Small Business Success Strategies

For Busy Professionals: 10 EASY Time Management Tips

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert

If you feel like your life moves faster than a Nascar race, you’re not alone. We are living in a time where dual income families and single parent homes are the norm, a sharp contrast to the happy sitcom families we grew up watching on TV.

So how do you get everything accomplished when there are only 24 hours in a day? The first step is to reprioritize. Does it really matter if you’re house is immaculate? Does your family really need a 7-course meal on the table every night? Instead of spending time preparing an elaborate meal, wouldn’t you rather use that time with your family or to catch up on some R&R for yourself?

Regardless of how your priorities are defined, we could all use some extra time in the day. The following are some time management ideas that can help increase your productivity and improve the quality of your life. Try incorporating just a few of these ideas and see how it affects your life. You will be glad you did!

1. Turn your email off. It may be hard to break away from your constant communication with the world, but if you check email twice per day instead, you will be amazed by how much time you save. Specify specific time frames during the day that you will devote to email and stick to your schedule.

One Silicon Valley company recently implemented a No Email rule on Fridays. If you need a question answered, you have to pick up the phone or walk over to the person with the answer. While this may not always be the most productive solution, it drives home the point that we rely too heavily on email for our communication. When you stop letting it rule your life, your productivity will ultimately increase.

Read Stephanie's entire article 10 Easy Time Management Tips for Busy Professionals

How To Make Your Competition Vanish

Nancy Marmolejo, our official PR and Media Expert

An age-old marketing tool is the SWOT analysis. You examine your STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, and THREATS to determine how you should direct your marketing efforts.

It's always a bit disconcerting when you reach the THREATS column.

A threat? Oh no, we better PROTECT! Circle the wagons, ward off the enemy, batten down the hatches, hide the virgins!

That's a lot of energy spent going on the defensive.

The "Threats" column is where folks start talking about the COMPETITION. Those nasty, beady eyed creeps who are out to steal business from under your nose . . . the cutthroat scalawags out to make a buck and throw you into the sewer . . . and we must annihilate them, right?

What if you could completely reframe your approach and see that yes, competition exists, but it doesn't have to scare the bejeezus out of you and make sounds that go bump in the night?

Your competition can vanish from under your nose if you follow these simple, non-violent, warfare-free tips. Put your weapons aside, drink some herb tea and get into the groove of Vanishing Competition.

Read Nancy's entire article Make Your Competition Vanish

Surviving an IRS Tax Audit (You Can Too!)

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert

Though I read the letter three times, there was no mistaking the grim news: I was being summoned to the IRS for an audit. I had an instant flashback to the third grade when I was called to the principal's office. I didn't know what I had done, but it must have been something bad.

After a tense conversation with my husband, I called my accountant. "You have nothing to worry about," she assured me. "We have everything in order."

The letter indicated that I needed to bring several items including bank statements, credit card statements, the prior year's tax return, and charitable contribution receipts. To my great surprise (and relief), my accountant informed me that she kept copies of all of my statements. I had them too, but mine weren't exactly in good order. I subscribe to the "shoebox" method of filing. It would have taken days to locate everything I needed.

Read Stephanie's entire article How I Survived an IRS Audit (and How You Can Too!)

 

30 Online and Offline Networking Resources

   If you want to take your business to the next level, you should be making time to expand your networks. Networking can create a variety of opportunities ranging from meeting potential clients to locating new business partners. You can discover new ideas, form strategic alliances or find someone you can simply commiserate with.

Ideally you should schedule time in your calendar to attend networking events either in person or online. Following are thirty networking resources that can get you on the road to networking success.

1. About.com – Link to this forum for entrepreneurs. There are also many other forums available on a variety of topics. Visit: http://entrepreneurs.about.com/mpboards.htm

Read Stephanie's entire article 30 Online and Offline Networking Resources

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert

One powerful way to grow your business is to become known as an authority in your field. Because experts are the go-to people for services and products, establishing your authority in your subject matter gives you an edge over the competition, generates interest from prospects and builds loyalty with clients.

Following are strategies that you can use to establish yourself as an authority in your field.

SET THE FOUNDATION

Own it: First, believe you are an expert. Second, claim it. Get over any fears that you don't have all the answers because nobody can be expected to have an answer for everything. When you believe it, others will too.

Read Stephanie's entire article 26 Ways to Establish Yourself as an Authority in Your Field

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert

26 Ways to Establish Yourself as an Expert

No matter what kind of business you're in, you are an expert in something. One powerful way to grow your business is to become known for what you do best. Because experts are the go-to people for services and products, establishing yourself as an expert gives you an edge over the competition, generates interest from prospects and builds loyalty with clients.

Following are strategies that you can use to elevate your expert status.

ESTABLISH THE FOUNDATION

Own it: First, believe you are an expert. Second, claim it. Get over any fears that you don't have all the answers because nobody does. Give yourself the title of "XYZ Expert" or "XYZ Specialist." When you believe it, others will too.

Read Stephanie's entire article 26 Ways to Establish Yourself as an Expert

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert

1. Freelance Writer – Freelance writers write articles for newspapers and magazines or copy for businesses. Most articles require research and must be well-written and suited to the style of the publication. Publications typically pay $.10 - $2.00 per word. Businesses also contract writers to create reports, press releases, advertising copy and other special projects.

2. Virtual Assistant – Virtual Assistants provide administrative services to small businesses that don’t have a staff to handle these duties. VAs can perform a variety of tasks for clients including contact database management, writing and sending business letters, designing brochures, and creating newsletters. VAs should advertise their services to Realtors and small business owners and can charge by the hour or by project.

Read Stephanie's entire article 10 Easy Businesses to Start Part Time or Full Time

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert

Online Marketing for Authors

There is a tremendous opportunity for authors to reach millions of potential readers by marketing books online. Even better, you don't have to be a technology guru or spend a lot of money to launch your online marketing campaign.

First and foremost, every author should have a website. You can use your website to not only market to readers, but to communicate with editors, agents and publishers. Your website is essentially an online brochure that can include as much or as little information as you're willing to share.

Website hosting is also surprisingly affordable with rates ranging from $5-$20 per month depending on the provider you choose and the services you need.

Read Stephanie's entire article Online Marketing for Authors

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert

7 Hot Home Business Ideas

1. Virtual Assistant – Virtual Assistants provide administrative services to small businesses that don’t have a staff to handle these duties. VAs can perform a variety of tasks for clients including contact database management, writing and sending business letters, designing brochures, and creating newsletters.

2. After School Care – Instead of operating a full-time daycare service, offer before and after school care. Many parents would rather pay to have someone watch their kids for a couple of hours each day and avoid turning them into latch key kids.

Read Stephanie's entire article 7 Hot Home Business Ideas

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert

10 Reasons Why Your Company Should Publish a Book

1. Attract Media Attention

If you want a magnetic way to generate media coverage, a book can serve as a launch pad for radio, television and print interviews and feature stories. Authors are ideal sources for stories, making it easier than ever to get story placement.

2. Establish Authority in Your Field

There is a reason the word "authority" begins with "author." Publishing a book is one of the most effective ways to establish your company as a leader in your industry.

Read Stephanie's entire article 10 Reasons Why Your Company Should Publish a Book

Stephanie Chandler, our official Small Business Growth Expert