WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS - Blog

Plan Ahead for 2010

This is a great time of year to set the foundations for a successful year ahead. Carve out some time over the festive season to give some serious thought to how you want your business  -and your life - to look like this time next year.

A good starting point is to take stock of the year just gone. What went well, what didn't go so well and what lessons did you learn? How can you increase your profits, how can you increase your time off? Are there systems you need to put in place to ensure your business and your life run more smoothly? Some people never do this review, but it is a vital part of making the next year one of your best ever.   

Often we'll sit down and write our plan for the next year without reference to what's already happened. This is not a good idea as we'll miss out on the lessons learned.  So make sure you do some kind of review of the previous year. Ideally this kind of review and the forward planning will be written down.Initially you may just want to brainstorm ideas, but capturing your thoughts in written form will  provide focus and aid clarity.

There are lots of planning tools you can use, both on and off line. Most people have their own favourite time management tool. And if you don't, now's a perfect time to choose a paper based or electronic system to help you really get organised for 2010.

I highly recommend Jinny Ditzler's fantastic book "Your Best Year Yet" which I have used for the past five years for my own planning. This will give you great questions and a structure for deciding what are your top goals and priorities for 2010.

YOUR TAKE ACTION CHALLENGE:

You might want to try the "Year Ahead Exercise".  Imagine it's already December 2010 and you are writing a letter or journal entry about the year just gone. It's best to hand write this exercise as this makes it easier to get in touch with your creative brain.  Don't worry about what seems possible. Just go with the flow and write what pops into your head. Don't edit and don't over analyse. You may be surprised at what crops up.

Some of my clients have found brilliant new business ideas through doing this exercise. You never know what fantastic thoughts your subconscious will present you with that you may never have discovered at an intellectual level. Have fun with this and don't rule anything out as being too fantastical - the clues are there for taking into next year's plan.

(c) Shona Partridge, Women Mean Business

This is a great time of year to set the foundations for a successful year ahead. Carve out some time over the festive season to give some serious thought to how you want your business  -and your life - to look like this time next year.

A good starting point is to take stock of the year just gone. What went well, what didn't go so well and what lessons did you learn? How can you increase your profits, how can you increase your time off? Are there systems you need to put in place to ensure your business and your life run more smoothly? Some people never do this review, but it is a vital part of making the next year one of your best ever.   

Often we'll sit down and write our plan for the next year without reference to what's already happened. This is not a good idea as we'll miss out on the lessons learned.  So make sure you do some kind of review of the previous year. Ideally this kind of review and the forward planning will be written down.Initially you may just want to brainstorm ideas, but capturing your thoughts in written form will  provide focus and aid clarity.

There are lots of planning tools you can use, both on and off line. Most people have their own favourite time management tool. And if you don't, now's a perfect time to choose a paper based or electronic system to help you really get organised for 2010.

I highly recommend Jinny Ditzler's fantastic book "Your Best Year Yet" which I have used for the past five years for my own planning. This will give you great questions and a structure for deciding what are your top goals and priorities for 2010.

YOUR TAKE ACTION CHALLENGE:

You might want to try the "Year Ahead Exercise".  Imagine it's already December 2010 and you are writing a letter or journal entry about the year just gone. It's best to hand write this exercise as this makes it easier to get in touch with your creative brain.  Don't worry about what seems possible. Just go with the flow and write what pops into your head. Don't edit and don't over analyse. You may be surprised at what crops up.

Some of my clients have found brilliant new business ideas through doing this exercise. You never know what fantastic thoughts your subconscious will present you with that you may never have discovered at an intellectual level. Have fun with this and don't rule anything out as being too fantastical - the clues are there for taking into next year's plan.

(c) Shona Partridge, Women Mean Business

Blogging for Business - 5 Reasons to Start One Today!

If you’re still resisting setting up a blog for your business, read this post and see if it changes your mind!

A blog is the cheapest, quickest and easiest way to get your business on line. Here are my top 5 reasons why you should set up your blog today, if you don’t already have one.

1. Search engines love blogs

If you’re not blogging, you’re missing out on one of the best ways to raise your search engine ranking. Forget complicated SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), simply write regularly with relevant content aimed at your target niche.

Search engines love fresh content and by blogging two to four times a week you’ll really help raise your Google ranking.

2. You’ll be creating valuable content on a regular basis

Writing a book may seem like an overwhelming task, but short blog posts a few times a week seems a lot more manageable. Some people really have blogged to create their book, which was later published.

Blogging regularly on targeted topics creates valuable content that you can then repurpose – in articles, your newsletter, e-books, Special Reports, guest blog posts and even audio recordings and information products. Once you start blogging regularly you’ll be “primed” to come up with ideas for content.

3. It’s the easiest and quickest way to create a website!

You can get your blog up and running in an afternoon. In fact using a blog platform you can create your whole website in as little as a week. If I can do it, so can you! I use Typepad as the platform for my blog and my website. You can also set up a free blog on Blogger.com or on Wordpress if you’re more technically minded.

