One of the reasons using social media can be challenging for small business owners is because it is often difficult to quantify the return on social media investment. For example, if you invest a certain amount of time and/or money on social media outreach, how do you assess whether it was a good investment of…
These words never cease to move me. “I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. … I’m not worried about anything, I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of…
Last Saturday, I celebrated my 10th year as the leader of the Indie Business Network, a trade organization serving small manufacturers of soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, candles, confectionery items and other health, beauty and lifestyle products. I am thoroughly enjoying serving my members, and I look forward to the next decade and beyond.Unfortunately, too many small…
In just a few days, I will celebrate 10 years of leading the Indie Beauty Network and serving the most innovative, creative and tenacious small and independent business owners in the world. I’m celebrating a few days early because today, for the first time, an IBN member has renewed her membership for the tenth year…
One of the first things I did when I launched IBN in 2000 was create a branded logo so members could easily share their IBN affiliation with customers, stockists and other stakeholders. As the leader of a nationwide trade organization, I have always felt that it is important to provide business member leaders with an…
Many small business owners conclude that Twitter is a waste of time without devoting a legitimate amount of time to learning how to use it to discover its potential value when applied to their unique situation. I recently read this post at ReadWriteWeb. It summarizes the results of a study (of sorts) on the value…
I enjoy working in a family business. After spending so many years fighting rush hour traffic and toiling away in the corporate jungles of Washington, DC, I am thankful for my lifestyle. I don’t have to jump through administrative hoops to take my children to the pediatrician’s office. I have more control over how my…
UPDATE: 1/29/10: While this is an informative post, I discovered that it is against FaceBook’s Terms Of Service to have more than one FaceBook account, so I deleted the personal account. Last September, I shared my new FaceBook social networking strategy, designed to help me stay connected to business colleagues and friends, as well as…
Blogging has enhanced my life in numerous ways. I love sharing my ideas and experiences at the same time as I chronicle my growth as a woman and a business leader. But even more than that, this blog is a great way to meet and connect with the wonderful people (you!!) who take time from…
As I prepare to celebrate my 10th anniversary in business, I am keenly aware of the many mistakes I have made, and of what I have learned from them. I’ve made more than 99 mistakes over the past 10 years, and each one has equipped me to meet new challenges and given me the experience…
I am not into New Year’s Resolutions because they are not profitable for me. Since I set, adjust, achieve and abandon goals for a variety of reasons all year long, setting new resolutions on January 1 seems sort of anti-climactic. But I do like the idea of selecting a “ThemeWord” that encompasses the notion that…
I have been thinking about the goals I set earlier this year, both the ones I met and the ones I didn’t meet. I’m over the latter (and there are a few of them), yet I feel positive, satisfied and energized about the things I accomplished in 2009. I know that some goals were not…
This is the third in a series of posts featuring small business owners’ suggestions for things you can do to be successful in 2010. Last week, I told you about Joan Morais, an IBN member who increased her productivity and profitability this year by hiring a virtual assistant. I also told you about Marla Bosworth,…
My long search for the perfect cranberry condiment is over.
For the past few years, I have enjoyed “elfing myself.” Each year, it’s more fun and interactive. If you’re looking for quick and fun way to generate more holiday laughs, check out Elf Yourself and have some fun! My kids and I made this video and they can’t stop laughing. I hope the same thing…
Focused, proactive, consistent steps are the keys to small business success.
How hiring a virtual assistant can save your business and your sanity.
Donna Maria shares things to consider before ditching your blog in favor of a FaceBook Page.
Last year, I met Leesa Barnes, author of Podcasting for Profit. Leesa graciously accepted my invitation to be a guest on my radio show, and you can stream or download the interview with here. (Jamila White hosted that show for me while I was away speaking at a conference.) While I hope to meet Leesa…
My eight year old daughter is far more organized than I was at her age. She likes to make lists. In fact, on Friday nights, she often makes a list of all the things everyone in the house needs to do on the following Saturday. Much of the time, the lists focus on toys she…
The comments at my three blogs are always helpful, professional and polite, even when they disagree with my commentary. In fact, the only comments I reject are spam or comments that simply make no sense, usually because they are riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. I am also a frequent commenter at other people’s blogs.…