City Director’s Note
Kimberly Pitts
Hello Dallas!
H
ello Friends!
I just got off the phone with a woman – and it struck me so much, I sat down to write you. Like you, she wants to grow her business to create a better life for herself and her family. So when I asked her what were the top 3 actions she was taking to reach this goal, she said – “I’m working on my website and getting my packages together. It’s taking me a few months to get them together and I am getting frustrated because I need to start making money.” This is a smart woman, but she doesn’t have enough clients. And yet she is sitting at home, thinking and “working on her website.” Now, I will tell you the same thing I told her – Those activities will NOT lead to clients, money, or freedom. One of the biggest things I teach rising business owners is how to think. Because – strange but true – as smart people, we often make things WAY more complicated than they need to be. If you want to make more money and get more clients, here’s what I suggest: •
Stop doing ANYTHING that doesn’t relate to you talking to potential clients and asking them to work with you. When you start your day, make a list of the 3 activities that will make you money. Usually, it’s talking to potential clients or following up. Do them before noon.
•
Reach out to 10 people who could refer you business this week. Set up meetings with them and ask how you can help them. Help them.
•
Focus on ONE skill you need to reach your goals. Maybe it’s learning how to get clients from speaking events. Maybe it’s asking potential clients for money without feeling pushy or nervous. Name the skill, then figure out how you will develop it in yourself.
More times than not, you have a to-do list that’s way too long. The key here is to put your focus on two things – getting clients and building your skills. The truth is, we can never feel ready. It’s always too soon. And “preparing” often keeps us where we are comfortable – working on our own, dreaming our dreams, playing with ideas. The key is action. Get out. Talk to people. Work on your skills, one at a time. And never, ever forget that the best way to learn is not by trying to be perfect– it’s to get out there and take some risks. No, not all of them will work. But I promise you, you’ll learn way more this way… and make more of a difference, too. All the best in 2015! Kimberly
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3
From The Publisher
H
appy 2015! A new year – FULL of exciting possibilities! What are you committing to? Last year, I made many New Year’s resolutions – and for the first time in years, STUCK with them. I created MASSIVE change in my life with small shifts. Are you ready to make 2015 YOUR year? I have launched the #YESICAN movement with the “Your Daily YES” program – providing inspiration, motivation and accountability to create your YESICAN year.
What do you have to do? COMMIT!!! That’s it. Commit to yourself and your BIG life, your BIG dream, your BIG #YESICAN! For your business #YESICAN goals, be sure to visit our website and bookmark it – www. todaysinnovativewoman.com – we have MULTIPLE articles that post EVERY DAY to help support you in your growth, providing quick implementable tips and tools. And if you haven’t already done so, grab our APP on the iTunes and Google Play store. There you can access our website and actual magazines ON THE GO – so you always have reading material with you! Scan the barcode below to download the app! Here’s to a profitable 2015 – both in business and the personal, and in matters of the head and heart! Here’s to your #YESICAN!
P.S. We are opening new cities and recruiting new City Directors! Interested? Check out our website or shoot me an email – cathy@todaysinnovativewoman.com! I’d love to hear from you!
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January/February 2015
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IN THIS ISSUE
All About You
8 How To Put the Zing Into Social Media
14 Keys to Saying “I’m done!” Before You Plan “What’s Next” 12 One Simple Step To Smart Delegation 18 Create Your List Of Never 14 Are You On A Learning Curve? 30 12 Smart And Healthy Things 16 You Should Focus On This Year 20 34 Go Ahead! Break That Mirror! No Bad Luck Involved 24
Website Trends For 2015 Nurturing Business Relationships The Boomerang Effect
All About Success
26 When Should You Pay And Not Pay to Speak? 22 Sharon Lechter: Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker 28 Important Information Needed To Process 1099 Forms All About Business 6 Does Your Networking Need Refreshing?
32 Get Ready, Get Set, Now Shhhh...
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5
All About Business
Does Your Networking Need Refreshing? by Tish Times
F
ebreeze ® recently released a hilarious commercial. The commercial describes how consistent exposure to an unpleasant smell can cause your senses to acclimate, leaving you incapable of smelling the offensive odor. When visitors come in, however, the scent is quite obvious. Watching the commercial, I realized the similarity to networking. Networkers often become oblivious to their impact while networking. Think of a situation where someone wouldn’t let you get a word in edgewise. Recall how someone tried to sell you their product or service without knowing anything about your needs or developing a relationship with you. Consider the person who is outright obnoxious and turns most people off with their personality. What about the person who doesn’t show much confidence, so they don’t present themselves as an expert? They leave the prospective client unimpressed and not convinced that they can solve their problem. Do you think these folks are aware of the impact they are making? Most people are blind to the impression they leave. Many networkers have had these behaviors for so long, they are unaware of the detriment it causes their business. How do you avoid being unmindful to the fact that your networking stinks? Gauge your success in the following areas: •
Are you easily scheduling appointments with prospective clients whom you’ve met at networking events?
