Post by Monica Flores, contributing Women on Business writer I started my first website in 1999, when I was a contributing member of The Odyssey World Trek for Service and Education http://www.worldtrek.org. This is a "blog"-type site, where my teammates and I travelled to 30+ countries and did "posts" with audio, video, and stories of people working on different social … [Read more...]
Networking to Land Contracts
Work is love made visible. - Kahlil Gibran As I get more experienced in my work, I'm seeing the value of dominating a "niche" service. What is niche? Niche is what you do absolutely the best. For example, there may be 100 restaurants in a 5-square block area in New York City, but there's only one, original and best falafel place. What are you the best at? What is … [Read more...]
Twenty Tips for using Twitter
You've either just started your Twitter account or you're thinking about taking the plunge for your business. You might have been reading about the incredible ability of the Search function on Twitter to find real-time, individual conversations about the keywords that you're passionate about: search.twitter.com. For this tool, along with all others, consider: what are you … [Read more...]
Managing and Protecting your Online Identity
These days your Google search results are your resume (or so some would have you believe). I use Gravatar to add a photo near my comments, and I keep my online profile up-to-date on most of the channels Claimid.com/monicadear. Here are ten steps to managing your online identity and protecting your personal and professional identity, reputation, credit score, and bank … [Read more...]
Creating Systems to add Value to your Customers
I heard the good news yesterday that a friend and her husband's company is in the midst of a $600 million buyout. Over the years I've seen how they have navigated through major challenges in what their products are, how they capture consumer interest, their market share, and their distribution channels, and I'm inspired (and at the same time amazed and a little awed by) their … [Read more...]
8 Steps to Setting up a Web Presence for under $150
One of the ads in my Facebook feed said that 16 of the 30 companies in the current Dow Jones were started in a recession. Ladies, let's get to work! And don't let the lack of funds deter you! I detail below 8 steps to setting up your own web presence for low to no budget. There is no reason for you to delay on getting your website up. Just get started! Just do it! If it's a … [Read more...]
Using your Website to Process 5 Basic Business Functions
As entrepreneurs, we're always thinking of the next Big Thing and what we may do in the meantime to create a system and process to handle the work generated in our businesses. For many of you, this will mean using your website to handle basic business functions. Here are some ideas for how to implement your process on your website and to use the site to do the work that … [Read more...]
Why it’s Important to Be Specific
I'm in my fifth year of business, which I've heard is a milestone-- if we've made it this far, we must be doing something right. One recurring instance that I've found --in my humble experience-- to be a deal shaper is the skill involved in hiring the right person to do the specific job. Do not hire a plumber to do electrical repair. Do not hire a photographer to do web … [Read more...]
The Big Picture: Thinking Smarter, not Working Harder
In today's economy, many of us in business demonstrate hope and look forward to the opportunities that the market will bring. In a downturn, we remember that people still need to purchase products and services; however, many people will be looking for added value to their purchase. Now is an excellent time to differentiate yourself and your business. Now is also an excellent … [Read more...]