The Business Professor with Dr. Cindy Briggs

In this season 3 finale, we will talk about planning, practice and praying within our business. I am going to share with you some personal thoughts as we have been encounting struggles within our own business. I am going to share how we have implemented more planning, more in the way of how we "practice" within our business, and finally.... where God falls into all of this. I refer to the book Faith Driven Entrepreneur. If you click on the link it will take you to the book. Also, this is season 3 finale... we are taking a short break and we will be back soon with season 4.

None of us what to think about it... who wants to be planning for the WORST case scenario? While we don't want to think of these situations, it is exactly what we need to do as entrepreneurs. We need to consider all of the things that COULD or MIGHT happen, and we need to be prepared. In this episode, I will be disussing my five key areas when thinking of this plan. We will talk about insurance, binders, and techolgy (and more). I will share with you what we have done on our entepreneurial journey. You can find out more about me and my services at www.cindybriggsphd.com and on Instagram.

This episode isn't just for entrepreneurs--- it can be for anyonoe who finds themselves in place where they just want to quit something. I have been there many times.... should I quit the podcast, should I quit consulting, should I quit homeschooling (told you it could be anything). While there are times that quitting will absolutely make sense, sometimes we need to stop for a minute and ask ourselves a few questions. I dig deep into these on the episode, but here they are to consider: Is it a temporary roadblock? Can you look at it from another angle? What was your WHY to begin with? Have you had mission drift? Can you remove (or add) a part of the problem? What do you want the change to be? Can you ask for help... perspective? Remind yourself NOTHING is perfect! You can find more information at www.cindybriggsphd.com or on Instagram @cindybriggsphd.

In this episode, I will discuss the skills and attitudes needed to be a successful entrepreneur. There are more and more schools that now offer college degrees in entrepreneruship. Is that necessary? My opinion and experience is no. Successful entrepreneurs may or may not have degrees, but they do have similar drive and resilience. Let's look at the other skills that I have found to be extremely valuable in my entrepreneurial journey. Let look at your dream.... no degree required! To learn more- you can visit me website at www.cindybriggsphd.com and you can also follow me on Instagram.

We have all done it-- we want to try to sell our product/service to everyone! We know that it is a pefect fit for all mankind (insert sarcasm here). In this episode we are going to discuss finding your ideal customer/client. Why are we trying to market to the masses when we really want to connect with our customers. We want to become the "must have" for them, and that means being hyperfocused on identifying the correct customer. We need to figure our our ideal customer profile, and then move outward from there. We want to stop trying to sell those teapots to bears. For more information, you can connect with Dr. Cindy Briggs on her website www.cindybriggsphd.com or via Instagram @cindybriggsphd.

Yes, we are going to take on a tough subject this week. MLM's. Social Selling. Networking Marketing.  This topic pulls very strong feelings from people on both sides of the conversation. For years I told people to stay away from every one of these businesses, but now I can look at both sides. I see the pros involved, the cons involved, and what you should know before you decide either way. This week we are going to just discuss the pros and cons. I am not discussing any specific companies--- I just ask that you research any of them before you sign on the dotted line.  You can learn more about me at www.cindybriggsphd.com or via Instagram (@cindybriggsphd)

You may have already heard this--- you mention to people you want to start a business and they say you need to write a business plan. I know we have lost many entrepreneurs because the idea of business planning is just down right scary. Where do you begin? How do you know what information to include? IS IT EVEN NECESSARY? We are are going to talk about why it IS and ISN'T necessary! This episode will help you understand they when and why behind writing this plan. Also, I have a special treat for listeners of this episode ;-) You will hear about it when you listen. You can learn more about me and how I help entrepreneurs thrive at www.cindybriggsphd.com.  

I hear it so often... "I would love to start a business but I have no idea what I could start." The drive to be an entrepreneur is there, but we just need to kickstart some ideas. Join me on this episode when I really do a brain dump of different business ideas. Everything from an online shop to a full brick and mortar store (and everything in between). Grab a paper and pen and do some braininstorming with me. Let's try to find your sweet spot in this entrepreneur vision. For more business information, visit my website at www.cindybriggsphd.com and also follow me on Instagram @cindybriggsphd.

As a business coach, I am always encouraging people to start their own business. Being an entrepreneur can be very rewarding. However, I have found more and more that I am stopping people-- or at least telling them to go back to the drawing board. There are things that every potential entrepreneur needs to think about BEFORE they decide to jump in. I want people to be responsible when they decide to make this move. Listen as I discuss the things you should think about before you begin that business.

None of us what to think about our own obituary, but you know what... we are living it right now. Our obituary is the ultimate highlight reel. Listen as I discuss what this might look like, and how we are working to live a meaningful life....both in our business and personal lives. Let's live each day knowing these moments make up the sum of our lives. You can also read more at www.cindybriggsphd.com/blog.  Also, here is a link to the article I discuss in this episode: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/these-7-things-make-sure-your-life-matters.html  

We hear it all of the time-- there are all of these "keys" to success. If we follow them, all things will be wonderful. Join Dr. Cindy Briggs as she discussses this concept and explains your true key to success.... and you might be surprised.

Did you know that more than 65% of new businesses fail in the first 10 years? That point can be sobering, but doesn't stop entrepreneurs. We are those people with wild dreams, and visions of what can be. There are times when the failure is yours... and it starts to define you. Join Dr. Cindy Briggs as she discusses a very personal business failure... and what you can do if it happens to you.

You have the dream, the idea, and the passion... what you don't have is the funding to start your venture. Cindy is going to walk you through differnt funding options and where to begin. This episode will discuss the initial information you need to move forward. Go to www.cindybriggsphd.com for more information and helpful forms you can use.

Today's episode is going to cover something we can embrace whether at work or home. We have to decide if we are going to ultimately be working in a proactive mode, or a reactive mode, and how each can be beneficial at times. Dr. Cindy Briggs will give examples from her own business and home life to help you put this topic into action.

In business, we often talk about our vision statment and our mission statement. Should we also be discusing our core values? In this episide, we are going to discuss what it means to choose your core values, and how these can impact your business life too.  Join Dr. Cindy Briggs as she walks you through an exercise to determine your core values. She will also explain the best way to implement these (if you aren't already.)

If you are an entrepreneur, you may see your children become budding entrepreneurs. That is what has happened at our house. Our children have found a place to explore their dreams, and even launch them. It gives them not only some spending money, but also gets them to understand the entire business process. This episode we will talk about how to do this with my guest, Jackson Briggs (my son), who has just celebrated his first year in business.... and he is nine. Visit my blog for more detailed information after you listen to the episode.

As we have discussed networking, one area I mentioned is serving on a nonprofit board of directors. This might sound overwhelming, but it is easier that you think. In this episode I discuss what it means to serve on a board, and how to get started. I also provide other resources to get you ready to serve. This is a chance to make a difference with a cause you believe in.

As an entrepreneur, it is important that you understand different ways to network. This can be beneficial for your business and community. These skills can also be used in job searches, or even if you move to a new city. Dr. Briggs will cover places to check out networking opporutnities, and how to connect.

Many of us were raised to believe you had a dream, you chased it, and you stuck with it...forever. But what if you are allowed to change your dream completey? What if you are allowed to pivot? In this episode, Dr. Cindy Briggs will discuss what she calls the Great Pivot, and how you can embrace this in your life (like she has in her own life!)

Often people have dreams of starting their own business, but then they get scared because they don't have a business background. They will tell me... I never even took a business class in college! In this episode, I am going to discuss all the ways you can learn without the formal degree path. If you have worried about your "lack of education" -- this is the episode to calm your fears.