Archive | How to Start RSS feed for this section

Best of Melinda Emerson’s #SmallBizChat Interviews in 2009

By on December 28, 2009 in Business Inspiration, How to Start, Mompreneurs, My Recommendations, Pink Slip Entrepreneurs, SmallBizChat, Solopreneurs, Telesummit, Women in Business, Your Small Business

Best of SmallBizchat 2009My interview with Sherri Garrity on how to quit a job to start a business:

Sherri is the founder of Corporate Fugitive. Her company provides business coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners who want to go from overwhelmed to extraordinary.  In 2007, she walked away from a successful marketing career to start her own consulting business. Contact her on Twitter @SherriGarrity or at http://www.corporatefugitive.com

http://succeedasyourownboss.com/09/2009/how-to-quit-a-job-to-start-a-business/

My Interview with Christina Katz on how to develop a platform for your small business:

Christina is the author of Get Known Before The Book Deal; Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids for Writer’s Digest Books. She has written hundreds of articles for national, regional, and online publications, presents at publishing events around the country.  Find Christina on Twitter at @thewritermama or at: http://christinakatz.com/

http://succeedasyourownboss.com/12/2009/how-to-develop-a-platform-for-your-small-business/

My Interview with coach Elizabeth Barbour on 5 Ways to Shift from Tired to Inspired in Business:

Elizabeth Barbour’s company is The Inspired Entrepreneur. She is a small business coach who serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurs to take inspired action and create extraordinary results in business and in life. Her four core values are community, celebration, spirituality and self-care. Find Elizabeth on Twitter @CoachElizabethB Visit www.ElizabethBarbour.com.

http://succeedasyourownboss.com/09/2009/5-ways-to-shift-from-tired-to-inspired-in-business/

#SmallBizChat Live Telesummit Recap (Part 1)

In November 2009, we presented the first annual #SmallBizChat Live Telesummit. This blog post recapped three key points that each expert shared with us. The four experts highlighted are:

Mike Michalowicz talked about using social media a build your business. Mike aka @TPEntrepreneur is a small business expert and author of Toilet Paper Entrepreneur. For more information, please visit toiletpaperentrepreneur.com 

Karyn Greenstreet talked to us about mastermind group best practices. Karyn aka @kgreenstreet is a self-employment expert who runs thesuccessalliance.com. Her website has all the resources a business owner needs to start or run a mastermind group.

Dr. Mel Gravely talked about how to retool your business in tough times. Mel aka @melgravely is the founder of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking, the leading think tank on issues related to business development. For more information, please visit entrethinking.com .

Tim Berry talked about Managing Cash Flow in a Tough Economy. Tim aka @Timberry is president and founder of Palo Alto Software the makers of Business Plan Pro, and founder of bplans.com. He’s the author of The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan, Entrepreneur Press. 

http://succeedasyourownboss.com/11/2009/smallbizchat-live-telesummit-recap-part-1/

#SmallBizChat Live Telesummit Recap (Part 2)

Here’s the recap of three key points that each expert shared with us.

Allyson Lewis talked to us about getting more out of your day as a business owner. Allyson is a business coach whose focus is on productivity. Her book, The 7 Minute Difference, grew out of the workshops she has been teaching for years. Contact her on Twitter at @allyson7minutes or visit Seven Minutes Inc.

Michelle Villalobos talked to us about turning contacts into contracts. Michelle is a business turnaround expert who teaches busy entrepreneurs how to improve their sales. Reach her on Twitter at @mivi or visit MichelleVillalobos.com.

Paul B. Brown spoke with us about becoming a published author to build your business. Paul is a long-time contributor to the New York Times and author of more than two dozen books, including the international best-seller Customers for Life. He is the author of Publishing Confidential: What it really takes to land a non-fiction book deal.

Lisa D. Sparks taught us how to become email marketing rock stars. Lisa is an email marketing expert with nine years of experience developing and implementing marketing campaigns for small business owners. Reach her on Twitter @lisadsparks or visit lisadsparks.com

http://succeedasyourownboss.com/11/2009/smallbizchat-live-telesummit-recap-part-2/

We have had a great time doing #smallbizchat interviews weekly, and we hope you enjoy these recaps.  If these interviews have been helpful join us every Wed 8-9 ET for #smallbizchat on Twitter. We have lots if great small business resources coming in 2010. The goal of #smallbizchat is to end small business failure and reduce the learning curve of small biz owners as they start a grow their small business.

How to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/S797e

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?  You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady” is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #smallbizchat on Twitter.  #Smallbizchat is the trusted Twitter resource to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business.  Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-By-Month Guide To a Business Than Works! is scheduled to be released by Adams Media in March 2010.

Comments { 7 }

Best Small Business Start-Up Books

By on December 21, 2009 in 10 Things Lists, Business Inspiration, How to Start, My Recommendations, Your Small Business

I am a serious book reader.  I pride myself on reading at least 25 new books a year to learn the latest information about running a successful small business. business book stack

When you are first launching your small business I believe it’s best to plan for 12 months before you start. During that time there are many things you will need to do to get ready – including developing a life plan, saving money, networking, joining industry organizations and reading as much as you can about the business of running a business. Below are some of the best start-up business books I have read.  They could be a great resource for you, too.

Start Your Own Business, 4th Edition (Entrepreneurial Press, Revised 2007) by Rieva Lesonsky –  While I don’t agree with the author in that this is the only book you’ll ever need, it is one book that you should have in your business book library.  This book is extremely useful to a newcomer starting a business.  Rieva Lesonsky was at the helm of Entrepreneur Magazine when she and her fellow editors wrote this book on small business start-up.  Start Your Own Business is a best-selling book now in its fourth edition; it has helped thousands of people start their own businesses

What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (Kaplan Publishing, 2004) By Jan Norman –  What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business is practical business advice from over 101 real-life entrepreneurs who have “been there, and done that.”  It is designed for people who are launching a business, whether they are first-time entrepreneurs or people who need to re-group and do it right this time. Norman combines practical, straightforward how-to advice with interesting and memorable stories.

The Young Entrepreneur’s Edge: Using Your Ambition, Independence, and Youth to Launch a Successful Business (Princeton Review, 1999) By Jennifer Kurshell –  I’ve read The Young Entrepreneur’s Edge twice at different stages of running my numerous businesses. This book is not only “informative,” but it provides humorous and enlightening stories from the front lines of starting a business before you have much of a professional track record.  Being a young entrepreneur is possible, but it takes many of the specific tactics that she lays out in this thoroughly researched book. Everyone can learn from this book!

The Successful Business Plan, 4th Edition: Secrets and Strategies (The Planning Shop, Revised 2008) By Rhonda Abrams  –  The Successful Business Plan is a thorough small business planning book.  She leaves no stone unturned in the planning process.  This book also helps you sort out your thoughts and feelings about why you are starting a business which is critically important.  If you are someone who wants to use a book to write your business plan, instead of software, this is a great resource.

Tell me about the best small business start-up books you have read and how they helped you.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?  You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady” is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #smallbizchat on Twitter. #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business. Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 months! A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works! will be released by Adams Media in March 2010.

For more tips on how to start or grow your small business visit http://succeedasyourowboss.com and subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog.

Comments { 2 }

How to develop a platform for your small business

By on December 10, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, How to Start, SmallBizChat, Social Media

Every week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat.  The show takes place every Wednesday on Twitter from 8-9pm ET.  This is excerpted from my recent interview with author, Christina Katz @thewritermama on Twitter.  Christina is the author of Get Known Before The Book Deal Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids for Writer’s Digest Books. She has written hundreds of articles for national, regional, and online publications, presents at publishing events around the country.  Katz is the founder of #platformchat on Twitter, The Writer Mama Back-to-School Giveaway, Writers on the Rise, and The Northwest Author Series.  For more information: http://christinakatz.com/

Smallbizlady: What is a platform as far as entrepreneurs are concerned?

