Today's KPI Goals
5 expos
20 Invites (done)
10 Pages of Book of the Month
1 3way
5 Referrals
Schedule 3 Presentations
So Far, 25 Social Media Invites
So Far, 30 Minutes of Audio "The 33 Strategies of War"
#WinTheMorning #WinTheDay
March 14, 2023
March 13, 2023
Why Including Your Children In Your Business Can Be Beneficial
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If you have specific questions about any legal matter, you should consult with an attorney or other professional services provider.
https://thebufordco.com/quicklinks/
It’s one of the least understood ways to lower your tax obligations, and conversely one of the easiest. And it is one of the best strategies for entrepreneurs who are interested in building generational wealth. And that is employing your children in your business.
Children who work for their parents are subject to the same tax rules as any other employee. However, there are some important factors to consider:
Tax benefits: Hiring children under 18 years of age can result in tax savings for business owners. The wages paid to children are tax-deductible expenses for the business, reducing the business's taxable income. Additionally, if the child is under 18 and is the business owner's dependent, they may be exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes, resulting in additional tax savings.
Transfer of income: By employing their children, business owners can shift income from themselves to their children, potentially reducing their own tax liability. This can be especially beneficial if the child is in a lower tax bracket than the business owner.
Age: If the child is under the age of 18 and works for their parent's sole proprietorship or partnership, they are not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, if the child is working for a corporation, they are subject to all employment taxes regardless of their age.
Type of work: The type of work the child is performing also impacts taxation. If the child is performing household chores or other minor tasks, they are generally not considered employees and do not need to pay taxes. However, if the child is performing substantial work, such as administrative or managerial tasks, they are considered employees and are subject to all employment taxes.
Wages: The wages the child receives for their work must be reasonable and consistent with the amount paid to other employees performing similar tasks. If the wages are deemed unreasonable, the IRS may reclassify the child's wages as a gift or allowance, which is not deductible by the parent and may be subject to gift tax.
Training and education: Employing children in the business can provide them with valuable training and work experience. This can be especially beneficial if the child is being groomed to take over the business in the future.
Family bonding: Employing children in the business can create a sense of family unity and strengthen relationships. Working together can provide an opportunity for parents and children to develop a shared sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Remember, it's important to note that employing children must be done in compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations. The wages paid to children must be reasonable and consistent with the work performed, and children must be treated as any other employee, with proper documentation and record-keeping. Parents should consult with a tax professional and/or legal advisor to ensure they are following all applicable rules and regulations.
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Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Click this link 👉 Buy me a coffee!
Join our email list to enjoy a more comprehensive, insightful experience 👉 JSB Business Solutions Email List
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextoppsocial #smallbizarchitecture #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship #jsbbusinesssolutionsgroup #smallbizarchitect #jsbbusinesssolutionsgroup #businesssolutions
JuJuan Buford, Managing Partner
888.549.9689 / [email protected]
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
March 07, 2023
Want Better Results? Ask Better Questions... 50 Questions Successful Entrepreneurs Ask of Themselves
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March 05, 2023
Want Better Results? Ask Better Questions. 50 Questions Successful Entrepreneurs Ask of Themselves
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
50 Topics
- Top 5 mistakes business owners make.
- What is the difference between an llc, s-corp, c-corp?
- How can you pay your children and enjoy the tax write-off?
- What is a holding company, and why is one necessary?
- How do you keep your assets out of the public eye?
- How do you make your company investment ready?
- How do you create an investment company?
- How do you buy a business?
- What kind of loans are available for business owners?
- What are common business deductions all business owners need to know about?
- How do you secure government contracts? What’s the process?
- How to consistently set and achieve goals?
- How do you stay motivated?
- How do sleep habits impact performance?
- How do diet habits impact performance?
- How do you find good employees and retain good employees?
- What tools are most effective at finding good talent?
- How do you create effective social media content?
- Are blogs or podcasts more effective?
- How do you start an effective podcast?
- What social media tools or platforms are most effective?
- How do you manage time more effectively?
- How do you manage stress and turmoil more effectively?
- How do you define your target audience and why is it important?
- How do you create more consistent revenues in your business?
- How do you build multiple businesses at the same time?
- How do you buy cars, homes, and assets in your business name? Why should you do it?
- How do you create a winning elevator pitch or sales pitch?
- How do you invite people you don’t know to learn about your business?
- How do you invite people you know to learn about your business?
- Is debt bad?
- What is the difference between a copyright and a trademark?
- How do you write a business plan for private investors?
- How do you approach and secure support from private investors?
- What is affiliate marketing, and does it work?
- How do you establish and build business credit?
- What are the best investments for entrepreneurs and business owners?
- How do you know what kind of business would be right for you? What kind of business should you start?
- How is AI (artificial intelligence) going to change the game?
