While social media can have a positive impact on business, it is very important for us to use social media wisely so that we are not actually chasing business away:
Here's an excerpt: Social Media to me and my business is an integral part of building SOCIAL EQUITY ….It allows me to become part of a community … to contribute to the community … Giving back to others allows me to experience sheer joy and a feeling of satisfaction and gratitude that comes from knowing I make a DIFFERENCE in other people's lives… Talk about a heaping helping of SOUL FOOD…. Truthfully….this wasn't always the case with my Social Networking efforts…. I had always heard "The Money Is In Your List"….(Read full article)
Offering Gift Cards This Christmas?
According to blogger Rieva Lesonsky, every business should be offering gift cards.
This sounds like an excellent idea, but I offered gift cards one year and don't know that I want to offer them again. Granted, I did make quite a bit on the gift card sales, much of which was never redeemed. This really ate at my conscience. To top it off, two or three years later, I was still getting random calls from people who wanted to redeem the old gift cards... usually at times when it was a financial strain for me to honor the cards.
If you are thinking about offering gift cards, I urge you to do the following:
Buying gift cards is not a casual consumer purchase. The stats show that in 2008 Americans bought more than six cards (on average), spending an average of $52 per card.
Even better for entrepreneurs is the fact that, according to Contardi, there is generally a "15 to 30 percent uptick" in what Contardi calls the "basket ring" (amount purchased) when consumers shop with their gift cards. In fact, the survey reported that 69 percent of gift card recipients spent more than the value of the card when they shopped.
This sounds like an excellent idea, but I offered gift cards one year and don't know that I want to offer them again. Granted, I did make quite a bit on the gift card sales, much of which was never redeemed. This really ate at my conscience. To top it off, two or three years later, I was still getting random calls from people who wanted to redeem the old gift cards... usually at times when it was a financial strain for me to honor the cards.
If you are thinking about offering gift cards, I urge you to do the following:
- Put an expiration date on the gift card. A small business should be comfortable putting a one year expiration date on the card. I would do 18 months at the most.
- Put a portion of the gift card income in a separate account to use when people want to redeem the cards.
- Get over the guilt of making easy money for unredeemed cards.
Business Cards that Make Them CALL
By: Bette Daoust, Ph.D.
How would you use business cards for gift certificates?
I asked once "How many business cards do you need?" and answered that you only need one. Even though this is true when you are trying to form business relationships, it is not true when it comes to promoting your business. Promotion can come in many forms, but using business cards to represent a gift certificate will make it easier for your potential customer not to lose it. You can issue gift certificates for a two-for-one dinner, a discount when coming into your store, or for time at the driving range. Whatever it is that you decide to use it for, you will find that usage will climb considerably if they are in a format that can be readily tucked into a wallet.
When you go to most grocery stores or retail stores, they sell gift certificates in the form of "credit cards". This allows them to swipe at the register when a purchase is made and to have the amount left loaded on the card. This is a very expensive method for most small businesses. You can use the same principle, but in paper format. Business cards can range in thickness from paper-thin to fairly heavy stock. The heavier the stock, the more likely the card will not be lost.
I once helped a small grocery store promote their business and gain new customers in their neighborhood by having "gift certificates" for a free jug of milk. We decided on a jug because most people do not purchase just a quart if they have a family. This promotion drew in almost all the neighborhood and the store gained new customers through the attention. You do not need to give away the farm, or in this case the cow, you just need to use a format that will work for you. Once a customer is in your store, then you can start working on the business relationship.
Your gift certificate, invitation, announcement, etc., should also contain your web information.
Article Source:
http://www.bestmanagementarticles.com
http://advertising-and-promotion.bestmanagementarticles.com
About the Author:
Bette Daoust, Ph.D. decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the “Networking Queen”. Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com
How would you use business cards for gift certificates?
I asked once "How many business cards do you need?" and answered that you only need one. Even though this is true when you are trying to form business relationships, it is not true when it comes to promoting your business. Promotion can come in many forms, but using business cards to represent a gift certificate will make it easier for your potential customer not to lose it. You can issue gift certificates for a two-for-one dinner, a discount when coming into your store, or for time at the driving range. Whatever it is that you decide to use it for, you will find that usage will climb considerably if they are in a format that can be readily tucked into a wallet.
When you go to most grocery stores or retail stores, they sell gift certificates in the form of "credit cards". This allows them to swipe at the register when a purchase is made and to have the amount left loaded on the card. This is a very expensive method for most small businesses. You can use the same principle, but in paper format. Business cards can range in thickness from paper-thin to fairly heavy stock. The heavier the stock, the more likely the card will not be lost.
I once helped a small grocery store promote their business and gain new customers in their neighborhood by having "gift certificates" for a free jug of milk. We decided on a jug because most people do not purchase just a quart if they have a family. This promotion drew in almost all the neighborhood and the store gained new customers through the attention. You do not need to give away the farm, or in this case the cow, you just need to use a format that will work for you. Once a customer is in your store, then you can start working on the business relationship.
Your gift certificate, invitation, announcement, etc., should also contain your web information.
