tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.comments2009-03-04T15:12:59.642-08:00The Queen's DiariesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-31108251134263216452009-03-04T15:12:00.000-08:002009-03-04T15:12:00.000-08:00It does take practice especially up against people...It does take practice especially up against people who ask why not after you say no! <BR/>A few suggestions:<BR/>I can't squeeze in another thing into my schedule, sorry.<BR/><BR/>I will have to pass on this opportunity, I am overbooked.<BR/><BR/>Sounds like it would interest others more than me, good luck.<BR/><BR/>I am up to my eyeballs over worked as it is, and can not take on anything else.<BR/><BR/>I have alligators at my ankles as it is and any down time I have I need to use to refresh my health.<BR/><BR/>I have made a commitment to my health to not take on more than I can fit in a normal work day, and this would put me over the top!Haraleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05357833144467602394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-48565561516345962852009-03-03T07:26:00.000-08:002009-03-03T07:26:00.000-08:00I don't believe No has to always be a NO! I soooo...I don't believe No has to always be a NO! I sooooo understand where you are coming from and I have learned the art of pointing "people in the right direction".<BR/>I find that many people want you to do things that they think are No brainers for you. But in actuality are things they can do themselves if they put forth a bit more effort. While it might be a no brainer for me to give someone information, or dig up an old presentation, phone number or contact, or make a call to set something up for someone, the truth is it takes time and removes focus from my own agenda and drops my productivity. In those cases, I point people in the right direction, before we even get off the phone I will say look here, here and here, call here, here and here try these people places or things and visit theses sites. That gives them a wealth of info they didn't have and a lot of avenues through which to reach their goal and takes me out of the loop. It's easier to say No to larger projects because very often it's just not feasible when you look at the investment of time and resources needed to complete the project. If you look at the resources involved it should make your answer of No a little easier.Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-5379269150223777922009-02-12T07:16:00.000-08:002009-02-12T07:16:00.000-08:00I am now of the school of thought, that we will no...I am now of the school of thought, that we will not be able to weather the economic storm we find ourselves in without partnering. <BR/>We now live in a global market, the economy is hitting the local guy that may be your vendor or supplier in a mighty way. By partner and networking with a myriad of vendors, suppliers and peers you will be able to bolster your own firm and create fall back positions.<BR/>Social networking, which was recently discussed here is the quickest, simplest way to build those relationships and foster them easily on a daily basis. <BR/>Changing your mindset on who you once saw as a competitor will be the key, I believe, to continued business success and ideally business growth.Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-33132247634411302072009-01-29T05:01:00.000-08:002009-01-29T05:01:00.000-08:00I'll check it out. I am a Twitter fan myself. I l...I'll check it out. I am a Twitter fan myself. I like it's connectivity with Facebook,Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-17260656313803092692009-01-28T05:57:00.000-08:002009-01-28T05:57:00.000-08:00Can I pull your coattails in love? One post in 30 ...Can I pull your coattails in love? One post in 30 days does not more frequent posting make :) LOL<BR/><BR/>My motto for 2009 is Forward Momentum, For 2008 Intentionality was 2008 but in the 4th qtr of 2009 Forward Momentum was given to me and I feel led to continue in that vein. It is purposely vague, not to let me off the hook, but not to have me obsessing and feeling I am not doing enough or the write thing. I need positive energy in my life.<BR/>Thus far (almost 30 days in) I have keep to my goal of producing my first show and moved forward toward taking that show to additional cities. Forward momentum. I don't have dates for the addtl shows yet, but I have the cities and I have a team researching the market and scouting venues, and I am meeting key people in those markets everyday. Forward Momentum.<BR/><BR/>I personally feel a shift coming for me, it's a slight shift but one i am looking forward to. But I understand it's all a process so I must keep focusing to keep everything in good shape.Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-85255977599005606482009-01-28T05:46:00.000-08:002009-01-28T05:46:00.000-08:00I am always thinking about new ideas and i write t...I am always thinking about new ideas and i write them down. I will see something in June and think, it would be really hot if they did it like this or that. Everything I read is potentially the catalyst for a new idea. Just last night I received an eblast for an upcoming shopping event, it sparked an idea for a new event that my firm can promote as a quick money maker in the Spring. There is nothing new under the sun. DOING something rather than trying to wait for the BIG earth shattering idea I believe is the key. If your goals are reasonable and quantified, you should feel as though you're moving in the right direction. My motto last year was Forward Momentum, understanding it's not a sprint but a marathon.