Tag Archives | SmallBizChat

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Tim Berry: Only if management is obsolete.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 }

Is Cold Calling DEAD?

By on October 29, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, SmallBizChat, Social Media

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 @BradfordShimp. Bradford is a small business expert and the blogger behind All Business Answers. The goal of allbizanswers.com is to answer common business questions, solve the problems that hold businesses back, and show owners how they can build amazing companies. He is actively involved in running a regular small business, as well as several online ventures. His services are available for consulting advice as well as writing content. For more information check out www.allbizanswers.com

Smallbizlady: Is cold calling dead?

Bradford Shimp: No. Many businesses still use it. However, it is losing its effectiveness. Cold calling relies on interruption. Today, people have access to info when they need it, so are less likely to put up with cold calling. People are far less likely to trust someone based on a cold call, and trust is very important.

Smallbizlady: What is the difference between cold and warm calling?

Bradford Shimp: Warm calling is making sales calls after making preliminary contact. Warm calling works best when it is tied to another form of marketing, such as educational or event marketing. Warm calling can refer back to a marketing piece, a form filled out at a trade show, or any form of previous contact.

Smallbizlady: What is permission based marketing?

Bradford Shimp: Permission marketing is when prospects sign up to receive messages from you. Instead of you interrupting their day with messages they don’t care about, you are invited to speak to them. Permission marketing is about having prospect qualify themselves.

Smallbizlady: How do you get permission from someone to market to them?

Bradford Shimp: You need a complete marketing plan to gain a constant stream of permission. The basic concept is to provide something of value in return for getting permission to market further. Permission can include signing up for a newsletter, coming to an event, or requesting more information.

Smallbizlady: Cold calling brings results, why should I stop?

Bradford Shimp: Cold calling is a numbers game. For every yes, you have 10 or more nos that are closed doors. Using permission marketing, you can keep the conversation open, even with people who aren’t buying right now. By building marketing around conversations and education, you can create a steady stream of leads that will grow virally.

Smallbizlady: Why should businesses make the extra effort to educate customers?

Bradford Shimp: By educating, you set yourself up as the expert. This allows you to set the course of the relationship. Educating allows you to “sell without selling.” Prospects thank you for the info and go to you first to buy. When you create educational marketing, you can re-purpose it in many ways.

Smallbizlady: How can Twitter help businesses avoid cold calling?

Bradford Shimp: Twitter is a great place to communicate, attract fans, and build relationships. Your followers have given you permission to talk to them. Just don’t be all sales talk, all the time. From conversations on Twitter, you can move into a sales process. Twitter opens the door to a ton of prospects. It is your job to attract qualified prospects by providing quality content.

Smallbizlady: Why is building an email list the most important thing businesses should be doing?

Bradford Shimp: An email list built on permission is a group of people who have pre-qualified themselves as real prospects. With regular email, you can build trust with prospects and up sell current customers. An email list is a database of prospects you can dip in to when you need to add sales. Put out a good newsletter and good value for signing up, and your email list will continue to grow. Unlike cold calling, you will be able to communicate 1 to many, but with a much larger trust factor.

Smallbizlady: How can we use events to bring in loads of new customers?

Bradford Shimp: Events allow you to invite prospects to something they will value, without directly selling to them. Make your event specific, and it will attract ideal, pre-qualified, prospects. You can build a huge level of trust quickly by providing a quality event. People will be inclined to buy from you.

Smallbizlady: Should a small business have a blog/email newsletter?

Bradford Shimp: Yes. Providing regular content for customers/prospects has several benefits. It will bring in more traffic to your site and provide visitors with instant value. It will educate prospects and build trust, making them inclined to buy from you and trust you. It will make you better at your business. Creating content on your niche will inevitably make you an expert.

Smallbizlady: What kind of conversations should businesses be having with their customers/prospects?

Bradford Shimp: Conversations should be about much more than making the sale. You should seek to educate, to answer questions, to ask questions. The biggest thing is to build trust and provide endless value.

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 { 1 }

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 }

The Perfect PR Pitch For Your Small Business

By on October 22, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, SmallBizChat, Social Media

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 @PRSarahEvans. Sarah is a public relations and new media strategist at @SevansStrategy.  Sarah has worked extensively in the non-for-profit, higher education and healthcare sectors, focusing on media relations, message management, coalition building, deployment strategies, and organizational change. A self-described social media freak, Sarah is the founder of #journchat and MediaOnTwitter. Her personal mission is to engage and employ the use of emerging technologies in all communication – that connects her with a rapidly growing base of more than 26,000 people. Contact Sarah online at: http://card.ly/prsarahevans


Smallbizlady: How much time should you dedicate to PR for your business?

@PRSarahEvans At least 10% of your time should be spent working on your business. That time should include building relationships with journalists and bloggers, identifying stories your public should know, reputation management, tracking who is talking about you…to name a few. Public relations is more than media relations. Here’s how I define it: Public relations is an ongoing conversation, which builds sustainable relationships between an entity and its publics resulting in change, action or influence

Smallbizlady: What’s the best way to generate traditional media coverage? What about social media?

@PRSarahEvans The best to generate traditional media coverage is to have a good story to tell to the right journalist with the right audience. That means knowing who covers topics appropriate to your business and reading/listening/watching their work. Nothing kills a potential relationship faster than an off-pitch. It’s not all about the press release (more on that later). Social media coverage means blogs, online news publications, content distributors and influencers. Same rules apple.

Smallbizlady: Are press releases still in vogue, does anyone read them?

@PRSarahEvans I host a Monday night chat on Twitter, #journchat, where journalists, bloggers and PR professionals discuss questions like this. Recently we had the New York Times social media editor @NYT_jenpreston who said this in response to the value of press releases, “Honestly? Minimum value.” @JeffJarvis recently told PRs that the press release is dead. However, I work with many local daily print publications who request press releases because of their cutbacks in the newsroom. If you really want to know if a journalist reads a release, ask them. There are other uses for press releases than for pitching stories. I’m the community manager for Pitchengine where we’re changing the way press releases are created, written and distributed–social media release (more on that in a bit).

Smallbizlady: How often should to use press releases as a small business? 

