Professional - Blogs - Black Business Women Online2024-03-28T20:32:32Zhttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/ProfessionalFelicia R. Davis, Brings Power to AZ Business Community especially for the Ladies!!!https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/felicia-r-davis-brings-power-to-az-business-community-especially2013-10-29T19:04:49.000Z2013-10-29T19:04:49.000ZRickeyhttps://mybbwo.com/members/Rickey<div><p><span class="userContent">There are many times, networking with powerful people, pays off, in ways beyond monetary benefit.</span></p><p><span class="userContent">Having this powerful lady in my resources is value beyond measure. This article brings actionable information, to anyone who wants to, advance their professional standing.</span></p><p><span class="userContent">Rickey ( <a href="http://www.jusmcc.net" target="_blank">http://www.jusmcc.net</a> )</span></p><p> </p><p><span class="userContent">Felicia R. Davis, has an "uncanny knack" of getting to the point, eloquently and effectively. This is a good read <a href="http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=901269b306c4ed07f8db72d50&id=3d565315b9&e=6333df3995" target="_blank">http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=901269b306c4ed07f8db72d50&id=3d565315b9&e=6333df3995</a></span></p></div>2013 Why do I need a CPA for my business? http://GoodCreditUnion.com 1-800-652-7157https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/2013-why-do-i-need-a-cpa-for-my-business-http-goodcreditunion-com2013-05-17T18:13:27.000Z2013-05-17T18:13:27.000ZHOUSTON MCMILLERhttps://mybbwo.com/members/HOUSTONMCMILLER<div><p><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hlLA9Tvp1Gg?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="http://GoodCreditUnion.com">Http://GoodCreditUnion.com</a> 1-800-652-7157 In this video, I explain the new departments the that Good Credit Union have opened up to it's clients.</span><br /><br /><span>Good Credit Union has added a Tax elimination dept. with a CPA and IRS Registered agents. As many of us understand that a CPA is the blood line of the business. Understanding having access to a CPA is one of the best resources a growing company needs to be profitable. </span><br /><br /><span>Our CPA works right along side of our IRS Registered Tax Agents to make sure your company financial documents and taxes are looking good to financial institutions.</span><br /><br /><span>GCU Group also offers employment verification for people that work off of 1099 and need regular pay stubs created. This is great for someone that trying to purchase a vehicle or get into an apartment.</span><br /><br /><span>Check out our other services</span><br /><a href="http://businesscreditamerica.com/" target="_blank" title="http://BusinessCreditAmerica.com" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://BusinessCreditAmerica.com</a><span> 1-800-652-7157</span></p></div>2013 Why Should I Fix My Credit? http://GoodCreditUnion.com 1-800-652-7157https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/2013-why-should-i-fix-my-credit-http-goodcreditunion-com-1-8002013-05-17T18:03:43.000Z2013-05-17T18:03:43.000ZHOUSTON MCMILLERhttps://mybbwo.com/members/HOUSTONMCMILLER<div><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hJ5BQZYa1pE?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p></p><p><a href="http://goodcreditunion.com/" target="_blank" title="http://GoodCreditUnion.com" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://GoodCreditUnion.com</a><span> 1-800-652-7157 In this video Houston with th GCU Group, Inc. explain why many people should fix their credit instead of getting a CPN or SCN.</span><br /><br /><span>1st you no longer have to find a co-signer to help you get an apartment, car, or student loan. I understand this is embarrassing for many adults with bad credit.</span><br /><br /><span>2nd If you have good credit you could add a child or family on you credit cards as authorize users and they could inherit your credit. This is one of the best gifts you can give someone if you're not rich or wealthy. Your 18 year old could inherit your credit and you will not have to co-sign for them an apartment, car loan, or student loan.</span><br /><br /><span>3rd You could buy real estate in which you could not do with a CPN or SCN. Many people want to get into real estate investing but they must understand that having good credit will make it easier to purchase that property.</span><br /><br /><span>4th When you fix your credit you don't have to show as much paperwork to get funding. With a CPN or SCN creditors want to see the id or drivers license to go along with the file. Creditors are asking for social security cards for that SCN or CPN, they are also asking for employment verification. This is alot of personal information they are requiring now for an SCN or CPN. </span><br /><br /><span>5TH It's much more easier to get funding when you have good credit to do you investments, succh as buying a car from the auction instead of having to finance it from a car dealer.</span><br /><br /><span>This is Houston with Good Credit Union. You can call me at !-800-652-7157 or email me Houston@goodcreditunion.com or Alex @goodcreditunion.com</span></p></div>Learn great ways to take care of your dreadlockshttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/learn-great-ways-to-take-care2011-08-02T21:13:42.000Z2011-08-02T21:13:42.000ZTen Nebulahttps://mybbwo.com/members/TenNebula<div><h3><span class="reactions"><a href="http://mybbwo.com/profile/TenNebula#" class="xg_sprite like-link-1 like-link"></a></span></h3><div class="postbody">Lovin My Locs - LovinMyLocs.Blogspot.com <br />----------------------------------------------------------------------- <br />Want to start new dreadlocks and need help? <br />Do you have new growth and need to have them retouch?<br />Want to learn about the best products for dreadlocks? <br />Want some advice to help your locs look beautiful and amazing? <br />Need help with your wild locs and want to make them more presentable? <br /><br /><br />Our blog has been created to help more people learn about dreadlocks, how to start theirs and maintain their current locs. <br />The blog has lots of great info, videos, and resources. <br /><br /><br />Feel free to visit, share with a friend, and become a follower!!!!!!! <br /><a href="http://www.lovinmylocs.blogspot.com/">www.LovinMyLocs.Blogspot.com</a></div><p class="postbody"><a href="http://www.lovinmydreadlocks.wordpress.com">www.lovinmydreadlocks.wordpress.com</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>"Like us" on Facebook - Lovin My Locs, Lovin My Dreadlocks <br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lovin-My-Locs-Hair-Services/119006568184394">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lovin-My-Locs-Hair-Services/119006568184394</a></p><div class="postbody"></div><div class="postbody"></div><div class="postbody"><p>Leave us a positive review about our site on:</p>Myspace, stumbleupon, facebook, yelp, & thumbtack<br /><br /><br />Check out my YouTube channel page: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Tennebula">www.youtube.com/user/Tennebula</a> <br />and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Tennebula">www.twitter.com/Tennebula</a> <br /><br /><br /><br />Blessings!!!!</div></div>Unplugging & de-stressing for the summer...https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/unplugging-amp-destressing-for2011-07-13T16:02:23.000Z2011-07-13T16:02:23.000ZVonetta Booker-Brownhttps://mybbwo.com/members/VonettaBookerBrown<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://successtales.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Unplug.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://successtales.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Unplug.jpg?width=323" width="323" alt="Unplug.jpg?width=323" /></a>I don't know about you, but I like to think of summertime as the prime season for RELAXING--kicking back, enjoying the warm sun, balmy breezes and fun events with family and friends. Swimming, concerts, good music, food--just good times all around. And I don't want stress anywhere in there!</p><p>So why is it that we're still so stressed out and don't know how to unplug?</p><p>If you have that issue, I'm excited to tell you that you're in luck! Because next <strong>Thursday, 7/21 at 7pm EST</strong>, I'm delighted to have professional organizer Ellen Delap back for a great, encore presentation on our "Call & Learn" teleclass, <strong>"Summertime Unplugging & De-Stressing!"</strong></p><p>She's going to be breaking down all types of great ways to slow down and actually ENJOY the warm weather while it's still here! So, I hope to see you on the call--to register (and get a free copy of "Accountability Partners for Internet Marketers," just go to <a href="http://successtales.com/7-21-registration/" target="_blank"><strong>http://successtales.com/7-21-registration/</strong></a> and sign right up! See ya there!</p><p> </p><p>---------------------------------------------------</p><p><strong><i>About the Blogger:</i></strong></p><p><strong>Vonetta Booker-Brown is the creator of <a href="http://www.successtales.com/" target="_blank">SuccessTales.com</a>, a resource/membership site for savvy female small business owners--and the author of the e-book</strong> <em><b><a href="http://successtales.com/about/about-the-book/" target="_blank">Success Tales: Female Entrepreneurs' Stories of Challenges, Inspiration & Success</a></b></em><strong>--featuring BBWO's own LaShanda Henry!</strong></p><p> </p></div>How To Create the Perfect Spicy Sales Cyclehttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-create-the-perfect-12011-06-17T02:32:37.000Z2011-06-17T02:32:37.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-chart-rimagefree2204450-resi2895060"><img class="align-left" style="padding:3px;" src="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/dreamstimefree_2204450-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="dreamstimefree_2204450-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>I am such an impatient person. I can admit it right out of the gate, but one thing I've learned after a number of business "beat-downs" is that planning is priceless.