Post Here to Win a Sleek Dell Vostro V130 Laptop
February 6th, 2011
0 votes
Every now and then, I throw you a freebie. This is one of those occasions.
Here’s the deal: Dell has provided me with a Dell Vostro V130 laptop, and I’m so impressed, they’re allowing me to give one away for free to one entrepreneur winner among you!
Through this giveaway, you have a chance to win your own, brand-spankin’ new laptop. It’s Dell’s latest ultra thin, very light, highly functional, travel ready, productivity enabling computer.
See more here: Vostro V130 microsite. Or you can also click on this computer image (below).
If you follow the directions below, you may just win your own!
Giveaway Guidelines:
- Post a comment below with your secret sauce advice (your tricks of the trade, not text book stuff!) on winning in any business situation you select. Could be something on fund raising. Could be on selling. Could be on managing cash flow, etc.
- You may only post a comment once. But who knows, maybe you could cut a deal with your friends to post on your behalf…
- To improve your odds of being selected, include in your comment a link to a similar comment you posted at the following Dell Vostro V130 Facebook page: Trade Secrets Facebook tab
- Our team will weigh and consider all posts submitted below. (This won’t be easy and it will be pretty subjective given the fact that many of you will provide very valid advice. If that’s the case, we may end up doing the “close the eyes and put our finger” on a random winner.)
- Entrants must be 18 and over and based in the U.S.
- Deadline for entries is Feb. 12, 2011. StartupNation reserves the right to extend the deadline at its sole discretion.
- Use of different email addresses for one individual contestant will result in disqualification.
- The selected winner will be announced by StartupNation as a final posting in this blog entry. (The last comment under this post will be StartupNation’s announcement of the winner.) Entrants must monitor this blog on or after Feb 12, 2011 to learn whether they are a winner or not.
- Instructions will be provided to the winner to enable delivery of the prize. If delivery instructions are not followed, StartupNation makes no assurance that the prize will be successfully provided to the winner. We sure hope that doesn’t happen!
So now let’s hear it. What’s your best advice for success in certain business situations. Fire away!
And good luck!
Rich
February 6th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
[...] Business Blogs » Blog Archive » Post Here to Win a Sleek Dell Vostro V130 Laptop startupnation.com/business-blogs/index.php/2011/0…ost-here-to-win-a-sleek-dell-vostro-v130-laptop/ – view page – cached Every now and then, I throw you a freebie. This is one of those occasions. Here’s the deal: Dell has provided me with a Dell Vostro V130 laptop, and I’m so impressed, they’re allowing me to give one away for free to one entrepreneur winner among you! Through this giveaway, you have a chance to… [...]
February 6th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Work on getting better in some aspect of your business every day. If you do this and you become the best in your area (location/field) no one can catch up to you.
February 6th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Never stop looking for talent no matter how full your team seems. Whether it be a superstar engineer or PR genius, your cofounders/coworkers/employees will make the difference when it comes to having the best product, best sales & marketing, or best whatever.
February 6th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Get centered. Every day there is some crisis that shows up (big client not happy, laptop is down, etc.) that tries to get you mired in minutiae. Keep your head clear and focused on the big picture.
February 6th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
The leader must open his/her hands and let go . . . and let your team do what it does best – and become their cheerleader. Have for yourself only the one goal of enabling each member of your team to be passionate about their mission. Then celebrate their success!
February 7th, 2011 at 6:50 am
I own 2 Gymboree Play & Music locations. I call every new customer and welcome them to Gymboree and thank them for enrolling with us. I also tell them that my goal is that they have a remarkable experience with us so if they every have any questions or concerns, please give me a call.
February 7th, 2011 at 7:23 am
Rarely assume someone will say “No” and ask most of the time.
Some people like to say “Always give someone the opportunity to say ‘No’”
But, you can get into trouble when you are being an absolute mooch/tool/spammer.
Although, most people are self-limiters and they don’t get traction because their fear of rejection makes them not ask because they ASSume that the person will say “No” before they are even given the chance to do so.
It’s amazing how many times people will say “YES!” if you just give people the chance.
February 7th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Believe in what you’re doing; surround yourself with people you can count on, those who also believe in what their doing.
February 7th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
Build relationships outside the traditional business environment. Get involved with local charity, support group, or (god forbid) politics. The wider your networking reach, the better able you are to meet any business challenge of the future.
February 7th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
I like to:
1.) Automate as much as humanly possible - I’m a programmer / systems administrator by trade, so any time I can write some code to do my job, I will… then I am free to do something else.
2.) Do as much as you can do (well) yourself, but not when someone else can do it better and cheaper.
