contributing Editors. Visit their popular brand building site at www.consumerbrandbuilders.com.

To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact sales@thebarefootspirit.com.

The post It’s Easier to See Opportunities When You’re Moving Toward a Goal appeared first on The Barefoot Spirit.

We are under considerable peer pressure to get it and get it fast. It may seem to us that the others are getting it – but are they? Or are they too faking it?

When we listen to explanations of technology or comprehensive processes with other “students,” we notice that often the basic questions go unasked. Why? Because people don’t want to appear to be the only ones in the group who looks “stupid.” Sometimes, technology presenters go directly to explaining the process without first laying a good foundation of understanding. Very few people will stop them with basic questions. But these fundamental questions not only help you better understand and utilize the presentation, but in many cases, they help the entire group.

Here are some basic questions that need answering even if the technology presenters don’t volunteer the information:

Why are we doing it? Is the applied technology solving a problem? If so, what problem? Just getting a good definition of the problem can give you the bigger picture into which you can better understand, categorize, and utilize the solution. It also helps the presenters better understand how to convey and tailor the concepts and processes.

What does it do? You likely don’t know the technology’s full capability. If you did, you may ask different and more poignant questions. Maybe it does only part of a process but the presenters may assume you understand the whole process, buzz words, etc. After all, the techies live with it and are very familiar with what it does.

What else has to happen? Many times what is being presented may be only part of the solution, requiring other applications in order to function. What are the other parts that have to work in concert to enable the user to receive the benefits?

What is the cost? The cost is not just the onetime cost, but also the monthly fees, installation cost and maintenance – not only of the application being presented, but also the costs of the associated services and applications such as hosting and special tools within the larger application. Don’t wait and be surprised by these hidden costs.

What are the meanings of the terms used? Presenters, especially the techies, will use terms that they and their colleagues are familiar with, assuming that you know their meanings. Often they will use brand names for applications without making it clear that this is one company that offers this service but there are others. Don’t be afraid to stop them and ask “Is that a company name, a service, an application, or a combo?”

What is the implementation process and lead times? It’s a good idea to know how long these things will take so you have a better idea of what gets done first, second and third. Understand the order of what has to be in place and how long it will take to get it there.

It’s OK not to know it all. It’s not OK to pretend or put on airs that you get it when you don’t. It’s OK to ask “dumb” questions. Others at the presentation will be glad you did, and so will the presenters.

Who We Are

Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.

Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.

They offer their Guiding Principles for Success (GPS) to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People, helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.

Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, & keynoting at business schools, corporations, conferences. They are regular media guests and contributors to international publications and professional journals. They are C-Suite Network Advisors & Contributing Editors. Visit their popular brand building site at www.consumerbrandbuilders.com.

To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact sales@thebarefootspirit.com.

The post Pretending To Understand Can Be Costly appeared first on The Barefoot Spirit.

Just getting an interview in today’s job market is a big deal for college grads, but landing the right job is a two-way street. But let’s go back a few steps and discuss how knowing where to apply increases your chances of getting hired by a company that is a good fit for you.

You may be lucky to get any job, but wait!  It’s more than a job; it’s the beginning of your career. It may be your first opportunity to show your stuff, but will the company you are interviewing with allow for that? When you choose where to apply wisely, your chances of getting hired are more likely and your promotions will come more easily.

There are several factors you should consider before you apply for a position. The more you know about your perspective employer and what they are looking for, the better.

Applications. Consider a small startup company where you have the potential to make a big difference and be entrusted with increased responsibility. You may also have a much better opportunity to rise in position and salary more quickly as the company grows. So think about what experience, knowledge, and responsibility you will gain and how it will look on your resume to your next employer.

Commitment. Whatever company you choose, you should plan on being there for a minimum of two years. This demonstrates stability on your resume going forward and indicates to your future employer that you will be with them long enough for them to get a return on their investment – in you! Do your homework and don’t get stuck with an employer you don’t like. Two years can be a long time with the wrong employer, but you must stick it out for the duration lest you look “unstable.” Remember, the first thing an employer looks at during the resume vetting process is your job durations.  And the first to be eliminated are the applicants that appear “unstable.”

Proximity. Unless you are working virtually or your job requires extensive travel, you will have to commute to your place of employment. If it’s too far from your home, you will be more likely to quit for another job if it is closer, even with slightly less pay, thus costing you less commute time and money. Your perspective employer knows this and it may work against you. So, unless you’re planning to move closer to the job you are applying for, focus your job search close to home. Employers want to hire employees with less than a thirty-minute commute.

Values. What does your perspective employer’s company stand for beyond the goods and services they provide? How do they treat their employees? Go ask a few. How do they treat the environment? Check out the press. How do they treat their customers? Do they have a positive brand image? Why does any of this matter? We have found over time that companies that score higher in these areas have less turnover, get less bad press and have a higher likelihood of staying in business.  Don’t be the employee from the bankrupt, or no-longer-in-business company. It reflects on you!

So look for the right fit. Your job should be consistent with your career goals, provide ample opportunity for advancement, be nearby, and resonate with your personal values. Plan on being there for at least two years. Remember, it’s a two-way street that has to work for both parties. The more wisely you choose the companies where you apply, the more likely you are to land the right job!

Who We Are

Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.

Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.

They offer their Guiding Principles for Success (GPS) to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People, helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.

Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, & keynoting at business schools, corporations, conferences. They are regular media guests and contributors to international publications and professional journals. They are C-Suite Network Advisors & Contributing Editors. Visit their popular brand building site at www.consumerbrandbuilders.com.

To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact sales@thebarefootspirit.com.

The post How to Get a Job in Today’s Market – Part 2: The Search appeared first on The Barefoot Spirit.