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What To Do - After The Business Start-Up

Small business owners have to think ahead.Now that you are a small business owner – what next? Think of the long haul, remember all the planning and research that went into starting your small business. Hopefully your expectations are being met by all that effort you put into the planning stage of your new business. If so, it has paid off with positive results that are satisfying and uplifting at the very least. Now, you need to maintain that momentum in investment in research and analysis and sustain your short-term success as you anticipate the future.Now we will show you how to develop a strategy for managing the long-term growth of your business.Click Here To Continue Reading Article
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My First Article

I have had the awesome opportunity to be featured on www.sisterspeakbeautysuite.wordpress.com sharing my favorite beauty products. Thank youLisa Peyton-Caire and may you continue to prosper as you lift up other women. Ladies if you get a chance check it out. Be Blessed.
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Are YOU Most Productive?

Post from BabyDollKissez.Com I hope you enjoy

Meditate

Two things more valuable than money in this day and age is Time and more Time. People are always complaining of not having enough time. being in a rush and so forth. Time is money, so what can you do to make your day most productive?

Start you day of right!

How do you start your day off? You do know that the beginning could be the end so start it off right. Ever had a bad morning and its followed its way through? Well that's what I mean. I normally start my day off with meditation lets keep it fresh, I don't sit with candles and incense burning chanting "hum rey yum" I don't have time for that I just take 5-10 minutes in silence just to be still and think, sometimes I think of tasks I wish to complete and then I take time to show gratitude. I actually find when I don't do this, the rest of the day I'm running around like an unorganised headless chicken. Most of us really underestimate the power of just sitting and being still for a while. Being still really helps to clear your thoughts......

So ....Book a date with yourself!

Regardless of the time of the day, have 10-20 minutes just to sit and think, if you want to jot down notes of things you have to do then do that. This will help you to focus, you will have time to concentrate and remember all tasks you wish to complete and ways in which to do so. Therefore in action you will be most productive, already having run through your tasks.

Everyone has a peek time within there day. You know a time where you find your self most active, most enthusiastic etc. Are you a morning person? An afternoon person? An evening person? Which ever you identify with, do your most important tasks within this period while you are switched on and ready to go. Doing them at your peek points and not your tedeious will make the most difficult tasks easier to bear.

Cancel Interruptions!

This especially applies to those that work at home, if you have been working all day (whether office or home) have a small gateway period where the phone is plugged out mobiles switched off do not check your email just chill. Break off for a moment and do you. Avoid prolonging this for too long (you don't want people to be worry about you lol.)

Most of all Have a Purpose for your day

Try to get something from each day. Make sure you do one great thing each day no matter how big or small just great.

Lastly....Laugh!

Have fun with your day keep it funky. Be realistic stuff happens and the slightest thing can put a damper on your day but you are the only one in control of your emotions, so regardless of the exterior impacts or people around you make sure your smiling keep your spirits up and things will turn out fine. Things never seem so bad when your smiling and when your having fun the day goes quicker. Ask yourself do you see your glass half empty or Half full ;-)

See I started with asking what can you do to make your day most productive, but what you have to understand is in order to be most productive your personal self awareness and well-being has to be in check. So when asking about being most productive its really about self management rather than task management. As long as your head is clear, you will find most other things in life follow through.

I hope this helps. QueenB.D

xoxoxo

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Black business owners often have two very limited resources – time and money.

Because of this they often neglect putting their time and money towards business education. Without proper business education many Black businesses become stagnant and eventually cease to exist.

Thanks to the Black Business Community Network, which is dedicated to bringing Black business owners quality business resources to help them grow their business, Black business owners no longer have to neglect their education.

The Black Business Community Network now provides extremely affordable and educational eGuides. An eGuide, or electronic guide, is digital content that can be viewed on your computer using Adobe Reader. eGuides are often shorter and more concise than eBooks, making for a faster and easier read.

What’s Great about eGuides?

· eGuides are packed full of information – by the time you have finished reading you have vital information you can apply directly to your business.

· Each eGuide covers specific topics so you will not be overwhelmed with unnecessary information.

· You will learn the best practice techniques that have been tested and proven to work – thus saving you time and money.

· You are shown step by step how to apply proven techniques using illustrative pictures and detailed action steps.