Christina Katz: When I hear about your platform, I should immediately know three things…or you might lose my attention. 1. Who you are. 2. Whom you serve. 3. What you do. Your platform is what you DO with your expertise for a particular audience.  If I have to shuffle thru  pages, bios and profiles trying to piece these things together, your platform might be a hot mess.

Smallbizlady: Why is clarity crucial to entrepreneurs BEFORE building a platform today?

Christina Katz: Because if you don’t communicate who you are and what you do, then how will anyone know how to work with you?  It’s not enough to say, “I’m a radio personality” or “I’m a life coach” neither of these tell ME how I can work with YOU.  Say: On Jan 31st I’m offering a workshop at location x on topic y for $z. Now I can pay, show up, and work with you!

Smallbizlady: What are the platform challenges for entrepreneurs today?

Christina Katz: Standing out. The web is more crowded today. Don’t be slick or all zing. Let your integrity shine through. But don’t be boring.  Check yourself constantly for rushing. The Internet goes fast but people grow slowly & steadily. Slow and steady is sturdier.  Avoid social networking overload. Don’t get so busy surfing that you are not investing time digging deeper into your own niche.

Smallbizlady: What’s helpful platform-wise for entrepreneurs who want to land a book deal?

Christina Katz: Think in terms of numbers. How many blog readers? How many e-zine subscribers? Twitter followers? How much buzz online?  Don’t fudge. Agents & editors want real results. Everyone knows how to use Google. Not just online buzz. Get media coverage.  It used to be that a FEW things were key like a site, blog, and e-zine, but these days it’s more like EVERYTHING matters.

Smallbizlady: How did you come to write Get Known Before the Book Deal?

Christina Katz: Marketing comes pretty naturally to me. I’m actually rather shy in person but in business, I’m a fountain of ideas.  Both my books, Writer Mama & Get Known, are written based on looking back at what I’ve done and sharing what I learned. Get Known was the book idea that was right in front of my face but I couldn’t see it. Luckily someone else could. And did.

Smallbizlady: Why was a book on platform development needed?

Christina Katz: There is a flood of info on platform online but not all of it necessarily comprehensive, useful or well organized.  Also, no one should have to pay thousands of dollars for information they can find in a book for the price of a paperback.  Getting known doesn’t take a lot of $, but it does take the investment of time, skills & consistent effort.

Smallbizlady: What is the key idea behind Get Known Before the Book Deal

Christina Katz: My intention was it would be the book folks would read before attending a writer’s conference to increase chances of landing a book deal.  Often folks with weak platforms are over-confident about impressing agents and editors, while folks with strong ones are under-confident.  Get Known offers a plan to help anyone make gains in the rapidly

Smallbizlady: What are some common platform mistakes entrepreneurs-turned-authors make?

Christina Katz: They don’t spend time clarifying who they are to others.  They don’t zoom in specifically on what they offer and offer it, in specific packages.  They don’t precisely articulate what they offer so others get it immediately. Even one second of “Huh?” is unfortunate.

Smallbizlady: What are three things entrepreneurs can do today to get started building their platforms?

Christina Katz: Make sure your website represents you in the best possible light. Website or blog doesn’t matter, it just has to fit. The blog is the front of the house, but more often the real work is going on in the back of the house. Get this. Your platform is only as big as your permission based e-mail list. Read everything by Seth Godin, especially his book, Permission Marketing.

Smallbizlady: At the front of Get Known, you discuss four phases of the authoring process. What are they?

Christina Katz: First is the platform development and building phase. Second, comes the book proposal development phase. Third, comes the actual writing of the book (for fiction writers this is likely the re-writing of the book). Finally, once the book is published, comes the book marketing and promoting phase.

If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9pm ET follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter. 

How to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/S797e

For more tips on starting or growing your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog at www.succeedasyourownboss.com

Comments { 4 }

When a Book Can Change Your Outlook About Your Business

By on December 7, 2009 in How to Start, Starting A Small Business

Those of you who follow this blog know that I am a serious book lover.  Last year, an email from Amazon.com informed that I purchased 118 books over the last 10 years. I was surprised they didn’t send me a couponBook Stack or discount card, but this post is not about customer service.

My love affair with the written word started when I was a little girl.  For my birthday, my dad bought me an electric typewriter – and I was hooked.  In the eighth grade, I decided that I would be a journalist and by the time I finished high school, I was the assistant editor of the school newspaper.  My favorite class in college was editorial writing.  Throughout my journalism career, I always wanted to write a book. After more than five years, my goal is finally about to be realized.  My first book, Become You Own Boss in 12 Months is to be released by Adams Media in February, 2010.

The road to becoming a published author was not an easy one.  The only easy part was to write the first draft.  My book went through five drafts in the end.  At one point last year when the market crashed, my book was postponed twice.  I wasn’t convinced that Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months would ever be published. I was so depressed about my book situation that I banned all family and friends from even asking about it – unless they were willing to hear me whine about the irony that that so many people were being laid off, creating such incredible demand for my book – and yet, my publisher wasn’t rushing it to market.

One day, a friend was walking through a Borders book store and spotted, Get Known Before The Book Deal by Christina Katz. She immediately called and insisted that I buy it online.  I wasn’t happy about this…remember, I had banned all book project conversation.  But I complied and bought the book – and I cannot thank my girlfriend enough.

Get Known was a great read for me and it came just in time.  It changed my attitude about my book, my writing career and my growth strategy for my business.  This book helped me to understand three critical points about the book business.

1)  I needed to create a built in audience for my book,

2)  I needed to build a platform for a business and a book,

3)  Book publishers are not interested in making you famous they are interested in capitalizing on the fame you create for yourself.

Last year I read Get Known Before The Book Deal. I was already the @Smallbizlady on Twitter, but I refocused my efforts a bit and launched #SmallBizChat and I developed this blog. The community that has grown out of this has enriched my life and work far beyond what I expected.

I also reached out to Christina Katz to share with her the profound effect her book had on me and on my business. She was so kind and gracious; she actually asked me to send her an early version of my book – which she read in a week and then provided me with a quote for the back cover.

Successful entrepreneurs are lifelong learners. Reading books is just part of the program. You never know when a book can change your entire outlook on your business.

What books have you read that transformed your business?

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

For more tips on how start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com.

Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady” is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #SmallBizChat on Twitter.  #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business.  Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months! A Month-by-Month Guide to Start a Business that Works! which will be released by Adams Media Feb. 9, 2010.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Comments { 3 }

What is a Twitterchat?

By on November 30, 2009 in How to Start, Mompreneurs, Pink Slip Entrepreneurs, SmallBizChat, Social Media, Solopreneurs, Your Small Business

chatbubble_ss_11-21-09What is a Twitterchat?  Anyone can use Twitter, but you really are not part of the online community until you have spent some time on a Twitterchat.  This post will explain the fundamentals of a Twitterchat.

A Twitterchat is simply an organized group chat that takes place using the Twitter platform.  Twitterchats are organized events that occur at a set time.  Example: #smallbizchat occurs on Wednesday evenings from 8 to 9 PM Eastern.  To participate, you just need to be using Twitter at the assigned time.

What is a Hashtag?  A hashtag “#” also known as the “pound sign” always starts with the symbol and then your special word or topic. Mine is # smallbizchat. Hashtags allow you to isolate a conversations using Twitter.  The use of a hashtag is how other participants follow the discussion.  Participants use an assigned hashtag (say, #smallbizchat) at the end their tweets during the discussion.  

People typically use TweetChat.com and Tweegrid.com to participate in #smallbizchat. 

