TheGreenGirls - Business

Video Review: Multi Device Solar Charger

GreenGirls — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:35:00 -0700

As you know, solar chargers have been around for a while, but it's surprising that you don't see more of it in use. With each person connected to their smart phones, iPads & MP3 players, I'm sure it wont be long until these solar chargers are a "must have" accessory.

Here's a video of a portable multi-device solar charger we tried out.

Some features we like about it:

It takes a fast charge. On this initial trial, the device was charged under the sun for a short 20 minutes and was immediately able to start a charge.
It comes with several connectors, making it compatible with a variety of gadgets.
You can charge the device ahead of time then pack it away to take with you for emergency power.
The design is sleek and sharp.

More info about this particular solar product here.

Learn more about solar device chargers at WorldSolar.co

The Definition of Insanity

MonicaF — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:40:00 -0700

Albert Einstein tells us that the very definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Are you doing something over and over again in your business, and not realizing it when you don't get your desired results?

What can you change, tweak, revisit, pivot, or edit in your business plan to make sure you are still going to make your forecasted goals?

Today more than ever the pace of business is so fast, and the ability to get information is so widespread, that we all benefit from taking a good long look at what is working and can be supported, what is not working and needs to be changed, and research and development: what can we start to do differently?

What is Working

For many clients, it is easier to sell them on additional products and services than it is to find a new customer.

What are you offering to your existing clients?
What can be enhanced or improved for your existing clients?
Can you come up with a product or service to help make their lives better, to entertain them, to help them reach additional objectives?

For green businesses, this may be as simple as you coming up with additional resources for your client, such as pointing them in the direction of certification services, vendor lists, or other opportunities to highlight their company. Or, you may be able to send them a sustainability checklist for their own use, to help them become more energy efficient, use more local vendors, use biodegradable materials, or change out their existing supplies for a greener option.

What is Not Working

Are you spending ineffective marketing dollars? Are you not sure if the latest site redesign is making a difference? Do you not have enough analytics, data, or reporting on your latest campaign? Find out where the "holes" are and start to fill them up.

Your business depends on you making educated decisions about policies, long-term goals, and short term campaigns. Get rid of nonperforming or underperforming streams of work: they detract from your core focus and take up time that could be better spent increasing your existing productive and profitable offerings. Don't know about a particular decision? Recruit advisors or helpers who can help you sort out the wheat from the chaff: it is better for you to make a good decision today than to wait and make a perfect decision later down the line. It also doesn't help to procrastinate, which is its own decision. Figure out what you need to cut and cut it.

What Can we do Differently?

Research and development is an important part of any business: this includes hatching new ideas, implementing pilot programs, and testing exploratory products and services to match your clients or targeted clients' needs. This part of "working on the business instead of in the business" is difficult for many, as it requires more big-picture thinking and planning; however, the incremental steps you take to create new ideas and new product lines results in additional opportunities later.

If you and your team do not currently spend time doing R&D, consider allocating time to generate a report on current trends in your industry and identify emerging needs.
If you and your team do spend time doing R&D, consider a prioritization ladder where you test new ideas against your internal matrix (is it possible? is it implementable? is it timely?) and assign a score and a timeframe to roll out new efforts.

Within a 6-month, 12-month, 18-month timeline, and 24-month timeline, you may have four additional product offerings or incubated new endeavors that can be launched, spun off, or sold.

Remember Einstein's warning that if you are doing the exact same thing, you'll probably get the exact same results. Don't expect things to change (much) if you're not willing to evolve, extend, and grow yourself and your business practices. If you want to change, change now. The world needs your ideas, energy, and enthusiasm.

Monica S. Flores, web developer at , believes in the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profits. She creates effective, engaging websites for women-owned companies, green businesses, and progressive organizations: her focus is on organic, holistic, fair trade, and sustainable work. Follow her on Twitter as @monicadear. She runs The Greater Equator, a luxury online marketplace of eco-friendly products, and Green Business Women, a directory of green women in business.

10 #Free #Business Kindle eBooks

GreenGirls — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:00 -0700

Enjoy!

