
Does Someone Really Need Me?

03/08/2013 09:08pm
I'm sure we'd all agree that the world is definitely changing. On the national news last night they introduced me to the first graduating class of the recession. How encouraging? I also attended a Chamber event where the guest speaker spoke all about change and why it's good for us to continue to grow and change, no matter what the economic climate.I totally agree. I used to balk at change, used to try and avoid it, but nowadays I embrace change and at times, go out in search of change - new technologies and processes that make life easier for me,...

Suits - Get the Right Product for Your Market

03/08/2013 03:16pm
Coming from the UK to Australia, comparing menswear trends and the way things are done in Australia, was a BIG learning curve for me. First and the obvious one is the weather difference. I have been here 10 years and still can not get used to carving a Turkey on Christmas Day in 35 degrees heat ( but I would rather that, then freezing back in Blighty).Colder months in the UK is great for selling Suits. In the Australian working environment, dress codes are more relaxed. Obviously every company is different but generally you only wear a Suit in the summer...

3 Little-Known Biz Benefits to Writing & Publishing a Book

03/05/2013 05:20pm
There's a lot of excellent reasons to take the time to write and publish a book. Having authored a book gives you instant credibility as an expert, which immediately sets you apart from everyone else in your field, helps fill your pipeline with perfect clients and gives you a reason to raise your rates. Plus books make great giveaways and client gifts, which is another fabulous way to use them. But there are also a few other reasons to author a book you may not have thought of. Here are 3 to keep in mind as you decide if it's time...

5 Business Models to Avoid

03/03/2013 01:51am
Growing your biz can give you the greatest lifestyle on the planet. And on the other hand your whole life can suddenly be turned upside down if things get off kilter and your business can tank. That is why Im giving you lots of great training over the next few weeks on this topic.Because when you put your heart and soul on the line, not to mention your security... to grow your business, you have to perform. And the pressure can be stifling.I live it every day. I make every dime that supports my family using my signature system, not hit...

How to Create New Business Opportunities From NOTHING!

02/28/2013 09:26pm
Being successful as an entrepreneur requires one to take initiative and maintain a spirit of innovation. You can't sit back and wait for clients and a steady income to be handed to you. Instead, you have to get out there and create the opportunities you're looking for.If you are looking to enroll more clients into your practice, increase your income or create more flexibility in your schedule, I have a question for you.What are you actually doing EACH WEEK to create this reality?Let me be frank. You can't expect to get the results that you're looking for if you're not consistently...

A Simple Follow Up to Create More Profits In Your Business

02/26/2013 09:25pm
How many times have you attended a networking event, had a number of great conversations with ideal prospects, collected a bunch of business cards and never followed up?Perhaps more times than you'd care to admit.The bad news: You likely missed out on a number of key opportunities to deepen connections that could lead to an increase in revenue, a joint venture or more visibility for your business.The good news: You can make the decision TODAY to commit to implementing a system to follow-up on all leads that express an interest in your business, so that you don't miss out on any...

What Keeps Women Business Owners Up at Night?

02/26/2013 06:44pm
A national survey of women business owners (WBOs) conducted by Web.com Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: WWWW) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) found a pervasive sense of economic optimism, including a prediction by most WBOs (85 percent) that more women will become entrepreneurs in 2013 than in past years. WBOs also plan to invest more (38 percent) or the same (54 percent) in hiring this year than they did in 2012 - a positive sign for the economy.2013, the Year of the Female EntrepreneurThe State of Women-Owned Businesses survey found that the large majority of WBOs were optimistic about...

7 Blog Ideas for Green Businesses

02/24/2013 07:32pm
Stuck on what to write about next for your blog? Consider these questions and let the ideas flow!1 - Why do you do what you do? Did you experience an illness or health concern that got you started? Was there a specific childhood experience or tradition that you loved? Be personal, but then expand on how individuals can take their own personal experiences and grow from them. Look for statistics and facts related to your experience to include in your blog. For example, 'A Gluten Free Diet Is Not The End Of The World' or 'Teaching Your Children To Love The...

Eliminate Time Clutter - Create A Not To Do List

02/22/2013 07:36pm
If you're busy and overwhelmed like most people you'll likely have some sort of to-do list going. It could be in the form of a notebook, a computer, mobile device or even heaven forbid a piece of paper. But some days looking at the list just makes me feel crazy. There is so many things to do that sometimes I get the feeling the list has "legs" of its own like a centipede.In others words the list seems to keep growing and growing without my help. In my experience at some point the list becomes an alligator... one that bites.So how...

Are You Selling a Product, Service or Your Brand?

02/21/2013 01:48am
I am a huge fan of working with entrepreneurs. I'm one myself. In fact, some close friends might venture to say that I'm a serial entrepreneur, but that's a totally different story. I often wonder what goes through people's mind when they make the decision to venture out on their own. Is being a business owner something that they always envisioned for themselves or were they forced into the role as a result of not being able to secure a position within a company?Regardless of how a person transitions into entrepreneurship, they need to understand that starting a business is more...

Can I Get a Second Chance at a First Impression?

02/20/2013 11:37pm
The short answer to that question is, 'no' - it is what it is. A first impression is what you project to someone whenever they are first connected to you.Especially if you're in a B2B-type business, it's important to remember that your body language, the words you speak, and the way you present yourself (hair, clothing, if online, through your copy), etc., are what people will immediately judge.Yes, as humans, no matter what, we do judge. Some more than others, but we all do it! I was raised with all those basic 'golden' rules, and abide by them faithfully. In this...

5 Extraordinary Actions Most People Wont Take... And Why You Must!

02/15/2013 03:42pm
It's a brand new year and time to reflect on what you want to do with the next 365 day. Most people abandon their goals within the first 6 weeks of the year! Those people who get results, approach the process in a completely different way than those who don't. It takes a shift in your mindset and a decision with more commitment than ever before, but if you are willing to follow these steps. Your goals will soon be real.1. Be specific. Know EXACTLY what you want. Don't say you want to make more money. State exactly how much money...

How to Market Your Services and Maintain a Consistent Income

02/14/2013 07:47pm
With the myriad of options available to market your small business, it's quite easy to become overwhelmed in trying to figure out where you should focus your attention. Let me help you simplify the process.First, consider, who is an ideal client for YOUR business. This is critical, because you cannot be all things to all people. (I know you think everyone and anyone needs your service. But that is simply NOT true. The quicker you accept that, the more successful your business will be).Determining who your ideal client is begins with choosing a target market. Then you can identify who within...

Schakolad Chocolate Factory Customers Treat Michigan Troops for Valentine's Day

02/12/2013 03:47pm
Schakolad Chocolate Factory Customers Treat Michigan Troops for Valentine's DayFor every person who comes in the store to buy chocolates for Valentines Day, we will add a chocolate to a box that will be sent to a currently deployed Michigan military unit, Emily Barker,owner Schakolad Chocolate Factory, Northville. What: Schakolad Chocolate Factory suggestions for Valentines Day: For Her: What woman doesnt want a pair of beautiful shoes, chocolate and jewels? Give all three in chocolate! Want to send a strong message to that man or woman in your life? Send him or her a chocolate cell phone with your...

S-O-S SEO: Rescue Your Business With 5 Simple Optimization Techniques.

02/10/2013 10:02pm
Close your eyes and think back to the time when you first started your business. Remember the day when you sold your first product or service, or when you officially launched your website? Can you recall the time and effort you put in and how excited you were to finally get the business off the ground? You were giddy with great expectations and life was feeling pretty good. Maybe your start date wasn't all that long ago or maybe a few years have already passed.Now fast forward to where you are today. You might be scratching your head and wondering what...