I doubt I’m alone in my upcoming “ranting”, my question is, does anyone actually read a blog post before they take the time to comment anymore?

It seems over the last couple of months I have received an average of 40 comments per day, which only about 2 are relevant to the blog topic!  Don’t get me wrong….. I absolutely LOVE the fact that people even take the time to come to my site to see what may be new, and I truly enjoy receiving comments (good or bad).  It helps me determine what information my readers have enjoyed and what additional information I can provide.  But when someone just comments to gain links, and the discussions are irrelevant, that’s just not right.

Maybe more people should read the Blogging Code of Ethics written by Seth Goldstein.  I agree with all he outlines, but would add that one should actually read a post before commenting, and be sure you’re either responding with a constructive reply, a response to the topic to begin a discussion, or value added content on the subject.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

Until next time, J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

So you have a business idea.  In fact you have more than an idea, you have a business model and plan thought through, researched and documented.  Now you are brainstorming that perfect name for your new business.  Here are a few considerations while you go through the process:

1.  Write your mission statement. As you get really clear on what service or product you will deliver, it will be easier to concentrate on a name.  Then you have even more options to explore.

2.  You can use your own name as your business name, but the downside of that is it will always be linked to a real person.  But then it’s worked for people like Trump and Oprah!  Generally, you need to have a following or a fan base.

3.  If you really want to be identified with the company, choose a business name and then become the “official” spokesperson.  This is especially suited when a company name represents a product or service that “registers” with the public before your personal name does.

4.  You can also use a descriptive company name such as ETrade or ToysRUs.

Regardless of the type of name you decide to pursue, it should reflect what your product or service is – either in the actual business name (title), or in your tagline.  Have some fun while you’re at it!

Let us know how you came up with your business name?  Were there any particular steps you can share?

Until next time,  J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

This weeks ABC is R for RSS or Really Simple Syndication, (originally Rich Site Summary).  RSS is everything its name suggests and more!  It has changed the way we exchange information online and now pushes data to users based on their settings. RSS also works in the PUSH mode rather than the traditional PULL mode. RSS feeds are XML files which can be displayed on to other web sites (as a newsfeed) quite easily.  There are numerous websites and blogs that allow you to subscribe to their RSS feed, so you can receive updates whenever a new post has been made.  This also allows a business to stay in touch with their customers regularly and automatically.

Come back again for more ABC’s of Online Marketing!

I came across this fantastic article by Liz Pullman Weston, and wanted to share it…..

“If you lose your job in your 50s, you may have a tough time finding a new one — and that’s a game changer if you had planned to work (and save) for a few more years.”

“Carol Friery thought she was doing everything right. The warehouse manager loyally stuck with the same company for 17 years, contributing 10% of her income to her 401k and avoiding credit card debt.

Then the company announced it was closing the Rhode Island warehouse where she worked, and Friery was laid off at age 58. Now, after 18 months of fruitless job searching, Friery believes she’s involuntarily retired.

“I’ve applied anywhere and everywhere,” said Friery, who lives in Somerset, Mass. “I’ve applied in my field and out of my field. . . . I thought I was doing OK with retirement planning and savings, but I didn’t expect this.”

Americans increasingly are working longer, but Friery is part of a significant countertrend: older Americans who lose their jobs and can’t find replacements, forcing them into early retirement.

The unemployment statistics are grim for those over 55. The typical duration of joblessness is nearly 30% longer than for younger workers, and half of those who lose their jobs are still looking for work six months later.”   Read the balance of the article here…..

All the more reason to work for yourself.  If you haven’t been, then start now.  Even if only part time to supplement your income.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

Until next time,  J.

Here’s the continuation (Part 2 of 2) of how to assess your skill set and whether you are best as an entrepreneur or as an employee…..

You will need an Understanding of Basic Technology or the basic understanding of the process of producing goods and services is a necessary skill. Combined with creative thinking skills entrepreneurs will then have the ability to use that information with purpose and develop a business concept that motivates them.

Lastly, an obvious skill is Basic Accounting and the Ability to Make Financial Decisions. No matter how much you hate it, working with numbers is going to be part of the whole “taking responsibility thing.” Entrepreneurs definitely need to know how to track numbers and then use that information to evaluate the direction their company will move in. If there is a lack of basic accounting knowledge, consider enrolling in some none credit college classes, continuing education classes or, better yet, locate a self-study course. But this is one area that cannot be compromised. It is essential if a reasonable amount of success is to be attained.

Evaluate Your Skills – 10 Questions

1.    Are you able to motivate yourself? Yes      No
2.    Do you like dealing with people? Yes      No
3.    Are you a leader? Yes      No
4.    Are you a “take charge” person? Yes      No
5.    Are you organized? Yes      No
6.    Do you have “stick-to-it”tiveness? Yes      No
7.    Can you make decision without hesitancy? Yes      No
8.    Are you a hard worker? Yes      No
9.    Do you tend to keep good records? Yes      No
10.    Are you trustworthy? Yes      No

Your Score and What They Mean

If you scored “Yes” for at least eight to ten questions, congratulations! You are considered predisposed to running your own business! Get started immediately.

If you scored “Yes” for five to seven questions, then you have some qualities but you must develop a stronger skill set in areas that resulted in  “No” answers.

If you scored “Yes” for less then five questions, don’t consider trying your hand at being an entrepreneur. At least not just yet. It’s just not in you. And don’t consider quitting your job anytime soon, after all, there is nothing wrong with working for someone else. In the meantime, work on your weaknesses if the ‘drive’ is still there and reevaluate in the future.

