Clean Out Your Desk

I have a plaque in my office.  It was a gift from a friend who has actually seen where I work.  It says, “A Clean Desk Is the Sign of a Sick Mind.”  I think she was trying to make me feel better, because I admit my desk is usually in a state of disarray verging on total chaos.

This lack of organization has been known to cause some problems because at least once a day I have to stop and search my desk for some item or document that I need to work.  And apparently I am not alone.  According to experts, Americans waste almost 30 minutes a day – 180 hours a year – looking for misplaced items.  If your hourly fee is $20, that's $3600 a year!  I would wager that there are many things you could do with an extra $3600 or 180 hours this year.

One of the first steps to getting organized is eliminating the clutter, and one of the first places you should tackle is your desk.  Here's a six-step approach to streamlining your workspace:

1.            Set aside some time.  The scenario you want to avoid: getting elbow-deep in the organizing process, only to have to dump it all back in the drawers and boxes because you have to stop to finish a report, host a webinar, or pick your kids up from school.  While how much time you need will depend on the size of your space (and your mess), a good rule of thumb is an hour for a desk, bookshelf, or file drawer.

2.            Pull it all out.  Even though it will make a mess, the quickest and easiest way to start your organizing process is to clear out the drawer, shelf, or desktop.  Strip it down to the studs and wipe the surface free of dirt, dust, and stray paperclips.  Then you'll have a fresh surface to work from.

3.            Sort.  Sort the items you pulled out into categories, such as paper, writing implements, books, manuals, etc.  As you are sorting, toss any obvious offenders, such as scraps of paper, broken items, outdated receipts, etc.

4.            Decide.  Choose how many of each item you need – pens, blank notebooks, etc. – and then toss, recycle, or give away the rest.  Trying to decide what you need to keep? Think about what you have space for, as well as what you're likely to use in a reasonable amount of time.  You might have room for seventeen replacement cartridges for your printer, but will you use them all before you upgrade to a new printer?

5.            Organize.  Replace the items in a logical manner – printing supplies near the printer, business books on a single shelf, computer manuals near the computer, etc.  Also think about keeping the most frequently used items in the most accessible place, and less-frequently used items in more remote locales.

6.            Maintain.  Unfortunately, organizing is not a one-time event; you must set aside regular times to file paperwork, clear the counters, and take out the trash.  Even just five minutes at the end of the day is sufficient to keep a handle on pile build-up.

Organizing is a great way to start the new year.  It will help you get a grip on any new needs you have, as well as remind you of tasks and projects awaiting your attention.  You'll be ready to tackle whatever comes your way with a clean desk, and a clean mind.

 

It's Time to Buy Some Christmas Presents for Yourself

Many boomerpreneurs are bootstrapping their business, making do with as small a capital outlay as possible. While not spending yourself into a hole is wise, refusing to invest when you need to can cause problems, too. Particularly in the area of technology, it's critical to have the tools you need to get the job done. Just as you can't drive your car without gas, you can't keep things in your business flowing if you don't have the tools. The main areas you want to look at are:

•         hardware

•         software

•         business and office supplies

In the area of hardware, today's computers have advanced to the level that you could likely run a small country from a laptop or iPad. That's not to say that you need an iPad, or even a laptop. In fact, as long as you have a PC or Mac, a printer, and dependable internet access, you've got the basics covered. You may also want to look at a mobile phone or iPad that will allow you to get online when you're on the road – provided that you do actually head out on the road. If you're strictly desk-bound, skip the portable devices and invest instead in the latest software to help you keep track of your business.

Software comes in a number of flavors. For most small businesses, you'll need:

•         A word processing program. MicrosoftOffice Word is standard, but OpenOffice (available for free online) is a cost-free and versatile option.

•         An accounting program. On one end, you can keep track of your budget and spending with a simple spreadsheet. If you want more bells and whistles, try Quicken or Quickbooks.

You may also want to consider a graphic design program. Even if you outsource all your graphic design needs, you may still will want the ability to make small adjustments (price, etc.) to your “Buy Now” buttons, easily handled with Photoshop Elements. If you want to be able to design your own pamphlets, brochures, PDFs and more on your Mac, check out Apple's Pages.

The good news about technology is that it's readily available and relatively inexpensive. The bad news is, the new versions come so fast and furious that no sooner have you invested in the latest and greatest, than it's already obsolete! But before you plunk down your credit card to upgrade, ask yourself:

•         Is not having this holding me back?

•         What am I hoping to do that I cannot do now?

•         How much will it cost me to upgrade?

•         If I make this investment, how long until it pays off?

•         Do I have the cash to pay for this?

If your answers to the above questions are satisfactory, go ahead and invest. Do your research online to find specials or the best deal, and after you make your purchase, see if there is an affiliate program.  If so, sign up as an affiliate and tell others about your recommendations. That way you can convert your expense into a revenue stream – and get a gift that keeps on giving all year long!

Meet the Ladies Who are Changing the World - Weldresha Davenport

A few years ago, I ran a series of blog posts featuring women who were changing the face of business.  I thoroughly enjoyed introducing my fellow female entrepreneurs and the feedback was amazing!  So much so in fact that I have decided to do it again - only with a new tact.  These women aren't changing how we do business - they are trying to change the world!

Teen suicide has been a concern for years, especially among young women.  My first "guest" has firsthand knowledge of this issue and has dedicated herself to stopping it.  Meet Weldresha Davenport!

1.       Weldresha, tell us about yourself.

Hello everyone, my name is Weldresha “April” Davenport and I am the founder of Perfecting Touch Ministries. I also have my own business as an event planner. I work a full time job. I love to sing, write poetry/stories, and read. I feel that God is first priority in everything and I love to spend time with my family.  I enjoy interacting with people and feel that the heart of compassion that God has given me is truly the motivation for everything I do.

2.       What is Lady D’s Academy?

Lady D’s Academy is an organization that focuses on suicide prevention and empowerment of young girls and ladies between the ages of 8-21. The organization is set up to aid and assist girls and to give them a glimpse of hope when there seems to be no hope. Whether the hopelessness stems from a broken family, abuse, depression, anxiety, etc… We are here to be a beacon of light to young women who are in a dark place and need to see that they have a reason to live and to press forward.  The program starts with the young ladies coming to a retreat where they will go through their initial evaluation which maps them out a plan to aid them on their journey to completeness in their  physical, spiritual, and mental health.  

3.       Why did you feel there was a need for this?

For young people between the age of 15-24, suicide is the second leading cause of death and 1 in 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 dies by suicide each year (www.save.org).  So many young people are now battling depression in silence.  We  should save these young people's lives by any means possible. 

4.       How did Perfecting Touch Ministries get started?

Perfecting Touch Ministries was founded in 2012 by myself.  I ministered the gospel for the first time at the age of 13. I accepted the call into ministry years later and I then went through ministers training and was officially ordained in 2013. 

5.       What inspired you to undertake this project?

As a young girl I battled with the spirit of suicide in silence. Everyone thought because I smiled all the time and had such a bubbly personality that I had it all together but little did they know, I was crying out for help on the inside but felt that I would be judged by people if I asked for help. I suffered with this into my adulthood. I became chronically depressed, had an eating disorder and became almost helpless to the point of no return. At the age of 27 with everything I had going on, I had a heart attack. This is when I decided to change my life. 

6.       I have been impacted by suicide myself, being personally acquainted with girls and women who have tried to end their pain by ending their lives.  Unfortunately, some of them succeeded.  Why do you think so many girls turn to suicide as the answer to their problems?

I always felt that I had to be the strength and life line for other people.  I feel that so many girls commit suicide because they are crying out for help and they feel that someone should be able to see the warning signs that they are giving but sometimes their signs are not recognized. A lot of young girls fear being judged.   A lot of girls that are raised in church or in Christiandom feel that people are going to think that their faith in God is weak when that is not the case. That was the main reason that I did not seek help early on.

7.    You know I have to ask this - what exactly is "happiness"?  Are there people who are genuinely happy no matter what?  What about unhappy people?  I personally can think of a couple of people who NEVER seem happy.  Can they be?  How can we teach young women that suicide is never the answer and that they can be "happy" - even when they feel at their most desperate?

Happiness is something that we find within ourselves and happiness is not a feeling, it is a state of being. Sometimes I feel that joy and happiness are mixed up. Joy is a feeling.  Happiness does not mean that there are no heartaches or troubles. Happiness just gives us the faith to believe that no matter how bad a situation may get, there is always hope. I feel that unhappy people can become happy people if they are given the resources and tools needed to put them on a path to fulfillment. We can allow these young girls the ability to realize that there is always a reason to live and push forward. Some of us may very well be their lifeline.

8.    Some would say suicide is a very depressing topic and would prefer not to deal with it. Is it ever depressing for you?  What has been they most difficult part?

Suicide can be a tough subject to discuss with people. Some are uncomfortable or feel that they have to walk on egg shells when talking about it. That is the reason for this organization, to give exposure to this subject and to give people a safe place that will enable them to be able to open up and get the help they so desperately need.

 
9.    This is a blog for budding boomerpreneurs and while yours may not be what most people think of when you say "business", you have been very successful at promoting yourself and your brand.  Do you have any resources that you would recommend?

 I joined a group on Facebook called “Equipping Christian Women for Business”. The resources and support that I have seen from these ladies has been absolutely incredible.  Local news stations and newspapers have been a great tool in gaining exposure as well. I have done a lot of online research that has helped in this manner as well.
 
10.   If we are acquainted with someone who is talking about suicide what should we do?  Do you have any tips to share on how to help them?

The number to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 1-800-727-4747 which is a suicide prevention center.  If someone tells you that they are think of committing suicide, DON'T take it as a JOKE, make sure that you listen to them and then refer them to someone who can help and assist them even if you feel that you can’t.

11.   What other advice would like to share?

Look for the warning signs of depression or suicidal tendencies.  A suicidal person urgently needs to see a doctor or mental health professional.

·         Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.

·         Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.

·         Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.

·         Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.

·         Talking about being a burden to others.

·         Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.

·         Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.

·         Sleeping too little or too much.

·         Withdrawn or feeling isolated.

·         Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.

·         Displaying extreme mood swings.

·         Preoccupation with death.

·         Suddenly happier, calmer.

·         Loss of interest in things one cares about.

·         Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.

·         Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.

·         Giving things away, such as prized possessions.

 

12.   How can we contact you to learn more about Perfecting Touch Ministries and Lady D’s Academy?

My websites are Pefecting Touch Ministries or Lady D's Academy.

13.   Is there anything else you would like to share?

If you would like to donate or support the cause for Lady D’s Academy you can do so at our website. 

7 Traffic Sources for Your Blog or Website

You have been in business for awhile now.  You are even somewhat successful.  Time to take a break right?  Wrong!  You can’t rest on your laurels.   You must continually generate fresh traffic to have a successful online business.  Sometimes it does take all the fun out of blogging or creating a website.  How do we keep the flow of traffic coming?  How do we generate more interaction and comments?  And most importantly, how do we increase our sales?

Interaction and sales are vital.  That's what we are all in business for!  None of us are working for free, I'm sure.  But the first step is traffic.  Without traffic there are no comments.  No customers.  And no sales.  So let's look at some ways to drive more traffic to your site.

Let's look at some of the obvious sources first.  These first 3 should already be a regular part of your marketing strategy.

1.  Blog comments:  Commenting on other blogs is a great way to generate traffic for your site.  Why isn't it working for you?  Chances are you are relying on the generic - and very obvious - comment of "Great post.  Thanks for the advice."  You may even make the error of including the "stop by my blog" line.  Don't just write a token comment.  Did something in the post make a point with you?  Did you learn something or perhaps come away with a new point of view?  Mention that in your comment.  And if someone asked a question in the post or in an earlier comment, answer it.  That is a great way to share your value and pique people's curiosity about your blog.

2.  Social media:  Yes, we all know about LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.  And yes, you should be posting links to your blog and website there.  But more people are beginning to use Google+.  And then there are literally dozens of other sites - StumbleUpon, Digg, Delicious, and Reddit for example.  Do some research and find out where your target market hangs out.  Then share your links there.

Part two of the social media campaign is to remember there is more involved than posting your own material.  Retweet, share, like, and comment on other people's posts as well.  Remember, these are called social networking sites for a reason.  And networking is all about building relationships.

3.  Article marketing:  I've written several posts on the benefits of article marketing.  It is a great way to get more exposure and credibility which will in turn generate more traffic to your site.  My favorite site is still Ezine Articles.

You may or may not be as familiar with the rest of these but they are all important parts of your marketing toolkit when used properly.  Don't be afraid to try them!

4.  HubPages:  If you ever had a Squidoo lens, you are now part of HubPages.  When I started out in business I had several lenses and they were wonderful sources of traffic.  I admit I have not been as active there as I once was.  But I have many friends and clients who still use it and they are still seeing it as a great traffic source.  If you aren't already using it, check it out.

5.  Paid advertising like Facebook Ads, Twitter Ads, or Google Adwords.  While not free, most are fairly inexpensive.  Or try some PPC advertising or Ezine advertising.  This can be a bit more expensive but if done properly, the pay back in traffic can be huge!

6.  Paper.li: Paper.li allows you to create your own online newspaper.  While I have not tried this one myself, my articles are frequently published by others.  I have spoken to several individuals about using paper.li and they all state that it does help drive traffic to their sites.  Check it out and let me know how it works for you.  Perhaps you can even do a guest post here about your experience.  Which brings us to traffic source number 7.

7.  Guest posts on other blogs:  Two recommendations here.  If someone approaches you about guest posting on their blog, and you agree, be sure you follow through!  And if no one has approached you, don't be afraid to approach the authors of blogs you like and offer.  All they can do is say no thank you.  And they might say yes!





 

Schedule Time for Marketing

You schedule everything else.  Maintenance on your car.  Health checkups.  Soccer games, Scout meetings, dinner dates.  Why wouldn't you schedule your marketing?  If they aren't locked into your schedule, you won't get to your marketing tasks and you won't ever see your marketing strategy kick into gear.

You eat regular meals to keep yourself thriving.  Regular marketing will keep your business thriving by providing the nourishment it needs - new customers and more sales.  I schedule a morning a week to write newsletters and manage the various on- and off-line tasks that keep traffic coming to my website and convert prospects to clients.


If you haven't done so already, block out time each day or each week to spend on marketing -- a minimum of five hours a week.  Follow these steps to help keep your marketing on tasks on track.


1.  Set your marketing goals.  How many new social media contacts do you want to make this month?  How many articles do you want to publish?  How many times a month will you publish a newsletter?


2.  Create your calendar.  Whether you use an online calendar such as Google calendar or another digital format or you still use your pen and a planner, a calendar to is an essential part of your marketing schedule.  Once you have chosen your format, start scheduling your activities for the month.  Write down due dates for articles and newsletters, allot time for posting to social media, and allow time to track your results so you know what works and what doesn't.  If you need further help with using a calendar, see my blog post "How to Be Organized - Use a Calendar!"


3.  Get to work.  Step three is really that simple.  Follow your schedule and implement the plan you have laid out.


Creating and following a marketing schedule will help keep your marketing on track.   Your calendar doesn’t have to be carved in stone, though.  Be sure you leave room for on-the-fly promotions and last-minute opportunities as well.   And as always, with ANY business schedule, make sure you leave time for you to re-energize and recharge.  Don't overdo it!  And don't stress if you don't get all of your marketing tasks completed.  Determine why you weren't able to complete the task.  Then determine if it's something you want to reschedule.  If so, add it to next month's schedule.  If you find yourself repeatedly skipping a particular task, then you need to determine why you're resistant to doing it and how to overcome that resistance.  But that is a different blog post! 

Your Mess Is Your Message

For every successful business or person you see, if you track back far enough, you'll find struggle or a lack of skill and competence.  Successful people aren't immune to challenges.  The difference between them and everyone else is simple.  Successful people often choose to make their mess their message.


I first heard this phrase from my good friend, Beverly Mahone.  At first, I didn't really get what she meant by it.  Why would I want to share my mess with the world?  Shouldn't a business woman appear to have it all together?  But then I discovered that many of my "messes" were actually shared by others.  And then I understood what Bev had been saying.  By making my mess my message, I could help others who were experiencing the same issues.


And so I share my trials as well as my triumphs.  When I fall off the face of the visible world due to my husband's health issues, I don't make excuses anymore.  I freely admit that keeping my blog up to date or maintaining a social media presence is more than I can deal with when he is hospitalized.  The planned launch of "It Should Be a Dog's World" came to a halt when my precious pet passed on.  I admitted to everyone that my heart is just not in it without him.  Being honest with myself and the world lets others that may be struggling to start a business while dealing with personal issues know that it is possible to do it.  It might not be done on everyone's schedule or exactly the way the "gurus" say it should be done.  But what is important is that they see I don't quit and I don't hide and neither should they.  And when I celebrate the triumphs, such as FINALLY finishing my book or convincing the awesome Brian Basilico to write the forward, then they see that I have successes despite my messes and so can they.


Bev encouraged me to share my story on the way to success.  Since then I have met many others who have said the same thing.  People love a good story!  We all love to root for the underdog.  We love the old "rags to riches" story.  We like seeing people struggle and finally reach the top because we all see something of our own struggles in their stories and it gives us hope for our own success.


So what's my mess?  You've read about it repeatedly in this blog, on my website, and in my social media posts.  What's my message?  Have faith.  Be strong.  Don't quit.  Success comes to those who persevere no matter what.  Don't listen to the naysayers and critics.  I know you have heard the saying "Opinions are like *##&_*%#, every body has one."  Never give up on your dreams.  Find the business that is right for you.  Find the right mentor or coach.  Once you have what works for you, don't let go.  If you are looking for help, I would love to work with you.  But no matter who you choose to work with, I will be cheering you on! 

10 Tips to Grow Your Business

Are you puzzled by what to do to grow your business?  You've read all the "how-to" e-books and attended the seminars.  But your growth is still stagnant.  Now you're thinking of hiring a marketing expert to just do it all for you.  Well, it doesn't quite work that way.  I know, because I tried that already.  And I saw absolutely no increase in sales.   


If you're serious about growth, you need to find out what really works to find more clients and generate more sales.  What you need is a proven strategy that's right for you.


There are only two things you can do to grow your business:  1).  Get more customers.  2).  Get your existing customers to spend more money.  There are no magic bullets or secret formulas that will increase your business without one of these two things happening.  But there are plenty of techniques you can implement that will do one of these things - either help you find new customers or increase sales to your existing customers.


Tips to gain new customers


1.  Advertise in new places.  If you use only classified ads, try Facebook ads or PPC advertising.  Or try advertising in ezines that serve your target market. 


2.  Start a referral program.  Let your existing customer base help you find your next new customer.


3.  Network, network, network - in all its form.  Attend networking events.  And if one of them has regular speakers, ask to have the opportunity to do a presentation.  Be active on social media.  This means posting tips, advice, and being part of the conversation - not just sharing cute cat videos or silly pictures of Uncle Fred.  You are here to prove your expertise and value.


4.  Host an event.  This can be a seminar, webinar, or teleseminar.  Use the event to share your knowledge and expertise with prospective customers.


5.  Implement a PR campaign.  This is completely different from an advertising campaign.  Advertising is you touting your own product or services.  PR is someone else tooting your horn.  Try to get a local newspaper or television station to do a story on your business.  Of course, you will have to have something story-worthy.  This is not supposed to be an infomercial. But suppose you're a social media marketing whiz and you decide to offer free social networking classes at the local senior center.  Now you've got a story!


Tips to help your existing customers spend more


The gut reaction here is to just raise your prices.  But that doesn't always work.  Let's try some other techniques.


1.  Get your customers on a mailing list and then send out weekly or monthly customers-only special offers.


2.  Remember to upsell or cross-sell.  When a client becomes part of our business start up coaching program, we immediately make note to talk to them about our marketing coaching program when it's appropriate.


3.  Survey customers on their needs/wants and then launch a new product or service.


4.  Bundle.  Create a package deal for your customers.  When I was a Girl Scout leader, my girls used this technique very successfully during the annual cookie sale.  By creating "Cookie Packs" they often sold multiple boxes where they might have only sold one or two.  Customers were very willing to buy the "Chocolate Lovers Pack" or the "The Favorites Cookie Pack."  The price was the same as if they had bought the individual boxes but the bundles were big sellers!


5.  And yes, you can raise prices, especially if you are like many home-based entrepreneurs and undercharging to begin with!