<br /><br />One of the steps often forgotten in the excitement of creating a new business that you're going to market is the planning phase. But this is particularly important when you're creating your sales and marketing strategy.<br /><br />You have got to spend some time mapping out how your content, products and services, and marketing are all going to work together to build a profitable online business.<br /><br />To help you out, I'm going to share a few key steps - all of which I'll be talking about in my brand new coaching program that launches in a few weeks - <a title="spicy hot systems" href="http://spicyhotsystems.com"><strong>Spicy Hot Systems That Sell</strong></a> (SPICY = simple, profitable, impactful, convenient, and getting your buyers to YES!):<br /><br /><strong>Step One: Develop high quality offerings.</strong> Starting off on the right foot with your customer service approach is very important for the livelihood of your online business. Quality products, from the very first freebie to your largest ticket item, will help you gradually build a positive reputation for yourself. Any future dealings you have where you can do repeat business with your customer should leave them feeling as if they were treated as well if not better than the first time around.<br /><br /><strong>Step Two: Create your product line.</strong> A sales funnel is a series of incrementally more valuable, and perhaps more expensive, products or services to offer your customers. However, people are going to enter your funnel at various stages. Some may begin by taking advantage of your free offer while some may jump right in and buy a product or service. Create a plan for each type of customer. Set the stage for the next level of products you have available. Figure out which ones might be of interest to your clients, or which ones could be useful. Help them to see just how they can be helpful and how to implement them effectively into their present business or organization.<br /><br /><strong>Step Three: Maintain the Communication.</strong> In addition to creating a line of high quality products and services, you’ll also want to establish consistent communication with your prospects and customers. Accomplish this by continuing the flow of valuable information in the form of blog posts, email messages and perhaps a newsletter.<br /><br />Maintaining the flow of valuable information makes it easier for your customers to confidently pass your information on to others. You could soon find yourself starting the process all over again with new referrals, or other people you have found on your own who have become customers.<br /><br />Planning is the key to online business success. Create your sales funnel plan, marketing plan and content plan and work to integrate the three into a seamless and efficient system. Consistency is the key, and by using the same plan over and over again with each new person, your online business will grow. And everyone will be receiving the same great quality products and services you have to offer.<br /><br />Now that's SPICY!</div>3 Brand Support Systems You Can't Do Without - Part 2 of 4https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/3-brand-support-systems-you-12011-05-06T16:10:36.000Z2011-05-06T16:10:36.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div>This is part 2 of a 4 part series where I'm sharing the essential systems entrepreneurs must have in place to support a solid brand.<br /><h2>System #1: Customer engagement</h2><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/iStock_000007773142Medium-150x150.jpg"><img class="align-left" style="padding:3px;" src="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/iStock_000007773142Medium-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="iStock_000007773142Medium-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>Brand support system number one is about the way in which you engage your customers. This is the process by which you create a path of attraction to your business. It's the way that you make it easy for prospects to meet you, to love what you do, to test drive your services. This might look like your current opt-in strategy. Or it may even be the type of events you host that attract people to your business.<br /><br />Creating an easy path for prospects to engage is critical to building your pool of interested buyers. As a system, this path should be outlined in such a way that you can powerfully reflect your brand with ease. The goal is to create a connection between you as a solution provider and the potential client, or prospect.<br /><br />What is evident when you view an entrepreneur’s website is whether or not there is an easy way to determine your next step. Successful entrepreneurs are clear in the single action they would like for a viewer to take when visiting their website the first time. But unfortunately too many business owners fail to streamline the instruction for their prospect. There is no opt-in form. There is nothing “sticky" about the page that keeps a person there, so viewers leave after only visiting a few seconds.<br /><br />One example of a way to engage customers that capitalizes on the way they first interacted with you is to create a social media landing page. This blog post by visibility guru Nancy Marmalejo tells you how to do this: <a href="http://vivavisibilityblog.com/social-networking-landing-page/">http://vivavisibilityblog.com/social-networking-landing-page/</a>.<br /><br />There are other ways to engage your customer or prospect. One of the most widely used ways is to develop a strong opt in form. A blog post by marketing diva Ali Brown shares great insight into how to make this work for you: <a href="http://www.alibrown.com/blog/?p=722">http://www.alibrown.com/blog/?p=722</a>.<br /><br />The key to customer engagement is to entice prospective buyers within the first few seconds so they can receive your valuable information.<br /><br /><br /><br />WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?<br /><br />You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:<br /><br /><em>About the Author:</em> Tanya Smith is a creative business strategist specializing in showing coaches, consultants and freelancers how to spend more time making money with simple, yet profitable marketing systems. Her company Be Promotable provides clients with fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote their small businesses as power players in their market. Claim your instant access to a free 10 part ecourse, 10 Ways To Grow Your List at: <a href="../">www.bepromotable.com</a>.</div>Ready For A Close Up? Tacky Photos are Brand Suicidehttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/ready-for-a-close-up-tacky2011-06-07T13:00:23.000Z2011-06-07T13:00:23.000ZJai Stone (Emotional Nudist)https://mybbwo.com/members/JaiStoneEmotionalNudist<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://thebrandcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/tacky_headshot_crop.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1613 aligncenter" title="Tacky Head Shot" src="http://thebrandcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/tacky_headshot_crop.jpg" alt="tacky head shot" width="570" height="300" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;">Let me start with a disclaimer. Tacky photos are my pet peeve, so I'm going to be really blunt about this subject. So here it is in a nutshell, if you want to be taken seriously then present yourself seriously! Honestly, if you don't care enough to invest in professional photos, then don't expect potential clients to invest in your product/ service.</p>Every week I get at least a dozen so called professionals that want to elevate their personal brand. When I look at their marketing materials I am often appalled at the quality of the personal photos. I see pictures that were clearly taken by 'cousin alex' at a birthday party, then cropped to only show their face. I witness images that are grainy, hazy or at least 15 years old. Did I mention photos taken with a cell phone? All I can say is <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">TACKY , TACKY, TACKY</span></strong>!! If you want to establish yourself as a brand to be reckoned with, then start simply with professional photos.<br /><br />Now I know what you are thinking...the last thing you want is to have some high fa looting photographer slap a bunch of make-up on you and take some pictures that look NOTHING like you. Don't worry your little head about that, there are many ways to showcase yourself in a flattering and authentic light. So here are the rules for choosing a photographer.<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">1. Choose your style</span>:</strong> By this I mean style of photography. Do you want Glamor Head Shots, Lifestyle/ Portrait Shots, Editorial Photos (don't worry I will describe the difference a little later in this post)? Being clear about how you want to be showcased is very important.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>2. Personal referral</strong>:</span> Only use a photographer that has photographed someone you know. Just because they showcase good photos on their website, doesn't mean they are a good photographer. It is easier to judge a photographer if he has photographed someone you know. It gives you a gauge for how well he/ she can capture authenticity.<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">3. Its ALL about the makeup:</span></strong> Many photographers like to work with specific make up artists. Try to have a conversation with the makeup artist in advance. Explain the look you are trying to accomplish, even show photos of yourself or others that you like. <strong>NOTE:</strong> its important to know that you will most certainly look like a drag queen after the makeup is applied, but photo lights are harsh, the make up helps with deflecting the light correctly.<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">4. RELAX:</span></strong> Its important to be relaxed when you take your photos. Don't be so preoccupied with posing. Just be yourself and let the photographer do the rest.<br /><h3>Types of Photos</h3><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://thebrandcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo_styles.