Archive for the ‘Small Biz’ Category

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Even With Coaching, How-To Books, And Seminars… It’s Still Up To You

This is an extraordinary time to venture into business ownership.  The Internet has changed the entire game. There is unprecedented access to information and guidance, and this has leveled the playing field.

But whether you work with a business coach, attend seminars, or read how-to books and blogs, you are the one who has to make it happen.  All of these activities are there to give you direction and/or tools, but only you can get your business up and running.  Only you can create the business you envision.

Take an honest look at how much time and money you’ve recently invested in any or all of these things. Then take a look at where you are with your business.  How long have you been operating at your current level, compared to how long you've wanted to take it to the next level?

A lot of people get stuck in the “information gathering” stage.  In this stage, it is easy to convince ourselves that we’re doing something.  But if you’ve been on a merry-go-round of learning and development activities, the reality is, you’re avoiding doing anything. The best way to actually move your plans forward is to take a break from the planning. Put the information you’ve gathered to use by creating an action oriented to-do list, and start moving through it.

For some of you, the next level is actually getting your business set up.  For others, it means expanding your product or service line or building your customer base.  Wherever you’re at, you are responsible for being there.  And wherever you want to be, you are responsible for getting there.  Feel confident from your past achievements, use the knowledge you have gained, and start moving toward your goals.

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Video As A Marketing Tool

I can feel some of you cringing as you read this, but I think you should at least consider incorporating video into your marketing plan.  Video can be used in a lot of ways, and it’s very effective. That’s one of the reasons HSN and QVC are so successful. They are constantly connecting with their customers with conversation and demonstrations.  Video can do the same for you.

I love fresh pineapple but never bought it because it’s such a mess to slice up.  Then I came across a video of the Vacu Vin pineapple slicer.  The 2 minute demonstration showed how easy it was to use, so I purchased one.  It worked as promised, and now I would try other products from this company.  So, if you have a product that has a function you can demonstrate, video is a great way to go.

If your products that don’t lend to an instructional video, you can still show your products in motion, whether you sell apparel, makeup or jewelry. This also gives your potential customers a chance to get to know you.  And if your company offers a service, video is a great way to build trust.  People will start to develop a relationship with you before even meeting you.

Getting started is easier than you may think.  You don’t have to spend a lot to get a decent camera, and they all come with software so you can do some basic editing.  Then you can set up a YouTube channel and link from your blog, or you can put your videos on Vimeo and imbed the videos in your website, which is what I do.  Here’s a list of other video sites, if you’re interested in doing a little research on your own.

If you’ve never done anything like this before, practice. You will definitely get more comfortable with each try.  In the beginning you may feel embarrassed watching yourself, but keep practicing.  Sometimes I still cringe a little, especially if my lighting is bad, but I re-do it if I have time. (You can find a few examples where I ran out of time – not good, but, oh well.)  Like anything else, the best way to get started is to jump in with both feet.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

But How Do You Know It’s Your Passion?

We all hear it and read it every day – your work/job should be something you’re passionate about. As much as we all want to follow our bliss, many people don’t know what that is for them.  This is understandable.  Throughout our lives we’re told what it means to be successful, and which paths will lead us to fulfillment.  But upon arrival, we realize we were following the path of someone else’s dream.  So how do we switch directions and head toward our dream?

First, you have to remember what makes you happy. Go back as far as your memory will allow.  You will find clues in the games you liked the most, and the kids you played with.  Did you create neighborhood newspapers, or set up elaborate lemonade stands during the summer?  Did you like putting on plays with your friends?  We’re you the actor?  Or the producer, joyfully bossing your friends around?  Did you draw and paint pictures, or create costumes from your mom’s discards?  What you loved doing as a kid is what you still love, just maybe in another form.

Once you determine the “what”, spend some time figuring out why you liked these activities. Was it the problem solving, the creativity, the organizing?  It may take a little time, but as you get closer to the truth, you’ll know it, because you’ll feel energized and engaged.

The final step is simple, but not necessarily easy.  Step onto your path.  Changing the direction of your life is scary, but it can be done.  Approach the process as if it were a marathon, not a sprint.  Maybe take on a hobby or side job that reflects the true you. That may be enough for you to be fulfilled.  As your comfort level increases, though, you may find yourself wanting more.  And now that you’re on the right path, you’ll know what to do, because when we’re in touch with our true desires, we’re also in touch with our instincts.  So take the first steps, and the rest will fall into place.

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

The New Normal

The New Normal from Beth Andrus on Vimeo.

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

The Winds Of Change Are Always Blowing

As 2010 gets under way, business owners struggle to make progress,as each day brings more discouraging news about unemployment, and credit continues to elude many.  The signs of battle fatigue are apparent.

It is important to realize, though, that throughout the country’s history, the economy has undergone a number of structural changes.  These shifts were brought on by both negative and positive circumstances. Of course, the stock market crash in 1929 is an obvious example of a negative occurrence.  But technological advances have also wreaked economic havoc.  Established industries (and their jobs) have disappeared or shrunk dramatically and quickly. And the new industries taking their place needed a few cycles before they substantially contributed to economic growth.

