Archive for May, 2009

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Friday, May 29th, 2009

Webinars – Some Are Good And They’re Usually Free

A webinar is a seminar that is held over the Internet.  They are usually free, but you will be required to register with the sponsoring website.  You may select the speaker, or speakers, that you're interested in hearing and you will then be instructed on how to access the webinar.  You may need to download software (also free) that will enable you to interact during the session.  

Webinr

Like any seminar or speaker series, some of the information will be useful and some will be completely irrelevant to what you are doing.  Additionally, some speakers will be in line with your way of thinking and approach to business, while others may not.  If this is the case, even if the speaker seems completely out of touch, keep an open mind.  Sometimes you will find a tiny gem of an idea buried in a pile of buzz words and jargon.  Good advice for all situations is to take what you need, and disregard the rest. 

Here is a website that is hosting a series of webinars geared toward helping small business owners and entrepreneurs.   http://www.incorporate.com/webinar_schedule.html   Start your search here to get familiar with what's available.  If none of these suit your needs, do a google search for "small business webinars 2009". 

Posted in Small Biz, Websites | No Comments »

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Attitude Is Everything

A positive attitude is as important to the success of your business as anything else. When considering education, socioeconomic background, and all other factors, research shows that a positive attitude is one of the biggest determining factors of your success. 

Blog rainbow  

Spend the next 24 hours tracking every time you criticize yourself and others, and how many times you start to worry about, and kind of expect, negative responses and outcomes. You will realize that many more than half your thoughts and responses are negative.

Negative thinking and worrying are usually just habits. These thoughts are frequently based on (often incorrect) assumptions about how we’re perceived by others, or our inability to handle what’s coming. The reality is that less than 1 in 10 things we worry about come to pass. And, frequently, the one thing isn’t nearly as big a deal as we thought it would be.

Negativity keeps you from focusing on the now, and that’s where all the good stuff is. In fact it’s the only place where any stuff is. The past is gone, and the future will never arrive. Living in the moment will bring into focus all of the opportunities that are right in front of you.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A man is what he thinks about all day long.” So start thinking positively and see what happens.

Posted in Approach | No Comments »

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Websites and Email Accounts Are Assets, Too

Although a less than pleasant task, most of us have prepared a will, or at least talked about it. (Do it now, because you never know...) But I never thought about what would happen to my bazillions of email accounts and domain names (including minibizbuzz.com), until I read about a company called Legacy Locker. 

Cartoon_safe

Legacy Locker stores all of your member names (domain names) and passwords, so that your beneficieries can access your data when the time comes.  Wrapping up a loved one's affairs is a daunting task, but leaving behind access to your online assets will be a big help.  Legacy Locker will also send out farewell emails to specified recipients, if you so desire.  The service is $30 a year or $300 for a lifetime contract.  Check them out at www.LegacyLocker.com

Posted in Websites | No Comments »

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Get The Help You Need With A Temporary Or Virtual Assistant

As your business grows you may find that you need help, but may not have the means to hire a full-time assistant. Maybe a temporary or virtual assistant will fill your needs.

A virtual assistant is someone who works for you, remotely, from their home. Communication happens via email and telephone. A strict definition of a virtual assistant is someone who performs administrative functions on an ongoing basis. But recently, the definition has expanded to include someone you hire for a short period of time or to handle a specific project, such as performing research.

Secretary

A temporary assistant is someone that works for you in person and performs the same tasks as a personal or executive assistant, but for a specified period of time. If your business is cyclical or you have a special presentation, tradeshow or other event scheduled, a temporary assistant can help you tremendously.

There are several benefits of hiring these types of assistants. Besides creating more time to handle your main business function, you may not need to invest in permanent additional office space or equipment for them. Also, they are independent contractors, not your employees, so you don’t have to deal with payroll or payroll taxes.

Get the help you need and give yourself every chance to succeed. You can search online to find the help that will best suit your needs.

Posted in Admin Help, Small Biz | 2 Comments »

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

What is Daylighting And Are You Already Doing It?

Daylighting is a new twist on moonlighting. It’s when you handle tasks for your side business, while on the clock of your main job. If you are responding to client emails, doing internet research, or managing your eBay sales while at your “day job”, you are daylighting.

Sun

It is a practice that is on the rise. With more companies disallowing overtime and cutting back on regular hours, people are trying to make ends meet with a side business. Others are hoping to get a business up and running before an inevitable layoff.

Because there are only so many hours in a day, people are handling some of their business on the sly, using their employers’ phones and computers.

Many employers (almost all) would understandably frown upon this, and may even fire you for it.

If you have a good relationship with your employer, I highly suggest coming clean. Maybe you can work something out that allows you to continue doing both jobs, such as rearranging your regular work schedule. Whatever you do, keep in mind that honesty and integrity are important characteristics as an employee and as a business owner. Do what you need to maintain those qualities, even if that means going back to moonlighting.

Coyote-cactus  

Posted in Small Biz | No Comments »

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Turn Your Passion Into A Business

There are a million stories of people who turned their passion into a business. The ones that become millionaires are sometimes featured on Oprah. But there are also stories of people who have been profitable enough to make a nice living, and I believe they're just as successful.

Think about
how many people dread Mondays because they aren’t inspired by their jobs. What
if they could make a living doing something they love (or even like)?  It would have a positive impact in all areas
of their life. I will occasionally share the stories of business owners who have accomplished
this.

