Publish
eBooks

Do Your
Own Webcasts

Market
Your Business

Resources

 Links       

This newsletter is dedicated to providing individuals and small business owners easy to understand tips and proven tools to assist you in marketing yourself, your product or service(s) on the internet. 

 

In This Newsletter:
Should You Blog?
Three Key Success Factors For Small Business Owners - By Lonnie Pacelli
5 Tips for Making a Great Impression! - By Dr. Karen Otazo
Should You Blog?
Blogging is like having a conversation. It is a more informal way that you can share your thoughts with your readers or create a buzz using current events. It can also be used to better establish yourself as an expert. Either way, the basic idea behind writing a successful blog is to give something of value to your readers. Here are a few helpful tips that you should consider when sitting down to write: 1. Have a title that will capture the readers attention - A great title will peak the readers curiosity to read further 2. Write something of value - If someone is taking the time to read what you have to say, don't waste the opportunity! 3. Share your point of view or personal experience - People want to know what other people think! 4. Use bullet point lists - This will make it much easier for people to scan through 5. Keep it short and simple - Most readers will won't want to read entries that are long and drawn out. It's best to get to the point 6. Use links and keywords - Use links and keywords that will support the purpose of your blog 7. Edit your post - Sending a post that has misspelled words will compromise your credibility. 8. Include your contact information - Readers may want to see more on you or ask questions by email. Make yourself available Below are two excellent examples of blogging. They are easy reads that are short, to the point and packed with expert knowledge!

Three Key Success Factors For Small Business Owners - By Lonnie Pacelli

I’ve been working extensively with a small business owner over the past couple of years.  Coming from a mega-corporate environment, I learned that things I took for granted in a large corporation, i.e. having the resources of a finance controller or a purchasing specialist, simply didn’t exist in a small business.  Also I learned that it is incredibly easy to get sucked into the issues of the day and lose focus on where the business needs to head strategically.  Dealing with the issues of the day is super important, but if you let the business get whip-sawed around by toilets that don’t flush you’ll put yourself on a path to failure.

If you were to ask my client his three most important pieces of advice as a small business owner, he would tell you the following:

1. Know the financials - use a good small business software package such as Microsoft Money or Quicken and make sure you keep it up to date with income and expenses. Most financial institutions offer download capability which you should take advantage of. Don't get behind on knowing where you are from a financial perspective; with today's tools there is no reason to lose touch with where your company sits financially.
    

2. Keep one eye long - it is easy to get wrapped up in the here-and-now of your business. As the small business owner you need to also keep some focus on where you want your business to go long term and what things you want to get done 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, and beyond
    

3. Stay focused - It is easy to want to be all things to all people. The less focused you get the more likely you are to confuse your customers and to allow yourself to be randomized and not get things done. Decide what your business is and do it well; don't spread yourself too thin.

lonnie@leadingonedge.com

http://www.leadingonedge.com

See Lonnie's Amazon Blog

I have coached executives for more than 20 years. In working with successful leaders and professionals, I have found that making lasting impressions on the people you work with is pivotal to your advancement. Here are some tips to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

 

• Look the Part:

“One of the easiest things you can do is look the part. However talented you are, if you don’t look like a professional, manager or leader, others may, rightly or wrongly, not see you as one. Observe the styles and colors favored by senior executives, and use that as a guide. For women, black and blue are “safe” colors, but make you blend in. A small or shy woman can augment her impact with bold shades. A confident or larger woman might consider wearing a more muted shade.”

• Sound the Part:

“Short, simple sentences, spoken without hesitation, make a speaker seem in control of a situation – a quality we associate with a leader. Tone and volume are important too. Short, precise sentences and a low-pitched but clearly audible voice make a powerful combination.”

• Exits and Entrances Matter:

“How you move into and out of jobs has an enormous impact on perceptions of your success. Exiting a job well is about ensuring that your successor is in the loop, included in key meetings, and prepared enough to be able to step smoothly into your place. It is not about tying up every loose end. Although it’s important to move forward in an orderly way, it’s even more important to know when to leave behind your old role and expertise.”

• Your Work Space Reflects Who You Are:

“Whether you like it or not, others interpret your work area as a reflection of your personality and thinking. Décor is an area in which to tread carefully. While judicious use of personal pictures can show you to be a family person or motivated character, cute screensavers, cuddly toys and an excess of plants can detract from your professionalism. It isn’t that self-expression is bad, but in the small area of a work space, each item becomes more noticeable, taking on greater significance as a symbol of who you are.”

• Every Presentation is an Opportunity:

“If your moment in the spotlight goes badly, your reputation can be damaged. You minimize risk, and maximize potential glory, through careful preparation. Preparation isn’t just about knowing your subject, although that is important. You must prepare for your audience and their expectations, determining in advance what you want to leave them with so that you can tailor your presentation to that end. Think about how you want to come across, through the words you use, how you look, your facial expressions, and how you respond to questions.”

karen@otazo.com

http://www.global-leadership-network.com

See Karen's Amazon Blog