- Why is an independent contractor agreement necessary?
- How do I protect my business from shady partners or employees?
- What are the best ways to motivate my employees or staff?
- What kind of insurance policies do I need to start and protect my business?
- What are the best business banks to work with?
- How do you determine whether you need a business coach?
- When is it time to pivot and build a different business or quit (gasp!)?
- How do you create a social media ads campaign?
- How do you use Google for Business?
- How do you use SEO to improve your business profile?
- What are some of the best business books out there?
TWO MORE QUESTIONS
#1. Are there other questions you'd like us to answer?
#2. What topics are of greatest interest to you?
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Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Click this link 👉 Buy me a coffee!
Join our email list to enjoy a more comprehensive, insightful experience 👉 JSB Business Solutions Email List
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextoppsocial #smallbizarchitecture #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship #jsbbusinesssolutionsgroup #smallbizarchitec #jsbbusinesssolutionsgroup #businesssolutions
JuJuan Buford, Managing Partner
888.549.9689 / [email protected]
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
February 20, 2023
5AM Small Plate - Quick Tips to Achieve Goals
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
#1. GET AROUND PEOPLE WHO ARE BUILDING, DOING, ACHIEVING
Sharp iron sharpens iron. Remove yourself from the influence of dull knives. Else you'll be dulled.
#2. PEOPLE DON'T PLAN TO FAIL, THEY FAIL TO PLAN
You eat an elephant one bite at a time. Define your goal and then break it into bite-size pieces. Write down every significant and every insignificant step. Finish each step, building confidence and momentum. Snowflakes turn into snowballs.
#3. SEE YOUR GOALS EVERYWHERE
Make sure your goals are omnipresent. Keep them in front of your face 24/7 around the clock. Do whatever you have to do. Use screensavers, index cards, appointment books, sticky notes, etc., You are what you eat. You are what you think (about) to.
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Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Click this link 👉 Buy me a coffee!
Join our email list to enjoy a more comprehensive, insightful experience 👉 JSB Business Solutions Email List
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextoppsocial #smallbizarchitecture #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship #jsbbusinesssolutionsgroup
JuJuan Buford, Managing Partner
888.549.9689 / [email protected]
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
5 Common Tax Deductions Home-Based Entrepreneurs Often Miss Out On
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If you have specific questions about any legal matter, you should consult with an attorney or other professional services provider.
There are several tax deductions that home-based entrepreneurs often overlook. Here are a few of them:
Home office deduction: If you use a portion of your home exclusively for your business, you may be eligible to deduct expenses related to that space. Deductions can include rent or mortgage interest, utilities, insurance, and repairs. The IRS has specific rules for what qualifies as a home office, and it's important to review those guidelines before claiming this deduction.
Business-related car expenses: If you use your car for business purposes, you may be able to deduct expenses such as gas, oil changes, and repairs. It's important to keep careful records of your mileage and expenses, as the IRS may require documentation to support your deduction.
Health insurance premiums: If you are self-employed and pay for your own health insurance, you may be able to deduct those premiums on your tax return. This deduction is available whether you itemize your deductions or take the standard deduction.
Retirement plan contributions: If you contribute to a retirement plan such as a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k), you may be able to deduct those contributions on your tax return. Using this strategy can result in significant tax savings, as contributions to retirement plans are generally tax-deductible.
Professional development and education expenses: If you attend conferences or other educational events related to your business, you may be able to deduct the cost of those events. You may also be able to deduct the cost of books, magazines, and other publications that relate to your business.
It's important to keep good records of your business expenses throughout the year so that you can take advantage of all the tax deductions that are available to you. Consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure that you are taking advantage of all the deductions that apply to your specific situation.
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Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Click this link 👉 Buy me a coffee!
Join our email list to enjoy a more comprehensive, insightful experience 👉 JSB Business Solutions Email List
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextoppsocial #smallbizarchitecture #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship
JuJuan Buford, Managing Partner
888.549.9689 / [email protected]
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
February 12, 2023
Create A Winning Online / Social Media Presence That Works for You - 50 Topic Challenge
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
AN EXERCISE: 50 Topic Challenge
This is an exercise that transformed my approach to marketing in general and created outstanding results via social media for myself and many of the entrepreneurs I've worked with.
This exercise is particularly useful if you are struggling with the type of social media content you should be posting, or what should be the tenor of the content. Or understanding what kind of content will allow you to attract the right people (your ideal client) to your business.
What if you sat down and literally defined your buying avatar? In other words, people who want what you provide, you genuinely enjoy serving, and that is highly profitable for your business. Take out a pen and paper and describe the avatar by name. Give them a birthday, an occupation, socio-economic status, zip code, hobbies, shopping habits, travel destinations, favorite restaurants, clothing, spouse and children (or single), etc., etc.,
Be able to visualize this person in your mind as they are walking past you, sitting at a table adjacent to yours, engaging content in their phone, or at home.
