I recently had the pleasure of working with an attorney-graphical designer-oh, the list can go on. Basically he is an entrepreneur, well versed in providing people with intelligent advice about how to market and brand their business. As you know when starting any business, especially a business as a writer, you should protect your copyrights.
You should also learn to brand your products and services. Think about it. If Nike didn’t come up with a great brand, a great logo, today they might be just another shoemaker. Sounds a bit extreme, but it’s true.
One of the most important aspects of creating a new business is selecting your business name. Ask anyone. If you are familiar with the AWE, the Association of Web Entrepreneurs, you will soon learn that “naming” and branding your business go hand-in-hand.
Naming your business seems like a difficult task… at first. But remember, it is one of the most important tasks you have. So how do you do it? Try checking out Kevin’s site. He has a great approach to naming your business. This from an expert in the field, trust me. Had it not been for our meeting, I may not have discovered the next best name for my new business… which we’ll talk about next time we chat. So check it out. See for yourself what naming a business is about.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Turn Your Knowledge Into Money
One of the important ideas I present in ConsummateCash is that anyone can follow their passion and become successful. It doesn't matter if you are a stay-at-home mother or a professional looking to follow their childhood dreams.
If you want to succeed in business, you have to recognize the differences between online and offline marketing. One of the best tools I know that helps newbies create a successful home business (like mine) with little or no investment (as I teach) is Turn Knowledge Into Money.
I know, it sounds loud. I've worked with this fellow for years however. There are some controversial practices even Dan will admit to his business. But the bottom line is this. His program works. If you want to set your writing business or any home business on auto pilot, you have to follow the right tactics. Turn Knowledge Into Money is risk free. I tried it. You won't get ahead unless you are willing to invest in your education.
Consider this a step in the right direction. And, if it doesn't work for you, then just email Dan and get your money back. But I bet you won't have to.
If you want to succeed in business, you have to recognize the differences between online and offline marketing. One of the best tools I know that helps newbies create a successful home business (like mine) with little or no investment (as I teach) is Turn Knowledge Into Money.
I know, it sounds loud. I've worked with this fellow for years however. There are some controversial practices even Dan will admit to his business. But the bottom line is this. His program works. If you want to set your writing business or any home business on auto pilot, you have to follow the right tactics. Turn Knowledge Into Money is risk free. I tried it. You won't get ahead unless you are willing to invest in your education.
Consider this a step in the right direction. And, if it doesn't work for you, then just email Dan and get your money back. But I bet you won't have to.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Business Automation
When you first start out as a writer, you undoubtedly will spend most of your time working in your business instead of on it. What does that mean?
You will spend most of your time seeking new clients and writing. For a great time, this will undoubtedly cause you much pleasure and satisfaction. You may find this is where you prefer to remain until your dying day.
If you are like me, you probably have plans to expand your business. Work smarter, not harder. As I find my life becoming increasingly congested, I have plans to expand my business into an automated "machine" if you will, that works for me. Right now, I am working for my business, and it is a lot of work.
Once you get the writing thing down, you may find someone knocking at your door at all times. Take the time to learn from each and every experience. As you do, you will find new opportunities to grow and expand your business.
Much of the marketing experience I have drawn on comes from many of the high-profile clients I write for.
My plan for the future? To expand my business into a fully automated service, one that will still provide you the knowledge and information you need, satisfy my need for creativity, but also allow me the opportunity to spend more time doing what everyone loves best... having a little fun.
You will spend most of your time seeking new clients and writing. For a great time, this will undoubtedly cause you much pleasure and satisfaction. You may find this is where you prefer to remain until your dying day.
If you are like me, you probably have plans to expand your business. Work smarter, not harder. As I find my life becoming increasingly congested, I have plans to expand my business into an automated "machine" if you will, that works for me. Right now, I am working for my business, and it is a lot of work.
Once you get the writing thing down, you may find someone knocking at your door at all times. Take the time to learn from each and every experience. As you do, you will find new opportunities to grow and expand your business.