*** Remember that Kindle eBook prices may change without notice. As of today, the books listed below are FREE. If you don't have the Kindle reading app for your gadget, you can download it here.

More eBooks!

World Solar Corp provides energy at your fingertips

GreenGirls — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:00:00 -0700

In a generation where we are constantly connected to our phones and tablets, solar gadget chargers are on it's way to becoming an essential part of our electronic arsenal. World Solar Corp provides a solution.

WSC is a global importer, exporter, wholesaler and contract manufacturer of solar energy based products. Anything that is powered by solar, WSC takes interest in. Their primary core product lines consist of solar chargers. As a global trader of these product lines it allows WSC to not only offer excellent products that are in demand, but it also allows them to offer products to developing countries that are in tremendous need.

World Solar Corp products are not just for the Eco-minded. From outdoor workers like realtors and contractors to PR agents that need to be constantly connected, benefit from the wireless independence solar chargers bring.

Why work with WSC?

By dealing with WSC you eliminate the middle man and deal with a direct source for all your needs. This saves you time, money, headaches and allows you to focus on what you do best, run your business!

Don't get caught without a charge. Grab your gadget's new best friend.

Join World Solar Corp on Facebook and Twitter to get updates on the latest solar solution.

Contributing Back to the Local Community

MonicaF — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:49:00 -0700

The Local "Slow Money" movement poses a simple thought question for you:

** What would the world be like if we invested 50% of our money within 50 miles of where we live?

** What if there were a new generation of companies that gave away 50% of their profits?

** What if there were 50% more organic matter in our soil 50 years from now?

The movement is working towards establishing food security and more abundant "food sheds" within local communities.

When you purchase your food and it's travelled 3000 or more miles, you pay the additional price of gas, trucking fees, interstate transport, and foreign or far-away workers.

Five steps to consider:

Consider investing in your local economy by supporting a local farmer, artisan, or vendor.
Consider purchasing all your food locally - grown within a 150 mile radius, if possible.
Consider buying organic, natural, sustainable, recycled/upcycled, and artisan/handmade products.
Consider being a part of a food coop, CSA, barter, or sharing economy.
Consider moving all your material possessions through freecycle, Craigslist, or circles of acquaintances: especially items likes toys and games, children's clothes, shoes, or other items that can get a lot of usage.

We can strive towards self-sufficiency and support of our local economies. This year, move away from the Wal-mart and toward the Farmer's Marketplace. Move away from Amazon and toward your artisan jeweler, independent bookstore, or vintage shop. Stop going to the chain restaurant and support the local ethnic restaurant.

We can move the economy towards sanity, productivity, and security - one decision at a time.

Monica S. Flores, web developer at , believes in the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profits. She creates effective, engaging websites for women-owned companies, green businesses, and progressive organizations: her focus is on organic, holistic, fair trade, and sustainable work, and she's committed to Drupal development. Follow her on Twitter as @monicadear. She runs The Greater Equator, a luxury online marketplace of eco-friendly products, and Green Business Women, a directory of green women in business.

#FREE #Business Kindle eBooks! ($200 Value)

GreenGirls — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:28:00 -0700

*** Remember that Kindle eBook prices may change without notice. As of today, the books listed below are FREE. If you don't have the Kindle reading app for your gadget, you can download it here.

Enjoy!

More eBooks!

Building a Business that Lasts

MonicaF — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:03:00 -0700

This post could also be called, Creating an Organization that Lasts Beyond Your Involvement or Building a Company that Continues After You've Retired. The general point is this: Your specific skills, talents, and ability to innovate are only valid for as long as you have the capacity to work in that position.

The minute you decide to retire, phase yourself out, step into a less-intensive role, or cash out, your participation ceases to exist, and you'd better hope that you have procedures and systems in place that allow the company/business/organization to continue on, without your specific involvement.

The six best ways to organize this include:

1) Early on, consider what your exit plan will be.

