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Even The Sharpest Knife Can’t Carve Its Own Handle

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I’m stubborn.

And I’m a capable, independent, self-starter.

Just for good measure, let’s throw in a straight ‘A’ student all throughout my years in academia.

Not to mention how proud I am when I can replace the mechanism inside the toilet tank all by myself!

I don’t have just one little measly toolbox, I’ve got two big ones and an entire array of power tools (I love my B & D drill and my Makita palm sander).

But guess what?

All my capabilities, independent nature, smarts, and stubbornness combined aren’t enough to transform me into a successful entrepreneur.

Why?

No one can build a business alone.

I certainly can’t. It took me three years of struggling on my own to reach that conclusion.  And if you believe YOU can do it flying solo, you’re in for a long haul and some big disappointments.

Build community and camaraderie and don’t be too proud to reach out for some help.

Remember …

Even the sharpest knife can’t carve its own handle.

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Filed Under: Building relationships online, Business Plan, Education and training, Organize Your Online Business, Outsourcing, Small business owners, Starting Out Small Tagged With: , , , ,

Pleasure Revenge, Cocooning, and Clanning

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Did you know Pleasure Revenge, Cocooning, and Clanning are just three of 17 trends to watch for in predicting the future in ways to connect with consumers?

I didn’t either.

Then I read a truly fascinating post from Denese Bottrell of ThoughtfulContent.  I was lucky enough to discover Denese and her blog via the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge.

What amazing adventures she’s had!

Denese didn’t just leave corporate life …

She obliterated it!

She squashed it!

She wiped it away!

Read “17 Trends Track Business Opportunity (and Personal Sanity)” and learn the meaning of such trends as 99 Lives, Icon Toppling, Cashing Out, and Down-Aging.

Denese’s post will have you taking a careful look to see if you can find ways your business can solve one of these problems, enhance a life, or improve communication.

Filed Under: Blogging, Following Your Passion, Service Business Owners, Small business owners, Starting Out Small Tagged With: ,

Rich and Happy Minutes

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Notice I didn’t say, “Rolling in the dough and laughing all the way to the bank!”

NOT the same.  Not even close.

I’m going to wager that my definition of “rich” may be very different than yours.  And what brings happiness into each of our lives is very subjective.

Today’s post is an opportunity to shift your thinking and remove money, fame, fortune, and material possessions from the equation.

So when’s the last time you had a rich and happy minute?

If you’re not sure, here’s what personal development advocate  Lyman Reed wrote in his review of “How to be Rich and Happy” by John P. Strelecky and Tim Brownson:

Here’s an example:

Sitting in front of the T.V. because you’re dead tired from working a 12 hour day at a job you hate?  No Rich and Happy minutes for you (duh).

Watching Lost (R.I.P) on T.V. because you really love the drama, mystery, and intrigue – and don’t really care what your wife thinks about the fact that you’ve seen every episode at least three times?  Now those are some Rich and Happy minutes!

Frivolous?  I think not.

The point is that no one but you can decide what a Rich and Happy minute is. Since reading the book, I find myself asking “Is the time I’m using right now ‘Rich and Happy’ time?” If it isn’t, the awareness motivates me to find something more rich and happy to do.  Or think. Or be.

When you invest your time in ways that both rack up Rich and Happy minutes and move you toward your goals … that’s a double extra win!

Read more of Lyman’s review here: How to be Rich and Happy and Help Others do the Same and get the details about an extraordinary giveaway!

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Filed Under: Blogging, Happiness, Starting Out Small Tagged With: ,

If This Old Lady Can Do It, So Can You

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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?

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

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

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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”.

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Filed Under: Build an online empire, Building relationships online, Business Plan, Online Marketing, Starting Out Small Tagged With: , , ,

Why Twins Have the Same Surname and Different First Names

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My youngest daughters are twins.   So the title of this article really caught my attention.  Enjoy!

Parents know it instinctively. To differentiate one from the other, they give their newborn different names. Most businesses beg to differ, and often end up giving the same name to multiple (and widely differing) products, without realising the negative impact on the brand.

Whether you’ve got a growing business or a well-established one, it’s important not to ignore that important law of physics. Two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. This branding article
will show you why!

Why Brand And Line Extension Don’t Work

Heard of a cheese company called Kraft? You say Kraft and people say cheese. The amazing association of cheese with their name should have kept the company smiling for decades. But that didn’t happen. Like most companies, Kraft figured they had a great brand name that would extend to a whole range of foods.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Build an online empire, Following Your Passion, Online Marketing, Service Business Owners, Starting Out Small Tagged With: , , , ,

Is Your Small Business Making A Big Splash On Facebook?

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The bottom line is that if you aren’t utilizing Facebook as one of your main marketing platforms, you NEED to jump on board. Service professionals, authors, consultants, and other small business owners are realizing revolutionary results on Facebook.  So why shouldn’t YOU?

I know I’m looking forward to making a big splash on Facebook and I hope you’ll join me and my friend and colleague, Jessica Swanson, the “Shoestring Marketer”, for a Free Profitable Facebook Marketing Webinar this Thursday, February 11th.

As an extra special bonus, you’ll receive a link to the video recording, a downloadable PDF workbook, and a step-by-step action plan.

Seats are limited so I suggest you RUN, not walk to register for this complementary event!

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Filed Under: Building relationships online, Online Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Social Networking, Starting Out Small Tagged With: , , , ,

STORIES ARE VALUABLE, NO MATTER HOW MANY PEOPLE READ THEM

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Hundreds of passionate bloggers have signed the Small is Beautiful Manifesto.

The manifesto and the image above were created by Jen Lemen and Rachelle Mee-Chapman.

THE SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL MANIFESTO:

  • We believe stories are valuable, no matter how many people read them.
  • We believe following your passion is more important than watching your site meter.
  • We believe in the handmade, the first try, the small start, and the good effort.
  • We believe that Small is Beautiful.

Join in this tiny revolution.

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Filed Under: Following Your Passion, Starting Out Small, Storytelling Tagged With: ,
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