•
Can you track the revenue that came exclusively from your networking efforts? Are you seeing substantial return from your efforts?
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January/February 2015
•
Have you developed a post networking routine that helps you to systematically follow up on a consistent basis?
If you can’t positively answer these questions, it’s possible that your networking could use some refreshing. Networking can and should increase your net worth while developing mutually beneficial relationships. Let’s chat! Email us at info@tishtimes.com to schedule a discovery session today! Tish Times, founder and CEO of HireTimes Training & Coaching Group, uses a unique approach to networking in order to help companies increase employee engagement, improve camaraderie, minimize silos and create cross training programs in the workplace. Tish also coaches entrepreneurs to amplify their business and increase profits with unparalleled networking strategies. Please visit www.TishTimes.com to get your complimentary video series “From Connections to Cash”. For coaching or speaking engagements contact info@tishtimes.com
Increasing your Net Worth with Networking.
The best marketing you can do for your company is to have AWESOME, well-trained, engaged employees! I help to unlock the strengths and talents of your team, inspiring them to become more productive, take ownership for their position, get better results, and positively impact your bottom line.
tish@tishtimes.com 915.261.5518 cell
Phoenix Area: 1300 S. Watson Ste A-114 Buckeye, AZ 85326
El Paso Area: 811 Chelsea, Suite B El Paso, TX 79903
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7
All About Business
How To Put The Zing Into Social Media!
by Jody Harris
H
ow many of you are using social media? If you are not using social media….why not? If you are using social media do you feel like a fish in a barrel? The hope of utilizing social media is to connect with new and existing consumers and by making your product or service more visible. The first thing I realized about social media is that you have to build momentum and the results don’t happen as consistently as we would hope. Therefore, by focusing and implementing these five items you will not only be a social media guru but your success with social media will be proven by increased visualization and increased profits.
Branding – Utilizing social media to brand your product or service is crucial. With your content and effort you can build a reputation for your brand around your company’s message and offerings. I post a message or an offering ever day for my product ZippedMe. Community – Social media allows you to cultivate a neighborhood. Your customers will emotionally connect with you and you have the opportunity to have valuable dialog with them. This type of connection is more powerful than paid marketing research. Personally, I have seen my sales for ZippedMe increase due to cultivating my social media neighborhood. Exposure – There is an old marketing saying that says it takes six to eight direct exposures before a customer understands your product or service. Social media allows you to repeat direct exposure with your network. You have the opportunity to provide your customer with repetitive dialog about how your product works and the benefit of them purchasing your product or service. Repetitive exposure will shorten the time of a customer committing to purchase your product or service. My invention, the ZippedMe has been exposed all over the world because of social media.
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Impact – As you build your network your influence increases. Once you have a considerable social media audience you develop a snowball effect that will draw in new customers, media opportunities and collaborations with partners. Website traffic – Your social media can lead traffic to your website. By sharing post, specials, and videos, you are generating traffic to your website. You can monitor your traffic by utilizing monitoring software. Personally, I use Google Analytics because it generates detailed statistics about the visitors to my website, zippedme.com. It also measures conversion from my social media site to my website. Many women entrepreneurs are trying to validate the expense and time management of handling their social media. Do you spend money hiring someone to promote you on your social media platforms? Or do you just pick one social media platform and post daily updates? Personally, I do my own posting on social media and I utilize Socialzing to promote ZippedMe. It is an exciting new social marketing platform that will help you promote your business on all social media sites, build your network, and send out email and text all in one place. By focusing on one source for all your social media connections, you have an opportunity to see proven results through increased profits and an increase demand for your brand. Check out my Socialzing website at http:// zippedme.socialzing.me it will change the way you view your social media.
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9
All About You
Keys to Saying “I’m done!” Before You Plan“What’s Next” by Susan Tolles
I
t’s a new year, and everywhere you turn there are self-help articles about goal setting, resolutions and your one-year plan. Before casting your vision for your best year yet, spend some time considering things you will leave behind, the things that held you back from achieving some of your 2014 goals. It’s time to say “I’m done!” with the anchors that have weighed you down so your “What’s next?” will be bigger and brighter. I’m Done With Putting Myself Last. We are career women, mothers, caregivers, lovers, volunteers, homemakers…the list goes on and on. We put everyone and everything else on the top of our to-do list, depleting our reserves along the way. Putting yourself first should be a top priority for the new year. When you focus on your overall wellness, you will experience peak performance in your personal and professional lives. A healthy mind will give you clarity and keep you focused on priorities and goals for maximum productivity. A healthy body will give you sustained energy and a vibrant life. A strong faith will give you direction. I’m done with perfectionism. Way too often, we compare ourselves to others, wishing we were smarter, younger, thinner, more successful—the list goes on and on. Perfectionism prevents us from savoring the goodness in life, being consumed instead with competing with others and conforming to the world’s standards. Instead of comparing yourself with others, compare yourself with you! Where were you five years ago, or even a year ago? Use yourself as your measuring stick, not someone else’s accomplishments.