Envision what will happen to your entrepreneurial venture, your startup business, or your grassroots nonprofit if you are no longer there. What's the exit plan you're anticipating, if any? The "Founder Effect" plays a huge role in startup and micro businesses and can dictate -- positively or negatively --- the entire ethos and "spirit" of this endeavor.

As soon as possible, consider how you might write yourself out of the equation and not become such a "point person" for the company. Consider what you'll need to do to slowly ease yourself out, even if you just started the company. One day you may want to cash out or reduce your hours - what will that look like? Who will be in charge? How will there be accountability? Who will be responsible for making decisions?

2) Clarify and put it in writing.

Develop a mission and vision statement and formally adopt it. Lay out the ideal organizational chart and recruit people to fill those roles. Convert your knowledge into actionable items like policy manuals, questionnaires/forms, or standard operating procedures. Train your people according to your standard. Use video and written manuals as much as possible. When you keep your overall process consistent, it makes it easier for all levels of employees to conform.

3) Find, build, motivate, and strengthen your team.

If you are all alone, consider what will happen if you get "hit by a bus." While macabre, it's a valid scenario. The quicker you recruit good people to fill your key positions, the quicker you can start training them to have a sense of ownership of the company. Cut out the fat and focus on the high performers. The first 8 employees can make or break the company's success.

4) Incorporate.

If you have not yet done so already, consider moving from loose association or sole proprietorship status into a LLC, S-Corporation, 501 ( c ) ( 3), or C-Corporation. LegalZoom.com has some great resources to help you do this. Once you have formal standing as a stand-alone organization through an FEIN number and being registered with your state, you can get articles of incorporation, a mailbox, a bank account, and even a rental space in the name of the organization. No more having to hold all the paper, or sift through the files, on your own. You also can legitimately take on partners or other shareholders to split the work.

5) Get professional advice.

A business coach, attorney or legal team, and financial planner or tax advisor can help you determine the best way to structure your organization for the best benefit to you, your family, and the company itself. Don't go it alone - find people who are willing to help and hire the best you can afford. You'll save time, heartache, and mistakes, and you'll gain a friend who can help your team grow.

6) Expand your knowledge.

Get as much information as possible from your local SCORE, NAWBO, Green Chamber of Commerce, BALLE Chapter, or other mentorship and networking organization. There are two kinds of knowledge: one that you already know, and the other that you need to seek out. By having people available who can help with specific questions, challenges, and issues, you make your long-term and short-term planning much easier. You can choose to be proactive instead of reactive.

Monica S. Flores @monicadear is committed to empowering, educating, and connecting women in business. She is available for consulting on web development through 10K Webdesign.

She offers a free directory of woman-owned green businesses GreenBusinessWomen.com and a member community for success-oriented women ASuccessfulWoman.com.

If you are a sustainble, eco-friendly seller, apply to become a seller at her luxury green online marketplace TheGreaterEquator.com.

6 FREE Business & Finance Kindle eBooks!

GreenGirls — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:49:00 -0700

Enjoy!

Winners Never Cheat: Even in Difficult Times, New and Expanded Edition [Kindle Edition]

Coupon Millionaire

The Rules of Management, Expanded Edition: A Definitive Code for Managerial Success

25 Days to Better Thinking and Better Living: A Guide for Improving Every Aspect of Your Life

Check out more FREE eBooks!

(Video) #EcoTravel - Holiday @ Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers

GreenGirls — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 -0700

We had an amazing time in New York City! Having accommodations in the middle of all the great attractions the city had to offer was a major plus! Thanks to Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, we were able to walk to 90% of the places on our "must see" list during our four-day visit.

We had a chance to sit with Sheraton's Green Team Zoe Cohen, Sheraton's VIP Manager & Claire Cutting, Sheraton's Housekeeping Manager to chat about the hotel's Eco efforts & why people from all over the world flock to NYC during the holidays.

Sheraton Room Attendants bring down their partially used soaps and lotions for donation!

Sheraton Sustainable Employee Cafeteria – NO paper goods! Everything is reusable!

They compost in all their kitchens and banquet areas!

More Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers Sustainability Initiatives

Enhanced Occupant Environment and Comfort

HVAC four-pipe system allows for heating and/or cooling year-round and for existing free-cooling system to be used during winter months
Enhanced temperature controls allow guests to adjust their interior environment
Carpet and tile adhesives and sealants are specified to have low VOC content and emissions
Paints, stains, and coatings are specified to have low VOC content and emissions
Carpet is specified to have low VOC content and emissions
Furniture is specified to have no urea-formaldehyde resin

Food & Beverage Practices

100-mile menu features locally grown selections produced with sustainable farming methods
Kitchen fryer oil sent to off-site recycling facility
Wet kitchen waste sent to composting site
New dishwashing machines use 1/3 the amount of water per usage compared to hotel’s previous machines
On-site water filtration system, linen-less tables, and sustainable products for meetings and events available

Energy Efficiency

Voluntary participation in ConEd’s Energy Curtailment Program
High-efficiency fluorescent lighting installed in guest room corridors reduces energy required for lighting by 50%
LED lighting in EXIT signs and elevator call buttons
Motion-activated sensors in public areas
New hotel equipment is Energy-Star rated
Motion-detection thermostats turn HVAC systems off when guest rooms are not occupied
New insulation on piping reduces energy losses
New high-efficiency fan coils units deliver air using less energy and require less circulating water to lower pump motor energy consumption
Variable-frequency drives on pumps reduce energy required to circulate water
High-zone heating plant reduces distribution piping pressure losses and pump motor energy
Exterior window sealant reduces heat transfer and unconditioned outside air infiltrating through the window
Low-flow shower heads installed in the Suite level guest rooms

Reduction in Carbon Footprint

In-room toiletries diverted from landfill through HotelWrap! and donated to Carlo’s Legacy Charity*
All recyclables separated at off-site MRF plant
Linen re-use and “turn off the lights” programs implemented in guestrooms
Meetings Impact Report available upon request
Concrete areas of hotel steam-cleaned without use of chemicals
Removal of electric heat strips to reduce greenhouse gases produced by heating system
Use of post-consumer office supplies and biodegradable cafeteria products throughout hotel’s back of house

Sheraton New York Bottled Amenity Recycling Program

The Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers has partnered with HotelWrap! to divert guestrooms’ used bottled amenities from landfills. Hotel Wrap! is a non-profit organization that locates agencies that have indigent populations in need of resources and supports them by connecting these agencies with donating hotels. The agencies pick up the donated items from the hotel, including bottles of lotion, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and shaving cream, and distribute them to the homeless.

At the Sheraton New York, we are donating our used guestroom bottled amenities to Carlo’s Legacy Charity. Carlo’s Legacy uses the donated toiletries to help homeless men and women as they develop an independent living plan. Founded by Daniel Lanzillotti in memory of his father and based in Long Island, Carlo’s Legacy provides care to an average of seventy people a day across six houses designated for veterans, victims of domestic violence, and homeless men and women.

Learn more by visiting http://www.sheratonnewyork.com/

(Video) The Living Seed Company shares how to save seeds!

Nancy — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:28:00 -0700

Matthew and Astrid invite you to learn about The Living Seed Company as well as a few steps to get you started with your own seed saving.

For more on Nancy, visit The Living Seed Company

LIVEESP.COM help consumers build a food safe and non toxic lifestyle in the kitchen & on-the-go

GreenGirls — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:00:00 -0700

LiveESP.com is a new and innovative website dedicated to helping people learn about hazardous chemicals, make healthier decisions, and purchase non-toxic products for a safer and chemical-free lifestyle in the kitchen and on-the-go.

Essential Safe Products (ESP) announced today the launch of LiveESP.com, an online resource where consumers can learn about harmful chemicals and shop for food-safe and non-toxic products for a healthier lifestyle.

The goal of LiveESP.com is to be a one-stop, easy and friendly resource for those looking to learn about and lead a non-toxic lifestyle in the kitchen and on-the-go. LiveESP.com has worked hard towards this goal by creating a shopping section of their site where consumers can purchase food safe and non-toxic products including safe cookware and bpa free bottles and a learning section where they can learn about hazardous chemicals and find tips and tricks on how to avoid these harmful toxins.