You can use regular Twitter to participate in a chat.  All you need to do is answer the questions and be sure to use the #hashtag at the end of each answer.  I would not advise doing it this way however, the point of participating in a Twitterchat is to interact with the other participants.

What is the format of a Twitterchat?  Here are some common formats for chats that I’ve seen:

  • freeform discussion- there’s a general topic and everyonejumps in and starts chatting
  • structuredagenda- the host asks questionsand gives participantsa set period oftime to answer
  • featured guest - guestoffers advice oranswers questionsposed bythe host and the audience can chime in too. (#smallbizchat uses this format)

How do Twitterchats operate?  Often the chat organizer or host will set ground rules at the beginning.  Typical ground rules might include:

  • The first 10 minutes are for introductions and announcements
  • No pitching your business until the last 5 minutes
  • Never hijack the chat– take irrelevant discussionsoffline

How do I find out what Twitterchats are taking place? There are more than 60 Twitterchats on twitter each week.  There are also some that meet less frequently.  Some of the most popular chats include #journchat (for journalists and PR folks on Monday nights) #gno (girls night out on Tuesday nights) #brandchat (for branding tips on Wed mornings) #smallbizchat (for small business info on Wednesday nights) #blogchat (all about blogging on Sunday nights).

There are two major calendars that track twitterchats:

How to participate in a Twitterchat?  You must have a twitter account.  Use the calendars to select a chat you want to participate in.

Each week I release a custom tweetgrid link through my @smallbizlady account on Twitter with the topic to make it easy for my followers to join #smallbizchat. 

If someone goes on Tweetgrid.com directly they need to select party mode and manually put in the hashtag for the twitterchat they wish to follow.  The great thing about tweetgrid is that it has three columns which allow you to see everything going on real-time.

Tweetchat.com is much simpler to use.  You login with your Twitter information and just put in the #hashtag and you will immediately start to see the conversation in that #hashtag.

Check out this link for more information on: How to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/S797e

Tell me about your favorite Twitterchat or if you have ever participated in #smallbizchat tell me what you like about my weekly Twitterchat.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?  You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

For more tips on how start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com.

Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady” is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #SmallBizChat on Twitter.  #SmallBizChat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business.  Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 months! A Month-by-Month Guide to Start a Business that Works! is scheduled to be released by Adams Media in Feb 2010.

Comments { 5 }

No Network, No Business

By on November 16, 2009 in Become Your Own Boss Tips, Business Inspiration, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Mompreneurs, My Recommendations, Pink Slip Entrepreneurs, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Your Small Business

cover_becomeboss_11-16-09The following is an excerpt from my forthcoming book: Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works! Scheduled to be released by Adams Media in February 2010.

In small business, your network is key is to your business success, but it is astonishing to me why people with no friends will start a business. I believe it’s best to plan 12 months before you quit your job to start a business.  In that year, one the most important things you need to do is build and reinforce your personal network. Why? Because, people do business with people they like and people they know. Hopefully, you can be both to your clients. There are many businesses like yours, but one thing that separates your company from others is who you know and how you know them.

An entrepreneur’s most valuable skill is the ability to make friends and influence people.

Look for Ways to Meet People Encounters with people you don’t know are important. Look at it this way: You don’t meet strangers; you meet friends you just don’t know yet. There are a few rules to this kind of networking. Always invite the person to talk about themselves first. After all, the more you know about them, the better you can tailor your thirty-second pitch. Be ready with your short commercial about your business. Consider this your opportunity to make a first impression.

The 30 Second Commercial Before you hit the street extolling the virtues of your great product or service, it is crucial that you have a clear thirty-second commercial (also known as “the elevator pitch”) for your business. When someone asks you what you do, you need to have a crisp and memorable response that makes it clear what business you are in and how you solve problems for your customers. Your commercial is intended for very brief, chance encounters. It is important because it helps you make a lasting first impression. You use it to showcase your professionalism, the benefits you provide, and your expertise. The goal is to capture your target’s attention and interest so that you can engage them in a more substantial and meaningful way. A strong thirty-second commercial will help you create better networking connections, and it can draw people to you. People will seek you out if you present yourself and your business professionally.

It is very important that you sound excited about what you do when you talk to people. You are always selling the business and yourself. Be careful never to tie up someone more than few minutes unless the contact seems to want to prolong the conversation.

Trains, planes, and buses are a great way to meet other business people. I only take the Amtrak Acela express train, which is how most business travelers in the Northeast ride. When I ride the train, I look for an open seat next to someone who looks like a businessperson. You just never know who could be a high-ranking executive, so I keep my mind and my options open. I try to make a friend or at least to learn something from someone during the ride. Most of the time, I accomplish both goals.

A Friendly Conversation Can Always Turn into a Potential Business Lead Learn how to strike up a conversation with anyone. Giving a compliment is a great way to start.  Look for something you have in common such as kids, sports, tired of being in line—anything you can thing of to make a personal connection with the person you are talking with. Whenever you attend networking functions or, for that matter, go anywhere, you should always have business cards. When it comes to networking, you never know where you might meet someone who can help you grow your business, so it pays to always be prepared with plenty of business cards. It’s like that old saying goes “never leave home without them.”

Build Personal Network When I first moved to Philadelphia, I put my nose to the grindstone for a few years to build up my career, then I turned my attention to meeting people. I did three things. First, I joined the Urban League to do volunteer work, socialize, and participate in professional development activities. Then I found a church home. The third thing I did was to reach out to the alumni association of my alma mater, Virginia Tech. These three associations paid off in spades years later when I started my business. My first customers came from those associations.

The Cocktail Hour Before Any Event is the Event! Be early for the reception so you can circulate. Once you sit down to dinner, the only people you can network with are the other nine people at your table. An accountant once told me that the rule of thumb is that you should go through 500 business cards roughly every two months when you first start a business. I even carry business cards to the hair salon because you never know who’s in the shampoo bowl next to you.

The Follow-Up The way to build relationships is through continued contact. It is essential to follow up within two weeks after meeting with a potential business contact. You can do this in multiple ways. The quickest and easiest way is e-mail. I prefer to send a handwritten note on my company stationery, since I feel this adds a personal touch. You can have note card stationary printed with your company logo on it.

Leave me a comment if you have any other good networking tips or stories to share.

Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady”is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #smallbizchat on Twitter. #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business. Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 month! A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works! will be released by Adams Media in Feb 2010.

For more tips on how to start or grow your small business visit http://succeedasyourowboss.com and subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog.

Comments { 9 }

Do You Need A Business Plan?

By on November 5, 2009 in How to Start, My Recommendations, SmallBizChat, Social Media, Starting A Small Business

Every week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. The show takes place every Wed. on Twitter from 8-9pm ET. This is excerpted from my recent interview with @TimBerry. Tim Berry is president and founder of Palo Alto Software, founder of bplans.com, and a co-founder of Borland International. He built Palo Alto Software from zero to 40 employees and 70% market share without outside investment. He is a Stanford MBA and has taught business at the University of Oregon. He’s the conceptual author of Business Plan Pro, author of The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan, Entrepreneur Press. Find Tim on twitter at @TimBerry or at bplans.com 

Disclaimer: I was mailed a free copy of Tim Berry’s Plan As You Go Business Plan Book, and I have purchased a copy of the BusinessPlanPro software in the past.  I do not interview anyone on #smallbizchat or for this blog, who’s business ideas, advice and products or services I would not support. The focus of #smallbizchat is end small business failure.

Smallbizlady: What is plan-as-you-go business planning?

Tim Berry:  Plan as you go is a reflection of changing times, the new world realities of doing business. We need planning more than ever, but it has to be live, flexible, and reviewed regularly.

Smallbizlady: How is it different from any other business plan?

Tim Berry: Ironically, it shouldn’t be; all plans should be done this way. But somewhere along the line people got lost in the plan as document, instead of planning process. Which is a damn shame.