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I’m Done with Fear. What is holding you back from taking that leap of faith toward a more fulfilling life? Are you afraid of what might happen, or of whose feelings you might hurt? Does the fear of failure keep you from trying something new? Fear is the one thing that can totally paralyze us and keep us stuck in neutral, afraid to release the emergency brake to begin our exhilarating ride. Instead of allowing fear to rule your life, ask yourself: “What’s the worst that can happen?” Visualize the best outcome, not the worst. Are you willing to forego that best outcome because you are afraid to pursue it? I’m done with Bucket Dippers. In the book How Full is Your Bucket, we are challenged to consider who fills our bucket each day and who dips from it. When we are around people who “dip from our bucket,” our confidence and joy diminish. Likewise, when we dip form others’ buckets with our negative attitudes and talk, we make them feel small and infuse frustration and anger in to their lives. If we fill the buckets of those around us, then our buckets are filled too! Today, make a list of your friends, then note beside each one “fill” “level” or “dip.” Allow yourself to let go of all who dip from your bucket, knowing that you will find others who want the same things and who will support you in whatever you do. Surround yourself with more bucket fillers and get ready to soar!
Susan Tolles is the Founder of The Flourishing Life™, a Market Director with the Mentoring Women’s Network®, and a Certified Life Purpose Coach® whose clients surround the globe. Her expert guidance leads women to celebrate their unique value, follow their life’s calling and live authentically from the inside out. Susan is a passionate advocate for professional women, equipping and motivating them to envision more and reach higher, building a career they love without sacrificing their personal wellbeing. Through Susan’s dynamic coaching programs, workshops and keynote speeches, she teaches women to live, lead and succeed with purpose for a more meaningful, focused life.
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11
All About Business
One Simple Step to
Smart Delegation by Joy Chudacoff who are ready to get support, that will free them up to take their business to that next level of success.
T
he one question I get asked over and over from women entrepreneurs is: “How do you know what to delegate to an assistant?” I love this question because it tells me you realize that you can’t (and shouldn’t) try to do it all in your business, and you’re ready to get the support you need. Nearly ten years ago when I founded Smart Women Smart Solutions®, I was involved in every aspect of running my business, but as things started to take off and my business gained momentum, I found myself becoming exhausted with all the “to-do’s”. I realized that no matter how efficient I was, I’d never get to the bottom of the list, plus my energy was in slow drip mode for my family. It’s nearly impossible to take your business to the next level of success if you’re spending your day buried in all the administrative work and details. It’s time to get some help! One simple step you can take to uncover what to delegate to your first hire is an inventory of your week. This is an exercise I give many of my clients
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Grab a pencil and paper,or record in the note section of your smart phone every single task you are doing in your business for one week (even sharpening a pencil). Once the list is complete, go back and thoughtfully circle those tasks that only you can do. The items circled should be directly related to your area of expertise (the result that people are hiring you for), and marketing to grow the company. There should be no more
than four to five tasks that are circled. Everything that’s not circled should be considered for delegation to an assistant. When I made the decision to make my first hire and did this exercise, the
January/February 2015
delegation decision was easy for me. I knew that I didn’t enjoy the technology aspect of my business so I began to look for someone that could help me with that. I also knew that scheduling calls and appointments was also not a good use of my time, so I delegated that as well. This exercise really works and can illuminate quickly and easily what needs to be outsourced to someone else. Joy Chudacoff is Heralded as “The Coach for Women” in the millennium, Joy Chudacoff has x-ray vision when it comes to helping women discover their Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals! Joy draws on both her personal life and entrepreneurial experiences to support women in achieving better ways of living. It’s her passion, her purpose and her business. She is a Professional Certified Coach, highly skilled group leader, motivational speaker and a gifted communicator. Visit Joy’s website, SmartWomenSolutions.com, where you’ll find more articles plus information about her Women’s Success Circles, Smart Women Smart Solutions Coach Certification Programs, Speaking engagements, teleclasses and upcoming events for women. Joy can be reached at 310-454-2005 or by email, Joy@SmartWomenSolutions.com.
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All About Business
Are You On A Learning Curve? by Debbie Saviano
H
appy New Year!