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-1611 aligncenter" title="Photo Styles" src="http://thebrandcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo_styles-1024x285.jpg" alt="photo styles" width="573" height="160" /></a></p>Earlier, I mentioned 3 types of photography. They are all good for different reasons. I personally have all three types.<br /><ol><li><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Glamour Head Shots</span></strong>: Ideal for presenting a professional presence. Great for bios, personal appearances and media photos.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Lifestyle/ Portrait Shots</span></strong>: Perfect to communicate your personal brand. These images are not staged (unlike Glamor and Editorial), and they should reflect you in your natural habitat doing what comes naturally.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Editorial Photos</span></strong>: Usually reserved for appearances in media where you are a feature story. Should have a personal touch with a professional flare.</li></ol>Still think professional photos are a waste of money? Ask yourself this question. If I had a chance to win a million dollars based on my photo alone, would I win?<br /><br />Happy Branding Everyone...<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Photo Credits</em></span></strong>: <em>Jai Stone Glamor (pic by <a href="http://www.reggiephotos4u.com/" target="_blank">Reggie Anderson</a>/ Makeup by <a href="http://www.lindadupree.com/" target="_blank">Linda Dupree</a>); Jai Stone Editorial (pic by <a href="http://dblanks.com/" target="_blank">Derek Blanks</a>/ Makeup by <a href="http://saishabeecham.com/" target="_blank">Saisha Beechum</a>); Jai Stone Lifestyle (pic by <a href="http://www.milescoaltrainmediaarts.com/" target="_blank">MilesCoaltrain</a>)</em><br /><br />You can continue this conversation on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/brandcoachllc" target="_blank">@brandcoachllc</a> or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thebrandcoach" target="_blank">Facebook.com/TheBrandCoach</a></div>Click of the Week: Top 10 Words for Copy That Rockshttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/click-of-the-week-top-10-words2011-05-25T03:24:56.000Z2011-05-25T03:24:56.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div>I've been studying copy quite a bit lately because I want to improve my own business brand and make sure my stuff gets more eyes on it! What about you? Doesn't that matter to your business? Writing good copy is actually ESSENTIAL to your success, so even if you choose to outsource your writing, you should be familiar with at least the basics.Study and save this simple list of words you can use to attract more views.<object width="560" height="349" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/g9cTZmJm8h0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g9cTZmJm8h0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" ></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false" ></param><embed wmode="opaque" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g9cTZmJm8h0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" allowscriptaccess="never" allownetworking="internal"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param></object></div>3 Brand Support Systems You Can't Do Without - Part 3 of 4https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/3-brand-support-systems-you-22011-05-16T10:54:54.000Z2011-05-16T10:54:54.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><h3>System #2: Customer Relationship Management</h3>The customer relationship management system refers to the way you take care of your current customers. It may be the way that you process their intake into doing new business with you. It's about how you provide here and service once your clients have already paid or invested in your services. Ultimately the goal is for prospects to become clients and eventually to become raving fans for your business. This happens when you treat current clients or fans very well.<br /><br />How do you deliver on the promises that you make in your brand. Does it require a lot of manual labor? Can you automate delivery of your services? Can you set up systems with the click of a button that will accept payment and deliver on the promise? If you're conducting a coaching group is there self-service function word new clients can go and access their profiles, pay an invoice, create a support case? This is all part of delivering on your brand promises.<br />When you have easy tools and systems in place it's much easier for your clients to rave about your services and to refer others to them as well. A great service experience can immediately expand your level of influence and authority.<br /><br />I am a huge fan of Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM). CRMs were like a dream come true because I was tired of manually tracking loose pieces of paper, sticky notes, e-mails that flooded my inbox from people I worked with. A solid CRM can manage projects, automate your billing, and make it easy for you to find essential correspondence between you and the customer. Examples of great CRMs to research for your business include BaseCamp, Salesforce, Capsule CRM, and WorkEtc.<br /><br />Another part of the relationship management, however, involves your approach to follow-up. Send Out Cards is a simple but highly distinctive way to show your clients you care. I purchased an account with the company years ago but did not realize the power of the program until I used it to mail personalized postcards to members of a course I was teaching online. It really made an impact with my clients to receive a special thank you from the right at their doorstep.<br /><br />Trust me, in this age of Internet marketing a postcard or greeting card will help you stand out from the crowd. It will also help to solidify the emotional connection with your customer, which has the potential to generate more sales. Besides, sales are really about creating a personal experience for the buyer.<br /><br />WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?<br /><br />You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:<br /><br /><em>About the Author:</em> Tanya Smith is a creative business strategist specializing in showing coaches, consultants and freelancers how to spend more time making money with simple, yet profitable marketing systems. Her company Be Promotable provides clients with fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote their small businesses as power players in their market. Claim your instant access to a free 10 part ecourse, 10 Ways To Grow Your List at: <a href="../business-acumen/">www.bepromotable.com</a>.</div>Launch of Caribbean Women Who Lunch, Inc.https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/launch-of-caribbean-women-who2011-04-17T14:54:16.000Z2011-04-17T14:54:16.000ZDiane L. Samuelshttps://mybbwo.com/members/DianeLSamuels<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10744063291,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10744063291,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="10744063291?profile=original" /></a>I am so excited to announce the launch of Caribbean Women Who Lunch, Inc. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mycwwl.com/" title="www.mycwwl.com">www.mycwwl.com</a>). This is an organization with a mission to provide global networking and learning opportunities aimed at helping to grow the careers of women of Caribbean descent.</p><p> </p><p>Women are notorious for not engaging their networks in the same way that men are able to do, so my dream for CWWL is to provide a forum for professional women of Caribbean descent that will facilitate access to global networks online, while also encouraging members to tap into their local networks through power lunches. This way you can build some truly meaningful relationships that help to move you forward professionally. The CWWL website is a social networking site that allows you to invite your own networks and also tap into the networks of other members, all of whom have some connection to the Caribbean, so you are already starting off with something in common.</p><p> </p><p>This idea came to me a couple of years ago when I decided to launch my coaching practice. I wanted to start a group of women who would be able to offer advice and support to each other as we progressed in our careers. I also thought about how migrating to New York when I was 26 had impacted the networks I had back home in Jamaica. Essentially I had to start over upon moving to the U.S. so I thought why not create a network that women can access from anywhere in the world?</p><p> </p><p>In order to help the membership grow quickly so it offers immediate benefit to the membership, the first 500 members will get the first year of membership for free. Just click on this link <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mycwwl.com/" title="www.mycwwl.com">www.mycwwl.com</a>, and with a few clicks you’ll be on and ready to invite your own networks by connecting to your email account(s).</p><p> </p><p>Let’s network, learn and succeed!</p></div>3 Brand Support Systems You Can't Do Without - Part 1 of 4https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/3-brand-support-systems-you2011-05-04T17:16:11.000Z2011-05-04T17:16:11.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dreamstime.com/free-stock-photography-puzzle-background-rimagefree1333671-resi2895060"><img class="align-left" style="padding:3px;" src="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/dreamstimefree_1333671-300x199.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="dreamstimefree_1333671-300x199.jpg?width=300" /></a>Every solo business owner has a set of processes or systems that either promote their business very well or contribute to the business’ demise. There are really 3 essential systems that any successful business owner needs in place in order to automate the things they repetitively do over and over again, while adequately supporting the brand. These systems form the structure of success because they are the ways in which you continuously reinvigorate your business for expansion and growth.