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It’s Time to Get Comfortable With Not Being Comfortable

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I did something the other day I really didn’t want to do. And, as it turns out, nobody died! The sky didn’t fall on my head and the earth *gasp* didn’t drop out from under me.

What is this thing I was dreading so much?

Taking a video of myself and posting it online. That’s right. I posted a video of little ole’ me on Facebook and Instagram.

It's Time to Get Comfortable With Not Being Comfortable [Read more…]

5 Power Activities to Boost your Business

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Business BoostersMaking subtle changes in your regular routine can have huge pay-offs for your business growth. Here are a handful of small changes or tasks that can have a big impact on your business:

Visit an Offline Networking Group: Not only does visiting these groups give you visibility as an entrepreneur, it’s great practice for honing your elevator speech and getting past the fear of talking about your business.

Connect, Connect and then Connect Some More: When’s the last time you logged onto LinkedIn? Make it a priority this week to sign on and make 20 new connections on this great social media channel.

Make a Daily Plan: Starting a new day without any sort of plan or guide is like international travel with no map! Take time to sit down and create a fresh ToDo List every day, and do your best to stick to it.

Update your Website’s Bio and About Page: Life changes quickly, and our businesses continually evolve as well. Update your business profile descriptions, bios and head shots…then share the new info with clients and connections.

Get Published in the Newspaper: Many local newspapers have a “business notes” section where entrepreneurs can share the details of new staff hires, upcoming events and business awards for free. If something positive happens to your business, share it with your community!

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Dealing with frustrating people …

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Frustrated businessman on white background.They are all around us; people who try our patience, frazzle our nerves and often make us want to run in the other direction. They are the frustrating people that, as business professionals, we encounter in our day-to-day comings and goings. As infuriating as these situations can be, we all also need to remember a thing or two about these frustrating people; and knowing these key points will help us keep it all in perspective:

Many Times, It’s not on Purpose: I can promise you the majority of the frustrating people we encounter did not climb out of bed with the thought, “Hey, I think I’ll make someone’s life difficult today.”

Be kind, for everyone you meet may be fighting a hard battle you don’t know about: Instead of writing the frustrating person off as “someone who is a pain,” keep in mind that this may be a person who is IN pain, and dealing with difficulties you are unaware of. I’ve learned from experience you never know what might be going on in someone else’s life.

Is Lack of Information the Culprit: Many times frustrated people act out their frustrations because they are lacking the information they need to feel empowered and relevant. By asking, clarifying and recapping, you may give this person what they need to be able to relax and trust.

Mobile Friendly Websites

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Responsive Website DesignNo matter where you go these days, the majority of the people you see are using mobile devices for one thing or another. A study done by Pew Research in January of 2014 stated that 90% of American adults have a cell phone. Of that 90%, how many could be your next new customer or client? [Read more…]

Staying focused on … SQUIRREL!

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Squirrel gnaws walnut.The work day has just begun and you’re full of good intentions to write that proposal you’ve been putting on the back burner for past three weeks. Suddenly Skype pings and it’s a client asking if you’ve seen a new and interesting article. You click the link, read the article, and notice another article that looks interesting. This article prompts you to decide to spontaneously revamp your Facebook cover photo, which in turn prompts you respond to a few Likes and Comments. Before you know it, half the day is shot and you still haven’t written that proposal.

Now there are some of us who might consider all of this “multitasking;” however moving from task to task and never completing anything is far from productive. Jumping from task to task may seem like a good idea, but the end result typically results in the person finding themselves spread too thin and, consequently, having do deal with a ton of open projects. The lure of “shiny objects” is all around, and savvy business people know the key to staying on task is not losing focus on the project at hand. Utilizing list-making apps or programs like FocusBooster  andStayFocused (a Google Chrome extension) will help take the steps needed to get the job done with minimal distractions.

Tying up Loose Ends …

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loose endsThere are just a handful of days before Christmas. You are frazzled, tired and feeling overwhelmed with your holiday To-Do List. “There is so much to do and so little time,” you fret as you review a task list that would put Santa’s Naughty List to shame. [Read more…]

5 Habits that could be crippling your business …

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Low-key Rail SwitchWe all want business growth and continued “upward” success. We plan, strategize and educate ourselves in order to strengthen our brand. However, what many business professionals don’t realize is that the crippling habits they continue to cultivate can stunt business growth and their vision for the future. Here are a few habits that are notorious “derailers” when it comes to the prosperity of your business. [Read more…]

Practicing Gratitude Within Your Business

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GratitudeAs we settle in to celebrate the holiday season, it is not that hard to see and express gratitude in relation to our personal lives. We have roofs over our heads, food on the table and the love of our family. But as we reflect and remember, we need to endeavor to express gratitude in regard to our business lives as well. As our work days seem to get longer and clients seem to be more challenging, we must not lose perspective of our business as a whole.

The ringing phone that makes your spine vibrate some days: Those are people who need your services, expertise and products. They could call someone else, but they are choosing to call your company and phone call jangle could be replaced by the sound of a cash register ringing. These phone calls represent clients and are the reason for your business; not an interruption of it. [Read more…]

First Things First: Google Primer

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If looking for quick refresher courses on businessocial_google_boxs basics (or learning new ways to grow your new business) has been on your radar for a while, you may want to check into Google Primer. Those who have been in online marketing for a while, and have developed the skills and know-how the newcomer may lack, know first-hand the learning curve can be steep. Enter Google Primer.

In just 5 minutes per lesson, savvy entrepreneurs can learn the tactics to make their business skills more effective. Created with the hectic schedule of the entrepreneur in mind, Google Primer is helping to bridge the gap for new businesses by offering a new iOS app that teaches business basics in a succinct and easy-to-digest way.

This “learn-on-the-go” option shares quick lessons that cover topics like content marketing, public relations and media as well as search advertising. Using understandable language, Google Primer is geared toward the average person, and users will learn via interactive quizzes, case studies and insider tips. What’s really cool is the content is available offline so you can access the content no matter where you are!

There’s one more thing to love about this app. It’s totally free and has an android version coming soon.

A New Perspective on Complaining

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Questions, comments, concerns?The thought of “customer complaints” makes many business professionals bristle and cringe. Many view customer complaints as an unpleasant situation where a disgruntled client wastes precious time by voicing their woes and pointing out perceived flaws and errors. As owners and managers, we all know that being able to handle negative feedback in a positive way takes plenty of practice, but we also need to remember that complaints are not necessarily always a bad thing. Like the old adage, “Complaints are merely a request for service” these situations can be a valuable marketing fact-finding tool and something business owners need to keep an open mind to. [Read more…]