Archive for Strategy
Resources For New Entrepreneurs
Posted by: | CommentsIf you have always thought about becoming an entrepreneur, or have recently started your own business, there are many resources you can use to help guide you. I have gathered together some of the sites that I visit and that I think are useful for those interested in taking the entrepreneurial route.
Do I have what it takes?
Some fun online tests to help you determine if you’ve got what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur. There are many more tests online, but here are some to get you started:
http://www.liraz.com/webquiz.htm
I’ve got what it takes – what now?
Sites to help you create your business plan and start your business.
http://www.bdc.ca/en/business_tools/business_plan/default.htm
http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/sme/create-plan/business-plans.html (or your local bank might have their own small business section)
http://www.ontario.ca/en/communities/entrepreneurs/index.htm?openNav=businesses
I’ve started my business – what’s next?
Some useful tips on how to grow your business, how to market your company, etc.
http://www.inc.com/growth-strategies
http://www.growingbusiness.co.uk/growth-strategies
Staying informed
Sites that will help keep you knowledgeable about entrepreneurship and other fun facts.
http://www.successmagazine.com/
http://www.forbes.com/forbeswoman/
Now that I’ve provided you with some links, you should be able to browse and visit sites everyday that will help motivate, support and push you to become a successful new business owner. Feel free to share some with me – there is a wealth of information out there for entrepreneurs, especially women, so spread the word and let’s get to work ladies!
What are you worth? The cost of branding you.
Posted by: | Comments“The cost of doing business” speaks for itself. You have to put money out to make money; feed the investment so that it grows becoming lucrative and prosperous. A fundamental basic that business leaders process regularly, right? Absolutely!
Why then do many business professionals treat themselves and their own career marketing tools with substandard expectations? As a career strategist and resume writer, pricing of services is one of the top #3 questions asked of clients. Certainly understandable and always welcome!
If you are willing to spend money on high end clothing, hair salon upkeep or high end handbags, perhaps you may want to redistribute where you are investing your hard earned dollars. Are you buying into someone else’s brand or are you taking care of your own?
While most professionals realize the time, complexity and strategic writing that goes into developing a solid and effective marketing tool, there are always a few folks who see their resumes as a typeset piece of paper tracking the basics of their work history asking, “Why does it cost so much”?
Top 5 Reasons Professionally Written Resumes Cost Money
You are paying for a customized marketing tool reflecting your most important commodity…YOU. Customized, one-on-one marketing takes time and a specialized set of skills from a writer who has the ability to dig deep into extracting your key skills and accomplishments.
- A behavioral based trained professional writer has a unique skill set in individualizing and interpreting your core competencies in writing. This takes credentialed training and years of practice which is more than just being a technical writer.
- Strategic writing and appropriately targeting a clients goal is factored into a professionally written resume. When I am asked to write a general resume, I educate potential clients that this is not a service that I offer. A general resume is as useful as trying to catch a variety of fish using one type of bait.
- Researching industry trends, verbiage and current job marketing opportunities takes time. Behind the scenes, a top notch resume writer is busy collaborating with industry peers, researching web sites and bringing forward new information to support the needs of the client.
- Credentials cost money. Most writers have a varied assortment of credentials, education and training to support their writing. For a writer who is continuing to learn, refine skills, seek out new credentials and advanced exposure to global assessment programs, know that the cost of doing business will be aligned according to skills being offered.
Lesson: Invest in your professional brand by having the appropriate tools. If you are going to drive a fancy car, wear high end heels or expensive jeans, become truly authentic and coveted by having a top notch resume in your tool kit.
A Sweet Song of Success
Posted by: | CommentsI’ve never been one to rush into new technology…probably my age or the fact that too much technology requires thinking logically. I’m an artist and by nature thinking analytically and logically isn’t my default. So I must report that I’m new to the iPod. What I have is the iPod Nano, a purple one, and I must admit I’m amazed at the sound that comes out this bitty thing. I bought one of those little amplifier things for the iPod Nano, a miniMove Boombox – and I got a pink one because you’re never too old for pink!
What’s taken me awhile to figure out, however, is how to use the iTunes store. I know that millions of people buy and download music, tv show, movies and more at iTunes, but for this old gal, it’s not intuitive. I got in the mood yesterday for the music of my younger years, Simon and Garfunkle and Heart. I made the purchase but then had a difficult time figuring out how to do the download and syncing…as I said, not intuitive. Probably logical.
So what does all this have to do with business and my title of “A Sweet Song of Success?” For any size business, from the tiny solo-preneur to the mega conglomerate, success is a matter of tonality. Of chords that make sense and lyrics that speak true.
The iPod is a successful product for the Apple company because it provides (1) exceptional sound, (2) multi-functionality – you can listen to music, you can listen to books and podcasts, and you can view tv shows and movies, (3) portablity, (4) variety of options – everything from color to features, (5) accessories to tailor its use for the consumer and (6) value for pricing. There are other provisions but these are good ones for any product. Measure your product:
- Is your product exceptional? Is it constructed well? Will it hold up under ordinary useage? Is it easy to use? Does the paint chip? Will it sun fade? What is the shelf life? If you have competitors who make something very similar, what is different about yours?