Smallbizlady: How is the “Plan As You Go” method better?

Tim Berry: Because it’s a matter of fundamentals: it assumes change, and that form follows function. Business planning is about the business, not the plan. It’s about steering, and management and it’s about metrics, responsibility, and accountability.

Smallbizlady: What are some common mistakes in business planning?

Tim Berry: By far the most important is thinking that the plan itself matters, instead of keeping it alive and managing your business using it. As if the plan weren’t going to change. Then there’s forgetting cash flow, and staying up in the blue sky instead of getting into specific milestones and metrics.

Smallbizlady: Are business plans obsolete?

Tim Berry: Only if management is obsolete. Planning is part of the management function, like steering the business. The full formal document doesn’t apply as much as people think, but we all need planning more than ever, and the plan is a first step in planning.

Smallbizlady: You say in your book all business plans are wrong, but vital. Aren’t they just wrong?

Tim Berry: No, wrong but vital. Wrong because we’re human and we try to predict the future. But vital because we then track the plan vs. actual results. We need to watch how and in what direction it was off, and following up on course corrections, interdependence, and better management and accountability.

Smallbizlady: If business plan is a lot of trouble, why should a business owner bother to do it?

Tim Berry: Done right it’s a lot less trouble than you think. Make it only as big as you need it to be, just big enough to manage your business. And forget the formalities, the dressing, until you need to present it to a lender. With business planning you get goals, a tracking progress, metrics, accountability, and a management tool.

Smallbizlady: Sometimes smaller startup businesses or home-based businesses don’t think they need a business plan because their not trying to get a loan or funding, what advice can you give?

Tim Berry: All businesses need to optimize their resources, and planning helps. It helps to lay out your goals and the steps to achieve them, to watch the cash flow, isolate the factors, think about focus, and strategy, and to work towards the right long-term directions even as the day-to-day gets in the way.

Smallbizlady: Okay, business plans are a dime a dozen. You can get them free off of the Internet, you can buy a finished plan for $25. Why bother to actually write one?

Tim Berry: Because you’re going to implement, and nobody else. It’s going to be your plan. It’s not a writing exercise, or a document. It’s what you intend to do to run your business. Would you send somebody else to exercise for you or take a trip for you? Ghost writing works for writing, not for planning.

Smallbizlady: What are the most important parts of a business plan. What one thing would you do if you were going to do only that?

Tim Berry: Dates, deadlines, metrics, milestones, and, above all, cash flow. Who’s is responsible for what? How do things work together? And it’s good to write down strategy, particularly what you are not doing. If nothing else, at the very least, manage a sales forecast, and review plan vs. actual sales and expenses. And always cash flow.

Smallbizlady: How long should a business plan be?

Tim Berry: Form follows function. It should be long enough to set down the strategy, main metrics, basic numbers, tasks, dates and deadlines. For the classic business plan, or the ones entered in contests, or submitted to investors or banks, 20 pages is enough, never more than 30. If we insist on measuring in pages. 

Smallbizlady: Why Business Plan Pro? How does it help?

Tim Berry: Business Plan Pro is a tool that does the mechanics like keeping the financials mathematically and financially correct, documented and error proofed; and putting things into logical order with the right tables, charts. And outputting to a printer, PDF, secure website, or Word or Excel.

If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9pm ET follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter. 

How to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/S797e

For more tips on starting or growing your small biz subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com

Comments { 6 }

Are You Ready for 2010?

By on October 26, 2009 in Business Inspiration, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Mompreneurs, My Recommendations, Pink Slip Entrepreneurs, SmallBizChat, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business

smallbizchat_live_telesummitThe economy is on the rebound, but the nature of business has changed.

Is your small business repositioned for 2010? October and November is the perfect time to start planning for how you will kickoff the New Year. It’s not about making it through the recession; it’s about coming out of this recession with a stronger business.

Every Wednesday #SmallBizChat delivers training on how to start and run a profitable small business via Twitter, now for the first time we we’re delivering what you need over the phone and at your own desktop.

I’m known as @Smallbizlady on Twitter, I have developed a FREE resource to help you develop tools to compete in this new business environment. We’re calling it the SmallBizChat Live Telesummit.  To register now, visit http://bit.ly/1TxnoL.

I’ve pulled together top small business experts who are allowing me to pick their brains and share with you invaluable advice that will take your business to the next level.

The Smallbizchat Live Telesummit interviews will take place over four-days the first week of November.

Mark your calendars for Nov 3-6, 2009

Register now http://bit.ly/1TxnoL

Listen and Learn! Each day, we will do live interviews at 1pm and 7pm Eastern Time

We’re going to introduce the challenges and advantages this new business economy has created.

Live Telesummit Nov 3-6, 2009 | register for full program – http://bit.ly/1TxnoL

If you’re already an entrepreneur and you want to improve your business, or if you’re planning to take the leap and want to start out on the right foot, here’s your chance to learn from top experts who are business owners just like you.

Sheer passion and courage aren’t all you need to succeed in today’s business environment.  Listen in and you’ll be able to learn key strategies to accelerate your business success.

This is a great time for an aggressive entrepreneur, but you need an action plan for business success in 2010.

Wondering if this is for you?

The old rules of business no longer apply.  Do you know how to compete?

Are you tired of dealing with the unpredictable ups and downs of cash flow in your business?

Is the daily stress in your business draining you of the passion you have for your business?

You know you need to be utilizing social media, but don’t know where to start?

Are you ready to invest in learning how to adapt and grow your business while others struggle?

If you’ve answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, sign up today for the 1st Annual #SmallBizChat Live Telesummit http://bit.ly/1TxnoL!

Telesummit Topics:

  • Using Social Media to Brand Your Business
  • Developing a Mastermind Group
  • Retooling Your Business in Tough Times
  • Strategic Cash Flow Management
  • Growing Your Network
  • Getting More Out of Each Business Day
  • How to Author a Book to Grow Your Brand
  • How to Be an Email-Marketing “ROCK STAR!”

MEET THE EXPERTS

Melinda Emerson “Smallbizlady” is your host for the #SmallBizChat Live TeleSummit! Melinda is a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, and small business coach. Her areas of expertise include small business start-up, business development and social media strategy.  Melinda hosts #Smallbizchat, a weekly talk show on Twitter.  #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business.  Melinda has been featured on NBC Nightly News and in the Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report and Black Enterprise.  Melinda publishes a resource blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com and has several special reports including 44 Things To Do Before You Go Into Business and The 12 Cardinal Sins of Small Business-and How to Avoid Them! Melinda’s first book Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to Start a Business that Works!” will be released in February 2010 by Adams Media. For more information, please visit melindaemerson.com

Mike Michalowicz is the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur.  Mike Michalowicz has a driving passion for entrepreneurialism. Michalowicz wrote The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur with the sole purpose of giving first time entrepreneurs the information they need to grow their concepts into industry leaders.  Michalowicz has successfully launched three multimillion-dollar companies.  His most recent venture, Obsidian Launch LLC, partners exclusively with first-time entrepreneurs to launch their ideas into niche industry leaders.  For more information, please visit toiletpaperentrepreneur.com

Dr. Melvin Gravely, II, is the founder of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking, the leading think tank on issues related to business development.  The Institute is nationally known for providing thought leadership, and industry changing research on issues at the intersection of business and race.  The Institute is a trusted advisor to Chambers of Commerce, major corporations and community leaders across the nation.  Gravely is the author of seven books including The Lost Art of Entrepreneurship, When Black and White Make Green, and his latest Getting to the Next Level.  He has been featured in many national publications including Black Enterprise Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, and American City Business Journals.  After ten successful years working for a large corporation, he co-founded a civil engineering firm and grew it into a multimillion dollar company.  Dr. Gravely speaks and writes on various topics related to entrepreneurial thinking and business development. For more information, please visit entrethinking.com