@PRSarahEvans It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. The press release isn’t your magic cure all pill. Use the basics of “what is newsworthy” to determine whether you should write and distribute a press release: timing, significance, proximity, prominence, human interest. It’s not about how often, rather the quality of what you share.

Smallbizlady: What about social media press releases?

@PRSarahEvans I’m biased and I like the SMR. The social media press release is the first wave in the evolution of the release, there’s more needed to make it a truly great tool. Use the same rules as a traditional release. However, the caveat I offer is in regards to search engine optimization. SMRs are helpful in driving awareness to your site if they’re written and distributed effectively. I wrote a post for Mashable on this topic: 10 ways to make your press release SEO friendly http://bit.ly/GEdLx. 

Smallbizlady: How do you craft a pitch? How much time should you dedicate?

@PRSarahEvans One of the great things about social media is that I research a journalist or blogger’s online presence before a pitch. If they’re on Twitter I might check out what they’ve been talking about in addition to their recent work. It’s nice to add a personal touch–especially if it’s the first time you’re communicating. The research takes time. The pitch takes time. The follow up takes times. Your best bet is to create a small, targeted list of media you reach out to on a regular basis. You’ll put the bulk of your time into the initial contact and build a relationship from there.

Smallbizlady: What are your top 5 pieces of advice for small biz owners doing their own PR?

@PRSarahEvans 1. Develop a small, targeted list of media and bloggers (10-15) you communicate with on a regular basis

2. Engage a group of stakeholders (friends, family, customers) who serve as your third party coalition of supporters. When you have a message or story to share, include them and encourage them to share, too.

3. Use traditional and online media to share your stories

4. ONLINE: Set up Google alerts for you, your business, your competitors to monitor your online mentions. Secure your user name across all social networks, even if you don’t use them (knowem.com). Use a resource like @alltop to aggregate your favorite media outlets so you can easily research trends.

5. Participate in discussions and chats like this to share with one another. It’s good karma.

Smallbizlady: How often should you pitch a particular media source?

@PRSarahEvans It depends on the frequency and reach of the media outlet. If it’s a blog written about one topic with a targeted audience and they recently wrote about you, pitching them the week after is probably not smart.

Smallbizlady: Do you need to have a media reel to get national media coverage?

@PRSarahEvans No. I would however, recommend an online newsroom. A place where journalists and bloggers can easily obtain your logo, photos and headshots, boilerplate, recent releases, bios, etc.

Smallbizlady: What determines a story?

@PRSarahEvans This goes back to the definition of newsworthy. I’d also encourage you to think about a story in this way: if you go home at the end of the day and can’t wait to share something with your significant other, parent, child, it’s probably a story. In fact, when I think about a story I ask myself, “would my mom care about this?”

Smallbizlady: Is PR only generating media coverage?

@PRSarahEvans No way! The larger umbrella of PR is communications and that encompasses a whole host of activities. It can include media relations, community relations, internal and external communications, and legislative affairs (to name a few).

Smallbizlady: What’s the benefit of hiring someone to do PR for my small biz?

@PRSarahEvans Do write your own legal documents? Unless you’re a lawyer, I’m going to guess no. I hired a lawyer and an accountant for my small business because they are the experts. There are some things small business owners can do on a PR front, but in reality do not have the time to conduct full PR outreach.

Smallbizlady: What are ways to use social media to further a story?

@PRSarahEvans 1. Write a blog post. This can be for your blog or as a guest post.

2. Check out CNN iReport to see if there’s an appropriate segment for your story.

3. Share information on social networks.

4. Use a social media release.

5. Include bloggers and online influencers in your media database.

Here are 5 case studies of small businesses successfully using Social Media http://ow.ly/vJW2

Great information on social media press releases: http://budurl.com/SMReleases

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 { 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

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How to Take Your Blog to the Next Level

By on October 8, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, SmallBizChat, Social Media

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 Anita Campbell @smallbiztrends. The editor and chief contributor of http://www.smallbiztrends.com, one of the most widely read small business blogs on the internet.  Her company, Small Business Trends LLC, is a media and information company. In that role she closely follows trends in the small business market and trends in technology. Her popular website won the Forbes “Best of the Web” distinction for small business blogs in 2005 and again in 2008.

Smallbizlady:  How long has Small Business Trends been around?

Anita Campbell–It’s been around for six years. I started out on Blogger at a blogspot address for first few years. Then moved to my own domain and WordPress. That was my first jump to a new level. If you are still on the Blogger platform and dream big, I suggest moving to WordPress. You will need its expanded features. Remember, also, that perseverance is a key to success. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Every blog starts small with just a few readers.

Smillbizlady:  How has blogging changed in the last 6 years?

Anita Campbell–In one sense it is still the same. But it has matured. Used to see a lot of shorter posts just dropping links to media articles. Now I think the bar is higher and you must have something original to say.  People now point out interesting links at Twitter instead. There’s lots more competition now, too.  Many more blogs.  The need for a narrow niche is important today.  There’s always room for good blogs, though.

Smallbizlady:  The niche target market is so important in any small business venture. Why is the blog niche so important?

Anita Campbell–There are millions of blogs today. Many topics are saturated. It’s harder to stand out. A niche is one way to stand out.  Your audience might be smaller, but you have the advantage of uniqueness.

Smallbizlady:  What’s the #1 thing you should do to get your blog to the next level?

Anita Campbell–Think about your blog as a product. You are the manufacturer and distributor of that product. This gives you purpose and structure. Makes it easier to know what to do. It makes the process of creating content much easier.  No waking up and wondering “what do I write about today?” Instead, it’s like a magazine – a clear concept. Problogger has a brilliant piece where he dissects a magazine as a way to shape a content plan.

You can find it in his e-book “31 Days to Build a Better Blog” (not free – but worth the modest price). Thinking of your blog as a magazine helps you set goals and stay on track.

Smallbizlady:  Do you recommend having a marketing plan?

Anita Campbell–Yes! You should have the typical elements of a marketing plan in it. Clear target market.  Unique selling proposition of your blog. Online marketing building blocks: SEO; email marketing; social media marketing. For an easy starting place, create plan for marketing a single blog post. Read Problogger’s post – how to get your post read by more than mom: http://adjix.com/uwkv  After learning how to promote single posts, work your way up to a marketing plan for the blog overall.