Much of the marketing experience I have drawn on comes from many of the high-profile clients I write for.
My plan for the future? To expand my business into a fully automated service, one that will still provide you the knowledge and information you need, satisfy my need for creativity, but also allow me the opportunity to spend more time doing what everyone loves best... having a little fun.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
How To Find Your Passion For Writing
A good friend of mine the other day asked me what I thought about writing and how I decided to leave my job as an HR specialist to become a writer. I told her I simply listened to my heart and decided to follow my passion. Since the time I was a child people encouraged me to write. I had a grade school teacher that told me to send one of my stories to a children’s book publisher. At the time however, I wasn’t yet ready to follow my passion. I was still spending time exploring the world of opportunities ahead of me.
Eventually, after spending much time working for others, I decided true happiness would only come if I turned back to my passion. Moreover, by following my passion, my writing became much better than it had been in the past.
When you write with passion, the words that come from your pen or “mouth” are always better than words you must struggle with. As a fledgling writer, you may find you have trouble deciding what subject area of writing to focus in. You may look at writer boards or surf the Net for ideas about what to write about.
The easiest way to write well is to write about what you know and what you love. While I write in many different genres and styles, much of the writing I do involves writing about business, the business of writing, health subjects, marketing and parenting. Why? These are all areas I have much passion for and experience in.
If you plan to start your own business as a successful writer, one of the first steps you have to take is to sit down and take inventory of your life. Write down the subjects or topics you are most familiar with and those you feel passionate about.
Then look for opportunities to write on these subjects. If you do not have any experience as a writer or published works, simply work on creating a portfolio of work. Write articles on subjects you love and send them to free publications including local newspapers or magazines for consideration. Most free publications provide submission guidelines or an editor’s contact information.
By taking some time to explore your passion, you will quickly be able to tell whether writing in this area is something you (1) like (2) can become good at and (3) want to continue as a career opportunity.
The life of a writer involves a few mundane tasks. However, it is also filled with excitement and intrigue. Make sure you take time out of your day to think about your passions, and then take some time to chase them. Only then will you find satisfaction from your work, and only then will you succeed.
Eventually, after spending much time working for others, I decided true happiness would only come if I turned back to my passion. Moreover, by following my passion, my writing became much better than it had been in the past.
When you write with passion, the words that come from your pen or “mouth” are always better than words you must struggle with. As a fledgling writer, you may find you have trouble deciding what subject area of writing to focus in. You may look at writer boards or surf the Net for ideas about what to write about.
The easiest way to write well is to write about what you know and what you love. While I write in many different genres and styles, much of the writing I do involves writing about business, the business of writing, health subjects, marketing and parenting. Why? These are all areas I have much passion for and experience in.
If you plan to start your own business as a successful writer, one of the first steps you have to take is to sit down and take inventory of your life. Write down the subjects or topics you are most familiar with and those you feel passionate about.
Then look for opportunities to write on these subjects. If you do not have any experience as a writer or published works, simply work on creating a portfolio of work. Write articles on subjects you love and send them to free publications including local newspapers or magazines for consideration. Most free publications provide submission guidelines or an editor’s contact information.
By taking some time to explore your passion, you will quickly be able to tell whether writing in this area is something you (1) like (2) can become good at and (3) want to continue as a career opportunity.
The life of a writer involves a few mundane tasks. However, it is also filled with excitement and intrigue. Make sure you take time out of your day to think about your passions, and then take some time to chase them. Only then will you find satisfaction from your work, and only then will you succeed.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Balancing Career, Family and Life In General
Lately it seems I've been besieged by unusual circumstances. A blizzard for example, left my children home from daycare for six days. They were also home for the holidays. The time we spent together was priceless, but I found myself very behind with work and my MBA program.
What do you do when you fall behind? The worst thing you can do is panic. When you work as a writer, your life is often ruled by deadlines. So set your priorities according to your deadlines. Remember also however, that there are circumstances where it may be appropriate to ask for an extension.