Write down 50 topics, concerns, or interests they may have. YES, 50! Write down topics of great and minimal interest. Write down things that may be quirky or idiosyncratic or generally expected of the person you've visualized. Write down where and what they may be spending their monies and time on. Make this list as comprehensive as possible. It's very important.
Then take inventory of your list and identify the 10 topics and interests you have the greatest understanding, experience, expertise, or comfort with.
Moving forward post and share content with people on the chosen social media or online platforms that you have the greatest familiarity and comfort using. Allow these subjects and interests to determine what, how, and when you post.
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Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Click this link 👉 Buy me a coffee!
Join our email list to enjoy a more comprehensive, insightful experience 👉 JSB Business Solutions Email List
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextoppsocial #smallbizarchitecture #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship
JuJuan Buford, Managing Partner
888.549.9689 / [email protected]
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
February 02, 2023
A Simple Way to Super Charge Your Business in 2023. Building a Purpose Driven Enterprise
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
Click this Link to Listen to Audio
Several months ago I met an aspiring cannabis entrepreneur interested in establishing an edibles business in the industry but was experiencing a lot of consternation, start and stops, and a host of other difficulties. Like many entrepreneurs, her energy would wax and wane and she would succumb to her demanding nursing schedule, academic demands, and the responsibility of caring for her ailing mother.
She started each day inspired by her dream of establishing a thriving enterprise, and end the day distraught and feeling defeated. Her well would often run dry before she even dragged herself out the door. Sound familiar?
When I met with her I asked a series of questions. One of the questions I asked was why she wanted to start a cannabis business in the first place. And, of course, she gave a typical response that many entrepreneurs default to, basically reiterating motivations that made her feel good and be acceptable to the people around her. Let's give her a mythical name. Brandy responded that she believed the cannabis industry provided a great opportunity to help African Americans get back on their feet, following years of being penalized for the love of enjoying cannabis historically. Pretty honorable response, eh?
But not good enough. So, I began to peel back the onion.
I asked Brandy again, why are you interested in the cannabis industry? She responded, "well, I enjoy cannabis." She grew up in the culture and wanted to utilize cannabis as a vehicle to give people jobs and help them achieve their goals and dreams, particularly those individuals who may have felonies or misdemeanors making it difficult for people to attain gainful employment in the traditional job market.
Sounds fantastic, but not good enough.
I responded that this wasn't the real reason, to her chagrin. After an uncomfortable silence, Brandy finally broke down and told the truth after I asked the same question repeatedly. But before I allowed her to share the real reason, I shared she was not going to achieve her dream with all the time constraints and financial strains that colored her life. Launching a business in this industry is expensive and fraught with bureaucratic hurdles. Unless she had a deep enough well of resolve, inspiration, passion, and focus, it would be virtually impossible for her to succeed.
Fatigue wasn't the reason Brandy was failing. She wasn't motivated enough.
When you are walking with a clearly defined purpose. Solving a problem that gives you energy and pursuing something with clearly defined outcomes, you will do the work even when you don't feel like it no matter the inevitable inconveniences. Death, disability, disappointments, car accidents, and all manner of BS.com doesn't stop because you choose entrepreneurship.
Brandy finally broke down and shared that one day she'd returned home from work with some cannabis-infused edibles and left them on the living room table before passing out for the night. Brandy's mother was so physically diminished that she didn't leave the living room for weeks and months at a time. Her mother needed assistance walking to the bathroom, preparing food for herself, and clothing herself. Her existence pretty much consisted of sitting in a recliner watching television all day and she very rarely left the living room. Brandy began to choke up as she explained that her mother's psychological deterioration was so pronounced that she doubted her mother had the desire to leave the space at all.
But the following day, her mother eased herself out of the recliner and slept in her bed for the first time in months, if not years. Brandy noticed the edibles were missing and concluded that her mother must have consumed them. She brought home another sampling of edibles and left them on the dining room table again, and the following day her mother went to the bathroom by herself. Her mother's demeanor had completely changed as well. She was more active in their residence, more engaged, and more conversational.
Brandy thought out loud that perhaps the edibles contributed to a more positive living situation and a better relationship with her mother, and she continued to leave edibles in the living room periodically. Their conversations began to be more fluid and satiating. Then approximately a week later her mother (let's give her a name) was not only getting up and going to the bathroom by herself, but Elaine was also walking around the apartment. She noticed Elaine's increasingly upbeat attitude, accompanied by her now getting up and cooking for herself. She no longer watched television for 18 hours a day. Matter of fact, Elaine didn't spend much time in front of the television anymore.