Smallbizlady:  Should you plan an editorial calendar for your blog?

AnitaCampbell–An editorial calendar will help you be more organized and make sure you stay on point.  Strive for a general sense of what you publish when – but not too rigid.  Allow yourself some flexibility.

Smallbizlady:  What is the biggest mistake to getting to the next level with your blog?

AnitaCampbell–First mistake: trying to monetize a blog too soon. Not enough focus on your audience.  You need to build an audience who clamors for your content.  Focus on serving readers first. You are not likely to make any money from ads in the first 6 months — So why distract yourself?   

Second mistake is not blogging enough. Most of the big name blogs post a MINIMUM of once a day. Your growth will be limited by how frequently you post.  Here’s analogy:  what if you developed a product, and only shipped it out now and then?  When you “had time”?  Would you expect that product to become a big seller?

Smallbizlady:  Can a part-time blog be successful?

AnitaCampbell–I’m not saying you can’t benefit from a blog with 1 post a week. Just that the blog’s growth will be limited. You may be OK with a part-time blog – there’s not a thing wrong with that. Perhaps you have a full-time business and your blog is there solely to market the business. If so, be proud! But adjust your expectations — traffic will be modest. You will need to work at your blog full-time if you expect to become a popular end destination.

Smallbizlady:  What about other mistakes preventing you from getting to the next level?

AnitaCampbell–Another blogging mistake is inconsistency.  Inconsistency in how often you post.  Inconsistency in your topics, sometimes getting off topic. Readers like consistency. Your readers want to know what to expect. Example: that you write about email marketing and they can get email tips at your blog.  But if one day you write about your dog, and the next email marketing – don’t be surprised if readers are confused.

Read “Why They’re a Successful Blogger and You’re Not”: http://adjix.com/zvcx

Smallbizlady:  What about guest bloggers?

AnitaCampbell–Guest bloggers are good.  Readers like to hear different voices. Vet your guest posters carefully. Your voice and what makes your blog unique can get diluted if you are not careful. Don’t make mistake of thinking guest bloggers are freelance writers, either. Think of them like Op Ed contributors to a newspaper Editorial page.

But they are not newspaper reporters.  Don’t expect them to be your workforce & only source of content. 

Smallbizlady: How to do become a paid guest blogger for a corporate blog?

AnitaCampbell–Consistent top notch writing.  Having something worthwhile to say in a conversational tone.  Face it — large sites can afford to pay freelance writers. And there are plenty of laid off journalists. You must offer something different, such as an edgy tone or unique perspective or a well-developed reputation.

They also will want you to “bring your audience with you.”  Get good at promoting your articles.  Then you become more interesting to such sites.

Smallbizlady:  How important is it to tie-in current events to your blog posts?

AnitaCampbell–Two schools of thought on current events.  One school says “yes, current events make you relevant.”  Another school says “stick with evergreen content.”  No surprise, then, that mixing both types of content has merit. 

If you found this interview helpful, subscribe to smallbiztrends and 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

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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 }

How to Stop Wasting Time With Your Social Media

By on September 24, 2009 in SmallBizChat, Social Media, Women in Business

Each week as Smallbizlady, I conduct interviews with small business experts on my weekly Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. This is excerpted from my #SmallBizChat interview @Lenawest, Lena is a social media locksmith who helps dynamic women business owners untangle “social media spaghetti.” She makes social media easy-to-use, manageable and worthwhile. She also a columnist and blogger for Entrepreneur Magazine and Fast Company. For more information her website http://www.xynoMedia.com

Smallbizlady: Why does social media become such a black hole of time for so many people?

Lena West: Because for the most part, it’s easy to use. Notice I didn’t say easy to use effectively, I said, easy to use. And, the tools are mostly intuitive. Click here, type that, etc. And, people mistakenly equate easy-to-use with knowing what and why to do something and then it’s all downhill from there. It’s hour after hour of trying to get it right — to no avail.

Smallbizlady: Why is the source of where business owners get their social media information so critical to success with social media?

Lena West: Because everyone has an agenda. And, I don’t mean that in a bad way. I have an agenda, too. I am passionate about helping women CEO’s. So every word out of my mouth is going to be in favor of them and my agenda is to help them remove the “craziness” from social media and start using it as a marketing tool that gets results.  So, women CEO’s need to know where they’re getting their information. Is it from someone who’s just learning what it means to be a business owner or is it from a 12-year business veteran like myself?Understand to whom you’re listening and make sure you’re on their agenda. 

Smallbizlady: You talk a lot about people tapping into a “why” when they are using social media to market their businesses, how does that help them save time? 

Lena West: Once you figure out what your company needs to get from the blogosphere, you can figure out how and what to contribute. It’s like being in a relationship with a guy. You can’t figure out what you want from him until you figure out where you’re going in life overall. Otherwise you’re just hanging around watching each other breathe and there’s no way that’s productive.

Smallbizlady: Social media has its own vocabulary, is it important for entrepreneurs to understand the lingo – even minimally?

Lena West: Absolutely, it is. Anyone who knows me knows that I do NOT believe women CEO’s should spend all their time thinking about and learning social media “stuff”. But, just like you need to know how to read a profit and loss statment without being a CPA and sniff out a crappy contract without being a lawyer — you need to understand the basics of social media. And, if you don’t know, ASK. Educate yourself so people can’t give you the ear hustle about social media, even if they try.

Smallbizlady: How can business owners resist the urge to join everything and accept everybody?

Lena West:  They can treat it like they do everything else — have rules. Whether we know it or want to admit it or not, we all have rules. Rules for how we allow people to speak to us. Rules for how we allow people to treat us. Same deal with social media and social networking. You need to have rules. I get invites to join other social networks all the time, but I ignore them. I know where my market is and that’s what I care about. What do I care if my friends are on some other social network? My market’s on Facebook and so that’s where I put my energy. It’s OK to delete and ignore requests that don’t meet your business needs.  

Smallbizlady: What’s the quickest, most effective way for CEOs to evaluate social media consultants?

