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What a year! What a year!!! 

While having dinner with my husband in the city, he asked me - "What are your resolutions for the new year?" Well, my answer was simply "I have no resolutions." It's not that I do not believe in setting goals/resolutions, it's just that I have learned that I am on an assignment and each year comes with incredible moments. 

2011 was a year that like every year passed - good times, challenging times and moments of unexpected success. As the new year began, I knew that I wanted to get some things done. We had just completed a successful run of the Off Broadway play based on the audio book series The Day That Changed My Life and the plan was to begin working on the documentary, and the book as well as being open to any new assignments.

It was just one of those days while posting on Twitter, I wrote The Day That Changed My Life in my search box with the intention of copying and pasting it into my timeline to promote the audio books and the blog. I just did not want to write the whole thing over again. I figured copy, paste and move on, but to my amazement there was an audition being held with the same name and same premise of the Off Broadway Play and our upcoming documentary. I almost thought the post was a copy and paste of our previous auditions but nooooooo it was not, it was from a major production company that have several successful shows on various cable channels and had plans to air their show on Lifetime in the Fall of 2011. It was a moment that confirms that we all must follow our instincts which I refer to as my spirit guide. Who knew that a simple moment of just feeling like copying and pasting a quick post would have alerted me that someone was using our brand. Yes, I said it, our brand. When I first began the audio book series, I searched the name to make sure that I was not using something that someone else had done. As a precaution, when we decided to do the Off Broadway Play in New York, I searched for the name in the context of what we working on and nothing showed up so we moved right along purchasing domain names, created a blog and a website. We placed ads in every area (online and print media)for the auditions you could have easily found us on Google but for some reason, this major production company had no clue that we had even existed or at least that is what we are supposed to believe. This simple action of following my lazy instinct revealed that we had some work to do. Again following my spirit guide, I reached into my resources and called my husband and a friend who were both invaluable. We were able to get on it right away and pull the brakes on that one - whew!

Moving forward - another unexpected opportunity of a lifetime came via email with an offer from an online bath and body 
product line company - Smell Goods. Can you imagine?!!! A beautiful hand crafted lavender soap made specially to assist in my assignment to help those with cancer. You will find the banner prominently placed on this page and I encourage you to purchase your very own bar, also spread the word to everyone you know. I have used the soap and purchased them as Christmas gifts believe you will love it. You can never go wrong smelling good.

In reflecting on this year, I realized once again that my ability to continue to work on my goals without the pressure of a year's timeline while being open to new assignments - just seem to always fall into place. It transcends my own expectations. In 2011, I had every intention to finish my book the one I have been working on forever, but it's time had not yet come. However, in speaking with a friend whose book is being published and set to be released soon, she mentioned her publishing company and they may be interested in my book. Needless to say, it all fell into place where the publisher contacted me and my book proposal is now being reviewed. 

Reflecting on 2011

* The Day That Changed My Life is now in the final stages to be Trademarked 
* The Day That Changed My Life (Cancer an uncertain journey)book in review with publishing company
* Smell Good for the Cause Soap (handcrafted soap made to order)
* Meetings to begin filming documentary, securing interviewers and location for documentary
* Sudden deaths of friends that were my age, dying of pulmonary embolism, aneurysms and other health complications really puts it all in perspective. Appreciate life!
* Having all of my girls in college (priceless!)
* Deaths of my elderly family members
* Celebrating my husband's grandmother Bessie's 103rd birthday
* Year end with a major business meeting and ready to launch 

As I close, I must admit that I have plans to begin filming the documentary this year. The Off Broadway Play is returning in the late summer early fall of 2012. We will participate in the Revlon Run/Walk in New York City with our own team and possibly have a booth as well as perform selected acts from the play. Furthermore, I will begin working out with a personal boxing trainer (not to be a boxer but enough to be lean, toned and throw a mean punch if necessary), work out and run more often, increase my attendance in church, enjoy more family and personal trips and take more time out just for me :-) 2012 is here and I am excited and oh so ready for it - oh yes I am!

