Tuesday, June 23, 2009

LOST IN THE ECONOMIC CRISIS

HELLO ALL I KNOW THAT IT HAS BEEN AWHILE SINCE YOU LAST HEARD FROM ME BUT I HAVE BEEN LOST IN THIS CRISIS, I HAVE BEEN PLAYING THE RECOVERY GAME AND WINNING AT ONE POINT NOW I AM PLAYING FOR MY LIFE, I HAVE BEEN WORKING MY BUTT OFF TO GET SOME INVESTORS FOR MY PROJECT AND KEEP THE CATERING ASPECT OF THIS COMPANY ALIVE, IT HAS BEEN VERY HARD. HAS ANYONE ELSE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS SITUATION? PLEASE LET ME KNOW

THANK YOU
PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS AS I WILL DO THE SAME FOR YOU

Friday, May 8, 2009

Who do you associate with?

As entrepreneurs, one of our most valuable assets is our time.  Because time is that one commodity you can never get back, I am very selective on who and with what I spend my time with.  So, when someone invites me to a network or referral group, I do my due diligence to make sure it is worth my time.  

However when you find a good one, industry associations can be a wonderful resource.  They can help you stay on top of trends in your business or industry.  They can also keep you sharp and motivated, help you stay on top of your game. More importantly, industry associations can give you the tools necessary to differentiate your business from others in a competitive marketplace.  Sometimes, it's not about WHO you network with during these association meetings...but about WHAT you can learn.  

Here's a list of several groups I have found to be helpful along my entrepreneurial journey. If you have one that has been helpful to you, feel free post it.

1.  Pass It Forward:  http://passitforwardmd.googlepages.com/
2.  NRG:  http://www.networkreferralgroup.com/
3.  WEB (Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore:  www.webinc.org

Good Luck!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Twitter-Pros and Cons

The Negatives People Will Throw At You

Twitter takes up time.
Twitter takes you away from other productive work.
Without a strategy, it’s just typing.
There are other ways to do this.
As Frank hears often, Twitter doesn’t replace customer service (Frank is @comcastcares and is a superhero for what he’s started.)
Twitter is buggy and not enterprise-ready.
Twitter is just for technonerds.
Twitter’s only a few million people. (only)
Twitter doesn’t replace direct email marketing.
Twitter opens the company up to more criticism and griping.

Some Positives to Throw Back

Twitter helps one organize great, instant meetups (tweetups).
Twitter works swell as an opinion poll.
Twitter can help direct people’s attention to good things.
Twitter at events helps people build an instant “backchannel.”
Twitter breaks news faster than other sources, often (especially if the news impacts online denizens).
Twitter gives businesses a glimpse at what status messaging can do for an organization. Remember presence in the 1990s?
Twitter brings great minds together, and gives you daily opportunities to learn (if you look for it, and/or if you follow the right folks).
Twitter gives your critics a forum, but that means you can study them.
Twitter helps with business development, if your prospects are online (mine are).
Twitter can augment customer service. (but see above)

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Facts About Twitter-Part Three

Some Sanity For You

1.You don’t have to read every tweet.
2.You don’t have to reply to every @ tweet directed to you (try to reply to some, but don’t feel guilty).
3. Use direct messages for 1-to-1 conversations if you feel there’s no value to Twitter at large to hear the conversation ( got this from @pistachio).
4. Use services like Twitter Search to make sure you see if someone’s talking about you. Try to participate where it makes sense.
5.3rd party clients like Tweetdeck and Twhirl make it a lot easier to manage Twitter.
6.If you tweet all day while your coworkers are busy, you’re going to hear about it.
7.If you’re representing clients and billing hours, and tweeting all the time, you might hear about it.
8.Learn quickly to use the URL shortening tools like TinyURL and all the variants. It helps tidy up your tweets.
9.If someone says you’re using twitter wrong, forget it. It’s an opt out society. They can unfollow if they don’t like how you use it.
10.Commenting on others’ tweets, and retweeting what others have posted is a great way to build community.