Article Source:
http://www.bestmanagementarticles.com
http://advertising-and-promotion.bestmanagementarticles.com
About the Author:
Bette Daoust, Ph.D. decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the “Networking Queen”. Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com
What you DON'T want to advertise on your vehicle
I was driving along today and noticed a truck with very large writing on the back window. It said "Don't Spread My Wealth Spread My Work Ethic". It seemed like a fair enough comment. The truck was covered with writing, and we were at a stoplight, so I kept reading.I saw an Obama style bumper sticker that said "Buck Fama". Nice I thought. I kept reading. Under the political bumper stickers, was a business logo. In fact the entire side of the truck was covered with a business logo. But it doesn't really matter to me what the truck was advertising... it could have been selling ice cream from heaven, I was turned off by the vulgar bumper sticker.
This business man made several fatal errors when advertising politics on his business van.
1. The size of the political advertisement distracted from the business logos, thereby making people focus on it and not his adverstising.
2. One of the advertisements was (slyly) vulgar and thereby off putting.
3. He should have save politics for his personal car. By putting this strong statement on his car, he has sent a good amount of potential customers to the competition. People will work with you until you start discussing politics. As soon as they realize your politics might differ, well, you could lose customers.
It is hard to see the most offensive bumper sticker, but see the picture below to see how the political statement takes away from the other advertisment. At a stop light, you only have so much time to read the truck in front of you... Mine was taken up by the bumper sticker and lettering on the window. Fortunately I took a picture.
Finding the Right Bloggers to Promote Your Business
Using Bloggers to Promote Your Business
Getting paid to blog can be seen as selling out to many bloggers, but for others, it is a way to cover the expenses of the blog which is often a labor of love. As someone who has been reading and writing blogs for many years, I definitely see both sides of the fence. No one wants to follow a blog that includes far too many obvious commercials. Still a blogger spends a lot of time creating the blog, and it is nice to get a little monetary compensation from time to time.
Read full article here
Suggested reading: Blog Marketing: The Revolutionary New Way to Increase Sales, Build Your Brand, and Get Exceptional Results
Getting paid to blog can be seen as selling out to many bloggers, but for others, it is a way to cover the expenses of the blog which is often a labor of love. As someone who has been reading and writing blogs for many years, I definitely see both sides of the fence. No one wants to follow a blog that includes far too many obvious commercials. Still a blogger spends a lot of time creating the blog, and it is nice to get a little monetary compensation from time to time.
Read full article here
Suggested reading: Blog Marketing: The Revolutionary New Way to Increase Sales, Build Your Brand, and Get Exceptional Results
Tips for Using Twitter for Business
Twitter is a website that users can use to find out what their friends are doing right now... or at least the last thing they reported. People announce that they have just woken up. They tell you about their meals. They say nighty-night. And frankly, I could care less.
Twitter certainly has it's value, especially if your family lives across the miles. You can let your parents know what you are up to. You can keep tabs on your best friends. You can get updates from classmates if you are a student. For many people it is just plain fun. Personally, I like to use twitter to promote my business.
Read full article here
Book Suggestion: Twitter Power: How to Dominate Your Market One Tweet at a Time
Twitter certainly has it's value, especially if your family lives across the miles. You can let your parents know what you are up to. You can keep tabs on your best friends. You can get updates from classmates if you are a student. For many people it is just plain fun. Personally, I like to use twitter to promote my business.
Read full article here
Book Suggestion: Twitter Power: How to Dominate Your Market One Tweet at a Time
Back to school tips for Work at Home moms
For many work at home moms it means more time to work. For others, like me, it means more work because you either homeschool or volunteer at school during the school year.
Here are some things to keep in mind in the coming month.
1. Christmas will be here before you know it. Plan a few open houses and Christmas sale events now. Decide what your Holiday specials will be.
2. Schedule time to work on your business. Don't just let life happen and try to work around it. You will find you have accomplished nothing.
3. Enjoy your kids while you can and remember why you are working from home in the first place.
Here are some things to keep in mind in the coming month.
1. Christmas will be here before you know it. Plan a few open houses and Christmas sale events now. Decide what your Holiday specials will be.
2. Schedule time to work on your business. Don't just let life happen and try to work around it. You will find you have accomplished nothing.
3. Enjoy your kids while you can and remember why you are working from home in the first place.
Encouragement for home businesses
As once thriving businesses struggle to stay afloat in a tough economy, businesses are surviving by relocating to the home. Renting office space in a high traffic area can cost as much as $4000 a month. If you are not making your rent, It would behoove you regroup and work from home. Here is a story of a couple who did it.
Think you've built a killer website? Think again
Here is an excellent article of 20 things you don't want on your website. I.e. 20 ways to scare customers away.
I have done several of these in the past, and will be doing an audit to make sure I am not doing any of them now.
Excerpt:
I have done several of these in the past, and will be doing an audit to make sure I am not doing any of them now.
Excerpt:
Hello Everyone, many website owners make schoolboy errors, that makes their website, well, crap. These errors can cause an annoyance to a large percentage of visitors, and can actually drive traffic away. If you avoid all the reasons I have listed below, you are sure to have an outstanding annoying free website!
Just remember value. If you provide that on your website, your visitors will keep coming back time and time again for more. Read full article
WOG recommendation: Darla Dixon
Dear Group,
My dad died about a year and a half ago. They say time heals but I still miss him so much. Darla was running a special on her pencil portraits. (I think she was trying to do a certain number of portraits in a certain time frame) I emailed her and asked her if she could do a portrait of my dad for me and my mom. The portraits were fantastic and mean so much to me and my mom. Darla, again thank you. I would highly recommend Darla's work to anyone. I can't wait till I have grandchildren so I can have her do another portrait for me.
