May 09
The following review was submitted by a reader:
Are you serious about growing your business? If so, Million Dollar Networking by Andrea Nierenberg is a must-read for you. Mastering and utilizing effective business networking techniques is the key to building long-term, ongoing business relationships. This enjoyable and informative book provides step-by-step instructions for growing your business through networking.
In Million Dollar Networking, Nierenberg also explains what separates those who are successful at networking from those who just don’t get the concept of building long-term, mutually beneficial business relationships. She shares suggestions for how cultivate the attributes that separate effective networkers from the rest of the pack.
The valuable insights you will gain from reading Million Dollar Networking include:
- A solid understanding about why networking requires giving without the expectation of receiving
- How to connect with “unreachable” contacts
- How to make networking a part of your DNA
- Tips to re-start relationships with former contacts
- Many other practical and valuable business growth suggestions
This book is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, salespeople, consultants, and any other professionals seeking to build their reputations, credibility, and income. No matter what industry you are in, the tips and suggestions provided in this book can help you take your business to a new level by mastering the art of effective networking.
Book review provided by Mary Gormandy White, training and career expert with Mobile Technical Institute and MTI Business Solutions (http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com). Visit http://www.dailybizsolutions.com for small business marketing, PR, and operations advice. See http://www.dailycareerconnection.com for professional development tips and career advice.
written by Stephanie Chandler
May 07
I’ve suffered from insomnia for years and often hear about this issue from fellow business owners and creative people. Our brains are idea factories and it can be hard to shut them off at night. Here are a few solutions that work for me - maybe they will work for you too!
- Step away from the computer at least one hour before bed. Like it or not, you’ve got to cut yourself off.
- Reading before bed can be a good mental holiday, but not if you’re reading something too stimulating. Avoid business books before bed (except for mine, of course!) and stick to fiction or anything that diverts your mind from solving the world’s problems.
- Develop a wind-down routine. Find out what mellows you out at night and do it every night. It might be reading, knitting, talking with your spouse, watching television, taking a bath, etc. The key is to avoid stimulating activities.
- If you climb in bed and the wheels start turning, write it down. I’ve been there - I know how it is to get a hot idea at midnight and then spin on it for hours. Worse yet, you might be afraid you’ll forget it by morning. Keep a notepad and pen next to your bed and put it on paper. Resolve to revisit it in the morning. One advantage is that clarity often comes over night. Sometimes an idea that seems amazing at night can seem like a dud the next day.
- Instead of thinking about business, ideas, etc. when you climb in bed, think about simple things like your next vacation or your plans for the weekend. My husband says he just shuts his brain off when he climbs in to bed (how annoying is that?). Some of us aren’t so lucky and in my experience, we must keep looking for ways to improve the sleep situation.
- Stick to a schedule. All the experts recommend this. If you need to catch up on rest, go to bed earlier instead of sleeping in. I hate waking up at 6am every day. If it was up to me, I’d sleep until 9 and go to bed at 3am. But the world doesn’t work that way and by getting up at the same time each day, we adjust our body clocks. Even if you’ve only had a few hours of sleep, get up and get through the day. Odds are good that you’ll sleep better the next night.
Wishing you sweet dreams!
written by Stephanie Chandler
Apr 26
I’m often asked how I find time to write books and articles and develop new information products. When I started writing books, I used to carve out an hour or two each day. Today I’m just too busy with commitments and family to keep this up so I have a new answer: chunks of time. Whenever I manage to carve out some extra time, I tackle a writing project. Most importantly, I SCHEDULE time to write. For me, this is a matter of completely checking out of my life and into a hotel!
Yep, I have a couple of favorite spots. Some are close to home, others require a nice drive (Lake Tahoe!). I used to take myself on mini writing retreats a few times per year. Now I try to do this every 4 to 6 weeks. Once I check in, I can write for hours on end. I try not to let anything distract me and instead focus on the goal at hand. This has been a wonderful career-building strategy. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get some time alone - something us moms don’t get too often. Maybe you can try it too?
written by Stephanie Chandler
Apr 23
I’m not an advocate of using free software or tools to run a business (with a few exceptions, such as Google applications). I prefer to invest in tools that I can rely on for the long haul (Adobe Acrobat PDF Creator, for example). But there are plenty of free tools out there that can be useful to enhance your business. CNET’s Download.com has a wide variety of freebies ranging from forms and templates to software and games. Downloads are listed as safe, trusted and spyware-free. You can find some great stuff here!
