If you want your company to succeed at brand journalism (aka corporate media gone social), you better know how to tell a good story. Otherwise, be prepared to take a lot of heat from its critics who would be elated to escort "brand journalism" out of 2013 STAT. Brands, of course, love it, because it enables them to bypass the media and take their message directly to the … [Read more...]
Raising Capital Through Crowdfunding
The search for capital has been significant among the business community. As the recession reared its ugly head in 2007 businesses started to see capital tightening up and were unable to get the standard loans and lines of credit they counted on for help with cash flow, equipment purchases and expansion. Large investors saw a crimp in their disposable cash as they had to shore … [Read more...]
Ready, Set, GOals!
People with goals succeed because they know where they're going. —Earl Nightingale I don't typically start my day off on a mathematical note, but a date of 12/12/12 is hard to ignore. Add into the mix, the approaching season of resolutions and goal-setting, and suddenly 3, 6 & 9—all divisors of 12 and standard monthly intervals—popped into my head. From there it was an … [Read more...]
The Social Media Cocktail Party
Being on every social media platform doesn't make the woman, or her business - her interactions do. There are literally hundreds of social media platforms out there. If you type in 'social media platforms list' you will see that there are tons. You think I'm kidding? Go ahead, I'll wait. Being successful at social media is not measured by how many platforms you have a … [Read more...]
My Business After Hurricane Sandy: Creating a Contingency Plan
Hurricane Sandy was a monumental, hopefully once in a lifetime, storm. As the hurricane approached the East Coast many people frantically prepared to keep their families safe and supplies stocked. There was a run on the stores as people purchased enough food to last for a week, water to drink and gas to run generators and cars. Preparing for the storm consumed most of the … [Read more...]
Knowing Your Role
What is your role? How do you describe it? When someone asks what you do or what your business is, do you have your answer? You should! You should be able to sum up a basic plot of who you are and/or what you do in a few sentences to capture their attention and leave them wanting to know more! For a business it should be quick basics of what you handle/do/deal with, why … [Read more...]
Retirement Options For The Self Employed
Starting a business is a key component of the American dream. The entrepreneurial spirit is as old as the explorers that first graced our shores. It was the quest for something better, desire for exploration and discovery along with financial gain that led European explorers to raise funds, hire a crew and set sail for the New World. America was built on the innovations of … [Read more...]
Risk Taking Women Entrepreneurs
Gambling on a Calculated Risk Roll the dice...and trust that the odds will be in your favor and if they aren't "May the odds be ever in your favor" (sorry I couldn't help myself), you have to be willing to do what it takes to turn the tables. Sometimes you just have to go for it. The one thing all entrepreneurs have in common...they took a risk. If they hadn't, they … [Read more...]
Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Be Productive: Lessons From My Dad
Don't Worry Be Happy and Be Productive A simple phrase, or lyrics as it may be. My father uttered these words to me on a regular basis as a child, and occasionally still does today. I remember listening to that song in my dad’s old den, and not really getting it. I lived with my dad, and to his credit I think he raised a me to be a pretty awesome woman with a strong sense … [Read more...]
Running Lean and Mean: Do the Research before You Buy
Guest post by Jennifer Ulrich, Project Manager of Source One Management Services (learn more about Jennifer at the end of this post) In a recovering economy, businesses can’t afford to lose labor resources, but need to continue to trim their budgets. There is a goldmine of cost savings potential hidden in the very things companies buy to run their business. One of the key … [Read more...]