Troy’s Blog
What Drives Value in the Mind of Your Customers?
Do you know what drives value in the minds of your customers? In today's Two Minutes with Troy I reveal 4 value drivers that will make it easy for customers to do business with you. https://youtu.be/oItt9YlPvKE About Troy Hazard: I am the founder/owner of 12...
Mixing with the Locals – How to Improve Local Area Marketing
In recent years small business has embraced the buzz term "local area marketing." But interestingly so many small business leaders are still struggling to figure out what it really means. "Just give a few bucks to the local sports team, give the local charity some...
The Greatest Leadership Lesson I’ve Learned – Engaging as a Leader
After one of my speeches an audience member came up to me and asked, "What is the greatest leadership lesson you have ever learned?" I gave it quite of bit of thought and decided the answer was how to prepare to engage as a leader. There are 4 words that will you...
Where to Start when Developing a Business Plan
When developing their business plan people will typically (and incorrectly) focus on marketing. They think: "If I have sales, then I will have money, then I can hire people, and that will grow the business. What you should be focussing on is...strategy. First,...
What Makes a Good Marketing Strategy?
In the last 25 years I've owned 12 different businesses. Each of these has taught me different qualities of what makes a good marketing strategy. Most recently I became one of the founding shareholders of the American arm of the world’s largest pool and spa...
When is the Right Time to Get into Business?
Maybe you hate your job? Maybe you hate your boss? Maybe you're just ready to be your own boss. For 20 years I've had people come out of the audience after my speech and ask me, "When is the right time to get into business?" Here's what I say......
Are You Focussed on Winning the Race or Avoiding the Accident?
In your business, are you focussed on what's in front of you today or thinking ahead about what can be in the future? Stop avoiding the accident and focus on winning the race. https://youtu.be/Vb53Xze1RBI About Troy Hazard: I am the founder/owner of 12 businesses...
Five Things to Consider when Buying a Business
After recently buying into my 12th company, I was reminded of these five basic things to keep in mind when buying a business. The first one is something you should NEVER do and the 5th one is something you should ALWAYS do. ALWAYS...Start with the end in mind. The...
Rules and Interview Tips for New College Graduates
It's that time of year when new college graduates will be interviewing for jobs. I've interviewed and hired hundreds of college grads in the last 25 years and here are a few things I've learned... Top 5 rules for college graduates: Be proud of your piece of paper,...
Social Media Is Not the Way of the Future
Social media is to small business what women are to men – we know we have to try and understand each other, but it’s never going to happen. Social media is NOT going to change the world, it’s just another ‘thing’ you need to be mindful of, like radio was in the...