3.) Take Notes on EVERYTHING. I keep an index of my paper notes in the back of the notebook and eventually get them all copied over to Evernote, which is searchable. I’m amazed at how often I go back to my notes from over a year ago for some obscure comment at a meeting. Sometimes this leads to new product ideas. My brain simply can’t hold it all, so I write everything down.
4.) Keep a good backup of your data. A friend of mine was in his last semester of his Doctorate degree and his laptop was stolen out of his car. He didn’t have a backup of his research or his dissertation…. so he quit school since he didn’t want to redo 3 years of work.
Check out this helpful trade secret - http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fapps.facebook.com%2Fdelltradesecrets&h=586c5
February 7th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Don’t spend money on things that don’t help your business or that customers/clients can not see. Step away from the IKEA web site!Carve out an office space in your home that is yours. Save the rent if you can work just as well from your home. You will be extra ‘Green’.
February 8th, 2011 at 9:19 am
It all boils down to keeping your focus on great customer service within all levels of the company. My industry is health and fitness. Too often I see my competition get absorbed in their personal egos. This can cause you business to grow rapidly, but the key to long term success is happy clients. If their needs are put first in all situations, your sells will never be low and you will love what you do.
February 8th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
My philosophy is to surround yourself to people that remain positive and look for solutions rather than those who look for excuses. Also, study the people that are the best at what they do and find out what makes them so successful!
February 8th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Save money…use Google Apps for Business for EVERYTHING!
February 8th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
The biggest enemy of a good idea is another good idea. As entrepreneurs we have many ideas that sound like winning opportunities but we need to pick one that suits us best and see it through to success. Stay focused my friends.
February 8th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Tips of business success: 1. Sometimes it takes the idea of humbling yourself to continue being successful. It is ok to be proud but, if you let conceit and greed over run you you will lose track of the next big or real picture. 2. In whatever category your business is keep track of your trends in your geographic area. If you do not know who your competition is or what he or she is doing you will fall behind very quickly. Know your demographic and target buyer at all times. Who is coming up and who is going down and why he or she is in that position. 3. Final. Technology!! Always keep your basic businees skills, but be able to apply them to current technology for upward movement of your company.
February 8th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Learning the “tools of the trade” that I use in my business is vital to create the best product for my clients. Treating my clients professionally, and yet friendly, is what keeps them coming back. LOVING what I do helps as well, and I do LOVE what I do!
BACK UP YOUR WORK! Extremely important when working on multiple revisions of a project to ALWAYS back it up. When I’m through with a project, I burn EVERYTHING to a DVD, sometimes two just as a precaution. I also use Windows Mesh and SkyDrive to keep my documents up to date.
As I’m learning a new skill, I use a notebook. I write down each step, cross out what didn’t work and keep what did work. When I’m through, I type it up, step by step, as a manual to use in the future.
Having a portable laptop is vital for my business so I can take it with me when meeting with clients to show them what I’ve done, and to be able to tweak things right in front of them. Otherwise, I’m editing it, sending it, getting it back, changing it, sending it again, and on and on.
This laptop is JUST what I need to move my business forward.
Check out my business success secret at http://www.facebook.com/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008
February 8th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
1. Learn the In’s and Outs of SEO. This is a must. If you have an online business, then you have to get familiar with Search Engine Optimization. Small business owners with online companies have the benefit of low overhead, yet the key is trying to find an audience. SEOMoz.org is a great website for getting started. Capitalize on free tools such as Google Analytics and Google Webmasters accounts, along with the Adwords keyword tool. Find keywords which are getting a good amt of traffic, but are not highly competitive. By focusing on these “long-tail” keywords, you will increase your odds of improving your overall search traffic.
2. Have a Plan. Most people i know have gone into business with a grand idea, but with no clue on how this idea will be executed. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but map out some sort of strategy for how you will achieve your goals. What sort of resources will you use? What are revenue goals? Set a timeline for failure or success. Sometimes i will say that if an online business hasn’t grown traffic or revenue by x% after a year, then it’s time to move on.
3. Find Some Good Help. Sites like Odesk and Freelancer are great resources for everything from web development to more mundane tasks such as link building. Find a few reliable pros to work with and you can use these folks for all of your projects. But be forewarned, there are a lot of not-so great workers on these boards. Interview the person first, and pay careful attention to past feedback. Also, those with a lot of high ratings may be great workers, but might not have the time to complete your project due to high demand. Look for those with less feedback but good overall scores.