Sue Keppel
(Darla's Website)
Sue Keppel Group Manager-Discovery Toys
3439 Rosecliff Trace Buford, GA 30519
phone # (770) 271-5757
shop 24/7 www.discoverytoyslink.com/suekeppel
Play with your Children...It's The Best Investment
You'll Ever Make!
Start your own business right now for only $125.00! Valued over $350.00
Call me for free information!
My dad died about a year and a half ago. They say time heals but I still miss him so much. Darla was running a special on her pencil portraits. (I think she was trying to do a certain number of portraits in a certain time frame) I emailed her and asked her if she could do a portrait of my dad for me and my mom. The portraits were fantastic and mean so much to me and my mom. Darla, again thank you. I would highly recommend Darla's work to anyone. I can't wait till I have grandchildren so I can have her do another portrait for me.
Sue Keppel
(Darla's Website)
Sue Keppel Group Manager-Discovery Toys
3439 Rosecliff Trace Buford, GA 30519
phone # (770) 271-5757
shop 24/7 www.discoverytoyslink.com/suekeppel
Play with your Children...It's The Best Investment
You'll Ever Make!
Start your own business right now for only $125.00! Valued over $350.00
Call me for free information!
WOG Recommendation: Jan Pepe
Since I'm a stay-at-home mom, there's not a lot of extra money for vacations in our budget (we're usually pretty content with a week at the beach). So this year, when we found ourselves with a little extra in the vacation budget, we decided to take the kids to Disney World. We'd went to the Magic Kingdom for one day seven years when the kids were 2 and 5, and we'd been planning to take them back and "do it right" as soon as we could swing it financially. Since we were already thinking about taking a trip to Disney this summer, Jan Pepe's ad back in April caught my attention. I contacted Jan, asked a few questions and then put it on the back burner for a few weeks. Jan answered all my questions, but didn't pressure me at all about booking a vacation.
A few weeks later, I got back in touch with her and told her we had decided to go to Disney this year, so she and I started a dialogue about my budget,what we wanted to do while we were there and the many options available from Disney. Over the next two weeks, Jan and I emailed back and forth and got all the details worked out. She took care of everything!! Even though everything Disney is expensive, we got a good deal and Jan's services are absolutely free!
Jan booked our rooms, our tickets, our travel insurance and our dining plan. She even made all our dining reservations for us and they were great! She shared tons of tips about things she's learned in her Disney travels and we had a great, stress-free week at Disney World! No matter where you're headed, call Jan and let her take care of your travel plans; you won't be sorry!
Susan Boswell
You can contact Jan at: Jan Pepe
janp@mei-travel.com
Affiliated w/ MEI & Mouse Fan TravelR
http://www.mousefantravel.com/
direct: 770-676-0828
fax: 815-301-8288
toll free: 866-679-4708
A few weeks later, I got back in touch with her and told her we had decided to go to Disney this year, so she and I started a dialogue about my budget,what we wanted to do while we were there and the many options available from Disney. Over the next two weeks, Jan and I emailed back and forth and got all the details worked out. She took care of everything!! Even though everything Disney is expensive, we got a good deal and Jan's services are absolutely free!
Jan booked our rooms, our tickets, our travel insurance and our dining plan. She even made all our dining reservations for us and they were great! She shared tons of tips about things she's learned in her Disney travels and we had a great, stress-free week at Disney World! No matter where you're headed, call Jan and let her take care of your travel plans; you won't be sorry!
Susan Boswell
You can contact Jan at: Jan Pepe
janp@mei-travel.com
Affiliated w/ MEI & Mouse Fan TravelR
http://www.mousefantravel.com/
direct: 770-676-0828
fax: 815-301-8288
toll free: 866-679-4708
This is not a spam blog
Because I made post today with all of the WOG members website links, this blog was classified as an automated spam blog. It is currently being reviewd and the spam warning should be removed soon.
The fact I put a request for review should prove to them that the blog is not automated.
Andrea
The fact I put a request for review should prove to them that the blog is not automated.
Andrea
What is Women of Gwinnett?
Women Of Gwinnett (WOG)is a women's networking group for women in the Gwinnett County GA/ Atlanta GA area. Our group was founded by work at home women, run by work at home women and for women to exchange business information among each other to help promote and advertise each other's businesses on and offline. If you are working from home, AND LIVE IN GWINNETT COUNTY GA, please join us, so that we may build our businesses together.
