What's Your Why?

What are your reasons for starting a business?  Many businesses fail because the owner can't answer this simple question.  If you don't know why you want to be an boomerpreneur, then you won't be able to set goals.  And without goals, the roadmap for your business success, you are apt to get lost along the way.  Your why can even help determine the type of business you start!

You may have more than one why.  That's fine.  Most of us do.  I started because I needed to care for my dad.  So one why was the ability to control by own schedule.  But I also needed an income.  So another why was money.  But my main reason was the control.  If I had been able to find a job that allowed me the schedule I needed, I would probably still be working for someone else today.

What's your why?

Are you like me?  Do you need or want more control over your work schedule?  If so, then you will need to ensure your business does not depend on the schedules of others.  Businesses like online auctions/ebay, internet marketing, and blogging are some examples of the perfect business for you.  You can build your business regardless of the hour - day or night. Goals for you might be increasing sales in your online store or the number of subscribers to your blog.

Are you in it for the money?  Do you simply need cold, hard cash?  Then you want the types of businesses where you can make a profit fairly quickly without a large investment.  Business such as child care, pet sitting, house or business cleaning don't require a lot of money up front and have the potential to produce fast cash.  Your goal may be as simple as find more clients - or as grand as building a business large enough to employ others.

What if your why is to leave a legacy?  Many boomers have all the money they want or need.  Many are retired and have the time to do what they please.  But they dream of leaving something behind.  Financial freedom for their families.  A business to pass on to their children and grandchildren.  If that is your dream then you must keep that in mind when choosing your business.  I don't foresee leaving Boomer Business Coaching to my daughters or grandkids.  It is a business based around me.  But my online tshirts and gifts are another story.  Some of the grandchildren have already shown an interest and a talent for design.  I can already see one of them taking over one day.  My goal for this business - teaching them the skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs.

The tshirts also fulfill secondary why for me - the need to be creative.  Now we all know I can't draw.  But that doesn't mean there isn't a wanna-be Monet buried deep inside.  So while I can't do the actual art work, I do get much satisfaction from creating the idea or concept for our next design and then letting another boomerpreneur with a creative why, PopArtDiva, do the actual artwork.  Are you the creative type?  Businesses like interior design, landscaping, graphic artist, catering, or photography are perfect for you.

What if none of these fit.  You have time.  You have money.  You have already provided for your family.  You are not particularly creative.  But you are BORED with retirement.  Perhaps your why is simply the desire to do something new, exciting and challenging.  As long as your business provides you with enough stimulation, you can do almost anything!  What are your interests and passions in life?  How can you turn those into a thriving business?

So...what's your why?  Determine exactly what you hope to achieve from your business before you start.  It may mean the difference between success or failure.

It's Not About You, It's About Bacon

Yes, that's right.  It's all about BACON!  Or at least that's the premise of author Brian Basilico.  You may have noticed I have been conspicuously absent for the past week.  Partly because this week seemed to be my week for everything to blow up - flat tires (that's what happens when you run over a ladder - even in a Jeep), recurring knee problems, sick pets, husband's health problems (and the news that his cardiologist has been suspended!) etc, etc.  But when I wasn't dealing with the latest crisis I had my nose in Brian's book. 

I warn you now.  If you are looking for another marketing book with lots of pictures, charts and diagrams - something you can whip through in a night or two - this isn't it.  This is 276 pages of information.  But trust me - you will want to read - and even re-read - every word.  The information Brian shares will change the way you network, if you use it.

Brian says the this book is a "Why-to" not a "How-to".  But I still found lots of "How-tos" here.  Things like how to choose the best networking groups.  How to build the 5 pages essential to every website.  How to create great content.  But Brian was right - he not only shares some of the "Hows" he also shares the "Whys".  So many "coaches" simply tell you "do this/don't do that" without ever explaining why.  If you hate that as much as I do, then you will love Brian's book.

It's Not About You, It's About Bacon explains networking in all its forms.  Not just social media.  Face-to-face networking.  Blogging.  Websites.  But don't worry all of you Facebook fanatics and Twitter addicts.  Brian devotes entire chapters to each of these, as well as LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest.  And yes, he even tells you why-to (and how-to) use YouTube.

Each chapter starts with a list of Bacon-izms - statements of the important points of each chapter.  Things like getting people to like you takes time and effort.  Web stats rarely tell you the whole story.  You can't just copy and paste images, text or videos.  You know this stuff.  Brian just makes it all make sense.

