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Posted by Maria Keiser on July 9, 2009
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Join Us July 23
Gaining Corporate Contracts |
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Posted by Maria Keiser on July 1, 2009
I found this great article today on Peer Advisory Boards. Thank you Ray@propres.com for writing it.
Posted in Articles, business, collaboration, effective leadership | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on June 30, 2009
We’d like to hear from you!
All responses will be published both positive and negative.
Posted in business, collaboration, effective leadership, entrepreneur | Tagged: Maria Keiser, Mastermind, Michael Keiser, Peer advisory board, Peer Advisory Group, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on June 26, 2009
Yesterday Ted Hsu, James Jackson, Karen Owens, and Nick Grello participated in a panel discussion on Hiring. Each did an excellent job of sharing their expertise with the audience.
Ted shared with us his experience of hiring, identified red flags, and told us how to recognize them.
Jim shared experiences of integrating new employees, and explained the value of using assesment tools.
Karen shared many experiences on interviewing, new employee training, and keeping the team together.
Nick shared the dos and don’ts of hiring and firing. Questions to ask, and how to protect yourself if it becomes necessary to terminate an employee.
There has been some discussion around creating some follow up workshops on this topic to help business owners create an employee handbook, training checklist, offer letters, and interviewing techniques. We will keep you posted with the details of the programs.
Posted in Growing a Business, business, decision making, effective leadership, entrepreneur | Tagged: entrepreneur, Hiring, James Jackson, Karen Owens, Maria Keiser, mike keiser, Nicholas Grello, Ted Hsu, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on June 11, 2009
The Entrepreneur Circle has created a Business Assessment Report. This tool is intended to help you clarify areas in your business where you are the strongest.
The purpose of this assessment is to take a clear look at your current production levels as well as to identify your desired production goal.
We use this tool as a starting point when working with clients, by knowing this information we are better able to guide and aid our clients in developing and implementing a sound business strategy.
The test is our gift to you.
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Posted by Maria Keiser on June 3, 2009
In this presentation you will learn about:
Moderator: Maria Keiser, The Entrepreneur Circle
Panelists:
Ted Hsu, Horizon Services Company


Nicholas Grello, Siegel, O’Connor, O’Donnell, & Beck PC

Event Details:
Thursday, June 25
12:00 – 2:30 PM
$20.00 in advance, $30.00 at the door (includes lunch)
Posted in Growing a Business, business, effective leadership | Tagged: Hiring Seminar, James Jackson, Karen Owens, Nicholas Grello, Ted Hsu, The Entrepreneur Circle | 1 Comment »
Posted by Michael Keiser on May 21, 2009
The Glastonbury Chamber is pleased to announce a strategic alliance with The Entrepreneur Circle. The Entrepreneur Circle runs peer advisory boards (Roundtables) for business owners. Roundtables are small groups of business owners that meet to discuss mutual issues and concerns they face in the running of their businesses. The business owner gets an opportunity to share in the cumulative wisdom and experience regarding the true nature of owning and operating a business. The Roundtables convene under the guidance of a trained facilitator and follow a defined process that is designed to produce measurable value for the participants.
Fast Company Magazine recently discussed a poll of business owners that participate on peer advisory boards. 64% reported an increase in bottom line profitability. 56% reported an increase in top line sales. And 60% reported an increase in productivity. The Roundtables help the business owner enlarge the view of their business, improve their mission and strategy, and discover new ideas they haven’t considered before.