4. You’ll be seen as an expert in your field

If you’re still resisting blogging for your business, think about this – your competition may be establishing a strong presence on line with a website and a blog they write on regularly. Do you want to be left behind?

Blogging can be very low cost, or even free, but it can set you apart as a leader in your field if you do it the right way and consistently. A great blog can really help your business. If you’re sharing useful information and tips via your blog, you can create a connection with your potential clients. You could even get new clients as a direct result of what you’ve written on your blog.

5.  You can blog once and appear in several places

Did you know that your blog content can be automatically linked to post to Facebook, Twitter and Linked in? So you write the post only once yet you can appear in at least four different places as a result! Great for visibility and Search Engine rankings.

(c) Shona Partridge, Women Mean Business
 

Get Blogging for More Business

If you've been wondering whether or not to start a blog for your business, you'll want to read this month's Women Mean Business "SUCCESS STRATEGIES" newsletter.

The main article will be "Blogging for Business - It Really Works!"

The newsletter will now be going out on Tuesday so there's still time to sign up to get your own copy delivered straight to your in-box. Plus you'll get other business building bonuses too.

Marketing 101 - Tip # 14 Collect Testimonials

 Collecting testimonials and developing case studies about your work are great confidence boosters. If you haven’t been asking for testimonials up to now, it’s time to get started!

When you’re working with new clients you don’t need to wait till the work is completed to ask for a testimonial. People will be full of enthusiasm as they start working with you and results can occur early on. So when your client says something is amazing, ask to write down what they’ve said. Get permission to use it on your website and in your marketing materials.

27 No-cost Ways to Market Your Business

Get your free copy of "27 NO-COST WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS" by joining our mailing list or the Facebook fanpage. Even if you don't have a marketing budget there are still lots of things you can be doing to effectively market your business.

Marketing 101 - Tip # 13 Time to Think

If you're constantly busy and on the go, where will you find the time to think about new ideas? The trouble is, when we love what we do it's much more difficult to have the demarcation we would get in a traditional, salaried job.

However, taking time out to rest, recharge and just daydream is actually an essential part of being an entrepreneur and business owner. After all, Einstein came up with the Theory of Relativity when he was lying on a hillside on a sunny day wondering what it would be like to ride on a sunbeam! And Walt Disney had a specially designated "Dreaming Room."

So, what's your dreaming time and special place? When did you last empty your mind of to do lists and "shoulds"? New ideas need space to develop, and marketing ideas are no different. Try it out - and I'd love to hear how you get on.

If you're constantly busy and on the go, where will you find the time to think about new ideas? The trouble is, when we love what we do it's much more difficult to have the demarcation we would get in a traditional, salaried job.

However, taking time out to rest, recharge and just daydream is actually an essential part of being an entrepreneur and business owner. After all, Einstein came up with the Theory of Relativity when he was lying on a hillside on a sunny day wondering what it would be like to ride on a sunbeam! And Walt Disney had a specially designated "Dreaming Room."

So, what's your dreaming time and special place? When did you last empty your mind of to do lists and "shoulds"? New ideas need space to develop, and marketing ideas are no different. Try it out - and I'd love to hear how you get on.

Marketing 101 - Tip # 12 Trust Your Intuition

We all have access to our own powerful intuition and we ignore it at our peril. Trust your gut when it comes to deciding what niche to specialise in, which clients to take on or who to go into partnership with. If money is involved and you get a nagging doubt or warning from your intuition, pay close attention!

Of course we'll do our homework and research but if the niggles are worrying you, don't ignore them. Think of a time in the past when you paid attention to your intuition and avoided a problem - or maybe even more likely you ignored the hunches and went ahead only to kick yourself later.

My first feelings about a person or situation are rarely wrong and I've learned the hard way that I really need to listen when my intuition sends me a warning! This may seem a little esoteric for a marketing tip, but do give it some serious thought. It could save you time, money and trouble along the way.

We all have access to our own powerful intuition and we ignore it at our peril. Trust your gut when it comes to deciding what niche to specialise in, which clients to take on or who to go into partnership with. If money is involved and you get a nagging doubt or warning from your intuition, pay close attention!

Of course we'll do our homework and research but if the niggles are worrying you, don't ignore them. Think of a time in the past when you paid attention to your intuition and avoided a problem - or maybe even more likely you ignored the hunches and went ahead only to kick yourself later.

My first feelings about a person or situation are rarely wrong and I've learned the hard way that I really need to listen when my intuition sends me a warning! This may seem a little esoteric for a marketing tip, but do give it some serious thought. It could save you time, money and trouble along the way.

GET YOUR MARKETING SORTED!

If you got the Marketing and Publicity handled, how much would your business grow?