Lena West:  I’ve met so many “so called” social media consultants. They have glossy websites and you have a conversation with them and they’re managing PPC campaigns or running website stats. Those are all honorable jobs, but if you’re a social media consultant, don’t you think you should be working with social media tools? The bottom line is this: unless someone makes the lion’s share of their livelihood providing social media services to clients, they’re a hobbyist. If they’re not writing and PAID to speak about social media topics, they’re a hobbyist. Again, know your information sources!

Smallbizlady: How can we make sure that we’re being effective with our social media work – what metrics should we measure, etc?

Lena West: This greatly depends on the business owner’s goal. If you are using social media to learn more about your market, then you should be measuring how your products and services are resonating with your market (one way to do this by asking and keeping track of the answers you get). If you’re measuring blog post comments or some other metric, you’re not connecting the metric back to your original goal.

Smallbizlady: Many business owners now have less staff and thus less time for marketing, What is your Social Media Auto Pilot Program?

Lena West: This is a program that I’m really proud of. Women Business Owners love it. They get to work with me to figure out the big picture and then our team of VA’s execute the day-to-day details. Many of our clients don’t have the time, interest or inclination to get deeply involved with social media and so based on a proprietary process we’ve developed we do everything for them yet 100% of the content comes from THEM, not us. Clients love it. You can read more about it here: http://ow.ly/pSjU

Smallbizlady: What do you think is next for social media?

Lena West: What’s immediately next is more adoption and understanding — and WAY more women CEO’s releasing the fear and confusion energy surrounding social media, getting the expert help they need and stepping up to claim what was ALWAYS ours — word of mouth.

Smallbizlady: How should people approach social media?

Lena West: I place a HUGE amount of importance on personal responsibility. I believe that you should do what you say and mean what you say. I’m not perfect, but I strive for excellence. And, I believe that social media, by virtue of the medium, is making more people accountable. If you’re not who you say you are in this day and age, you’re in for it. I LOVE LOVE that!

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

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Develop Webinars to Grow Your Business

By on September 17, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, SmallBizChat, Social Media

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 Roger Courville @1080group He is known as “The Virtual Presenter.” Roger is a sought-after speaker on how to improve productivity using live webinar presentations.  Roger’s company 1080 Group, LLC, is an independent training firm that helps companies learn and optimize online presentations and Webinars For more information log on to www.thevirtualpresenter.com Roger is author of The Virtual Presenter’s Handbook. Contact Roger at roger@1080group.com

SmallBizLady:   What is a webinar?

Roger Courville:  A webinar is a web-based seminar. It is a live presentation that brings presenters and audiences together from any place in the world.  Participants view the presentation via a web browser while listening to the presenter via a telephone conference call or over the computer speakers.  If your content can be shown on a computer, it is a good candidate for a webinar.

SmallBizLady:   What are webinars used for?

Roger Courville:  You can use a webinar for – lead generation, customer training, product demonstrations, etc.  The key is you must know what your call to action is and what questions to ask to help you build and advance a pipeline.

SmallBizLady:  How can a small biz owner use webinars to boost sales? 

Roger Courville Hosting a webinar is great for capturing data to building your list.  You can capture data via registration, polls, and surveys that help you avoid missing follow-up opportunities.  Combined with registration data or exit surveys, this can be powerful for building a business. 

Smallbizlady:  What are the top 5 mistakes people make with webinars?

Roger Courville Assuming people are paying attention.  A recent survey suggests 88% of attendees are multi-tasking.  Create an experience or become background noise.

Not using dialogue or asking for participation.  The presentation still might be mostly you speaking, but you wouldn’t stand in front of 20 people in-person and never ask or answer a question, would you?  Don’t wait until the end of webinar, either.  Don’t present at people.  Communicate with them.

Death by PowerPoint.  Webinars increase the importance of having visually engaging slides.  You need to engage visually or you’ll get tuned out.  The audience isn’t captive.

Poor voice quality.  I recently conducted a study on webinar presentation best practices, and out of seventeen success factors, audiences chose “quality of the speaker’s voice or delivery” second only to “user friendly webinar solution.”  Not everyone was born with a radio voice, but everyone can use what he/she has with passion and inflection.  Remember to enunciate, and remember that what sounds exaggerated to you doesn’t sound exaggerated to your audience.

No prep or rehearsal.  Most people over-estimate their ability to “wing it.”  You’re a professional businessperson, be a professional presenter.  And professionals rehearse.

Smallbizlady:  How can you get people to attend your webinar?

Roger Courville Present a topic of value, and people will attend.  More important, if it’s quite valuable to them, they’re more likely to engage.  Multi-tasking is high in webinars.  Shut off the sales-speak or they’ll ‘change the channel.’ 

Smallbizlady:  What is the best day and time for webinars?

Roger Courville The best day and time to host a webinar is the day and time your audience is most likely to attend.  If you were to schedule a meeting with them, what do you think would be the tme in their week they’d be most likely open? The most common days/times are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 9am and 2pm local time.  That said, I’ve seen fabulously-attended webinars at odd times or right before holidays. 

Smallbizlady:  How long should a webinar be? 

Roger Courville For most presentations, unless you’re utterly awesome, keep it to less than an hour.  Training webinars are the one exception, but even there, the trend is to “chunk” content and distribute them over time rather than try to tackle too much in one session. 

Smallbizlady:  How frequently should I interact with people during a webinar?

Roger Courville Think about how frequently you’d interact in-person and make it a point to do it more frequently online. You’ll never command 100% attention, but make it a point to learn how to connect with them naturally.

Smallbizlady: Should I make recordings of my webinars?

Roger Courville I think you should always make recordings.  They’re simple to make, and they’re great backup.  Offering the recordings can be a great tool to generate additional leads, and share with someone who wanted to attend the live webinar but couldn’t.  Be sure to think through what parts of your sales process need to be live via a webinar versus what can have impact as a recording.

Keep in mind, recordings can be an awful way to deliver mission-critical messages.  Recordings don’t engage like live dialogue, and if the content is important, consider whether or not it will be effectively consumed in a recording. 

Smallbizlady:  Can I charge for webinars?

