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Dominique

From A Writer's POV Magazine

CEO/Publisher

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Depending on the goals of your business, crafting your exit strategy can take on a varied of shapes and forms however there are some key things that every strategy should include. The first step is to identify your goal in your exit strategy.

1. Are you the ultra creative type that just loves creating innovative business ideas that you have no problem having someone else manage and run for you?
2. Are you seeking to create a business that you can pass on to your children or heirs to run and manage?
3. Are you seeking to amass a large amount of wealth as fast as you can for your idea sell it and run off to your private island?  
4. Do you want to build your business up just enough to make it wealthy and attractive enough so your top competitor would want to purchase it?

Regardless of your goal, there are many things one should consider when crafting your exit strategy. Below are just 5 to get your brain ticking to have you begin thinking and planning your glorious exit.

1. DOCUMENT PROCESSES. Make sure your processes and systems are well documented. When I say documented I mean written down on paper in some sort of manual. Not a series of accounts and programs that you log into that help you MANAGE your processes. But an actual procedures manual that is independent of the actual tools and technology you use. Think of it as your “for dummies” guide for your business. Could someone pick up your manual and know exactly how to run your business? I mean everything? If not…among the first steps in planning your exit strategy is planning on how you plan to create this.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART. Who are the key players in your business? Sure you business may now just be a single solo-enterprise where you are everything. But as your business grows or as you plan to grow your business, be proactive and create a simple organizational chart of the key players in your management structure. What are their roles, what type of background should they have? Yes I know, this is SO not the fun part, but again, if your goal is to build a business that can have wealth that can grow without you and not just streams of income that will eventually run dry then you gotta put in the work.
3. BRANDING THE BUSINESS (NOT YOU).Ok this is a tricky one especially for many coaching and consultants. I recall when I started my consulting business in 2008 the name of it was Harrell Financial Solution. I did well with my name on the business but eventually I and my name (even with systems) couldn’t really seem to catch a break! Eventually I needed to have a huge mind shift change. I separated my consulting business from my bookkeeping business and created Your Simple Bookkeeper. It put me in a different mindset on how I viewed my business and therefore how I talked about it and thought about growing it. When planning your exit strategy, consider the psychology of how the name of your business effects how you run it! Selling “Kates yummy cupcakes” is more difficult to brand (though not impossible) than “Delectable Cupcakes” .

Read the entire post to receive the rest...

Thank you for liking this post and wanting to share it! If you do please be so kind to include the following:

Katrina M. Harrell is President of the KM Harrell Group, LLC a Strategic Business Development & Management firm supporting minority and women-owned businesses. Her firm’s consulting services have helped many minority and women owned businesses establish foundational structures within their businesses that have aided them in selling for profit or obtaining investor funding. Passionate about entrepreneurship education, Katrina’s insight and expertise is highly sought after both online and off. As founding CEO for Your Simple Bookkeeper, she successfully lead the company to obtaining investor funding in under one year of operation and has grown the company to multi-state clientale. Katrina's consulting services to women entrepreneurs who are seeking to create sellable businesses or restructure their existing business with solid exit strategies by building practical structures and entrepreneurship education. Learn more about KMHGroup Services and to schedule a consultation visiting www.katrinamharrell.com or www.tungle.me/katrinamharrell

   Heading out for lunch this week: Grab your FREE Skillet Questo & Chips today!

Well, it is! C'mon everybody, we can do better than this. I know it's summer time and you're probably hot wherever you are (although, not hotter than me. I'm in Phoenix, Arizona!), but business is still going as usual. Ms.LaShanda Henry created BBWO as a forum for us to SUPPORT each other, HELP each other, and USE each other...(for services, products, etc.) and we're not using it to it's fullest potential. People post blogs and thoughts all day but NO ONE comments! And how many BBWO friends do you have? 

So I'm just commenting on how quiet it has been lately. I know everyone is busy with LIFE but with the ability to comment on Twitter or Facebook it should make it a little easier to be more active. I've decided to make it a goal of mine to comment on at least one blog daily (baby steps), or to be-friend AND communicate with a few people a week. Make it a goal of yours! If you're a blog writer then you know how helpful it is to hear what people think.So, let's help each other, and start COMMENTING.

Let's start now: What is your opinion? What business are you in? How has BBWO helped you in your business? Have you made any goals for your business or BBWO membership?

Ok enough of the tangent...