4. Be Different. There’s nothing wrong with trying to emulate a competitor, but try to do something a bit different. Think of some of your top competitors weaknesses, and try to capitalize on this. Find a niche market that a competitor is not focusing on. Maybe you are in the watch business and sell all different brands of watches. If you are having a tough time competing, maybe it makes sense to focus on one brand (Movado) and focus all of your efforts on optimizing the size for this keyword. Odds are that you will have a much easier time getting people to visit.
5. Get Feedback. Sites such as amazon mechanical turk are inexpensive ways to get some quick feedback on your websites. Sometimes you need to take a quick step back to see what other people are thinking. Get some quality feedback, re-tune your website/product/service and rinse and repeat. Let’s remember, it’s the customer who will be buying your product. Give them what they want.
Cheers!
February 8th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
The most important keys to running a success small business is communication, confirmation and appreciation. It may sound to simple but it isn’t.
You have to make sure you communicate your goals to your employees and the steps they need to complete their portion of the goal. (especially when you have a very small staff). You need to confirm that they understand the goal and how to achieve it and then you need to appreciate all the work they do to bring your company closer to achieving it’s goals.
February 8th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
hmm..i also wrote a similar facebook post on the dell wall, but not sure what the link is::
http://www.facebook.com/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008
February 8th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Spend less on your website… (Unless it’s nothing… then spend more)…
We’re in the business of web design. Our most successful website for our own purposes was when we had our logo at the top, our contact information in the middle and a bit of a description below. Seriously. No graphics, not layout — it was simple, and trustworthy. It generated more leads via both email and phone than any other website we’ve used (though now, our site pretty much says “if you aren’t already a client — ‘go away!’”)
If you’re gonna hire a web designer beware: they like to design. Stick to simple, readable and functionable.
February 8th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
The best advice/tip for fund raising or volunteers in general is to break all jobs into 15-20 imns. Who can’t squeeze in just a measley 15-20 mins. for their favorite charity, school or scout? People often say “no” when asked “Could you do the clean up for our day?” but they will say “yes” when asked this way, “Would you be able to stay just 15-20 mins. afterwards to give me a hand?”.
http://www.facebook.com/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008#!/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008
February 8th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
It’s simple!
Get to know your customer.
Set goals
Be passionate and make sure you have a sense of humor because things will and can go bad.
Ask questions to determine whether what you think is a good fit and is really a good fit for your prospect or clients.
February 8th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
My 21 years in business continue to validate a simple but highly effective negotiation strategy, whether I am selling a potential customer, arranging financing, or discussing a cash-flow or budgetary consideration.
When any business situation has not been favorable and conversatiuons have come to a standstill without clear explanations, I implement the strategy known as my “business barometer” which states: “ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10, WHERE ‘10′ INDICATES COMPLETE APPROVAL, HOW WOULD YOU RANK YOUR OVERALL INTEREST LEVEL??” Wait for response then ask “WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO REACH A ‘10′”??
Ultimately, concerns regarding prices, interest rates, budget limits, etc. are instantly clarified and obstacles can be resolved with successful results. People can be skiddish and this negotiation strategy can be beneficial in maintaining successful dialogue.
February 8th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
If you know you’re that good and you have tried to offer your best services to someone and they are still wavering, sincerely encourgage them to go get a second or third opinion.
Many, many times I have had clients come back and absolutely stay long term because not only were you offerings the same or better but because you were fair enough to encourage them to look out for themselves.
February 8th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
The two most needed qualities to be successful in life and business are leadership and servantship. They oppose each other in every way, but together they create harmony. — If we as leaders do everything we can to serve those around us, to take the ladder out of the game and play on the same field, we will create a new host of leaders that will serve us the best they can. Together as servant-leaders we can grow any business, gain any customer, and create a better life for us and those around us!
February 8th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Take control. Never Give Up. Network, network, network.
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Learn, read, and learn and read some more.
Give 110%.
Surround yourself with people with like minds and
goals.
Do your best and then add to it. Never look back always
share the wealth. Give back to the community.
February 8th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
My Selling Advice:
Find the need and satisfy it.
If your customer has an itch, they need a scratch, not a backscratcher.
February 8th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
I decided when I started my business in 2006 that the best approach to building my business is….customer satisfaction. I strive to make sure that each and every sale made will lead to another sale or referral by making sure that every customer is treated like they’re the only sale I’ll make all year. I assist with questions, I look up and supply info on competing products, I sign a thank-you note on every packing slip, and I ship each sale by close of business each day. I haven’t made much money yet, but I have achieved the satisfaction of knowing that each customer knows that I consider him/her to be important to me and my company.