<br /><h2>What is a system?</h2>For purposes of this article, we’re going to define a system as follows: a set of integrated, interdependent processes that can be replicated over and over again to produce similar results.<br /><br />This article is designed to explain the 3 critical brand support systems for real breakthrough in your business. These essential systems are key to ensuring your success and creating a structure on which your brand can thrive.<br /><h2>It all starts with the BRAND</h2>Before we cover these systems, let’s talk about brand first. As a solopreneur in the “entrepreneurial renaissance” age – a coin termed by business coach, Marcia Bench, you will have to compete against many people who claim expertise in the same field as you. Regardless of their level of experience or visibility, the sheer numbers require that you carve out a way to stand apart from the crowd. Your brand must be distinctive, powerful and recognizable.<br /><br />The brand is the foundation of any effective marketing strategy. It is how people perceive you. The brand is YOU in a single owner business. If your brand is weak, the systems I will describe below will not operate to support your business. An analogy would be like building a new house, installing a beautiful kitchen, hardwood floors, and hiring a dynamic salesman to greet buyers at the door when the house has no walls yet.<br /><br />The support systems we will talk about in this article will allow you to deliver great service, they will engage your customer base, and they will automate your delivery but only when you have taken the necessary steps to first put in place your brand strategy.<br /><br />This means getting clear about what you do, the market you serve, and how you provide the service. Brand support is most connected to the latter – the “how”.<br /><br />We will spend time outlining the 3 systems over the next group of articles in this series.<br /><br /><br /><br />WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?<br /><br />You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:<br /><br /><em>About the Author:</em> Tanya Smith is a creative business strategist specializing in showing coaches, consultants and freelancers how to spend more time making money with simple, yet profitable marketing systems. Her company Be Promotable provides clients with fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote their small businesses as power players in their market. Claim your instant access to a free 10 part ecourse, 10 Ways To Grow Your List at: <a href="../">www.bepromotable.com</a>.</div>There's Got To Be Something Better Than Sticky Noteshttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/theres-got-to-be-something2011-04-15T11:25:03.000Z2011-04-15T11:25:03.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/graphorange-300x221.jpg"><img class="align-left" style="padding:5px;" src="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/graphorange-300x221.jpg?width=300" height="151" width="203" alt="graphorange-300x221.jpg?width=300" /></a>Sticky notes are not the best way to keep track of a prospect you need to call. There is a better way - thankfully. It's called a CRM.</p><p>A CRM is a sales and marketing term for "customer relationship management". It's a system to keep track of important information about your clients, customers, sales prospects and a way to centralize your business communications and resources.<br /> <br />I love technology. You may already know that from some of the resources I share. But I really didn't discover the power of a CRM until I started realizing that I had too much paperwork floating around with my client's notes, names of people I needed to follow up with, and even keeping track of any missing payments to my client accounts.<br /><br />So here are some benefits of using a CRM:</p><ul><li>Organizes your business records</li><li>Creates a safeguard of all your key contacts</li><li>Automates your appointments</li><li>Helps you develop a "pipeline", which is the path you work each client or prospect through to work with you</li><li>Gives you an easier way to pay attention to your customers</li><li>Makes it easy for people to pay you</li></ul>These are just a few of the things that I've learned a CRM can do for my business. And when you're a solopreneur, it helps to make your workflow as simple as possible.<br /><br />Need a few ideas on CRMs to try?<br /><br />I'm developing a video kit to help you use the simple, slick system I use, but for now here are some recommendations you can look into: <a href="http://capsulecrm.com/" target="_blank">www.CapsuleCRM.com</a>, <a href="http://www.highrisehq.com/" target="_blank">www.HighRiseHQ.com</a>, <a href="http://www.bigcontacts.com/" target="_blank">www.BigContacts.com</a>, <a href="http://www.salesforce.com/" target="_blank">www.SalesForce.com</a>.<br /><br />Try one and let me know what you think in the comments below!<br /><br /><strong>WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?</strong> You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:<br /><br /><em>About the Author:</em> Tanya Smith is a creative business strategist specializing in showing coaches, consultants and freelancers how to spend more time making money with simple, yet profitable marketing systems. Her company Be Promotable provides clients with fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote their businesses as power players in their market. Claim your instant access to a free 10 part ecourse, 10 Ways To Grow Your List at: <a title="Be Promotable" href="http://www.bepromotable.com">www.bepromotable.com</a>.</div>Wake Up Call: Short Term Nice Does Not Equal Long Term Profithttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/wake-up-call-short-term-nice2011-03-28T11:31:47.000Z2011-03-28T11:31:47.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/iStock_000007606415XSmall-150x150.jpg"><img class="align-left" style="padding:3px;" src="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/iStock_000007606415XSmall-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="iStock_000007606415XSmall-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>I had a dream last night. In the dream I invested in some type of postal supplies shop - you know, like the ones you see on every corner now? This guy from an office next door kept coming in to say he was there to help me. Seemed like a nice enough man. At first, he offered to lay a customized floor tile that looked like a stamp for me in front of the counter. He described how it would have my initials, my favorite colors, and it would really light up the place. I was convinced and I said, "sure, that would be nice". Then after he put it in and I realized it wasn't just one tile, it was half the floor. Cha-ching.</p><p>Next, he came in and offered to change the locks on my door. I said, "yes, that's probably a good idea". And of course, he upgraded the entire door. Cha-ching...again. After a series of these offers, I realized I'd drawn up quite a bill. That's when I finally sat down to look at the total costs of my initial investment, the add-ons, and the history of success the shop had before me. Guess what? The previous owner sold it because she hadn't made a profit.</p><p>It was a pretty dismal outlook. I had the same dream at least once more the same night. It was like I had to go through it all over again, even knowing what the end would be. Then I woke up.</p><p>I realized that this was a pretty accurate picture of some decisions I've made before as a business owner. Not researching the so-called investment first, saying yes to everything that looks short-term shiny, looking at the total profit/loss picture only after I've spent all the money...</p><p>Notice I didn't say anything about "adding value" or "profit generating" decisions? What investments are you making in yourself and in your business that will add long-term value and generate profit? Got the wake up call yet?</p><p> </p><p><strong>WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:</strong></p><p><strong>About the Author:</strong> Tanya Smith of Be Promotable is a premier personal branding & marketing coach. Her creative genius has unlocked the potential of many women solopreneurs, helping them to reinvent themselves as power players in their startup business. Claim your free instant access to a free video download, 5 Secrets to Developing Your Unique Brand Proposition at: <a href="../">www.bepromotable.com</a>.</p></div>4 Parts to a Fabulous Personal Brand Statementhttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/4-parts-to-a-fabulous-personal2011-01-04T03:59:28.000Z2011-01-04T03:59:28.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/iStock_000008473282XSmall-150x150.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/iStock_000008473282XSmall-150x150.jpg?width=150" height="133" width="133" alt="iStock_000008473282XSmall-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>I often hear the question, "how do I develop a personal brand statement?" and my answer stays the same most of the time. A strong personal brand statement can be one of the best tools you can have and certainly one of the most critical ones for your branding and marketing toolkit, whether you are a business owner, or a professional working for someone else.</span><br /><br /><span class="font-size-2">There are certain components that are variable and others that are pretty foundational in developing your personal brand statement (P.B.S.). Some of the factors that may be variable are:</span><br /><ul><li><span class="font-size-2">When and how you will use it - e.g. interview for a job? networking situation? speech?