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

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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! :-)

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

Fabulous Follow Friday Friends

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I’m a big Twitter advocate and enthusiast.

So many of my followers are the most fascinating  and most wonderful people you could ever want to meet!

Today I am excited and proud to introduce you to some extremely talented and amazing bloggers!

My Follow Friday Shout Outs for this week are:

@HetherBestel ~ Heather can help you move from mad dash to organized serenity.  Just call her “The Queen of Calm”!  She’s the author of “More ME Time” –> The busy woman’s 3-step plan to reclaim your life and find joy every day.

Words that describe Heather:  Creative and Compassionate (and generous beyond belief!)

@MarthaGiffen ~ Martha’s got the “Lingo List” –> The free list of internet marketing definitions to help you get started and to guide you through the MAZE of online marketing.  She takes the guess-work out!

Words that describe Martha:  Witty, Warm, and Wonderful (and very responsive!)

@MarciaHoeck ~   Marcia can show you how to turn your existing staff into a successful team that makes your business more $profitable$. She won her husband’s heart by juggling and in the fourth grade she was the Hula Hoop Queen!

Words that describe Marcia:  Polished and Poised (with a tremendous sense of humor!)

@BobbyMiddendor ~ Bobbye’s expertise is copywriting –> She’s the keeper of words that bring heart to your marketing and soul to your business!  Bobbye shows Conscious Creators how to craft copy for the web.

Words that describe Bobbye:  Soulful and Sensational (and intellectual, to boot!)

Following any or all of these fabulous friends will definitely enrich your life and your business!

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Filed Under: Blogging, Building relationships online, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing, Service Business Owners, Small business owners, Social Networking Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ever Been Told You Don’t Have What It Takes?

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I wavered back and forth for several days and then decided to give myself permission to tell this story.

As much I tried to keep this story on the proverbial back burner, it kept creeping up to the forefront of my mind.  You know, like an itch you just have to scratch.

Writing about negative issues or emotions isn’t really my style.  But I do like to write about topics that can help people so that’s what I’m hoping will happen here.

Some months ago, I got a disturbing and hurtful email message from an extremely successful, well known online marketer – a recognized expert in her niche.

I had been on her subscriber list for quite a while, joined in numerous conversations on her blog, purchased some of her products and programs, and was under the impression that we had a solid and friendly relationship.  At a minimum, I thought we shared a mutual respect for one another as online marketers and professionals.

When I opened her email, it was filled with the most discouraging and depressing words.  I asked her to review something for me that I wanted to use a part of an information product or possibly a “free taste” offer for my target audience.

In a nutshell, she said I probably wouldn’t amount to much of anything in the arena of online marketing.

I didn’t have what it takes.  She didn’t see much hope for me since I was trying to market on a shoestring budget.  It takes money to make money, you know! (Of course, she was wrong about that)

She took credit for the success of hundreds of her students and told me that I didn’t possess the right kind of mindset for achieving online success.

Was the problem really mindset?  Or not a fat enough wallet?

Words are powerful – far more powerful than guns and ammunition.

I’m grateful for the words she wrote.  Just the ammo I needed!  Now I am more driven than ever to have the success I cherish and deserve.

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Filed Under: Blogging, Building relationships online, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing, Storytelling Tagged With: , , ,

I’m Rubber. You’re Glue.

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Do you remember that old saying from your younger years?

When I was in elementary school, we used to say, “I’m rubber.  You’re glue.  Whatever bounces off me sticks to you.”

Your version may be a little different, but the meaning still holds true.

As I march along through this 30-day blogging challenge I entered, I’m noticing something interesting taking place.  Everyone is learning from everyone else.  What a concept, huh?

Every member of this challenge has a unique writing style and a unique message to convey.  No two bloggers or blogs are alike.  So many amazing individuals and possibilities for enrichment!

So how does this rubber/glue theory come into play?

As members of this event get better acquainted, we are …

  • Bouncing ideas off one another
  • Becoming better storytellers
  • Establishing joint ventures
  • Gathering new business building tips and resources
  • Offering encouragement and support
  • Sharing talents and expertise
  • Honing copywriting skills
  • Creating friendships
  • Planning future get-togethers
  • And having tons of fun!

The benefits and rewards of joining this blogging challenge will “stick” with me forever.

The 30-day blogging challenge is sponsored by Connie Ragen Green. If you’ve never had the joy of participating in the challenge, here’s a GREAT place to start and learn more about Connie:  “5 Pronged Approach to Online Writing Success”.

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Filed Under: Authors, Blogging, Building relationships online, Following Your Passion, Infopreneurs, Joint Ventures, Online Marketing, Service Business Owners, Small business owners, Storytelling Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Warning! Don’t Visit Jeanne Kolenda’s Blog Today

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Unless, of course, you’d enjoy spending some worthwhile time being enamored and mesmerized by all the wonderful stories she writes!  Fascinating, provocative, hits-you-in-the-gut, heart-centered kind of stuff.

But I’m giving you fair warning.  So don’t make me say, “I told you so.”

Don’t go over there unless you’ve got a tall mug of coffee or your favorite beverage and a snack at hand.  You’re gonna get stranded, so you better have your rations ready.

Plant yourself firmly in your seat, buckle up, and don’t plan to be departing none too soon.