It hasn’t been a good couple of weeks and yesterday was the worst. I won’t get into details (keeping my rant for offline). What I will say is that I’ve been coming to terms with a few personal things which gave me time to reflect on the past year. The perfect place to start was with my business. I am writing this to help you not make the same mistakes I did or at least notice them ahead of time so you can nip them the butt quickly.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in the SistaSense Circle is that I needed to identify the problems and find a solution, then look at what’s working and figure out how to duplicate it. This is exactly what I did the other day. I am going to start with the things I did wrong in my business and how I started to correct them.

At the beginning of the year I didn’t have a clear focus of my target market. I was just open to work with anyone. At some point I settled on a target but it was the wrong one for me. So I had go back and look at every client I had and see who I have been work with. The majority of my work came from Bloggers and Soloprenurs (97% women). I got one problem down, now on to the next one – being Jane of all Trades. [Read entire post]

My year wasn’t totally bad…

I found the holes in my business and plugged them. Now it was time to focus on what is currently working for me and there were a few things that I did right this year. I was always attending webinars and taking tons of notes and the cycle just continued. I decided to stop learning (well more like cut back on taking part in so many) and start putting what I was learning into action. Basically that’s what we all should be doing – learn the knowledge and then apply it.

As I mention yesterday I started setting and tracking my monthly goals more closely. I also required a down payment for jobs before any work began. I put in place new polices and I plan on sticking to them. Since leads for new work came mostly from Twitter, I set up autotweets to promote my services. At some point I felt like I was getting too spammy and stopped (NEVER stop Marketing!). I am still working out the kinks on this one. Plus the service I was using started to suck. [Read entire post]

Have you heard of the Book of Lists and know the importance of the book as a networking tool? “In over 60 US markets, the Book of Lists is an essential tool for gaining a competitive edge. Its information on leading buyers, companies and employers is indispensable.”

I would not have known about the Book of Lists if I hadn’t been a subscriber of the Triangle Business Journal. Your city is bound to have a Business Journal to subscribe to in or around your area, so find out how to get your hands on a copy.

By recently attending FREE seminars, Business Expos and family oriented community events, I have gotten a hold of a lot of business-minded professionals, not the time wasters who claim they want to help you but want you to join every networking company they are associated with.

The Book of Lists has showed me where to find hardworking professionals. Open the book and see what downtown restaurant ranked #1 in your area. Want to know how the private, semi-private and public golf courses ranked in your area? How about finding about those Fast 50 Award Winning Businesses?

Looking for the ranking of these business categories and others will give you the step above everyone else with your prospecting. Most business-minded professionals are on the move but always looking to increase their net worth. Now YOU know where to find them!

The Book of Lists 2011 for the Triangle area has nine categories. I plan on networking with several people from the different categories to grow my networking companies I’m associated with. As a matter of fact I connected with three people in one category just this past Friday!

So make sure you subscribe your area’s Business Journal and make sure you get your hands on a copy of the Book of Lists 2011 for your area. You will have thousands of prospects in your hands. It is up to you how you utilize this tool.

This is my insight for you. For pricing and market information for the Book of Lists and to find the Business Journal that best suits your marketing needs go to http://www.bizjournals.com/bookoflists

Much SUCCESS :)

I'm not going to beat myself up because I didn't reach all my goals. Life gets in the way but I am proud to have planted the seeds that will grown in the next quarter and beyond. I am ready to be, as LaShanda said in her new video - Profitable and Productive online.

Things I accomplished in Q1 2011

1. Prior to January I sign up for e-junkie to help promote my services and did a New Year's Sale. I got two sales and additional inquires from that promotion.
2. To date I completed 8 web related projects, which included work for a recurrent client and two new referrals.
3. Decided to take a collection of blog post from my blog and turn it into an ebook. Hopefully releasing early April.
4. Most importantly, I kept pushing through all of the tough times, and there were a few.

What did you do?