</span></li><li><span class="font-size-2">Who you're talking to - e.g. language needs to meet the needs of the audience; the message is the same, but the approach should be adaptable</span></li></ul><span class="font-size-2">Even though these may change, there are basically four parts I like to use in developing the main statement, so I'll share these next. A great basic statement tells people:</span><br /><ol><li><span class="font-size-2">Who you are - let the recipient of the statement know your identity, your name</span></li><li><span class="font-size-2">What you do - the core service or opportunity you provide</span></li><li><span class="font-size-2">Who you do it for - your target audience and/or ideal client you work with</span></li><li><span class="font-size-2">How you do it - your style, your unique approach, what distinguishes you</span></li></ol><p><span class="font-size-2">Let me give you an example of how this might work -</span><br /> <br /><span class="font-size-2">"Hi, I'm Tanya Smith of Be Promotable, the No Guesswork Branding & Marketing Resource for women solopreneurs. We show our clients practical, step-by-step online marketing strategies to confidently promote their business and get them noticed."</span><br /> <br /><span class="font-size-2">Now you try it. Add your own P.B.S. with the 4 parts in the comments and I'll share feedback...come on, you can do it!</span></p><p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>About the Author:</strong> Tanya Smith of Be Promotable is a premier personal branding & marketing coach. Her creative genius has unlocked the potential of many women solopreneurs, helping them to reinvent themselves as</span> <span class="font-size-2">power players in their startup business. Claim your free instant access to a</span> <span class="font-size-2">free video and audio download, 5 Secrets to Successfully Starting a Solo</span> <span class="font-size-2">Business While Working Full Time at: <a href="http://www.bepromotable.com/">www.bepromotable.com</a>.</span></p></div>Simple Steps to Creating Your Marketing Maphttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/simple-steps-to-creating-your2010-12-30T22:08:30.000Z2010-12-30T22:08:30.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/iStock_000001184887XSmall.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/iStock_000001184887XSmall-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="iStock_000001184887XSmall-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>Solo professionals are like big businesses when it comes to the need for a solid marketing strategy. The distinctive thing about solopreneurs, however, is that you get to be the head decision maker for every part of the business. That means it is all the more important to take your strategies from complex to simple whenever possible.<br /> <br /> Now is a great time to develop your branding and marketing plan. While you definitely need to consider mapping out a strategy that is more comprehensive to cover you for at least the next twelve months, here are four simple questions you can answer in order to set a basic foundation for promoting your distinctive brand and services you provide:<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">How will I generate leads?</span></strong><br /><br />This is one of the most critical steps to developing a solid branding and marketing strategy. Assuming you have already identified who your ideal clients are, you must now figure out where to find them. Immerse yourself in studying your target market - find out what they read, where they frequent, and what they buy - and put yourself in front of them.<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">How will prospects get to do a "taste test" with me?</span></strong><br /><br />Before a potential client will buy BIG from you, they will want to know what your services are like. Depending on the business you're in, you will need to decide what is most effective and most practical to give away. For example, you might offer a free strategy session, or a free audio, or even an e-book. What can you offer that will be of interest and take little effort or investment on your part?<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">How will I direct them from one point to the next?</span></strong><br /><br />Now that your prospect has had a taste of what you do and they want more, make it simple for them to know what is next. This involves some thinking on your part of what your marketing funnel looks like. Whenever you engage a client in your product or service, be prepared to promote the next thing and make it easy. At the end of your teleseminar, share the next program or info product. This is the time where you can extend even greater value to your new customer - at the point that you have already made good on your initial promise!<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>How will I follow up?</strong></span><br /><br />The client engagement process usually follows a certain path - suspect --> prospect --> client --> advocate/evangelist. In order to move people through these stages, you need some idea of how to continuously follow up and stay in touch. Whether this looks like a series of autoresponder emails, a regular ezine, postcards, etc. consider how you will stay in front of your leads. The key is to add value to their inbox, not being pesky.</p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I now invite you to claim instant access to a free video and audio download, <i>5 Secrets to Successfully<br />Starting a Solo Business While Working Full Time</i> at: <a href="http://www.bepromotable.com/">http://www.bepromotable.com</a> to learn even more about great solo professional business branding tips. - Tanya Smith, The Solo Business Brand Coach at Be Promotable.</p></div>Eight practices to mastering excellence in anythinghttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/eight-practices-to-mastering2011-01-10T01:50:05.000Z2011-01-10T01:50:05.000Zwebsites24seven.comhttps://mybbwo.com/members/websites24sevencom<div><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;border-collapse:collapse;color:#373737;"></span><h1 style="font-size:22px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;padding:0px;border:0px none;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;border-collapse:collapse;color:#373737;"><span class="font-size-3">Eight practices to mastering excellence in anything </span></span></h1><h1 style="font-size:22px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;padding:0px;border:0px none;"><span style="border-collapse:separate;color:#000000;font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:normal;font-size:13px;">[ Read the full article: <a href="http://www.suite101.com/content/eight-practices-to-mastering-excellence-in-anything-a330382">http://www.suite101.com/content/eight-practices-to-mastering-excellence-in-anything-a330382</a> ]</span></h1></div>Goal Setting Is Not Dead...Just Boringhttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/goal-setting-is-not-deadjust2011-01-11T13:30:00.000Z2011-01-11T13:30:00.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://bepromotableimages.s3.amazonaws.com/iStock_000015158998XSmall.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://bepromotableimages.s3.amazonaws.com/iStock_000015158998XSmall.jpg?width=167" width="167" alt="iStock_000015158998XSmall.jpg?width=167" /></a><em>This post was originally published on Tanya Smith's blog. <a href="http://www.bepromotable.com/personal-branding/goal-setting-dead/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the original post.</em></p><p>Goal setting always gets to be pretty popular this time of year. You hear a lot of techniques about how to do it and one of the most common ways is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria" target="_blank">SMART technique</a>. I'm not writing about that here, because it's so overused now, I don't think you'll care.<br /><br />No matter what you use, the new year always kicks us off with a great start, right? But then somehow you lose interest. There is this cycle that we seem to get into and it goes a little something like this:</p><ul><li><span style="color:#993300;">Day 1: Whoo hoo, yeah, I'm on it this time. I'm going to [your goal here] --></span></li><li><span style="color:#993300;">Day 3: This is great. I can't believe how this is changing [enter positive results] for me! I will definitely keep this up. -- ></span></li><li><span style="color:#993300;">Day 5: You know what, I'm just going to take a little bitty break...I'll come back to it, I promise! -- ></span></li><li><span style="color:#993300;">Day 10: What was that thing I was trying to do again?</span></li><li><span style="color:#993300;">Day 20: Start over again or drop it completely..</span></li></ul>Part of the reason this happens is that we haven't really developed for ourselves a tangible, exciting "why" and "what". What I mean by this is the vision of what we want to get to and why we're doing it was never really that clear and constant.<br /><br />You see, when you are setting a goal, it's important to identify the most clear picture possible of what you want. And doing this early in the process is one of the best ways to I learned this training in NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) when I studied with a celebrated master pracititioner, <a href="http://www.nlptrainingconcepts.com/susan.php" target="_blank">Susan Stageman</a>, for over a year.<br /><br />Yes, it took me that long to really get it and start applying the techniques . I can be kind of hard-headed, as my mom used to say. There were so many good ones, but the one that has stuck with me forever is called creating a "well-formed outcome" (WFO).<br /><br />This is a very powerful way to set long-term and short-term goals so that they STICK...and really, that's what we set them for in the first place.<br /><br />So I'm going to share with you my criteria for remembering the WFO in 5 simple steps. Maybe this will keep your goal setting from being so boring. ;). I call it the PLEAS approach (as in, can I have another goal, "pleas"):<br /><h3>Positive</h3><em>State the goal in positive terms.</em> Describe the present situation and compare it with the desired future goal. Make sure you can see yourself having obtained the goal.<br /><h3>Level</h3><em>Line up the goal with your values and beliefs.</em> For me this means lining up what I've asked for, or stated, to be sure it is in the will of what God has for my life. I pray and ask for spiritual guidance around the goal. You may line it up however you see fit. It's important that your goals are a good fit with what's important to you.<br /><h3>Evident</h3><em>Describe the goal using "sensory" terms.