· eGuides are short reads – they get straight to the point so you can quickly learn information you need.

· Easy reads - They use everyday language and provide you with definitions for technical terms and concepts to make sure you have a complete understanding of the topic being covered.

· They are provided in digital content so you can conveniently download them using your computer – you don’t have to wait for them to ship.

If you are a busy Black business owner, who understands the importance of business education, then visit www.thebbcnetwork.com/eguides.html to learn more about Black Business eGuides.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/online-business-articles/great-learning-resources-for-busy-black-business-owners-453589.html

About the Author:

The Black Business Community Network is a network of Black business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, comedians and the list goes on and on. We offer a variety of learning resources and networking opportunities for busy Black Business owners.

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On August 9th 2008 - 8 successful businesswomen will be holding an exciting and formidable event honouring black beauty and black women. “You’re Beautiful, Woman!” is a fun yet constructive & educational event celebrating black female beauty in all its forms – fashion, hair, beauty, fitness and more!Its no accident that these 8 beautiful black women came together to run this event at the Imperial War Museum – “Beauty, particularly black beauty is continually going through a battle of acceptance on an individual and social level” (Ronke Lawal) – a battle that we’re hoping to ease at the Imperial War Museum on August 9th 2008. The self-proclaimed dream team is made up of award-winning entrepreneurs, high-flying professionals and well-established business women – truly a force to be reckoned with.Ronke Adeyemi is a marketing consultant with a background in B2B and B2C sectors. She has worked on various events such as the Commonwealth Film Festival and the Streatham Festival. She also has a huge passion for fashion as well as magazines and plans to launch a publication in the near future.Sophia Jackson is a communications professional with event management experience. Sophia is also a freelance entertainment journalist. She is the events listings editor for New Nation newspaper and editor of the annual Screen Nation awards magazine.Angel Smith is the founder of Shoe Lagoon Ltd, an online boutique, based in London UK. The concept of Shoe Lagoon was realised by Angel in 2004 and took a further two years to research and develop, meaning the website launched in August 2006. Shoe Lagoon provides a unique, high quality and sophisticated range of dress shoes which are all handmade and a range of handbags and accessories. Angel is enjoying worldwide orders and won Best online business at the precious awards in 2007.If you think you know anything about managing your money then you will definitely need to speak with our hostess today, Hanna Hunter.Hanna is inspiring and passionate about helping people like you and me to change their lives, not just ordinary changes, extraordinary, radical changes that bring financial reward. She left her stable, risk free J.O.B back in 2003 and is now a Consultant to FTSE 100 Companies in implementing Change programmes through effective communication. She is the Author of 101 Words that Change Your World ™, a powerful weekly e-zine that she personally uses and recommends to all her clients.Born in Haiti, raised in New York and having lived in Berlin, Geneva and London for the past 4 years, Angie Brice-Hessbruegge A.K.A The Hairoine is a true international citizen. Although she has a B.A. in International Relations and Spanish, and an MA in Applied Linguistics, her true passion is hair; natural hair to be exact. Since May 2003, the Hairoine has been on a campaign of educating, empowering and engaging individuals into the world of natural beauty. Along with making natural hair and beauty products, The Hairoine makes how-to video tutorials on hair and natural alternatives to harmful chemicals.Ronke Lawal was born in Hackney, East London of Nigerian parentage. Having graduated with honours from Lancaster University with a degree in International Business she started her own in 2004. At 26 years old, she currently runs 3 successful businesses, RSL Management Services, Who’s For Dinner and Simone Williams.Apart from business her passions including food, travel, music, literature and most importantly living a life she loves.Margaret Udofia started off with a background in Electronics and Communications Engineering but today she is an Event Manager. The change started while studying Engineering at university, she found herself being the “events planner” for friends and family, so decided to make it official in 2003 when she started up my own events company with her business partner, Lillian Ogbogoh. Today we run Vivid Occasions Ltd.Lillian Ogbogoh is part of the events management company Vivid Occasions which encompasses wedding planning, business networking functions and retreats. She has organised a range of successful events across the capital and is excited about this latest project.The event will consist of mini-treatments, speakers, stalls and networking on the day.Tickets: FREE (registration is ESSENTIAL)For more information contact:Ronke Lawal 07984 141 169Ronke Adeyemi 07957 696 6664urbeautifulwoman@gmail.com
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What's Your Exit Plan?