Roger Courville Absolutely.  Just like you can charge for content that is valuable that is distributed in any other medium.  Even if your webinar is free ask yourself “What would they pay for?”  Plan content that someone finds valuable, and then if it’s free there is just that much more incentive for them to register and attend.

Smallbizlady:  Can a webinar be a direct sales pitch?

Roger Courville Yes – if you’ve promoted it honestly.  Clarity in the promotional and registration page content is key.  Don’t try to boost attendance by pitching one thing and then slipping in a sales pitch. 

Alternatively, if invitees know what they’re showing up for, a direct presentation of your product or service, a webinar can be a great way to connect with people – and gather valuable feedback to advance the sales process.

Smallbizlady:  What do webinar attendees hate the most?

Roger Courville Presenters who read slides or scripts.  I know when I’m in the audience and this happens, I always want to ask, “Why didn’t you just give me a document and save us both some time?”

Content that is not as advertised.  We spoke about this already, but let me put an exclamation point behind it:  trust is the new currency of trade.  Don’t risk your brand to get a few extra attendees.

Presenters that drift off-topic.  Remember that they’re giving up something more valuable than money – their time.  Respect that by delivering what you promised.

Smallbizlady:  Name some top webinar software solutions?

Roger Courville The top players are Webex, Adobe Connect,DimDim Citrix Online, MSFT LiveMeeting, but there are 200 players – many good ones.

My recommendation is to think “easy to use,” “capturing valuable data,” and “easy to make recordings” as you shop around for a service to use.

It’s important to think about what you want to accomplish.  Free is free for a reason:  don’t save 30 bucks on a webinar solution and waste hours doing extra production or missing valuable data that could help you close sales.

Smallbizlady:  What about video?

Roger Courville Video is a valuable tool when it’s the right tool for the job.  Much of the time, however, I find clients want to use video to compensate for bad slides or a slow-moving presentation.  Remember that any additional technological “ask” of your audience means you have that much more chance of an attendee having a poor experience.  I recommend using video only if it’s critical to what you need to show, but often it’s not. 

Smallbizlady:   Why should a business owner consider conducting webinars?

Presenting in a webinar changes the focus of your audience.  How you use your voice and how well you prepare your slides increases in importance.

I’ll never advocate replacing all face-to-face talks, but I do believe that any business owner who doesn’t expand their bag of tricks is missing out on new opportunities.

Smallbizlady:   How can you turn a teleseminar into a mini-webinar?

This will appear like an ad hoc presentation, but it’s really a sales tactic.   To turn a phone call into a webinar opportunity ask you audience “Can I show you something in the next eight minutes?” at the push of a button. It a great way to  shorten the sales cycle by making tomorrow’s appointment today’s presentation.

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

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How to Quit a Job to Start a Business

By on September 3, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, SmallBizChat, Starting A Small Business

Each week as Smallbizlady, I conduct interviews with small business experts on my weekly Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. This is excerpted from my #SmallBizChat interview @SherriGarrity.  Sherri is the founder of Corporate Fugitive, a company that provides business and marketing coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners who want to go from overwhelmed to extraordinary.

In 2007, she walked away from a raise and a successful marketing career in the corporate world to start her own consulting business. During her transition she found that there wasn’t a lot of information and support out there specific to entrepreneurs coming out of a corporate environment – so she established Corporate Fugitive. She has lots of free articles and how-to information on her site at http://www.corporatefugitive.com

Smallbizlady: How did you become the corporate fugitive and what are the typical reasons people quit their jobs to start a business?

Sherri Garrity: Many people choose to leave careers behind because they want flexibility, or have reached a ceiling in their income and want to have more control over their futures. Other common reasons are a desire to leave a legacy and create something, to fulfill a dream or passion. People also start businesses because of a change in life circumstance like job loss, relocation, or post retirement. In my case I hit a wall energy and health-wise and decided that I wanted to be able to spend more time at home with my young child.

Smallbizlady: What is the number one mistake you see people making when they quit a job to start a business?

Sherri Garrity: The biggest mistake I see is when someone does not take the time to truly consider what they want from a business. As a small business owner there is little or no line between life and work, and so if you don’t take the time to really think about your income goals, the way you like to work, the kind of flexibility you want, etc. you can easily create a business that simply becomes a job in disguise.

Smallbizlady: What is the best case scenario for a start-up entrepreneur?

Sherri Garrity: When you can create a business that is uniquely suited to you, by taking the time to consider what’s best for you, who you’re ideally matched to serve, and you create the  business model that really fits you, it’s absolutely extraordinary and totally rewarding! This is the moment I strive for with business owners, is to see the light go on and their eyes widen when they realize the business is there for them to create exactly in the way that’s custom fit for them.

Smallbizlady: What are the things that someone can do first like maybe even before they quit their day job?

Sherri Garrity: It is best to do the research and test the waters while you’re still working. Think about what you want, research others who have businesses you like, and check out the market. Once you know what you want, it’s relatively easy to start a home-based business, especially with the online tools we have today. The other thing is I think what’s really valuable is to learn some basics about marketing and business and I’m not talking about being a master but you know, get some basic knowledge while you have the time to learn and your income is not dependent on it. Finally, build your network. Today with social media this is so much quicker than it used to be. Get out there and don’t worry about perfection, just take action.

Smallbizlady: What tips do you have for people who are still working for an employer while they’re developing their business?

Sherri Garrity: I think the number one is for first of all, keep it separate. You know, one of the biggest challenges, if you’re working while you’re starting a business, is what to tell people. Keep the worlds separate as much as possible and while you’re representing your employer, be the consummate professional and do your best job and absolutely do not market your independent services where you work. That’s a big no-no. It’s just not ethical and that’s not going to serve you if you try to market yourself at the same time. But if you’re out on your own time, attending an event or something, introduce yourself as the owner of your business, and do not mention that you’re also working for someone else. This makes you look disloyal to your employer and also not serious about your business. So keep it separate.

The second tip is to use the predictable income you have to invest in some of the tools you’ll need in your business.

Smallbizlady: Popular business advice is to save several months salary, or use someone else’s money to start your business. Do you have any advice in this area?