Stay motivated and keep moving towards prosperity!

See you at the top,

Tamara Garrison-Thomas

http://www.garrrisonprosperitysolutions.com 

How much time are you spending on various activities to grow your business?

One area that I see far too many individuals spending little time on is that of marketing. I don’t know if it’s because of a lack of knowledge or the mere lack of desire to do so.

Within the activity of marketing is also that of recognizing the correct audience. If you neglect to complete this action all of your other efforts will go futile.

It a major factor in realizing the sales and attracting and getting the clients/customers you seek.

The right customers are known as targeted customers or niche market, those who will be happy to buy products that fulfil their wants and needs.

You no longer have to feel intimidated by the larger companies. The Internet has opened up opportunity for you to get a market share but only if you take the required steps. Targeting also gives an opportunity to you as a smaller firm to produce products, which can cater to the need of a section of people whose needs aren’t met specifically by the large companies.

So who is your ideal prospect? Who is it that you are called to serve? The success lies behind understanding this, which requires thorough research and analysis. And yet it can be accomplished with a simple exercise that I share in More prospects, clients an profits Biz Rockin’ Online Boot Camp. Various factors must be considered. The age group is the first factor, whether the product will be useful to babies or children or teenagers or youngsters or middle aged or old. Sometimes there is a possibility that the product will cater to the needs of all age groups. Next thing to consider is gender. Marital status, hobbies etc., are some of the factors that should also be pondered upon.

After this you must identify what keeps them up at night. What are some of their pains?

Your role comes in by discovering solutions that you will provide in response to the identified areas mentioned above.

You must make a list of the benefits of your solution and communicate it in such a way that your prospect will identify you as the solution to their problem or the expert to hire.

This will also be useful in creating your IFO (irresistible free offers), sales/opt in page and other marketing communications.

Recognizing the target market is crucial to any successful advertising and sales campaign. Once it is recognized, they can be reached through different channels like websites, newspapers, magazines, etc. This makes the customer think that they are being directly addressed to. This will further support the Know, like and trust factor which will make for greater conversions. And that makes the whole effort of identifying your target market down to your niche or whome you serve worth it.
Power up your business growth endeavors by taking the steps needed to complete this activity.

If this post has empowered you in any way you I invite you to request your FREE access to my Training audio "5 dead simple strategies to get your product/service in front of your exact target market!

Go to http://bit.ly/getfollowerslikesclients to request it now.

During the summer months, you can always count on the media to do some type of weather-related stories. This could also be your opportunity to promote yourself and/or your business.

Developing ideas that can help you promote your business in summer doesn't have to take a great deal of time or a large financial investment in order to see positive results. The key to getting the media's attention is to come up with a creative (and fun) campaign that will help them generate a news or weather-related story.

Here are some examples:

Offer cool down treats: Arrange a day with a local ice cream store to have a free ice cream giveaway for anyone who walks in with your business card. You would certainly need a budget for that--especially if you've circulated A LOT of business cards. But you could also limit it to the first 25 or 50 customers and let the media know you're doing this as a Summer Appreciation Event.

Another similar idea is to simply pack some ice cold drinks and take to employees who have to work outside for a living. It's a nice gesture and may not only give you some media exposure but also some additional business.

Host a Pool Party for kids: Contact the local weatherman and invite him to come over and offer some tips on how to stay cool this summer. Certainly, his or her own station will cover the event.

Product giveaways: When I was promoting my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age, I offered a fan as a part of the promotion. If you purchased a copy of the book, you also got a free "hot flash" fan. Find something creative you can give away that would be directly tied into summer.

Sponsor an activity or event in your community: Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, City Hall or your local church for community events and find out how you can get your name or business connected. It would be worth sitting out in the hot sun for a couple of hours if a TV or newspaper crew stopped by to interview you, wouldn't it?

Check the websites of your local stations: Find out what they're up to and see how you can get involved--if only as a volunteer. You can network your way from there.

If all else fails, create your OWN media event and post it on YouTube, Vimeo, UStream, etc. You may find yourself getting even GREATER expsoure.

All of the events should be planned well in advance to give you time to promote and alert the media, which requires press releases and other announcements to be sent at least two weeks in advance.

Understanding how not to OVERUSE social media to maximize your business opportunities is the focus of this year’s All Women’s Social Media Summit.