Current members of Women of Gwinnett is listed below (and can be found in the side blogroll)
Advertising, Marketing, Promotional
Lynn, Robyn - Creative Inc Promotions Sandberg, Rosane - Embroidery Sandberg, Rosane - Promos & LogoWear
Animals and Pets
Bieniek, Randy - Pet Crazy Portraits Dixon, Darla - Pencil Portraits of Cats, Dogs Edwards, Terri - Pet Natural Solutions Jeanne's Pet Sitting - 404-291-3617 Russell, Teresa - Pet Parties Plus
Bieniek, Randy - Pet Crazy Portraits Brown, Andrea - Photography Dixon, Darla - Pencil Portraits Harrison, Mechelle - Mechelle Designs Hermitt, Andrea Norris, Melissa - Digital Heirlooms Reynolds, Cindy - 770-314-9120
Boswell, Susan - Dylan & Co. Cavanaugh, Kris - Life & Business Coach - Begin to Shift Cockrell, Soshana - Find In GA Dill, Jennifer - B-Support Solutions Elkins, Tina - T.A.M.A. Investigations Flowers, Andrea - Send Out Cards (If you have a new link, please forward it to site manager)
Harwell, Pam - Ol Hometown Gazette Jones, Alice - Brand New Line Maxwell, Nadene P. CPA MBA Sims, Valencia (V-Source) Please contact site manager if you have a new link Taylor, Michelle - Virtual Assistant & MTTS Thomas, Toni - Astrologer
Angell, Frances - Wacky WAHM Bloom, Shelly - Crystal Collection Brooke, Leigh - PartyLite Candles- Brown, Crystal - Crystal's Creations (F)
Keppel, Sue - Discovery Toys Larkins, Rosanne - Pasquini, Anne - Cloud 9 Tea Watson, Natalie - Thirty One Gifts
Computers-repair maintenance, networks
Boswell, Susan - Stampin' Up! Clifton, Wendy - Heritage/Legacy Makers Dyer, Linda - Creative Memories Pepe, Jan - Making Scrapbooks (TLC)
Sollenberger, Jen - Scrappin Gap (If you have a new website url, please forward it to website manager)
Moon, Alice C. - Author Newton, Allison - Usborne Books(if you have a new website link, please forward to site manager)
Williams, Debra, JD -
Abraham, Shupan - Cakes
Brown, Andrea - Photographer Gordian, Heather - Johnson, Jamilia Ervin - Event Planning Milner, TeresaKay - Errand Svc Pillert, Yvonne - Catering - 404-787-4699 Russell, Theresa - Pet Parties Plus Wace, Alfie - Photographer
Brawner, Harriett - Lia Sophia Jewelry Coats, Nelda - Silpada Design Jewelry (if you have a new website url, please forward to site manager)
Boatman, Antonina - Arbonne Combs, Estelle - Zuris Pride Naturals Edwards, Terri - Organic Connection Flaherty, Nancy - A Reiki Experience Fournerat, Denise - Halstead, Ann - Hair Stylist , Haircuts Hayes, Tracy - Mary Kay Hendrix, Melissa - Mary Kay (Please contact site manager if you have a new link)
McDermott, Debbie - Serenity Lakes McTaggart, Lori - Arbonne Mehal, Iram - BeautiControl Newton, Allison - AVON Owens, Patti - Scrubbles Soap Peterson, Lois - Mary Kay Plott, Becky - Juice Plus Rodriguez, Tracy Smith, Beckie - Arbonne Yarbrough, Roxanne -
Coughlin, Chana - Davies, Angela - Tupperware Jones, Alice- Tupperware Larkins, Rosanne - Lissemore, Christie - Tupperware Majoris, Rebecca - House Cleaning Newton, Allison - Tupperware Parsons, Cheryl - Pillert, Yvonne - Carpet Cleaning Qamar, Karen - Roberson, Dawn - Sanders, Laura - Longaberger Shands, Deborah - House Cleaning - Smith, Traci - PC 404-797-1193 Taylor, Michelle - Oil painting,
Coats, Nelda - Allied Asset Protection, Inc. Perryman, Melissa - Perryman Insurance Waddell, Jennifer - AmeriPlan
Bloom, Shelly - Advance Realty Maxwell, Nadene P., CPA MBA Mitchell, Donna - A-Plus Mortgage Williams, Debra, JD - Realtor
BeautiControl (Email for Gift Cert.) Crystal's Creations Organic Connection Pencil Portrait Gift Certificates Pet Naturals Solutions V-Source Virtual Assistant Services
Current members of Women of Gwinnett is listed below (and can be found in the side blogroll)
Advertising, Marketing, Promotional
Animals and Pets
Art, Artists, Photographers
Business & Financial
- 770-831-9092
- Medical Transcription
Collectibles & Gifts
- 770-554-2673
- Cookie Lee Jewelry Ind. Consult.
Computers-repair maintenance, networks
Crafts
Educational
- Educational Consulting Service
Event Planning
- Office Suites Plus - Venues
Fashion
Health & Beauty
- Attuned Hearts Wellness
- 770-713-1341
- 770-601-9644
- Hair Stylist, Hair Cuts
House & Home
- Tupperware 770-279-2957
- Organizing Consultant
- Chem Pro Carpet Cleaning
- Expert Blinds & Shutters
- Southern Living at Home
- 999-999-9999
- floral arranging, and custom scrapbooking 706-557-9764
Insurance
Other
Real Estate
- (Senior Real Estate Specialist)
- - Mortgage Loans
Support Groups
Rodriguez, Tracy
Travel:
Gift Certificates
Member blogs
Creative Ideas for new businesses
How do you open a new business in a bad economy?
You can consider sharing a space with an existing business to cut costs
A food preparation business can hold a kids summer camp where the kids prepare meals for their family dinners.
These are just a few ideas utilized in Tallahasee FL this past year.
See video
If you have a business that is suffering in the recession, you should take a look at what you can do to cut costs. If you have a Sports Academy or Martial Arts Studio that is closed on the Sunday, consider leasing space for a day to a fledgling church.
If you are a Mary Kay consultant, you can do wedding and special event makeup.
If you sell kitchen items and do lots of food demonstrations, maybe you should consider catering parties.
Let's brainstorm! If you run a business and could use some ideas to expand your niche, leave a comment and maybe we can come up with some ideas together.
