by Michelle Shaeffer

Picture yourself driving down the road in your car. You’ve got so many things to focus on at once. Kids in your car. Other drivers on the road. Your rear view mirror. Your side view mirrors. The speedometer, the gas gauge, the check engine light. The traffic lights. Road signs. Your destination. If you’re unfamiliar with the territory you’ve got to get in the right lane for the right exit. Feeling anxious at the thoughts? For most of us, driving is not a stressful experience. We’ve learned to juggle everything that needs our attention so we can successfully and safely drive our cars from point A to point B.

Running your business is a little like driving a car. At times it might seem hectic and overwhelming, especially for new business owners, but just give yourself some time and you’ll find your groove. Once you get your systems down it gets easier. Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Shaeffer

One of the keys to success in business is to know what your customers want, so you can deliver it.  But unless you’ve perfected your Vulcan mind meld skills, the chances are good you could use a bit of help figuring out just what it is that your customers want.

What’s the easiest way to do that?  Ask them!

Here are the four simple steps to follow to create an effective customer survey.

1) Figure Out Your Goals
What are your goals in surveying customers?  If you’re a crafter or seamstress, you might be focused on finding out which products and sizes are most popular, which seasons people are interested in different items, or what other items customers might like.  If you’re a coach or consultant, you might want feedback on a new program you’re considering.  If you ask customers about the content, title, and format before you put all that time into creating your program, you’ll be able to better deliver help to your clients and get better results. Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Shaeffer

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

- Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

One of my personal challenges is that I’m not one of those naturally outspoken people. It’s part personality and part learned habits (nice girls sit quietly… the whole be seen and not heard mentality). Takes some work to break out of that thought pattern, but it’s worth it if you’ve got goals to reach.

There’s nothing wrong with a calm quietness or reserved dignity, of course! But sitting quietly and never expressing our opinions or sharing our thoughts certainly won’t help us build our businesses, change the world, or make history.

Are you afraid you might say the wrong thing, look silly, or get something incorrect? The more you speak out, the more likely it is that you will at some point. And that’s the perfect time for the polite manners to come out and allow you to gracefully learn. Don’t worry about it so much. It won’t be the end of the world. You might even surprise yourself with the confidence you find in what you know when you start speaking up more. You probably know more that can help and encourage others than you think you do.

Ready to speak your mind? Great! Here are some tips on how to build your brand and reputation through your online interactions, including blog commenting and social networking. Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Shaeffer

Do you think about growing and promoting your business, but stop yourself with the thought that you’ve got to get just *one* more thing into place before you can do that? One more little thing you want to get perfect on that website before you start giving out the URL and going after business?

Either get it done or just go with it the way it is! Your business, your products, your services, your website will constantly change and evolve–and may never be quite “perfect” to the standards in your head, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t ready to get out there and help people and serve them with your expertise or products.

I’ve got little post-it sticky notes all over my file cabinet and bulletin board with inspirational/motivational quotes and one of them is “Done is better than perfect” (Scott Allen).

Perfect would be great but no matter how many times we go over something, a typo may slip through. One typo doesn’t spell disaster for an otherwise fantastic product or ebook. If that graphic on your website isn’t positioned *exactly* perfect or you might want to try a different font in your logo, don’t let that stop you from launching your online presence. Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Shaeffer

We know it’s important to keep learning and growing, but how in the world are we supposed to fit time for that into an already too busy day as work at home moms?

My secret? “Smart” Multitasking. In general, multitasking isn’t a good idea. But in some situations it’s brilliant!

For example, you can listen to audio books or teleclasses on your iPod while you exercise, or read (if your exercise of choice allows for it safely). I read while I use my elliptical machine or listen to audio while I do yoga. If I’m following an exercise DVD I turn off the sound and listen to audio learning on my iPod instead. In 4 days of 30 minute workout sessions I’m already halfway through the new edition of Four Hour Workweek. At this rate, I can read about one business book a week without spending any “extra” time reading. Since I’m already exercising, the time is doing twice as much for me.

You can also listen to audio learning on a CD player in the background while you play board games with children, cook dinner, or clean the house. It’s an easy way to use time more effectively. Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Shaeffer

If you’re reading this article file under Entrepreneurialism, I think it’s safe to assume you’ve got a small business, correct? (And small doesn’t refer to how many items you sell or your revenue, just that you’re either a solopreneur or a business with just a few employees.) Why are you in business? Do you love what you deliver to your clients – service or product? Do you rock at it? Do your potential clients know that?
You’ve got to tell people you’re great at what you do!

Easy for me to say, right? Many of us, especially women, have a hard time expressing that we know we’re really good at what we do. But we’ve got to find a way to express that to our potential clients if we want them to feel secure in hiring us or purchasing products from us.

