You are here: Home / Archives for Business Plan

Are You Making Time For “Me Time”?

By 14 Comments

Listen to this post if you like


Do you ever have days, as a solo professional, when you feel like your moods are being dictated by the tides?

Or maybe your planets just aren’t aligned properly?

I have days like that. You know, “off” days.

I awaken in the morning with the greatest of intentions (and even a plan! – that’s a plus) and then everything goes to hell in a handbasket.

No matter how hard I force myself, I can’t focus.  My brain and my body are saying, “Forget it. We’re not cooperating with you today.”

So I just have to stop and pay attention to what’s going on inside of me and try to put my finger on what’s causing it.

Without fail, every time this happens, I realize it’s because I’m overly stressed.  I’ve taken on too much at once, set myself up for unrealistic expectations, and my brain and my body go into “shut down” mode.

These kinds of days also bring to light (bigtime!) that I’m not making enough time for “Me Time”.

As a solo mompreneur, I’ve adopted a very strong conviction that “Me Time” should be part of everyone’s business-building plan.  Ignore the fact, and you and your business will suffer.

It’s okay to take a time out and do some activities that rejuvenate your spirit and as I like to say, activities that “Take your mind off your mind”.

Maybe it’s gardening. Or maybe it’s taking a walk or a long soak in the tub.  Or it could be that your body just needs to be at rest and you need a nap.

If your desire is to have the most pleasant and productive days possible as you work to grow your business, please don’t forget to make time for “Me Time”.

Click one of the “Me Time” links in this post to receive a Free copy of Heather Bestel’s e-book, MORE ME TIME.

{mysig}

Filed Under: Business Plan Tagged With: , , ,

If This Old Lady Can Do It, So Can You

By 13 Comments

Prefer to listen to this post?

I turned a half a hundred seven years ago (all of you math wizards have now figured out my age).  Sorry.  There’s no prize involved.

Let’s just say I’ve “been around the block” a time or two and I have a fair amount of life experience under my belt.  I know the difference between right and wrong and I’ve learned that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

I decided to become an independent business owner and online marketer after spending almost four decades in the offline working world.  That’s okay.  I believe it’s never too late to follow your passion and design a life that’s right for you.

So, if you’re not moving forward in your business or you’re still sitting on the fence about getting started, what’s holding you back?

Is it that you’re not sure how to put together a business plan? (A short and simple plan is all you need).  Or is it that you think you have to spend money to market your business? (Not true! – You can market on a $0 budget).

Maybe you’re resisting because you lack some necessary skills (Don’t worry a bit – there’s lots of resources and easy action steps to follow).

Take it from this old lady …

There’s no better time than today to live your passion and purpose – profitably!

What questions can I answer for you today that will help you get started or move you closer to your goals as a small business owner?

{mysig}

Filed Under: Blogging, Business Plan, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing, Small business owners, Starting Out Small Tagged With: , , , , , ,

My Friend Terrie Has Sign-up-itis

By 26 Comments

Prefer to listen to this post?

And she’s a doctor!!

But it just can’t be prevented sometimes.

It’s a terrible affliction and there’s no known cure.

Terrie’s not alone.  Internet marketers seem to have more “sign-up-itis” than any other segment of the population.  I suffered with it for about three years and then it finally went away.

Oddly enough, it started easing up considerably once my bank account was drained.  I’m seeing a correlation here, how about you?

In medical/pathological terms (which doctors know a lot about), the suffix “itis” denotes inflammation of an organ (bronchitis; gastritis).

In extended senses, “itis” denotes abnormal states or conditions, excesses, tendencies, obsessions, etc. (telephonitis; baseballitis).

Come to think of it, I believe my friend also has “baseball-itis”.  Terrie is really CRAZY about those Yankees!!

Now I want you to be aware that one form of “sign-up-itis” is much more harmful than the other.

The first form is where you sign up for every Free thing that comes down the pike – free ebooks, coupons, teleseminars, ice cream, movie tickets, webinars, surveys, reports, contests, and maybe even toe rings.

In this case, the sign-up-itis involves no pain or discomfort and you’ll probably be okay.

The second form is more serious and may require intervention.

You’ll know you suffer from the second form if you don’t bother to put your credit card back in your wallet and leave it within arm’s reach of your computer keyboard – just in case there’s something to sign up for today.

This form of sign-up-itis can be excruciatingly painful and you must seek treatment right away!

All joking around aside, try your best to only sign up for programs, products, and services that relate to your target market and those that help to move your business forward.

My friend, Terrie, coined the phrase “sign-up-itis” and we like to kid around about it. :-)

By the way …

Have you signed up for a copy of my FREE Solo Mompreneur Survival Kit Yet? :-)

{mysig}

Filed Under: Blogging, Business Plan, Internet Marketing Tools, Small business owners Tagged With: , , ,

Selling to People Who Aren’t Even Shopping

By 24 Comments

Prefer to listen to this post?