No matter what the cause, over time, the economy has reorganized and stabilized, just like it will again. And I can tell you that this is the time to push your hardest.  As some people close their businesses, it clears the field and provides you an opportunity to increase your customer base. Also, because of general angst and burnout, companies want a change and you can be the person to provide that fresh outlook.  When things do improve – and they will – you will be out in front of the crowd.

Keep in mind that things are always changing, in all aspects of our lives. As a business owner you need to be prepared for the upswings, as well as the downturns.  The less you fear change, the more easily you’ll adapt. And that is the key to survival.

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

There Will Always Be New Ideas

There Are Unlimited New Ideas from Beth Andrus on Vimeo.

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

DBA vs Trademark

I have recently talked to three different people on three separate occasions that had the wrong idea about filing for a DBA. So I’m going to (hopefully) clear things up.

When your business has a name that does not include your legal name you must file a fictitious business statement (also known as a DBA – Doing Buisiness As). For example if your name is John Johnson and your company name is John Johnson Plumbing Services, you do not need to file for a DBA certificate. But if your company name is On Time Plumbing, you need to file, and notices need to be placed in local area newspapers.  This does NOT give you legal rights to the name On Time Plumbing.  Filing a fictitious business statement is all about the right of the public to know with whom they’re doing business.

In order to gain legal ownership of a company name you must register your name as a trademark.  The registration fee is $325.  You can conduct a trademark search and file yourself, or you can use one of the gazillion websites out there. Some will do it for you for a reasonable fee, and some for an outrageous fee. No matter what route you choose, though, protect your name and logo up front.  It could save you time, money and heartache.

This should clear things up, but if you have additional questions, just ask.

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Talking Out Loud Can Lead To Solutions

Talking to yourself doesn’t mean you’re crazy, unless you’re responding to voices in your head. And it may very possibly help you solve any problems you’re facing.

thinking

According to an article in Scientific American, people achieve better problem-solving results if they get the information out of their head. Psychologists in Spain conducted studies with college-level math students. They found that people who detailed their thinking processes out loud, solved complex math problems faster and with greater accuracy, than the students who kept silent. The same positive results occurred with students who drew pictures that mapped out the problems.

Although there is no clear explanation for why this occurs, the researchers believe if the problem is represented verbally and visually, more areas of the brain are activated, and thus the possibility of finding a solution is increased. As you come up against problems, increase your odds of finding a good solution by talking it out and writing it down.

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Honor Your Customers

I can not emphasize strongly enough how important it is to honor your customers.  There are many ways to do this, but they all boil down to respect and “doing unto others”. 

Consider what it means when someone buys your product or service.  We all earn our money by expending our time and effort.  There is a personal aspect to the money we earn, and that frequently gets overlooked.  When we buy something it is actually an exchange of our time and effort for someone else’s time and effort.  Keep in mind that it is a privilege to have someone as a customer, and honor them.

purchase

I will be addressing different “must do’s” over the next few months, but for today:

Keep Your Word 

If you promise shipping within 48 hours, ship within 48 hours.  If you are inundated with orders (congratulations) and you have to work until 4:00am to ship everything within 48 hours, do it.  If you say you will finish a project by a certain date, do it, even if you have to hire help and work around the clock.  It may cost you, but the next time your bid will be more accurate.

And if you have a contest, treat the winner with the same amount of respect as a paying customer.  The purpose of the contest was to bring attention to your business, and whether it brought the results you expected or not, the winner is entitled to what you promised.

I know there can be circumstances beyond your control.  A shipment gets hung up in customs, or your mobile dog washing van breaks down.  If something comes up, try your hardest to figure something out.  In the words of Tim Gunn, “Make it work.” 

If there are no immediate solutions, get on the phone to your clients or customers right away.  Do not put them in a position of having to ask you what’s going on.  It is your responsibility to come through for them.  And whatever you promise on that “I’m so sorry” phone call, whether it’s a new delivery date or a ½ off coupon for their next purchase, make sure you can come through.  Your reputation might not recover from two let downs in a row.

I’m writing about this because I had a couple of frustrating experiences during December; one with a huge company and the other with a small company.  On one occasion I cancelled my order and will not go back there.  On the other, I let the order stand because I need this product and it would take too long to go somewhere else. But I will never do business with this company again. 

Don’t risk losing your customers. They’re hard to get, but easy to keep, as long as you treat them with respect.

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Accomplish Your Goals In 2010

As you list out your goals for 2010, do you notice that this list looks a lot like your 2009 list? 

bullseye

Don’t just transfer the undone items to your new list, because this will play on your subconscious in a negative way.  A better approach is to take the most important goals from your old list and break them down into the most basic steps.  This will give you something manageable and measurable to work with.

For example, if your goal is to get your paperwork organized, break that into these specific steps:

1.  Get files, file boxes, labels, etc…

2.  Organize paperwork into categories (paid invoices, customer receipts, etc…) and then by month/year.

3.  Scan what you can, and then file and store anything you need to keep and shred the rest.

4.  Create an accessible space (a drawer or something like that) for current papers.

You can break the steps down even further, if you like.  When goals are too general they can feel overwhelming, and feeling overwhelmed frequently leads to procrastination.  Breaking the goal down into basic action steps will give you a starting point and a sense of direction.  So take a look at your unaccomplished goals of 2009 and start reducing them to the most basic steps possible.