Michelle Villalobos is a Business turnaround expert who teaches busy entrepreneurs how to improve their sales approach through networking skills, personal branding and word-of-mouth marketing. As a 14-year sales & marketing veteran, she first made her mark in the publishing industry.  Michelle is known for never turning down a sales challenge, she has helped numerous small businesses significantly increase their revenues. She conducts seminars, brainstorming sessions, strategic planning workshops, roundtables and other programs that “educate, entertain and engage” by helping businesses learn to build revenues, through effective sales, networking and word-of-mouth techniques  Michelle holds an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, and an MBA from the University of Miami and is a life-long devotee of Sharpies. You’ll have to listen in to find out the deal with that. For more information, please visit MichelleVillalobos.com

Paul B. Brown is a long-time contributor to the New York Times.  Paul is the author of more than two dozen books, including the international best-seller Customers for Life.  A former writer and editor of Business Week, Financial World, Forbes, and Inc., Brown has “ghosted” books for several of the nation’s most success business executives. The latest example: Obstacles Welcome: How to Turn Adversity into Advantage in Business and in Life, written with Ralph de la Vega, president of AT&T.  Even more relevant for our purposes he is the author of Publishing Confidential: What it really takes to land a non-fiction book deal.  Brown was trained as a lawyer, but he asks that you do not hold that against him.

Lisa D. Sparks is a marketing expert with nine years of experience developing and implementing marketing communications solutions for small and medium sized businesses. A small business owner herself, Lisa uses her expertise to teach small organizations in South Florida how to use technology to maximize the power of relationship marketing. She is experienced in providing guidance, instruction, and comprehensive planning advice for the development, growth, and expansion of new and existing businesses. In 2007, Lisa won the Florida State Star Award as the top small business analyst in Florida.

Karyn Greenstreet is a small business coach and a mastermind group facilitator, and the owner of The Success Alliance, a website devoted to helping mastermind group facilitators start and grow their own mastermind groups. She has been creating and running these groups since 1994 and is the author of How to Create a For-Profit Mastermind Group. She also teaches a series of classes on starting and running mastermind groups.  Karyn holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Management, and is a certified Adult Education Trainer.  She has postgraduate work in Business Administration and Computer Systems, and is graduate of CoachU.  She has spoken at numerous national on business-building topics and action planning.  Visit her website TheSuccessAlliance.com

Tim Berry, is president and founder of Palo Alto Software, founder of bplans.com, and a co-founder of Borland International. He built Palo Alto Software from zero to 40 employees and 70% market share without outside investment. He is a Stanford MBA and taught starting a business at the University of Oregon. He’s the conceptual author of Business Plan Pro, author of The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan, Entrepreneur Press. Find Tim on twitter at @TimBerry. “I’ve seen startups and small business from multiple views. I’ve had the good years and bad years. My wife and I had three mortgages and $65,000 of credit card debt at one very low point, which we survived, but I really don’t recommend. I’ve consulted with startups on bringing in venture capital, and angel investors, and business loans, and friends and family.” He’ll be talking about Cash Flow in a Tough Economy.

Allyson Lewis is a renowned motivational speaker and business coach who focuses on productivity, specifically developing systems to change your life.  Allyson has spent the last 22 years teaching concrete yet actionable ideas to business leaders all over the country. Her book, The Seven Minute Difference, grew out of the workshops she has been teaching for the last five years.  Author of The Million Dollar Car and $250,000 Pizza (Kaplan Publishing, 2000), Allyson is frequently asked to host motivational and educational public workshops throughout the country. She has been a guest on CNN, CNNfn, Bloomberg Information Television, and many other regional radio and television programs.  For more information, please visit Seven Minutes Inc.

The nature of business had changed, if you register for this Telesummit you will be equipped to handle anything the economy will throw at you.  Don’t delay! Register now Smallbizchat Live TeleSummit  http://bit.ly/1TxnoL

Comments { 5 }

Could Franchising Be For You?

By on October 19, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, Business Inspiration, How to Start

Steersman on puzzleFranchising is a great opportunity to take a proven business model that has produced financial success and run it as your own business.  While there are many wildly inaccurate statistics about success rates for franchises all over the internet, in general “a franchise is a lower risk proposition than investing in a pure start-up,” according to Joel Libava, the The Franchise King.

One of things that concerns me the most about entrepreneurs who invest in franchises is the belief that, “if you buy a franchise, you cannot fail.”  This is fallacy, and is simply not true. Any business can fail. The question is whether your particular franchise opportunity puts you in a better position for success than if you attempted to start a similar business on your own. When you buy into a franchise you are buying a turnkey system.  Your continual implementation of that system will determine how successful you will be in business.  Starting any business is a risk, but I believe fear of failure is a healthy motivator in business.

Key benefits of a owning a franchise includes – you are buying an established brand, with an instant client base, with operations procedures already in place. You do not have go through the labor intensive task of launching a new brand, establishing procedures, testing and marketing products or establishing a distribution network.   However, you must operate your business exactly as the formula describes it and pay a royalty and/or licensing fee to the parent company. 

Buying a franchise that is already established can be a lucrative business, but there are drawbacks.

It can be very expensive. In some cases, especially for the marquee franchises, you must be able and willing to purchase three franchises, not just one. This significantly limits the individuals who can afford to buy a franchise.

The price is substantial and the return on investment slow.  It can take more than three years to break even and up to five years to turn a profit.

You are at the mercy of the parent marketing department. They will determine the marketing done in your area.

You share in your parent company’s negative publicity. Remember, that issue with lettuce that Taco Bell had two years ago? Well, nobody was eating at any Taco Bell until the restaurant chain cleared up the issue.

The deal with owning a franchise is that the rules/operating procedures must be followed. The uniforms and store set up are set in stone, your main suppliers will be predetermined and franchise fees must be paid. If you think you want to put your personal stamp on your business, a franchise might not be for you.

There are some terrific small franchise opportunities that you can invest in for under $50,000. The following websites are great resources for researching franchise businesses.

www.franchiseopportunities.com

www.franchise.org

www.franchisegator.com

There are so many business opportunities in franchising, that anyone can find one to fit their situation:  the key is research.  Like with any business, you must take into account the skills you have and the skills you will need to run your franchise. Consider working for another franchise before purchasing your own.  Those franchise agreements are really intense legally binding contracts, so be sure to engage an attorney that specializes in franchise agreements. Here are some other questions to consider:

How much capital do you have to purchase a franchise?

How much capital do you have to actually operate the business?

Will you need financing?

How much training and continued support is offered?  

How much control will you want to have over the business?

A franchise opportunity could be the perfect business for you. Once you understand your personal and financial capabilities then you will be able to find the franchise business that suits your situation.  Evaluate your net worth, personal skills, the market you are interested in, and be sure to talk to other franchise operators to research the best franchise business for you.

Do you know of any additional franchising pros and cons? I want to hear why you think franchising is the way to go to start a business.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?  You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

For more tips on how start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com.

Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady”, is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #SmallBizChat on Twitter.  #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business.  Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months! A Month-by-Month Guide to Start a Business that Works! is scheduled to be released by Adams Media in Feb 2010.

Comments { 5 }

How to Go From Self-Starter to Self-Finisher

By on October 15, 2009 in How to Start, SmallBizChat, Solopreneurs

From time to time as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with small business experts that could benefit my audience. This is excerpted from my #smallbizchat interview on Twitter with Michelle Mangen @mmangen is a Virtual Assistant specializing in Accounting, Payroll, Excel and Social Media services. She helps sole proprietors and small businesses by reducing the amount of time they spend on administrative and accounting tasks while helping them to achieve a better work/life balance.  Her social media skills include WordPress and Aweber set-up, and copyediting.  Michelle is skilled in analyzing problems, troubleshooting crises and delivering alternative solutions.  She constantly revises and “tweaks” the process to get project complete as quickly and efficiently as possible.  She’s a valuable resource to grow your business and realize your full potential.