2015 has been designated as the “International Year of Light” by the United Nations as a tribute to several major scientific anniversaries, which will take place over the next 12 months. It seems appropriate since technology is so intertwined with our daily lives. The New Year is the perfect time to commit to learning something new for your business, and thanks to a variety of websites, the internet can be the perfect “classroom”. One of the biggest challenges that users voice, is the vast amount of information available today and just how difficult it is to keep abreast of it all. So much to learn and so little time! If you are anxious to learn how to sharpen your skills, then GROVO is for you! www.Grovo.com. This unique website has a free option, or an upgrade for less than $10.00 per month. GROVO offers 1 minute videos along with lessons, which come with scripts and even quizzes to test your level of knowledge. You can select videos from a variety of categories: • • • • • •
Internet Fundamentals Lifestyle Selling & Marketing Work & Productivity Social Media Branding
As an educational site, GROVO is ideal for personal use, but an added value is the ability to offer assistance to your teams by: assigning learning tracks, setting up due dates for projects, as well as having the ability to monitor
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progress. The user can even download the lesson summary with the note section, as well as add it to “My Learning”. GROVO recognizes the importance of sharing across the social media platforms of Facebook – Twitter – Google + - LinkedIn – StumbleUpon and reddit and all it takes is a click to share. GROVO is designed to provide in depth learning ranging from blogging, social media, security, branding, leadership and marketing just to name a few; and all are for the benefit of increasing knowledge. Let 2015 be the year you commit to learning new skills which are designed for elevating your business. And remember, GROVO is an easy to use resource created to make it easy for you and improve your learning curve. Debbie Saviano is a solopreneur whose daily mantra is to “help professionals take
action and create an online presence by developing, nurturing and maintaining relationships.” Debbie utilizes social media to connect, network and engage with others. She is an advocate for “continuing the conversations”. Thanks to the internet highway, borders are no more; people can interact and communicate around the globe. Professionals from across the country call Debbie for her unique skill set in designing LinkedIn profiles & Pinterest platforms aimed at engagement and retention toward a target market. Debbie also provides business solutions to small businesses who seek to utilize social media to enhance their brand, improve skills of their employees, expand social proof and establish an online presence. www.DebbieSaviano.com.
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All About Business
5 Website Trends For 2015 by Linda Cotter
W
hen it comes to your website, your creativity is constantly on display. In order to stay fresh, you need to make sure that you are up-to-date with the latest design trends. Does your website offer prospective clients the same verve you inspire? If not, an online refresh should be added to your list of New Years resolutions. Here are five trends you’ll want to consider going into 2015. 1. Responsive design is essential. Chances are, someone is going to discover your homepage while staring at a mobile device this year. Your site must perform well on all screens. 2. Big images and beautiful fonts grab attention; so don’t be afraid to cover the width of your page. Draw visitors in with expressive imagery and elegant, stylized content. Be big with your visuals, and concise with your text. Size does matter. 3. Parallax scrolling is a new website design which allows foreground objects to travel faster than background images as a visitor moves down your page. When done correctly, the effect adds depth, inviting prospective clients to spend more time on your website. However, it is important that you make sure you check with your website designer to see if this is the best fit for you and your business. 4. Flat design utilizes bright solid colors, bold icons and crisp typography. If this suits your style, it can be a smart way to simplify the user experience. It has a clean, professional appearance which accentuates the content of your website. 5. Multi-media usage continues to be the most effective way of relaying information to an ever fickle and restless audience. As loading time is
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crucial to your website’s functionality, always be mindful of the quantity and length of videos you select. Remember, catering to a target market’s expectations will never go out of style. Regardless of appearance, it is the quality of your content that will ultimately determine your website’s success. Linda Cotter is a graphic designer and web developer who is known for her fresh, simple and elegant designs. Linda’s goal is to help her clients produce better results through great design and creative solutions while using imaginative and innovative development methods. Whether it is a logo, business card, website or brand development, she incorporates each client’s unique personality and style into the design with an eye-catching flair and business sensibility. This creates the opportunity for them to attract the desired clients and results they are looking for. Visit Linda’s website at www. LindaCotterDesigns.com. She can be reached at (310) 486-3108 or by email at Linda@LindaCotterDesigns.com.
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17
All About You
Create Your List of never by Nafissa Shireen
O
ne of the most powerful things you can do as a business owner is to say “NO”.
It doesn’t matter at what point you are in your business, what you are selling, or what your personal situation is, remember that you never NEED to make a sale. I encourage all of my clients to create their “List of Never”. I also have one. And that is my list of what I will NEVER do to make money. Your list may include things like: •
I will never compromise my values.
•
I will never allow a client to bully me.
•
I will never allow a client to speak rudely or abusively to my team.
•
I will never violate a client’s confidentiality.
•
I will never work for free in exchange for exposure.