</em> What will let you know that you have attained that desired state? This is a critical piece - think in terms of what you will hear, see, and feel when you have success.<br /><h3>Appropriate</h3><em>Consider if the goal is right for you in all areas of your life.</em> Is there something that may hold you back? Is this goal right for you right now, in this place where you are?<br /><h3>Self-initiated & Maintained</h3><p><em>Self-initiated and maintained.</em> Your goal must be something that you can initiate and maintain. It must not be something dependent on other people. Make sure that your goal reflects things that you can directly affect.<br /><br />If your goal, or outcome is set each time with these criteria in mind, you will have crystal-clear vision that you can hang on to and it will get you past those tough times when you're ready to let go. OR it will bring you back to what you wanted in the first place...SUCCESS!<br /><br />Share one of your clear outcomes in the comments below.</p><p> </p><p><strong>About the Author:</strong> Tanya Smith of Be Promotable is the "no guesswork" personal branding & marketing coach. Her creative genius has unlocked the potential of many women solopreneurs, helping them to reinvent themselves as power players in their startup business. Claim your free instant access to a free multimedia downloads including 10 Branding Mistakes Made by Solopreneurs and 5 Secrets to Successfully Starting a Solo Business While Working Full Time at: <a href="http://www.bepromotable.com/">www.bepromotable.com</a></p></div>5 Steps to Create Your Vision Board for 2011https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/5-steps-to-create-your-vision2010-12-19T14:56:53.000Z2010-12-19T14:56:53.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><p>Every year, my kids and I create a vision board to capture goal highlights for the year using posters, magazine clippings, crayons, glitter, glue sticks -- you name it, it's on the floor on 12/31. We have the music going, candles lit, and complete focus on what we're doing. Here is our process laid out in 5 steps for you. I hope you then enjoy the short video version of my board that was designed using Animoto.com. Head over to <a href="http://lifevisionboards.com/vision-boards-how-to/">Life Vision Boards</a> and get another take on the "how to". They use Animoto as well and you certainly can too - it's a free tool for creating video using images and music. Use theirs or add your own.</p><h2><em><strong>5 Steps To Creating Your Vision Board</strong></em></h2><ol><li>Get yourself to a quiet place</li><li>Imagine that it is now the end of 2011 and you are reflecting back on your accomplishments for the year</li><li>Write down a list -- brainstorm freely at first</li><li>Now highlight the top 3-5 things you really want to focus on for the year</li><li>Cut, draw, and paste images that represent your goals onto a poster board (you can even make a miniature version on an index card to carry with you)</li></ol><p style="text-align:left;">That's it! Now set a date to get the board finished. ;)</p><p style="text-align:center;"><object height="240" width="432" data="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1292768939&f=e7ZzexmQGyHNz5DU17K0fw&d=75&m=a&r=w&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" id="vp1e7Zze"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1292768939&f=e7ZzexmQGyHNz5DU17K0fw&d=75&m=a&r=w&i=m&options=" ></param><param name="" value="" ></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param></object></p></div>How to self-publish a book with little or no moneyhttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-selfpublish-a-book-with-12010-11-21T01:00:48.000Z2010-11-21T01:00:48.000Zwebsites24seven.comhttps://mybbwo.com/members/websites24sevencom<div><p>Read the full Article | <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1999010-how-to-self-publish-a-book">http://www.helium.com/items/1999010-how-to-self-publish-a-book</a></p></div>Personal Brand Kung Fu - The SWOT Analysishttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/personal-brand-kung-fu-the2010-11-03T11:31:01.000Z2010-11-03T11:31:01.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><p><img style="float:left;width:139px;height:224px;" src="http://www.bepromotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/iStock_000006195022XSmall.jpg" alt="iStock_000006195022XSmall.jpg" />Okay, yes the title may tell you I know a little something about martial arts...but no, I don't. Only as much as the last Karate Kid movie<br />(which is one of my kids' favorites) and the line from Kung Fu Panda<br />which says that Kung Fu stands for "excellence of self".</p><p><br /></p><p>I was thinking about that today after having watched the main character, a Panda named Po, one of 50 jillion times. I think personal brand work is like working out your Kung Fu - it truly stands for mining<br />and understanding how to portray your self excellence.</p><p><br /></p><p>I thought I'd share how you can strategically do some kung fu kicks with identifying your personal brand strategy below. One approach is using the SWOT analysis.</p><p><br /></p><p>SWOT Analysis is a well-known method of identifying your Strengths and Weaknesses, while also examining the Opportunities and Threats you face. All four areas can help you clarify your personal brand and your<br />distinctive and unique value.</p><p><br /></p><p>Often carrying out an analysis using the SWOT framework will be enough to reveal changes that need to be made in your plan.</p><p><br /></p><p>Try to work through the following questions and think about what insights you have from this focused work:</p><h3>Strengths -</h3><ul><li>What do you do well?</li><li>What can you do better than anyone else?</li><li>What comes naturally for you?</li></ul><h3>Weaknesses -</h3><ul><li>What could be improved?</li><li>What might you do poorly?</li><li>What comes with more difficulty for you?</li></ul><h3>Opportunities -</h3><ul><li>In what areas do you see possibilities?</li><li>What resources or circumstances can you leverage?</li><li>What trends might you use to your advantage?</li></ul><h3>Threats -</h3><ul><li>What obstacles are in your way?</li><li>Who is your competition and what are they doing well?</li><li>Are you financially challenged?</li><li>What else do you find yourself up against?</li></ul><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b>About the Author:</b> Tanya Smith, Career & Personal Brand Coach, offers women professionals, with dual roles in a corporate career & solo side business, access to cutting-edge strategies to help them thrive<br />and promote themselves as experts in a progressively competitive work and<br />marketplace. Claim your free instant access to two fill-in-the-blank brand templates and a special report, <i>The Beginner’s Guide to A Successful Career<br />Brand</i> at: <a href="http://www.bepromotable.com/">http://www.bepromotable.com</a>.</p></div>Questions To Ask Yourself For a Personal Brand Marketing Strategy You Can Be Proud Ofhttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/questions-to-ask-yourself-for2010-10-25T04:00:00.000Z2010-10-25T04:00:00.000ZTanya Smithhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TanyaSmith<div><font size="2">Many of us walk around marketing our personal brand by the seat of our pants. It may not be intentional, but there are things we do daily that demonstrate who we are to prospective clients, co-workers, managers, and colleagues.<br /></font><br /><p><font size="2">I have really begun to mentally process how the discipline of marketing a business and many of the principles that come with it are just as critical for personal success. <br /></font></p><font size="2"><br /></font><p><font size="2">There is great value in developing a personal <b>brand</b> marketing strategy that helps you stand out, and that makes you more credible in the eyes of your select audience. Unfortunately, it is way too easy to ignore because of competing priorities for our time.</font></p><font size="2"><br />Here is a short list of though provoking questions and action plans for you relevant to your personal marketing strategy:</font><br /><ul><li><font size="2">Do you have a personal <i>brand</i> marketing plan or do you personally market yourself unintentionally?</font></li><li><font size="2">If you have a <u>brand</u> marketing plan, does it include specific promotional activities and are these tied to events?</font></li><li><font size="2">Have you taken the time to identify a target customer, or employer? What desired characteristics have you named?</font></li><li><font size="2">Does your personal brand strategy identify ways to sell to and maintain your current clients while attracting new ones?</font></li><li><font size="2">What are the demographics of your key prospects? What makes you distinctly different, or unique as compared to your competitors?</font></li><li><font size="2">What is your personal brand marketing budget? How will you distribute these funds?</font></li></ul><font size="2">If any of these stump you, now is a great time to consider your next steps. Creating a personal brand strategy can be just as important for you in this day and age, as a company’s marketing strategy.<br /><br /></font><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><font size="2"><b>About the Author:</b> Expert-ize your personal brand. As a Personal Brand & Marketing Coach, Tanya Smith offers female professionals with dual career & entrepreneurial roles access to cutting-edge strategies to help them thrive and promote themselves as experts in a progressively competitive work and marketplace. Claim<br /> your free instant access to a special report at: <a href="http://www.bepromotable.com/">http://www.bepromotable.com</a>.</font></p></div>Too many meetings? Not enough time?https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/too-many-meetings-not-enough2010-04-14T21:21:38.000Z2010-04-14T21:21:38.000ZDianne Walkerhttps://mybbwo.com/members/DianneWalker<div><p>I've always wondered how anyone got any work done when they spend their days in meetings. I average about 5-10 sometimes even 15 meetings per week. I had to put a stop to it and tame the meeting beast. Read all about it here:</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52200.asp">How to Tame the Meeting Beast</a></p><p></p><p>How many meetings do you attend in a day?