You can consider sharing a space with an existing business to cut costs
A food preparation business can hold a kids summer camp where the kids prepare meals for their family dinners.
These are just a few ideas utilized in Tallahasee FL this past year.
See video
If you have a business that is suffering in the recession, you should take a look at what you can do to cut costs. If you have a Sports Academy or Martial Arts Studio that is closed on the Sunday, consider leasing space for a day to a fledgling church.
If you are a Mary Kay consultant, you can do wedding and special event makeup.
If you sell kitchen items and do lots of food demonstrations, maybe you should consider catering parties.
Let's brainstorm! If you run a business and could use some ideas to expand your niche, leave a comment and maybe we can come up with some ideas together.
Read: The Girls Guide to Building a Million-Dollar Business
"Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men because Corporate American just doesn't get it."
We have to raise young children and event take care of our parents and our jobs need to be flexible enough to allow that. In addition, because we are so smart and saavy, we can recognize problems in business and come up with solutions... these solutions often turn into our own businesses.
Our only obstable is ourselves. You need to admit you want to create a million dollar business and to be able to find resources.
Author interview here:
www.ahermitt.com
We have to raise young children and event take care of our parents and our jobs need to be flexible enough to allow that. In addition, because we are so smart and saavy, we can recognize problems in business and come up with solutions... these solutions often turn into our own businesses.
Our only obstable is ourselves. You need to admit you want to create a million dollar business and to be able to find resources.
Author interview here:
www.ahermitt.com
Are you blogging
Blogging is a very important part of the at home business. It is a way to step out into the world and interact with potential customers. It is a way of gettin business to come to you.
"Moms have always had a lot of power in the marketplace, and now the so-called mommy bloggers are really getting noticed. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains. "
Two years ago, I wrote an article entitled "Why blog for business?". It is still quite valid today.
Full article here:
"Moms have always had a lot of power in the marketplace, and now the so-called mommy bloggers are really getting noticed. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains. "
Two years ago, I wrote an article entitled "Why blog for business?". It is still quite valid today.
Years ago, it seemed that having a journal connected to a business would be way too personal. Who would read your journal and purchase something from you? Well times have changed.
Full article here:
How's Business?
"Business has been tough for many companies, but recent reports have shown that businesses may be turning the corner... The worst may be over"
How is business going for you?
Personally, I have had to adapt and adjust and even change gears and focus to survive. I am considering diversifying when I have always preached on staying focused on one core business.
What have you had to do to survive? Talk back.
Obstacles to Success – Part 2
As mentioned in my last article, “obstacles cause us to lose momentum as we are trying to achieve our visions and goals. They often make us feel stuck. And sadly, the longer we feel stuck, the more likely we are to give up on whatever it is we were striving towards.”
There are two kinds of obstacles: external and internal. The best way to explain the difference is by over-simplifying. External obstacles are things which are out of your control that get in your way. Internal obstacles are things which you can control that get in your way. Here are a few examples of each:
Types of External Obstacles (things you can’t control):
~A meeting you were not in charge of runs late, causing you to have to reschedule something that was important to you.
~You have been seeking a specific career move, but do not know the right people to open doors for you.
~Your car unexpectedly needs to get fixed, forcing you to dip into the money you were holding for something else.
~You had full intention to finish a project over the weekend, but a friend called urgently needing your help with a personal situation.
Types of Internal Obstacles (things you can control):
~You desire to deepen a friendship with someone you know casually, but are unsure if that person will like you for who you really are.
~You have always wanted to learn more about “X,” but can’t figure out how to carve out time in your schedule to begin taking classes.
~You want to accomplish “X,” but your fears keep getting in the way.
~Negative self-talk prevents you from moving forward towards your dreams and goals.
When you suddenly find an obstacle in your way, take a moment to figure out if that obstacle is internal or external. If it is external, create a Plan A and a Plan B so that you have an alternative ready for any unexpected situations that might arise. If the obstacle is internal, commit to investing in any resources you need to overcome it.
Ask yourself:
1. What external factors will your plan have to account for if it is going to work?
2. Is there one key obstacle which if you conquered it would make a decisive difference in reaching your goal?
3. Relax for a minute and pay attention to what’s going on inside you. Where do you feel pressure or strain/stress around this idea or situation?
4. What’s driving your responses?
5. What belief is behind your responses and how well is that belief serving you?
If you commit to analyzing your obstacles to determine if they are internal or external, and then do whatever it takes to overcome them, I guarantee you’ll find it easier to accomplish anything you set your mind to. Having a support network of people who you can bounce ideas off of, receive honest feedback from, and hold you accountable for the decisions you make will also help you continue to move forward towards your intended results. If you do not have a support network of at least 4 - 6 people, create one now.
Have a wonderful day, and remember to keep your eyes open for all the exciting possibilities within and around you!
Kris Cavanaugh, of Transformation Journeys, is a certified coach. Kris provides life coaching services for mid to senior-level professionals who are stuck or overwhelmed and want to take back control of their lives. Unlike most life coaches, Kris employs a very business-like, strategic planning approach and structure that empowers them with the ability to quickly move forward through difficult obstacles to achieve their goals and life visions more easily and consistently. Kris' clients experience a higher quality of life by the end of her coaching program, allowing them to gain a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction in every area of their life. To receive a FREE "Living Your Life On Purpose" email series or to schedule a "Design Your Life" meeting, click on http://www.transformationjourneys.com/ or call 404-551-3601. A full biography can be found in the "About Kris" section of her website.