Smallbizlady:  What keeps self-starters from finishing their projects?

Michelle Mangen:  A number of things can prevent self-starters from finishing their projects – for example: needing info from someone else, lack of focus, interruptions, too many things to do, overwhelm

Smallbizlady:  What role does isolation play in getting things done?

Michelle Mangen:  For me having isolation while getting things done is critical. When I am deep in a project I will go as far as to turn off the phone & email because I am easily distracted, especially by the email. Always wondering what goodies are waiting in there for me.

Smallbizlady:  As entrepreneurs since we do 12 jobs minimum. What strategies do you suggest for handling daily tasks and the “to do” list?

Michelle Mangen:  Strategies I swear by for handling daily tasks and my “to do” list are: writing everything down, scheduling appointments with myself, outsourcing what I’m not good at, learning to say NO.

Smallbizlady:  How do we get through all the little frustrations that pile up at work?

Michelle Mangen:  I think this is to be defined by each person. For me, I just try to keep it in perspective. For me, projects and clients equals money and satisfaction that I am making a difference in the world, one business owner at a time.

Smallbizlady:  What are your top 3 strategies do you use to help people finish what they start?Michelle Mangen:  1. Set aside the appropriate time for the project – for example: don’t start a 3 hour project if you only have 30 minutes

2. Try to anticipate what may be needed from others before starting

3. Bullet points of what still needs to be done – try to get “full picture” outlined so it seems more manageable

Smallbizlady: How do you keep going when you feel completely overwhelmed?

 

Michelle Mangen:  As counter-productive as it may seem that is when I actually take a break. Even 10 minutes “away” can make all the difference in overwhelm (or a few very deep breaths). If I’m really feeling overwhelmed I’ll call a friend to have a five minute vent.

Smallbizlady:   What if I realize I need help to grow my biz? How do I find a partner?

 

Michelle Mangen:  I know this is right around the corner for me. I’m working on finding people to work with me that share same vision, drive and have skills that I don’t. I have been outsourcing several of my own administrative tasks for several months now and I am continually trying to see what else I can hand off to others.

Smallbizlady:  How do you turn away a client without looking like a jerk?

 

 

Michelle Mangen:  I am upfront and tell them I don’t think it’s a good fit. I also offer to help find someone else who may be more suitable.

Smallbizlady:  How do you keep from getting overwhelmed with a new idea/project, especially when you’re short on time?

 

Michelle Mangen:  Normally it’s my own “wish” list that I get overwhelmed with. I have many things I want to learn & I feel as though I cheat myself sometimes. If it’s a big project I will break into 30-60 min sessions. Again, I write everything down so I can revisit ideas at a later point. If I am really overwhelmed with my own list I will sit down and re-assess the list. There are times I find that things I wrote down several months ago no longer interest me.

Smallbizlady:  How can one stay motivated daily when working on a long-term project? Michelle Mangen:  I would suggest breaking the project down into smaller pieces. Visualize the desired outcome. I also always work on long-term projects during my high energy times, which is why from time to time people won’t see me on Twitter first thing in the morning.

If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9pm ET follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter. 

How to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/S797e

For more tips on starting or growing your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog at http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com

Comments { 3 }

Making Love & Money: How to Be Successful Couplepreneurs

By on October 1, 2009 in How to Start, SmallBizChat, Women in Business

Every week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. The show takes place every Wed on Twitter from 8-9pm ET. This is excerpted from my recent interview with Donna Maria Coles Johnson @indiebusiness on Twitter. She is an award winning entrepreneur who has inspired millions through her seminars and her role as the leader of the Indie Beauty Network and Indie Business Revolution events nationwide. She also produces Indie Business Radio show.  Donna Maria co-owns Indie Business Media, LLC, with her husband of 10 years Darryl Johnson @djphotographer. They have two children and a passion for empowering other married couples to harness their talents and gifts to own and manage a business of their own. For more information http://www.indiebeauty.com and http://www.indiebusinessblog.com

Smallbizlady:  How did you and your husband start in business together?

@indiebusiness:  He was laid off. I already had my business. We looked at our talents and gifts and saw an opportunity to merge them into a family business so that’s what we did.

Smallbizlady:  How is your business set-up? 

@indiebusiness:  We are a home based business. I have an office, and he has an office, on different floors.  We have 2 kids, ages 5 and 7.  We used to have nearly full-time help when the kids were infants and toddlers. Now, we hire help when we need it. Our children are used to us working at home.

Smallbizlady: How do you work at home with young children around?

@indiebusiness:  It’s a challenge. We call it “tag teaming.” He takes them so I can work, and vice versa. If we have to be working together, which is a lot of the time, they play in a play room or outside in the yard. This happens a lot when we are taping a show or doing audio recordings. We need quiet and that is hard to come by with two kids around all the time. We also use young teens in the neighborhood to babysit sometimes. It all works well.

Smallbizlady: How do you stay on track? With kids, home, business, etc.?

@indiebusiness: Well, we meet every day (sometimes early in the morning, sometimes later at night after kids are asleep) to list the 5 top priorities each of us has for that day.

Smallbizlady: How do you handle disagreements about the direction of the business?

@indiebusiness: It doesn’t happen often because our responsibilities are pretty clearly drawn. He does what he does best and I do what I do best.  But when it does happen, we look at the issue and see who it matters the most to. If it’s a part of the business that is in my bailiwick, then I usually have the final say. If it’s more his area, then he usually has the final say. That’s not always predictable, but because we want to make a profit and stay married, we have to look at who would be most impacted by a particular decision. That usually helps us figure out what to do.

Smallbizlady:  How do you handle it when disagreements spillover into your personal relationship?

@indiebusiness: We used to argue about it. Eventually though, we both just started being honest. If I’m upset about something on the business side, I tell him that, and I also tell him that I am not feeling “warm and cozy” tonight because I’m stewing over a business issue. He does the same. We have learned that the time to raise touchy business issue is during the business day. And we pretty much do that. If someone can’t get over it that night, well, we’ve learned to go to separate corners. We always come back together in a few hours anyway. We are patient and forgiving of each other and that’s really the bottom line. We also don’t hold grudges. We believe in each other, know that we have each other’s best interests at heart and give the benefit of the doubt. We try to start each day fresh, like a new beginning for each of us.

Smallbizlady: How to you separate the business from your day to day married life?

@indiebusiness: Well, there really is not a lot of separation. The reality is that the security and long term viability of the business and the marriage are quite intertwined. Conflict in one area affects the other. Success in one area affects the other. It’s a constant ebb and flow of both personal and professional weaving back and forth to form a holistic entity that includes both our family and our business.

Smallbizlady: So, who reports to whom?

@indiebusiness: Well, it depends on the issue. When it comes to what to wear for a video, how to sound, how to stand or hold the props or what music goes best in the video, I report to him. When it comes to what video project to undertake next, he reports to me. Again, it works because he knows what he’s responsible for and I know what I’m responsible for.

Smallbizlady: Have you ever wanted to quit?

@indiebusiness: Yes. Once when we ran out of money and again when we ran out of money. That’s true, but seriously, there are times when we become frustrated with one another. We work together, live together, sleep together, raise kids together – all under one roof. We’ve known each other for nearly 30 years and been married for 10 of those years so we do get on each other’s nerves from time to time. But we both have our separate interests outside of the business and the marriage so when we need to take a break, that’s what we do.

Smallbizlady: What 4 tips can you offer to help other couples get started in business as WAHMs and WAHDs (Work at Home Moms and Dads)?