Elaine spent more time on the phone talking to her girlfriends, and her demeanor had transformed. The constant stomach pains were nonexistent. On one particular occasion, Brandy was headed to the grocery store, and Elaine asked her if she could go outside and walk around the apartment. This hadn't happened in years. Elaine was now able to sit outside on a bench, talk to people, people watch, and engage the children that were playing near her.
A couple of days later, Elaine asked Brandy if she could go to the grocery store with her. This normally would have been an alarming idea. What would happen if the activity became too exhausting for her? However, Elaine navigated the aisles with ease and helped make buying decisions. It turned out to be one of the most satisfying, memorable, and rewarding experiences with her mother in years.
Then one morning Brandy awoke to find Elaine walking around the apartment unsupervised. She was exercising. Elaine's friends naturally began to notice and began asking questions about what prompted the transformation. The requests for edibles began to pour in. Brandy's friends wanted to explore whether sharing cannabis-infused edibles could help their parents and elderly family members as well with many of the debilitating conditions they were suffering from.
Many elders (especially women) have a cultural inhibition and fear of driving into communities where cannabis products are accessible. So Brandy decided she would start a business that would provide transportation and deliver edibles to their premises. And use her nursing background and medical knowledge to monitor and regulate appropriate portions.
This was the real reason why Brandy wanted to start a cannabis business.
She wanted to duplicate the transformation Elaine experienced and help other elderly women in her community. And once Brandy was able to identify her reason why, she was better able to target her marketing efforts and operations more efficiently, making her business endeavors far more profitable. She felt invigorated and regularly found the energy to continue her entrepreneurial journey.
Brandy was better able to communicate her value proposition to her target market and began to attract clients more regularly. This allowed her to enjoy a more predictable income and invest more in creating marketing and distributing materials to people who were more receptive and ready to invest in her products and services. Elaine's story resonated with others and people would make blink decisions to patronize Brandy immediately. Simply identifying her why (core values and core focus) helped her to transform her business and help others far more effectively.
Brandy and Elaine's story clearly demonstrates why taking the time to properly identify one's core values and focus is imperative for entrepreneurs. Brandy is not going to find her ideal clients on LinkedIn or TikTok. They're going to be on Facebook predominately. She's not going to be able to utilize the type of marketing techniques that appeal to a younger crowd. Text messages and email will be the primary tools she employs to engage people like her mother who aren't comfortable using more advanced technology.
Knocking on doors. Utilizing flyers. Hosting small parties and get-togethers is going to be far more effective because that is how her customers like to make decisions. They want to have conversations, create connections, and build relationships.
Absent our conversation Brandy would have continued to flounder, employing approaches and spending energies in spaces that don't cater to or land with people who are receptive to her. Now she knows where her competitive advantage is, and as she continues to refine her efforts, and build a competitive moat (trust, relationships, familiarity, name recognition) around her niche.
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Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Click this link 👉 Buy me a coffee!
Join our email list to enjoy a more comprehensive, insightful experience 👉 JSB Business Solutions Email List
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextoppsocial #smallbizarchitecture #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship
JuJuan Buford, Managing Partner
888.549.9689 / [email protected]
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
January 17, 2023
Creating Predictable Revenues is Found in Your Process
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
WRITE DOWN THE PROCESS
In order to curate processes that work, you must identify the habits that work. This lays the groundwork for you, the self-employed entrepreneur, to grow from a team of ME to a team of WE. In other words, transiting from being a practitioner or creative that is owned by their business, to becoming a business owner, building an asset (an organism that breathes, produces, and re-produces) that generates revenues independently of you having to do everything.
Your process is the track you run on. Every professional, entrepreneur, and business has a process. If you don't have a process, that is your process. Processes allow you to inventory your RGAs (revenue-generating activities) systemically, and the predictability of your revenues is found in your RGAs. It is where the fodder is found to begin to make projections about your profitability in the future.
Not having a proven process is tantamount to waking up, jumping in your car, and attempting to drive to an overseas destination you've never visited before without a map or a compass. For the purposes of this exercise, I'm going to provide a simplified process that applies to most business models in general.
How do I ensure that new people are learning about my business on a daily basis?
- Social Media Campaigns
- Inboxing or Direct Messaging Prospects Online
- Cold Calling
- Referrals
- Email Campaigns
- Door Knocking
- Networking Events
- Open Houses
- Newspaper or Online Trade Publications
- Etc.,.
How many new people do I need to introduce to my business on a daily basis for it to be viable? Some in the social media world, refer to this as impressions.
What kind of tools or marketing artifacts am I going to use to introduce my business offerings?
Once a new prospect is aware of my services or products, how do I help them make an educated buying decision?
- Landing Pages & Sales Funnels
- Invitation to a Zoom Presentation or Webcast
- Schedule a One on One Appointment
- Social Media Tutorial or Presentation: YouTube, Instagram, SoundCloud, etc.