© 2009 Transformation Journeys Inc.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
Kris Cavanaugh, of Transformation Journeys, is a certified coach. Kris provides life coaching services for mid to senior-level professionals who are stuck or overwhelmed and want to take back control of their lives. Unlike most life coaches, Kris employs a very business-like, strategic planning approach and structure that empowers them with the ability to quickly move forward through difficult obstacles to achieve their goals and life visions more easily and consistently. Kris' clients experience a higher quality of life by the end of her coaching program, allowing them to gain a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction in every area of their life. To receive a FREE "Living Your Life On Purpose" email series or to schedule a "Design Your Life" meeting, click on http://www.transformationjourneys.com/ or call 404-551-3601. A full biography can be found in the "About Kris" section of her website.
Obstacles to Success – Part 1
Everyone has an ideal vision of how they would like their life to be, and typically obstacles always appear which make it more difficult to make those visions a reality. The easy part is expecting obstacles to get in the way of what we truly desire. The real challenge is to investigate the reason behind the obstacle and find ways to overcome it.
Obstacles cause us to lose momentum as we are trying to achieve our visions and goals. They often make us feel stuck. Sadly, the longer we feel stuck, the more likely we are to give up on whatever it is we were striving towards.
The best thing we can do when facing an obstacle is to consider the obstacle a wonderful opportunity to learn something new about ourselves. Yes, you read that correctly - obstacles are a WONDERFUL way to help us improve our personal development skills. I can attest to that personally.
There have been times in my life that I set out to achieve or obtain something that was very important to me. Inevitably, along the way, I encountered obstacles both big and small. Sometimes the process of overcoming those obstacles helped me improve personality traits that needed to be adjusted, and other times the process uncovered new abilities I didn't even know existed. For me, it's always a neat experience to look back and see how I've changed for the better during a challenging time. My attitude about obstacles is my biggest asset: I don't usually like them, but I always respect their ability to make me a better person over time.
One of the reasons the coaching industry has been so successful over the last decade is because people are genuinely tired of being stuck in whatever circumstance they are in. When that "stuck" feeling gets too overwhelming to ignore, people often invest in a coaching program to help them move forward. I always tell my clients before they start their coaching program that the change process will often be difficult. Below is a section of my contract that I ask my clients to read and sign, just to make sure they are aware of what it will take to successfully achieve the life they want. Note the bold area in the second paragraph which specifically addresses the obstacles they will encounter:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Coaching is a process full of thought provoking questions, leading to deeper insight and direction, and ending with strategic plans to achieve your dreams and goals. This process will be successful if you commit to doing the assigned homework, utilizing the tools and resources provided, and most importantly, working on the action plans established.
You are investing in this coaching program because you desire changes in your personal or professional life. It is important to remember the change process may bring periods of intense joy or intense discomfort. As you are experiencing the forward movement of change, celebrate whichever period you are in - because it means you are getting much closer to where you desire to be in your personal or professional life.
Finally, as your coach I will ensure your success by committing to providing a safe environment in which you can be yourself, and experiment, fantasize, and strategize about your life and choices without limitation. I will challenge you to step outside your comfort zones to tap into your potential. I will speak the truth as I see it, even if you may not like what you hear (because my job is to ensure that you stay on track with the vision for your life). I will also keep our conversations confidential so that you are free to express yourself however you are feeling in the moment."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The bigger your dreams, the more obstacles you will inevitably face. How you handle them is the often the key factor towards your road to success. So the next time you are facing an obstacle, take a deep breath and focus on what you can learn instead of the "pain" you are currently feeling.
In Part 2 of this series (titled “Obstacles to Success – Part 2”), we will discuss the two kinds of obstacles people often face: internal and external.
Identifying & Tackling Obstacles Exercise
Think about a current obstacle you are facing: a circumstance you are tolerating, a difficult conflict you are struggling with, or a change you don’t want to make, but know you need to.
~What is stopping you?
~What makes this hard to get done?
~What one resource or tool would make all the difference if you had it?
~What’s the worse-case scenario if you did decide to tackle this issue once and for all?
Spend time thinking about the answers to those questions, and let me know if I can help you in any way.
Have a wonderful day, and remember to keep your eyes open for all the exciting possibilities within and around you!
Kris Cavanaugh, of Transformation Journeys, is a certified coach. Kris provides life coaching services for mid to senior-level professionals who are stuck or overwhelmed and want to take back control of their lives. Unlike most life coaches, Kris employs a very business-like, strategic planning approach and structure that empowers them with the ability to quickly move forward through difficult obstacles to achieve their goals and life visions more easily and consistently. Kris' clients experience a higher quality of life by the end of her coaching program, allowing them to gain a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction in every area of their life. To receive a FREE "Living Your Life On Purpose" email series or to schedule a "Design Your Life" meeting, click on www.transformationjourneys.com or call 404-551-3601. A full biography can be found in the "About Kris" section of her website.