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•
I will never discount my rates.
•
I will never work at a 9 to 5 job.
•
I will never ….
And the list goes on. The moment you start to settle for less just to earn money, the more stressed you will be and the less joy you will have in your business. You are not alone! We have all done it, accepted a client that was not an ideal fit because we didn’t want to lose the income. But be honest, did you regret it? I know I sure did! Remember, when you say “NO” to what doesn’t fit, you open up space to allow in what does fit, even if it hurts a little bit financially in the short term.
January/February 2015
The most profitable business owners know with confidence, what to say “yes” to, and what to say “no” to. So grab a pen and create YOUR “List of Never”. It will be one of the most empowering things you do for yourself and your business. Known as The Profitability Expert™, Nafissa Shireen is passionate about helping entrepreneurs create an amazing life and business where cash flows freely, profits are sustainable and wealth is consistently created. Combining her transformational coaching skills with her business expertise, she brings together the deep inner work needed to help move you forward, with practical, yet simple systems and strategies that will help you build a solid business foundation. She will help you to build a profitable and thriving business that is in alignment with your ideal lifestyle.Connect with Nafissa at www.NafissaShireen.com.
Would you like to create a highly profitable & luxurious business and life? Let me show you how
www.TheProfitabilityExpert.com | 1-844-5-THRIVE (584-7483) Subscribe for FREE at www.TodaysInnovativeWoman.com
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All About Business
Nurturing Business Relationships by Bibi Goldstein Nurturing relationships is as important in our businesses as our personal lives, most business owners overlook this large piece to creating raving fans and a key brand attribute of giving. The word nurture by definition is a process; the process of caring for and encouraging the growth and development of someone or something. The process could be in many different methods in our business, here are three great examples of nurturing clients and prospects: 1.
[CLIENT] Call them every 45 to 60 days to see how everything is; no agenda, just to talk and get feedback, (BONUS: If you get positive feedback here write it down and ask them if you could you use it as a testimonial)
2.
[CLIENT] Send a thank you note at least once a year that isn’t around the holidays or when they refer someone. You can add a gift card for a cup of coffee or something that might be more personal to them. Everyone gets something around the holidays, it has a greater impact when they aren’t expecting it.
3.
[PROSPECT] You don’t really know them yet, especially those that opt in on your website. An effective way to nurture prospects is to give them content without selling to them. After you get them on your list, send them meaningful content. A weekly tip, a 30-day challenge or even an inspirational quote of the day. Simple and short emails.
These methods of nurturing can be managed in a good CRM system (i.e.; Infusionsoft™). Set up tasks or appointments to remind you when the last call was and when the next one should be, use notes for what they say so you can refer to things that felt important. Use the same method for cards, or a system like Infusionsoft™ has integrations with Send Out Cards™ that makes sending cards simple and automated. Lastly, setting up an engaging email nurture campaign that continues to work throughout the year is crucial. Your prospects’ situations change over time and where they may not have needed you immediately, you don’t want them to have to search out an old email to find your contact information when they’re ready, do you? Bibi started Buying Time with a friend to give everyone the opportunity to have access to support and assistance with any task. With over 22 years in the transportation/ logistics industry Bibi has specific experience in space and time efficiencies through Six Sigma training for warehouses from 1,000 to 30,000+ square feet. This provided her the ability to visualize the final outcome even when the client cannot. Bibi recently co-authored “Get Organized Today” with other organizing experts hoping to reach out and help more people. Bibi can be reached at www.buyingtimellc.com.
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All About Success
Sharon Lechter
Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker
by Cathy Alessandra
“T
hink and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill is a book many of us have read - though I found it difficult to get through. So when I met and heard Sharon Lechter speak and found and read her book, “Think and Grow Rich for Women”, authorized by the Napoleon Hill Foundation, I had to learn more! At the age of 26, Sharon Lechter was following the “safe, expected” path – the path of a JOB. She had an opportunity to leave public accounting for a new endeavor and that is when the “entrepreneurial bug” hit her! She sat down with her yellow pad and wrote the pros and cons… both of which were equally compelling and didn’t help at all! “But then my hand took over and wrote across the top of the page.. WHY NOT? And that has been my driving mantra and philosophy since – why not try something different, why not take the road less traveled, why not discover opportunities to solve problems and serve needs to create businesses.” It turned out that decision was her worst business decision – but her best life decision. When she got into the new business, she found many problems, but it’s also when she met her husband of 34 years, Michael!
Surround yourself with people who are strong where you are weak and dedicated to your success. Sharon has had many business ventures – a woman’s magazine, a talking book company... then in December of 1992, her son returned home from his first semester in college $2500 in debt. “I had taught him about money but he had been with me when I’d used my credit cards – not when I had paid them off.” That is when Sharon decided to dedicate the rest of her life to financial education and financial literacy. Everything she has done since is to provide information to empower people to educate themselves about money.
