The Updated Site…
I just wanted to take this time to thank my clients and readers for their patience while I upgraded the website this past weekend. I’ve finally completed the overhaul process but I’m sure I’ll be making a few minor tweaks along the way, as usual.
Please feel free to inform me of any issues you may encounter so they can be resolved right away.
Thanks Again,
Primo Professional
2010 Business Goals…
As stated in my previous blog, I am excited to see what this New Year will bring to both my personal and professional life.
You can’t get to where you want to go without a plan, so it’s very important that you set attainable goals for yourself and include a detailed plan of how you will achieve each goal.
For example, one of my goals for the New Year is to grow my business by adding more clients and services.
But how exactly do I plan to do this?
First, by coming up with better marketing strategies… This calls for increasing my marketing budget because I really want to effectively spread the word about my services. Last year, I was a little relaxed in this area since my company is fairly new and I wanted to test the waters a bit. But I definitely feel it’s time to step it up!
Secondly, by educating myself more… Since I am the Owner/Operator of my business, it’s important that I stay on top of whats going on in not only my industry but also in the industries of the clients that I serve. I want to be their one stop shop to getting their needs met.
Thirdly, by networking more… I am naturally a shy person but there is no room for that in entrepreneurship. This year I plan on attending more networking events, sparking general conversations more and not letting open opportunities pass me by.
I will be posting more about my goal accomplishments and even the things that may not turn out so well throughout the rest of the year in an effort to not only help myself but others succeed. I would also love to hear some of your goals as well.
Please feel free to comment…
New Year Reflections…
I absolutely love the positive energy that is always displayed during this time of the year. Everyone is looking forward to changing for the better. We start out on the good foot by getting organized and setting goals. So many things come to mind when you begin to discuss New Year resolutions. For some it may be getting in shape, going back to school, starting/growing a business, and so on. But sometimes during the course of the year, we lose our drive and determination.
I sincerely hope that you accomplish what you set out to achieve in the coming year and I’d like to encourage you not to lose sight of the prize.
Don’t let the everyday hustle and bustle deter you from maintaining your ambition for the New Year.
Gain the things you need to succeed… Shed that which you no longer need… Release negativity and enter into a more positive, productive and prosperous New Year… New Lifestyle… NEW YOU!
Business 101: Avoid False Advertisement
When I walked in I saw several interesting signs and immediately realized what was really going on…
Instead of this being an educational seminar that gives actual insight on owning your own business it was a Travel Party! You know, the kind where they try to get you to sign up for your own website offering amazing travel packages and the more people you get to sign up, the more money you make (pyramid scheme).
I sat through the entire presentation just to be nice but I was burning mad on the inside!
It is so important that anyone who is trying to pitch/sell something avoid false advertisement. Simply say what you mean and mean what you say. I would’ve appreciated it much more if that individual (who shall remain nameless) would’ve just said, “Hey, I’m doing this travel thing, you should come check it out” as opposed to disguising it to be something I was actually interested in.
We should all remember there is a thin line between creatively describing something and just plain misleading someone.
I know I am not alone on this because I saw several unhappy faces in the crowd and a few people even left early. False advertisement doesn’t only damage your reputation but it also drags your business or product right through mud as well.
So, just think about that the next time you’re tempted to falsely advertise something…
Having A Niche…
I was recently asked a very direct question… What is your specialty? It may sound strange but this question has never even come up. At any rate, I gave my generalist answer and somehow it just didn’t seem to measure up. Then I realized I’m the college student without a major! I immediately began to rack my brain in an attempt to narrow down a list of possible niches for myself.
In my recent research on the subject I’ve found varied opinions on the whole niche concept. Some believe you don’t really have to have one while others absolutely swear by it.
I have been in business for awhile now, operating without a niche but relying on my target market. Yes, there is a difference…
A target market is your main subset of customers that have a similar set of wants and needs and a niche market is a group of potential customers that have a more definable need.
I’ve always believed that every business needs to have a plan of action and since an important part of that plan is marketing, having a niche market makes perfect sense. Being the perfectionist I am, I want to take the time to really develop my niche as a freelance writer by gaining more experience and seeking the insight of others in that field.
This will guarantee that when I actually start marketing my niche, I will be well prepared to meet my client’s needs. Until then, I will use the phrase Small Business Support to describe my specialty and continue targeting small business owners and start-ups.
Happy Thanksgiving…
I will be celebrating the holiday by eating well, spending much needed quality time with my family and catching the many sales.
This will be my first time participating in the “early bird” shopping portion of Black Friday. So I am very anxious to see how it goes and glad that I get to do my part to help boost our economy.
I sincerely hope that however you spend your holiday; you enjoy yourselves to the fullest and remember to always count your blessings.
Surviving Your Slow Season
Every business has it’s busy and slow seasons. Mine for example, is usaually around this time. With the holidays fast approaching, most of my clients are focused on spending time with family and traveling. So that leaves few administrative tasks for me to handle…
If you’re just getting started as an entreprenuer, your slow season could be a bit difficult. But, if expected and properly prepared for, your slow season can be handled with ease.
I use mine as a time to relax and re-focus… I review the actions I’ve taken in the months before, analyze the results and brainstorm new innovative ideas for my business that can be used within the upcoming months.
Educate Yourself… Industries are always changing so another valuable way to get through the slow seasons would be to familiarize yourself with the changes in your industry and finding ways to implement them in your business.
It is also very important you prepare for your slow season from a financial standpoint. During busy times, when profits are high, put some back for your future overhead expenses and when profits are down, minimize your overhead. This way you won’t have any worries about keeping the doors open so to speak.
Marketing is another key focus… Rather it’s your busy or slow season; you can always find ways to attract potential clients. Don’t ever stop marketing your services. Simply, use this time to think of more creative ways to do it.
Taking these few steps to survive your slow season will prove to you and your clients that your business is in it for the long haul!
Friends & Business
Today, my husband was presented with an offer that to the average eye, doesn’t really pay much, but has the potential to drive a lot of long-term business our way.
Due to his already hectic coaching schedule, we needed to bring in an independent contractor to represent our company and fulfill the coaching duties requested until he is free again.
He has two friends that are available, qualified and trustworthy enough to let stand in his place. When presented the offer, one replied, “That’s not even worth it!”
The problem I have with that response is…
Some of our friends and people in general always talk about what they want to do but when given the opportunity to, they pass on it like they are some type of celebrity!
We all have to start somewhere…
In business, it’s important to remember when laying your foundation, you may not always get what you think you deserve for time spent on a project. However, one thing is guaranteed; by taking the time to focus on each of your customer’s individual needs, their ability/inability to pay what you desire and reaching a happy medium, you will build more of a client base than you would being a hard nose, especially considering today’s economic situation.
The second friend was more than happy to do it and because of their willingness and fast response, we will more than likely use them in future projects.
Word to the wise…
Keep your eyes and ears open… Always be receptive to what’s being offered to you… Never brush it off without weighing all your options from every angle.
When you have done this, you will able to make a fully educated decision free from all regrets.
Happy Blogging!
Sick Time & Small Business
In most cases, when running a small business, you’re the only one that’s primarily responsible for the handling of your business affairs.
So what happens if you get sick and are unable to effectively conduct business?
Since small business owners usually don’t have the privilege of being allotted or paid for sick time, it’s important you have a back-up plan in place.
Having a reliable and responsible individual that can effectively run your business while you recuperate will guarantee your continued success.
Your clients, as much as they may love your services, want to know that your company will be able to meet their needs no matter what.
So take the time needed to cross train someone that you can trust.
This way you won’t have to worry about your business and your business won’t have to worry about you!