© 2009 Transformation Journeys Inc.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
Kris Cavanaugh, of Transformation Journeys, is a certified coach. Kris provides life coaching services for mid to senior-level professionals who are stuck or overwhelmed and want to take back control of their lives. Unlike most life coaches, Kris employs a very business-like, strategic planning approach and structure that empowers them with the ability to quickly move forward through difficult obstacles to achieve their goals and life visions more easily and consistently. Kris' clients experience a higher quality of life by the end of her coaching program, allowing them to gain a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction in every area of their life. To receive a FREE "Living Your Life On Purpose" email series or to schedule a "Design Your Life" meeting, click on www.transformationjourneys.com or call 404-551-3601. A full biography can be found in the "About Kris" section of her website.
Obstacles cause us to lose momentum as we are trying to achieve our visions and goals. They often make us feel stuck. Sadly, the longer we feel stuck, the more likely we are to give up on whatever it is we were striving towards.
The best thing we can do when facing an obstacle is to consider the obstacle a wonderful opportunity to learn something new about ourselves. Yes, you read that correctly - obstacles are a WONDERFUL way to help us improve our personal development skills. I can attest to that personally.
There have been times in my life that I set out to achieve or obtain something that was very important to me. Inevitably, along the way, I encountered obstacles both big and small. Sometimes the process of overcoming those obstacles helped me improve personality traits that needed to be adjusted, and other times the process uncovered new abilities I didn't even know existed. For me, it's always a neat experience to look back and see how I've changed for the better during a challenging time. My attitude about obstacles is my biggest asset: I don't usually like them, but I always respect their ability to make me a better person over time.
One of the reasons the coaching industry has been so successful over the last decade is because people are genuinely tired of being stuck in whatever circumstance they are in. When that "stuck" feeling gets too overwhelming to ignore, people often invest in a coaching program to help them move forward. I always tell my clients before they start their coaching program that the change process will often be difficult. Below is a section of my contract that I ask my clients to read and sign, just to make sure they are aware of what it will take to successfully achieve the life they want. Note the bold area in the second paragraph which specifically addresses the obstacles they will encounter:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Coaching is a process full of thought provoking questions, leading to deeper insight and direction, and ending with strategic plans to achieve your dreams and goals. This process will be successful if you commit to doing the assigned homework, utilizing the tools and resources provided, and most importantly, working on the action plans established.
You are investing in this coaching program because you desire changes in your personal or professional life. It is important to remember the change process may bring periods of intense joy or intense discomfort. As you are experiencing the forward movement of change, celebrate whichever period you are in - because it means you are getting much closer to where you desire to be in your personal or professional life.
Finally, as your coach I will ensure your success by committing to providing a safe environment in which you can be yourself, and experiment, fantasize, and strategize about your life and choices without limitation. I will challenge you to step outside your comfort zones to tap into your potential. I will speak the truth as I see it, even if you may not like what you hear (because my job is to ensure that you stay on track with the vision for your life). I will also keep our conversations confidential so that you are free to express yourself however you are feeling in the moment."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The bigger your dreams, the more obstacles you will inevitably face. How you handle them is the often the key factor towards your road to success. So the next time you are facing an obstacle, take a deep breath and focus on what you can learn instead of the "pain" you are currently feeling.
In Part 2 of this series (titled “Obstacles to Success – Part 2”), we will discuss the two kinds of obstacles people often face: internal and external.
Identifying & Tackling Obstacles Exercise
Think about a current obstacle you are facing: a circumstance you are tolerating, a difficult conflict you are struggling with, or a change you don’t want to make, but know you need to.
~What is stopping you?
~What makes this hard to get done?
~What one resource or tool would make all the difference if you had it?
~What’s the worse-case scenario if you did decide to tackle this issue once and for all?
Spend time thinking about the answers to those questions, and let me know if I can help you in any way.
Have a wonderful day, and remember to keep your eyes open for all the exciting possibilities within and around you!
Kris Cavanaugh, of Transformation Journeys, is a certified coach. Kris provides life coaching services for mid to senior-level professionals who are stuck or overwhelmed and want to take back control of their lives. Unlike most life coaches, Kris employs a very business-like, strategic planning approach and structure that empowers them with the ability to quickly move forward through difficult obstacles to achieve their goals and life visions more easily and consistently. Kris' clients experience a higher quality of life by the end of her coaching program, allowing them to gain a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction in every area of their life. To receive a FREE "Living Your Life On Purpose" email series or to schedule a "Design Your Life" meeting, click on www.transformationjourneys.com or call 404-551-3601. A full biography can be found in the "About Kris" section of her website.
© 2009 Transformation Journeys Inc.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
Kris Cavanaugh, of Transformation Journeys, is a certified coach. Kris provides life coaching services for mid to senior-level professionals who are stuck or overwhelmed and want to take back control of their lives. Unlike most life coaches, Kris employs a very business-like, strategic planning approach and structure that empowers them with the ability to quickly move forward through difficult obstacles to achieve their goals and life visions more easily and consistently. Kris' clients experience a higher quality of life by the end of her coaching program, allowing them to gain a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction in every area of their life. To receive a FREE "Living Your Life On Purpose" email series or to schedule a "Design Your Life" meeting, click on www.transformationjourneys.com or call 404-551-3601. A full biography can be found in the "About Kris" section of her website.
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference
In my opinion, "Success" is two parts attitude, one part skill. Accomplishing a skill is fairly easy: you find out how to do something, and then practice until you have it down. Maintaining a positive attitude in the face of difficulty, however, is much more difficult.
Most people start out with a positive attitude when striving to accomplish a goal. But somewhere along the way, when obstacles appear and forward movement slows to a crawl, a person's attitude will make all the difference between success and failure.
