The reading level for this article is Novice
GeorgeLudwig
GEORGE LUDWIG UNLIMITED | george@georgeludwig.com | | 11/20/2002 | CEO
George Ludwig is the founder and CEO of GEORGE LUDWIG UNLIMITED##comma## a research##comma## training##comma## and development firm##comma## based in the Chicago Area. GLU shows individuals and organizations how to achieve greater personal success##comma## sales success and business growth. The focus is on practical ideas that bring immediate results.
What kind of training or education did you acquire before your venture?
-I Present to over 10##comma##000 people a year teaching them how to be more successful
in business##comma## sales##comma## and life.
-Author of CRACKING THE CODE: Super Powers Of The Sales Stars##comma## to be published in the Fall 2003.
-23 years experience in sales##comma## sales management##comma## and sales training working for Fortune 100 companies##comma## including 10 years with Johnson & Johnson. My last corporate assignment was at the national sales management level.
-2 years running my own firm doing research##comma## training##comma## speaking##comma## writing##comma## consulting##comma## and coaching.
-Pilot##comma## marathon runner##comma## martial artist
What services or products does your organization offer?
See above
What type of business or organization do you operate?
Chapter S
How many employees do you currently have?
3
How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?
A strategic model was adapted from Johnson & Johnson and fined tuned through my network of consultants
How did you originally fund your organization?
Private
Are you the founder of your organization?
Yes
Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.
Balls to the Wall
What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization?
Building Brand equity
Overcome with agressive selling##comma## creative marketing##comma## and targeting public relations.
Did you accept any advice along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice?
Crucial
Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
NSA
ASTD
AMA
What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
A Vision
A Burning Passion To Succeed
An Outstanding Strategic Plan
Consistent Action and Follow-Up
What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients?
Better Research##comma## better selling##comma## more creativity
What types of marketing do you employ?
The latest has been agressive email marketing##comma## networking##comma## and media placements
Do you employ any web or online marketing?
small but significant
What role does trust play in business or in your organization?
Too many to list here – got to go now!
Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
I always wanted to lead
What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?
Read lots of everything
Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?
More competition##comma## faster access to info##comma## uncertainty in the marketplace##comma## unprecendented change in leading human assets
Do you believe networking and contacts are important? If so, how?
Critical
What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
Never give up and keep adjusting your course until you win!
If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs, what would it be?
All knowledge is useful — knowlege applied towards a worthy goal becomes powerful.
No one answer here!
What, if any, final advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
Become great at sales!
