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This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing book marketing expert John Kremer on the Lifestyle CEO Show. According to John, no matter what kind of buisness you have these days, you also need a book. By way of example, he shared how a New York dentist who sells Zellies, a chewable product to clean and protect teeth and freshen breath, uses a self-published book to enhance product sales and promote brand awareness. The book includes information on how to avoid going to the dentist. What a perfect complement to the product she sells! The combination is a powerful 1-2 punch that makes it hard not to buy one when you've already committed to buying the other. What sense would it make to buy Zellies without also getting a book to help you understand how best to use them?
What information do you have that can encourage people to buy your product? Connect these dots by writing for as little as an hour a day for 30 days and you'll have a book and the makings of a new way to get the word out about your products and while generating another stream of income. What's not to love?!
To enjoy John's interview and all of the other Lifestyle CEO Shows, click here.
In a pamphlet entitled, "Preparing for a Financial Setback," Northwest Airlines recently advised employees who are possible targets for layoffs that they should always be prepared for life's little financial emergencies. In addition to the very helpful admonishment to "manage money better," Northwest cheerfully reminded everyone that there is no shame in "pulling something you like out of the trash." Another meaty tidbit encouraged people who might be about to lose their jobs to take "a walk along the beach or in the woods."
For all you corporate leaders who are contemplating similar layoffs, why not give your employees some real advice? Tell them to start their own business.
Don't worry about creating a fancy pamphlet like Northwest Airlines did. A short letter will suffice. To make it easy, I've drafted one for you. Simply insert your company name and cut and paste. Oh, and one more thing! Don't worry about going to the expense of mailing it out via snail mail. Take a tip from Radio Shack, which recently used email to layoff hundreds of employees. Now how easy was that?!
To get your draft letter, continue reading.
Continue reading "To Our Valued Employees ..." »
 Tired of being trying to be all things to all people? If so, take a tip from Mickey & Co. (Note: Mickey's photo courtesy of one-time use policy of The Walt Disney Co.).
MSNBC reports that The Walt Disney Co. is dumping high level executives in charge of labor intensive projects that do not result in lucrative licensing deals. Riding high on the success of the Pirates of the Carribean movie franchise, Disney is proof that the power of one good project can far outweigh the benefits of many mediocre ones. Check out the Pirate Goodie Store, where you can buy back packs, tee shirts, watches, lamps, sheets, snow globes and about anything else you can stick a skull and crossbones on.
So the next time you consider adding a new product to your line, think first about whether simply expanding the power of an existing one might be a better strategy.
More money.
Less work.
More family time.
Isn't that what you're in business for in the first place?
I get many requests from people who want to see more pictures of my kids. Of course I love their photos so I'm happy to share them on occasion
Take this one for example. My husband bought our 2-year old son, Brooks, his first bike with training wheels, complete with a sporty new helmet with a frog motif. At nap time, he refused to take it off and the result is adorable. I hope you agree.
Well, since I do more all day than stare at my kids' pictures, it's back to work.
There's a lot of talk this month about the celebration on July 6 of President Bush's 60th birthday. Despite how I feel about his political persuasions, I am consistently impressed with his personal message and example of health and fitness. I wish he were more vocal (and perhaps knowledgeable) about the impact of aging on some of his peers who, unlike him, will have to work well beyond the traditional retirement age of 65. Of course Prez won't have to find sources of income since he can live off of his family's financial investments and healthy checks from Texas and federal government retirement funds. But for most people who are honing on on 40, 50 and beyond, the options are limited. Many are finding that they have to work well beyond age 65 in order to live comfortably, yet the traditional work place is decidedly brutal and unforgiving when it comes to accommodating more experienced workers.
Take the case of 60-year old Richard Rocco ...
Continue reading "Get A Gig Of Your Own Before It's Too Late" »
As a small business owner selling products by the hundreds per month that mega-companies sell by the hundreds per minute, do you ever wonder if there are enough people to buy your "indie" product when so many are buying the mega-company brands? If so, stop wondering and just get to work selling your wares. If the microbrewery industry is any indication, indie has more appeal -- and the big boys know it. This means that if you are willing to work hard, you're already a winner no matter what.
Continue reading "Indie Has More Appeal -- And The Big Boys Know It!" »
How many times have you sat down in front of your computer or in your office and just stared at the walls because you didn't know what to do next. If you're a mom like me, it probably wasn't long before someone in the house found something for you to do. But let's say the young ones are out for a while and it's just you trying to figure out how to get your business from where it is now to where you want it to be -- generating more cash flow! Sound familiar? If so, then these Simple Steps To Make Your Cash Register Ring are for you.
Continue reading "Simple Steps To Make Your Cash Register Ring" »
A few years ago I met Marla Russo through a member of the Handmade Beauty Network. At the time, I didn't know much about public relations and since meeting Marla, I still don't know everything, but I know a whole lot more than I did then. Marla is the founder and president of Bella PR where for the past five years, she has represented women-owned businesses to the most influential editors in the magazine publishing industry. If you want to generate buzz about your products but don't know where to start, here's Marla's advice.
Continue reading "The "Buzz" on a Budget" »
I am the Business columnist for District Chronicles, a Washington, DC neighborhood weekly newspaper. My columns provide helpful information and tips to encourage and inspire small business owners to new heights. A few months ago, I received an email from someone who saw my column. "Karla" invited me to "speak briefly" at a breakfast event with a recognized "sports celebrity". Her email stated the event date and time, and asked me to RSVP soon since seating was limited. Karla did not say how long I was expected to speak, who the audience was, how many people to expect, who the sponsor of the event was or any other helpful information. The invitation ended with her name and phone number, but no business information. Don't you just hate that?!
Continue reading "Be For Real!" »
I recently enjoyed a talk radio show where the guest discussed the future of unions in this country. One of the things he recounted was the air traffic controller strike that occurred in the 1980's. President Reagan ordered the striking workers back to their jobs under threat of termination. Those who did not heed his order were fired. Those who stayed on are now headed for handsome retirement packages.
The workers replacing them today are being offered jobs that pay only 70% of the outgoing workers' salary. Mind you, inflation is rising far faster than wages, even when wages are headed in a positive direction! The handwriting is on the wall, and it's not in pencil or subtle black ink. It's in bold fluorescent colors and blinking wildly to get our attention. No matter where you work, who you work for or what you do, now is the time to start your own business.
I used to date a guy who had trouble holding a job. When I expressed my concern about this, he told me, "Don't worry about me. I'll always have a hustle." I had visions of him pimping and selling drugs on street corners. I don't know what he's doing today, but I think at least part of what he was trying to say was that he would never rely on other people to meet his needs.
It's great to have a job, but these days, you also need a hustle.
What's your hustle?
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