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It’s unfortunate. But there’s a glut of info directed at entrepreneurial and small businesses regarding what works best for a biz on Facebook. So much it can be overwhelming. Not to mention much of it doesn’t apply to them, but to larger businesses.

Also it’s often unclear, to entrepreneurs, what they’re expected to do on Facebook. Even how to develop followers, aside from family and friends.

First, it’s important to understand that social networking - while it will eventually bring a business new clients and sales - at the start it’s necessary to establish a presence which openly shows who you are; what your business is and does.

Today, potential customers want to know who they’re about to deal with before they buy. Plus one of their biggest questions is ‘Can you and your business be trusted?’  Are your services legit?

These are just a few of the top reasons why potential customers are heading - in droves before buying - to review sites like Yelp and others. They’re looking for actual comments from buyers who have used the product or service they’re  interested in. They also visit these sites because they believe the reviews to be honest; a truthful, unbiased review of a product or service.

In establishing a business presence on Facebook, it’s important not only to have a page there. But to regularly check your page; make comments on your wall; ‘hide’ messages and links you don’t want seen. And very importanly to engage with your audience and followers.

As you’ve probably noticed, the most profitable businesses today have a charismatic persona on the web. In short, they wanted to be seen as interested, caring people - not uncaring entities only interested in their bottom line. Plus studies show social networking strategies are proven to create long-term customer loyalty; people who buy again and again. Boosting sales and profits. Exactly the reason for developing a positive, engaging, online presence.

The holiday season is well under way. And so many are already experiencing full blown stress with the season barely underway. With holiday shopping, gift wrapping. Setting up the tree. Organizing parties for co-workers,  school or church groups, with dozens of details to be attended to, it’s easy to see why overwhelm can quickly set in.

We’re all guilty of thinking every holiday season must be perfect. Every detail done exactingly to pass muster with family, friends. Especially if you haven’t seen them in a while.  Then things must truly be done to perfection. Regardless of how agitated, irritated. Or just plain exhausted you become.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed fast when you press yourself for that perfection. Especially when your plans must be accomplished in a short time.

Here’s 7 simple organization tips to help eliminate stress this holiday season.

1. Write down everything you want to do.

Then review the list and cross off anything which can’t be sensibly completed on time and properly. Make a second list of things others can complete for you. Make a new list of what you’ve determined you can do, what and who you’re assigning to others. It’s much easier to complete things on a list than trying to remember them. Trying to pull them out of thin air when you’re up to your ankles in alligators.

2. Set mini - goals.

Break down larger goals into smaller, easy-to-complete goals. Thinking about gathering co-workers together for a holiday party? Determine who can attend. Decide on an appropriate place to gather. Get a menu in advance and share it with co-workers. Decide how to handle payment and gratuities. Will gifts be exchanged. When you set mini-goals  you’ll be surprised how quickly things successfully come together.

3. Don’t be afraid to enlist help if you need it.

When it comes to holiday or family gatherings people often don’t want to call upon others to help. Thinking, perhaps, things won’t go as they plan farming them out to others. If you have your list of goals, know what you want and explain it simply, helpers can  easily complete your goals. Remember to call upon those you can depend on.

4. Starting to work on a project? Clear the area of unnecessary items so you can focus?

Nothing’s worse than sitting down in the midst of clutter to start a new project. Not only is it hard to keep things straight, how can you keep tools you need to complete your project organized and accessible? Clear your work area of clutter and you’d be surprised how fast you can move forward.

5. Having a large gathering? You may want to organize a file folder with the necessary info.

May sound crazy, but when you’re expecting 10-12 guests for dinner, or more - or organizing a party of co-workers - a file folder, or two, will help keep everything organized and easily accessible. Your lists of attendees, gift list - and more - can be dropped into your file folder and carried with you if necessary for easy reference.

6. Set simple time limits for projects.

For instance you plan to food and wine or gift shop Friday evening. Allot yourself 2-3 hours to comfortably complete your shopping and return home with ample time to put things away before heading to bed or taking in your favorite tv show. Plan to make calls during free moments in your day so you have plenty of reason to keep them short. Order online when you can.

7. Make time to relax.

You have your plans made, set some time limits. That said, you need to set some time aside to relax and regroup. Make yourself take a break. Sit down and have a cup of coffee or tea. Spend 45 minutes relaxing and you’ll catch your ’second wind’. And be much better prepared to successfully tackle the next group of plans.

One last thing…..

