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

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.

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?

How will you make 2009 different?

Like you, I hate the phrase "New Year's Resoultions". Because as we all know, they are mostly never kept. Each year, it's the same thing for me. For the first couple of weeks, I stick to my goals and I feel pretty good about myself. Then life settles in and the next thing I know, my resolutions are out the door.

The number nine represents attainment, satisfaction, accomplishment and success to achieve influence over circumstances. So, on this New Year's Eve, I am sitting down to carve out my resolutions for 2009. Because I am putting them on this blog for everyone to see, I know that I have to hold myself accountable. So, here they are.

1. I resolve to put more effort into marketing my business and my services.
2. I resolve to post items on my blog on a more regular basis.
3. I resolve to being more organized and proactive as it relates to my business responsibilities.

So, what are your New Year's Resolutions? How will you exert influence over your circumstances? How will you make 2009 different?

Holiday Time Management

It's Black Friday, which means sometime today you will find yourself in line at a crowded department store or fighting for a parking space.  From now until December 25th, your life will be full of holiday duties:  decorating the home, holiday shopping, sending out Christmas cards, going to holiday parties,etc.  But the one thing you must not do is to neglect your duties as a business owner.  I am guilty of it too.  But remember, the holiday season is only about a month long.  Your business is year round.  So, here are some tips to help you manage your time effectively between the holidays and your business.

1. Make a commitment to wake up earlier in the mornings.  Whether it's a half hour or two, make sure it's enough time to complete your personal projects before you get caught up with the rest of your day. 
2. Take advantage of shopping online. You'll waste less time at the mall and devote more time to your business.   
3. Set a time limit or deadline to complete your holiday duties and stick with it.  

Happy Holidays!

HOLIDAYS

HELLO EVERYONE,

I WANTED TO TAKE THE TIME TO SAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE AND THEIR FAMILIES, PLEASE BE BLESSED AND ENJOY THE TIME YOU HAVE OFF, MAKE THE BEST OF IT, BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU WILL BE BACK TO THE GRIND IN DUE TIME, I DO HOPE THAT ALL IS WELL WITH MY FELLOW ENTREPRENEURS, I KNOW THIS TIME IS BUSY SO JUST TAKE TIME TO BREATH, RELAX RELATE AND RELEASE OVER THE TIME YOU HAVE OFF ENJOY SO THE PRESSURE WILL BE OFF WHEN YOU RETURN TO WORK, HOPE TO TALK TO EVERY ONE SOON.

TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS
CHERYL GORHAM
DINNER BY CANDLELIGHT

Ready,Set,ACTION!

Did you ever want to be in the movies? Who hasn't had a bit of a fantasy to see themselves on the big screen, gorgeous backgrounds, exotic locations, costumes and make-up that make you look like a real live movie star? Yes, fantasies are great.

Reality is more like in the movie Tootsie when they scream "Not too close" for the camera work in shooting Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie. This week I was able to participate in some of the fun of movie making. Hot Flash Havoc, www.hotflashhavoc.com, is the name of the film being made that I am privileged to be a part of. Since it is in documentary style, I am playing myself, a middle age menopausal woman. My naturopathic physician friend Kelly Jennings, www.urbanwellnesspdx.com, is also interviewed and filmed. Kelly treats effectively, and patiently many women with menopause and breast cancer symptoms. She is also young, smart and gorgeous! So my close up is Kelly giving me an acupuncture treatment. Yes indeed, I am the woman in repose with acupuncture needles all over her face, head and neck!

I was also interviewed about my story, the breast cancer/menopause/entrepreneur connection. This film has a fantastic concept; educate and entertain about the condition called Menopause. The movie is still in production and I will blog about it again, and again as the release date comes closer and my close up for stardom nears.

-Haralee Weintraub