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Her biggest professional challenge was being at the top of her game and involved with the “Rich Dad” organization, yet knowing she was no longer living her purpose. “Making that decision to step out and do what was right for me was difficult. But once I made that decision, I never looked back. Sometimes you have to close one door for other doors to open.” One door that opened was the opportunity to serve on President Bush’s and President Obama’s Advisory Council for Financial Literacy. In addition, she got the call from the Napoleon Hill Foundation and has since completed 3 books with them and is working on a fourth.
Sometimes you have to close one door for other doors to open. Her biggest personal challenge? The death of her youngest son in 2012. “That totally redefines everything in your life. Things that you thought were important are no longer important. It makes you re-evaluate every day of your life.” Success? Sharon’s definition of success has nothing to do with money. “It has to do with how you feel about yourself when you look in the mirror. Success comes from within.” Sharon’s father would ask her every night, “Have you added value to someone’s life today.” She still asks herself that every night. If there was one thing Sharon wished she knew before she began her business it would be the power of a mastermind dedicated to each other’s success. “We’ve been trained and taught to do it on our own, and many times we feel weak asking for help. If I had known then to bring in people to help me fill in the blanks I didn’t know – surround yourself with people who are strong where you are weak, and who are dedicated to your success.” I asked Sharon, what makes her an innovative woman? “From the beginning of my career I have looked at ways to solve problems and serve needs. When you solve a problem or serve a need, you create innovation. When you say WHY NOT, you are innovating and not following the crowd.” Sharon recently returned from Washington DC and is proud to be part of a bill that will be introduced in January to require financial education for anyone getting a federally backed student loan. “When we are giving these kids money for student loans, they need to understand the trouble they can get in if they don’t use it prudently. There is $1.3 trillion in student loans. Our kids are getting out of college with a “mortgage” and no home. It’s a huge hole they have to try and dig out of.” Interested in supporting that bill? Let your State Representative know!! To learn more about Sharon, her books or events and more, visit www.SharonLechter. com.
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All About Business
The Boomerang Effect by Kimberly Pitts
I
love the saying “your actions speak louder than words”. Typically clients will judge you by the actions you take and whether you follow through with what you said. When it comes to branding yourself, the impressions your actions make on existing and potential clients will shape whether they work with you and refer you.
Can you relate to any of the following? • • • • •
Sending proposals to potential clients and not having them respond one way or the other as to whether they want to move forward. Making phone calls to potential and existing clients and not having your calls returned. Sending emails to clients and potential clients and not receiving a response. Asking for testimonials from clients that you believe love the work you have done and then not getting a response. Following up with someone you felt was a great business connection at an event, and they never return your calls and emails.
Most business owners have experienced one if not all the above at one time in their business. While this is not uncommon in business, there is generally a boomerang effect that does affect how often these situations show up in your business. I recall meeting with someone who was experiencing all of the above too often in their business, and I asked them how often they do the same things to others. That caused them to pause. Without realizing it the same actions they were receiving, where the same ones they were giving to others. Ask yourself, • • •
Do I or my team respond to every call and email in a timely fashion? When I am asked for a testimonial, do I provide one if I feel the service warrants it? If I don’t feel it is warranted, do I provide the person requesting it a response? Do I tell someone “let’s meet for coffee”, but then never follow up?
There is always a cause and effect when it comes to your actions as it relates
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to your business. Examine what you are attracting and see if you are mirroring those same actions to others. Your actions do affect your brand because people will share what their experiences are with you. Just ask yourself, what are my actions communicating? Kimberly Pitts, is a Branding & Marketing Strategist. She is also Founder of UImpact, LLC. Kimberly is dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs all over the world learn how to use authentic business building tools, marketing and branding strategies to attract raving fans, attract more clients, and enjoy more income and freedom in their business. Kimberly helps women entrepreneurs through Thrive Academy, UImpact’s premier training based mastermind program. If you want to make an impact in the lives of others through business you can begin today. All you need to know is where to start. Kimberly can help you create the business you desire to have. Whether you are in the start-up stages of your business, ready to grow and up level your business or you are looking for coaching and strategy to really expand your reach...Kimberly is here to provide expert coaching and mentoring to up level your business. www.uimpact. net
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25
All About Business
When Should You Pay and Not Pay to Speak? by Caterina Rando, MA, MCC
I
get asked all the time if it is normal to have to pay a fee to speak at an event. The answer is yes and no.