Don’t let the need for perfection turn what should be a happy season into a agonizing one. Nip stress in the bud using these simple organizing tips and you’ll likely have a far more relaxed, joyful season with family and friends. One you can look back on with fond memories. Even if it wasn’t perfect!

Jean L. Serio - has 35 years experience in business, working for 4 top retail corporations. Plus has started up and managed 8 of her businesses. Developed several highly successful sales and customer service programs. Jean helps women start up their own successful business. She is the founder and Executive Director of Womens Marketing and Business network. Get more info at:www.womensmarketingandbusinessnetwork.com

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While not everyone who visits your business is actually your customer, it’s likely a good number are. Those are the customers you want to return. The other smaller group will naturally fall off the grid. Leaving the more important group to concentrate your marketing efforts on.

While this may seem sensible, many biz owners believe they should reach out as far and to as many potential customers as possible. Thinking they’re all possible customers. Not so.

For instance, you sell infant and baby clothing and gear. Teenagers (unless pregnant) won’t usually be your best, returning customers. For a variety of reasons. However if you’re selling hot, cutting-edge clothing and shoes in dramatic colors, teenagers could be your best customers.

Your customer base may contain a variety of groups. For instance, seniors likely have grandchildren and great grandchildren. They’ll buy infant and baby clothing or gear as gifts. Women in their 40-50’s are still having kids these days. Plus, people in a variety of age groups are adopting children. In short, it’s not just the younger mother-too-be you should appeal to today.

Here’s how to keep customers coming back:

1.  Run short term specials. These aren’t full blown sales, but simple short term specials. 1-6 specific items for a 2-4 day sale. This not only allows you to bring in new and old customers, but clean up your inventory too.

2.  Piggyback on current topics, trends, events. This can be almost anything in the news or on the Internet. That may - in some way - relate to your customers or business. For instance, Tax Savings Day, Shop Early Summer Scorcher Days, Olympics Celebration Days.

3.  Hold a contest or ask for customer input regularly.  Keep customers involved with your biz by getting them in a participatory mode. Ask for their input with a project, for scheduling hours open, simple changes you’re making. Ask them how you’re doing, for suggestions.

4.  Send a newsletter.  Customers who shop regularly, or even semi-regularly, generally want to hear from you. So sending a simple newsletter keeping them up to date on what’s happening with your business, upcoming sales, to advertise special items, an article or two or how-to info, links to products for example. Are all great customer sales generators.

5.  Have a website.  In today’s unique economy a website is a must-have.  And you can bet your customers will visit yours if you have one. Include info about new stock, sales, upcoming functions. Have a how-to video. Links to products for sale. Have Paypal or other appropriate way for them to buy items on the site. Very importantly, add something new on a regular basis to keep customers returning.

6.  Capture email addresses when customers buy. This allows you to send regular messages out. Including info about a sale, new products, changes, for example. To send them a monthly newsletter or ezine.

7.  Send out Postcards every 90-120 days.  Postcards are one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to bring in new sales. A postcard need not just be about a sale. It can be an announcement, info about a new product. However, to be effective it must have a “call to action”. Something a customer must do.

Jean L. Serio has 35 years experience with 4 top retail corporations. Started up 8 businesses of her own.  She’s the founder and executive director of Womens Marketing and Business Network. A network which helps women start up their own successful businesses. For more info: www.womensmarketingandbusinessnetwork.com

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In years past, when catastrophic situations occured - such as 9/11 - people changed to reflect the moment.  Though serious as it was, less than a year later it was life as usual. People reverting to previous ways of life and spending habits.   

Unfortunately, in today’s unique economic times, the world is in a state of financial turmoil. Businesses, large and small alike, closing daily.  With millions of jobs lost, investments tanked, homes in foreclosure, people are seriously changing. Not just making simple changes.  But serious decisions affecting their entire way of living life.  Changes which are slowly working their way down to all businesses. In fact, it’s been determined these changes will affect the way business is done.  For years. Even decades to come.  

There’s no question any business wanting to succeed, and prosper, is required to make the necessary changes to survive. Let’s face it, what was business as usual is no longer. Especially when it comes to advertising and marketing. 

Businesses can no longer rely on people thinking and shopping as they did. Or being responsive to the old ways of advertising and marketing. For example, they want deals; not expensive, full-priced items. They’re searching for coupons, discounts. Shopping at thrift stores.  Trading everything from food to diapers to save a buck; with friends, family and church members. And becoming more “green” than ever.