A six-member female panel will share tips on how to generate revenue and capitalize on networking opportunities.  BAMedia is hosting the third annual event.  Organizer Beverly Mahone says each woman brings a tremendous amount of experience to the table which will be extremely beneficial to the audience.  “These are the women who take social media to another level.  They’ve learned how to navigate their way and master their craft through sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare.  And they do it without being overwhelmed at the end of the day or week." 

Kelly Duffort, a web strategist, is one of the panelists for this year’s Event.  As the Principal and Founder of  KD Web Strategies, a consulting firm that advises companies how to take their overall web presence (e.g., websites, blogs, social media profiles) to the next level.  Kelly says, “Whether you love it or hate it and whether you understand it or avoid it, social media is changing the way people communicate – personally and professionally. If you use social media wisely to promote your business, you will be amazed at the connections it enables you to make and the doors it opens for you.”

This year’s social media summit will be held at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC.  Early Bird Registration is currently underway.  The first ten women to register will receive a free 30-minute consultation with a member of the panel, preferred seating at the Summit and Luncheon, business card info in the Program Book and an opportunity to promote your business at the Summit. 

You can register here:  http://beverlymahone.com/women-social-medial-summit/

For all of you Hewlett Packard product lovers, here is a deal for you to help you with your your businesses!

There are some new Staples coupons available to help you get 75% off Paper, Pens, Envelopes and more:

• 75% Off any one HP paper product, designed for inkjet, laser and photo printers
• 75% off any one Uni-Ball product
• 75% off any one box of envelopes
• 75% off any one package of filing folders, hanging folders or expanding file items

These are good through 7/9/11.

Enjoy Your Freebie Journey,

 

 

 

Follow SISTAS LOVIN FREEBIES on Facebook

 

Are you hosting a literary event? From A Writer's POV would love to do a cover story on your event. Email us today about how to get your event in our magazine as the Cover Story.

inquiries@fromawriterspovmagazine.com

Thanks,

Dominique

From A Writer's POV Magazine

www.fromawriterspovmagazine.com

Beware - all that appears to be blingy & shiny may not be. How do you choose the right JV partners & speaking engagements? Listen to my short audio clip here:

Please register here => http://bit.ly/getfollowers likesclients

 

“In just 43 minutes and 27 seconds, you’ll learn 5 dead- simple strategies for getting your product in front of your exact target market now...”

 

July 6 at 1:00 pm PST

Can't make the call? The audio replay will be available to all registrants!

Attention Christian Coaches, Authors,Women Entrepreneurs and aspiring, Solopreneurs


Are you seeking to increase the exposure to your business but aren't quite sure of which strategy to use?


You're frustrated because you have no clients/customers or you can't attract and get enough clients/customers

Do you feel anxious when even thinking about using Social Media?


Have a great idea, product, program, book etc. but don't know where to begin to get it out there?

If any of this sounds like you then you are a perfect candidate for my No cost Tele-training!


Join me for......

World-wide visibility: 5 dead- simple strategies for getting your product in front of your exact target market now...”

 

I've been hearing from many women entrepreneurs including coaches and authors who are frustrated by a lack of customers/clients and although they're trying everything they know they are left with few or no clients/customers.

You may be one of those who have a great product, book, message, program and are frustrated by all of the time you're putting in and you're not getting any results.

Maybe you're still using conventional methods but know there must be a better way!

On this call I'm going to share the following

 

5 dead simple strategies  to get your Message, Book, Product, Program in front of your

exact target market now....

Yummy tactics you can use to gain profitable visibility online

One thing you need to empower you to make Quantum leaps and become unstoppable

One Big mistake you're probably making with your marketing endeavors

And more!




When: Wednesday, July 6 at 1:00 pm PST
Can't make the call? The audio replay will be available for a few to all registrants.

Register here

http://bit.ly/getfollowers likesclients


Secure your place for this Empowerment Call



Let's get your message out there "Authentically!"

This is a CNN interview with Leutrell "Mike" Osborne, the original Black Man in the CIA. The interview breifly covers

Mike's 27 year career int he CIA as a Case Officer and Communications Security Specialist.

At the end of this presentation, Mr Osborne, gives some advice that could apply to all business owner.

And I will say -

Go get the Good Stuff

Rickey

Green Tea Equals Green Dollars ( www.juniques.org )

**********

********************************

If you haven’t received the kind of media attention you’re looking for, it may be because you don’t pass the “so what” test.  What is that?  The “so what” test gives potential clients and customers a valid reason as to why they should care about you, your business and your message.