“Having participated in several peer discussion groups, I have found The Entrepreneur Circle’s structured format to be one of the best places to discuss business issues. My participation in the group has had a measurable impact on the continued success of our organization”.David Wood President Gateway Financial Group, Inc. (Glastonbury Chamber Member)
The Entrepreneur Circle is offering a 20% discount on annual dues to
Glastonbury Chamber members. For eligibility guidelines and information on membership, please contact The Entrepreneur Circle at 860-432-4490 or info@theEcircle.com
Posted in Articles, Peer Advisory Group, Peer advisory board, Roundtable, The Entrepreneur Circle, peer advisory boards | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on May 1, 2009
Where do the top leaders in business & politics get their ideas? Why does it seem so effortless and easy for them to get to the top and stay there? The answer is simple, they surround themselves with other leaders that are just as or smarter than they are. The President has his cabinet, he also meets with other leaders of nations. Leaders of big business have their board of directors, and meet with other leaders of business at regularly scheduled retreats. These meetings are private closed door affairs. These meetings and retreats are what perpetuates the success and survivability of nations and big business. The leaders know they are smart, they know they can lead, but they also know they can’t and shouldn’t do it alone. They know that in order to stay competitive and keep their edge they have to bring their challenges, opportunities and ideas to the table and discuss them with people they trust.
Small business owners can attain the same edge, they don’t have to do it alone. Be in business for yourself, not by yourself! Business owners have transformed the way they do business due to the collaboration with others. Closed door meetings are exactly that, a private meeting to discuss in detail the challenges, opportunities, and ideas of your business. Coming out of the forest and looking at all of the trees allows you to focus on the big picture, not just the one tree. A true leader makes decision and engages in activity that promotes the big picture.
Peer Advisory Boards are for the winners in business that know they can always be a little bit better.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret MeadPosted in Articles, Growing a Business, business, collaboration, decision making, effective leadership, entrepreneur | 3 Comments »
Posted by Maria Keiser on April 28, 2009
Being in business for your self doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself. This article is a great illustration on how a Peer Advisory Board can give you the edge to grow your business.
Thrive with a little help from your friends Rick Spence, Financial Post
Posted in collaboration, decision making, effective leadership, entrepreneur, goals | Tagged: Maria Keiser, Michael Keiser, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on January 9, 2009
Posted in Keiserism, goals, self help | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on January 13, 2009
Received a link today to John Jantsch (Duct Tape Marketing) video on Building a Booming Business in a Busted Economy. Thank you Tom Richardell for sharing.
Back in August Jeffrey Fox (Fox & Company) made a presentation to The Entrepreneur Circle “How to Prosper During Tough Economic Times”. If you missed the presentation the video above provides some good insight as well. If you attended, this video is a good refresher.
Posted in Growing a Business, goals, marketing, sales | Tagged: Jeffrey Fox, John Jantsch, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | 3 Comments »
Posted by Maria Keiser on January 16, 2009

We can go through the motions, complete the tasks, but if we don’t know why we are doing it or fully understand the concepts, then we become robots doing tasks and miss the big picture and scope of what can be accomplished.
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Posted by Maria Keiser on January 29, 2009
As business owners, becoming known as an expert is a wonderful way to market yourself. However, the challenge lies in finding the opportunity to get your story or name in front of the reporters writing the stories. The truth of the matter is reporters also struggle to find the right person for their articles.
Peter Shankman has brought chocolate and peanut butter together. He has created “Help a Reporter Out”. A tool that allows reporters, bloggers, and authors to submit their requests (they are the chocolate). We the peanut butter, can subscribe to “Help a Reporter Out” to get notified of these inquiries, and fill the gaps for these reporters. Thank you Peter for your brilliant creation.
Please note by subscribing you will receive about 3 emails per day with a variety of inquiries. You will also agree to use the service for the purpose it was meant to serve. Peter outlines all this on his site.
Good luck, I look forward to reading about you in the papers (all good of course)
Posted in goals, marketing | Tagged: Help a reporter out, Maria Keiser, Michael Keiser, Peter Shankman, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on February 27, 2009
A peer advisory board gives you the forum to strategize and grow your business,

the coffee klatch validates your stagnation.
Posted in Growing a Business, Keiserism | Tagged: coffee klatch, Peer advisory board, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on March 23, 2009
Last week I happened to watch an interesting story on the Today Show. Using etiquette on line. I’m not sure why we have to continue to remind everyone of this, but I will hop onto my soap box for just one minute. Everything posted to a public forum is for the world to see. Just because you are in the privacy of your home or office when you make a post, once it is out there, it cannot be taken away. If you wouldn’t do it or say it in front of your grandmother, children, or best client, don’t do it or say it on line.