How One Indie Took Her Dream Full TimeWhen I left my full-time job to launch the Indie Beauty Network in 2000, my exit plan was simple: exchange a career that paid well, but which no longer suited my lifestyle, for a career that allowed me to do what I love and enjoy my lifestyle. While my exit plan was pretty basic (and risky!), other people like Kristen Fraser Cotte and her husband Peter, had a smarter strategy.

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As co-owners of The Grapeseed Company (TGC) in Santa Barbara, the couple planned Kristen's exit from full-time work as an educational diagnostician years in advance. Their planning and dedication paid off last week on June 12, when Kristen left her job to work TCG full-time.I caught up with Kristen to find out a little about her exit plan and how things are going.dM: What was your exit strategy?Kristen: Altogether, it was a 3-year transition, ending just last week. I did it in stages. At first, I cut my hours a just a little to get things started in the business. I worked 4 days a week and ran the business at night, on Fridays and on weekends. Then, a year or so into it, I cut back to about 50%.I worked out a "job sharing" arrangement with another educator to ease the transition. She worked the days I wasn't there, and vice versa. It was a great arrangement. After doing that for a year, I left the educational arena to pursue our family business! I maintain my teaching credentials in case I need them in the future.As of June 12, I am 100% devoted to TGC, and I couldn't be happier.dM: Were you able to keep your health insurance?Kristen: Fortunately, I have health insurance through my husband's full-time job. (He also serves as TGC's accountant.) Without insurance through his job, I would have had to consider alternative exit strategies and I think it would have been a more difficult transition.dM: What tips can you offer others who want to create an exit strategy so they can take their dream full time?Kristen: Think outside the box. Look deep within your career path or profession to find creative ways to maneuver your work hours and responsibilities so that you can simultaneously accommodate your business. If you look hard enough and want it badly enough, you'll make it work.dM: How do you like being a member of IBN?Kristen: It's great! It offers members a huge wealth of resources. Whenever I have time, I check out all of the great information at the site that helps me run my business and stay on top of things. I really enjoy the Group Coaching.We are working hard to update our online presence and the Group Coaching sessions have been great for that.Of course the affordable products liability insurance is great too!!dM: What's your best selling product at TCG?Kristen: Our Surf Body Lotion, a moisturizing lotion made with grapeseed oil, coconut, lime and mint. We like to say that one whiff will immediately transport you to the beach!
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Also in the mail today I received my order from Majestique Events & Gifts Inc. I took the picture above before removing the shrink wrap from the products so that I could show you all how safe and secure your bath and body products will be mailed to you! My actual order consisted of the 3 exfoliating body scrubs in the front, in the back is a pack of 3 samples.So after picture time (ha!ha!) I opened up each product so that I could smell all the products and each one was fantastic!I ordered :Fresh- A nice clean just out of the shower scent ( to me!)Black - A deep spicy scentANDStrawberry Lemonade- Yum!My freebies consisted of a body wash ,a body oil ( Charna sent me the Black scent! ) and a huge Tranquil Peace bath bar.I had a very good experience ordering from this company and like I say,If your on the fence this company is worth a try!ALSOAs I've been blogging Charnas company, I've been reviewing a CD that was also included in my order by an artist named King. I've never heard of him before but he's a very talented brother and I wish him much success!
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Work and Web Women

A few months ago I decided to show you all the woman behind BBWO, so I posted my photo. Today, I'd like to take it to the next level by giving you the voice of BBWO through my new sister site 'Work and Web Women (www.workandwebwomen.com).' Work and Web Women is my new podcast, but I like to think of it as a podClass series because I created it to teach other online entrepreneurs how to improve their websites, find multiple streams of income online, work from home and do other things of that nature. Being more of a typer than a talker, I initially intended to use this site primarily as an information library for women entrepreneurs, with eBooks and informational posts like those on the SistaSense blog. But after speaking with other women offline, and learning more about the wonderful world of podcasts, blog radio shows, and such... I decided it was time to get with the times and the latest technology by adding audio broadcasts to the growing listing of features on BBWO. So, Every week I will talk about hot topics of interest to myself and my fellow online entrepreneurs. In addition to the featured series of PodClasses, Work and Web Women will include interviews and discussions with other women in business, updates and new features created for the Black Business Women Network, online resources for net entrepreneurs, original business eBooks by LHenry, howto posts and more. Visit Work and Web Women.com today, and let me know what you think. Work and Web Women Created to help you learn how to better work the web. www.workandwebwomen.com
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I'm a Networking Machine!?? :-)