- Website Invite to a Demonstration
- Seminars
How many guests (people who have seen a presentation of some kind) must learn about my presentation in order to onboard a new client?
Here is a simplified formula I still employ to this day, when I’m attempting to assess the amount of work and resources I will need to employ to predict and meet expectations. This formula is not ideal for all entrepreneurs and businesses; however it is highly useful for micro-business owners and sales professionals.
Simplified Formula for Sales Success
- What is your income goal per month:
- What is your average compensation / NOI (net operating income) per sale:
- What is your closing percentage?
- Weeks per month (52 weeks/12 months) = 4.33
- What is the number of days per week you will work building your dream:
Example:
- Income Goal $8,333.33 / divided by,
- Average Compensation $300 / divided by,
- Closing Ration 30% / divided by
- Weeks per month 4.33 / divided by
- Chosen Number of Work Days 5
- = 4.5 presentations daily
When you acquire a new client, what steps am I going to take to make sure they are a happy client?
- What is the System for Following Up to Confirm Their Satisfaction?
- How Do I Confirm or Deliver the Guarantee?
- How Do I Ensure Services/Products are Meeting Expectations?
- How Do I Continually Engage My Client After Their Purchase?
What process do I have in place to obtain referrals on a consistent basis?
- Email Campaigns
- Phone Calls
- Text Messages
- CRM - Automated Messages
- Do I have a Script?
- Social Media Group, Membership Club, Subscription
Over the course of time, you want to be very intentional about documenting your scripts and inventorying what strategies and tools you are using. Why? When it’s time to grow from a team of ME to a team of WE, this process will reduce your hiring, training, and supervisory expenses. Plan with the end in mind.
Give your process or approach a name. In one of my organizations, I refer to it as Our Uplifting Service Agreement. Once you’ve named (branded) your process, at some point you’ll want to create some type of marketing artifact, logo, symbol, or image that people can identify with your process (prospects, clients, and employees alike).
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Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Click this link 👉 Buy me a coffee!
Join our email list to enjoy a more comprehensive, insightful experience 👉 JSB Business Solutions Email List
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextoppsocial #smallbizarchitecture #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship
JuJuan Buford, Managing Partner
888.549.9689 / [email protected]dco.com
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
January 08, 2023
A Simple Formula to Help Create Predictable Revenues
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
Here is a simplified formula I still employ to this day, when I’m attempting to assess the amount of work and resources I will need to deploy to predict and meet expectations. This formula is not ideal for all entrepreneurs and businesses however, it is highly useful for micro-business owners, sales entrepreneurs, and professionals.
Simplified Formula for Sales Success
- What is your income goal per month:
- What is your average compensation / NOI (net operating income) per sale:
- What is your closing percentage?
- Weeks per month (52 weeks/12 months) = 4.33
- What are the number of days per week you will work building your dream:
Example:
- Income Goal $8,333.33 / divided by,
- Average Compensation $300 / divided by,
- Closing Ration 30% / divided by,
- Weeks per month 4.33 / divided by,
- Chosen Number of Work Days 5
- = 4.5 presentations daily
Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Buy me a coffee!
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextoppsocial #smallbizarchitecture #businessdevelopment #entrepreneurship
JuJuan Buford, Managing Partner
888.549.9689 / [email protected]
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
January 04, 2023
5AM SMALL PLATE - Why Boredom Is Good For Your Business
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
Don't run away from boredom (#mastery of your #craft). Run to it. People don't pay 5 Star prices for mediocrity. Your #freedom and #financialindependence are found in your #skill (stack), #knowledge (stack), and #power (stack). Allow yourself to become #elite, meaning you can teach what you've mastered and #scale your business. That is how you become elite, and earn what elites earn.
#catchjsbuford #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #smallbizarchitect #businessarchitecture #entrepreneurship #mindset #businessstrategy #growthmindset #execution #nextoppsocial
CLICK THE IMAGE TO LEARN MORE 👇👇
Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online survey and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Buy me a coffee!
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
December 27, 2022
5 Simple Steps to Become More Attractive to Investors
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
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December 22, 2022
5AM SMALL PLATE - Let's Talk About Proximity to Power
I learned a long time ago that proximity to power. Living in a zip code, attending a certain school, or being friends with wealthy people doesn't make you part of the club.
Living the champagne life on a beer budget is not what's up.
It's like being the janitor, sweeping the floors of a multi-billionaire's office. You're in the room. But... (and there are one out of a million exceptions)
A little bit of paranoia and anxiety is good for an entrepreneur. Be hungry for knowledge, resources, better relationships, becoming more valuable to your network, and building your net worth.