<BR/><BR/>In summation :) Ideas spring from everything, keep a notebook with neat things that you see that catch your eye or make you pause. Why do they resonate with you? How can that model be tweaked for your industry? Tag team with another firm in a cross industry. Have some fun.Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-42751009932578210702008-11-18T08:01:00.000-08:002008-11-18T08:01:00.000-08:00This is wonderful Shani. You continue to make us p...This is wonderful Shani. You continue to make us proud.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-47177979382249742622008-10-20T21:10:00.000-07:002008-10-20T21:10:00.000-07:00You need to get paid. You need to at minimum have...You need to get paid. You need to at minimum have had some discussion as to the budget allocated to PR services. <BR/>You then have the flexibility to "discounting" your rate or writing off your fee by sending an invoice for the retail value of your services and showing the credit you are giving them.<BR/>They need to kow and understand that you are something they need as much as they are a client you need. It levels the playing field. we are working with a client now who actually is looking to write off 100% of their expenses for an event, to the point where when someone offers to comp a service or product they are asking what else are they prepared to throw in?!?!?!?! All for the opportunity to be associated with a celeb. It's sick. You need to get paid or at lest have the ball in your court to gift back all or a portion of the services you have rendered.Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-12741051275659491152008-10-11T14:41:00.000-07:002008-10-11T14:41:00.000-07:00Very good advice. Good luck, hope you find what y...Very good advice. Good luck, hope you find what you are looking for!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11794336154373024799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-49426807560181740872008-09-14T16:52:00.000-07:002008-09-14T16:52:00.000-07:00Plan the work and work the plan. We make things s...Plan the work and work the plan. We make things so difficult by focusing on the wrong thing. Break it down into bite size piece and then have a good meal. The work will always be there. the roadblocks you are facing are really helping you to even better understand the field you are in and allow you to better build the infrastructure you need to have a sustaining business.<BR/>Everything that comes our way, does so eventually for our good. You are a much wiser business owner having gone through all the "hoops" that will be placed in front of you. I myself experienced the same type of things, but having gone through them, I have been able to replicate other 4 additional businesses in record time that are all currently thriving. had I not gone through the hurdles the first time, there's not way I would have been able to get the others off the ground. But i had experience and knowledge making the task all worth it. Take Care!!<BR/>(also take your computer off cap lock- bad online etiquette :)Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-9262527076897507822008-09-13T18:46:00.000-07:002008-09-13T18:46:00.000-07:00Hi, Shani, I am also in the transition phase. ...Hi, Shani,<BR/> I am also in the transition phase. Our company recommends working your regular job, until you can no longer afford the time to go in!!! Also, until you have more than replaced your income.<BR/> I am fortunate to work with a very successful team, and an incredible company. Ours is the only home-based business to ever be endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. If you know of anyone who may be looking for a fabulous opportunity, please send them my way!<BR/> Have a great day! Wishing you all the best for success!!! Take care and be well!<BR/>Natalie <BR/><BR/>Natalie Boecker<BR/><BR/>Melaleuca: The Wellness Company<BR/><BR/>nkboecker@wedeliverwellness.com<BR/><BR/>http://www.thewhycircle.com/nkboecker<BR/><BR/>410-252-1879Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-55934822873366086682008-09-09T13:05:00.000-07:002008-09-09T13:05:00.000-07:00yup... he'll never put more on you than you can be...yup... he'll never put more on you than you can bear... sometimes you need a reminder of how strong you really areEb the Celebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12920888116302185562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-75211967850946904332008-09-08T06:37:00.000-07:002008-09-08T06:37:00.000-07:00You have to plan. No question. You work your but...You have to plan. No question. You work your butt off and stock pile savings and find or develop business that will help to sustain you and bring in income once you are ready to leave. <BR/>Research health benefits and understand what it will cost to pay for your own. You need to see in a budget what you need to generate in income monthly to survive.