I have found items on the internet that I removed years ago.
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Posted by Maria Keiser on March 24, 2009
I have met some wonderful people at networking events, but the relationship developed after the fact while we met over coffee or lunch. The event was the introduction. Anytime you are talking with or meeting people you are networking.
Posted in Keiserism, marketing, networking | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on March 31, 2009
I am so tired of everyone asking me how are you doing in this economy? Cash is tight due to the economy blah, blah, blah, blah. Yes it’s true the economy is different than it was a few years back, so what. Do we stop doing business, to we use our precious time and energy talking about how bad it is? Or do we figure out a better way? I vote for a better way.
We let the media scare us that the housing market was dropping and now we are using the “economy” as an excuse to let business drop. We learn History in school so we don’t repeat the mistakes of our forefathers. Let’s learn from our own history. What if the horse and buggy dealerships, decided to carry another line of transportation “The Car”?
We are living breathing creatures, living on a planet that is constantly changing. The world changes, we change, that means everything. Even the stuff we get used to, and enjoy. We got used to one economy, and knew how to work it, now we need to get used to living in a different economy, until of course that changes as well.
The inspiration for today’s post came from an an email I received this afternoon from Ari Galper, subject line: Lessons from Pearl – my 96yr old grandmother – the ultimate business guru. Pearl is a smart woman, see what she had to say. Read More
I would also like to hear what you have to say.
Posted in Articles, Growing a Business, marketing | Tagged: marketing, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | 6 Comments »
Posted by Maria Keiser on April 9, 2009
I thought the idea behind Linkedin was to make connections with folks you already know, and ask for introductions to people you don’t.
In the past week I have received 5 LinkedIn requests from people I do not know. This is not a problem; I view the request as an opportunity to meet someone new. If I attended a business event, I would welcome a strangers request to introduce themselves. When I receive such a request, I will communicate with that person via phone or email. I prefer phone that way I can start to get to know the person behind the computer. Half of the time I get a response, the other half I don’t. This is what I need help understanding. Why would a business person want to connect with someone they don’t know, and then not want to actually communicate with that person? Have I missed something? What is the point of having 500+ contacts if you don’t actually know any of them?
If I don’t know you, I am not going to accept your connection request, I will not refer business to you, and I certainly will not introduce you to my other contacts.
The computer and technology are excellent resources, they allow us to have the world at our fingertips, but it cannot replace human contact. Or has it?
Love to hear your perspective on this.
Posted in Growing a Business, marketing, networking | Tagged: Linkedin, Maria Keiser, Michael Keiser, networking, The Entrepreneur Circle | 8 Comments »
Posted by Maria Keiser on April 27, 2009
Surviving 6 years has not always been easy, but it has been a great adventure that we hope to continue for the next 30 years. It has been a lot of work, but we didn’t get here alone. Over the past 6 years we have developed many wonderful relationships, some of whom turned out to be great friends and mentors. We are here for the long haul and look forward to the many exciting adventures yet to come.
Tell us how long you have been in business and any bits of wisdom you would like to impart on us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Posted in Growing a Business, business, entrepreneur | Tagged: Anniversary, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on May 4, 2009
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Peer Advisory Boards = A carefully selected group of people that will provide for you:
Article: Peer Groups: your solution for managing the recession
The Entrepreneur Circle will host an introductory session to answer your questions regarding participation on our Peer Advisory Boards.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday May 7, 2009
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Location: 500 Winding Brook Drive, Glastonbury, CT (2nd Floor)
There is no cost and no obligation to attend this introductory meeting. Space is limited, so please call 860-432-4490 or email info@TheEcircle.com if you are interested in attending.
For more information, please contact:
Maria Keiser
Managing Member
The Entrepreneur Circle
Posted in Growing a Business, Peer Advisory Group, Roundtable, collaboration, peer advisory boards | Tagged: Leadership, Maria Keiser, mike keiser, peer advisory boards, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »