Meet the Ladies Who Are Changing the Face of Business - Claudia Meydrech

I'm starting a new project and I'm so excited! I have met so many wonderful women who have been instrumental in helping me achieve all that I have. Now I want you to meet them too! So, I am interviewing each of them and each week I will share an interview with you. Prepare to meet some of the most talented, dynamic, and successful women entrepreneurs. Take notes - because what they will teach you can change your life!



I love networking! It's what brought me to the attention of my guest this week. We started out having nothing more in common than the fact that we were both members of the Divas at Boomer Diva Nation. But as we networked and interacted I discovered we have a lot in common. We are both big believers in the power of medicinal herbs and organic foods. But she is much more knowledgeable about it than I am. Her website and blog have taught me a great deal. We're both from the East. She lives in New Jersey and I was raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania. And best of all - we both have dogs who blog! I can't wait to have you all meet her - Claudia Meydrech - and her Yorkie, Aspen! (There Aspen. I know Bob promised we would mention you in the interview.)


1. Claudia, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Northern NJ, a rural part of the State. Our home is a little lakefront log cabin in a small lake community. We are surrounded by protected forest on one side of our street, and a lake and state forest on the other, so enjoy a variety of wildlife, including beautiful black bears who frequent our garbage and the bird feeder. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Paul, for almost 30 years, and have a son, Mark, and a married daughter, Heather. We share our home with our little Yorkshire Terrier, Aspen. She has her own blog at http://aspentheyorkie.com./

2. Tell us about your business.

I am a Certified Nutritionist who is discovering ways to help people find health through Nutrition using the internet. One way that I do this is through educational articles and information at my main website, http://happynutritionist.com/. I charge very reasonable prices for Nutrition and Health Evaluations through my site, and also receive some compensation when people click through some of the text link ads on the site. My interest in Nutrition began with an interest in medicinal herbs. For over 20 years I have been helping people choose the right medicinal herbs for their needs through http://mynsp.com/happynutritionist as a Nature's Sunshine Herb Specialist. I am also a wholesale buyer and seller of delicious, unusual, natural/organic snacks through the Wholefood Farmacy, http://happynutritionist.wholefoodfarmacy.com/ - it is free to be a wholesale buyer and you receive a free website.

3. Why did you start your own business?

I can honestly say that I never planned on having my own business. When I was 36, almost 21 years ago, I was very unhealthy, and so was my son. After numerous visits to doctors, and many a bad reaction to prescribed medications, I met someone who introduced me to medicinal herbs. I experimented on myself first, and was so thankful to see dramatic improvement. I then learned how to resolve my sons health problems, people saw the change, and the rest is history. I later realized that Nutrition was also extremely important, and changed our eating habits while taking courses to be certified in Nutritional Counseling. Others saw the change in us, and it was natural for me to want to help, and the business evolved over time.

4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?

I loved the freedom of revolving my work schedule around my children as they were growing up. I loved the fact that about 5 years ago I was able to chose to cut back dramatically to be available during my father's illness and passing, and to help my disabled brother get settled into a wonderful group home. I love the fact that if you work from home, it is so helpful for your income tax return...everyone should do some type of business at home, no matter how small, to enjoy the write-offs.

5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?

I appreciate the words from the Bible that describe the Fruits of the Spirit when I deal with people, and carry out business. Galations 5:22 says "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Dealing with people can be wonderful, but at times, it can also be a challenge. Keeping these words before me remind me to approach everyone with love; to help them to find peace and remain peaceful myself; show patience when a call comes at a time when I am busy, or a person has a difficult personality; offer goodness; be faithful and consistent in my work and how I treat my clients; be gentle and self-controlled when my business or circumstances seem out of control. I am sure each person will find a different way to apply these principles. It is true that it helps to learn to be outgoing toward people, listen to them and their needs, and to some degree, be assertive, but most of all, be yourself. If you know there are areas you can improve about yourself, find a coach to help you in these areas.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?

Being disciplined and balanced. It is easy to get distracted when working from home, but it's also easy to get so involved in your business that you neglect your family and home.

7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

I have chosen several online networking sites through with to interact with people, and maintain a few blogs. Before the internet, when serving my local community, I posted business cards or fliers on our Community Center bulletin board, advertised in our local paper, even took our community phone book and made "cold calls", a few a day. I always have business cards or fliers available to give away. I am looking forward to getting back to that again in the near future.

8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

If you are a grandmother, or a Baby Boomer who could be a grandmother,you may want to visit my Work at Home Grandmoms blog and learn from others, or share your own business story, http://www.workathomegrandmoms.com/

9. How can we contact you about your products and services?

My contact information: Claudia L. Meydrech, CN Phone: 973-573-3395 Website: http://happynutritionist.com/ - please visit and sign up for my newsletter, then contact me using the form on the site, and I will send you "Natural Remedies for Common Problems"

Contact me using the form on any of the pages at my website.

Networking:Follow Me on Twitter - happynutritionRyze - http://www.ryze.com/go/ClaudiasCorner
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ - search for Claudia L. Meydrech
I am also on LinkedIn and MySpace

Health Blogs: Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets - http://www.happynutritionistsnuggets.com/

HerBulletin - Herb Synergy & Body System Health - http://www.herbulletin.com/

Happy, Healthy Children - http://www.happyhealthychildren.com/

Health Squidoos:

Herbal Medicine - What's in Your Medicine Cabinet? http://www.squidoo.com/herbalmedicine
Mommy, I have a Tummy Ache - http://www.squidoo.com/tummyache
Mommy, I have a Pink Eye - http://www.squidoo.com/pink_eye
Mommy, I have a Sunburn - http://www.squidoo.com/sun_burn

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

I just want to than Melodieann for her kindness is sharing this on her blog, thanks, Melodieann, and thanks to each who have taken the time to read this!

Meet the Ladies Who Are Changing the Face of Business - Pam Archer

I'm starting a new project and I'm so excited! I have met so many wonderful women who have been instrumental in helping achieve all that I have. Now I want you to meet them too! So, I am interviewing each of them and each week I will share an interview with you. Prepare to meet some of the most talented, dynamic, and successful women entrepreneurs. Take notes - because what they will teach you can change your life!

Weddings and Fitness. I'm not sure how those two businesses are related. But this week's guest has managed to build successful businesses around each of those areas. Pam and I met when we both became Divas and members of Boomer Diva Nation. I was intrigued by her businesses. Since I am always struggling with my own fitness level, her expertise was invaluable to me. Many of my site selection clients are ladies seeking the perfect location for their weddings. Even though I only work to help them find the location, I still have stories to tell. So it was interesting to hear Pam share her experience and advice with all the aspects of wedding planning I never get involved in. When I decided to do this series on my blog, I knew I had to have her. She's fun, she's smart, she's a DIVA all the way, she's Pam Archer!

1. Tell us about yourself.

I’m older than dirt, but have a passion for life, and anticipate that the best is yet to come. I am married, and the mother to three daughters, the eldest of who is my business partner. East Tennessee, in the awesome Appalachian Mountains, is my home. I was born and raised in Knoxville. One of six siblings, born to a Baptist minister, I have a heritage steeped in southern tradition, for which I am very grateful.

2. Tell us about your businesses.

Well, I have two.

I am the president of Archer Fitness Consultants, Inc., which umbrellas everything I do in the fitness industry, from producing exercise videos to teaching classes, personal training, and certifying instructors all over the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. I have had the privilege to work on national TV, with Jenny Craig, Int’l, on an exercise show called “Jenny’s Fit in 15”. I am still very active in the fitness industry, video production, and training instructors. I write a health and fitness column for a local newspaper, and blog for Prevention.com.

My other business, Pamela’s Exclusive Floral & Event Design is a full service wedding and event planning company. We are not a retail store rather we are strictly dedicated to creating dynamic and dramatic special events, including elegant floral design. I have a trained and artistic staff of floral designers, directors, coordinators, and design specialists. We will travel anywhere at any time. We provide personal, professional, and exemplary service to our clientele.

3. Why did you start your own business?

To tell you the truth, I didn’t plan either of my businesses, they just happened!

As for the fitness career, I had created an innovative and unique workout. It was a step work out, meant to be performed with a partner, employing the use of two steps. My classes loved the workout, and I experimented with it at my trainings. In 1995, my husband and I made the decision to produce a video of it. Our attorney advised us to incorporate, so that is exactly what we did. We had no idea that this would open the doors in the industry the way that it did. The business expanded from there to include all of the other activities.

Pamela’s Exclusive Floral & Event Design was formed after several young women in my church asked me to do the flowers for their weddings. That was in 1999, and we have steadily grown into the full service business that we are today.

4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?

The biggest reason I love being my own boss is because I get to initiate my own ideas and shoot for the stars without someone telling me it can’t be done. I like working from my home, and the flexibility that comes with that. However, what I love is also what I don’t like. I can never truly get away from my work without leaving my home, and the ideas never stop. I often overload myself, due to my tendency to take on more projects than I should.

5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?

First of all, I believe that for a person to be a successful entrepreneur, they have to have a passion for what they are doing. If you don’t have that passion, you will burn out, because owning your own business is hard work! Integrity is key, too.

Being able to interface with people on a personal level; possessing good people skills is essential.

A sense of humor goes a long way to being able to withstand the pressure of the day-to-day problems that arise.