Hi BBWO! I hope you are all having a wonder and prosperous New year! Most importantly a Financially Fit New Year! As I am restructuring and growing "Your Business Your Taxes" below are a few blog post, videos and teleseminars to help you prepare for this tax season and 2011.

• 6 Things Your Business Must Do By January 31st
• 3 Tips for a Financial New Beginning
• Choosing a Accounting Software for Self-Employed (video-cast)
• Small Business Checklist
• Money Mastery Magazine "The Financial Doctor Is In" - Ask the Bookkeeper"

Stay Tuned!

-Katrina

Marketing is so important for small businesses. Whether you realize it or not it is something that you have to do constantly to get and keep your name in the public eye. A local marketing guru here loved my bookmarks and labeled them unique.  He stated his first question to a business owner is, What is your budget for marketing?" If they can't give him a fiqure, even if its only $25.00 a month, he ends the meeting. He stated, You have to make a commitment to consistently do something". According to him if there is no commitment to consistently market your business, then you are just spinning your wheels.

The bookmark below is my primary offline marketing tool. The current version includes a 10% off code "Bookmark" for both my sell sites.  My reasoning is that people will hold on to it longer. I'd like to hear from you if you think this is effective? Should the design be changed? Do I need my picture included?

Have you thought about or outlined your marketing paln for 2011? What materials are you using to market your business? Are you finding them effective to get traffic to your sell site or blog? Inquiring minds want to know? Smile

http://wirequeen.blogspot.com/2011/01/marketing-for-new-year-2011.html

2011 is right around the corner, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning! Here are a few tips that may help:

1. Write down your goals. Think about each area of your life (financial, spiritual, career, health, etc.), and write down a few goals for each one. Just be sure you don’t have too many because that may cause you to feel overwhelmed and decide to give up. Also, be very specific about your goal. So, for instance, if your goal is to lose weight, don’t just write I want to lose weight. Instead, write I want to lose 15 pounds by July.
2. Create an action plan to achieve your goals. Once you’ve written them down, you need to come up with a plan to achieve your goals. Using the above example, if you want to lose weight, ask yourself: What am I going to do to get to my ideal weight? Your plan could be to throw out all the junk food in your house, bring your lunch to work three days a week, and hire a personal trainer.
              If your goal is to start a business, your action plan could be write a business plan, create a website and marketing material, and work with a business coach.
3. Create a vision board. So, you’ve figured out what you want to achieve next year. Now, it’s time to visualize your goals coming true. One way to do this is through a vision board. To make one, you’ll need a poster or cork board, tape, glue or tacks and magazines (or other photos). As you flip through magazines, cut out images and words that resonate with you and/or things related to your goals. Some things I use are pictures of women I admire (like Kimora Lee Simmons and Oprah), words like ‘success,’ ‘inspire’ and ‘fabulous,’ and photos of women doing things I want to do more of such as exercising.
4. Affirm. After you’ve done the above, it’s a good idea to write some affirmations concerning your goals. Of course, at the beginning of the year, you feel super positive and optimistic, but sometimes, if things don’t go as planned or in the time frame you want, you may start to feel discouraged. This is where affirmations come in. So, if you start feeling discouraged (or you just need an extra push), read and/or write some affirmations. Some tips for writing them:

– Use present tense. Positive affirmations work better when stated this way. So, instead of saying, “My new business will be successful,” say, “My new business is successful.”
– Keep them positive. Instead of saying, “I don’t eat junk food anymore” (a negative affirmation), try “I eat healthier everyday,” or “I am motivated to eat healthier.” Affirmations work best when you actually feel yourself being joyful when saying them. Additionally, use words that have power.
– Make them short, and be as specific as possible. By keeping them short, your affirmations will be easier to say and to remember. And by being specific, you’ll get exactly what you want. So, if you want to make more money, affirm an exact amount, i.e., “I make $1500 through my business each month.”
– Repeat your affirmations often. Especially when you’re feeling down.
– Believe. Now, you don’t have to necessarily believe your affirmations initially, but as time goes on, you should definitely start believing what you’re saying sooner rather than later. The quicker you start believing you can have what you want, you will.