Monday, April 6, 2009

To Tweet or Not To Tweet (Part 2)

Ideas about WHAT to Tweet

1. Instead of answering the question, “What are you doing?”, answer the question, “What has your attention?”
2. Have more than one twitterer at the company. People can quit. People take vacations. It’s nice to have a variety.
3. When promoting a blog post, ask a question or explain what’s coming next, instead of just dumping a link.
4. Ask questions. Twitter is GREAT for getting opinions.
5. Follow interesting people. If you find someone who tweets interesting things, see who she follows, and follow her.
6. Tweet about other people’s stuff. Again, doesn’t directly impact your business, but makes us feel like you’re not “that guy.”
7. When you DO talk about your stuff, make it useful. Give advice, blog posts, pictures, etc.
8. Share the human side of your company. If you’re bothering to tweet, it means you believe social media has value for human connections. Point us to pictures and other human things.
9. Don’t toot your own horn too much. (Man, I can’t believe I’m saying this. I do it all the time. - Side note: I’ve gotta stop tooting my own horn).
10. Or, if you do, try to balance it out by promoting the heck out of others, too.


Here's the link to the full article by Chris Brogan:
http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-business/

Thursday, April 2, 2009

In the mood for something "tweet"?

I apologize for being MIA lately...but I've been tackling a lot of new projects lately. One of them is learning about the hottest Twitter Trend that is sweeping the Internet. According to Wikipedia, Twitter is a social networking service that enables users to send and read others' users updates known as 'tweets'. Tweets are text based posts of up to 140 characters. Twitter can be a great marketing tool for entrepreneurs who are testing the social media waters and a fun way to keep in touch with your family and friends.

So, for the next several posts I will be re-blogging a series titled:

50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business
by Chris Brogan

Here's the link to his page:
First Steps

1.Build an account and immediate start using Twitter Search to listen for your name, your competitor’s names, words that relate to your space. (Listening always comes first.)
2, Add a picture. ( Shel reminds us of this.) We want to see you.
3. Talk to people about THEIR interests, too. I know this doesn’t sell more widgets, but it shows us you’re human.
4. Point out interesting things in your space, not just about you.
5. Share links to neat things in your community. ( @wholefoods does this well).
6. Don’t get stuck in the apology loop. Be helpful instead. ( @jetblue gives travel tips.)
7. Be wary of always pimping your stuff. Your fans will love it. Others will tune out.
8. Promote your employees’ outside-of-work stories. ( @TheHomeDepot does it well.)
9. Throw in a few humans, like RichardAtDELL, LionelAtDELL, etc.
10. Talk about non-business, too, like @astrout and @jstorerj from Mzinga.
Stay tuned for more helpful tips.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Taking a step back

One of the great things about owning my own company is that I can move at my own pace.  I know that if things have to get done, I am the one responsible for making sure it happens. However, sometimes being 'the only' one can work against me.  You know, it's like looking through a magnifying glass.  You can hyper-focus on something so much that it looks one way to you...but when you back the glass up to take another look..things appear a lot differently. Applying that same logic to my business, I've found that it's best to bounce my ideas off SEVERAL people, to make sure I get clear picture on a pending project or proposal.  I prefer to get that diverse feedback from people I know won't always agree with me.  I believe that things you may WANT to hear from others may not always be the things you NEED to hear. 

So if you are like me or other entrepreneurs I know, take a step back if you find yourself struggling to make progress in a particular area.  Who knows where it may lead you. Taking a step back is not always a bad thing.  Especially if it takes you closer to your goals.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Barbie Doll turns 50

2009 is turning into an interesting year, full of milestones. One of these milestones is The Barbie Doll will be 50 years old. Ken, Barbie’s long term boyfriend is only 48. Who knew that Barbie liked younger guys?
Actually Barbie and Ken were named after the children of Mattel founder Ruth Handler.
When Ruth and her husband introduced Barbie at the International Toy Show in 1959, toy stores were not excited. Consumers loved Barbie and as they say, the rest is history.