February 8th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Here is the Dell Trade Secrets Link to my above posting:
http://www.facebook.com/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008#!/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008#!/posted.php?id=795422242&success
February 8th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
The greatest “sauce” recipe for bringing in clients and keeping them for my business contains the following ingredients:
1.) desire on the client’s part to obtain the products and services I offer…
2.) a marketing message and mission statement that the “right” clients cannot resist…
3.) attraction and retention—I have a visualization technique to bring customers in, and the service provided keeps them coming back (intuitive retention—give ‘em what they want, individually and collectively).
This is just the beginning of “business soul”—the sauce on top. The meatballs are inside the service!
February 8th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
1st–Think like a customer and treat them the way you would want to be treated.
2nd- Think out site the box and try new innovative ideas.
3rd- always be looking for something new and unique.
4th- the old saying is true. try try try again.
February 8th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Evolve…many are frightened by change, but without evolution, we would still be rubbing two sticks together trying to make fire!
For a tip on using technology to boost your business check out this link…
http://www.facebook.com/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008
February 8th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
In my business, I’ve learned that it never hurts to ask. The worse someone can say is no and oftentimes they suprise you with so much more. It can be simply asking to barter, or to request a giveaway or door prize for an event or a fundraiser. Oftentimes the fear tends to hold us back, fear of rejection or the unknown. However, I’ve learned that the relationships you build for your business, the connections you make by talking to people and simply asking, has been some of the most valuable.
February 8th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Dedicate 10% of your time — day, month, or year — to increasing your learning (geared toward your business or entrepreneurship). This can be knowledge of technology and how it would increase your business or taking an online course on how to collaborate with different personalities or read a book on how to find out your strengths. Just take 3 - 4 days out of the month or 10 days over 3 months and watch how your assets increase!!
February 8th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
I have been in the construction biz since 1985 and the key to my success is every day I learn at least one thing or more from someone about business or something in my field. We do all phases of remodeling and painting and have been extremely blessed to be at it this long. Simple rules to any GREAT business are as follows:(1) Always care about your customers (2) Always care about the quality of your work (3) Always make your self assessable to your clients (4) Always keep an open mind to new things. I wish everyone the same success I have enjoyed all these years. Nagel Construction Ltd. since 1985….
February 9th, 2011 at 10:55 am
I also wrote my quote on the Dell link listed above. Good comments by all.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008
February 9th, 2011 at 10:55 am
Always remember there is a reason why you’re the “chosen one” for what you’re doing and the business you’re in. Harness that passion and energy in others in all business situations for them to see your vision.
see my Dell Trade Secrets for Business post: http://www.facebook.com/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008
February 9th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
For those still building their business on the side, never miss the opportunity to talk about what you do. My ah-ha moment came from a chance conversation that put my product into a non-traditional market. It was a real step up and opened my eyes to new opportunities.
I also think it is important to understand that in some situations you don’t want every customer. Some customers use a disproportionate amount of resources (and I’ve found these are the ones who typically have payment issues). If you have to fight to get paid, if someone has repeated problems when the rest of your customers are happy, it can be more profitable for your business to let them go.
Good luck to everyone who enters, and thanks for all the great ideas !
Here’s my Dell facebook post -
http://www.facebook.com/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008#!/?page=1&sk=messages&tid=10150100680292432
February 10th, 2011 at 2:42 am
If you can’t decide between two opportunities after you evaluated all pros and cons, choose the one that will bring you more fun.
February 10th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
God First
Family Second
Work Third
Give them all 100% effort and you will be successful in all areas of your life
February 10th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
ANSWER THE PHONE AND RETURN CALLS! There is nothing worse than allowing a phone to ring without answering. Well maybe there is- or at least a tie for first- And that would be not returning a call! Return non-urgent calls within 2 hours! If 2 hours is too lofty, set a goal that works for your particular business type. The important thing is to RETURN THE CALL and to NEVER ALLOW A PHONE TO RING JUST BECAUSE IT’s “somebody elses job!” THIS APPLIES EVEN IF YOU OWN EVERYTHING!
February 10th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
I’m a lover of brevity and I’ll just try to keep it short and simple: Go Ready, Fire…and then Aim!
My explanation: There’s no such thing as a perfect product these days and when customers are the very blood that makes your business run, you simply have to ask them what they need…and aim to develop just that. In the end, you’re simply answering the question: What’s in it for them? -if they choose to buy what you have to offer and stay loyal to your brand as well.
February 10th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Teressa is right on putting God first, family second and work is the third for perfect success in all areas of your life.And remember God will do the best and we will the rest.So, we should strive also for a good life here on earth.
February 11th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
We all have knowledge, but when you’re at your wits end, what do you do? Trust God. I know that this is about business, but God is in all of our businesses and we thrive!