@indiebusiness: First, make sure that you can be content spending inordinate amounts of time together. If you drive each other totally nuts in separate work spaces, it’s probably not a good idea to work together. Having said that, if you find that your employment opportunities are drying up and you have to work together, I suggest you suck it up and get on with it. You have to eat, and if you have to create a business together to make that happen, then do it.

Next, make sure that the business offers a needed product or service. Don’t jump in without doing some market research first, just like with any other business.

Next, be sure to divide up responsibilities. Each person needs what amounts to a job description so they can be accountable for their responsibilities. Have regular meetings to air out options and disagreements so they don’t impeded your progress.

Know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. As in a marriage, you each bring different things to the party. Just like in your personal relationship, work to minimize each other’s weaknesses so you are a strong and united force together.

Smallbizlady: I know that you and your husband participate in a couple’s mastermind group. How is that helpful?

@indiebusiness: Our couple’s mastermind group is extremely helpful on many levels. Accountability for one thing. For another, the group provides real support. We are all  going through the same things – juggling kids, family business, marriage. It helps to know that other similarly situated people are pulling for us. We help and encourage each other.

If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9pm ET follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter. 

How to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/S797e

For more tips on starting or growing your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog at www.succeedasyourownboss.com

Links to relevant articles:

Making Love and Money: http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/2008/09/01/making-love-and-money/

How to Start a Couple’s MasterMind Group, Part 1: http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/2009/07/30/how-to-start-a-couples-mastermind-group/

How to Start a Couple’s MasterMind Group, Part 2 http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/2009/08/21/video-how-to-start-a-couples-mastermind-group-part-2/

Bliss, Diss and Kiss: http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/2009/05/21/bliss-diss-and-kiss-reflections-on-marriage-on-my-9th-wedding-anniversary/

Comments { 3 }

Developing a Blog vs. Website Strategy

By on September 28, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, How to Start, Social Media, Your Small Business
Blog vs. Website in Business

Blog vs. Website in Business

This is the second of a three part series on blogging for business. It is such an essential issue for small businesses today that I felt it important to dedicate some real time to the topic.  The first article focused on building a small business blog. Today’s piece investigates the decision to have a separate website verses using a blog as your website. 

It used to be that all you had to worry about was having a website, now you need a blog and a complete social media footprint to go along with it to reflect the many ways that your customers are using the internet.  Whether you have a professional services business, a brick-and-mortar retail establishment or an online business.  Your business needs a website as the anchor of your online marketing!   All websites should include a static home page that has been designed and written to clearly explain what you have on offer to people who visit your site.  The question then becomes what kind of website do you need?

One of the most common questions I get about building an online brand is whether a small business should:

a)     Have a website and a separate blog

b)     Have a blog as the company website

c)     Import a blog into an existing website. 

I polled my @smallbizlady followers on http://www.twitter.com/ for advice on this:  Here’s what a few had to say:

“With the right web team, you can power the blog within the website using WordPress.”

 ”Unless one can add value and maintain a blog long-term, I suggest just developing a website and importing dynamic content like Twitter feeds.”

“If your goal is heavy on the commercial side then go with a web site. If you want to create a community, go with a blog.” 

Let’s define the basic business website terms:  A blog is an online journal written by one person, or a team of staff people focused on a particular area of interest.  Blogs are typically written in a conversational style and updated 2-3 times a week minimum.   Search engines love blogs because of the fresh content.  If possible, it’s best to have the blog as part of your website.  Then, the fresh content on the blog attracts the search engines to your entire website.

Blog-based websites are cost effective, search engine friendly and can have both static information (like a traditional website) and dynamic information by way of blog posts.  It is also very easy to update a blog without hiring a web designer every time you make a change. Cathy Larkin of  WebSavvyPR.com says, “Blog posts are a way for service businesses to build trust in their brand. A blog, done well, gives you and your staff a way to showcase your expertise in a way that makes people think of you when it comes time to buy.”

A website is a collection of related web pages, images, videos or other digital assets that are available under a specific domain name on the World Wide Web. Websites are essentially online brochures designed to provide information, build a contact list, make money, and raise awareness of a small business. Information on a traditional website typically does not change very often.  The static information on a typical website includes 5-7 pages: home page, about us, contact us, services/products, in the news, and an online store.

If you are just getting started, a self-hosted blog is the best option to help promote your business online.  If you are starting from scratch, I suggest using WordPress.org, with your own hosting package.  What I like about WordPress is that is designed to have both static pages and blog pages.  Go for a hosting company that has a one button install for WordPress.org blogs.  Customizing a WordPress blog can be tricky, but once its rolling along it’s pretty much maintenance-free.   

If you already have a website, adding a blog section to it can be a way to update your online presence, and bring more traffic to your existing site. It’s best to have the blog as part of your website, but this isn’t always possible.  “You may have started a blog a long time ago on a free hosted site such as blogger or typepad and may not want to go through what it takes to transfer a hosted blog to your website.  In this case, you should link your blog from your website (and vice versa) and add frequent new content to your website, such as articles, white papers and special reports to provide fresh content on the website,” says internet marketing consultant, Phyllis Zimbler Miller, Millermosaicllc.com.  The only downside is you will need to engage a professional web designer to upgrade your website to import your blog, and add the additional content unless you learn to do it yourself.

When would you use a blog and website separately? If your blog is targeted to a very specific niche market and your website is targeted to a larger market, two sites make sense.  Some advocate creating a completely separate blog and stand alone website if you are an infopreneur. This works for authors, coaches, professional speakers etc. (a micro-site designed to sell each book, for example).  I use Melindaemerson.com and Succeedasyourownboss.com.

To get up and running quickly, I advocate hiring someone to help you set up your blog. You will have an expert to help you build the most professional presentation, create a branded banner, customize your blog with a theme, and show you the ropes.

No matter what method you decide to go with, it is very important to have a static home page on website and/or blog where what you offer is clear the moment someone lands on your page.  The headline, banner graphic, and the text all work together to keep that unique visitor on your site.

Next week, the final part of the blogging for business series: 10 Ways To Get Your Blog To Shine.

Part 1 http://succeedasyourownboss.com/09/2009/how-to-build-a-small-business-blog/

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?  You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady” is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #SmallBizChat on Twitter.  #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business.  Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 months! A Month-by-Month Guide to Start a Business that Works! is scheduled to be released by Adams Media in early 2010.

For more tips on how start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com.

Comments { 11 }

How To Build A Small Business Blog

By on September 21, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, How to Start, Social Media
building a business blog

Building a business blog.

This is a first of a three part series on blogging for business. It is such an important issue for small businesses today that I felt it important to dedicate some real time to the topic. The series will focus on getting started at blogging, the decision to have a blog and a website or just a blog, and 10 tips to get your blog noticed.

Great blogs stand out because the writer knows who their reader is and has great content.   Getting your blog noticed takes strategy – planning, marketing know-how and good writing skills.  You can use pay-per click advertising to get your brand known, but developing a successful blog is really the best way to get noticed on the web.

Let’s look at some of the basics of creating a small business blog:

Know who you are talking to.  Don’t create a blog for you– create a blog for your readers and potential clients.  You should not write a single word on a blog until you have researched your target audience and conducted a trends analysis on that audience. It’s not hard, just do it.   Know who they are and what they need to know.  Christina Katz, author of Get Known Before the Book Deal says you need to identify your niche market, and then break down your target into several submarkets. Then use your blog as a service to your target markets.

Create an editorial calendar.  I am a former TV producer, so old habits die hard.  It’s important to build an editorial calendar to keep track of your content.  It will also help you brainstorm topics in advance.  Read articles and blogs in your industry to get ideas. Sometimes I read articles, and just a sentence from it can seed an idea for a blog post.  Avoid boring your readers to death with the same song, come at a subject from a different angle.  A well-kept calendar will also keep your blog sharp, timely, and informative.

