Developing Your Business Vision

The Expert Test

INSTRUCTIONS:Find experts in the field or industry that are actively doing what you want to do or something very similar. Choose at least 10 experts; find out how to contact them and then custom design a message to reach out to them. Research this person and find out what they like, how they became successful, where they are from. Read any material you can that will give you a good idea of their lifestyle.

After you find these people set up a Google alert on their name so you will be updated when their name appears on a website or in the news.

This is an important key that will benefit you I many areas of your life. Please do not skip this step as the information you find may generate faster results than if you did not do this. Truly successful people are very helpful and most love sharing their experience, knowledge, expertise and lessons. Many have most of their most valuable information on their website.

Examples:Some of my experts are Dani Johnson, Marie Forleo, Laura Roedor, Denise Duffield-Thomas, Nathalie Lussier and Gina DeVee.

Now is the time to identify who you look up to and how they can help you.

** This does not have to be difficult. Right now you are simply looking up experts and finding out more information about them. **

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3.…………………………………………………… / 4.……………………………………………………
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7.…………………………………………………… / 8.……………………………………………………
9.…………………………………………………… / 10.……………………………………………………

Does anyone in particular jump out at you? Circle three of them and start with these.

Excellent Work!

Next make key notes on your experts so you can craft your message especially for them. Most are impressed if you have read their websites, used their products (if you can afford to do so and if you feel it would be right for you). If you have used their products, knowledge or information and have results – write a fabulous testimony for them.

Using the information you have on this person, write a sincere and honest personalized message.

  • Compliment their accomplishments
  • Mention how you felt moved by an article or comment they made
  • Keep it conscious and express that you admire them
  • Build on creating a human relationship
  • Ask if they would be willing to provide you with a quick 15 to 20 minute meeting – make it easy for them to say yes
  • Be grateful if they respond (remember to give them time to respond)
  • Keep in touch even if they do not provide any help right away – your goal is to build a network with the focus on human relationships

Once you have secured a meeting with the expert, even if it’s on the phone, be prepared to listen nearly the whole time. If you are talking most of the time, then you won’t learn anything. Keep your mind, eyes, ears and heart open to really hear what they have to say. Even record the meeting, if you can, so you can get the most out of it.

These are some sample questions. You probably will have time to ask a couple of them in the brief time you have with the expert. This is a guide and you should consider coming up with your own that fit exactly what you are looking for.

  • What did it take to start your own business and get it off the ground?
  • If somebody gave you advice before you started, what do you wish it would have been?
  • What were some of your biggest mistakes starting out?
  • How did you recover from that mistake?
  • What do you feel are essential skills needed to be successful in this industry?

Remember your goal to actively listen and jot down any notes. Towards the end be brief and concise and mention your business idea and specify your plans to move forward. Ask if they would have any recommendations for starting.

Be gracious, polite and grateful. Have a hand written thank you note prepared that you hand them as you bid your farewell.

Be gracious, polite and grateful. True appreciation is always valued by others. If you have met in person, prepare a special hand written thank you note. If you have a phone or skype interview, a hand written thank you note afterwards is fine. Mailing it would be the best way however, if you only have access to their e-mail than then use that means.

Next – if you are still in the game for this idea to become a business for you – then move onto the Money (Market) Test. If not, then start with another idea.

Email:age 1 of 2Learn About Money, LLC

Phone: (615) 763-5824