I believe that it is important to have some organizational skills to keep the business running on track, and on budget.

Your employees must be a reflection of your mission statement. They are the true face of your business. Be careful who you hire, and treat them well when you find a good one.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?

Time management! I have my fingers in so many pies, and wear so many totally different hats, that I get very frustrated, because I want to do even more.

Transitions are tough. Every business goes through them. Last year, we went through a lot of growing pains. We needed more workers, but since I price jobs months in advance, I didn’t have the budget to hire more. It cut into my profit to have to train new employees and put them on the job. We eventually caught up, once I was able to quote new jobs to include new hires.

7. Do you have any resources that you would recommend?

BNI, Business Networking International, is a great local resource for growing your business, regardless of what it is that you do. It’s like having 25-40 salespeople working for you for free. Look on-line to http://www.bni.com/ to find a chapter in your area.

I do a lot of social networking and blogging. I enjoy both, but neither has really grown my businesses yet, but you never know who you will meet on-line or the connections they may have. With my blogs, I am laying a good foundation for a readership of a soon to be published book I am writing.

I am a member of the Boomer Diva Nation, Founded in 2007, by Beverly Mahone. This is an incredibly gifted group of Baby Boomer women who are shaking things up, and paving the way for women around the world. We network daily. I met Beverly on My Space.

8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! Volunteering to speak at Civic Groups, schools, churches, everywhere someone would listen, is how I got my start. When you are involved in your community, someone will eventually ask what you do for a living. People like to do business with people they trust. You build trust among people with whom you are working concession stands!

Call your local newspapers and offer to write articles on your area of expertise. Submit these articles to trade publications, and other magazines.

Offer discounted or free services for a limited amount of time, to gain a loyal customer. Donate door prizes for fundraisers. Build a name in your community.

Trade publications are useful to learning more about your business, and how others in your field handle growth or problems. For us, trade shows are the foundation of our business. We promote directly to the brides.

I would not recommend wasting your resources for advertising in publications or in media that doesn’t target your market. Save your marketing dollars for a big hit to your demographic. We learned that the best value for our dollar was to advertise in bridal magazines, as opposed to the newspaper.

Having an on-line presence is necessary. Our web site, because it displays our work, is our best advertisement. Make sure that yours looks professional, not too busy, and is easy to navigate.

9. What advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

Do your homework! Research whether there is a demand for your services in your area.

Have a plan. You will take too many detours, if you don’t have a map to where you want to go.

Persevere!

10. How can we contact you about your products or services?

You can call me at 800-PAM-2861 or contact me on-line:

afcpam@mindspring.com or pam@pamelaseventdesign.com

Pamela’s Exclusive Floral & Event Design
http://www.pamelaseventdesign.com/ blog: http://www.idoweddings.wordpress.com/

Archer Fitness Consultants, Inc.
Blog: http://www.archerfitpress.wordpress.com/

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

Be consistent, endure, and true to yourself. Follow your dreams and your heart, and you will succeed.

Customer Service Should Be A Celebrity Experience

At least that's what author Donna Cutting believes. As a customer, I have to agree. I'd like to experience that level of customer service. As a business woman, I also have to agree. It's exceptional customer service that can turn first-time customers into life-long clients.

As I read Donna's newest book, The Celebrity Experience, I thought of all the times that my own purchasing decisions had been made based solely on the type of service I received. I realized that there were times I had actually paid more for a product or service simply because I was so impressed by the service. I remembered all of the times I had received the "red carpet treatment" Donna describes - and all of the times I didn't. And I came to one conclusion - I go where I am treated well. Price can be important, brands and familiarity will sometimes win, but being treated like I'm the most important customer in the store - that will win me over every time. Now Donna has written a book that will teach business owners how to give their customers that same experience!

The concepts outlined in Donna's book are so true that I finished the book the first day I received it. It was worth a few hours of lost sleep to learn how to make my clients feel like stars. I can't wait to begin applying some of the principles she describes. I just know they will help my business grow. I guarantee if you read her book and follow her tips, you too will create a bunch of happy, loyal customers! In fact, I'm so impressed with it, I'm thinking of buying a few more copies - for those businesses I now longer patronize because of their customer service.

Just to give you an idea of the wealth of information in her book, I have Donna's permission to include a small excerpt for you. Once you've read it, you'll want to purchase Donna's book right away so you can read the rest of what she has to share.

Red-Carpet Customer Service and the Art of And Then Some

What is red-carpet customer service? It’s mastering the basics of service, delivering a great experience, and then some! It’s in the “and then some” that your customers have a Celebrity Experience.

For instance, Diane Anderson of St Petersburg, Florida, told me about her auto mechanic at Wilsey Auto Service, Inc. who goes the extra step of cleaning her car inside and out every time Diane brings the car in for service. When they are really pressed for time, they give Diane a coupon for a full-service car wash and detail. It starts with going the extra mile. What could you do for your customers as a courtesy that you aren’t doing now? Washing her car takes some extra time, and it stands out to Diane because no other auto mechanic has ever offered such service. As a result, they have earned Diane’s loyalty. Remember “and then some.”

Here’s another example that happened to me just recently. As I write this story, I am in Chicago preparing to speak for an association conference tomorrow. I arrived last night so I could spend a day in the hotel room writing this chapter. When I got off the plane, I rented a car to drive myself to the meeting location. Now, I’ve rented many cars in my years working as a professional speaker. Often I take a shuttle bus from the rental car counter to the car lot, and encounter many forms of customer service. Some drivers load my luggage into the shuttle bus, some don’t. Some smile at me and welcome me aboard, some don’t. Some drive carefully and considerately, some don’t. The driver I met last night, however, did everything I had hoped for “and then some.” His name is Ken, and he is a driver for Alamo Rental Car out of Midway Airport in Chicago. He welcomed me on board with a warm smile and friendly hello as he loaded my luggage into the shuttle bus. Usually, this is where it stops. But as I rode, Ken told me everything I needed to know about Chicago. He told me what the weather was at the time and what it would be three days later. He told me that the traffic is always the same – bad- and that I should always leave extra time to get anywhere. He told me how to get back to the rental car lot, and exactly where and how to return my car. He told me where I could purchase gas close to the lot. He told me about sights I might like to see in Chicago and the best places to dine. I didn’t even have to ask him. (The true mark of a celebrity service professional: Answer all the questions your “celebrity” might have, and the ones they don’t even know they have, before they ask.) When we arrived at the lot, he told me to stay in the shuttle bus, and he pulled my rental car around and loaded up my luggage. As I came out of the bus, he helped me inspect the car for damages. Never, in all of my travels, have I encountered such service by a shuttle bus driver. Ken has mastered the art of “And Then Some.”
Why just go through the motions when you can challenge yourself to be extraordinary….and then some?

©2008, Donna Cutting, Use with permission only
This is excerpted, with permission, from “The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red-Carpet Customer Service” (Wiley, 2008), by Donna Cutting

Meet the Ladies Who Are Changing the Face of Business - Betty Lynch

I'm starting a new project and I'm so excited! I have met so many wonderful women who have been instrumental in helping achieve all that I have. Now I want you to meet them too! So, I am interviewing each of them and each week I will share an interview with you. Prepare to meet some of the most talented, dynamic, and successful women entrepreneurs. Take notes - because what they will teach you can change your life!


I love to cook. And I have a cookbook collection that fills several shelves in my kitchen. According to my husband, if I made a new recipe everyday for the rest of my life, I would still never try all of them. So when I first met fellow Baby Boomer Diva Betty Lynch, there was an instant bond. I buy the cookbooks and try the recipes. But Betty actually writes the cookbooks and creates the recipes! She's a foodie and she is another shining example of how a woman can turn her passion into her business. She also has a couple of other businesses that she promotes. She's an amazing woman and my good friend. Let's get cooking with Betty Lynch!

1. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Betty Lynch, I'm a cook and food loving recipe collector. I love trying new recipes and putting my special touches to a dish. I'm married to my best friend and we're about to celebrate 20 years this November. I have one 4 legged child, Copper who is a Treeing Walker Coonhound and is full of energy.

2. Tell us about your businesses.

My Country Kitchen, http://www.mycountrykitchen.com/ is a recipe website. I share recipes, and cooking tips and anything that I think might interest my readers. I've published one cookbook, Back to the Table with My Country Kitchen, and it is for sale from that website. I'm currently working on a second cookbook that will hopefully be out in time for Christmas. You will have to watch that website for more information about the new cookbook for Dads.

L'Bri Pure n' Natural, http://www.bettyl.lbrionline.com/ is an aloe vera based skin care company that is the BEST on the market today. It is affordable and it really works. I no longer have dry skin due to using these products every single day. My skin is silky smooth, which before using L'Bri was not smooth at all. This skin care product line is truly amazing!

My Power Mall, shop while saving time and money. http://mypowermall.com/biz/home/66536
Purchase the things you already purchase from yourself and get money back. Give away power malls to your family and friends and earn rebates on their purchases. You just have to purchase one thing a month, that's it. Try purchasing your Christmas gifts on line from over 1000 stores all year long. That's it.