Start developing content 3-6 months before you start blogging.  Good blogs have good content.  Take the time to write well to make sure your content is excellent.  Also, there will be days that you just do not have time to write.  It’s best to develop a mini archive of articles that you can use as blog posts when you do not have the time to write a fresh piece.  It is always good to get a timely piece that can tie-in a current event, but do yourself a favor – plan ahead. 

Determine your blog strategy.  Determine your blog publishing schedule.  The key is to remain as consistent as possible.  Some people post no more than two-to-three posts a week, but there are bloggers that put out new posts everyday. I post twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.  While there is no specific formula for how many times a week you should post, just remember that readers appreciate consistency.

Choose the right blog platform.  There are so many choices out there to establish your blog.  WordPress.org has a huge community, with many support resources including featured plug-ins and many customization options.  You may need some help with set-up, but after that, posting is an easy process.  My blog is a customized WordPress blog.  If you don’t want to buy a domain name and hosting package WordPress.com, Typepad.com and Blogger.com might be just what you need.  If you are doing business, I suggest spending the $150.00 and personally branding your blog site.

Develop a picture library.  Adding an image to your blog posts adds a huge amount of depth to your blog.  Ahead of time, pull images that might work for your blog posts.  There are free sites such as www.Photobucket.com, www.openphoto.net, www.unprofound.com  You can also use www.Flickr.com, but use the advanced search page and check “only search within Creative Commons-licensed content” to avoid copyright issues.  There are also low cost photo sites such as www.istockphoto.com.  Pulling pictures can be time consuming, so if you start out with a library of 50 or so, you’ll save time in the long run. 

Write great headlines. Your headline can make or break your post, so choose your words carefully. It helps to think about what your reader would type into a search engine to find your information.  Use active voice and as few words as possible.  Throwing in key words is good too.  You can also use lists, numbers, how-tos, compelling questions, and famous names to draw people in.  It doesn’t matter how good your blog content is if no one will click on the link to read it.  Would you read an article titled “Growing Your Online Marketing through Blogging” or one titled “Blogging for Business”?  If you’re struggling with headlines, look at a few popular blogs to see how they do it. 

With these tips, you’ll speak to your target audience and attract a wealth of new readers. If any of these points sound difficult or time consuming, remember, you don’t have to do it all alone.  Get help from a social media coach or marketing consultant that can help you build your blog and position yourself as an industry expert in no time.

Did I miss any tips? Leave me a comment and let me know your secrets to blogging success.  

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?  You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady” is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert and Social Media Coach who hosts #SmallBizChat on Twitter.  #Smallbizchat is the trusted resource on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business.  Melinda’s first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 months! A Month-by-Month Guide to Start a Business that Works! is scheduled to be released by Adams Media in early 2010.

For more tips on how start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com.

Comments { 5 }

How to Start a Business In This Economy

By on August 6, 2009 in How to Start, SmallBizChat, Social Media

From time to time as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts that could benefit my audience. This is excerpts from my #SmallBizChat interview on Twitter with Mike Michalowicz aka Toilet Paper Entrepreneur @TPEntrepreneur. Mike Michalowicz has a driving passion for entrepreneurialism. Michalowicz wrote The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur with the sole purpose of giving first time entrepreneurs the information they need to grow their concepts into industry leaders.  Michalowicz has successfully launched three multimillion-dollar companies.  His most recent venture, Obsidian Launch LLC, partners exclusively with first-time entrepreneurs, to launch their ideas into niche industry leaders.

Smallbizlady: Why is this a great time to start a business?

Mike Michalowicz: When the economy slows down, two things happen.  Established businesses that are weak close up, and new businesses that were going to start get put on hold.  In this economy there is way less competition.  If you start now it will be hard (just like it is in a great economy), but you will have the advantage as the economy recovers since you will have momentum going in when others are just starting.

Smallbizlady: What is the first thing someone who wants to start a business needs to consider?

Mike Michalowicz: You MUST consider what you love to do. Your passion.  Since if you do your passion, you will likely stick with it during the lean years, and you will naturally excel at it because it is your passion.

Smallbizlady: Where is the funding coming from to start a business right now?

Mike Michalowicz: Funding is coming out of the entrepreneurs own pocket.  Even hedge funds are starting to push more and more entrepreneurs to practically go on welfare before the fund adds any money.  The great irony is that if you use only your own money, you typically will do better since it forces better decision making and more out of the box thinking.

Smallbizlady: Are there certain industries that make more sense to pursue as a business in this economy?

Mike Michalowicz: Self help always booms in a down economy.  Any business that helps others become more self-reliant is a good thing.  Another great sector is “micro-luxuries”… these replace the big ticket luxuries like vacations and the new car.  A perfect example of a booming micro luxury is alcohol.  Instead of going on vacation, people take many “mini-vacations” with a bottle of wine!

Smallbizlady: Do you need a business plan to start a business?

Mike Michalowicz: No. In fact they often are big dust collectors. To start and BUILD a business you need a dynamic planning strategy. Something that adjusts with all the craziness that goes on.  The best dynamic planning strategy is the 3-sheet method (which I detail in The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur fully).

Smallbizlady: How do you develop a Unique Selling Position or secret sauce as I like to say?

Mike Michalowicz: The fastest way is by asking “what sucks about my industry?”  When you discover the stuff that sucks, your job is to make it “un-suck”.  That becomes a very unique selling position, and customers will flock to you.

Smallbizlady: Is it best to start an internet business right now?

Mike Michalowicz: I would argue every business is an internet business.  Since we all have a presence on line, and if you don’t you are being left behind.  So, hell yes, it is good to have an internet business right now… but it must compliment your passion.

Smallbizlady: Where should you look for your first clients?

Mike Michalowicz: That is a hard one, since every business is different. But the general answer is to go where they already are.  For example if you sell to baseball fans, don’t go to the local chamber of commerce… go to the ball park.

Smallbizlady: Can you give three low-cost marketing suggestions for start-up businesses?

Mike Michalowicz: Blogging is amazingly powerful and effective marketing. The key is sticking with it.  Another is speaking engagements.  If you do it well, you get paid to speak to a group and at the end they are will want to buy from you, too.  Collaboration.  Find complimentary vendors and make partnering deals. They may have the audience and you have the goods. Can be a win all around.

Smallbizlady: Can you list a few resources that a first time entrepreneur should read before starting a business?

Mike Michalowicz: Definitely read The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, and I am not just saying that.  Also read E-myth to get you in the right mindset to scale the business and read Purple Cow to get to the marketing mindset.

Smallbizlady: How important is social media to a start-up business?

Mike Michalowicz: It is a powerful tool, but it isn’t critical. What is critical is consistently getting the word out.  If you only did it through face to face networking, that is in fact ok…. you just need to do a lot of it and build strong relationships.  If you just do social networking, make no mistake, you need to do just as much, if not MORE than face to face networking, but you can reach out to a lot more people a lot faster.

Smallbizlady: Can you give suggestions for maintaining work/life balance as an entrepreneur?

Mike Michalowicz:   There is no such thing.  Being an entrepreneur is your life.  And it is impossible to separate the two. So instead of trying to bring balance, I encourage you to blend them. I have my family come to my office, my children will work here at times and my wife too.  When it is slow at work, I will head home right away…. Because when work needs me I will head there right away!

If you found this interview helpful, join me on Wednesdays 8-9pm ET for @SmallBizChat on Twitter.  Here’s the link for how to participate: http://succeedasyourownboss.com/07/2009/how-to-participate-in-smallbizchat/

 For more tips on starting or growing your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog at http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com

Comments { 2 }