When you are such a sought-afterspeaker that your presence at an event will be a draw, and help the event producer fill the room, then you can charge a fee to present. However if you are paid a fee, then in most cases you cannot also make an offer. If an event is a for Wprofit event, recognize that the event producer is covering all the costs of marketing and covering all the expenses and taking the financial risk of producing the event. Therefore, it is appropriate for them to be paid a commission on the speaker’s sales or charge a fee for the speakers to present. If you are considering a “pay to speak” opportunity, you want to make sure that it will be profitable for you. Ask what you receive in return for the fee you are paying. Get all your answers in writing.
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Here are a few tips to ensure your success: •
Be sure you can make an offer and that there is a break immediately after your speech so that people can come talk to you right away.
•
Also, be sure a table or booth is included and that the attendance fee is included for yourself and your assistant. Also find out how they will be promoting you before, during and after the event.
•
Ask how many other speakers will be presenting and make sure they do not overlap with your topic area.
January/February 2015
Caution: experience has showed me that when an event producer is doing an event for the first time they rarely reach their targeted number of attendees. FYI, I will answer other questions about making money and growing your business with speaking in my Facebook group, join me: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ GetBookedForSpeaking
DIVORCE you don’t have to do it alone!
I’ve created a space to: support you inspire you
P em ower you
There’s a different way to do divorce! Stephanie Jo Johnson
Don’t get even. Get
Happy.
www.thePOWERFULdivorce.com
If you want to master speaking and doing your own events to gain clients Join Caterina Rando at her next Sought After Speaker or Enliven Summit. Find our more at www.soughtafterspeaker.com and www.enlivensummit.com Use code TIWMAG for a deep discount. Caterina can also be reached at cat@ caterinarando.com and by phone at 415.668.4535.
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27
All About Business
Important Information Needed To Process 1099 Forms by Candy Messer
I
t’s that time of year again for 1099 processing, so today’s article will give instructions on how to properly complete forms. In the Payer’s section, include the business name, address and telephone number. Include your tax ID number. Enter the recipient’s identification number using hyphens in the proper format. When entering the recipient’s name, put the owner’s name first if it is not an entity. You may list the business name below the owner’s name. Include the recipient’s address. Enter the total subject amount paid in the calendar year (do not include payments made by credit card or 3rd parties such as Paypal) under one of the following boxes: Box 1 - Rents: Enter amounts of $600 or more for all types of rents, such as any of the following: 1. Real estate rentals paid for office space. 2. Machine rentals. If the machine rental is part of a contract that includes both the use of the machine and the operator, prorate the rental between the rent of the machine (report that in box 1) and the operator’s charge (report that as nonemployee compensation in box 7). Box 3 - Other Income: Enter income of $600 or more required to be reported that is not reportable in another box. Box 4 - Federal Income Tax Withheld Box 6 - Medical and Health Care Payments Enter payments of $600 or more
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made in the course of your trade or business to each physician or other supplier or provider of services. Box 7 - Nonemployee Compensation: Include payments for services performed as a nonemployee. Once all pages are complete, fill in form 1096 summarizing the totals of all 1099 MISC forms being submitted. Forms need to be mailed to recipients by January 31, and to the IRS by February 28. For more detailed instructions, see http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1099msc. pdf. Candy Messer is President of Affordable Bookkeeping and Payroll Services and energizes business owners by removing the burden of the bookkeeping and payroll processing from their shoulders. With 15 years of experience, Candy understands the stresses business owners face and offers customized services to meet their varying needs, including bookkeeping, payroll, Quickbooks consulting, and bill pay services. Candy works with service based business owners who are overwhelmed with the paperwork required to stay in compliance for filings and frees them to focus on what they love to grow their businesses. Visit her website at www.abandp.com for more information.
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29
All About You
12 Smart and Healthy Things You Should Focus On This Year By Cynthia Bazin
E
very day we have a choice on what we put our mind to. And what we put our mind to is where we put our action! So stop wasting time! Starting right now, focus on the things you really need to do. Need ideas or focus? Check out this ‘smart’ list and I say, let’s do this!
1. Put time on the calendar just for you each day. 2. Give focus on what you are grateful for in life every day. 3. Don’t stress the small stuff. Remember you are too blessed to be stressed. 4. Be comfortable in saying ‘no’ to requests for your time in order to say YES to your own life. 5. Put together a “to-accomplish” list each day. After completing each task, reward yourself along the way. 6. Delegate things others can do. Eliminate activities in your life that drain you. Focus on activities that really fuel you! 7. Do less multi-tasking and put more focus on one thing at a time and excel at it. 8. Exercise at least a little each day. If you can, get it done first thing in the morning so you’ll feel healthy and strong the rest of the day. 9. Just be yourself. Don’t live for anyone else. Life is about YOU being happy. 10. Commit to surrounding yourself with positive people each day. 11. Stop waiting to act until things are perfect. Take action and make
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adjustments along the way. 12. Stand up tall and be proud of who you are; imperfections and all. I would love to hear which ones on the list resonate with you; which ones you are going to do! Cynthia Bazin is passionate about helping successful, smart women get out of feeling stuck and/or overwhelmed by using laser-focused strategies to gain clarity about their true mission. She gets women pumped up, inspired and focused on their life strategy plan moving ahead. Cynthia has over 20 years of experience working in the corporate world. She ran investigation units for large corporations, was a Private Investigator and has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Cynthia is President of SmartChic. She works one-on-one mentoring women, does group programs, conducts workshops and is a motivational speaker. Learn more at www.smartchic.me.