Sherri Garrity: Most of the 2500 or so new businesses that are started every day in Canada and the USA are started as sole proprietorships. Most are service based and also home based meaning most of us tend to transition from a job to working at home and usually on our own, providing services in our professional backgrounds. The first piece of advice I give to anyone contemplating making this leap is to go through the basics of what you want in a business, what you need to live on, what you’d ideally like vs what you have to make, and so on. Everyone has a different circumstance and this is also why I think that these kinds of generalized statements are unrealistic. As far as business loans go, it really depends on your type of business. Most of my clients are solo professionals who work from home providing a service and so wouldn’t require or likely qualify for a typical business loan.

Smallbizlady: What should someone expect when they quit?

Sherri Garrity:  The biggest fear people have is where they are going to get clients and how they’re going to get the money flowing. These are valid concerns, but luckily with some planning and forethought you can get things rolling pretty quickly, although you shouldn’t expect to be replacing your income right away. If you do your homework and keep marketing you’ll get the work and this will lead to more.

Smallbizlady:  Do you need to change your mindset to become an entrepreneur?

Sherri Garrity: I think the issue that no one really talks about that can be really difficult is the total mindset shift that is required. I joke about the “corporate detox” process but it really doesn’t feel that funny when you’re in the middle of it and no one told you what to expect. It can be completely exhilarating and completely terrifying at the same time. You lose your identity as an employee and all of its social stature and you enter the no man’s land of the not yet successful business owner. The other thing to remember is that you’re doing the unexpected and so many people who know you will think you’re crazy to walk away from the so called security of a corporate career. You need to develop a thick skin.

Smallbizlady: I have heard you say that business owners should CHOOSE their clients. Most think it’s the other way around. Can you explain that?

Sherri Garrity: Especially coming out of a traditional employee relationship we tend to think that our marketplace dictates our business and unfortunately many people who start businesses just take whatever work comes along. I advise that it is entirely possible to choose your clients and not only that, you SHOULD choose. You will actually make more money and enjoy your business more if you can tap into a specific unique talent that has huge value to the ideal client. Once you set up services that complement your skills and work preferences, this will make your marketing efforts more effective. You’ll be able to attract clients and connect with them in a way that will ensure they are the right fit for you. This is how you build a business instead of creating a job for yourself!

Smallbizlady: Many new business owners spread themselves really thin to take on work that maybe doesn’t fit them. They dream of getting a big client. You like to call this an anchor client. Can you talk about that?

Sherri Garrity: Many business owners are just so happy to get clients that they take whatever comes along. They think if they can land that one big secure, regular paying client that they’ll be set. This is sometimes called the anchor client. The problem with an anchor is that it is designed to weigh an object, in this case you, down! Be careful. Be clear to define your market and your ideal client. Be clear on your service offerings. It’s better to start out with less, but highly focused work than to spread yourself thin or to take clients on that don’t fit where you want to go. Also, if you are going to seek a big client, be sure you are not overly dependent on one or two for your survival.

 The biggest danger of an anchor client is that you become complacent and you stop marketing. Never stop marketing.

Smallbizlady: Many new business owners have a problem with cash flow. Can you give us advice on this?

Sherri Garrity: Cash flow is really critical. You can have high fees and lots of clients and be really strapped if you are waiting a long time to get paid. The best way to ensure consistent cash flow is to make sure you’re always marketing. The marketing actions you’re taking today are what turn into cash flow months down the road. Also structure your products and services in such a way that you’re getting predictable and regular payments. There are many ways to set your business up to encourage this.

Smallbizlady: How much time do you think should be spent on marketing and managing their business versus doing the actual work of their business?

Sherri Garrity:  I advise people they should be spending at least the equivalent of a day per week on this. In all businesses this is critical, but it’s even more so in new businesses that aren’t established yet. You can think of the business in two broad categories: marketing and operations. Marketing is the routine activities that keep you in front of your ideal client. For example, you should be spending your time developing new contacts, following up with current or past customers, attending networking events, and drawing clients in with activities like speaking, writing and so on. Think of this as part of your job as a business owner rather than a special project or something.

The other category is marketing operations. On a regular basis you must revisit your broader business and marketing plan. This means creating new services and products ahead of time, and rolling them out in a well thought out fashion.

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

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How to Become a Family First Entrepreneur

By on August 27, 2009 in My Recommendations, SmallBizChat, Starting A Small Business

Each week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with small business experts that could benefit my audience. This is excerpted from my #smallbizchat interview on Twitter with @MarcWarnke. He’s the author of  ONO, Options Not Obligations  Family First Enterpreneur.  Marc has had some incredible life experiences as a result of his entrepreneurial successes.  He was able to semi-retire for three years as his first son grew, but he is now back at it, with his first book.  Marc decided he wanted to teach others about entrepreneurism, and ONO is the result of that decision. For more info www.familyfirstentrepreneur.com

Smallbizlady:  What is ONO about?

Marc Warnke: ONO is the acronym for Options Not Obligations. It challenges readers to enrich their personal lives by rethinking their financial lives. ONO teaches a wealth creation lifestyle that focuses on making a difference first and creating profit second. 

Smallbizlady: Why did you write ONO?

Marc Warnke: Sharing my knowledge and teaching the concept of family first entrepreneurism is part of my self-defined higher purpose in life. I wanted everyone to have the opportunity I have of being able to spend less time in the pursuit of wealth and more time with the people they love.  

Smallbizlady: You call yourself a family first entrepreneur.  What does that mean?

Marc Warnke: A Family First Entrepreneur is simply someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who keeps his or her family first. Family First Entrepreneurs make business choices based on the potential impact they will have on their families first, and on business profitability second.

Smallbizlady:  What is the first step to creating options, not obligations?

Marc Warnke:  The first step is envisioning what you would want to be doing with your life if money had no bearing on your decisions. That is your higher purpose. Write your own eulogy. What would you want said about you at your funeral? (Hint: there would be no mention of your net worth) Create a financial plan through entrepreneurism that will allow you to accomplish your higher purpose. Begin with the end in mind.

Smallbizlady: Talk about a few other main points in your book.

