When you recommend a restaurant to someone, or a fine bottle of wine, or a really good massage therapist, have you wondered what is motivating you to do so?  How about music? What is the psychology going on behind the scenes when I tell you that you absolutely must listen to this great band that […]

I was talking to one of my employees about procrastination today, and it made me think of how common it is… and the impact it has on a business.
Dawdle, adjourn, dally, drag your feet, defer, postpone, delay, put off – whatever you call it, it’s a disease that affects most of us to some degree.
 
An […]

Athletes Against Autism
May 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRO ATHLETES HELP DRIVE AUTISM CLOSER TO A CURE AT THE INAUGURAL CANADA ATHLETES AGAINST AUTISM GOLF TOURNAMENT AUGUST 10 - 11
Current & Former NHL Stars including Olie Kolzig, Scott Mellanby, Byron DaFoe, Mike Vernon, Chuck Kobasew and Todd Simpson are Among Those Expected to Tee Off in Support […]

Media Release
September 2007
For Immediate Delivery
Plan your success with 90 days and four steps to attract clients and increase your business income

Breakthrough Business Development: A 90-Day Plan to Build Your Client Base and Take Your Business to the Next Level By Duncan MacPherson and David Miller
We’ve all heard the maxim: 80 percent of business comes from […]

If you do an internet search on “Success Circle” or “Personal Advisory Boards”, as they are also called, you will get an idea of how popular this practice has become. The concept is this: an entrepreneur creates a network of peers and / or mentors that will benefit his business through advice.
Everything has a way […]

How to Grow Your Practice During a Recession
It’s time to recognize the upside to today’s economic downturn and leverage the current climate to grow your referrals.
By Duncan MacPherson
When times are tough, many advisors make the mistake of “running scared” and doing anything and everything to get new business.
[…]

The Lost Art of Saying Thanks
Improving communication is key to solidifying relationships with your best clients.
You probably already know that consistent communication has the greatest impact on your ability to competitor-proof your favorite clients and to stimulate quality referrals. Proactively conveying to a client that you genuinely value the relationship is without question the foundation […]

When a potential client walks into the office of an entrepreneur whose services they are considering, they often feel apprehensive about facing a more or less aggressive sale. I have found that not meeting their expectations in this regard is a much better approach. Instead, I suggest going through a process that will make the […]

Business Insight
Nurturing clients during a downturn
June 2, 2008
Duncan MacPherson, consultant
Set your sights on a long-term relationship
Duncan MacPherson is co-author of Breakthrough Business Development and co-founder of the consultant firm Pareto Platform, based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Today, he offers advice on surviving tough times.
Why is it important not to drop prices to attract clients during […]

Just for Small Business
You Can Grow Your Business During A Recession — Here’s How
By Denise O’Berry
Monday, May 5 2008

Although our president is still hesitant to mention the “R” word, the general consensus of the financial “talking heads” on news programs have stepped out and think we’re already there. […]