Marketing Mastermind group starts January 2010 Early bird pricing till 15th December 2009

Now, more than ever, you need support to keep your motivation high and  your marketing focused.

How would you like to get vital PR and Marketing advice tailored to your own business but for a fraction of the usual cost?

Well, now you can!

I'm running an exclusive 6 part Marketing Mastermind for just four lucky people starting in January 2010.

Focus, clarity and a plan of action

"The Marketing Mastermind made me realise my business had been ‘drifting’ and that there was no marketing plan in place at all really.  The course gave me focus, clarity and a plan of action I wouldn’t have had otherwise."

 Joanne Fentiman, Top-notch VA

This is not an off the shelf course. As a member, you decide what Marketing and PR advice you need in advance of each call. You'll also get "spotlight" sessions where you get individual mentoring from me and input from the rest of the Mastermind group. I'm keeping the group deliberately small so there's time to focus on each participant and your specific challenges.

We'll have 6 sessions meeting by telephone and there'll be an exclusive website only available to members.

This is an intensive, roll up your sleeves and get things done type of programme! Yes, you'll learn really valuable information, but the key thing is you'll also be implementing what you learn in a very practical way. you'll leave each call with action steps that will ensure you get the right things implemented for your own business.

This is a fun, affordable way to give your business and your motivation a boost. As I've been saying in my newsletter and on my blog: this is not the time to batten down the hatches hoping the situation will improve. This is the time to take charge and make things happen by ramping up your marketing and PR activities. The businesses that will survive this downturn are the businesses that keep their profile high.

Get expert advice on your PR and Marketing challenges. From websites, blogs and newsletters, to press releases and public speaking, your niche market or networking know-how, we'll cover exactly what you need. Remember, you get to choose what we work on.

• The cost for 6 hours of business boosting, motivational, marketing know-how is only £125 with the early bird price until 15th December when it goes up to £155.

• As a participant you'll also be eligible for special pricing deals for one to one business mentoring with me.

Here's what you'll get from the Marketing Mastermind:

• 6 hours of Mastermind learning
• a group of three other motivated business owners
• expert PR and marketing advice tailored for your specific business needs
• motivation to keep you energised
• access to the private, members only website
• accountability to keep you in action
• fresh thinking and new business ideas
• focused, targeted action steps
• individual "spotlight" coaching

This could be the most important action you take for your business this year!

To register interest and claim your place click here to send me an email. This books your place (without having to pay until nearer the time.) But please note there are only 4 places available.

Dates and times:

(all sessions held by telephone bridge line)

Tuesdays at 2.00 pm  GMT (UK)

(9.00 am Eastern US)

Dates to be confirmed

Marketing 101 - Tip # 11 Do Some Public Speaking

One of the best ways to get your business noticed is to do some public speaking. In an ideal world you would get paid, but even if you don't get a fee, think of it as fantastic free publicity. Create a "signature" talk in an area you know a lot about. Think about the problems you solve in your business. What do your clients keep asking you about?

Being the person at the front of the room at a networking event makes you much more memorable than being just another name on a business card. Check out local groups and choose one to approach this month.

One of the best ways to get your business noticed is to do some public speaking. In an ideal world you would get paid, but even if you don't get a fee, think of it as fantastic free publicity. Create a "signature" talk in an area you know a lot about. Think about the problems you solve in your business. What do your clients keep asking you about?

Being the person at the front of the room at a networking event makes you much more memorable than being just another name on a business card. Check out local groups and choose one to approach this month.

You're The Expert!

Sometimes we forget that we really are experts at what we do. How many people do you know personally who know as much about your area of expertise as you? Too often we take our own skills and knowledge for granted.

How many years have you been doing what you are doing now? How many books have you read about the subject? How many training course have you attended? How many clients have you helped?

Are you starting to think - "Well, yes I really am an expert at this!" Why not make a list of all your credentials, qualifications  and experience with your specialist subjects. As well as giving you a confidence boost, you may find some fresh ideas for your marketing and your website.

Imagine someone else with this much experience in a different area - wouldn't you be impressed? Just because we've been doing something for years, it doesn't mean everyone knows how to do the same thing - far from it. You have a unique mix of skills and experience  and it's good to remind yourself of that every so often.

Sometimes we forget that we really are experts at what we do. How many people do you know personally who know as much about your area of expertise as you? Too often we take our own skills and knowledge for granted.

How many years have you been doing what you are doing now? How many books have you read about the subject? How many training course have you attended? How many clients have you helped?

Are you starting to think - "Well, yes I really am an expert at this!" Why not make a list of all your credentials, qualifications  and experience with your specialist subjects. As well as giving you a confidence boost, you may find some fresh ideas for your marketing and your website.

Imagine someone else with this much experience in a different area - wouldn't you be impressed? Just because we've been doing something for years, it doesn't mean everyone knows how to do the same thing - far from it. You have a unique mix of skills and experience  and it's good to remind yourself of that every so often.