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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