</p></div>Top Ten Marketing Mistakeshttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/top-ten-marketing-mistakes2010-03-13T11:46:34.000Z2010-03-13T11:46:34.000ZPB31 Womanhttps://mybbwo.com/members/PB31Woman<div><p style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"><font color="#000000">Marketing is a contest for people's attention.</font></span></b> <span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"><font color="#000000">Traditional mass marketing fights for people's attention by interrupting them. A 30-second spot interrupts your favorite TV show, a telemarketer calls right when you are sitting down to dinner. In the past, this has been quite effective. But now, there's been a paradigm shift. There's too much information - too much going on - and we're being overloaded with interruptions.<br /><br /><b>Last year, the average consumer saw or heard over 1 million marketing messages - that's close to 3,000 per day.</b> No one can pay attention to that many distractions. So what consumers have started to do is ignore them. So how does a small business owner combat that?<br /><br />Most small business owners complain that <b>"Nobody knows who we are or what we do!"</b> I know the answer to that predicament: <b>"They don't tell anyone!"</b> And if they are marketing and promoting - they are not doing it effectively. They are forgetting who their customer is (target market) and they give little consideration to how to reach them. <br /><br />Most companies market haphazardly. They are drawn in a million marketing directions and often fail to create a <b>targeted marketing strategy.</b> <br /><br />Just like The David Letterman Show - Here's a list of <b>Top Ten Small Business Marketing Mistakes:</b> <br /><br />1. a different logo, look and tagline with every promotional piece <br /><br />2. Believing one or two print ads will give a business instant success <br /><br />3. Not hiring professionals to do a professional job <br /><br />4. Forgetting to make the most of a first impression <br /><br />5. Not understanding, defining or remembering your target market <br /><br />6. Creating a marketing plan but never looking at it or implementing it <br /><br />7. Neglecting to track marketing dollars - return on investment <br /><br />8. Ineffective use of time and money with networking and charitable giving <br /><br />9. Selling features not solutions, benefits and value to the customer <br /><br />10. Not reserving their domain/URL<br /><br /><b>Have you evaluate last year's marketing plan or do you have a plan at all?</b> <br /><br /><b><i><u>Planning is the key to effective marketing - but it doesn't have to be complicated or costly.</u></i></b></font> <i><font color="#000000"><u><br /><br /></u><b>STOP BEING THE BEST KEPT SECRET. STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD.</b></font></i></span></p></div>The Great Organizing Giveaway! Free Resources from Organizing Experts Starting 1/25/2010!https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/the-great-organizing-giveaway2010-01-25T12:00:00.000Z2010-01-25T12:00:00.000ZJacquie Rosshttps://mybbwo.com/members/JacquieRoss<div>Who wants to receive FREE information to help take control of their clutter? It's Get Organized Month(SM) and organizing professionals from around the nation have worked together to deliver the <b>GREAT ORGANIZING GIVEAWAY</b> on <b>Monday, January 25th.</b> I'm honored that I was asked to be a part of the event.Participants will be able to sign up to get e-books, audio downloads, tip sheets, complementary consultations, software samples and much more! This is a great opportunity to get some free stuff!We want to spread the positive message that you can gain control of your time and space to as many people across the globe as possible, so please pass the word on and have people visit the Ask the Expert Organizers page (link below).<b>Here's a sampling of what you can get for free, starting today, Monday, January 25th!</b>•On a Clear Day You Can Find the Top Of Your Desk Audio and Transcripts•Use LinkedIn to Significantly Grow Your Business & Explode Your Profits! Audio•Productive & Organized: Finding Your Way - Special Report: Priority Setting - Working on the Right Things•Residential Record Retention Guidelines Special Report•<b>Take Control of Your Clutter Goals Worksheet</b> (my giveaway)•Fully Functioning Trial of The Paper Tiger software - "The best filing system ever invented!" plus a chance to win•Quick-Start Guide to Writing Profitable Articles•Simplesizing® Snapshot•What better way to increase peace and harmony than a little "om" in your home?•Get Your E-mail Organized!•AboutOne Your life organized•Time in Motion Action Planner•101 Ways to Attract Ideal Clients Build Your List and Raise Your Profile•51 Creative Organizing Solutions Found in Every Day Items•7 Warning Signs You're About to HIre the Wrong VA•10 Easy Ways To Organize Your Home•Simplicate Your Office!•Get It Together Girl - Quick Tips for Organizing Your Home•"Downsizing Dilemmas - Solved!" workbook•Using Core Values as a Foundation in Organizing Your Life Workbook•Organizing Tip Sheets•Making Being Green Easy: Eco organizing tips for the Home and Office•13 Perfect Products for Frantic Families•Top to Bottom Hanging Closet Caddy•Scared of Filing: 38 Easy Organizing Tips for Your Home Office•A Home For Everything You Own•Timely Tax Tips•Getting Things Done - How to Set up Chores•Make Your Office Work Better eBook & Consultation•Three Ways to Start Simplifying Your Life Today!•Remedease for Organization and Productivity•Nine Strategies for Simplifying Your Business•Free Organizing Tips•Saving You Time is Not a Crime!•10-Step De-Clutter in a Day Action Plan•It's Time...Stop Procrastinating NOW!•112 Tips to Organize Your Workday•Mess is Stress!•How to Set Up a 'Command Center' to run an efficient home and a free phone consultation•Coupon for 2 Hours of Organizing Services.•Finally Filing Made Easier•Get Organized : Get Revitalized Ebook•5 Proven Ways to Organize and Simplify Your Life•Transform Your Combat Zone Into A Comfort Zone•FREE Subscription to Monthly Clutter Clearing Tips e-mail newsletter•Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash•Top 10 Strategies to Increase Productivity in Your Business•Free consultation to get rid of your clutter•Organize Now! a week-by-week guide to simplify your space and your life•33 Tips to Get Organized Add Space To Your Life and Master Your Muck!•101 Simple Tips to Organize Your Life!•Fast Track To Organization-Tips and Resources•OrganizEZine - Fast Tips for the Office•How to have your Weekends FREE!•Organize YOUR World video•Earth-Friendly Organizing•6 Steps to Freedom from Clutter Paralysis!•Stress Buster Two Service Pack•A Professional Organizer's Favorite Tips & Products!•Your Life . . . Uncluttered!•Home Organization Secrets for Busy Moms•Parenting Time Management•Jump Start Your Organizing Project•Clear Your Clutter...Clear Your Mind•Coaching Through The Clutter•Top 5 Organizing Mistakes•Stimulate your clutter away!•Finding Life Balance the easy way•Organizing for Dummies booklet and a free subscription to "Let's Organize It"•25 Tips to Get Your Life Organized•Shape Up Your Kitchen and Release the Weight!•Joy's Jumpstart to Getting Organized•Top 3 Secret Tips to Getting Organized•Dealing with Mail•[ real neat ] ideas : 35 home organizing tips•Accomplish Your Resolutions in 2010•Tastes of Organized Living Tip Sheet•"Help My Home Match My Heart" Consultation•Control Your Paper CHAOS•Top-10 Tips For Instant Feng Shui!•Conquering Paper Clutter Teleclass Recording•The "Simplify Your Life" Collection! Free ebooks and audio classes with ADD-Friendly Strategies that Work for EVERYONE!•Pile to Files•Couch Potato Organizing•Organizing Tips E-Newsletter•See Mike Holmes from HGTV Holmes on Homes/Home Inspection•Personal Medical Organizer•Helping You to Move Forward•10 Easy Ways to Liberate Time Report•FREE Report on "What Papers to Keep & How long" + WIN free 30 min Phone Consultation•Change Your Life One Minute at a Time•Top 10 Quick Tips for Getting Organized•Your Organized & Productive Office May Be Only 30 Minutes Away!<a href="http://castawaytheclutter.com/organizing_newsletter.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> get your free Take Control of Your Clutter worksheet.<a href="http://www.asktheexpertorganizers.com/" target="_blank">Click here to go to the Ask the Expert Organizers Great Organizing Giveway page</a>! See you there!Jacquie RossProfessional Organizer<a href="http://www.CastAwaytheClutter.com" target="_blank">CastAway the Clutter! Organizing Services</a>Contact me to speak to your groupServicing Baltimore/DC metro<a href="http://twitter.com/jacquieross2" target="_blank">Follow me on Twitter</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellicott-City-MD/CastAway-the-Clutter-Professional-Organizing-Services/26602399272" target="_blank">Become a Facebook Fan</a></div>ABUNDANCE, AFFLUENCE, and ACTIONS: FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS MASTERMIND FOR SUCCESS DRIVEN BLACK WOMENPRENEURShttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/abundance-affluence-and2009-12-02T02:51:02.000Z2009-12-02T02:51:02.000ZTHE CONFIDENCE ARCHITECThttps://mybbwo.com/members/THECONFIDENCEARCHITECT<div><center><h2><big><b>SEATING IS NOW LIMITED FOR THIS MASTERMIND. CAP: 200 Begin: Thursday, December 3, 2009 and Ends March 11, 2010 From 7:00PM to 8:00PM EST SHARP!</b></big></h2></center><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}10744031673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" /></p><center><h2><big><b>This FREE 15 Week ABUNDANCE, AFFLUENCE, AND ACTION BUSINESS MASTERMIND will focus on Changing and Moving Your Mindset to SUCCESS CONSCIOUSNESS.</b></big></h2></center><center><h3><big><b>A Successful and Affluent Lifestyle comes to those Success Driven Women who are dedicated to becoming and living inside of their</b></big></h3><h2><big><b>SUCCESS CON SCIOUS</b></big></h2><big><b>...Everyday!</b></big></center><center><big><b>The famous book, Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill is known as the "book that makes millionaires."