Scientists and researchers, alike, believe this is not only a sign of the times, but a sign of what will continue to be. 

It’s time to re-think who you are, what your business is and does. With the old standby newspapers folding, social networking a way of life, it’s time to reconsider how to effectively reach your target market. Even market old customers.

Will you be one who steps back and retrenches;  digging in, hoping to wait it out  relying on old ways of business.  Or will you bite the bullet?  Work through temporary upheaval on the way to positive changes.  Which will ultimately help create a stronger and more successful business.  Whichever you choose, remember, the road will be bumpy. But “changes they are a comin’”,  the old song says.  You can believe that.     

Jean L. Serio

Has 35 years experience in business, working for 4 top retail corporations. Helping launch and manage 7 multi-million dollar operations. During the past 15, personally, and through the Network, has helped thousands of women start up a biz of their own. Not sure it’s for you?
Take our Free Business Readiness Assessment.
We’ll score it and email you the details along with some great biz start up tips.

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It’s true. Health issues can eventually develop as a consequence of your continued negative thoughts and behavioral problems. That negativity moves to anger. Overwhelming you. And taking possession of your life. In short, taking away your power.

In today’s unique economic climate it’s hard not to fall into the abyss of negativism. For it to lead to anger. Loss of a job, medical benefits, a home, can quickly lead to negativity which becomes a nagging anger. Which can spiral out of control. Spill over tainting everything. From family life and personal relationships to job interviews, conversations with networking buddies who might refer you to a biz partner or job. Adding to your losses. Leading to obsessive anger.

Yet it’s essential not to allow this to happen. Not just for your own well-being but for that of your family. Not to mention it can stop you from getting the right job, starting a business. Having the life you hoped for. Dreamed of.

Negative attitudes and behaviors, which have crept into your life, can easily become toxic. And worse, when infused with anger. Not only affecting health and emotional well being, but everything within your life.

In “Anatomy of the Spirit”, Caroline Myss, PhD reminds us “To create disease, negative emotions have to be dominant, and what accelerates the process is knowing the negative thought to be toxic but giving it permission to thrive in your consciousness anyway”. For instance, she says knowing you must forgive someone yet deciding to remain angry because it gives you power.

Believe it or not, Myss says the energy consequence of negative obsession is powerlessness. Not powerfulness. Since power is energy, take it back. And spend it on those things which will help you succeed. Keep your life on an even keel. Your relationships solid and meaningful. It‘s essential, says Myss, for healing and maintaining good health.  

Start now relaxing and releasing the anger. Replacing those negative thoughts with positive ones. Write down your goals and plans. Give voice to those by discussing them with a significant other, friend or other family member. Begin rethinking who you are; what you want.

Creating a new future. And most importantly, take time for yourself. Even a walk to the corner store or park, jogging, coffee with a friend, your child’s ball game can help relax you and restore confidence. Listen to music; it’s been said not only is classical music relaxing, it helps you think. Participate. Be open and share. Do one positive thing each day to reach your goals.

Remember, no one wants to lose their job, business or home. And most of us have been through it or on the brink of it sometime in our lives. But negativity and anger generally won’t remedy the situation. So take back your power today. And you have a new sense of control over your life. Do that and you’ll soon discover how you can thrive. Even in difficult times.

Jean L. Serio has 35 years experience in business, working for 4 top retail corporations. Helping launch and manage 7 multi-million dollar operations. Over the past 15 years, personally, and through her Network, helped thousands of women start up a biz of their own. Not sure starting a biz is for you? Take our Free Business Readiness Assessment. Our consultants will score it and email you the score along with some great biz start up tips. http://www.womensmarketingandbusinessnetwork.com

This year we’re seeing hundreds of large corporations scaling holiday plans back to the bare minimum. Many small businesses, on the other hand, don’t have any holiday celebrations that include clients and customers. In fact, many don’t do much more than send clients a card. Why should they do a little more than that?

1. When it comes to customers and clients it’s essential - if only at this time of year - to let them know how much their business is valued. Showing clients how much you value their business, year round, should not be related to religious connections. Or how you may feel about the season. This is simply a gathering of your clients to show how much you appreciate them.

2. You’re spending personal time with clients. Likely talking about more than business happenings. Away from work, clients are more relaxed and willing to talk about kids and family. It’s your opportunity to share some personal info. To start developing a relationship. To listen. And show you care. They should be much more than a name on a check.