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OK, so after my blog about my networking skills, I decided to put all of the advice I received (thanks to all of you) and put it to work. I knew that yesterday was going to be a very hectic day.I had meeting in the morning with one of hostesses, she's a little nervous about having a "toy" party with some of her church friends present so I needed to reassure her that there is nothing dirty or wrong about these things and that's one of the great things about having a private ordering room...no one will ever know how you get down behind closed doors! She felt better afterwards and I think her party will be one of my highest!Later in the day, I had a interview with a growing Non-Profit looking for a Director of Programs, this one has promise but I will need a second meeting with them to see if it's a good fit for me.And now let's to the networking....my 3rd stop of the day was to a screening of a documentary of a friends friend...and the cocktail hour prior to it was going to be my first test. When I was approached I decided to go with this line about what I do..."I teach women how to bring the spark back into the bedroom or create one if it's not there from the beggining :o)" And that led to SO many follow-up questions...so the advice I received was GREAT...sometimes less is more!My last stop of the evening was to a pool hall to watch the game (I'm a NBA FANATIC) this one was not as productive because I don't like people talking to me during the game, but I did manage to get a few words in during the commercial.So maybe I'm not a MACHINE just yet, but I defintely noticed the difference by changing my 30 second commercial! Thanks to ALL who replied to that blog!NirvanaPRbyNirvana@gmail.comwww.PRbyNirvana.com
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As entrepreneurs, it is important that we find ways to get people talking about what we do. It could be the best product or service in the world, but if no one knows about it, the business won't grow.As I continue to network throughout NYC, I am reminded of that. I attended a networking event last night, and made a lot of good connections. Now I have to make sure I stay in the minds of these people. So I will spend tomorrow following up with them. After all, it's about who knows me. And it's my job to make sure as many people as possible know me and connect my name with the idea of "proactive marriage".I have learned that there are MANY ways to get my name out there and have been a bit overwhelmed by the plethora of choices. It's been a struggle not to jump on the next good idea. Blogging, podcasting, articles, newsletters, brochures, postcards, pens, press kits, pitching to the media, Facebook, MySpace, BBWO, Twitter, networking events, etc., etc., etc. I have had to slow down and think about what are the best options for ME and the business. They are all great ideas, but I can't do them all - at least not well.I am still deciding which options are the right ones, right now. In a year or two, I may make some changes or additions to my marketing plan, but for now I have to KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie)www.NatashaCrawford.com
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Marketing Your Business using Press Releases

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As small business owners on a budget, we are always trying to find free and/or low cost ways to market our businesses. Although we know that it takes money to make money, the Internet does offer numerous opportunities to market yourself and your business that are free. One way of doing this is to use Press Releases. To clarify, a press release is a short report on a news worthy event having to do with yourbusiness. It could be a launch of a new line of products or one new product, new fragrances, a change of venue if you're a bricks and mortar business or a new service that you are going to offer.Whatever the event, take advantage of the change to issue a press release.

A press release has a strict format - any deviance from this format may cause seasoned press release readers to overlook your press release because it is too wordy or cluttered. The format of a press release is as follows:

When and Where: Most press releases begin with a line that names the date and the location of the news that is takingplace.

Headline: the headline of the press release is one line that will be the hook for your press release. Try to write atitle that is attention grabbing so that the reader is pulled into reading theentire press release. If you want your press release to be picked up bynewspapers or other websites, your title has to stand out.

Summary: The summary of a press release is a short synopsis of what the rest of the press release is all about. Itshould summarize the content of the press release in one sentence.

Body of the Press Release: This is where the "meat" of your story lies. Keep your sentences short and to the point.It is also helpful to use quotations from people involved in the news story.These quotations tend to personalize the news and get people interested.