3. Why did you start your own businesses?

I started My Country Kitchen to share recipes and cookbooks with others. My original goal was to write one cookbook, but it is turning into much more. We're working on behind the scenes to add a new feature to My Country Kitchen that you will really enjoy. It is so much fun sharing recipes with my subscribers. I have a newsletter you can sign up for and receive notices of new recipes.

I started L'Bri because I believe in the product from the bottom of my heart. I want everyone to have silky skin as I have.

I started with My Power Mall because I shop online about 90 percent of the time. It just makes good sense to save money and time, while making money doing something I already do, shop online.

4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?

I like being my own boss because I'm in control of how fast my business grows. It is totally up to me. What I like least about being my own boss, is it's totally up to me. Haha! If I don't do it, no one else will. So see that can be good and bad. At some point I see hiring employees that will carry on when I take time off.

5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?

Top notch customer service has to be your number one priority. If you do not treat your customer like a gem, someone else will. You need to be of a servant's heart when you are dealing with customers.

When you make a business decision, think it through and through. Do not make quick decisions.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?

When I was working on my first cookbook, I had to "unhire" the person who I hired to edit and put the cookbook in final format. That was so unpleasant and I cried for days. But I had to have the best possible product to represent My Country Kitchen, and it was not getting done. I saw my dream rolling out the window. It cost me a lot of money and I will never make those mistakes again.

7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

For editing, I recommend Kim Emerson of Writing Pro and for graphic design work Ginger Marks, both are on the Ryze network. These ladies take your project to heart and will work until the job is done correctly. Both are full of wisdom!

8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

Both Kim Emerson does email promotions that are top of the line. Promoting your business through postcards at events, business cards with a piece of candy attached to it. You always have to look outside the box for easy and inexpensive ways to keep your business name in front of people.

9. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

Make a business and marketing plan. Work your plan every day!

10. How can we contact you about your products and services?

Betty Lynch
http://www.mycountrykitchen.com/
cmclynch@prodigy.net or betty@mycountrykitchen.com --

Betty LynchAuthor - "Back to the Table with My Country Kitchen" http://www.mycountrykitchen.com/

L'Bri Pure n' Natural Aloe Vera Based Skincare -Ask me for your FREE mini skin care set - http://www.bettyl.lbrionline.com/

My Power Mall - Shop From Yourself - http://www.mypowermall.com/Biz/Home/66536

Tea Party Resident Columnist - http://roses-and-teacups.com/menu-tea-party-food.html

Featured Writer for Passionate for Life Magazine http://www.passionateforlife.com/

Meet the Ladies Who Are Changing the Face of Business - Beth Bentley

I'm starting a new project and I'm so excited! I have met so many wonderful women who have been instrumental in helping achieve all that I have. Now I want you to meet them too! So, I am interviewing each of them and each week I will share an interview with you. Prepare to meet some of the most talented, dynamic, and successful women entrepreneurs. Take notes - because what they will teach you can change your life!



Today, I want you meet Beth Bentley. I first met Beth on Ryze when I was searching for some gifts for my granddaughter. I came across a post of Beth's where she described her business. I had to check it out since it sounded like something my princess would just love. And I was right. It also shows you that you don't have to have a complicated product or service to be a success. Beth brought her passion for a very simple product to her market and it works. But I won't spoil it for you. I'll let her tell you about it in her own words. Loyal readers, Beth Bentley!


1. Tell us about yourself.


My name is Beth and I turned 34, 9-7. I have been married for 7 years and I have 4 kids ranging from teens to toddler (16 y/o son, 13 y/o daughter, 7 y/o son and 1 y/o daughter). Every time I put one in school, I have another one, lol.


2. Tell us about your business.


I started my hairbow business a year ago.The name of my business is SweetBabyCakesBowtique. The name came from my baby girl. I call her SweetBaby and my husband calls her BabyCakes. I custom make boutique hairbows for babies, toddlers and older girls. I use good quality grosgrain ribbon and attach them very securely with an alligator or french clip. I also heat seal all ribbon edges so they do not fray.


3. Why did you start your own business?


About a year ago I bought my youngest daughter a headband. I looked at this headband trying to figure out how it was made. I got online and found some information on how to make the headbands and hairbows. I got addicted right away. I could not wait to order up some ribbon and get to playing with it. I have sold online for years so I created a store and went from there. I love coming up with different themes, Birthday, Princess, Diva and MORE!!! I also like matching bows to my daughters Gymboree outfits. I don't have to go searching for a match, I can create it myself.


4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?


I don't really call myself a boss, lol. I enjoy what I do. I come up with all my ideas and go to my networks for help when I need it. I work as I have the time. I have 4 kids so time is hard to find sometimes.


5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business? Y


You need a very friendly, outgoing personality. You must be devoted and determined. When you sit down to make an order, you put your best into it. If it doesn't look good enough, start all over and try again. If you are not happy with it, don't send it to someone else. You want to build a good relationship with the people you meet and do business with so they will come back and refer you to others.


