Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Social Networking 101

Okay...so on top of growing my business, I have to become a master of social networking and online marketing?! That's what I am starting to realize. I want to increase my online popularity...I want to become an informative resource for women entrepreneurs. I realize this doesn't happen overnight...that it takes time to build these things. The goal is to increase traffic to my blogs and website. With millions of choices on the WWW these days, its becoming more and more competitive to get the attention of viewers. I know that a significant part of owning your own business is learning how to reach beyond your comfort zone in an effort to reach customers from diverse backgrounds and with diverse interests.

So, I did a little digging in a area that I truly don't know a whole lot about: Social Networking. I know how to network.... the old fashioned way. You know... talking, shaking someone's hand and introducing myself at a networking event or mixer. I am pretty good at that.....but networking online? That's a new concept for me. During my research, I came across some terms and titles that came up over and over again. Technoratic. Digg. Del icio.us. BlogHer. Grou.ps. (?), Ping, Twitter....the list go on and on.

Where do I begin? Is one site better than the other? Is it necessary to do all of these or should I focus on a select few? Any thoughts? I accept any and all advice!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Another Manic Monday

Another Monday...another opportunity to start the week off in a productive way. The one thing I love about owning my own business is that I feel in control of my destiny, my future and my finances. But the down side is that it comes with a huge level of responsibility. I never feel as if I am doing enough to grow my business. Finding new clients is a never ending chore as is keeping up with the demand of staying competitive in a fierce marketplace. According to the Washington Based Center for Women's Business Research, up to four years ago, nearly half ,48%, of privately held firms were 50% or more owned by women. There is no secret that more and more women around the world are recognizing the value of being entrepreneurs. That means more and more women are in the position of strengthening the economy in ways that's never been done before. It's exciting to be a part of this growing trend. It also presents a tremendous opportunity for women entrepreneurs to support each other and network. This has been somewhat a challenge for me. Is it realistic for women to reach out and offer resources to help one another? Or are women just as competitive (or even more so) than men? I don't know just yet...I will reserve my opinion until I gather more information......

Friday, July 18, 2008

NOT ENOUGH TIME

THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY LET ALONE THE WEEK, TO JUGGLE EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE GOING ON, YOU AWAKE ON MONDAY WITH I'M GOING TO RESCUE THE WORLD ATTITUDE AND BY WEDNESDAY YOU ARE BEGGING FOR A LATTE AND A SPA DAY. WHERE DO WE AS WOMAN FIND THIS TIME,? WE ARE SO VERSATILE FOR THOSE THAT ARE SINGLE PARENTS SUCH AS MYSELF, JUGGLING A TEENAGER, BUSINESS, MEETINGS, WALKING THE DOG, ETC. DOES NOT LEAVE YOU MUCH TIME FOR YOU TO PAMPER YOURSELF, SO YOU GOT TO GET IT WHEN YOU CAN. YOU DESERVE IT AND WITH THAT BEING SAID I HAVE A SCHEDULED MANI-PEDI TO GO TO. STAY FOCUSED LADIES, GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING.

CHERYL GORHAM

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

daily work

opening a restaurant is very challenging, when i get up in the morning i have this go-get em attitude, by mid-day i think they got me, all the contractors, all the information, all the phone calls have worn me out, but i still bounce back with this I'm determined attitude, because this is a life long dream, and if i can't fight for it they it will never be, so if there is 1 thing you have wanted to do your whole life fight for it, because it can be. you are going to get knocked around constantly, but continue to get right back up, keep a calendar, a to do list, phone, and plenty of energy bars. just continue to push on and the rewards are priceless.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Where does all the time go?

It never fails. Each morning I wake up with every intention of tackling the day. I own and operate my own public relations consulting business so my days are always filled to capacity. My “TO DO” lists are detailed, my desk is organized with my notes and my cell phone is charged and ready to make calls. But somehow, someway, something always comes up to throw my whole day off track. A phone call takes longer than expected, I have to make a last minute run to the post office to mail or pick up a package, or something else happens that takes me away from completing my daily duties. I understand there will ALWAYS be something to do at the end of the day. But there has to be a better way to organize my time. I am constantly looking for tips and advice on how to maximize my time and efforts so I can take care of my business life and my personal responsibilities. Not to mention fitting in my 30 minutes to an hour of exercise at least five times a week! The list never ends. Sometimes I feel I am running in circles without being productive at all.

This week I am trying something different to get the most out of days:

I am limiting my phone conversations during the week with my friends to no more than 20 minutes. I will reserve longer conversations to the weekends.
I will tackle my projects and duties that require the most comprehension and attention to detail in the morning. I am a morning person and I am the sharpest in the early part of the day, not at night.
I will get up earlier in the morning. I find that I get more work done by waking up no later than 6:00 am.

Hopefully these changes will increase my level of productivity. I will give it a try over the next couple of weeks and see how it goes!