Boiler Plate/Contact Information: In this area of the press release, include your contact information and an "aboutcompany" profile. This is called a boiler plate because you can cut andpaste it for every press release you write.

Free places to submit your press releases:

http://www.pr9.net
http://www.prlog.org
http://www.prweb.com
http://www.pr.com/promote-your-business
http://www.express-press-release.com
http://www.theopenpress.com

More information on Press Releases:

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Press-Release
http://www.prweb.com/pressreleasetips.php

http://www.ereleases.com/howtowrite.htm

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Well it's not as if I didn't ALREADY know it but I'm realizing yet again that I'm a B&B Junkie! I love all kinds of beauty products! Yea I know it's a problem and I really should try to use up some of what I have but ummm........why? Now I've actually sat and rationalized and JUSTIFIED my habit.I figure out of all the bad habits and vices I could have and all I want to do is smell good and be soft? What the hell!
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Traveling

For the next three days I will be traveling to and from Newport, RI to see my niece graduate from HS. I'm leaving the driving to Greyhound, which means it'll take 5-6 hours to get there (I could be in LA by then, but I digress).I leave tomorrow morning. So here I sit, trying to decide which work items are absolutely necessary for me to take along. If my Blackberry was still in my possession (was stolen 2 weeks ago), this would be much easier.This is the first time, since starting my business, that I've had to travel for more than a day. Too many things are going on go offline for 3 days. But I want to be able to enjoy myself. This is going to be an interesting learning experience.
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Today I received my order from the Smell Good Spa! EVERYTHING I ordered was simply fantastic.Shipping was prompt,every product was wonderfully packaged and as I type this I'm burning one of the wonderfully scented Incense cones ( Milk and Honey). If there is anyone on the fence about ordering,I give this company TWO thumbs up!I'm sure my collection from this company is going to grow!
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Have you EVER worn extensions? Have you ever worn a weave? or maybe you wear a wig...I know sometimes it's easy to throw some braids in or to just leave them...or put in a weave and forget you have your own hair underneath. But if you ever want to have your OWN beautiful healthy hair, you have to take care of those braid extensions and continue to take care of you own hair under the weave or wig.Braid extensions should be washed, deep conditioned and moisturized regularly. They should also be stripped of the drying chemical they contain (my book gives details of how to do this and keep your braids neat). Also, if you sit down to get your hair braided and it feels too tight...either tell your braider or DO NOT CONTINUE getting it done. Braids that are too tight cause traction alopecia (thinning edges or bald spots from tight hair styles)If you wear weave do NOT get it bonded in...HAIR GLUE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! I doesn't matter if you have bonding glue remover...the strong chemicals in bonding glue can cause an allergic reaction and take out your hair in an instant (I'm talking from experience). Your weave should be braided in, with braids that are not too tight. Weave with a good quality human hair, so that you can still wash, condtion and moisturize it regularly with your own hair.Remove wigs or "phony ponies" and keep the hair clean (both your hair and the wig or ponytail). Sweat and the outside element can cause bacteria in the wig and if you do not remove it regularly or wash the hair, you may be at risk for a fungi invasion that WILL TAKE YOUR HAIR OUT!
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Get the New Scent-Sations!

Michelle Cobbs, owner of Scent-Sations is not just your run-of -the mill online aroma therapy shop. Scent-Sations provides gourmet items not just for your skin and dwelling space, but also provides flavorful scent-sations for the tastebuds; with items such as candles, air fresheners, soaps, lotions, AND a gourmet bakery! Check out Michelle Cobbs' great products today!Company name: Scent-Sations, Inc - Mia Bella Gourmet CandlesOwner: Michelle Cobbs, Independent DistributorWebsite: http://www.ibelieve.scent-team.com/shop/scart.phpContact Info: supremecandlescents@gmail.comPhone: 631-236-3391xslide1.gif The Buy Black Collective!
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Women Rock! Some Interesting Statistics

American Women At A GlanceSome interesting statistics:• 140 million women make up 50.9% of the total U.S. population• Average life expectancy is 79.7 years• 84 million women work outside the home, making up 46.3% of the labor force.• 56% of all bachelor’s degrees and 57% of all master’s degrees are earned by women.• 49% of professional/managerial positions are held by women.• 23% of professional wives earn more than their husbands.• 53% of all voters are women.Zanira Says Smile.....(Sources U.S. Census Bureau and Health magazine)
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How do you handle the pressure - the stress?