6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?


The fact that I am responsible for everything. I sit down with my ribbon and look at it trying to think of a bow someone will want. I want people to look at the bow and say...I WANT THAT!! Sometimes I would like for some input, lol. It's all trial and error though. Some bows go FAST and others don't. I also struggle with TIME, not enough of it.


7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?


I Love networking on Ryze. There's several groups available and I have met lost of people and done business with a few as well. I also have my blog ready. Lots of people say this is a GREAT resource. http://microwebblogs.com/babycakes/


I also participate in a monthly trade game on http://www.mommyauctions.com/.


You can build a FREE store on there. List as much as you want for FREE, only 5 % fee when you make a sale. I also go to the message boards daily on there. I am also a CL for the flea market board on IVillage. You can advertise your store on there as well as long as it's homemade or yard sale items. http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/listsf.asp?webtag=iv-ppfleamarket&nav=start.


I also have a network group I am trying to get going on cafemom http://www.cafemom.com/group/5525.


Network as much as you can everyday is my advice. Don't spam people, join their groups and get to know everyone.


8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?


I get my business by networking and meeting people. Make sure you have a good name for your business and use it. I use it as a member name on lots of groups.


9. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?


Be persistent. make sure it's something you enjoy, have fun with it. Give it everything you have, don't be a slacker. You want to build a relationship with your customers. You want repeat business. Make sure your customers are 100% satisfied. I would rather offer a full refund than have an unhappy customer. Luckily I have never had to do that. When someone makes a purchase, I always email them thanking them and I send a Thank you card with their order. On some sites that have feedback, I leave it as soon as payment is made. A lot of people wait for the buyer to leave it first. I think that is not a very good business strategy in my opinion. I always leave feedback first and have yet to receive a negative because of it.


10. How can we contact you about your products and services?


You can visit my website at http://sweetbabycakesbowtique.weebly.com// Email me at BethBentley@centurytel.net. Call me at 256-591-5790.

For everyone who reads this blog and orders from me, you get a 15% discount on your total purchase before shipping, a free set of Mickey Mouse hairbows (not custom made, store bought) and your name will be entered into a drawing for a FREE hairbow of your choice from my store at http://sweetbabycakesbowtique.weebly.com// or http://www.sweetbabycakesbowtique.com/ Does not apply to custom orders. If you have a business and win the hairbow, I will feature you on my store as the winner and my blog with your business info.


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


Join some groups and participate on the message boards. You will meet some wonderful people along the way and grow your business.

Meet the Ladies Who Are Changing the Face of Business - Nancy McDonald

I'm starting a new project and I'm so excited! I have met so many wonderful women who have been instrumental in helping achieve all that I have. Now I want you to meet them too! So, I am interviewing each of them and each week I will share an interview with you. Prepare to meet some of the most talented, dynamic, and successful women entrepreneurs. Take notes - because what they will teach you can change your life!

Today, I introduce our first Canadian guest! Nancy and I are both members of Women Business Owners Network and HER Mastermind Network, which is where we met. She is always posting great advice on these forums so I jumped at the chance to share her experience with you. I know after reading her interview, you'll be as big a fan of hers as I am! Nancy McDonald!!

1. Nancy, can you start by telling us about a little bit about yourself?

My Name is Nancy Macdonald and I live in London Ontario Canada. I have four wonderful daughters and seven grand children ranging from teen agers to a new baby. I am so thrilled to watch each of the children develop.

2. Tell us about your business.

My business website and passion is http://www.preciousbabysite.com/.
I specialize in helping Moms and Ladies find a guide and a safe place to share their feelings. For a resource in parenting and life coaching in life's day to day events. I also have an ongoing ecommerce store on ebay specializing in products that are hand picked for quality and savings.
http://stores.ebay.com/preciousbabysite_WoQQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm.

I use different media to help and motivate others with my podcast.
http://blogtalkradio.com/onlinehelp


3. Why did you start your own business?

The business was started after my life changing event when due to a circumstance I was no longer able to nurse actively in patient care. My skills were transferred to using the resources on the net.

4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?

Being your own boss you are responsible for your site and its development. Just like watching a child grow and go through the different phases , so does your business.

5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?

The personality trait I feel is the ability to adapt and to be resourceful in many ways. To have the ability to learn from others and to learn patience.

6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?

Not being able right away to have an income. It takes hard work, so then you need to be able to adapt. I contract my services as a virtual customer service to maintain a weekly cashflow

7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

I have found resources from networking with other like minded working at home woman and men .. We share our skills and our strengths to help each other in mentoring and being a sounding board and cheering section. There are times when we work long hours that having an online friend is the best.