#smallbizarchitect #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #DecideBeDoHave #growthmindset #nextoppsocial #catchjsbuford #liveinpower #levelup #levelupchallenge
December 18, 2022
The Recession is Coming (Here). You Don't Have to Participate In It.
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December 09, 2022
3 Business & Wealth Destroying Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make
Posted by JuJuan Buford @JSBUFORD
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December 02, 2022
Morning Mindset Routine for Entrepreneurs - Getting Your Mind Right
Posted by JuJuan Buford, Entrepreneur & Author @JSBUFORD
Who is determining your priorities? Is it the television set? Social media? Do you find yourself unconsciously checking your Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc., etc., pages compulsively? Are your worries: bills, your boss, conflict-ridden relationships, haters, or the latest batch of constantly negative news......?
When you lay your head down at night or awake first thing in the morning, what are your predominating thoughts? And who and what is determining them? Are you on auto-pilot, where you haven't taken time to ask yourself the aforementioned questions because the whirlwind of life is the software currently running your hardware?
Jim Rohn, The Set of the Sail. https://youtu.be/a-hwzFc8MWk
What are your values? What are the principles that determine the setting of your sail? Have you defined where you intend to be a month, a year, five years from now, and ultimately what is your destination? Here's an even more telling question: How much time are you spending answering these questions versus succumbing to the whirlwind?
The answer for most of us might cause a sense of fright or consternation. But it doesn't have to.
Here's an abridged version of a powerful exercise I gleaned from Timothy Ferriss's, Tools of Titans. Lie, cheat, and steal my friends.
Lie awake at night curating your future,
Cheat and steal from the best ideas and practices at your disposal, and
Build the masterpiece that you were born to live.
First thing in the morning.
I'm grateful for:
1)
2)
3)
What are three things I can accomplish that would make today a masterpiece?
1)
2)
3)
What are the three things I love most about myself and/or the person I'm becoming?
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Before you close your eyes at night.
What are three experiences or tasks I accomplished today that I'm most excited about?
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What are three things or areas of my life that I could improve?
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Thank you for taking the time to read this article. My hope is that the content helps you to achieve your goals and live lives of satisfaction. And that you subscribe, and reciprocate with your insights so that others may benefit. Or just share your appreciation.
Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online survey and schedule a virtual meet-up. And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Buy me a coffee!
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
November 12, 2022
Don't Be Afraid to Act on Your Business Idea
posted by JuJuan Buford @jsbuford
Every large corp. Every success story. Every brand. Every (BHAG) Big Hairy Audacious Goal... started out as an idea.
There is no such thing as small impactful ideas. They’re only small in the hands of small minds, starved from a lack of execution.
Don’t be afraid to act on yours. Here’s a basic framework to discover and take action.
#bhags #bigideas #decidebedohave #smallbizarchitect #entrepreneurship
LAUNCHYOURIDEA by catchjsbuford
Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online survey and schedule a virtual meet-up.
And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Buy me a coffee!
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
November 08, 2022
Why Entrepreneurial Activity is For Everyone... & Where Do You Start?
posted by JuJuan Buford @jsbuford
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How Underdogs Win as Entrepreneurs
posted by JuJuan Buford @jsbuford
I didn't come from the right household or zip code. I didn't understand how to monetize my talents and skills early on. I didn't have social capital. Popularity contests weren't my thing.
I fought weekly in middle school because I grew tired of being picked up because of my complexion, and my willingness to display my heritage. I was so unpopular in high school that the curators of our yearbook purposely misspelled my name.
When I started my entrepreneurial journey family members told me, we are not going to support your business.
I rarely have been invited into the right rooms. I simply show up. Until now.
My supposed friends asked me, "who are you to believe you can achieve these things?"
None of it mattered. None of it matters. Why?
Watch the video to learn more.
Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online survey and schedule a virtual meet-up.
And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Buy me a coffee!
November 02, 2022
October 26, 2022
Do Really Have to Work 70 Plus Hours a Week to Be a Successful Entrepreneur?
posted by JuJuan Buford @jsbuford
Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online survey and schedule a virtual meet-up.
And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Buy me a coffee!
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
Schedule An Appointment - https://bit.ly/SmallBizArchitectureMeetUp
October 24, 2022
This Isn't a Dress Rehearsal. Stop Allowing Stagehands to Curate Your Life
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October 02, 2022
THREE QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU BETTER MANAGE YOUR TIME.
Here's the thing. There is no such thing as time management, but I had to put it in the title to get you here. And for the contrarians.
You can't negotiate with time. Manage time. Bribe, arm wrestle, flirt with, threaten, or coerce time. Time doesn't care. We all have the same amount of time and the difference between those of us who derive more value and results with the time we have as opposed to others boils down to two things.
#1. There are those of us who buy other people's time wholesale and sell their time retail (an article for another time).