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31
All About Business
Get Ready, Get Set Now Shhhh… by Debbie Mrazek “What?” you ask, “You want me to stay silent” you say? Yes, I want you to remain silent while actively listening. You’ll never know what you’re missing in a conversation if you’re constantly thinking about a response or talking. There is an art in conversing, and one of the aspects in mastering the art is to be able to actively listen. There is a difference between hearing what someone is sharing and actively listening. Active listening means you’re listening to comprehend. Simply hearing is like having a television program playing in the background while you’re doing other things. You can hear it but don’t necessarily have a clue as to what is taking place in the program. When you comprehend what another person is saying you can respond appropriately whether it is to ask for more clarification or take the conversation further. Either way you’ll be better able to engage in the conversation. Think about how much conversing you do in business. Deals don’t get sealed with closed lips, but they won’t get sealed without fully understanding the clients’ needs. To be a great active listener you need to: •
Make eye contact with the person speaking. Don’t stare at them – but make sure they know you’re hearing them with your eyes.
•
Be aware of your posture. Slumped positions don’t indicate interest.
•
Use body language to show that you are engaged – smile, nod, lean in to the speaker, etc.
•
Jot down notes as the person speaks on important details or something you want inquire on for further clarification.
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•
Don’t interrupt the speaker’s train of thought. Let them finish first before asking your questions.
•
Don’t spend your time worrying about how you’re presenting versus what the speaker is sharing.
Bring in the New Year quiet with action! Debbie Mrazek is founder and president of The Sales Company, a Texasbased firm that is helping hundreds of entrepreneurs, individuals, and corporations better assess, understand and engage in practical purposeful selling. With “Mrazek Energy” (believed to be from another world since it is a constant flow of happiness and enthusiasm). Debbie Mrazek teaches the tools, techniques, and talents every individual possesses, and how to transform those into S-A-L-E-S. Mrazek has counseled, constructed, and completed sales programs, workshops, and individual and team coaching across the nation. She’s also a speaker, author of Field Guide To Sales and conference facilitator. Connect with Debbie at www.FieldGuidetoSales.com.
The Sales Company puts a little caffeine in your sales. T H E
S A L E S
C O M P A N Y
Be the competition. Contact Debbie Mrazek
www.FieldGuideToSales.com
972 618 1880
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33
All About You
Go Ahead! Break That Mirror! No Bad Luck Involved! Kathi Laughman
P
erspective is a powerful thing. The key to understanding just how powerful is the realization that we do not see what is actually there. We see what we expect to be there. This is true about what we see in ourselves as well. We do not see who we really are. We see who we expect ourselves to be. Think about a trip to the fun house and going through the House of Mirrors. When you see yourself in those mirrors, you know it isn’t who you really are. And yet that is still who you appear to be. The unfortunate truth is that many of us see a distorted image of ourselves, just like in the fun house mirrors. And we believe in the false reflection rather than what is true. It changes how we see everything about our possibilities. Where that distorted sense of self comes from is different for all of us. But no matter what is at its root, there is only one way to change it. We need a new mirror, a true mirror, a mirror that shows us who we really are. That takes courage. We have to be willing to let go of the fun house reflection in order to get to what is real and true. Here’s my advice: The next time you think that you are not enough, or that you are too much, check for a fun house mirror. It is there? And there is nothing fun about it. It’s okay to break that mirror. No bad luck involved. In fact, just the opposite is true. Shattering that distorted image will mean you will be able to see a new image, an image that clearly reflects the best of you and your possibilities. That’s the mirror to keep. Kathi Laughman is a life and business strategist, inspirational speaker and best-selling author. Referred to by her clients as the “Plan B to Z expert”, Kathi Laughman serves professionals committed to continuously creating new pathways to success and significance. Her philosophy and body of work demonstrates that there is more value in the “rest of the story” than we ever dreamed possible. After a successful 25+ year career as an executive working with business intelligence, Kathi founded The Mackenzie Circle, a life coaching and personal leadership company in order to champion entrepreneurs as their possibility partner, coach and mentor. Her personal mission is to inspire, facilitate and invest in the success of others.
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