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11 Friends You Haven’t Met; but Need to Know
We all talk about collaborating to expand our business and generate more leads. How often do you actually do it? We all talk about connecting and cultivating relationships. How often do you take the time to have dialogue?
I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some friends who could truly make a difference in your business. These women are professional, insightful and inspiring.
Collectively, they can provide you with a wide variety of assistance and resources for your business including: creating and perfecting your elevator pitch, human resources, cultural diversity, sales and marketing, lifestyle, branding, non-profit/community engagement, networking, social media, beauty and lifestyle.
- Barbara Lopez with Brightfarm Introductions – Barbara masterfully helps you create an introduction to your business that reflects your specialty and your personality. Her capacity to ensure that your introductions are fresh and memorable is exceptional.
- Deena Pierott with Mosaic Blueprint – Deena has a connection for whatever ails your business. Although she is a cultural diversity expert, her vast and dynamic social network of women, urban entrepreneurs and corporations is built on collaboration.
- Ayesha Mathews-Wadhwa with PixInk – You are your brand and Ayesha’s brand development ensures that your brand identity and personal values are not only in sync but clear and well defined. Her brand cultivation genius helps discover what makes you unique.
- Natalie MacNeil with She Takes On the World – Home of all things “women entrepreneur.” Natalie features successful women entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship articles, valuable resources, and a free directory for women-owned businesses. She has received numerous awards and mentions for her work and blog content and is a constant source of fresh ideas and encouragement.
- Sylvia Browder with Browder Consulting – Sylvia empowers women to achieve success through entrepreneurship. In addition to running her own consulting practice, she volunteers as a SCORE counselor and provides women entrepreneurs with the resources and tools they need for continued success. Her support for women entrepreneurs is personal and heartfelt.
- Adrienne Graham with Empower Me! and Fearless Networking. This power broker provides a variety of platforms that enable women to maximize the value in their networks and connections. Adrienne is all about the power and empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the author of “Go Ahead Talk to Strangers: A Modern Day Guide to Fearless Networking.”
- Yolanda Webb with E’Lon Beauty – Yolanda publishes an amazing and unique online beauty magazine. Her magazine not only presents all that is beautiful on the outside, but her publication also nurtures the inside beauty of all women.
- Patricia Weber with Professional Strategies – Pat is the consummate sales coach for introverts. She understands the anxiety and apprehension introverts have in operating their business and skillfully coaches them through practical communication, sales and networking techniques.
- Jacintha Perrera with Island Getaways – This is not a “fly by night” travel service. Jacintha is a travel expert specializing in South Pacific getaways and special interest retreats. Her customized travel expeditions are once in a lifetime experiences. Be sure to check out her travel blog and virtual tours. When you need to getaway, you need to contact Jacintha.
- Crystal Martin with Crystalwashington.com – Crystal is a social media and social networking guru. Her simple tips and tools will get you up to speed with effective and efficient marketing strategies that will enhance your capacity to meet and acquire appropriate clients.
Please take some time to explore their sites and introduce yourself. I’m sure each of them will welcome you into their fold with a warm smile and kind word.
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com.
5 Ways to Erase Daily Procrastination in Your Business
According to Real Simple magazine’s survey of 10,000 readers, the average daily to-do list has 5 to 9 tasks on it. Only 5% of the readers are productive for 3 hours during a 9-to-5 workday as a result of web-related distractions. According to the Procrastination Research Group, based on some figures, it is estimated that as much as 95% of the people are prone to procrastination. Amongst them, 20% of them are chronic 
procrastinators.
Procrastination is generally defined as avoided tasks or activities that need to be accomplished. Poor time management and procrastination can be a direct result of having unreachable goals, having to meet others’ standards, disorganization or the inability to handle the task. Below are ways to erase daily procrastination in your business.
- Use the first hour or two of your day to work on things that require your attention or have deadlines. Accomplishing necessary tasks will invigorate you to do more.
- Inspire yourself with insightful reading. Read at least one business article daily and take action. Try implementing a new idea. Don’t just read about it, but do.
- Afternoon organization can make the next day easier. Take 15 minutes at the end of each day to think about tomorrow’s priorities. Knowing what needs to be done at the beginning of each day gives you focus and direction.
- Break large projects or tasks into smaller activities and schedule them on your calendar as appointments. Do them in 30-minutes, 1-hour or 3-hour time blocks. You wouldn’t interrupt a scheduled appointment, so don’t allow unnecessary interruptions when working on your projects.
- Don’t make lofty goals. Be reasonable in your expectations of yourself, your time and your commitments. Overextending yourself can cause you shut down. Be practical and realistic.
It’s always helpful to identify the source of your procrastination. Take some time to think about why you are putting things off and then try one of the above techniques. Procrastination can really be a struggle and challenge for small business owners, especially when they are simply overwhelmed and unsure of their next move. Take it one step at a time and be conscious of your actions AND inaction.