#2. Our ability to better manage our priorities with the time that we have. In other words, make sure that we know how to identify the key performance indicators that ultimately determine and will improve our quality of life.
The greatest challenge for most entrepreneurs is determining what to focus on. Some things are urgent that must be addressed, but doing so doesn't really change the trajectory of our lives. Like paying a utility bill, addressing a screaming, angry client, or responding to 100 emails in a day.
On the other hand, spending an hour a day working on a project that won't be completed for another 3 months... but once completed will automate your business and build a stream of revenues that will passively pay for years to come. Not urgent, but imminently life-changing. Kinda like the digital project I'm working on.
And like most worthwhile endeavors, priority management is a skilled trade. It's not something you master in 2 days, weeks, months, or even years. However, if you don't master it, you may look up 2 or 5 years from now involved in projects, working at a job, building a business, or living a life that others have circumscribed for you, as opposed to you being the curator.
Here are a couple of questions to help you get the ball rolling.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST?
Be honest with yourself, or this question will prove useless to you. What is truly driving you? What's your loco-motive?
Is it being a good parent? Are you compelled to pursue a particular cause, like helping children orphaned by war? Do you fear financial or food security, and so you work tirelessly to increase your net worth? Do you value country and service? Being an author? Or is it being upwardly mobile, or commanding respect? Do you think, eat, and breathe being a real estate investor? Entrepreneurial and leadership development. Education. Competition.
Define your values and use them as an internal compass to point you in the direction of the tasks and investments you should be spending time on. Ask yourself whether or not the roles you currently serve in - author, mother, CFO, retail sales-person, investment advisor, community liaison, etc., - are in alignment with your values.
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE THINGS YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH PERSONALLY AND OR PROFESSIONALLY THAT WOULD MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT 365 DAYS?
Goal setting can be a clarifying and gratifying exercise, but absent a goal-achieving plan it becomes a broken promise. Write down three and only three things in each area of your life that matter the most. Remember, priority management and goal achievement are skilled trades. And most of us haven't spent enough time answering the first question to project three, five, or ten years out from now.
The year milestone helps us come to grips with our tendency to underestimate what we can get done over the course of a year, and overestimate what we can get done in a month.
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE THINGS YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH THAT WILL MAKE THIS WEEK AND OR THIS DAY A MASTERPIECE?
You eat an elephant one bite at a time. Yesterday is done. Tomorrow doesn't exist yet. There are a million different distractions, social media posts, emails, texts, people's expectations, and agendas vying for your time and attention.
Think about time like a rock or a piece of wood. Then think about our focus like a chisel. Our time is useless in and of itself and can be devoid of meaning. However, apply some attention and focus to it and beautiful ornaments, useful tools, and fulfilling impacts can be fashioned from it.
What are the top three things you will do to consistently chip away at your one-year goal?
Desire a deeper dive, additional insights, or recommendations into what sales strategies and tools may work best for you, subscribe via email, or for a more immediate response complete the following 👉 survey: http://bit.ly/growscaleprotect.
BONUS: WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE SKILLS OR LEARNINGS YOU WILL PURSUE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE WHAT YOU DESIRE?
We don't get in life what we want. We get what we are. And what we are is comprised of our beliefs, thoughts, and doings, with an emphasis on our doings. The better we are at doing things that are in alignment with our values and what we desire, the better our results.
Keep in mind 10 pages a day is approximately 300 pages a month equating to about 12-15 books per year.
Do you have additional questions? Call 888.549.9689 x.101 or I invite you to visit my online calendar at https://bit.ly/SmallBizArchitectureMeetUp
And if you found this article and any of our content to be awesome, and you're feeling tipsy? Buy me a coffee!
Website - https://thebufordco.com/
Schedule An Appointment - https://bit.ly/SmallBizArchitectureMeetUp
September 22, 2022
When Do You Go Full Time In Your Business?
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August 16, 2022
What Kind of Business Should You Start? You've Lost that Loving Feeling For Your Current Business (GASP!)
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August 08, 2022
July 29, 2022
July 14, 2022
5 Ways to Make Your Business Investable - Small Plate
Posted by JuJuan Buford, Entrepreneur & Writer @JSBUFORD
#1. Attract & Empower Leadership
If nothing moves unless you move in your business, that is a problem. When monied interests are taking inventory of your business, whether to invest in or purchase, they are looking for assets that can operate independently of you (or them.)
This advice is not specific to private investors or hard money lenders either. Though this element is weighted differently when seeking capital from a bank or micro-lender, there is a reason why 99% of financial institutions make inquiries regarding your executive leadership.
If you are the bottleneck concerning every important decision. If you are the sales and marketing team, and the operations system, down to opening the doors in the morning, you’re a self-employed professional with business risks and responsibilities… not a business owner.
