As 78 million American baby boomers begin to move into their retirement years, they are redefining what retirement means. For many, it doesn't mean they've stopped working, but rather that they are exercising more choice over how they work. According to a 2009 survey, some 75 percent of people who chose to engage in some form of work found the work satisfying, and in four out … [Read more...]
Internet Services Help Moms Become Stay-at-Home Entrepreneurs
It was only a matter of time before creative moms discovered a way to have it all: family time, an income, and an outlet for expressing their talents. The Internet has given scores of stay-at-home moms access to a vast virtual marketplace. By taking advantage of e-commerce and other home business solutions, moms can launch successful businesses on their own terms. More and … [Read more...]
Ten Tips to Earn Stimulus Money Contracts
Federal dollars from the stimulus package are slowly making their way to state and local governments, which will award contracts for all kinds of goods and services with this money. Money that was formerly spent in the for-profit sector is now being spent by government entities. If your business is not prepared to tap into this fertile source of contracts, it is time to … [Read more...]
Five Sure-Fire Ways to Irritate Your Prospects
I am a hot weather person—can’t tolerate cold, or even chilly, and love hot whether it’s dry or steamy. Yet every summer, when the outdoor temperature finally gets comfortable for me, I have to deal with the battle of the air conditioners. Yesterday I walked to lunch in gorgeous weather for mid-summer—82 degrees, slight breeze—from my perspective it was perfect. The … [Read more...]
Has Email Marketing Become Obsolete?
Even though we are bombarded with thousands of emails per week, email marketing has not become obsolete. In fact, email marketing is one of the most effective ways to stay in touch with existing customers as well as attract new customers if it used correctly. However, many business owners waste countless hours putting together email marketing campaigns with weak copy, bad … [Read more...]
Use Your Web of Influence
Years ago, I went through a training program on customer retention that emphasized the importance of identifying a web of influence within a client account. The web of influence not only included that main contact or champion, but other individuals within the company that could "influence" your success. Having more than one contact is of utmost importance to maintain stability … [Read more...]
About Competition and Sales
On June 4th, I hosted the Whale Hunting Women Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event provided inspiration, motivation, and direction for the more than 165 women who attended. As part of my own presentation to the audience, I talked about what I see as the movement from a culture of competition (a 20th century idea) to a culture of collaboration (a 21st century idea.) I … [Read more...]
4 Great Women Bloggers
I've been on my "virtual blog tour" for one month now. This is an activity in which on every business day, a blogger or radio host invites me to be interviewed or contribute a guest post. Several hosts have invited me to be "present" in their blog space for several days. The purpose of my tour is to promote my new book Whale Hunting Women, and Nikki Leigh of Promo 101 is … [Read more...]
Fear of Failure
Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish. ~ Ovid What great wisdom from a Roman poet. But how often are we willing to take risks and take chances. It's pretty scary, right? Have you thought about what your business would look like if you had NO fear of failure and rejection? Fear is such a powerful … [Read more...]
Sales Lessons from the WNBA
Just about one year ago I personally “discovered” the WNBA—the Women’s National Basketball Association—as embodied by my local team the Indiana Fever. I say “discovered” tongue in cheek, because the Fever celebrate their tenth season this year, so I can’t claim to have been out in front on noticing them or attending to the powerfully good sports entertainment they … [Read more...]