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com.
Your business skills have an expiration date
It’s never too late to learn something new. Honing your business skills can help you maximize productivity and attain goals by providing strategic insight and applicable techniques. Don’t just take the time to learn something new. Knowledge unused is wasted. Implement what you learn and share it with others.
It doesn’t matter how you acquire information and new knowledge. However, it does matter that you actively pursue it and utilize it for the benefit of you and your business. Your business is a journey and just like with any trip, you see new things, learn new things and bring new things back with you. Make the most of your journey. Don’t just be a tourist; get to know the people and culture of where you are.
5 ways to hone your business skills:
1. Take a class online, live or via phone. Most of the time, these are cost-effective ways to acquire new information on a wide variety of topics. They are also convenient in terms of location and access.
2. Connect with a mentor. The wisdom that you gain from someone who has walked the walk is priceless. You can learn from their experiences and mistakes. You can expand on what has worked for them. Most importantly, you have emotional support and encouragement.
3. Read business magazines, books and reports. These are quick, yet powerful ways to discover quick tips, tools and techniques that will increase your knowledge and resources.
4. Join a business association related to your industry. Association memberships keep you aligned with best industry practices and legislation.
5. Sign up for a business retreat or convention out of town. Getting out of your “territory” and meeting new business owners is refreshing. You can see how things are done in other areas, expand your market base, collaborate with new connections and break the monotony of your daily routine.
Don’t get left behind. Failing to refresh yourself and ideas on a regular basis is a sure way to not only kill your creativity but dull your business senses. Use the venues above to keep your finger on the pulse of your target market, industry and relevance of your business. Your business skills are directly related to your business success.
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com.
Stop, think and listen
Small business owners often find themselves in a constant state of emergency. Emergencies can occur through no fault of your own, however; putting out fires on a daily basis is a sign that your business systems, processes and practices are not functioning properly and are ineffective.
It is imperative that small business owners (especially those without staff and limited resources) have streamlined and organized systems and practices. This includes the way you process your clients’ information, marketing techniques, sales scripts and invoices/ bookkeeping. And let’s not forget hours of operation. There is nothing wrong with setting your own hours, but are you adhering to them? Are you spending the appropriate amount of time with your family? How and when are you honing your skills and increasing your business knowledge? Do you set aside time to perform the menial administrative duties? Do you plan your work? There needs to be a clear, well-defined and functional manner in which you operate your business.
When you are overwhelmed, frustrated and lost you should stop, think and listen. Stop doing what you are doing. Just like in a real emergency, STOP. Don’t panic. Our stress and anxiety levels immediately increase when we are flying by the seat of our pants. We are naturally concerned about revenue, clients and the direction of our business. This is okay. However, it is also easy to add to this concern unnecessarily when we operate our business without proper planning and a functional work system. So again, when you find yourself panicked, overwhelmed or simply unproductive, stop. When you are in quicksand, it is the flailing around that will cause you to sink even faster. Don’t move forward or backward. Just be still.
Think. Reflection and introspect is critical for small business owners. We have to be able to step back and survey the land to see clearly. Be realistic about where you are and what has taken place so far. Assess your business condition. What are you doing right? What are you doing wrong? What are your resources? What are your strengths? If you are not sure, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The knowledge and wisdom from wise counsel and a fresh pair of eyes could be the jolt you need to redirect your energy in the right direction.
Once you have come out of survival mode and have taken some time to really think about and assess your position, you must be open-minded and prepared to listen. Open-minded enough to accept the reality of your condition in whatever state it is in. Denial is destructive to you and your business. Listen to your intuition. We all have that small voice inside that gives us a heads up when we are going in the wrong direction or if something doesn’t feel right. Listen to that voice and give it the power and credit it deserves. If you have sought wise counsel, listen to what it is they are telling you. They should be telling you what youneed to hear, not what you want to hear.
The next time you find yourself overwhelmed, lost, frustrated or in a constant state of emergency, stop, think and listen.
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com.
How to access the wisdom of business leaders
Why is it so hard for business owners to ask for help? Is it because we don’t want to appear dependant, unknowledgeable, incapable, etc.? According to the SBA, an estimated 627,200 new employer firms began opera- tions in 2008, and 595,600 firms closed that year. This amounts to an annual turnover of about 10 percent for entry and 10 percent for exit. Non-employer firms have turnover rates three times as high as those of employer firms, mostly because of easier entry and exit conditions. There is a whole list of reasons why the businesses don’t survive. However, how many of those businesses failed because the business owner didn’t know how, when or refused to ask for help?
We fail our clients and ourselves when we fail to know when and how to ask for help. As business owners, we are expected to make mistakes. The greatest and most successful business owners have made hundreds of them. But, I can assure you they also knew how and when to ask for help. We read business books about them.