But don't make a habit of it. If you find your life constantly bombarded by mishaps, take a moment to step back and reevaluate your plan of action. You may find a new way of working that meshes better with your life and accomodates any unexpected events (like blizzards) that may come your way.
If writing for example, you can hire a contract writer to help you out in the event you are not able to work. Where there is a will, there is always a way. Keep that in mind.
Our primary site has moved. Take a look, just click here. My hope is we'll soon have the ConsummateCash series in print for all of you requesting copies. Just remember if you book ahead you'll receive a free copy of our newsletter. So hurry while you still can!
What do you do when you fall behind? The worst thing you can do is panic. When you work as a writer, your life is often ruled by deadlines. So set your priorities according to your deadlines. Remember also however, that there are circumstances where it may be appropriate to ask for an extension.
But don't make a habit of it. If you find your life constantly bombarded by mishaps, take a moment to step back and reevaluate your plan of action. You may find a new way of working that meshes better with your life and accomodates any unexpected events (like blizzards) that may come your way.
If writing for example, you can hire a contract writer to help you out in the event you are not able to work. Where there is a will, there is always a way. Keep that in mind.
Our primary site has moved. Take a look, just click here. My hope is we'll soon have the ConsummateCash series in print for all of you requesting copies. Just remember if you book ahead you'll receive a free copy of our newsletter. So hurry while you still can!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Little-Known Customer Service Secrets
How do you keep your customers coming back for more? You make them your priority. No matter what business you are in, whether the freelance writing business, web design business or marketing, you have to pay attention to your customer.
Sometimes you have to do this when juggling multiple tasks. Recently for example, I found myself burdened with a midterm paper I had to complete for my MBA, family visiting from out of town and a tremendous writing project. I literally had to create 4 books, sales letters and demos in just 3 weeks. This while keeping up with courses and family matters.
The point is, when you are in business for yourself, you can’t call in sick. You still have to find ways to serve your customers, even while bogged down by other tasks. Remember, the key to success is customer service. Find out what your customer’s want, then find ways you can fulfill their needs without compromising your sanity.
When you neglect your customer’s, you neglect your business. Make your customer’s a priority, and everything else will eventually fall into place.
Sometimes you have to do this when juggling multiple tasks. Recently for example, I found myself burdened with a midterm paper I had to complete for my MBA, family visiting from out of town and a tremendous writing project. I literally had to create 4 books, sales letters and demos in just 3 weeks. This while keeping up with courses and family matters.
The point is, when you are in business for yourself, you can’t call in sick. You still have to find ways to serve your customers, even while bogged down by other tasks. Remember, the key to success is customer service. Find out what your customer’s want, then find ways you can fulfill their needs without compromising your sanity.
When you neglect your customer’s, you neglect your business. Make your customer’s a priority, and everything else will eventually fall into place.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Practical Matters In Business
Every successful business owner and entrepreneur has to start somewhere. One of the reasons my business is so successful is because I have worked in so many fields.
I began my career as an Office Manager more than 10 years go. From there, after receiving my B.S. in HR Management, I became an HR Professional. From there I sought certification and also membership with multiple prestigious organizations, including SHRM and NAWW.
Now I am completing my MBA in Entrepreneurship. This is the "final touch" if you will, to my career as a freelancer, entrepreneur and self-made professional.
If a full-time mother of 3 children under 3 can manage graduate studies, a blossoming career, a happy homelife AND diversify and expand her business to include consulting services, anyone can. The key is taking advantage of strategies catering to time-pressed individuals. Who among us is not pressed for time in modern society?
What does it take to become an entrepreneur? One important step includes gaining practical skills in time-management, business management and leadership. You also need to understand how to serve your customers well and how to sell and market your products and services. The key here is fulfilling your customer's needs. We'll talk more about that next week.
ConsummateCash offers practical education, much like AJU offers practical courses. Whether your desire includes starting a successful freelance business or establishing yourself as a self-made professional, remember above all else to remain practical.
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