As a business woman you are faced with many challenges. The pressure and the stress can be overwhelming. Pressure is an effect which occurs when a Force is applied on a surface while stress is defined as forces from the outside world impinging on the individual.Each day comes with a new challenge and how we handle the challenge determines how we work through the potential stress that comes along with the task at hand. Some days the pressure is more intense than others and it becomes so overwhelming - it makes you question yourself. Is it worth it? What am I a going to do? How will I get through this? Why after all that I have gone through getting things together is this happening now? and amidst all the wondering you ask Why does this happen only to me?Well the truth is you are not alone. As long as you are a living being, you will face pressures and challenges. The best way to handle the forces that appear to be crushing you is to face them head on as calmly as possible.• Look at the situation• Evaluate the problem• Devise a plan• Reach out to othersThere are those who feel that they are all alone but wait a minute you are not - you have joined the site. It's time to use your networking skills to find a way to resolve your problem. Go to the board and ask questions. Send an email. Don't be shy, chances are there is someone else who has faced a similar situation. Reach out to the friends you have on your business site list they may be able to assist you or encourage you through the process. It is a time to band together - a time to support and uplift.After all is said and done -- you can be sure that there will be more challenges ahead so don't allow it to overwhelm you. You have a business to run -goals to achieve - and a life to live..........
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Super moms, let's get organized

As a mom with small kids and a business to run from home…things often get hectic. You’ve seen me in the parking lot with two kids under the arms, and another hugging one leg, while I load the van, talking to someone on my Bluetooth, with the coffee running intravenously through my veins. And everyone seems to think it’s the super powers that keep me going. Oh no, it’s the coffee. But seriously, there is no secret about what has to happen to keep me from tearing my hair out. The only way to get things done is to be organized. Here are some tips that keep me sane:1. Before my work week begins, I write down the goals I want to accomplish. I usually have 2 categories, one for my business and the second for my household.2. I make my goals realistic ones, for example, this week I will make 6-10 prospect/marketing calls.a. Your goal shouldn’t be make 20 calls, because the chances are with your hectic schedule you may not be able to achieve this goal;b. Then you will feel like you didn’t accomplish your task.c. However, once you’ve accomplished your goals, see if you can add-on to those goals.3. For all my appointments and calendaring of things to do, I make sure to use my computer to prompt me to check my “to-do” list each day. I put a reminder on my computer to “alert” me to check my events, or tasks on my calendar.4. Each week I try to focus on a different aspect of my business, e.g., marketing this week, newsletter next week; website week after next, and so on, and so on. And all these tasks are put on my calendar on my computer.5. I do my sales/marketing tasks in the morning when the kids are asleep or occupied with playing. I do these in the morning because I know by the late afternoon I’ll be too drained to make effective phone calls. It’s easier to answer emails throughout the day because I’m using my fingers; however, a fresh, sunny voice is best for me first thing in the morning. Again all these tasks are entered into my calendar on my computer.6. When I run errands, I always have my business cards with me within easy reach. Easy reach is very important, because you never want a prospect to see you fumbling around for your business cards. Their very first impression of you should not be that you’re not organized.7. And just an important aside here: Following-up with your prospects is very important. If you say you’ll call/or email in XX amount of hours, or YY days, make sure you keep your promise. Not keeping your end of the bargain is a sure way to loose a prospective client.8. At the end of the week, I analyze my goals and achievements and try to figure out what my next goals are, and then the cycle continues for the next week.So we super moms who stay at home with our kids, and run a business from our home, and who sit on the PTA organizations and who volunteer, etc, etc. don’t get overwhelmed. If you write your tasks down and attack them a little bit at a time, our tasks will not seem so overwhelming. And believe me, we are all overwhelmed with our duties as a mom, and CEO of our homes and business.Please feel free to add some tips that have helped to keep you organized. We can all use ideas of ways to make our days as super moms run more smoothly and more effectively. So let’s share, share, share.
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