8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

I join groups of the products and services where I would chat and meet others who might need my services. I offer free minutes to people so that they can check out what I can offer. I also spend time each day promoting my business with advertisements and sharing with others.

9. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

That not to be discouraged easily and to do a lot of research on what they would like to do online. I find that I also enjoy very much my virtual free lance work.

10. How can we contact you about your products and services?
http://www.preciousbabysite.com/

email: plscall4me@execulink.com

If any of Melodieann's readers buy from my ebay store , I would offer a discount of $2.00 off of any item.
http://stores.ebay.com/preciousbabysite_WoQQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm

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

Having a passion in life and watching it grow even though you struggle is a great reward and a feeling of satisfaction.

Meet the Ladies Who Are Changing the Face of Business - The PopArt Diva!

I'm starting a new project and I'm so excited! I have met so many wonderful women who have been instrumental in helping achieve all that I have. Now I want you to meet them too! So, I am interviewing each of them and each week I will share an interview with you. Prepare to meet some of the most talented, dynamic, and successful women entrepreneurs. Take notes - because what they will teach you can change your life!

PopArt Diva, The Martini Diva, The Diva of Tiny Foods, The Brat in the Hat, The Normal Challenged Artist. What? Am I interviewing several guests this week? Nope! These are just the many personifications of my friend Terri Dennis. Terri and I met when we both became members of Boomer Diva Nation. This is a prime example of networking in action because not only has Ms. PopArt become my friend, she has been a great influence and mentor on some upcoming projects - not to mention the fact that she has taught me to make a killer martini and appetizers to die for! And through our relationship she has gained a new client. Travelin' Bob has hired her to do a Pop Art of him. I know once you read her interview, you will admire her as much as I do. So without further ado, I present THE POPART DIVA!!

1. Just who is PopArt Diva?

I am a Normal Challenged artist with a passion for my art, pop culture, tiny foods (what I call appetizers) and designer martinis! My interest in art began early in life. Growing up in Kansas I was never without a crayon in my hand. From grade school through college my main emphasis was on being an artist. I worked in the commercial market for nearly fifteen years as an illustrator and designer for publishers, advertising agencies and corporate marketing agencies. In 1981 I started participating in fine art shows where I exhibited and sold my original art at fine art shows and to galleries throughout the United States and abroad. In the mid 1990's I installed my first graphics software and discovered a whole new excitement in creating art digitally. Currently I apply my computer graphics skills to creating graphic design and animation for print media and the web for myself and a few select clients and Fine Art Digital Images for my own art publishing business. Being an artist is not just what I do, it's what I am. My art defines me and my life. It's my job, my vocation, my avocation and my passion. I cannot imagine my world without the creativity that drives me. Every morning I have a reason to get up and that's the biggest blessing one can receive.

2. Why Pop Culture art?

I was born during the baby boom and much of my childhood became the pop culture of America. Family vacations were taken on Route 66 in our classic '55 Chevy where we stopped at roadside diners that are now part of the past. I grew up watching television classics like "I Love Lucy", going to drive-in moves and listening to the icons of Rock and Roll. I was in the Peanut Gallery on Howdy Doody! My teens were the time of Woman's Lib, the Peace Movement, Viet Nam, Nixon, the Cold War, the Moon Landing, Pop Psychology, Mini Skirts and Motown. I bought 45's of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, ironed my hair and wore bell bottoms. American Graffiti was my childhood, Peter Pan was my dream, Platoon was my reality and Haight Ashbury was my hope. Now decades later I find myself going home again in the only way I know how - through my art, my writing and food!

3. What's with your obsession for martinis?

I love martini glasses! Elegant, sophisticated, graceful and sassy, they were the ultimate in posh to me. However, I never liked classic martinis! One day I heard of an Apple Martini and I grew fascinated. There was something I could drink in a martini glass that wasn't basically just vodka or gin? Show me! Tell Me! Let me enjoy the drink as much as the glass it is presented in! From that point it grew into finding new recipes to drink, to creating new recipes to drink and then to creating a blog and now a website and videos to share my recipes with the world! Thus, The Martini Diva, was born. And I can write off my booze now, thank you Mr. Taxman.

4. Tell us about your business.

I create retro inspired pop culture art as fine art giclees on canvas and images for licensing at PopArtDiva.com. These images are also available as an assortment of merchandise for sale at my CafePress store - The PopArtDiva Boutique and other online stores. I also do some graphic design for a few select clients on occasion. I create or recreate recipes, how to videos and fun graphic recipe cards for designer martinis at TheMartiniDiva.com as well as at TinyFoodDiva.com. I host a retro pop culture talk radio show at Blog Talk Radio called "Trippin' Down Memory Lane". I am currently formatting a book on my martini recipes and recipe cards for sale online. I am working on developing and getting funding for a line of products for The Martini Diva brand.