I met Brian through Felicia Slattery's 21 Ways to Make Money Speaking program.  I am SO glad I did because I must admit - Brian, I love you but I probably would not have bought this book.  But after hearing you talk about it during our group sessions with Felicia, I knew I had to have it.  If it was even half as good as you made it sound, I knew it would be an invaluable resource.  Well, I hate to tell you but it's even better than you described.

It took me a week to to read the book.  The information in it will be forever worthwhile.  I intend to start back at Chapter 1 and take each tidbit of info and see how it applies to my business.  I can't wait to see what happens when I do! 

The Spirit of the Spartan Sprint

For whatever reason, with everything else I have going on right now, I recently decided to participate in a 31 Day Blog Challenge.  That means I am supposed to post a blog entry every day for the next 31 days.  I am also getting a presentation ready for jvAlert Live Denver at the end of the month, participating in the 21 Ways to Make Money Speaking coaching program, writing a book, running my businesses and trying to keep up with my home and family.  Do I look crazy to you?  I think I must be! 

In addition to writing each day, we are encouraged to read the posts of other participants.  So today, since my mind is mush and I didn't have one good idea to write about, I decided to do that first.  The first blog I checked out is A Pocketful of Rocks written by Lisa Friedt.  This was the first time I had checked out her blog and her post on Growth is Intentional was great.  I liked it so much that I scrolled down to read some of her previous posts.  And that's when I found her post about the Spartan Sprint. 

The Spartan Sprint is an obstacle race.  They hold events all over the world.  Her blog post described her participation in her first run.  I was a runner in my military days.  With a former Army Ranger for a husband and Seal Team members for friends, you almost had to be.  It was required!  So I wasn't that interested in how she prepped for her first event.  Been there.  Done that.  And while I must admit I haven't ran in years, I'm sure I could do it again if I chose to.

No, what caught my attention was the part where she wrote about how she and her team decided that no one would be left behind.  That they would finish as a team or not at all.  She wrote about finding a fellow runner on the course who had been abandoned by her team because she couldn't keep up.  To them is was all about the win.  Lisa and her team mates absorbed this woman into their group and with their help and encouragement she went on to finish.  Lots of life lessons to be learned here!

But the part that really struck me was when she shared what she had learned from this experience.  And as I was reading it, I realized that not only did it apply to running, or training, but to business.  And so  I would like to share Lisa's lessons with you and how they apply to your business.

Lisa's Lesson #1) I can do anything I set my mind to.  Lisa decided to run this race and she did it.  The same is true of building a business.  If you truly set your mind to it, you can do it.  The decision is yours.  Make the commitment and then go do it! 

Lisa's Lesson #2) With a strong, solid team you can jump farther, reach higher and make it through a set of monkey bars.  Lisa's team helped her and others reach the finish line even when they thought they couldn't do it.  She did not run this race alone.  And you don't have to run your business alone.  There are so many great people out there who are willing to help you. Or simply provide encouragement when you think you will never make it.  That's one of the reasons I will be going to jvAlert Live in Denver.  To rekindle past friendships with some of the people who have helped me.  And to perhaps be a help to others who are just starting.  Find a team - a mastermind group, a networking group, a coaching group - or just some fellow entrepreneurs to have lunch with now and then - and help each other over the hurdles.

Lisa's Lesson #3) Life is sweeter when shared with those you love.  Lisa's husband and friends ran with her which made the experience that much sweeter.  Don't forget your family while building your business.  Share your successes - and your failures - with them.  Teach your children or grandchildren about your business.  Let them help you.  My grandchildren created some designs for my Tshirt shop and you know what?  They actually sold some!  How cool an experience was that for them?!

Lisa's Lesson #4) Always keep in mind what matters most. I will choose my team over time - every time.  Don't sacrifice your values for the sake of reaching a goal.  It will catch up with you in the end.  If you find yourself dreading working each day.  If you feel sick or anxious when performing certain activities, take a step back and make sure your values are aligned with your business activities.

Lisa's Lesson #5) Sometimes the journey to the top gets dirty. But the view from the top is worth it.    As you can see from the pictures posted on Lisa's blog, she was pretty muddy and banged up by the time she finished.  But it was worth it to know that she had pushed herself and finished.  Building a business is also hard work.  Sometimes you will be pretty banged up by the time you finish.  But oh is it worth it when you see what you have accomplished!

Lisa's Lesson #6) You only fail if you don't get back up.  This was true of the race.  As long as they got up and kept going, they would finish.  The same is true of business.  It may take longer than expected at the start.  It may not end exactly the way you thought.  You will fall down many times before the finish.  But the only way you will fail is if you don't get back up.