Savannah 

Savannah Moon Natural Relaxation ~ Bath & Body Care is owned by Karen Seremak. "Over twelve years ago”, she explained, “I started to make natural handcrafted products for my personal use and to give as gifts to family and friends. In the spring of 2004 my husband suggested that I should do the Wadsworth Herb & Craft Fair and that was the official start of Savannah Moon as a company. It's come a long way is 5 years!"  Stories like this are inspiring because of their simplicity.  It shows what someone can do with an idea and some ambition.

Savannah Moon products are available on the internet. They also offer a service where they put your company’s logo on the front of their packaging in any choice of scent, or create custom labels for wedding and party favors. Check them out. http://www.savannahmoon.com

I love this company because it is a perfect example of someone turning their passion into a business. Now find out what you love and start down your own path.

Posted in Small Biz, superstar | No Comments »

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

How To Get The AddThis Button

AddThis is a bookmarking and sharing button that people embed in their website. I have it on the right sidebar, where it says Share. This button makes it easy for people to share your site with their friends and colleagues via their social networks, such as FaceBook, MySpace, and Digg. 

Web_-_group_photo  
For example, if you click on my Share button, to the right, and select FaceBook, you can write a message and select one of the images from my page (using the arrows next to the thumbnail picture), then post to your profile or send as a message. A link to the site, with the selected image and your message will then appear on your FaceBook profile. This works the same for all of the social network pages.
 

This button is free and easy to add to your website. Just follow the instructions at www.addthis.com  An AddThis button helps increase the visibility of your website or blog, and you can access stats that show you how and where your visitors are sharing your content. It is found on hundreds of thousands of websites, and should be on yours, too.

Posted in Websites | No Comments »

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

Using the Skills of Students and Recent Graduates

What are your options if you need to create a logo, have your QuickBooks setup, or some other task that falls outside your skill set and your budget? An often overlooked resource is your local college.  Hiring a student or recent graduate can be much more affordable, and be just as effective, as hiring a professional.

Graduate$20Cartoon

You may go to the school and look at the bulletin boards in the coffee shops and other gathering spots, or you may contact a department staff member directly. They will almost always be happy to help you find an appropriate candidate, because the success of their students is a positive reflection on the school.

Although they may lack the polish and some of the expertise of an established professional, recent graduates and students in their final year of study usually have the skills to meet your needs.  And you know they could use some extra cash. Besides getting far superior results than if you tackled the project on your own, you are giving someone the thrill of their first paying job and becoming a professional.

Posted in Admin Help, Small Biz | No Comments »

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Is Generosity A Part Of Your Business Plan?

I’m not talking about money. That’s a topic for another day. When people start their business, they tend to view others in the same field strictly as competitors. But everybody’s business is unique and most people are focused on what they’re doing, not on stealing your idea. Fellow business owners in your industry can be a great resource and sharing with them can bring a sense of balance as your company grows.

Yin yang tree minibiz

People with similar businesses will have knowledge and experience that is particular to your needs, because every industry, product or service comes with its specific challenges. They can provide information and support that can help you improve your business, and you can do the same for them. You can learn of new suppliers, or of potential pitfalls to avoid. As you share information that helps save money and avoid frustration, you will develop relationships with these people and some will become friends. This is often an overlooked benefit of being in business.

Additionally, interacting this way with your peers can have a positive effect on your self-esteem. When you’re in thick of things, trying to get your company off the ground, you loose sight of how far you’ve come. Sharing information allows you to see how much you’ve learned.  Increased confidence can help you get through the occasional days when you kind of hate what you’re doing (it happens to everyone).

Keep in mind, this approach can also be extended to people who are thinking about starting a business, not just established companies.  As you share your growing expertise with these people, you will be exposed to their fresh energy and outlook.  It’s a win-win for everyone, so start talking.

Posted in Approach, Small Biz | 2 Comments »

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Oopsimlate.com & Getmooh.com– Two Great Sites!

Oops I'm Late! is software for mobile phones that notifies you if you’re running late, based on your calendar and GPS. Oops I'm Late!  also let’s you know if you’re early or on time.

Cartoon-phone

Here’s how it works:
Enter your appointment information in your calendar, either on your phone, desktop or web.  Turn on your GPS. (Check their FAQ page if you don’t have a GPS.)  Open the Oops I'm late! application on your phone.  Verify Attendees from your late/arrival notification list.  That’s all you have to do.  The program can tell from your current location, the location of your meeting, and the time, if you’re going to be late.  If so, your contacts will be notified via text message automatically, even if you’re on the phone  There are 4 levels of service: Free (it is ad supported), Economy $4.95, Standard $14.99 and Professional $24.99.  Get more details at www.oopsimlate.com


This next site is super-cool! It’s great for a dreaded (but necessary) meeting, an unavoidable, potentially unpleasant, family get-together, or some other obligation that you would like to cut short.  Getmooh (Get Me Out Of Here) is an automated call back service, designed to help you escape a situation by calling you automatically on your phone at a pre-specified time.  The call plays you a recording which will either instruct you on what to say to elude your would-be captors, or will simply give a convincing sense of you being on an important call.

Phone_cartoon  

Here’s how it works:
To create a call, select the international prefix and local phone number you want to call.  Specify the date and time to be called.  Select the recording you want played to you during the call. (You can listen to the full recording before choosing, so you can rehearse your response).  Click “Continue”, you’ll be prompted for your email and password.  The call is then scheduled.  This invaluable (I think) service is free.  Check it out.www.getmooh.com

Enjoy both of these sites.  I’ll keep my eye out for more services like this so I can pass them along to you.

Posted in Small Biz, Websites | No Comments »

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