Do you think you could you sell a bathing suit to a fish?

Fish spend all their time in water and do a lot of swimming, right?!

And how about selling shoes to a dog?

Dogs have four feet and do a lot of walking, right?!

But fish don’t need bathing suits and dogs don’t need shoes.

Fish might want a larger aquarium to swim around in, additional fish in the tank to keep them company, or some new exotic fish food to sample.

And dogs might want some doggie treats, a new toy, or a nice comfy bed for all those naps they seem to enjoy every day.

As a small business owner and online marketer, it’s much more savvy to sell people what they WANT, not what they need!

Let’s say you’re an artsy-craftsy kind of person and you’re in the business of sculpting figurines in the shape of cats.

Instead of marketing and promoting your cat sculptures in newspapers, trade publications for artists, or art-related venues online …

Find out where cat lovers hang out and share your expertise! Look for them in forums, groups, on Twitter, or research cat-loving blogs and articles.

Tell cat lovers why you chose this art form, why cats inspire you, what motivates you as an artist, your favorite kinds of cats, big sculpting boo-boos you’ve made along the way, etc.

Cat lovers certainly don’t NEED a cat sculpture, but they sure might WANT one!

Do you see the difference here?  Can you think of some ways you might change your marketing efforts and strategies to get better results and enjoy greater success?

Filed Under: Build an online empire, Business Plan, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing, Online Promotions, Small business owners Tagged With: , ,

“Leading Moms in Business” 2010 Competition

By 1 Comment

Invaluable PR
This kind of publicity can be priceless!

We all know that awareness and driving traffic to your business is one of the biggest challenges for any business owner. Winners of the Leading Moms in Business Ranking will be part of a very high profile list that will be published and promoted widely in traditional media such as national and local TV, radio, in newspapers and magazines, and on some of the largest, most influential websites on the web. MSN, Bizjournals, ABC News NOW (and StartupNation, of course) have been among media covering the rankings and spreading the word about these enterprising moms.

If you have a mom-owned business, Enter Here

When you arrive on the page to get more details and submit your business, will you please cast a quick vote for me?  Thank You!

I rarely enter competitions such as this.  However, I am making an exception since the competition is being sponsored by “Ladies Who Launch” and “StartUpNation”.  They have a stellar reputation.

While we’re on the subject of Public Relations …

My mentor and colleague, Jessica Swanson, is hosting a complimentary webinar tomorrow evening 5/20 entitled, “Profitable Public Relations”.

Grab your No-cost seat now

I’ll tell you a little secret …

I’ve already seen the webinar and it’s out-of-this-world wonderful!  As a member of Jessica’s Shoestring Marketing Association, I have the joy and privilege of viewing webinars in advance of the general public.

All I can say is DON’T MISS IT!

{mysig}

Filed Under: Building relationships online, Business Plan, Following Your Passion, Online Promotions, Small business owners Tagged With: , , ,

See Jane Succeed

By Leave a Comment

Are you a passionate, devoted, nose-to-the-grind female entrepreneur?  Do you truly LOVE your business and know there’s a place for it in this world?

Do you ever feel bewildered or frustrated because despite the fact that you sleep, eat, and drink your business, it isn’t moving forward financially the way you want it to?

The great news is, you’re not alone.  Female entrepreneurs are the fastest growing segment of the entrepreneurial market. More women than ever want to take charge of their own futures and show they can succeed on their own terms.

In “See Jane Succeed” by Michele DeKinder-Smith, founder of Jane Out Of The Box, five types of female entrepreneurs (the “Janes”) reveal what it takes to win in business and in life.

These are the “Janes” Michele will introduce to you – the women who have summoned the courage, tenacity, and determination to start or run a business:

  • Accidental Jane
  • Go Jane Go
  • Jane Dough
  • Merry Jane
  • Tenacity Jane

If you are living on the edge and burning out on the demands of entrepreneurial life, this book will speak to you in the language that every entrepreneurial woman understands.

Michele DeKinder-Smith’s ability to see into the hearts and minds of female entrepreneurs and provide distinct advice to each of us in our unique journeys shows how much she cares about our success.

The best part?  Before you decide to read See Jane Succeed, click the banner below and take the “Which Jane Are You?” assessment FREE!


{mysig}

Filed Under: Business Plan, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing, Service Business Owners, Small business owners Tagged With: , , ,

Are You Having As Much Fun As The Staff At Zappos?

By 2 Comments

The corporate culture at Zappos has evolved over the years to create a WOW customer experience.  That experience is due, in large part, to the Henderson, Nevada staff who refer to themselves as Zapponians.

Zappos is a happy place to work!

See for yourself!  Check out this one-minute video of “Life At Zappos”.