3. In these few unguarded moments, away from work, you may discover more than you learned all year working with them. And if you listen closely, you’ll discover new ideas they have. Other biz directions they’re thinking about, or planning, to take. Even info about people they plan to hire. Brief moments like these can provide a treasure trove of valuable info. Plus give you the opportunity to casually bring up plans you may already have in mind for them. Or you can use this valuable time to ask for suggestions on how you can better do the job.

A business holiday celebration can be as simple as having appetizers and drinks in your conference room. Dinner, or buffet, in a private room at a local restaurant. If you’re a retailer, an after-hours open house may be more appropriate. Whatever the case, don’t let the holiday season end without letting your clients know they’re an integral and valued part of your business. And will be for years to come.

Has this happened to you? Another entrepreneur has a great idea to add new customers and profit to her bottom line. One easily used in your own business. Unfortunately it ends up filed in the deepest recesses of your mind. Forgotten.

What’s the tool I’m referring to? And why is it so important to your success?

While I’ve always used this invaluable tool, it’s worked well for me and tons of other entrepreneurs, many others ignore it. In fact, not using it means they’re putting on blinders to greater success. Here’s what I mean.

For nearly fifty years sought-after speaker Jim Rohn has devoted his life to the study of behavior as it affects performance. In fact, he’s considered an expert - though his initial education wasn’t centered on this study. He began seriously developing his quest for behavior info when at the suggestion of his mentor he began journaling daily.

Rohn discovered journaling allowed him not only to note what each day brought - both good and bad - it became a place to collect good ideas and suggestions. Note thoughts about behavior he‘d seen. Plus making notes and writing down good ideas allowed review of them at a later date.

With a journal, that great idea you discover won’t be forgotten. And, very importantly, no good ideas would be lost. In his best-selling book “Seven Strategies for Wealth and Happiness”, Rohn says a journal is a good gathering place for all the good information and wisdom that comes your way.”So start today keeping a journal. Keep it with you, and easily accessible, even when traveling.The point, Rohn says, is “Don’t let good ideas escape you. A great idea can change your life.”_

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Jean L. Serio has 35 years experience in business, working for 4 top retail corporations. Helping launch and manage 7 multi-million dollar operations. During the past 15, personally, and through the Network, has helped thousands of women start up a biz of their own. Not sure it’s for you? 
Take our Free Business Readiness Assessment. We’ll score it and email you the details along with some great biz start up tips.

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If you’re a new entrepreneur you may be thinking it’s best to wait until you get your business up and running before applying for a loan or funding for your biz needs. For example, equipment. And this is OK if you have an established business. And a customer base to rely on.

Suppose you don’t have an established business? But do have a great biz idea. With just enough money to start up. But no clientele to speak of. If so, the chances you’ll obtain the funding - without a salary or some type of income - is slim or none, say bankers. In fact, they believe it’s best to apply for loans and funding before leaving your day job. Or giving up whatever current income you may have.

4 important reasons why obtaining pre-startup funding is smart:  1. It’s much easier to obtain funding when you have a job, bankers and financial experts agree. Plus, to start, your biz may not provide you with a steady or guaranteed sales; or even a salary. So unless you have property or investments to use as collateral, it will either be very hard, or likely you’ll be incapable of obtaining funding. 2. Your personal credit worthiness is higher with a job. Lenders generally give you points for each requirement you meet. And a salary is one of them. Think seriously about applying for a line of credit, another credit card, or a loan - which you’ll use exclusively for your new business - before giving notice on your current job.3. It’s always easier to obtain funding when you don’t need it.The old adage “You can always get what you don’t want” is so true when it comes to obtaining loans and funding. It’s crazy, but bankers and other lenders are generally willing to hand out loans to those who aren’t in desperate need.

Starting smaller, you’re better able to develop a solid customer base. One of the reasons is customers have come to know you. They’ve helped add to your success. Participated in the growth of your biz.It’s not surprising new entrepreneurs think starting big is best. A word to the wise - unless you’re already financially successful, have an angel or capital investor ready with the needed cash - It’s makes good sense to start your business small.

1.  Your biz profits faster since you can better control costs for development and production. 

First, it’s essential to do necessary research to discover what customers want and need. Then, and only then, develop products people want, need and will buy. Often you can redevelop or reinvent an old product to save time and money. But don’t waste either working on developing products there’s zero market for. When it’s comes to producing products, don’t produce more than you have customers to sell too.