5. Why did you start your own business?

I started my first business as a graphic designer in 1976 - Graphica Studios. It is still operational today. I started publishing fine art for sale in 1980 and continue to this day. I went live with PopArtDiva.com last October and continue to build that brand online.

6. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?

I like not having to go to someone else's office, I like my boss (gee, ya think?) - even though my boss is type A and makes me work all the time, lol. I like the fact that I am not subject to the whims of inferior superiors, lackluster co-workers or corporate idiocy. I dislike not knowing exactly how much money is coming in.

7. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?

Here are the primary skills and personality traits that are necessary to run a successful business, in order:
Be passionate about your work.
Be honest, be diligent and do what you say you are going to do.
Be dedicated and a self-starter.
Be willing to work all the time.
Be willing to sacrifice a large part of your personal life.
Be organized - if you're not, then learn!
Have a least a rudimentary business knowledge including accounting, legal, costing, time management, etcetera.
Be able to prioritize and delegate where you can.
Be FLEXIBLE!
Be personable - you have to like people to do business with them!
Be on time!
Be original.
Be yourself.

8. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?

Gaining the understanding of those who work a standard nine to five job.
Dealing with the vagaries of a trickle down and out economy!

9. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?

I network with several groups but I narrow these down to those that a) are beneficial to my business plan or b) I enjoy on a personal level. Why? Because you can spend all day "networking" and not getting any business benefit from it if you aren't aware of your time.
I do all my own web design, web graphics and promoting at this time. I taught myself html, various web design wysiwygs, photoshop, video editing software, audio editing software and every other part of the web - there are great free resources in how to learn html and css code online, just google them with the added keyword "tutorials".
When I went to college computers were still the size of Mack trucks! I didn't even get my first computer until 1996! And frankly, when I looked into classes to learn how to do an internet business they were way behind my knowledge and the times!

10. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?

I do not spend any money on marketing or promotion. Frankly, I don't have the budget for effective advertising - few do. I have a plan for promoting via public relations, which I find more effective than paid advertising.
I promote myself by social networking, keeping the top five high on my list for updating and fresh content. You can google to find the top five or ten social network sites - though MySpace and YouTube always rank in the top five. I comment on high ranking sites that are pertinent to my niches, I do some posting to forums (thought not as much as I would like due to time constraints).
I also watch my ranking for my keywords, play around with SEO on my websites, and keep adding content - content is King to the search engines! I do not panic over my Google page rank, I just make sure I'm in the top five for my keywords and phrases.
I make sure every e-mail, post or comment I make has a link back to a relevant site of mine. I link every piece of art I post to it's sales page, I hand out business cards with my websites - I even put one of my martini recipes on the back of The Martini Diva cards!
I give away free art, free recipes and recipe cards, tutorials, information and free stuff - web visitors like free stuff - free stuff brings in traffic, though remember it's not necessarily traffic that will bring in revenue!

11. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?

Be prepared to work hard, work long hours, and be prepared to take it on the chin, brush yourself off and start all over again!

12. How can we contact you about your products and services?

Links to all my websites, blogs, my main online store are below:

Pop Art Diva™, tripping down Memory Lane as The Pop Culture Diva, dressing up humans and houses at The Pop Art Diva Boutique, partying down as The MARTINI DIVA™>, playing foodie at The DIVA of TINY FOODS™, happily doodling at Life is Like Art, helping artists at The Normal Challenged Artist™, being DIVA at The Road to Diva-Visit Divaville and ranting as a Grumpy Old Woman at The BRAT in the HAT™!>

I will be happy to offer Melodieann's readers a 20% discount on my graphics services, 20% off a personal pop art package or 20% off any of my fine art giclees at PopArtDiva.com if ordered directly through me and not off my website.
To receive this discount you must contact me directly at: GoodDeal@popartdiva.com with your contact information - phone number and e-mail address so I can contact you to assure your discount.

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

I've made it sound like owning your own business is a 24/7 venture - and it often is! However, if you love the business you are creating it will not be like a job! You will get up every morning (well, almost, lol) just itching to start that new project, upload that new website, post that new blog.
My love and passion for my work has been a lifesaver for me many times over in the course of nearly 30 years of being my own boss. When all else around me was crashing at my feet, when I lost my family one by one, my work was always there to give me a reason to get up and go on with my life!
And having some cute puppies, kitties and other little pets is a big help too! (Kisses to my Pixel!)
LOVE YOUR WORK AND IT WILL LOVE YOU!

Thank you, thank you very much, PopArtDiva has left the building!