- Is your product a “do only one thing” product [nothing wrong with that] or does it have more than one function? Multi-functionality can offset a product that generally is a one-time purchase rather than a repeat purchase item.
- Can your product be used in more than one location? Is it easily transportable?
- Does your product have options? Does it come in various sizes, colors or flavors? Can you do more than one thing with it?
- Can the consumer purchase add-ons to extend the use and functionality of your product?
- Is your product priced competitively? Do you believe your customers receive equal or greater value for the price charged for your product? Do you offer any added value?
Interestingly, my iPod doesn’t replace anything – I have not gotten rid of our cd player…it has its place. But I am enjoying both the small size of the iPod and, because of its size, the many ways and places I can use it.
As for my mention of the musicians, Simon and Garfunkle and Heart, they are proof that some “products” retain their “flavor” long after they are first produced. How sweet is the success of having a product that retains a marketshare for decades.
Work for a Jerk?
Posted by: | CommentsAt one point or another, we have all worked for a jerk. Trending analysis, client feedback and underground communication clearly indicate that mismanaged employees and boundary violations are on the rise. Managing through tough times and poor leaders is often time more difficult than the work itself. Poor leadership can range from an immediate supervisor to poor HR leadership. Noone is exempt.
Taking charge of your career and disengaging from negative forces, including a jerk of a boss is within your reach. As a Career Strategist with an organic and practiced track record of problem solving, I am focusing this weeks blog on the employee relations aspect of managing poor leadership, self preservation and maintaining your sanity.
5 Strategies to Activate NOW
#1 Document…Document…Document
Venting is short lived whereas documenting is soothing, has long range positive effects and will set you up for a chronicle of events if you need to take legal action.. Hand write your discontent in a strategy journal. This is a journal specifically dedicated to you, your work, your accomplishments and your discontent. Keep it is a safe place and use it daily. Date, time stamp and openly journal details of what is occurring. Always be sure to credit yourself for one or two accomplishments per writing. When leadership is lacking, you need to start truly leading yourself. This means crediting your daily accomplishments and cheering for yourself!
#2 Keep the Personal Out of Professional
Remind yourself that you accepted your position to offer professional skills in lieu of pay. That is it! Nothing more! While it is a bonus if you make a friend or two in the workplace, your primary focus must be on your skills and honing them. If you have a jerk as a boss or a leader who leads you to feel uncomfortable, steer clear. You are under no obligation to take part. If you think you can out maneuver the person…perhaps you can but you will be far better served if you develop a strategy focusing on your accomplishments and becoming successful than trying to “play the game”.
#3 Remove Fear from your Vocabulary
There is a reason the famous quote “there is nothing to fear but fear itself” has stood the test of time. Use it. Get out from behind your fears and exercise your courage. This does not mean randomly acting out, but rather, put a plan in place on making your move to either sustain the existing workplace dysfunction OR exit the company. Planning your work and working your plan is powerful. Have dedicated hobbies outside of work. This will give you something positive and productive to look forward to and feed your focus on you.
#4 Stop living above your means NOW
If you cannot quit your job due to financial restraints, start cutting back on your luxury spending and live beneath your means. Start paying yourself first by banking as much as you can. Make a game out of stashing away extra money. You will gain power over yourself which will bring a heightened sense of confidence into the workplace. Your boss may be curious about seeing a change in your however, never needs to know why the change. Remember Rule #2??? Keep personal to yourself.
#5 Take Action.
If you have been spoken to inappropriately, asked to divulge personal information, felt emotionally violated to the point of crying or coerced to conform in what may be perceived as a borderline “touchy feely, cultish” environment, stand your ground and exercise your voice. The EEOC is always available to file charges especially if on the job allegations are not being dealt with. Environmental harassment is NEVER ok. Once you speak up, you are protected by the law from any further wrongdoing. Get Moving!
For more information: www.eeoc.gov.
Thinking Long-Term
Posted by: | CommentsPost by Veronica Eyenga, contributing Women On Business writer
Business can change instantly and, in today’s economy, it is extremely important that you’re prepared for anything. However, not all business takes place in the here and now, looking toward the future counts for something too. Preparedness for the long-term is an ever increasing trend among business leaders.
So, how can you begin to adopt a more far-sighted philosophy in your business?
Believe in innovation.
These days, consumers are seeking cheaper, more cost effective solutions. Because of this, companies must rise to the challenge with a constant flow of innovative, value-centric offerings.
Look at emerging economies.
Emerging markets, like China, are already growing by leaps and bounds. Studying, and employing, the methods making them successful may boost your business in the long run.
Do good in your community.
Companies that give back to their communities and cooperatively work to build a better world are steadily gaining market share.
Instead of focusing solely on the short term, it’s time for business leaders to start looking toward the future and creating a business climate that works for the long-term.
What steps have you taken to start focusing on the long-term?