Often, new entrepreneurs - and some seasoned ones - turn the crank sending the presses into overdrive. Thinking it’s better to have much more than needed, than less. Later ending up with tons of leftover merchandise they’ve wasted time and money on. Which may never sell. Or they’ll sell at a loss.In short, controlling costs should be your first concern. And it’s always best to take orders for future products, with customers paying you up front. Than to spend your own biz cash. Which is best invested elsewhere.

2.  You can afford to grow your business slowly. 

Believe it or not, just as many businesses fail with too many customers, than with not enough. How can that happen?

Easy, you’re working overtime producing products. With too many orders, or business, you can end up trying to create more than you have hours available to work. You’re so overworked, sloppiness sets in. Or, you run out of materials and make substitutions of lesser quality. You could fail to make deadlines and resulting in cancellations. Provide services which are slipshod and fail to meet customer satisfaction. Bottom line, you can end up exhausted and producing a quality not up to yours or a customers high standards. Growth overwhelms your biz and you end up losing customers.

3.  It’s easier to make mistakes from which you can recover.

For example, you priced a product too high, or too low? For you it can take fifteen minutes to do a price change. The competition can take a week or several. Losing thousands before it’s corrected. Purchase the wrong equipment? There’s probably a return clause in your contract. It’s easier to get the OK to return one piece of equipment, than for a competitor who purchased two dozen.

Generally you won’t make mistakes large enough to ruin your business. You’ll see a problem and remedy it quickly. For example, you offer a product or service which isn’t selling. You can easily mark it down, perhaps return it to the vendor. Without draining your bank account in the process. If it’s a service, you can easily notify customers by mail or email, post a notice, notify customers when they call.

4.  You’re save money on your greatest expense - space leased.   Today it’s common for entrepreneurs to start their first biz at home. And today it’s just as common to keep the biz located in your home.Some highly successful business were started up at someone’s kitchen table, in a spare room, or in a basement. Whether you do depends on 1) if you have the necessary space without crowding yourself; 2) the biz meets local or government guidelines for a home biz.Can’t start your biz at home? There are tons of other places you can rent inexpensively. Share space with another biz. Lease a building or space from someone you know. Lease a garage or other small location. Remember, rent like a mortgage will usually be your biggest expense. Don’t rush into it unnecessarily.

The entrepreneurial bug has bitten you. You’ve been organizing your new biz for months.  And ready to throw your new biz doors open.  Yet you’re stuck in your day job. And ready to tell the boss just what to do with it. It’s wasted time. Time better spent on your new venture. But is quitting such a great idea? 

I’ve started up more than my share of businesses. And work with tons of other entrepreneurs. And if it’s one thing we’ve learned. It’s leaving your day job before you have plans in place for your new venture can spell t.r.o.u.b.l.e.

Why’s that you ask? Because getting your new biz off to a great start requires that you be in a “good place”. Both personally and financially.

Here’s 5 Valuable Tips for Making a Successful Transition: 

1. Consider all financial responsibilities. Especially recurring ones. Plus, either pay off, or pay down, as many bills as possible. And start doing it long before the scheduled biz opening. Not only will this help create less financial stress, you’re creating a better scenario should you need a loan or line of biz credit. Plus, without that personal stress, you can better concentrate on your business.

2.  Start a savings plan.  Or increase a current one.

3.  Develop a plan for your family’s needs. Make sure everyone’s taken care of. Kids have rides to and from school, or daycare drop off and pick up, for example. In other words, make sure a good portion of recurring details are planned for.

4.  Apply for credit; and/or an increase in credit card limit. As you well know, it’s easier to obtain loans and credit cards when you have a source of income. For most, that’s a job. Since whether you receive a loan is partly based on how you’ll repay it, as a new entrepreneur - with no biz history to fall back on - it‘s best to apply for loans and credit while you have a day job.

5.  Create one or two additional streams of income. Consider the Internet. For example, become an affiliate of others products; sell products of your own on Ebay and other sites; do consulting or free lance work; set up a website and sell products you’ve bought from others. Or, take a part time job. Having another income eliminates worry or anxiety about paying bills or providing for your family.  One last word: Should you require health insurance to cover medical scenarios, you may think about working longer. Until you can obtain your own.You can always hire someone to run the biz until you can break from your day job and take over. Or, what about opening the biz on weekends, early mornings, evening and/or holidays. Until you can get it up and running full time. Many businesses were started part time in people’s garages and basements; even at kitchen tables.