Take conscious ownership of your business and discover new and creative ways to refresh your business by accessing the wisdom of business leaders. The best inspiration comes from people who have been where you are, traveled a similar path and have made a success of their business. Here’s how you can gain access to the wisdom of business leaders:
1. Research who the “movers and shakers” are in your community, industry or network. These are people you admire, have large spheres of influence and/or are eagerly pursued.
2. Select 10 “movers and shakers” you would like to engage in a conversation. Ask them for 10 minutes of their time. You call could sound like this: “I am new to this business/I am looking to strengthen my business practices. I know you don’t know me, and I am not trying to sell you. I admire what you have accomplished in your business/community. I was hoping that I could have 10 minutes of your time for an interview. Would you, as a leader in the _____ industry/community, tell me what I should do to earn the right to do business/collaborate with people just like you?” Remember, this is not a “sales opportunity.” This is simply an opportunity for you to elicit valuable information from someone who has been where you are and could help you get to where you want to be. Be sure to let them know up front that you are not going to try to sell them anything. You merely want ten minutes. Be respectful of their time, be prepared and be sure to limit your call or conversation to your requested ten minutes.
3. Most important, follow up with each of them and THANK them for their time. Send each person a personalized thank you note. Ask if they would mind if you kept in touch. If they say yes, DO IT. Send them a note periodically or call and check-in. Don’t overburden them with emails, calls or information.
You would be very lucky to get ten minutes of an important person’s time. However, they may just be the most important and valuable ten minutes of your business’ life. It is well worth the effort to make contact. You never know what opportunity may arise from your introduction, conversation or relationship.
Nobody will ever be what they should be until they start doing what they should be doing. If you are overwhelmed, stagnate, consumed with or unsure of which direction to take your business in, ask for help. Seasoned, savvy and experienced business owners are generally open to sharing their pitfalls and “lessons learned.” Their wisdom could be your lifesaver. Know when enough is enough and get the help you need to keep you and your business IN business.
SBA SOURCE: http://www.sba.gov/advo/stats/sbfaq.pdf
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com.
How to Re-Invent Your Business
Surely, the economic condition of the past 2 years has forced many small business owners to either close their doors or take an in-depth look at what adjustments can be made to keep their doors open.
If your business lacks definition, you have a weak niche, you are out of touch with your clients or if you know your business strengths, but are unaware of potential opportunities, you may want to seriously consider re-inventing your business.
Don’t have a set of clear goals or objectives? Start with an assessment and analysis of your current business condition. What do you ultimately want to accomplish or achieve? What do you want your business to be known for?
Recognize and acknowledge that which needs to change. It’s your first step; awareness. Believe in the fact that you CAN change. You have the ability to change; however, change requires ACTION. Belief and action are the basis of the foundation for renewing your mind and your business. Carefully examine what has worked and is working. Begin to look at ways to expand and enhance those things that have worked well for your business.
Feel like you are in autopilot or stuck in paralysis? Get motivated!
Start with some inspiration. Find a reason to get excited about what you do. Get a fresh new perspective. Schedule 3 appointments with 3 people you admire. They don’t necessarily need to be in your industry; you simply need to admire what it is they do. Talk to them about what keeps them going, how they stay refreshed and engaged in their passion. This is different than popping in motivational CD’s. It is personal. You know these people. They bring a realness into the equation. Ask them for their perspective on your business and you, as an individual. It is important to be open to what they have to say. This is not the time to be defensive. Really listen to what it is they are saying. When we listen, instead of hearing, we have an opportunity to learn. New knowledge can be inspirational. It germinates and grows into other thoughts and ideas. Fresh ideas kill stagnation and give birth to growth.
Planning and development
Try mindmapping your thoughts and ideas. See where you can begin to connect the dots to all that you dream and envision for your business. By downloading your thoughts, you can get a clearer picture of what makes sense and where to start. You can begin to develop a plan of action. Make sure your plan has a good flow and transition.
Narrow your marketing message. Do not try to cover all of your products and services at one time. Your message should be cohesive and consistent. Continuously brand your logo, image and business.
Embrace technology, get connected and stay organized
Increase your online presence and credibility with current and relevant information. Engage your readers with useful information, resources and practical tips. Thanks to modern technology and innovative tools, micro and small business owners can develop their client market base anywhere in the country; or world! via newsletters, blogs, webinars and social networking platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, FastPitch!, Biznik, and Sta.rtup.biz.
Organize and automate your business processes as much as possible. There are hundreds of platforms that will not only save you time, but energy and money! Here are a few:
- Evoice Receptionist – Just because you are small business owner, doesn’t mean you have to function like one. Think professional. Think full-featured virtual phone system. Professional greeting, multiple lines, no hardware/software and access anywhere.*
- Doodle – Need to arrange meetings but have trouble coordinating schedules? Need to take a quick poll? Doodle makes it easy to find a date and time for a group event or conduct a quick survey. How does Doodle work?…You can finish reading the article here: http://amichelleblakeley.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/reinventyourbusiness/
D5 Creation