#2. What is a Profit & Loss Statement & Why Is It Important
Just because your business is generating revenues, it doesn’t mean it’s profitable or valuable.
Imagine being a 100k income earner that spends 120k per year, with 50k in credit card debt, you own absolutely nothing, plus you’re 50 years old (age discrimination is a real thing) with a skill set that is decreasingly in demand like being a greeter at McDonald's.
You may wear nice attire. Drive a nice vehicle. Spend an hour a day posting your foodie pictures from your favorite restaurant, but you’re on borrowed time.
If this is your situation, you would be far better off with a job working at Burger King earning 30k per year, paying rent somewhere for $800, plus car insurance, with an extra $500 to spare, finishing up an apprenticeship to be a master electrician.
Your P&L statement lets a prospective investor know if you’re all smoke and mirrors, or whether there is a real value (future earnings) there.
It also, lets you know the overall health of your business, and how much margin you have to work with to invest in your business. Breaking even isn’t good enough. The next financial, real estate, emotional, psychological, or physical pandemic is always just around the corner.
#3. Secure Business Financing / Business Credit
As your sales acquisition and client services operations grow away from you, your business will require you to bring on a virtual assistant, contract worker, or a couple W-2 employees to help you manage the growth of your business. This is when most entrepreneurs realize using personal income and credit to cover expenses is no longer an option.
If you haven’t established a business profile that allows you to access business loans and credit, your business is not likely to survive an untimely disability, death, departure of a partner or key employee, or a sudden shift in the marketplace forcing you to pivot suddenly.
Entrepreneurship is like the stock market. It’s going to go up. It’s going to go down. Those who win prepare for both realities.
#4. Understand the Value of your Intellectual Property
In today’s economy, entrepreneurs are marketing and branding companies first. We are service and product providers second.
Protecting your brand and reputation is more important than ever before because it turns the company's intangible assets into exclusive rights. In other words, your ability to monetize your logo, likeness, and or your digital presence exclusively in the marketplace via merchandising or for the purpose of establishing multiple product lines cannot be underestimated.
Creating multiple streams of revenue doesn’t necessarily require you to split focus from a successful enterprise. Understanding and protecting your intellectual property rights allow you to increase your revenues where you stand.
#5 Your Network is Your Networth
This one is a big one. You do not own your social media page/s. If 100% of your client acquisition, servicing, and follow-up is conducted via social media you're going to get fried one day.
Create a landing page. Or a signup page. And place it in your emails. Make it omnipresent in your social media postings. Collect names, email addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, business anniversaries, wedding anniversaries, industry or occupation, etc, etc., etc.,
If you lose access to your social media account, and you’ve built a database of your prospects, clients, and followers, the situation becomes a mild inconvenience.
Also, when investors are looking at your business, they are also taking inventory of how much demonstrable market share you’ve achieved. How many repeat customers (very valuable) are you serving. Do you really have an established group of people whom you’ve forged an emotional connection with? Think Elon Musk and Twitter.
#successleavesclues #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextopposocial #smallbizarchitect #DecideBeDoHave
_____________________________________________________________________
JuJuan Buford is a CEO, Co-Founder serial entrepreneur, writer, and public speaker. JuJuan started his career in the banking and investment advisory industry, transitioned into business ownership, and is enjoying entrepreneurial success in multiple industries: business coaching, real estate, direct selling, business technical assistance provider, ghostwriting, and publishing.
Phone 👉 888.549.9689
Need a Business Coach 👉 https://bit.ly/SmallBizArchitectureSurvey
Schedule an Appointment 👉 https://bit.ly/SmallBizArchitectureMeetUp
Stay Connected 👉 http://bit.ly/signuptolearnmoreatcatchjsbuford
Media Kit 👉 https://bit.ly/JSBBSG_MediaKit
July 11, 2022
Entrepreneurship Is An Extraordinary Feat Requiring Honesty
Posted by JuJuan Buford, Entrepreneur & Writer @JSBUFORD
#successleavesclues #entrepreneurshipisempowerment #nextopposocial #smallbizarchitect #DecideBeDoHave
_____________________________________________________________________
JuJuan Buford is a CEO, Co-Founder serial entrepreneur, writer, and public speaker. JuJuan started his career in the banking and investment advisory industry, transitioned into business ownership, and is enjoying entrepreneurial success in multiple industries: business coaching, real estate, direct selling, business technical assistance provider, ghostwriting, and publishing.
Phone 👉 888.549.9689
Need a Business Coach 👉 https://bit.ly/SmallBizArchitectureSurvey
Schedule an Appointment 👉 https://bit.ly/SmallBizArchitectureMeetUp
Learn More 👉 https://bit.ly/
Media Kit 👉 https://bit.ly/JSBBSG_MediaKit
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