Not only does a positive attitude directly affect one's success, research has also proven that people live longer and are happier through regular positive thinking. An article on the Mayo Clinic's website states: "Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
• Decreased negative stress
• Greater resistance to catching the common cold
• A sense of well-being and improved health
• Reduced risk of coronary artery disease
• Easier breathing if you have certain lung diseases, such as emphysema
• Improved coping ability for women with high-risk pregnancies
• Better coping skills during hardships
It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. But one theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body." (Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive-thinking/SR00009).
Take some time today to do an attitude check. Think about your life over the past three months. How often was your attitude positive? Were you able to maintain that positive attitude even in the face of difficulty? How did your attitude affect everyone around you? What affects has your attitude had on your physical health?
The answers to those questions are important. Spend a few moments really being honest with yourself. Once you are clear in how your attitude has been affecting your goals, the people around you, and your mental and physical health, make a commitment to implement a plan to improve your attitude however you need to this year in order develop a foundation for success in 2009.
Have a wonderful day, and remember to keep your eyes open for all the exciting possibilities within and around you!
Kris Cavanaugh, of Transformation Journeys, is a certified coach. Kris provides life coaching services for mid to senior-level professionals who are stuck or overwhelmed and want to take back control of their lives. Unlike most life coaches, Kris employs a very business-like, strategic planning approach and structure that empowers them with the ability to quickly move forward through difficult obstacles to achieve their goals and life visions more easily and consistently. Kris' clients experience a higher quality of life by the end of her coaching program, allowing them to gain a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction in every area of their life. To receive a FREE "Living Your Life On Purpose" email series or to schedule a "Design Your Life" meeting, click on www.transformationjourneys.com or call 404-551-3601. A full biography can be found in the "About Kris" section of her website.
Most people start out with a positive attitude when striving to accomplish a goal. But somewhere along the way, when obstacles appear and forward movement slows to a crawl, a person's attitude will make all the difference between success and failure.
Not only does a positive attitude directly affect one's success, research has also proven that people live longer and are happier through regular positive thinking. An article on the Mayo Clinic's website states: "Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
• Decreased negative stress
• Greater resistance to catching the common cold
• A sense of well-being and improved health
• Reduced risk of coronary artery disease
• Easier breathing if you have certain lung diseases, such as emphysema
• Improved coping ability for women with high-risk pregnancies
• Better coping skills during hardships
It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. But one theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body." (Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive-thinking/SR00009).
Take some time today to do an attitude check. Think about your life over the past three months. How often was your attitude positive? Were you able to maintain that positive attitude even in the face of difficulty? How did your attitude affect everyone around you? What affects has your attitude had on your physical health?
The answers to those questions are important. Spend a few moments really being honest with yourself. Once you are clear in how your attitude has been affecting your goals, the people around you, and your mental and physical health, make a commitment to implement a plan to improve your attitude however you need to this year in order develop a foundation for success in 2009.
Have a wonderful day, and remember to keep your eyes open for all the exciting possibilities within and around you!
Kris Cavanaugh, of Transformation Journeys, is a certified coach. Kris provides life coaching services for mid to senior-level professionals who are stuck or overwhelmed and want to take back control of their lives. Unlike most life coaches, Kris employs a very business-like, strategic planning approach and structure that empowers them with the ability to quickly move forward through difficult obstacles to achieve their goals and life visions more easily and consistently. Kris' clients experience a higher quality of life by the end of her coaching program, allowing them to gain a deeper sense of well-being and satisfaction in every area of their life. To receive a FREE "Living Your Life On Purpose" email series or to schedule a "Design Your Life" meeting, click on www.transformationjourneys.com or call 404-551-3601. A full biography can be found in the "About Kris" section of her website.
Resolutions for Business Success in 2009
Here are 5 rules that I have learned really do help business improve as simple as they may see.
1. Return phone calls and emails: Customers can be impatient. Failure to respond right away is akin to passing business on to the next person.
2. Don't take on more than you can handle. It is better to pass on business to a qualified professional than get a reputation of doing a bad job.
3. Maintain separate finances. Don't mix business and personal money. More money gets sucked into personal expenses than you would expect and wind up causing you business issues.
4. No surpises. Give your customer what they ask for and resist the tempation to give them more. What you perceive as extras, especially in creative services may end up dissatisfying the customer.
5. Diversify. In tight economic times, it might serve you well to move away from your niche business and diversify in order to stay in business. This does not mean that you should sell makeup if your business is writing. It does mean however that you may want to add proof reading and editing to your list of services. If you sell makeup, you may want to add special occasion makeovers to your services (such as weddings and prom).
1. Return phone calls and emails: Customers can be impatient. Failure to respond right away is akin to passing business on to the next person.
2. Don't take on more than you can handle. It is better to pass on business to a qualified professional than get a reputation of doing a bad job.
3. Maintain separate finances. Don't mix business and personal money. More money gets sucked into personal expenses than you would expect and wind up causing you business issues.
4. No surpises. Give your customer what they ask for and resist the tempation to give them more. What you perceive as extras, especially in creative services may end up dissatisfying the customer.
5. Diversify. In tight economic times, it might serve you well to move away from your niche business and diversify in order to stay in business. This does not mean that you should sell makeup if your business is writing. It does mean however that you may want to add proof reading and editing to your list of services. If you sell makeup, you may want to add special occasion makeovers to your services (such as weddings and prom).
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