For those that scored “Yes” for five to ten questions, seriously consider what opportunities present themselves as a possible business model. Once this is established then reach for the stars, pursue your dreams, set goals and achieve them!

After taking this step you will never want to turn back. You will soon reap the rewards of being an entrepreneur and begin to visualize a world of possibilities and opportunities that you may have never dreamed of before. And by using your creative thinking these will be limitless. So enjoy being an entrepreneur!

Until next time,  J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

This is truly the age of the entrepreneur. (Part 1 of 2) Today there any number of businesses that can be launched with little or no capital. With high-speed Internet access available just about anywhere, more and more home and Internet businesses are springing up. We often hear about highly successful endeavors that spark our internal entrepreneurial spirit. But don’t be too anxious. Do you have skills indiginous to entrepreneurial endeavors. The first step is to make an assessment your skills to identify if you are truly an entrepreneur or better off being an employee!

Numerous studies have been conducted to show that there are crucial differences in the mindsets of entrepreneurs and employees and many claim to have identified a set of common traits and characteristics present in entrepreneurs. Others have focused entirely on characteristics found only in successful entrepreneurs, excluding those who have failed.

Regardless of success or failure, overall, there are common traits present that distinguish entrepreneurs in general from employees. In general these common traits are thought to predispose a person to taking on the challenge of launching their own business. Following are skills commonly accepted.

The Ability To Tell It Like It Is – Although very different in lifestyles, political and religious affiliations, and perspectives on life, those predisposed to entrepreneur-ism are very different in one particular area. Studies have consistently shown that these individuals are much more likely to possess strong opinions and and express those without hesitation. It is the ability that allows them to face challenges despite naysayers.

“I Need To Succeed!” – Channeling these feeling into something positive is a great asset. For instance, these individuals can use that strength to develop a healthy “Need for Achievement”. Psychologists use this term to represent motivation. This “Need for Achievement” is essential if you are to succeed. Starting a new business is always challenging and risky, but the “Need for Achievement” will get you past these initial obstacle and help you not obsess excessively. Instead you will be capable of visualizing ways to take advantage of the things you can control.

Creativity and Analytical Thinking Skills are imperative. All entrepreneurs need to recognize and take ownership of opportunities in their life. This requires creative thinking on your part. If you have very little experience, education or capital you won’t let these hinder you. You will see the possibilities. For instance, an individual will recognize and consider a variety of Internet-based or
Home-based business models. Or explore freelancing work or consulting services related to the profession they that possess experience in or that is related to a lifelong hobby.

Willingness To Take Responsibility is one of the most important skills. Entrepreneurs must be willing to face the fact that they must take responsibility for their life… not someone else. This means avoiding the “blame game” as if it were the plague.

All entrepreneurs need to possess Great Communications and Social Skills or emotional stability and the ability to communicate through verbal and written words. This is necessary if you are to thoroughly understand your clients or customers. You must be able to comfortably converse any variety of people since selling in any form requires little bit of psychology and a lot of personality. This goes hand-in-hand with developing and maintaining personal relationships through cooperation and tactfulness for great customer service.

Come back to see what Part 2 discusses, including  10 questions to evaluate your skills!

Until next time, J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

I have recently been introduced to Basecamphq.com, and as a project manager who has used a variety of tools, I’ve got to tell you – I LOVE this site, so wanted to share it with you!  (No it’s not a typo – the “hq” does belong.)

If you are working with a team and particularly if you’re collaborating with a team remotely, this is probably one of the easiest systems I’ve seen to stay connected and keep everyone in the loop without getting buried in emails.  I was thrilled when one of the web design teams I’m working with asked me to submit all of my project tasks to them using this site.

Here are some of the basic features on the dashboard:

• An overview of the entire project that you can sort by who is responsible for a task
• A message board, so your questions don’t get stuck under a pile
• To-Do section that you actually enter your project scope in – high level down to specific task detail
• Set up milestones to keep everyone on track with knowing the expectations
• You can set up notifications to be sent to you or anyone on your team when changes/updates have been made to the project
• Web based and can be accessed from anywhere

Although the site is fairly “intuitive”, it does have some great tutorials as well.  Check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

Last month in my newsletter I mentioned that spring is when I regroup, which includes looking at updating business plans and revising business models.  I also heard from some of my subscribers that are doing the same.  I heard from a few who want to start a new business of their own but are stuck on how to choose a good name.  If you fall in that category, here’s a couple of points to consider at this juncture:

• The name you choose should be meaningful
• Think of future placement and use
• Is the name you choose “protectable” and the domain available?
• Choose a name that has an optimistic feel to it
• Be thinking about your logo at the same time – does the company name lend itself to a graphic format?

This is just one small piece of starting a business of your own, but thinking of how you want to brand your company and/or yourself up front will minimize the backtracking, and costs associated with doing so.

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

Whether you have a brick and mortar business or do all of your business online – I bet you’re always looking for new and creative ways to generate leads.  Check out this video by Seth Stevenson.  He shows and explains how he tested a new lead generation method.

If you took the time to really focus on a target market, rather than doing a general ad like Seth did (of course it was just a test), you could be on to something really big!

Check it out and then leave a comment about what you thought about it…..

If every time you turn around there’s a new technology, a new sales tool, a new program ~ and you just don’t have time to take it all in and digest it ~ you don’t want to miss this!

Really ~ check out how to eliminate information overload once and for all by visiting:  EasyMarketingInfo.com

One of the industries best has outdone himself.  Save time and money by checking this out….you might find that time to play an extra round of golf, or go on a road trip!

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”