</b></big></center><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}10744031686,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" /></p><center><h3><big><b>It is known as a powerful tool for... Focusing Your Mind and Achieving Your Goals as you prepare to Write YOUR SUCCESS STORY.</b></big></h3></center><center><b>------------------------------------------------------------------</b></center><center><b>Take this grand opport.unity to share ideas, goals, challenges and develop potential profitable relationships with other like-minded Savvy Success Driven Business Women who are focused on leveraging the results, in every area of their life, to an awesome new level.</b></center><center><b>In the <big>ABUNDANCE, AFFLUENCE, AND ACTION BUSINESS MASTERMIND,</big> you will receive time-tested Millionaire-Mindset business and life foundational principles of Napoleon Hill's classic book.</b></center><center><b>Learn how to: -Overcome procrastination -Implement autosuggestion in a positive way -Recognize your six intellectual faculties -Tap into your "Confident-Self" that lies within</b></center><center><b>Witness the lives and businesses of your MasterMind Cohort positively improve from one week to the next on a local and global level!</b></center><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}10744031881,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" /></p><center><big><b>"A 2010 Millionaire"...Have You Envisioned, Claimed & Celebrated This Title Yet?</b></big></center><center><h2><big><b>SUCCESS CONSCIOUS</b></big></h2><big><b>...An Awesome Way To Enter The New Year!</b></big></center><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}10744032253,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}10744031673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" /></p><center><big><b><a href="http://www.mynorthstarlep.com/index.php?page=successmindset" target="_blank">RESERVE YOUR SEAT AND COPY OF THIS AWESOME BOOK TODAY</a></b></big></center><b>Facilitated by Ivana, The Confidence Architect</b><b>Founder/Owner of <a href="http://www.MyNorthStarLEP.com" target="_blank">The North Star Life Empowerment Program,</a></b><b>A Black-Owned, Woman-Owned Empowerment Company for All Women Seeking Their Deserved Affluent Lifestyle.</b></div>Looking to Interview Professional Black Women - Promote your product and serviceshttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/looking-to-interview2009-06-16T07:46:59.000Z2009-06-16T07:46:59.000ZTinisha Nicole Johnsonhttps://mybbwo.com/members/TinishaNicoleJohnson<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}10744021054,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" width="110" height="160" /></p>Today Sylvia McClain is being interviewed by author Tinisha Nicole Johnson. Read what Sylvia has to say.<strong><a href="http://blkprofessionalwomen.wordpress.com/2009/06/16/professional-women-making-moves-sylvia-mcclain/">CLICK HERE</a></strong> to read the entire interview.Tinisha Nicole Johnson is the author of the upcoming book <strong><em>Lessons Learned: Loving Yourself As A Black Woman</em></strong>. The book emphasizes ten life lessons that addresses a Black woman’s most intimate, personal, and professional life.Tinisha will be interviewing professional women from various backgrounds up to the release date of her book, discussing who they are and the challenges they face, and any advice they have to offer.Learn more about this book and the author at her website: <a href="http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/"><strong>www.TinishaNicoleJohnson.com</strong></a>If you would like to be interviewed, please contact Tinisha through her website.</div>The Importance of Personal and Professional Brandinghttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/932382-BlogPost-1580412008-07-21T00:39:42.000Z2008-07-21T00:39:42.000ZAlecia D.https://mybbwo.com/members/AleciaD<div>In today's business world, every Tina, Debra, and Suzie is an entrepreneur. With the convenience and accessibility of the internet, it's never been easier to carve out a business presence on the world wide web. With that said, there has to be something that sets those super-successful businesses apart from the mediocre ones. What's that thing? Branding.Branding is the ongoing development of the perceived value of an individual or business, in relation to its competitors, as viewed by an audience -and whether you have a small startup or a mega-franchise or are simply trying to market yourself, branding should be at the forefront of your mind.There are two main types of branding- personal and professional- and both types are extremely crucial in the success of an individual or business. Here are some tips that can apply to the development of both types of branding.<b>Image should not be contradictory</b>- you cannot market yourself or your business as one thing but speak, dress, and act as another. It's important that you stay true to who you are and what you want to portray. As long as you are honest with yourself and others, it won't be difficult to maintain consistency in branding your business and/or yourself.<b>Brand should be easily accessible and identifiable</b>- if you google your name or your business' name what would you find? If there is any information there at all, is it accurate and consistent? If you are less than satisfied with the results, be sure to do what you can to correct it. There are plenty of articles out there that help you figure out how to successfully use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to build your personal and professional brand.<b>Be consistent in your brand development</b>- you cannot expect to build or change your brand overnight. Branding is an ongoing process that should be taken seriously and given much thought. Create a daily, weekly, or monthly block of time for you to focus on branding. Once you find a method (or methods) that work for you, stick with them and monitor how effective they are.<b>Be careful where you leave your footprint (mouse-print)-</b> although the internet is a great tool to build your business and your brand, it can also prove to be a place where images are destroyed. Pay attention to the pictures you let circulate, the comments you leave on others' blogs, and the social networks you become a member of. With the click of a mouse, anyone can learn all about how you spent Spring Break '07 in Cancun. If it fits into your image and brand, then there's no problem. But if it doesn't, it can put a damper on the way others see you.Personal and Professional branding, if used correctly, can really give you the competitive edge as you grow your business. It's important that you take the time to carefully develop and maintain a brand that will prove to be a positive addition on your journey to success.</div>Need A Web Site But Funds Are Extremely Low! Get A Free Web Site!https://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/932382-BlogPost-1345742008-07-01T17:56:39.000Z2008-07-01T17:56:39.000ZRhonda Jaihttps://mybbwo.com/members/RhondaJai<div>Every Black business no matter the size needs a web site that is as professional as possible. However if you are just starting out your funds may be extremely low, so hiring a professional web site designer may be out of the question.Don’t worry. You still have an option – Freewebs.com. Freewebs.com is a great solution for the Black business owner who can not afford a web site designer, web hosting, or other costs associated with owning a web site.Freewebs.com offers everything you need to get a web site started. Their free service includes professional web design templates, hosting, the ability to add a small shopping cart, a blog, forums, a photo album, contact us forms, and a guest book just to name a few. Now like other free services they do require that ads be displayed on your site. But for a small fee you can upgrade your services and have the ads removed.Freewebs.com premium services allow you to add a custom domain, a shopping cart that allows you to sell more items, as compared to the free service, membership/password protected areas and much more.When you are able to invest more money to upgrade your web site to a custom design with more flexibility and increase your web site traffic, then you will need to hire a professional web design and marketing firm. When that time arrives you should consider <a href="http://www.jaidonmedia.com">JaidonMedia.com</a>.JaidonMedia.com specializes in helping small businesses move from the start-up phase to the up and running phase. Through their network of businesses they provide professional web design, search engine optimization (SEO), web site content, and online marketing solutions all customized to convert your web site visitors to buyers and meet your online marketing and sales goals. If you would like <a href="http://www.jaidonmedia.com">JaidonMedia.com</a> to assist you now please feel free to visit their site www.jaidonmedia.com.</div>Networking - There IS a Method to the Madness - Tuesday, April 8, 2008 7:00 pm CT - 8:00 pm CThttps://mybbwo.com/profiles/blogs/932382-BlogPost-607102008-04-05T15:19:29.000Z2008-04-05T15:19:29.000ZAlive Inc & ALIVE Magazinehttps://mybbwo.com/members/AliveIncALIVEMagazine<div>Networking - There IS a Method to the MadnessTuesday, April 8, 2008 7:00 pm CT - 8:00 pm CTThe first time this seminar was offered was a phenomenal success! We are offering this seminar again. Please join us. Once your seat is reserved, you will receive conference materials as well as the telephone number to the conference.What is networking? Simply put networking is the exchange of information. Networking is also relationship building. In this seminar, participants will learn the purpose of networking and how to successfully network. Whether you are looking for a new job or seeking to grow your business, this seminar gives you to the tools to succeed.Get answers to many questions including:What are the benefits of networking?How does networking help my business/career?Do I already have a network?How do I network?With whom do I network?How much time should I dedicate to networking?Order your ticket now at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/108425303.</div>