| Canadian Small Business of The Month | |
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This month's interview is with Mark McGregor, an Independent Financial Consultant and Professional Speaker based in Hamilton, Ontario.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced starting your business and how did you overcome this problem?
Mark: Finding prospects. To overcome this, I did lots of reading, took lots of courses, and did lots of networking and lots of web searches. Belonging to a variety of associations such as Toastmasters, and the local Hamilton Chapter of CAPS (the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) helps. And I found a business mentor who is not related to the speaking industry.
Of course, I also had the physical challenge of overcoming a series of heart related situations. I overcame these by staying focused and taking each situation one at a time. (You can read more about the challenges Mark faced when he was starting his business in the Small Business: Canada forum.
Q: Which personality traits do you think have contributed the most to your success and how?
Mark: Listening skills. How can I ever offer a solution to someone's problem if I don't entirely hear what the problem is?
Also being a people and "go to" person. People contact me with a variety of requests and needs, because they understand that I have a large network of people who can do a variety of things. For example, a contact may be looking for a new job, or someone may be looking for computer help. I can't specialize in everything, but I know people I can turn to that can provide what my contact needs.
Q: What goals have you set for your business for 2001 and what steps will you take to accomplish these goals?
Mark: My primary goal is to increase bookings. I have a new logo, am working on a new Web site, and am aggressively looking for prospects in our target market.
Having a Web site is very much part of my company's success. It's open 7/24. Clients can access as much or as little information as they require to make a buying decision. They can pass the information on to other decision makers.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your business today?
Mark: Consistent income.
I'm tackling this with promotions via cold calls, mailings, referrals, and a new Web site. You've got to circulate before you can percolate!
Q: Which networking methods have been most effective for you?
Mark: Belonging to target network groups, associations, and volunteering for a variety of organizations. Emailing newsletters. And because I have a great relationship with my clients in my financial business, Advantage Financial Plus, I can cross over to ask for referrals.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business now?
Mark: Be prepared to go hungry for a long period of time. Stay focused. Be around other positive people. Keep your health. Find a mentor and delegate as soon as possible.
Q: What business achievement are you most proud of to date?
Mark: Having people coming to me to ask for advice. That means people trust me and want a relationship.
Mark recently appeared as a guest on George Torok's "Business in Motion" radio program. He'll be presenting a workshop called "How to Market You and Your Club" at the Toastmaster District 60 Spring Conference in Mississauga on April 21, 2001. His new Web site, http://www.speakingofhearts.com, will be up and running soon.
In the meantime, you can find Mark's current Web site at http://www.advantagefinancialplus.com.
Contact Mark McGregor, Independent Financial Consultant & Professional Speaker at:
mark@advantagefinancialplus.com
Telephone: 905-318-1237
Fax: 905-318-9888
First page > Introduction to Mark McGregor's Business > Page 1, 2
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Disclaimer: The Canadian Small Business of the Month feature is provided for information purposes only.
If you would like your business to be considered as The Canadian Small Business of The Month, email me at sbinfocanada.guide@about.com, and I'll send you a questionnaire. While completing a questionnaire is no guarantee of being featured in this series of articles, all completed questionnaires will be considered.