So, what’s a business building gal to do? Work on it. Write out a list of what you’re best at, and practice reading it in front of the mirror: “I am great at…” or “I do a fantastic job creating…” Get used to acknowledging your talents! It’s okay to do. Really.

While you’re working on it, here are two easier ways to communicate your expertise and value to the potential clients you come in contact with. Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Shaeffer

Picture yourself driving down the road in your car. You’ve got so many things to focus on at once. Kids in your car. Other drivers on the road. Your rear view mirror. Your side view mirrors. The speedometer, the gas gauge, the check engine light. The traffic lights. Road signs. Your destination. If you’re unfamiliar with the territory you’ve got to get in the right lane for the right exit. Feeling anxious at the thoughts? For most of us, driving is not a stressful experience. We’ve learned to juggle everything that needs our attention so we can successfully and safely drive our cars from point A to point B.

Running your business is a little like driving a car. At times it might seem hectic and overwhelming, especially for new business owners, but just give yourself some time and you’ll find your groove. Once you get your systems down it gets easier.

Let’s take this little car metaphor and apply it to your business focus. There are twelve “focus checkers” listed below.

Where did you begin your journey?

Take a few moments to remember where you began. When did you start your business? Why did you start your business? What was your dream? Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Shaeffer

Do you have support to help you manage running your small business while caring for your home and family? You’ll notice many super heroes have sidekicks. No one thinks of Batman as less than a hero when when Robin helps out or Alfred takes care of his mansion. It’s okay to get help from a spouse, friend, coach, virtual assistant, maid, children, mother’s helper or all of the above plus more.

Here are some ways you can get support and help to save you time. Be creative and you’ll find that support can make your life easier without being expensive.

Menu Planning: Do you plan menus? If you have an older child who enjoys cooking or planning, ask them to help. Or put a suggestion box in your kitchen and let everyone contribute ideas. Then it’s easier to come up with your weekly/monthly menu to save time. You might also consider a service like Saving Dinner where menus are mailed to you weekly (I subscribe to this).

House Cleaning: You don’t have to do of the 100% cleaning yourself, Moms! Even little ones can help with a few chores. Create a chore chart and hang it on your fridge, then reward help. Chart Jungle has some nice ones. Maybe it’s time to consider a maid now and then. You can check with a professional service or find a friend with a teen looking for some extra pocket cash (if you go the teen route, it helps to have clearly defined checklists of what needs done). Whether it’s once a week or once a month it may free you up to get more focused work completed. Read the rest of this entry »

by Michelle Shaeffer

Picture yourself driving down the road in your car. You’ve got so many things to focus on at once. Kids in your car. Other drivers on the road. Your rear view mirror. Your side view mirrors. The speedometer, the gas gauge, the check engine light. The traffic lights. Road signs. Your destination. If you’re unfamiliar with the territory you’ve got to get in the right lane for the right exit. Feeling anxious at the thoughts? For most of us, driving is not a stressful experience. We’ve learned to juggle everything that needs our attention so we can successfully and safely drive our cars from point A to point B.

Running your business is a little like driving a car. At times it might seem hectic and overwhelming, especially for new business owners, but just give yourself some time and you’ll find your groove. Once you get your systems down it gets easier.

Let’s take this little car metaphor and apply it to your business focus. There are twelve “focus checkers” listed below.

Where did you begin your journey?

Take a few moments to remember where you began. When did you start your business? Why did you start your business? What was your dream?

What are you driving in? Got your bumper stickers?

The car we drive makes a statement. So must our businesses! Your business has got to have it’s brand. It should be recognizable and plastered everywhere. Bumper stickers, door magnets, window clings. Build your brand and then surround yourself with it. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Michelle Shaeffer

Whether it’s print ads in the newspaper or the matching programs online, personal ads are a popular way to find a person to share your life with.

A personal ad is designed to be a short, attention grabbing description of who you are and what you’re looking for. To work well, they’ve got to be honest and to the point.

Most start with a few key facts about the seeker (relationship status, ethnicity, gender, age, location) and who they’re seeking (relationship status, ethnicity, gender, age, location). Throw in some details about interests, hobbies, or general life experiences. State any specifics about who you definitely aren’t interested in. Add your contact information. You’ve got yourself a personal ad.

Just like a personal ad express who you are and who you’re looking for, your marketing should help you do the same. Not everyone is your ideal target. You’re not the ideal business to serve everyone. Acknowledge that, and you’ll be a step ahead on your marketing. It’s important to know who you *aren’t* looking for, as well as who you *are* looking for.

Now, It’s time to write a personal ad for your business!

1) Describe Your Business. Who is your business? What does your business offer? In 1 or 2 sentences describe what service you provide or products you sell. Read the rest of this entry »