Marc Warnke: ONO teaches readers how to preserve and create their number one asset, Time.  Kids spell love, T-I-M-E. We only have 936 weeks with our children in the home. Don’t sacrifice your time in pursuit of wealth. You don’t have to have a ton of money to have options. It breaks down to the simple principle of saving and investing.

Smallbizlady: Where should you start if you are interested in entrepreneurism?

Marc Warnke:  Find something that you enjoy doing and find a way to make money at it. Good transitions start with good decisions based on an intended outcome.  Evaluate your goals with the “Ready, Aim, Fire!” decision making process that I talk about extensively in my book. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Find mentors, ask questions, never stop learning. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Find a system that is working and imitate it. Like I say in ONO, “Imitation, Not Innovation.”

Smallbizlady:  Is it harder to become an entrepreneur in this struggling economy?

Marc Warnke: Entrepreneurism is actually growing as a whole across America. People are seeing the need to take their financial future into their own hands. When people are struggling, their instinctual will to survive kicks in. For many, entrepreneurism has become the solution to their survival.

Smallbizlady:  How do I keep family first when I am crazy busy?

Marc Warnke: It takes work. Start by keeping certain parts of every day and week sacred with your family. I eat 3 meals a day with my wife and kids. I also shut off from my business, no matter what, from 5 to the kids’ bedtime. Weekends are family time as well. Time with your family will not only show the love that every child needs to see, it will also rejuvenate you as well.

Smallbizlady: You talk a lot about spirituality. Why do you feel that it is important in business?

Marc Warnke: A misunderstanding of what one is in control of leads to stagnation because it locks you into shame of the past or fear of the future. Clean and clear spirituality in your business life lends serenity to your family life. Spiritually in business allows for a clear sense that the only two things you can control are your choices and behaviors. Please be clear that I’m endorsing a spiritual life and have no agenda with your religious life.

Smallbizlady: Which is more important when building net worth, income or spending habits?

Marc Warnke: Spending. It’s not about how much you make, it’s about how much you save and invest. American families are threatened, not by an income problem, but by a spending problem. The key is to understand your needs vs wants and to have a powerful reason to stick to a spending strategy, like time with your family.

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 { 2 }

Healthcare Reform and Your Small Business

By on August 20, 2009 in Cash Flow & Finance, My Recommendations, SmallBizChat

Other than payroll, healthcare benefits represent the second or third largest cost center in any small business.  Subsequently, too many small business owners often cannot afford to provide health insurance coverage for their employees.  The current heath care debate presents an excellent opportunity to examine the pros and cons of the health care reform bill proposals.

Each week as Smallbizlady, I conduct interviews with small business experts on my weekly Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat.  This interview is excerpted from my #SmallBizChat interview with Dawn Rivers Baker, one of the nation’s most prominent experts on microbusiness.  Her activities on behalf of small businesses range from offering input on federal legislation to addressing audiences around the globe.  She has followed the healthcare reform debate very closely.

Smallbizlady:  What are the key features of the health care reform bill? 

Dawn Rivers Baker: First, there’s more than one health care reform bill. There’s one in the House and at least two in the Senate.  Common features include an individual mandate, tax credit for firms that offer coverage, “pay or play” provisions, and subsidies for poor folks. It also eliminates discrimination for pre-existing conditions, gender discrimination, and lifetime and yearly limits on coverage.

Smallbizlady:  Is the healthcare reform bill good for small businesses?

Dawn Rivers Baker: It’s a mixed bag, some good, some bad but much better than what we have now. There is a $1,000 tax credit per employee ($2,000 for family coverage) each year, more if an employer contributes more than 60% of the health insurance premium.

Smallbizlady:  Are their any down sides to the healthcare reform bill for small business owners?

Dawn Rivers Baker: There is a “Pay or Play” employer mandate that applies to firms with 10 or more employees.  There’s also still no allowable premium deduction as a business expense. This means that self-employed Schedule C filers will still pay FICA taxes on health insurance premiums.

Smallbizlady:  How will the health care reform bill affect small businesses who offer insurance benefits?

Dawn Rivers Baker:  The only impact will be that they will have more choices of plans and more tax credits for coverage.

Smallbizlady: I have seen some statistics that say small business owners on average pay 18% higher insurance premiums than large businesses.  A few years ago my firm’s healthcare premium was raised 62% with a month’s notice. Isn’t the health care insurance exchange designed to fix that?     

Dawn Rivers Baker:  The Health Care Insurance Exchange (HIE) can only be used by individuals (who don’t have acceptable coverage already) and (in two years) by employers with less than 20 employees.  So, the plans offered in the HIE will give individuals and small businesses the group-negotiating power of a larger employer. This will hopefully eliminate things like what you experienced.

Smallbizlady:  Will small business owners who do not offer health insurance before forced to do so?

Dawn Rivers Baker: You can’t FORCE them to provide health insurance. There will be a “pay or play” provision: cover your workers or pay into this kitty to help pay for premium subsidies.

Smallbizlady:  What about mental health benefits under the health care reform bills?

Dawn Rivers Baker: The House Bill, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 H.R. 3200 requires covered services, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health services, preventive services, maternity care, and children health care including dental, vision, and hearing services and equipment. It limits annual out-of-pocket expenses to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a family.

Smallbizlady:  How are solopreneurs and 1099 freelancers covered under the bill? I believe it says if you don’t have coverage, you will have a 2.5% tax on   your adjusted gross income.

Dawn Rivers Baker: It is not clear. It depends on what happens with the public option and with the health insurance exchange.

Smallbizlady:  Will I get to keep my health insurance coverage, if I like it?

Dawn Rivers Baker: If you can afford to pay for it, yes.

Smallbizlady:  What if you are a business owner whose health insurance is covered by your spouse’s job, will you need to provide health insurance to employees?

Dawn Rivers Baker: Yes, if you have 10 or more employees. The “pay or play” employer mandate applies to firms with more than 10 employees.

Smallbizlady:  What should a business owner do who supports health care reform?

Dawn Rivers Baker: They should contact their elected representatives to express support. Use Congress.org to look them up if you don’t know who they are.