Do you have more tips to prepare for a successful new year? Share them below! : )

If you are a self-employed individual or running a small business, check out 7 quick things you need to do BEFORE or by January 31, 2011 to stay in good graces with the IRS!

1.  ISSUE 1099s  - If you hired an independent contractor in 2010 or worked with a non incorporated business, you must issue 1099 by January 31, 2011. You still have until February 28 to actually report to the IRS giving time for any corrections, however you should ensure your contractors and vendors have received their 1099 by the 31st.

2. ISSUE W-2s - Did you hire any employees in 2010? Even part-time? Seasonal? Aside from ensuring you did apply for employer tax numbers, you should also ensure you submit your employees (even terminated ones) W-2s by the 31st.  If you use a payroll service, check with them to ensure your payroll records are accurate and complete before issuing W-2s.

Check here for the remaining tips!

It's the start of the new year which for many of us means new beginnings, resolutions and planning for tax season. Some of us are looking for a "do over" and want to start this year off on a better foot regarding our finances. I know BEEN THERE!

Well for many micro businesses whose personal life and business life blur starting over can be frustrating and intimidating. I have 3 quick tips to help you restart your Micro Business for 2011 with a simple mindset change:

1. Hire an Accountant! - I know of course an accountant will say that but it's TRUE! Knowing the importance of having a professional at your findertips is very important. Remember, accountants work year-round not just between January - April. In fact most accountants and CPAs are busier in the off-tax season months helping clients SAVE MONEY, Tax plan, strategic planning and more! Ours is always on speed dial ;-)

Check here for the other 2 tips!

Images of Black Women (IBW) Film Festival, the UK’s only film festival dedicated to promote African Descent women in Cinema, is looking for sponsorship/partners for its 7th edition planned for March/April 2011.

IBW is the largest platform for women filmmakers, showcasing work by black female filmmakers as well as work that give a strong portrayal of black women. It features an eclectic mix of international films that depict the global black experience, which seeks to inspire and encourage more black women to enter and sustain a presence in the film industry.

The festival is an official annual event endorsed by the Mayor of London & which received continuous support from the UK Film Council & Film London. The next festival will be April 2011 with 2 pre-festival screening in March 2010 to mark the 100 years of International Women’s Month. On this occasion IBW plans a bigger festival & is looking for further sponsorships.

If you whish to reach Black Europeans in general, the UK or/and the French black communities, this is an opportunity for you to get direct access to an audience of women & men of 25 years old plus.

Our marketing tools include:

• On screen advertising (5 days throughout 8 events minimum)
• French TV partner (RFO: France mainland, Martinique & Guadeloupe)
• IBW Website (12 000 to 30 000 hints during festival)
• Festival souvenir magazine (15 000 distribution)
• Festival Newsletter (reach of 35 000 + inboxes, includes UK & France)
• Product distribution/placement
• Stall space during festival

Please do contact us info@imagesofblackwomen.com for our media pack and/or further infomation.

Sylviane Rano

IBW co-founder & Executive Director

www.imagesofblackwomen.com

Nucinema founder & Editor

www.nucinema.co.uk

READY       SET       GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The foot  race has begun for 2011. Are you prepared? Have you updated your business plan even if its just a bullet list of what your goals are for 2011.

All indications are that the new year will continue the major changes in the way people do business on and off line. Have you thought though what it will take to accomplish your goals? What are the major pieces and players you have to put in place? How will you subdivide these major pieces into doable tasks?

IN 2010  60 million people in the US accessed the web through mobile devices. Are your websites and blogs  mobile ready? The web has shortened our attention span many will not scroll around to view you site. THEY WILL JUST LEAVE. Which costs you money.

Think about what you have to do to prepare for 2011 and stay flexible.

Have a happy and Blessed New Year.