I challenge each of you to apply the spirit of the Spartan Sprint and Lisa's lessons to your business.  See you at the top!

PS! Lisa's story has inspired me!  There is an event in Burnet, Texas in May 2014.  I plan to be there!  Anyone else up for an adventure?!

Stand Out In A Crowd

Do an internet search for business coaches or internet marketers or network marketing coaches - or photographers - or caterers - or just about any business - and what will you find?  Lots of competition!  Each battling for their piece of the market pie.  Many of these businesses will struggle for months or years to get their businesses noticed and eventually, many will give up and quit.  But for those who learn how to stand out in a crowded market, the possibilities are truly endless.

How do you get noticed when there is so much marketing noise all around you?  You've got to find and hone in on those things that make your business different from all of the others.

What is it that sets you apart from your competitors?  Is it your over-the-top customer service?  Just last night my husband and I went out for dinner.  We have a street in our town called Restaurant Row - for good reason.  There are plenty of them located there!  I think every restaurant chain in the country has a location there. (Okay - that's probably a bit of an exaggeration.  But there are a lot of restaurants on Restaurant Row!).  Since none of them particularly stand out in the Restaurant Row crowd we tried one we hadn't been to yet for the first time.  The food was good but not spectacular.  The drinks were okay.  But the service?  Out of this world!  I worked as a waitress while in college so I feel pretty qualified to judge and I can sincerely say this was probably the best service I have ever had.  It was so good that my normally hard-to-please husband actually asked to speak to the manager so he could compliment our waiter.  Did the service set them apart from all the other restaurants? Definitely!  Will we eat there again?  Count on it!  Will we rave about them to our friends?  Absolutely!  Stellar customer service is definitely one way to stand out in any crowd!

What are some other ways to set yourself apart from the competition?  Does your business offer something the others don't?  Do you cater to a specialized market?  Are you the expert in your chosen field?  Do you go above and beyond most other businesses?  For example, last night when we mentioned it was our first visit, the restaurant gave us free appetizers AND a gift card to come back again.  No other restaurant has done that for us.  That was the icing on the cake.

Need some more ideas?  Do you offer an outstanding guarantee?  Can you do the job better, faster, or cheaper than your competitors?  How about giving back to your community?  I do much of my shopping from a particular business simply because they donate a percentage of their profits to my favorite charity.  How do you treat your customers after the sale?  My insurance agent sends me a birthday card every year.  I get Thank You cards periodically from my hairdresser - sometimes with a special offer.  My vet sends a sympathy card whenever we have to put a pet to sleep. 

It doesn't necessarily take a large amount of money to make yourself stand out in the crowd.  Find what makes your business unique.  Focus on it.  Market it. 

How do you make your business stand out?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

A Tribute to My Daughters

Today is July 4.  Independence Day.  And I gave much thought to writing about freedom - freedom to make your own opportunity.  Freedom to live life on your terms.  But somehow everything I wrote sounded phony and contrived.

I turned on the television to watch some of the 4th of July festivities, hoping for a little inspiration.  And I did find one that stirred me.  It was a tribute to our service men and women.  Throughout the day, that was a theme I heard repeated.  That freedom isn't really free and that we need to express our appreciation to these heroes.  But as I kept hearing that message, I started to remember my own service days.  And I realized that I had not served so I could receive thanks and adulation.  I served because I believed in my country and what it stood for.  And I'm fairly certain that most of my fellow service men and women feel the same way.  Sure, it's nice to be appreciated.  But we all knew what we signed on for,  All we wanted was the acknowledgement of a job well done, respect for ourselves and the country we served, and the ability to pick up our lives when we returned to civilian life.

As I sat thinking about this, a commentator on the program I was watching stated almost my same thoughts.  And, he said, if anyone deserved praise and commendation, it wasn't necessarily the service member but instead the military spouse.  I was surprised to hear that comment and I gave it some thought.  After all, not only was once an active member of the Armed Forces, but I had also been a military spouse.  I kept the household running when my husband was deployed.  I wrote and called to encourage him while he was gone.  And I welcomed him back when he returned.  But he did much the same for me when it was the other way around.  We both knew what we had signed on for when we married.  We made the choice anyway.  We didn't feel like we needed praise.  Just some understanding and support when we needed it.  And respect - for us, for our spouse, and for our country.

But then it came to me.  There was a group of people who deserved all the admiration, appreciation, and praise we could give them.  They had not signed up for the military life willingly.  And yet they served every day.  I am talking about the children of military families.