“We proudly offer kitchen and on-the-go products that are free of BPA, Phthalates, PFCs, and other harmful chemicals to the human body. Before choosing products for liveESP.com, we make sure they are non toxic and free of hazardous chemicals so you don’t have to think twice about whether or not your food and drink are safe! Plus we work diligently to provide you with a wealth of information and tips about hazardous chemicals and how to avoid them,” says Hannah Masimore, President of ESP.

ESP was started by Susan Masimore, a mother of six who has always been dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for her family. When she learned about the dangers of hazardous chemicals in water bottles and kitchen products from a close friend, she immediately began to make non-toxic changes in her home.

“I was out to lunch with one of my girlfriends when the conversation topics switched to our kids and what they were packing for lunch. When she heard I was putting plastic water bottles in their lunchboxes, she looked at me with a concerned look on her face and asked ‘Why?’” explains Susan. “She then began to tell me about the dangers of BPA and other harmful chemicals prevalent in many kitchen and on-the-go products. That’s when I started our kitchen overhaul and knew I wanted to share with others what my friend taught me.”

While learning and looking for safer products, Susan was faced with the challenge of finding a company where she could both learn about hazardous chemicals and purchase non toxic products all on one site. Knowing there must be others out there who are also looking for an easier and more convenient place to learn and shop, Susan decided to take action. After months of hard work and research, https://www.LiveESP.com was born.

“I feel as though everyone wants to be healthy and live a healthy lifestyle but that they just don’t know where to start. I believe changes can start in the kitchen, and that’s the message I hope ESP helps deliver,” says Susan. Hannah emphasizes, “Whether it’s switching to all non-toxic kitchenware and safe cookware or starting with smaller steps by choosing bpa free bottles, we at ESP are here to help.

We want ESP to be a place where people can feel encouraged and excited to make positive changes in their life and the lives of those around them—no matter how big or small those changes may be.”

LiveESP.com’s motto “Live ESP. Learn ESP. Love ESP.” consists of three main concepts that provide a framework for the site:

Live ESP: The “Shop” section of the site is a place for consumers of all ages to purchase food safe and non-toxic kitchenware and on-the-go products. ESP has cookware, bakeware, tableware, food storage, cook’s tools, kitchen accessories, and on-the-go products to help others at any step in their lifestyle changes.
Learn ESP: The “Learn” section of the site is filled with information on harmful chemicals, industry updates, tips and tricks and more valuable information for readers and shoppers as they learn about and make changes towards a healthier lifestyle.
Love ESP: The A Cup of ESP blog, Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place to stay connected with ESP and share with others the love for a healthy and non-toxic lifestyle.

About Live ESP:

LiveESP.com is a website dedicated to encouraging and helping people learn about hazardous chemicals and make healthier decisions for a safer and non-toxic lifestyle in the kitchen and on-the-go. LiveESP.com is a user-friendly and informative site where people can both learn about the dangers of harmful chemicals and purchase products that are non-toxic and human safe. Through ESP, founder Susan Masimore and her oldest daughter Hannah hope to have a positive impact in the lives of others. LiveESP.com was founded in 2011 in Plantation, Florida.

5 NEW FREE Kindle Business eBooks!

GreenGirls — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:29:00 -0700

Enjoy!

Insights from Remarkable Businesspeople Collection

15 FREE Health, Career & Family Kindle Books

GreenGirls — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:43:00 -0700

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7 Free Kindle Business e-Books!

GreenGirls — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:13:00 -0700

Looking for some inspirational reading for your business? Here are 7 FREE business e-books you can grab right now!

Enjoy!

(Video) Fair Trade and the Triple Bottom Line

Bianca — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:42:00 -0700

Watch this episode of Triple Bottom Line as we meet with Scott Leonard, CEO of Indigenous Designs to learn how they are harnessing the power of fair trade exchanges to drive profits and revenues in their fashion business.

Learn more about Bianca at ConsciousLivingTV.com