<BR/>Cut back on everything non essential and focus on bringing in business so that you can live off earnings and not savings. What you sell makes a difference to your transition. One contract can set you up in a good position or it might be 150 widgets you need to move - Very different.I believe your plan will dictate when you can make the move into complete self employment.<BR/>Also remember there is part time employment to supplement your earnings once you do leave your employer. Good luck!Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-32873866287618437882008-09-04T18:54:00.000-07:002008-09-04T18:54:00.000-07:00Great point. I'm going through the process right ...Great point. I'm going through the process right now to get an LLC put together and it was right for me. Thanks for your blog. Have you heard of Startup Princess? They have a great site for women entrepreneurs that might be of interest, and they have a conference coming up in September that I'm going to attend to network with out business women. You should check it out:<BR/>www.startupprincess.comMichellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11794336154373024799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-43430815970605778572008-08-21T19:48:00.000-07:002008-08-21T19:48:00.000-07:00As an "event planner" :)I run into the same issues...As an "event planner" :)<BR/>I run into the same issues. While niche marketing is a smart way to go it really only solves half the problem. You need to fully develop your target market and EDUCATE them on what you do and why they need you. People want to have parties true, but who can't throw a party themselves, people have been throwing parties forever. Why do they need me? Because I save time, create value, and make them look better in the end.<BR/>Does your small business client know that you create a brand? do they know what a brand is or that they need branding? Do they know that you pitch position and develop opportunities of exposure?<BR/>I think PR and Publicist and Public Relations are still somewhat sexy to the small business owner, perhaps you need to break it down into bite size pieces and sell that.<BR/>I spend a good deal of my time selling what people want to buy. they tell me they have no time, so I sell time savings, they have no money, I sell the creation of value, they are completely lost as to what to do, i sell logistics. i go after projects from a lot of different angles morphing my services to the needs of a potential client. Needs Assessment is a big part of my research on a project. Just a thought.Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-34886377846541302582008-08-15T16:21:00.000-07:002008-08-15T16:21:00.000-07:00Cheryl...I have been volunteering for DC youth for...Cheryl...I have been volunteering for DC youth for three years now and I don't have to tell you how rewarding it is. Stick with it ! It also gets the creative juices flowing...which is great for your business ! You'll be surprised at some of the ideas you will come up with. It gives you a different perspective.Shani Blounthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07608665635945335291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-45490785019246645322008-08-14T18:57:00.000-07:002008-08-14T18:57:00.000-07:00I often feel like a bird trapped inside a room wit...I often feel like a bird trapped inside a room with windows, you can see the outside but just can figure out how to get there and are afraid of much of the assistance that is trying to help you get out.<BR/><BR/>Sometimes, I procrastinate on items, it's an old habit that can rear its ugly head on occasion, but for my sanity I have to tackle as much as I physically can.<BR/><BR/>Not only do I get a sense of satisfaction that I am moving ( albeit through quicksand) and I feel like I am thriving. You never completely get the hang of this if you are doing it right, I believe.<BR/><BR/>My days are thrice as hectic and my business is thriving. The difference is, I am tackling new and different challenges that I didn't have when I first started. My company is going through growing pains YEA! I had already become complacent in the place where I was so these new changes and challenges are met with much frustration but thank goodness i can see them for what they are.<BR/>So now I must return to them as they are screaming ATTEND TO ME!!<BR/><BR/>Take care!Mrs. NearlyWedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183616378051561364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668687355722616371.post-33778293320980459132008-07-23T16:42:00.000-07:002008-07-23T16:42:00.000-07:00It can be very time consuming. I hired a wonderful...It can be very time consuming. I hired a wonderful woman who set things up for me with a tutorial. She is very patient when things don't go right and I highly recommend her. For me it was worth the investment to have her do it once correctly than have me spend hours and wondering if I was doing it right. You can contact me for her email address if you are interested. I don't get any thing from this. She was recommended to me by a friend and I am happy.Haraleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05357833144467602394noreply@blogger.com