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

Additional resources:

“Reality Check FAQs,” WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 11, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#i1

The List on Health Care (Insurance) Reform Bill Nowpublic.com August 7, 2009
http://www.nowpublic.com/health/list-health-care-insurance-reform-bill

“What exactly is in the Healthcare Reform Bill” Smallbiztrends.com, July 18, 2009 http://smallbiztrends.com/2009/07/what-exactly-is-in-that-healthcare-reform-bill.html

“Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan,” Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124580516633344953.html

“5 freedoms you’d lose in health care reform” Fortune June 24, 2009 http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/24/news/economy/health_care_reform_obama.fortune/

“Healthcare Reform Fit For Small Business,” BusinessWeek Small Business May 6, 2009 http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/running_small_business/archives/2009/05/health_reform_f.html

Comments { 4 }

Managing a Crisis In Your Small Business

By on August 13, 2009 in Branding & Marketing, SmallBizChat

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 Jane Jordan-Meier @aussiechic on Twitter.  Jane is a famous import from Australia.  She has worked for many years in and around the media and consulted on crisis communication in the sports industry and with corporate clients.  She’s run two million dollar businesses, including her own PR firm.  She’s also working on an upcoming book on crisis media management. 

SmallBizLady:  What are the warning signs that you are in the midst of a business crisis?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  1) Sudden unexpected, unwanted media attention; sudden unexpected negative mentions on twitter, negative video on You Tube.  2) If a relatively flat-performing employee is enjoying unprecedented success.  They could be doing something illegal or against company policy.  3) A customer who used to complain a lot has suddenly stopped voicing their opinion so strongly. They are probably on-line being nasty.  4) Unfortunately many business crises go unnoticed, are deliberately avoided or pushed under the proverbial carpet – until something gets the nation and the business’s attention think United Airlines, smashed guitars and a You Tube hit

SmallBizLady:  Are there any special skills needed for effective crisis communication?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  You must be very calm under the intense pressure.  It’s best to show empathy – put yourself in your customers/employees/victims’ shoes.  Be authentic, genuine & transparent as opposed to evasive, defensive & negative.  Be humble & admit when you’re wrong.  Be tactical in your responses, never appear reactive.  To speak persuasively, speak in everyday language to command a high level of respect.

SmallBizLady:  What is a crisis communication plan and why does a small business need one?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  When the unexpected happens you need a plan for what to say, when to say it, how to say it, where to say it, why and who will communicate the critical messages. A crisis communication plan is designed to minimize damage to the business brand and basically shapes how the story is told.  Knowing what to say and having a plan for what to say and DO is far better than having to “make it up” in the heat of the moment.  Most businesses that go thru a crisis loose significant business. 40% never re-open, 25% fail within 2 years.

SmallBizLady:  What needs to be in a crisis communication plan?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  The #1 thing to have is an up to date contact list!  It sounds simple but so many businesses fail to keep theirs up to date.  The list should include the business owners, an identified spokesperson, key vendors, external advisers (e.g. legal, CPA, PR) key clients (top 5 list), one-page fact sheet on the company, the products (and logo) in camera-ready condition & available on a CD/DVD in generally-accepted word processor format.  You also need a pre-written frequently asked questions list that you have generated through your crisis scenario planning.

SmallBizLady: How long does it take to put a plan together? How do you get started?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  Start by imagining what could go wrong – the more bizarre the better.  Ask tough questions and involve your staff.  How would it look if our problems were on the front page of the Wall Street Journal?  Would we survive that test?  Practice scenario playing – get a facilitator or someone independent from outside the business to help you brainstorm.  You could do a plan in five minutes on the back of an envelope over a lunch if you ask the right questions! A good basic plan will take about 20-30 hrs.  Spend $1 on preparedness and save $9 on response.

SmallBizLady: What do you say in a crisis? What are the rules?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  There are 3 key questions that need to be answered in every crisis – what happened? How did this happen? What are you going to do to ensure it never happens again?  There are also some critical no-no’s in a crisis.  Release a statement within the first hour of something happens.  Telling angry or frightened people to calm down has the reverse effect.  Acknowledge the public’s concern and apologize for mistakes.

SmallBizLady:  Should you use the same tactics in managing a crisis online as you would with a typical business crisis?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  One of the big problems today is that a lot of people are treating every negative comment on-line as a crisis, when it’s not!  It’s a negative issue that needs to be managed.  The big difference today is speed – your reputation could be tarnished in hours if not seconds, so if it’s a REAL threat to your business ENGAGE & engage quickly.  Also it depends if the issue goes viral or is isolated to a couple of negative tweets.  The speed may have changed but the principles have not – act fast, tell it all and do it so with compassion, authenticity & transparency.

SmallBizLady: Can you list three steps to protect your reputation online?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  Most important asset to any business, small or large, is its employees so keep them engaged and informed.  Unhappy employees can turn rogue.  Be authentic, be engaged, and be prepared to share insights and tips.  Be a good corporate citizen.  Never spam.  Never attack, put dollars in the trust bank.  Set up listening posts to monitor your brand – check twitter 3 times a day and key blogs daily.

SmallBizLady: How do you manage the media in a crisis?

Jane Jordan-Meier:  Act fast; get a statement out within the first hour that says what happened & what steps you are taking to fix the problem.  Respect and meet media deadlines, and be available.  If not they will turn to someone else to fill the vacuum & that person is unlikely to have your best interests at heart.  Have a strong, simple, consistent message & run it through the cynic filter before you speak or do anything.  Give some background to the situation to put the incident into context, BUT only after you have expressed empathy & talked about the actions you have taken.  Never repeat the negative of the question – state what you are doing in positive, use active language. Hire a PR person to assist with media training.

SmallBizLady:  Who should be a spokesperson in a crisis?

Jane Jordan-Meier: It depends on the type and scale of the crisis, and whether your business has a significant profile in your industry or town.  Go with a spokesperson that is well-spoken. If the CEO does badly, where do you go from there? The spokesperson must have credibility, must be believable, must look and sound trustworthy to be acceptable to your key audiences. The spokesperson must be able to handle the anxiety of standing before reporters and cameras.  If you run a franchise, then you as the franchise owner may have more credibility in the local area then the President of the franchise corporation.

 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 { 2 }

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 }