Remember that old Lays Potato Chip commercial, “Bet you can’t eat just one”?  Well, bet you can’t read just ONE of Jeanne’s posts!

If you choose not to heed my warning, then you better reserve some extra time to meet up with Jeanne’s blogging friends, too.  And she’s got plenty!

Reading all the comments her friends write should keep you from doing at least three loads of laundry or washing your car and mowing the lawn.

Go ahead.  Get on out of here.  I can sense you’re itching to leave and I know exactly where you’re going.

No one ever listens to me.

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Filed Under: Authors, Blogging, Building relationships online, Following Your Passion, Storytelling Tagged With: , , ,

Connie Ragen Green And Her Lean Mean Blogging Machine

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We’re about to celebrate the halfway point in the 30-Day Blogging Challenge, hosted by Connie Ragen Green.

Connie is best known for her “5-Pronged Approach to Online Writing Success.” She came online back in 2005 and struggled her first year.  She doesn’t want others to lose ANY time in getting started.  Connie is an expert at teaching list building strategies through blogging, article marketing, social media marketing, affiliate marketing, and teleseminars.

I missed the last opportunity to get on board with the blogging challenge and I knew I missed out on something spectacular.  So I jumped in this time with all the vim and vigor I could muster up!

Since this was my first time participating in the challenge, I really didn’t know what to expect.  I did know, however, that if Connie was leading the way … it had to be fun and I had to be a part of it.

Good decision!  This event has helped me to become better disciplined at writing, greatly improve my skills, and help me to tap deeply into my creativity reserves.

All of the 30-day blogging challenge entrants have been bloggin’ their little hearts out.  And they’re some of the most fascinating people you’ll ever meet!

Wishing everyone magical and meaningful 30-day blogging challenge experiences, memories, and lasting friendships.

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Filed Under: Blogging, Build an online empire, Building relationships online, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing Tagged With: , , ,

My Day Job vs My Passion – Not An Easy Choice

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Imagine, if you will, that you begin every day surrounded by precious newborn babies and overjoyed, proud new parents. Picture lots of smiling, kissing, and cuddling going on.

Pretty neat work environment, wouldn’t you say? You’ll never experience more tears of joy in any other place than this.  Your days begin by witnessing the miracle of life.

What could possibly be better than that?

It’s been almost three decades and you’ve become an invaluable member of this team, admired and appreciated by everyone.  Could you ever find it easy to walk away?

To look a little closer at this, let’s back up for just a moment.

You’ve met most of these happy new parents earlier on in the prenatal classes you teach at night.  They’ve spent five weeks getting to know you, like you, and trust you.  A wonderful bond has formed and they can’t wait to see you again after their baby is born.  They’re anticipating and counting on your help. [Read more...]

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Blog Your Way To Winning Friends And Influencing People

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When I was in high school, I had the chance to take some of the most outstanding elective courses.  Electives were classes you could choose to take and not part of the required academic curriculum.

I joined the orchestra and marched in the band.  Learning halftime choreography was a blast!  Typing class was one I just couldn’t pass up.

I took a public speaking class (which I loved with every fiber of my being!) and I had the joy and the privilege of studying journalism for two years.

But the most memorable elective I ever attended was the Carnegie Mellon Institute’s Course of Literature.

The very first book on the reading list was Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.  Brilliant as he was, Carnegie forgot to write a chapter on “blogging”!

Okay, I’ll be a little forgiving.  The book was first published in 1937.  Putting pen to paper was en vogue then and I believe some people were still communicating by carrier pigeon.

In forming relationships online, I’m finding blogging to be an ideal platform for showcasing your expertise and building your brand. And the beauty of blogging is that you don’t have to be a journalist.  You can just be YOU.

Blogging is all about telling stories, sharing life experiences, and sometimes bringing human frailties to light.

It’s the perfect medium for having a conversation with people without being physically present or sitting across the table from them.

For marketing a business online, blogging is a great venue for educating, entertaining, and engaging your target audience.  Simultaneously, you’ll be winning friends and influencing people.

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Filed Under: Blogging, Building relationships online, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing, Public speaking, Storytelling Tagged With: , , , ,

BIG Things Come In Small Packages

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And sometimes they don’t come in a package at all!

I’ll never forget the day I opened up a life-changing email message from Patsi Krakoff, co-founder of The Blog Squad and owner of Writing On The Web.  I had responded to a note she posted on Facebook about needing some virtual assistance.

Patsi wrote to tell me that she had already found someone for the position and thanked me kindly for showing an interest and offering to come to her rescue.

But here’s the exciting and rewarding part …

In her message, she complimented me by saying, “I see you EVERYWHERE on the internet!”

Wow!  Ya can’t put a price tag on those seven little words, especially coming from someone who is exceedingly successful online. At that very moment, I realized that all my credibility and online visibility efforts had made a difference.   I wasn’t just some invisible entity.  My hard work had paid off!

I truly hope you realize and, more importantly, BELIEVE that all the effort and energy you’re putting into your business will be rewarded.

And always remember to cherish and celebrate the small victories because BIG things come in small packages.

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Filed Under: Building relationships online, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing Tagged With: , , , , ,

How To Feel More Like The Windshield Than The Bug

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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!

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