When you’re competing for the media spotlight, you must keep in mind that there are probably hundreds of people who do what you do.  Before you rise to the top, you should ask yourself the following questions:

So what sets you apart from others doing the same thing?

So what makes you special? 

So what benefit does the audience get by hearing your message?

So what impact will you have on the community at-large?

So what call to action do you offer that’s creative or unique?

So what’s your public service all about?

Media interviews can be as much or as little as you make them.  To get started on your media adventure, pick up a copy of my BAMedia Directory, a comprehensive Directory of media contacts nationwide: BAMedia Directory

I must admit, I'm only best at being the CEO of ME. That's why my company is named "KM Harrell Group" I'm best when I control and manage only the things I'm interested in and can control. Call me the classic control freak if you want, but I have no interest in control others or things around me, but myself...I excel! As an entrepreneur and a creative person by nature finding how this works for me has been an epic journey. One that I hope (and wish) other entrepreneurs embark on.

The journey in entrepreneurship is truly every evolving. I like to look at it like a sphere or a spectrum, it has many phases, and elements. It's certainly not linear and certainly not  a destination. One mistake I've found in both myself in the past and in business associates, clients, and the like is that there is this misconception that entrepreneurship is something that you DO or it's simply a matter of saying "I'm an entrepreneur" like it's a destination as if one’s arrived. Anyone who's ever created a business will tell you that entrepreneurship comes in spectrums and it's not a linear path. An accomplished Entrepreneur named Olalah Njenga  distinguishes this journey as going from being self-employed, small business owner, THEN entrepreneur. Michael Gerber (author of E-myth) separates it as theTechnician, the Manager and the Visionary. I offer another perspective:

The Creator

The Founder

The CEO

I started my Cookie Lee business because I loved the jewelry. I never imagined that I would be earning the extra income that I now receive each month! I get paid to have fun while selling jewelry at home shows, office shows, through my website and by collecting catalog orders. I've made such great friendships with my Cookie Lee business—it really is a family! The opportunities with Cookie Lee are endless, so contact me today to learn how you can start your business and enjoy all these benefits too!

www.cookielee.biz/rojulinedixon

According to the Business Dictionary, collaboration is a cooperative arrangement in which two or more parties (which may or may not have any previous relationship) work jointly towards a common goal. 

As a veteran journalist and media trainer, I clearly understand how collaborating with others can generate lots of publicity—especially if you team up with folks who love to promote what they do.  In his post, 8 Ways to Promote Your Work Through Internet Collaboration, Alex Mathers offers some great tips on how you can team up draw more attention to a particular project or event. 

One of the tips offered by Alex is Working with Others on Collaborated Projects.  Alex says,  ”Pooling skill and talent in this way will lead to high quality projects that will greatly boost the value of your personal portfolio and support your self-marketing efforts.”  He also suggests that you team up with someone who is well known so that you can piggy-back’ on their success and promote via the contacts they have as well.

That's what LaShandra Henry has done for her upcoming SistaSense Power Circle TeleSummit.  On July 29-30, LaShandra is going to show you how collaboration really works.  Take it from someone who knows---and someone who thrives on doing it!

Consider this because it applies wherever you are:

Severe Economic Emergency

In Southern California, the economic downturn has hurt African American men, who are heavily represented in many blue-collar industries. The effects of slowing trade with China are rippling through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, long a steady source of work for black longshoremen, truckers and warehouse workers. The cost of living is up and companies are keeping the salaries at severe recession rates. Lots of businesses have received "bailout" money and have chosen to give themselves raises instead of bringing YOUR salary up to par. PLANK ON THIS PEOPLE.
From the Desk of Political Analyst Brent D. Page

So what are you going to do about it?? Are you going to continue to sit there and do nothing, while your salary gets smaller and smaller? Are you going to keep going to work wondering if this is the day their going to give you pink slip??

Stop worrying about all of that, and start your OWN business! There are so many benefits to owning your own business: making your own money, tax benefits (house,car, and phone write-offs), make your own MONEY! If you're scared, I can help you. What are you getting accomplished by just SAYING you want to start a business. Let me show you the LAZY WAY TO GET PAID. Get started today! CLICK HERE

Receive The Lazy Person's Ultimate Guide to Starting a Business: 5 Steps to Starting and Marketing Your Business today by subscribing to my blog! http:www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com