And so, to my daughters, I want to pay a long overdue tribute.  Your mom was not always able to make it to field trips and concerts.  But you made sure Dad recorded them so I would not miss seeing you perform or hearing you sing.  Thank you.

For all of the holidays you celebrated with babysitters, nannies, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and neighbors because mom had duty that day - thank you.

For the many times you were uprooted from a school, a neighborhood, a city, a country where you had just settled in and made friends and a life - thank you.

For the many nights you lay awake missing your parents, wondering when they would come home, if they would come home - thank you.

For the hugs, kisses, cards, poems, pictures, stories and the many other countless ways you tried to cheer me up when I was lonely, or tired, or worried - thank you.

For all of the best friends, confidants, first loves, and companions you made, only to leave them behind with the next transfer - thank you.

When you were born, you signed on to a lifestyle that can often be challenging and sometimes even heartrending.  You weren't asked if you were ready.  You were not given the chance to say no.  And yet you went.  From base to base, duty station to duty station, from one town to another, country after country.  You learned to speak a smattering of many languages.  You learned new customs and tried new foods.  You made countless new friends around the world.  You became part of whatever community you were in.  And although there were moments when you were frustrated and even angry, most of the time you went with a smile, willing to face whatever new adventure was coming your way.

The television shows were right.  Freedom isn't free.  My daughters paid a price.    They served - right beside their father and mother. And they did it with pride, enthusiasm and grace.  Thank you girls.  We couldn't have done it without you. 

How to Get On The News Without Committing Murder

Well, she has done it again. My friend and mentor, Beverly Mahone, has written another fabulous book. When she first shared the title - "How to Get On The News Without Committing Murder" - I knew I had to have it. Bev is a PR genius! If she was going to share some tips, I wanted to know what they were.

When I was working as a "professional Girl Scout" (yes, there is such a thing) I handled much of the publicity for local events so I am not exactly a newbie when it comes to PR. But Bev taught me a thing or two in this book. In fact, she taught me 8 things. Her book contains 8 Killer Tips and each of them had at least one thing I found useful. Whether it was the list of journalists on Twitter (Killer Tip #5) or information on podcasting (Killer Tip #7), I finished the book armed with some new media savvy. If you have some PR experience, you, too, will still find helpful advice. If you are new to the world of publicity, this book is a must read!

In addition to her PR tips, Bev has also provided an invaluable list of resources. She leads you to the best press release sites, shows you places to post your teleseminars and workshops, and gives you a list of podcast directories. Just the resource list alone is worth the price of the book.

This book is simply brilliant. Bev tells you exactly what you need to know and shares her personal secrets on getting media attention. With all of the information she provides, she makes it easy to gain the publicity you need to shine the spotlight on yourself and your business. And now I'm off to look at the sites where I can post event announcements (Killer Tip #6). I have a teleseminar coming up soon and I'll be needing some publicity!

I Know You Want To So Let's Make It Happen!

Let's get together at the big jvAlert Live Event. I'm going and I know that you want to go too, so let's make it happen.

http://jvAlertLive.com/?id=4345

If you can get there, it will be a "win-win" situation for both of us.

There's just nothing like meeting face to face and we can talk about all kinds of ways that we can work together.

Not only can we get together, but I have some great people to introduce you to.

So, what's holding you back?

Maybe it's the "boss." Everyone's got one for sure. Maybe the spouse or significant other?

Look I know the feeling, because I have someone that watches the purse strings pretty carefully too.

They want to know the bottom-line, which is ...

Money.

Ah yes, that money stuff! I've got a few opinions on that subject!

http://jvAlertLive.com/?id=4345

You can get all THREE days for only $695 with the Early-Bird Special. Compare that to other conference prices!

Ok, now that the money part is solved, what about the, "What am I supposed to do while you are off having fun at your conference!" objection.

No doubt about it, jvAlert Live is FUN!

So ...

Bring the spouse and kids for an adventure, while you write off your expenses as a business deduction!

Remember, the proceeds from a SINGLE joint venture could cover your costs.

Here's a quote from Jane Mark and Phil Basten to their newsletter subscribers talking about the results after they attended jvAlert Live!

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"We went down to Philadelphia to meet with a group of marketing experts just to brain storm, kick around ideas and make some lasting friends and Joint Ventures."

"To say it was prosperous would be an understatement. We have already made JV's deals from that event that made us over $25,000 in two weeks. Not a bad days work and that was only a start."

Jane Mark and Phil Basten

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No wonder they are coming back for more!

Check out all the details at:

http://jvAlertLive.com/?id=4345

See you there!