written by Stephanie Chandler
Apr 14
If you’re ready to rent an office or lease a building, finding the right opportunities can be a challenge. I know many business owners who have spent countless hours driving around town looking for space. Here’s an easier way to do it: check out Loopnet. It’s the primary online destination for locating commercial space for rent or purchase. Also, Craigslist offers commercial listings in most major cities.
written by Stephanie Chandler
Apr 09
I do a lot of speaking and between that and trade shows, I often have a table or booth to 
display my stuff. Here’s my best tip for making these events easier on you:
Pack a rolling suitcase! I have two suitcases - a smaller one for low-key events and big one for trade shows. I use these to easily tote along my books, brochures, display stands, basket for collecting business cards, give-aways, a table cloth, etc. I also keep them pre-packed and ready to go so I don’t have to panic and figure out what I need each time. Another must-have item is an expanding accordian-style file where I keep copies of my various handouts and my notes for each of my various presentations. Again, this makes life so easy since I’m prepared for any speaking opportunity.
Incidentally, I take a similar approach for traveling and always have a toiletries bag packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Not that I often jet off on short notice, but when I do get the opportunity to head out of town, I have a set of everything I need ready and it saves a lot of time.
written by Stephanie Chandler
Apr 01
Someone forwarded me a funny video today. It’s a guy rapping about the wonders of 
SEO (search engine optimization). This video has a huge number of hits because it’s funny and covers a topic that isn’t. Smart stuff!
Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0qMe7Z3EYg
written by Stephanie Chandler
Mar 31
I am often asked if I worry about my ebooks and special reports getting passed around the Internet
for free. The reality is that we can’t prevent people from forwarding our ebooks along to friends, just as we can’t prevent them from loaning out a trade paperback. My feeling is that if someone shares one of my electronic products with a friend, it is actually an excellent endorsement for my work. That introduces the friend to my work and my hope is that the friend will in turn sign up for my newsletter and buy something else from me down the road.
The bigger concern would be if someone were to attempt to resell one of my products illegally. To keep an eye on this, I set up a Google alert for each of my product titles so that if they are mentioned on the internet in any context, I know about it. Also, I use Payloadz.com to sell my downloadable products because they set an automatic expiration on the download link after a few days. This prevents the link itself from getting passed around as a free-for-all!
If your ebooks are in PDF format, you can turn on the security settings to prevent copying and pasting of the text. This makes it a little more difficult for someone to plagiarize part of your work. Again, it’s no different than a trade paperback that is sold through a bookstore. I suppose we have to have a little faith that people are generally good and that they are following the law. I personally don’t lose any sleep at night worrying about my products getting passed around for free. I hope you don’t either!
written by Stephanie Chandler
Mar 25
One of the most common questions I am asked is, “How do I find money to start my 
business?” Unfortunately, there is no free pot of gold awaiting eager entrepreneurs. Though there are some business grants out there, the reality is that most are small (around $1000) and they’re not easy to come by.
But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find the funds to get started. Here are some options:
*Borrow the money from a relative or friend.
*Invite someone you know to be a silent partner in your business and pay them a percentage of your earnings.
*Make some sacrifices. If you want to be a success in business, you will have to make some concessions. Sell off your big toys (boats, extra cars, etc.), take fewer ski trips, cut back on your living expenses. If you’re not willing to do these things that you probably don’t want success badly enough.
*Start saving NOW! You might not be able to afford to start your business today, but if you skip your daily latte and start storing money away like a squirrel, think of where you’ll be in a year. Take advantage of this time to plan your business carefully so you can be even more sure of your success.
*Leverage your home equity. Though you never want to risk more than you can afford to lose, home equity has helped many entrepreneurs launch their dreams.
*Leverage your credit cards. This is another suggestion that makes people gasp. I’m not advocating spending tens of thousands of dollars on credit cards, but the fact is that this is unsecured debt so if you were ever to default, your home probably won’t be on the line.
*Start part-time and grow. It’s never a good idea to quit your job until you’re extremely confident that your business is going to succeed. I recommend that most people start their business ventures on the side while maintaining steady income from another source.
Make sure you have plenty of savings in the bank - enough to cover at least six months worth of living expenses. And don’t forget to forecast the numbers for your business. You can access a free business plan outline and forecast spreadsheet at http://www.businessinfoguide.com/bplans.htm
written by Stephanie Chandler