Ruth was 42 when she introduced this controversial doll, a doll with breasts. Another first for Mattel, with Ruth at the helm, was to buy 52 weeks, 1 year of advertising on the TV show, the Mickey Mouse Club. One year of advertising toys directly to the demographic who could not buy them but could make their wishes known had not been done before. TV itself was in its infancy, but Ruth and her husband Elliot saw the potential. They were right again.

Ruth Handler who died in 2002 at age 85 was an admirable business woman. She combined business, Motherhood and being a wife in a time when women were not encouraged to work outside of their homes. What genius to name her doll toys after her children. What PR savvy to partner with her husband but confident enough to be the spokesperson for their toy company. At age 51 Ruth introduced Hot Wheels. This toy’s success rivaled Barbie’s for boys. Menopause in the work place didn’t stop Ruth Handler from success, nor does it appear to stop her creation, the Barbie Doll.

This doll could be called ‘Hot Flash Barbie’ or ‘Menopause Barbie at age 50. Looking at her founder, I think Barbie has a great future ahead of her. She looks great for 50. Fashion designers have clamored to design her clothes. Barbie sports gowns from Dior and Bob Mackie. Now the cosmetic company Stila launched a collection based on Barbie. Mattel, which the Handler family sold in the 70’s, had a bad fourth quarter for 2008. Can the Golden Anniversary Barbie bear the financial pressure for the entire company? Mattel is trying with a big party in Malibu, the home of Malibu Barbie, which is of course Pink!

by Haralee Weintraub

Monday, March 9, 2009

IN ANSWER TO JUST SAY NO

YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO TELL PEOPLE NO AT ANY GIVEN TIME WITHOUT FEELING BAD ABOUT IT I USED TO FEEL LIKE SHANI, BUT I GREW REALLY FAST WHEN PEOPLE NEED YOU THEY DON'T HESITATE TO ASK BUT IF AND WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED THEY CAN'T HELP YOU SO MY POLICY IS HELP THOSE IF I CAN THAT HAVE HELPED ME AND I 'M NOT GOING TO LET ANYONE GUILT TRIP ME IN ANY FORM OR FASHION. IT IS A NICE WAY TO SAY IT LIKE UNFORTUNATELY I CAN'T NOT DO THAT AT THIS TIME, IF THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT THEN THAT'S ON THEM. IT'S LIKE HALLMARK YOU CARED ENOUGH TO SEND THE VERY BEST.


CHERYL GORHAM

THE RESTAURANT WORLD

HELLO ALL,

JUST A QUICK NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT ALL IS WELL, IT HAS BEEN ROUGH IN THIS ECONOMIC SITUATION THAT WE ARE HAVING RIGHT NOW BUT I'M DETERMINED TO DO THIS RESTAURANT SO HELP ME, IT IS SLOW MOVING RIGHT NOW BUT ALL IS WELL, IT HAS BEEN AWHILE SINCE MY LAST POST I'VE BEEN ILL BUT NOT GOING TO LET THAT KEEP ME DOWN, I DO HOPE EVERYONE IS GOOD AND PLEASE CONTINUE TO POST WE LOOK FOWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

BE DETERMINED AND BE BLESSED

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Just Say No

One of the biggest things I must change in 2009 is my need to be a PEOPLE PLEASER.  When someone asks me to do something, I try my best to get it done, even at my own expense.  I HATE
to disappoint other people because I wouldn't want anyone to disappoint me.  But lately, I've found that I've been so busy trying to please others that I've neglected my own professional and personal responsibilities.  Bottom line...I have a hard time saying no.  For some reason, I feel guilty or bad if I can't fulfill an obligation or expectation set by someone else. So, my question is: Does anyone have a good suggestion on how they've said 'no' to someone without sounding rude. How did you let someone down easy?  I know there is an art to it.  I just haven't mastered it yet. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Friday, February 13, 2009

BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY

Hello All,

Just a note that 2009 is starting to become a very good year for me I've been struggling to open this restaurant and my date will probably have to fall back to next year but i'm still proud of all the accomplishments that i have made. I have been networking like crazy and it has paid off, so please put networking into your daily schedule as often as possible, i've come across some new opportunity's by just attending a Donale Trump Conference and it was fabu, so if you need to know more than just contact me. 443-824-1249.

wishing you all the very best

CHERYL GORHAM

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Creating Partnerships

There is definitely some truth to the saying "two heads are better than one”. In so many instances, including this blog, having the help of more than one person has really made my life easier. It’s also provided me with a different perspective that I would not have had access to otherwise. Let’s be realistic. That’ s the beauty of networking. If you do it properly, you can build relationships that can be both fruitful and productive. Those relationships could lead to partnerships for your business or entrepreneurial venture.

How can your business benefit from a possible partnership? Who can provide you with insight that you can learn from? The answers to those questions can yield you the results you and your business are looking for.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Time=Money

Nothing frustrates me more than WASTING MY TIME.  There are only 24 hours in the day and I try to make the most of them. So when a client comes to me requesting my services, only to back out at the last minute, I find that not only frustrating but extremely disrespectful. As a business owner, I know you can relate to this.  
I had a conversation with a mentor and fellow business owner about this the other day.  She is a dynamic wedding and event planner...so she knows the importance of making the most of her time.  Vicky Johnson, owner of Holy Matrimony (www.holymatrimonyonline.com), says she makes it very clear to her clients UPFRONT that she needs their commitment before moving forward with her consultation.  Because at the end of the day, people WILL waste your time, money and resources...if you let them.  So, it's ultimately up to me (and you) to make sure that doesn't happen.  
I came up with three conclusions following our conversation .  I'd like to share these points with you.

1.  You must be extremely protective of your time.  As I mentioned before, no one else has your best interests at heart.  It's your business, your time, and ultimately your money.  Don't let anyone else call the shots.
2.  Never let your clients ruin your representation and credibility with your vendors.  Although you should always practice the highest level of professionalism, your relationship with your vendors and other business partners will last long after your client is gone.  Don't sacrifice that relationship for a single client who may not be worth it.
3.  Gain commitment from your clients before you move forward with contracts, consultations, etc.  What's the use of spending the time and energy if your clients aren't 100'% sure they need or want your services?

I hope you'll find this information helpful.  It certainly was for me.  Thanks, Vicky

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Social Networking

Ok, I admit it.  I am new to the whole social networking thing.  But it seems that every day, I am hearing more and more about how it is absolutely essential if you have an online business, website or blog.  

So what exactly is Social Networking?   Social networking is a group of individuals with a specific interest coming together in an online format or community.  You are already aware of a couple of popular social networking sites: MySpace, Facebook and YouTube.  If your business is centered around a specific niche or special interest, you should explore social networking, if you haven't already.  

For The Queen's Diaries, I created a Ning Account.  Ning is another social networking site that is really gaining in popularity.  The address is:  http://thequeensdiaries.ning.com.   The process was really simple. It only took me a couple of minutes to set up my site and it was really painless.    

It's too soon to tell what kind of impact Ning will have on the QD.  But, I will keep you posted.

Monday, January 26, 2009

New Year, New Ideas

One of the many challenges I am facing right now is coming up with fresh, new ideas on how to grow my business. I want to attract new clients and increase my reach and frequency in my target markets.  But coming up with new and innovative ways to do this has proven to be quite difficult.
A New Year means a new beginning, a great way to start the year off on a good note.  I want 2009 to be different than 2008...which means I have to stretch outside of my comfort zone.  I network with others, read blogs, magazines and just about anything that will get my creative juices flowing.  Still, I have run into a brick wall. 
I know one quality that successful business owners have in common is that they are proactive thinkers, they are always looking for ways to 'think outside of the box'.  There are some people who are blessed with this wonderful gift.  They are creative geniuses with a natural ability to be original and unique.   So, if I have just described you, see if you can answer this question for me:  How do you stay fresh and new the marketplace?  What/Who is the catalyst for your new ideas?