When you have arived give back to a cause that’s really making a difference in people lives. Give 10% of all and continue to be blessed.
Merv
February 11th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
My secret to winning in any business situation is simply this… GIVING! Which by the way really isn’t a secret, for me it is consistently and continuously adding value to other people. No matter what the business situation has been: sales, board meetings, strategic planning sessions, team building, etc. when I add value to others, it always brings value to the situation. And the very best part of it is, not only do I win… but everyone else wins too!
Thanks for letting me play
- Julie
http://www.facebook.com/coachjulie/posts/132719630126703?notif_t=like
February 11th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
1.Innovate Innovate & Innovate!.
2.Dont startup because you want to make money.
3.Hate the word -”Business”- it stinks.
4.Approach problems scientifically.
5.Look around for other innovators and other innovative solutions.Dont just follow the herd.(if every one’s doing seo on google, you needn’t be doing the same).
6.If you are really convinced about what you are doing ,remember the saying - “can man change his destiny?Man has to keep trying until his destiny is revealed to him ! ”
7.God only helps those who help themselves.
8.Refine and evolve every day.
9.take time to evelop a purpose.Without a purpose existence is futile.
10.Some times it’s ok not to startup.it’s ok to do a decent job and for for some one else.
11.The world is changing quick.Prepare for it.May be try and figure out what’s written in the book “The IQ Shift -Breaking the Intelligence Qutient barriers”.If you are able to understand 25% of what’s written there, u can be assured u r ready for the future.
12.seriously a startup is not really about cash flows,or fund raising.It’s about really solving a problem or getting smarter at solving a problem.If u truely solve a problem you’ll manage without any funding at all.
13.Be prepared to adapt to new solutions.
14.Honestly -last time i posted some stuff here-it was about a contest i was hosting.I guess it was considered spam.This time i am serious, i am posting because i want to give out some more prizes.!
15.Always be agile and prompt and create impact in what ever you do.”Speed is an essential credential.”
16. As some one mentioned above- if u have managed to startup you are one of those “Chosen Ones”.Feel good abt it.
that’s it
February 12th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
*(my comment disappeared reposting)
If you’re having trouble getting media attention, you can generate your own news story using the website Newser which allows you to share ‘user generated’ news posts. You summarize a news piece and link to the ‘full article’ which can be a blog post etc.
The posts have options for sharing on Facebook and Twitter for spreading the word via social media. If your post generates enough interest, Newser will put it on the main news page, and they might post it on their Facebook page as well. So if you’re lucky you might generate at least a moderate buzz.
I’m presently using it to try and get a buzz for a revision of the Chrysler - Eminem - Super Bowl ad, in which I did my own voice-over and put a spin on the Creative Spark of Detroit.
http://www.newser.com/story/111857/detroits-creative-spark-new-spin-on-super-bowl-ad.html
February 13th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
After having been in numerous small business (successful and un-), the best advice I cn give is sage: Never get involved in a business venture with your husband/partner/wife/mate/significant other! The relationship is far more important than the business and you want to leave that behind at the end of the day…I know people will fight me on this, I’m just saying having done this three times now with all three businesses closed…its better to both succeed and come together with that much more!
Its important that you have a great relationship with your business partner and friendship is vital.
February 13th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
:::CONTEST ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED:::
CONGRATULATIONS GO TO: Lenore Slawsky of Rocko’s Rewards, a business that makes dog treats delivered to your (dog’s) front door.
Lenore Slawsky, the winner of the Dell Vostro V130, submitted her post on February 9th, 2011 at 9:29pm, offering the following advice:
“For those still building their business on the side, never miss the opportunity to talk about what you do. My ah-ha moment came from a chance conversation that put my product into a non-traditional market. It was a real step up and opened my eyes to new opportunities.
I also think it is important to understand that in some situations you don’t want every customer. Some customers use a disproportionate amount of resources (and I’ve found these are the ones who typically have payment issues). If you have to fight to get paid, if someone has repeated problems when the rest of your customers are happy, it can be more profitable for your business to let them go.
Good luck to everyone who enters, and thanks for all the great ideas!”
Lenore also included a post at the Dell Facebook page, which helped her get special consideration relative to those who only posted their secrets of success without including such a link (see contest instructions).
Lenore’s Facebook post is here: http://www.facebook.com/DellBusiness?v=app_152099558176008#!/?page=1&sk=messages&tid=10150100680292432
Thank you everyone for taking the time to share your business wisdom.
We loved learning and seeing the breadth of insights we as a community have to offer each other.
We hope to create more fun opportunities like this in the near future.
- Rich and the StartupNation team
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:20 am
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