Each team’s area is decorated differently from fantasy themes, to jungle themes, and other creative environments.  Almost every employee has their own cubicle, including CEO Tony Hsieh.  No big fancy office for the Chief.

They have a “nap room” and in the lunch room, there IS such a thing as a free lunch.

In the front office, there appears to be a mini book store – Personal Development books, maybe about forty different titles, line the shelves.  It’s not a Lending Library.  It’s a “Giving” Library. If someone sees a book they like, they’re welcome to take it – that includes employees and visitors!  CEO Tony has a new book coming out in June, 2010, called Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose.

By the way, my daughter, Morgan, is attending “doctor” school in Henderson, NV.  I’m going to give her a call and tell her to get her fanny over to Zappos and take the tour!  When you’re studying to become a physician, you don’t get to have a lot of fun.

As a small business owner and online marketer, are you creating and incorporating a fun factor into your business?

What are you doing or could you be doing to create a WOW experience for your customers and clients?

Let’s not let Zappos have all the fun! :-)

{mysig}

Filed Under: Build an online empire, Building relationships online, Business Plan, Customer Care, Following Your Passion, Service Business Owners, Small business owners Tagged With: , , ,

What Juicy Items Are In Your Gutter?

By 2 Comments

No, not the rain gutter on your house or the gutter at your local bowling alley!

I’m talking about the gutter/s on your website or blog – the left and/or right hand columns that flank your content.

What items with juicy benefits are you positioning in this prime time piece of real estate? Or are you ignoring this space or maybe just throwing any old stuff in your gutter you happen to have the html code for?

I constantly hear online marketers comment that buttons, badges, and banners in the gutter are insignificant and ineffective.  I don’t go along with that train of thought.  Whenever I land on a site, my eyes will definitely scan down the gutters and see if anything pops out at me.

I’ve met the neatest people, found the coolest resources, and grabbed a number of dynamite freebies by taking a few minutes to see what’s in someone’s gutter.

Take a few minutes today and take inventory of your gutter.  Maybe it’s time to do a little gutter clean up!

{mysig}

Filed Under: Affiliate Marketing, Blogging, Build an online empire, Building relationships online, Business Plan, Infopreneurs, Online Marketing, Organize Your Online Business Tagged With: , , , ,

How To Feel More Like The Windshield Than The Bug

By 2 Comments

I heard the saying, “Sometimes you’re the windshield and sometimes you’re the bug” a lot when I was growing up.  What that old saying means is that sometimes you have good days and sometimes … well, not-so-good days.

Growing your small business requires discipline, commitment, and a lot of energy.

You’re really fooling yourself if you try to sweep “self-care” under the rug, ignore it, or pretend your fairy godmother will magically preside over your well being.  Get out of the fog and remember to put yourself FIRST.  Decide that YOU are the highest priority in your business.

If building your small business ever starts feeling more like “drudgery” than “enjoyment” … STOP.  I don’t mean quit or throw in the towel.  After all, you’ve got something wonderful to share with the world!

So what do you do?  How do you start feeling more like the windshield than the (squashed) bug?

Try changing your environment for a bit.  Go outside, sit on your porch or patio, and get some fresh air.  Take yourself or your dog for a walk.  Linger for a long soak in the tub.  Read a book that’s been collecting dust on your bookshelf for months or years.  Put pen to paper and write a letter to someone who would treasure getting something handwritten from you.  Take a friend to lunch.  You get the idea.

Taking a “breather” will actually help to renew, revive, and restore your desire and enthusiasm to get back to work and make your business the very best it can be!

{mysig}

Filed Under: Build an online empire, Business Plan, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing Tagged With: , ,

Nothing Tops A Toot Of The Horn To Validate You As An Expert

By Leave a Comment

What do you think is one of the biggest factors for someone making the decision to join your list, download your free offer, or purchase your products and services?  WHY do people consider you to be an expert in your niche and choose to work with you?  Well, I’ll tell you what it’s NOT.

Your prospects, clients, and customers don’t think of you as an expert because you’ve built a better mouse trap, drive the fanciest car, or sell an invention that scrubs their toilet while they sleep!

It’s sometimes a hard pill to swallow as a small business owner, but people don’t really care about YOU.  Ouch.

So what do people care about?  What do they look for that will absolutely cement you in as an expert in their eyes?

Third-party endorsements – oftentimes referred to as Testimonials or Social Proof.  People put a lot of weight on what OTHER people have to say about you.  They need to know that people JUST LIKE THEM are coming to you to find solutions to their problems.

If you’re just getting your new business off the ground and you don’t have any testimonials yet, don’t worry.  Start by asking your friends, colleagues, and subscribers to your list to provide you with “A Toot Of The Horn”.

{mysig}

Filed Under: Build an online empire, Building relationships online, Business Plan, Online Marketing, Starting Out Small Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »