BizNOW November 2013 Issue

Page 1

Vol. 3 Iss. 1 1 November 2013

get inspired

NOW

inspiring the creative spirit in every business leader

Voicemail

10 STEPS

SECRETS to get Call Backs!

to Start a Business

Why

NOW

is the Best Time to be an Entrepreneur

DATING TIPS for busy entreps

Entrepreneurship: "If you're going to climb the ladder, you may as well OWN the ladder."


We’re interested

in what interests you.

At Bures & Associates, P.C., our clients’ financial interests come first. You can trust our knowledgeable, accessible and confidential team to make your life easier – and more profitable. As a full-service firm, we provide: • Tax Services – individual, farm, small business, corporation, estates and trusts • Accounting Services – payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial statement compilation and review • Financial Planning Services – estate and tax planning, life insurance, annuities Partner with us for a stronger financial future and the personalized service you expect. So you can focus on what you know best.

B U R E S C PA . C o M • 6 0 5 . 2 7 5 . 5 3 0 0

Frank Bures, CPA


Here’s to all of the thinkers, doers and makers who are pursuing their enterprises all across the nation! Biz celebrates YOU during November, National Entrepreneurship Month, declared in 2011 by President Barack Obama. There are 28 million entrepreneurs in the US, according to the Small Business Administration. Our cover model, Lisa Rinaldo, is one of them. She owns ProhmTect, a Sioux-Falls based company that develops conductivity paste. And every day, more people like Lisa are taking the plunge and opening a new business. In fact, 2356 people become entrepreneurs in the US per day! Entrepreneurs at every stage in their career know that they need to keep learning and improving. Inside this issue, you’ll find the best advice from people who have been there. You’ll find ideas and strategies for explosive growth. And whether you’re just starting that new company or you’ve been in business for 20 years, we have the tips and tools to take you to the next level.

8

10 Steps to Start your Own Business: It’s time to let loose your Inner Entrepreneur, We’ll Show you How!

PLUS! Why NOW is the best time to be an Entrepreneur

Biz believes that by coming together and sharing knowledge, we can build a stronger business community; a network that supports small businesses, their families, their employees, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives it. YOU are a visionary. You will reshape the way business is run. You will leave your mark on the world. Biz is there to help every step of the way!

in every issue

Inside Biz........................................4

note from the editor

Biz Feature.........................8-10 18-19,20 27

Smart Biz .................7,13, 14

16-17,21

Biz Profile.........22,23,24 Style NOW...................28-29 What's NOW....................30

calendar of events

contents

Photo by Jayne Erickson

ABOUT Our November COVER :

13

Get Out of a Slump: How to Stay Motivated Ideas to help you get motivated, stay motivated and spread joy each day.

14

Read this BEFORE you start your business

18 16

Dating Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs! A few tips to get you started

18 6 Steps to Grow your Business, Fast! •H ow to Build a Rockstar Team •V oicemail Tips to get a Call Back: Escape the Voicemail Black Hole and Make the Sale

21

Advice from 8 of the Greatest Entrepreneurs in History

22

How SDBTC makes New Entrepreneurs feel like World Class Players

November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 3


inside Biz

note from the editor

Publisher BizNOW Magazine, LLC.

The Heart of

Entrepreneurship: Opportunity!

Photo by Jayne Erickson

NOW

Opportunity often has a unique way of knocking – softly, loudly, and often where and when you least expect it. For example, this month I’m guest lecturing at Columbia University in New York. The opportunity came up out of the blue. I once presented with someone in Washington, DC who had an “in” there – and when he was asked to bring in a presenter, I came to mind. So I’m seizing the opportunity to share some things I’ve learned with graduate students on How to Work with the Media. The Berkley Science Review says that at the soul of entrepreneurship are 3 things: the ability to recognize opportunity, the ability to evaluate it, and the ability to successfully implement it. As an entrepreneur, you need to be good at all of these, but perhaps the most challenging is the first one, recognizing opportunity. So how do we find more opportunities? People who are good at recognizing opportunity experience the same circumstances as everyone else, but they see something different. They see new perspectives, new possibilities, new patterns in events all around them. If there isn’t an obvious connection, they find one. They ask, but what if these two seemingly random things were connected? How could they be connected? What would that create? The ideas that come out of this kind of thinking are at the heart of innovation. Opportunities are waiting for you everywhere – in people you encounter, conversations you might overhear, books you read, new places you explore, and your view of the world as a positive and abundant place. And finally, in your belief that opportunity exists. Look to the horizon today; find your opportunity. It’s out there.

Editor Charlotte Hofer 605-275-3610 char@biznowmagazine.com Design Director/ Senior Creative Ally Vogel 605-759-5615 ally@vogeldesignshop.com Director of Marketing Tim Cummiskey 605-366-1489 tim@biznowmagazine.com Contributing Photographer Jayne Erickson Social Media Strategist and Proofreader Alison Peymann Cover & Editor Photos by Jayne Erickson Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited. BizNOW Magazine is published monthly by BizNOW Magazine, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information, however BizNOW Magazine, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of BizNOW Magazine, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Send magazine feedback and advertising and sales inquiries to tim@biznowmagazine.com ©2013 BizNOW Magazine, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Connect with us! Visit us online at:

www.biznowmagazine.com

Char Hofer

Publisher/Editor

Char@biznowmagazine.com

Follow us

@BizNowMagazine for news that affects the Sioux Empire business community

4 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013


Biz Contributors Contributors With a degree in Journalism and English from South Dakota State University, Tessa Audet enjoys both reading and writing. She spends her time writing for BizNOW and exploring Denver, CO. When Biz isn’t keeping her busy, you can usually find Tessa with her nose buried in a book or out spending time with friends.

Alan Dooley is a 32-year veteran of IBM and now runs Grathia Corp, a private lending and real estate investment firm. Having been a soccer coach and heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America, he raised four children and now cares for his parents, one of whom is in remission from bone marrow cancer. Putting the fast-paced corporate world behind him, he now lives in South Dakota and enjoys learning the business end of the family farm. He has a BS in Computer Science from Rutgers University. Todd Epp is a writer and

lawyer who lives in Harrisburg. He recently returned from 18 months of consulting at the Erbil International Airport in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. He has studied in China and traveled to Taiwan, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Turkey, Syria, Kurdistan, Panama, Canada, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. A self-professed "curious person," he loves researching nearly all topics, but especially history, travel and the law. He is married to Donna Osment-Epp, Ph.D., has two adult children.

Alex Hofer is a member

of AmeriCorps, a national community service organization, serving with a non-profit legal advocacy group in Des Moines, Iowa. Having recently graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology, he plans to attend law school in the fall of 2014. His other interests include bicycling, movies, and the fall football season.

Steph Laska works as an

Executive Recruiter for Randstad Accounting & Finance in Phoenix. Fluent in French, Steph has also worked as an English tutor in Grenoble, France. She says that living in different places has given her a broader and more dynamic view of the business world. Her heart belongs to Sioux Falls, though, and she plans to start a business here one day, as she loves the exciting city growth combined with the small-town feel!

Marcella Prokop teaches

business communication at Kilian Community College and composition for Southern New Hampshire University’s College of Continuing Education. She has a BA in journalism from Augustana College and an MFA in creative writing from Chatham University. Marcella’s writing has appeared in literary journals, newspapers and magazines, and when she’s not prepping or grading for class, she is working on a book, gardening, or planning her next adventure.

Share YOUR Expertise: Blog for Biz! Share your insight with other business colleagues by guest blogging for BizNOW. Build your professional portfolio, and get known as an expert in your field – all while helping to inspire other business leaders. We welcome bloggers of all experience levels. Contact Alison@biznowmagazine.com Check out our blog at biznowmagazine.com

Interested in Advertising? Let us help you: Tim Cummiskey

Director of Marketing 605-366-1489 tim@biznowmagazine.com

NOW get inspired November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 5


BizBUZZ

a little more about our advertisers Become MORE at the University of South Dakota

“I decided to study in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program [to] tailor the program to fit my educational and vocational goals. Building relationships and designing my own program has given me the tools I need to succeed.” -Emily Irr, USD Graduate (See ad page 10)

“I love being an entrepreneur!” I love working for myself because I get to own my time. As an independent distributor with It Works Global I enjoy the freedom of driving my business and the security of working with an award-winning company. It Works! was a Home Magazine 2012 & 2013 Direct Sales Industry Top 100 Global Company. (See ad page 26)

Get to the job you love with a great interview with tips from ERC. It’s what every job seeker should know whether you’re changing careers or headed into business for the first time. During your interview, refrain from playing with your hair or touching your face, remember to make eye contact and smile. Let them know that you’re the enthusiastic and qualified candidate they’re looking for. Good luck! (See ad page 13) 6 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013

Got a Home Off ice? Get the Pest Control that’s SAFE around Kids & Pets. Eco-Friendly Pest Control has eco-friendly products that don’t harm children or pets – perfect for the home entrepreneur. With services reasonably priced and with results that are GUARANTEED, you can’t go wrong. (See ad on page 15)

"She wanted a beautiful life, so she designed one".

A change of seasons is such an exciting time! In our home we transition inside to watch our favorite football team as a family! A tradition we, as parents, want for our children. And this has spurred the family room makeover of the century! I've been very focused on the furniture and decor while my husband has been trying to decide how BIG of a TV we "need"! Together we tackle the task of making a space for our family- just as I do with my clients! Together we will make your space just right for you! (See ad page 16)

Want your teeth whiter and lips sexier?

Sensational Smiles newest product does the trick! It’s the Chic Flic. So small it fits in your purse, it’s a pen that has a whitener and a lip gloss in one. (Why didn’t anyone think of this before???) You can whiten your teeth while running errands and sitting in traffic. What customers are saying: “I love that it gets my teeth extra white and my lips feel plump and sexy!” (Get a special Biz discount in their ad on page 11– at this price you can get one for your best friend, too!)

Selling a home? Buying? “Hard work, integrity, excellence, and great relationships with my clients are the foundation of my real estate business,” says Lynda Billars. Lynda believes in giving back to clients, “Listening is a key factor; turning my client’s wants and needs into reality is what I strive for.” So if you’re looking to buy or sell, let the Lynda B advantage work for you. (See her ad on page 12)


illion M 8 2 re a re e Th ore of Us. And MDay. Joining Each

Smart BIZ

WELCOME TO THE CLUB. Entrepreneurs. America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs are the engine of its economy, and the Small Business Association says there are about 28 million entrepreneurs in the US today.

Last year, entrepreneurship hit an all-time high nationwide, climbing to 13% of the adult population, according to a study by Babson & Baruch Colleges. The US Census says that 2,356 people become entrepreneurs PER DAY. In South Dakota, we’re doing well as a base for entrepreneurship. South Dakota was ranked as “The Best State for Entrepreneurs” by entrepreneur.com, based on some of these factors:

by Mustafa Sharif

• Cost of Doing Business (#1 factor) • Economy

• Quality of Life • Technology & Innovation • Business Friendliness • Cost of Living

Best state for en trepreneurs

Apparently South Dakota provides good soil to grow your business!

What’s Your Plan? Avera Health Plans offers new options for employers to provide health insurance.

Contact your agent or visit AveraHealthPlans.com for more information. Our recently enhanced website is available to view 2014 plans for small employer groups (< 50 employees) and individuals. November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 7


HOW

BIZ Feature

to START A business

GROW How To

Your Business

r

by Alex Hofe

It’s Time to Let Loose Your Inner Entrepreneur!

S P E T 10 Sur own Business

o y t r a t S to

e right

ting th cation: Selecortant decisions a o L t h ig R the imp 4. Choose tion is one of the most evaluating locations,

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8 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013


BIZ Feature • O utflow – th e loss of reve nu business exp enditures, loan e from inventory and payments, go mandates an vernment d employee p aychecks. It’s crucial to bala always mainta nce these two figures con tinuously and in some capit to al on hand; es turbulent op pecially durin ening month g the s.

7. Find a Go od Accounta necessary for nt & Attorn the financial ey: They’re and lega from

l vitality of yo day one. A go ur business od accountan and other pro t can establis cedures to ke h bo okkeeping ep your busin attorney can ess on track A help review a good le ase, draft con the right busi tracts, and det ness structure ermine fo help is throu r you. The be gh referral or st way to find networking. good

8. Market Yo u

r Business: T your product he customer s and services won’t know exist until yo A strong mar u get the wor keting campai d out. gn is crucial Consider a la for getting sa rge newspap les. er or magazin targeted direc e advert tm It’s also impor ail, radio and TV, billboard ising campaign, tant to have a s, the whole w continuously orks. social media updated web presence as w site and ell. Compan and innovativ ies which fin e ways to get d creative the customer more busines ’s attention w s. ill get

9. Find the R ig

ht Employe for a new bu es: Recruiting siness will alw employees ays be a challe are small and nge because one bad apple staffs can affect ever business will yone. Each n have its own ew quirks and in rush to fill a p tricacies, but osition. Mak do not e sure to revi samples and ew applicant incorporate so work me creative w potential em ays to evaluat ployees durin e g the intervie w process.

10. Set Your Sta

ndard Opera your busines ting Proced s can start bo ure: Before oming, you’ll a consistent need to imple approach to ment carry a proje completion. ction through This step-byto step routine organized pro will set in pla cess to take yo ce an ur services or to finish in a products from manner whic h yields consi start refined system stent results. will keep you A wellr business op erating smoo thly. u

Sources: SB

by Tessa Audet

WHY NOW

is the Best Time to be an Entrepreneur! It’s time; time to go for it and begin your dream of a new business and career. But times are tough. Sure, we’ll give you that. But if you are looking for the perfect time to start your business, you may not find one. Instead, Biz is here to tell you why now is the perfect time to become the entrepreneur you’ve always wanted to be. Did you know that approximately 543,000 new businesses get started every month? Next month you could be among them!

• T echnology: Newer and better technology makes

running a business easier and more cost effective now than ever. There are apps that will help with almost everything, and saving data to a cloud allows more flexibility with work space and cost.

• You can be more informed: There’s a wealth

of information out there about entrepreneurship, new business ventures and how to make it all happen. Take to the library and the internet. Read books and articles from people that have been there and done it. Also, look for seminars to attend, or watch the videos online if you can’t. The more you know the more confident you’ll be.

• You aren’t alone: New businesses start every

day, and chances are there are others out there in the same situation as you. Look for online communities specifically for entrepreneurs. Sign up for newsletters and attend meetings. These are great ways to find out more information, but more importantly, network.

• No regrets: There’s no time like the present. As

A.gov, Forb

es.com

cliché as this saying can be, it’s true. Now is the time to follow your dream. No matter the outcome of your entrepreneurial venture you’ll be glad you went for it and didn’t just spend life wishing you would have tried it. Making mistakes and learning along the way is half the battle, so get going! u Sources: Huff ingtonPost.com, Forbes.com

November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 9


by Alex Hofer

BIZ Feature

ITrsS Bne AOw ESBuTsinH 5B ess Small

reneur. Here’s a countdown of BizNOW believes anyone has the potential to become an entrep sful business leaders are… Succes 5 good habits to practice, that will help you make it to the top. from getting stuck. Your goals may be constantly #5 – Open-minded: The most successful business evolving, but if you don't know where you want to go, owners never forget how much they can learn from chances are, you won't get anywhere. others. They ask for advice. They're flexible. They soak up the best practices around them like a sponge. Fear #2 – Organized: Staying organized will help keep of failure can make it easy to grip onto your vision with your business running smoothly. Small things such as best. you an iron fist, but rigidity won't serve creating a to-do list at the end of each business day, or for the week, will help keep you on top of important #4 – Accessibile: People are busy. You must tasks to tackle. Creating a single calendar to work remain cognizant of the fact that few people will work from, not multiple sets for individual tasks or jobs, will hard, go out of their way, or be inconvenienced just for also ensure that jobs are completed on schedule and the privilege of giving you their hard-earned money. appointments kept. Making it easy for people to do business with you geable knowled means that you must be accessible and #1 – Friendly: One of the best advantages small about your products and services. businesses can offer in comparison to large chain stores is the ability to get to know customers. A #3 – Forward-looking: Successful entrepreneurs friendly attitude and helpful service are quick and are always thinking ahead. They may stray from their easy ways to make an impression and have customers road map, and that's okay, but they have one in mind. returning for future sales and telling their friends. u Having a clearly established set of goals will keep you

USD_MAIS color ad_BizNow.pdf

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12:23 PM

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Smart BIZ

Get out of a Slump:

How to Stay Motivated "People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily." –Zig Ziglar Be honest here: Did you jump out of bed today with

enthusiasm and drive, excited to conquer the world? Or was it one of those mornings where you just wanted to pull the covers over your head and go back to bed? That’s bad enough if you’re an employee; worse if you’re the boss! As a business leader, your mood does indeed affect everyone you encounter – by your words, actions and body language. So here are some ideas to help you get motivated, stay motivated and spread the joy each day. "If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much." - Jim Rohn

So how do you maintain a positive attitude 24/7?

Short answer: you can't. You're human, we all have our moments. So first things first: if you need a break, take one, it will re-energize you. Short-circuit a bad mood before it really takes hold, try going for a brisk walk or to the gym to shake it off. True leaders take action to control their frustration and to inspire not only themselves but others to achieve greatness in the face of adversity. Winston Churchill inspired and saved his nation during WWII with the immortal words "Never, never, never give up."

by Alan Dooley

"A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others." - Ayn Rand Perhaps the most powerful motivation is your personal burning desire to create something new or better, or to solve a problem. If your dream is altruistic and beneficial to others, you will attract other motivated people. When others see the bigger picture because you are able to communicate the goal, creativity will flow and energize the team. Steel sharpens steel. Attend a business seminar filled with motivational speakers. Plan a weekend getaway with family so you can reaffirm your personal and family goals. Read a book, talk to the guy in line at the gas station or woman at the salon waiting to be served. Seek positive and uplifting events and you will find inspiration. My father would say 'Look for opportunities that others do not see.'

You define what is important in your life by how you spend your time. I once took my kids to hear the Dali Lama speak, and we still talk about it to this day. You never know where inspiration will come from. I have also involved my kids in the business so they can learn as they grow. Sure, mistakes are made, but we deal with them and everyone gains from the experience. Dad is not infallible and it’s ok to fail, so long as you learn and try one more time, always one more time. "Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant." - Epictetus u

Find someone in your life who inspires you and bring them on board as a mentor, partner or employee.

If you are in a rut, try finding inspiration from other sources. Do something different. Sign up for a community college course or join a group like Toastmasters; do something that will challenge you and force you to meet new people with different backgrounds and fresh ideas. Or volunteer with your Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, or other community organization, school or church; you never know who you will meet that will inspire you!

Look to the web to find inspirational phrases and uplifting quotes, and post them on your mirror along with

a picture of one of your dreams. Create a vision board, start a gratitude journal. Be creative. Sometimes just going to your day job can be inspirational enough – saying "Morning, boss" and you are not looking into the mirror, might be your daily inspiration!

Smart BIZ Sponsored by:

Call us today! 605.428.6150 www.ercjobs.com

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November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 13


Smart BIZ

by Alan Dooley

READ THIS

BEFORE

You Start Your New Business:

Are you really prepared for your new venture? You know you have talent and you’re confident that your idea will fly. So what are the steps to take and who do you need to contact to make your new venture legal and increase the odds of success? To help prepare for your new enterprise, start by making a checklist and ensure the following bases are covered. Have you set your goals and know what you want to accomplish? Your plan does not have to be

perfect but good enough to start. "If you put off everything till you're sure of it, you'll never get anything done." says author Norman Vincent Peale. Take action, start slow and build with momentum so you don't over leverage and can recoup if (when) you make an error.

What are the barriers to entry? Do you need a

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas A. Edison

license, more education, a location or just financing? If you need help building a business plan, visit your local SCORE office. These retired business professionals and leaders volunteer their time and expertise to help entrepreneurs get started so don't be afraid to reach out. It's not free labor, just valuable advice.

Become a member of a professional group – the Chamber of

Commerce, Rotary, Shriners, Lions Club or other community organization where you will find professionals that are happy to visit with you and provide feedback on your venture. There’s a wealth of experience to tap and perhaps a few b2b relationships to be formed. 14 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013

"Formal education will make you a living; selfeducation will make you a fortune." - Jim Rohn Many required skills can be obtained while you grow, but knowing the basics is critical for a startup. If you do not have adequate training or the skill set required to produce your product or serve your clients, then invest in yourself. Go back to school or enhance the needed skills by working as an apprentice, not for the money, but the knowledge and experience, learning all aspects of production so you can be an effective manager or leader. Sir Claus Moser philosophically stated "Education costs money. But then so does ignorance." You may not have all the skills needed, so take on a partner or hire someone with the talents you lack. Your time is best spent on the creative aspect of your plan, so don't get bogged down in the day to day operations when other talent is readily available via the marketplace. Many businesses fail in the first five years due to lack of capital. Do you have the resources, investors,

or cash needed to start and maintain the momentum? Or will you be relying on a bank to finance

your venture? If using a bank, plan a few months to get them on your team, they will want to see a track record and business plan. There will always be unexpected expenses, so add a reasonable cushion to your anticipated startup costs.

Build a network– from suppliers and clients to supporting business professionals you can rely upon. Trust your gut, but get the facts and make informed decisions. Don't go it alone,


be open and willing to learn from others whom you trust. The experience of your mentors has been gained through tough as well as good times and can be invaluable guidance. Be open to new ideas and look for opportunities that arise from your actions or are created as your marketing and technology changes. Ask questions and try to anticipate what your clients need be one or two steps ahead. Many clients want you to show them a better way so your industry and drive will place you ahead of the competition.

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People. Places. Things. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make a statement. Dare to be different. That’s what I do.

~Jayne Erickson

"Those who know how work for those who know why." - unknown

LegalZoom.com offers advice on how to decide

what type of business structure is right for you

- a DBA, General Partnership, LLC, LLP, S-Corp or C-Corp to name a few. You will also need a tax ID number or Employer ID Number (EIN) which can be obtained online via a Federal SS-4 form. With this number in hand and your Articles of Incorporation filed, you can now open a bank account in your business name.

Perhaps the two most important ingredients to your success are (1) your integrity and (2) your ability to communicate your idea and gain buy in from your team and supporters. If everyone can

see a mutual benefit on the path to success, they will all dig in to make it work. Your leadership and morale is critical. Learn from your mistakes and don't be afraid to admit you made one. Revise your plan, write it down and communicate it effectively so everyone will be on the same success path. Remember, if you do what is right, then doing the hard things will become easy. u

jayneericksonphoto.com | 605-595-4689

November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 15 JYN010-Things-Half-V.indd 1

12/14/12 5:31 PM


Smart BIZ

Dating Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs! Dating can be tough when you work all the time. How do you meet people? Better question, how do you meet quality people? If you approach your dating life with the same planning and focus that you approach your business life, it may just lead you to Mr. or Ms. Right. Here are a few tips to get you started:

by Steph Laska

Most common ways people connect: 22% met through a friend; 20% online dating sites; 7% in a bar.

1. Get your Networks Involved. Just like you develop

business networks, you can develop networks for your romantic life. Call in friends and family and get them networking for you. Tell them what kind of person you’re looking for; let them help in the search. They may have ideas on who you’d click with, and may have a friend of a friend in the same boat as you.

40 million Americans are now dating online.

2. Create a Business Plan for your Dating Life. You develop business plans at

work; well, dating needs a plan as well. What do you want out of it? What are your goals? Are you ready to date? Would you like to make a commitment to someone else if it works out, or do you want to keep your options open? Think about these questions, talk it over with a friend and use your personalized plan to make your next move.

3. There’s a Dating Site for Everyone. You knew we’d

bring up dating sites, right? Now there’s a love site for just about everyone. The trick is to know what you want, and find the site that caters to it. For example, there are dating sites centered on religion, hobbies, health, and specific interests; even fan-based

sites such as datingformuggles.com (matches Harry Potter fans). Some other interesting sites we found: DateAGolfer.com (for those who want to date & share a passion for golf) EquestrianCupid.com (for horse lovers); crazyblinddate.com (a dating site with no profile photos); FarmersOnly.com (not for city slickers) and BikerKiss.com (2 wheels, 2 hearts, 1 road). Do some research and find the site that’s right for you.

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16 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013


4. Up Your Game at Mixers. According to twomangoes.com, a blog on dating for professionals, attending a mixer can offer several advantages: the obvious – you meet new people; but it’s also a chance to build your “social capital” – where you help others by introducing them to people you know (such as investors /partners /potential clients for them). They will most likely want to return the favor -- and that helps build your circle of acquaintances and potential dates. The trick to being comfortable at mixers is to have the right frame of mind. Remind yourself that you are charming, good-looking, and most of all, interested in others.

61% of singles prefer to communicate through the phone after their first date; 15% prefer to do it in person; 14% prefer to follow up via text.

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5. If it’s Not a Match, Move On. Most of us have been in a situation where we dated someone who was incompatible with our needs, personality, goals, etc. They may make a good friend or business associate but if you know they’re not what you’re looking for in a relationship, be kind and let them go. No matter how wonderful they are, don’t force it. When you let go, you can both move ahead to find the person that’s right for you.

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6. Trust Your Instinct. If your intuition tells you the date

is going in the wrong direction, or something just doesn’t feel right, trust yourself and call it a night. Some red flags to look for -- your date is treating you disrespectfully, leads a self-centered conversation, or seems disinterested when you speak, thank them for their time and move on.

7. Take your time. Date number one probably won’t be Mr. or Ms. Right. And there may be a few dates where you will invest some time and money that won’t work out. Remember, the more no’s that you go through, the closer you are to a YES! Someone special is waiting for you. u

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BIZ Feature

6 Steps to

GROW Your Business, FAST!

by Todd Epp

Congratulations, Mr. or Ms. Small Business Owner! Whether you’ve been open for one year or five years, you’ve beaten the odds of failure. Studies are all over the place regarding new business success— anywhere from 76 percent succeeding in their first year, according to one study, to nearly 70 percent being out of business by their fifth year, according to another. No matter. You’re on the right path. Now what? It’s time to grow your business. But like starting a business, growing it--whatever your definition of “growing” it is, from hiring more people to producing more product to expanding markets —continues to take great thought and hard work. Here are six ideas to help you take it to the next level.

1. Start a Blog and Use Social Media. When Steve

Hildebrand was starting Josiah’s Café on Sioux Falls’ east bank, he was all over Facebook, already engaging with his potential customers and thereafter with personal postings about suggested menu items, specials, etc. He created a buzz of anticipation and a sense of community about his business. Also, blogging and social media are free. There’s no charge to use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and the like. Blogspot and Word Press offer free and easy to use blogging platforms. Here’s some advice. “To make this work for your blog, tailor the information you offer to the type of business you run,” writes PromotionWorld.com’s Casey Haslem. “So if your organization specializes in offering people thoughtful recommendations regarding their vocation, consider doing a blog post in which you include sales career advice for individuals who want to prosper in that venue.”

18 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013

2. Use Technology. That’s according to Jack Dorsey, founder of Twitter and Square, the app that allows iPhone and other devices to accept credit cards. In a video interview with USA Today, he says big businesses are doing it and the technology is cheap and readily available. Most importantly, he notes, “no one carries cash anymore.” It’s a credit and debit card world now, so making it easier for your customers and clients isn’t just convenient, it’s expected. Dorsey cautions, however, that you better understand the technology at least as well as your two-year-old so you don’t have to call the expensive IT nerds whenever there is a problem. Related, the SBA also recommends adding online sales as a way to increase your business. PromotionWorld.com says that if you do this, make sure you integrate your on and offline marketing efforts. Along the same lines, VentureBeat.com suggests automating as many tasks or parts of your processes as possible to save time and money.

3. Find an Anchor.

This is not an anchor that holds you in place but it is a large customer. The Small Business Administration suggests obtaining federal government contracts to hook “Moby Contract.” Fortune magazine suggests another approach. “Anchors are large institutions -- like a hospital or a university -- that are important sources of contracts, employee training, or mentoring and advice for small, inner-city businesses,” writes Fortune’s John Patrick Pullen.

4. But, Also Diversify. Always have a Plan B so you can pivot if Moby Contract decides to beach itself on the sands of bankruptcy, bad publicity, governmental cuts or shutdowns.


“Diversifying is an excellent strategy for growth, because it allows you to have multiple streams of income that can often fill seasonal voids and, of course, increase sales and profit margins,” the SBA notes in “Ideas for Growing Your Business.”

BIZ Feature

5. Invest in Your People. Fortune reported that many Boston Inner City 100 firms attributed their success and growth to having a committed workforce. That means items like health insurance, 401Ks and professional development. This can reduce turnover and prevent good employees from walking across the street for a nickel more, taking with them all the time, money and expertise you’ve invested in them. 6. Keep the Passion Bucket Full. Square’s Dorsey says you better still have the same drive and passion every day “to get out of bed” just as you did when you were starting your business. As the leader, you set the tone for everyone else you encounter, from co-founders to employees to suppliers to customers. Many of the ideas about growing your business revolve around something you already know well, Mr. and Ms. Small Business Person—asserting your “entrepreneurial independence,” as VentureBeat.com puts it. It’s keeping an open mind and looking for new opportunities and partnerships. Most importantly, however, it is knowing what you want and going after it.

NOW

Now go get out of bed, Mr. and Ms. Small Business Person, and take the next step in your business’s success! u

by Todd Epp

HOW TO BUILD A ROCKSTAR TEAM Your business has grown from something you did on your kitchen table to an actual store or office. Success is bringing the good problem of needing more help, as in employees, so you can take a day off once in a while and meet your growing demand.

1. Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill. Sometimes the best person for the job isn’t the smartest or the most experienced but the person with the best attitude.You don’t need drama. And in that person with the great attitude, you see a little bit of yourself—a go-getter, a hard worker, a potential “rockstar” who will move your company forward.Texas e-commerce expert Sam Decker of Decker Marketing calls it “initiative” but it’s something more.You’ll know it when you see it. 2. But What about Those Skills? Decker lists them as integrity, execution, strategic ability and communication. Can you trust this employee, not just with money but also with good decision-making? Can they follow orders and processes? Can they think ahead at least a few moves? Can they write and speak effectively? Obviously, some people won’t tick all the boxes. But when you find someone who does, embrace them—and immediately put him or her to work for you before your competition does! u

November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 19


BIZ Feature

www.InspireYourGreatness.com

Simple ideas that are genius! “Collaborating, Innovating, and Imaginating, that’s the power of Leadership. As your Motivational Speaker or EmpowerMEnt Coach, I would be honored to give your team the tools to create a powerful breakthrough, where the potential for personal and professional growth is unlimited.” Melanie Brown

by Todd Epp

VoiceMail Secrets to get a Call back: Escape the Voicemail “Black Hole” & Make the Sale! Like it or not, we live in a voicemail world. Sometimes, talking to a living, breathing person after hitting “0” multiple times or leaving several voice mail messages is a moral victory. But voicemail we must. If your business depends on sales, it is even more important to learn how to leave a compelling voice mail message that will get returned. The Houston Chronicle’s online “Small Business” page has good advice on what to do and Biz added some of our own tips:

1. Practice, practice, practice. Don’t want to stumble and

say lots of “ums,” “ahs” and “ers”? Then practice your message. Better yet, write it down and practice it.

2. Why Are You Building This Bridge? Succinctly state what

is prompting the call. For example, “Hi, this is Fred Smith and I’m following up on our meeting yesterday . . .”

3. The Pleasure or Pain Statement. This is why the recipient

should continue listening. Extending the previous example, “. . . to discuss your specifications for the Acme 5000 Widgetron . . . “

4. Call to Action. It seems obvious,

“Melanie has provided me with the training I needed to grow my company 400%! She empowered my sales team to grow beyond their expectations.” Matt Sapari - CE0/Founder Rocco’s Catering

20 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013

but what do you want the person on the other end to do? Well, first, to call you back. Second, to buy or whatever it is you ultimately want them to do. Again, extending the example, “I reworked the numbers and I’ve found an additional 5 percent savings from what I mentioned yesterday. Please call me at . . . I think you’ll find this to be a good deal. Again, my number is . . .”

Finally, call your own voicemail and leave yourself the message. When it sounds natural, positive and has the content you want, then dial on to greater sales! u

Please leave your message after the tone...


Smart BIZ

by Tessa Audet

Advice on …

well, everything From 8 of the Greatest Entrepreneurs in History!

Need some motivation, advice or just a new thought for the day? Biz picked some of the greatest business minds in history to help you with just that!

Warren Buffet: “It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.”

Oprah Winfrey: “I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.”

Bill Gates: “Your most unhappy

Thomas Edison: “Five percent of

Henry Ford: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

JK Rowling: “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default.”

Andrew Carnegie: “He that

John Rockefeller: “Don't be

customers are your greatest source of learning.”

cannot reason is a fool. He that will not is a bigot. He that dare not is a slave.

the people think; ten percent of the people think they think; and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think.”

afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” u

November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 21


BIZ Profile by Marcella Prokop

Smart Technology, Office Space & Training

Lisa Rinaldo, Entrepreneur

Photo by Jayne Erickson

How SDBTC makes New Entrepreneurs seem like World Class Players When Lisa Rinaldo decided to take over her father’s business, she did so to ensure that 30 years of his pioneering work developing electrical conductivity paste wouldn’t be lost. But without a background in engineering or marketing, the 60 year-old Sioux Falls woman had to become a quick study in engineering techniques and business practices. “I really felt very strongly that I wanted the company to continue, so he has been teaching me how to manufacture the paste and the different formulas and package them,” Rinaldo says. “I’m learning how to think like an engineer and a marketing person.” Rinaldo’s passion is not unusual for many entrepreneurs, says Rich Naser, director of the South Dakota Business and Technology Center in Sioux Falls. “There are lots of different qualities, but a good entrepreneur is someone who is committed to doing what it takes to have a successful business,” he says. “That means being able to change your direction or product to end up with something people need. You also need to understand the need for the product 22 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013

you’re creating, and the problem you’re addressing with your product or service.” Like many new business owners, Rinaldo says she’s had trouble figuring out how to finance and market her product. This is where the SDBTC has proven to be “such a gift,” she says.

More than 10 million firms were owned by women in 2008; by 2020 women will add another 870 million businesses to this tally.

Created in 1999 as part of the Forward Sioux Falls Technology Program, the Center has always sought to help local entrepreneurs and business people grow

their products and services. By offering a creative, supportive atmosphere, office and meeting space for businesses the SDBTC has helped build a knowledge base for all entrepreneurs in the region. Today it has grown into what Naser calls a “one-stop shop” for all things entrepreneurial, and the customized programs, training opportunities and networking opportunities helped create more than 300 area jobs in its first five years alone. Naser attributes some of this success to the plethora of assistance available at the Center. “We have everything from the SBA to the Biotech Association to SCORE. Previously, those resources were spread throughout the community and people didn’t know what each one did. Now, from networking events to our accelerator programs, where we help people launch and start selling, everything is in one location.” As the economy continues to fluctuate and workplace stability becomes less certain, Naser says that housing all these options in one place helps entrepreneurs find the information they need to start a business. And for those who have a product and a business in place already,


working with and from the SDBTC helps remove some of the barriers business owner faced in the past, when things like the complexity of setting up a website, networking a computer system and getting a sales force together could make or break a start-up. Working from a space like the SDBTC helps entrepreneurs spend less time worrying about things like overhead and organization. This, says 27 year-old Matt Murray, co-founder of AV ProAlliance, is one of the best things about having office space at the SDBTC facility. “They make it easy to get things done,” he said. You have a conference room, what I would call a large gathering room, which we can use for training without having to pay a hotel for an event and catering; if we need to get someone new on the network or get a new phone, it’s real easy here to be flexible as we grow.”

“If you go in and talk to them, they’ll make sure you know all of the risks involved in getting into business on your own,” he says. And these risks are many. According to the SBA, more than half of all small businesses will fail within the first five years. Another risk is not understanding your market, says Naser, or being unwilling to adapt a product when customer feedback is negative. For women, one risk is perhaps not being taken seriously, or needing additional assistance to help get a product into the right hands. And yet, according to the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than 10 million firms were owned by women in 2008; the Kaufmann Foundation estimates that by 2020 women will add another 870 million businesses to this tally. This is good news for business, and for Sioux Falls, which boasts an active and supportive entrepreneurial market, especially in the technology industry, which allows business to compete globally and bring dollars back to their communities. u

Photo courtesy of Matt Murray

Matt and his father Jeff have been in the SDBTC space since February, and this audio-visual equipment company has grown quickly from a two-man team selling manufactured products for installers to developing their own product line, hosting industry conferences and servicing clients around the world. Matt says that is

has taken lots of discipline and optimism, but even before he and his father moved into the SDBTC they had the support of SDBTC co-located resources like the Small Business Administration.

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November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 23


BIZ Profile

by Marcella Prokop

Accelerating to Success:

Local Program Helps New Inventors Although TV shows like “Shark Tank” and “The Apprentice” have recently fueled inventors’ desire to get their products out to the public, a local opportunity for entrepreneurs truly helps them learn how to develop, refine, design, market and finance a product or service. Sponsored by Forward Sioux Falls and South Dakota EPSCoR, the South Dakota Technology Business Center’s Business Launch Boot Camp and Accelerator programs are workshop-like opportunities aimed at helping entrepreneurs take their business concept from dream to reality. The highly competitive boot camp gets entrepreneurs *Applications for thinking about their product and how to launch the next Bootcamp their business. From and Accelerator program there, participants are will soon be available at able to take their product or service to the next sdtbc.com/accelerator level in the Accelerator, a series of monthly meetings that for six months help entrepreneurs examine capital, marketing, sales and scaling a business. “We are looking for tech startup companies primarily,” says Pam Boehm, who oversees the programs and leads participants through many of the 24 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013

monthly courses. “Anyone can apply, but some of the criteria are that the companies have the ability to scale, and that they will be adding high skills jobs to the Sioux Falls market. We want companies that are kind of new and innovative. We want entrepreneurs that are willing to be coachable and flexible and do what it takes to develop a successful business.” Although this is the second year the program has been developed locally, the SDBTC hosted another similar option for 3 years before creating their own program. Boehm says that the people who participate are generally in one of two places with their product: either they have an idea all ready to go, and just need some help with other details, like financing, or marketing, or maybe even how to approach sales, or they have an idea but can’t quite figure out how or where to start. “The people accepted into the program kind of depends on the composite of the group. We try to get a group together whose ideas are close to the same level of development so that we don’t leave anyone behind or slow others.” The accelerator program includes local mentors and businesspeople participating as subject matter experts on intellectual property, accounting, legal concerns and marketing options, among other topics. The fast-paced work prepares people to think about their product, hopefully establishing them in the community so they can continue to grow on their own. Current participants include Braced With Style, FarmCast Group, LLC, Fiontar Nua, Nanofiber Separations, ProhmTect and Sidewalk Technologies. u


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by Steph Laska

How Do YOU Stack Up?

BIZ Feature

6

Top Qualities of

Business Innovators

In any industry, at any level, the most successful entrepreneurs have a few traits in common. Business innovators take on many roles, but overall they tend to… 1. T ake Risks. Fear of failure challenges every entrepreneur.

Successful people overcome their fears of risk-taking by knowing they can learn from every experience. Failure inspires business champions to grow stronger and smarter rather than to be defeated. The best entrepreneurs handle failure with grace and foresight; they learn to respond professionally, mitigate risk and let those lessons propel them into greatness.

2. P ractice Ethics and Integrity. Earning credibility and

trust in business circles is important to success. It’s crucial to show that your business and personal practices are ethical. Whether you’re working with clients or staff, effective leaders are upfront about errors without blaming others or dwelling on problems.

3. Practice Forward Thinking. Your next business move

needs a plan. A carefully crafted plan. And a back-up plan. How will you meet the hiring needs, sales demands, or marketing requirements of a growing business without one?

4. Have a Passion for their Business. It starts with an idea, or maybe an obsession. Maybe it’s coffee and you open a shop that offers something new and different from the competition. A strong passion for your business can lead you to new ways to make it better, faster or more unique. Find a niche.

5. B e Serial Innovators. Innovators have a creative spirit, they

are constantly developing new ideas and improving on old ones. Serial innovators don’t stop with just one idea; what makes them successful is their ability to come up with fresh ideas consistently. They are visionaries who are always finding new ways to better their product, develop the customer experience, and manage their teams. Each day they ask, how can we improve?

6. T hrive on Adventure. It’s a jungle out there, but

entrepreneurs are built to thrive on a challenge. They slash through uncharted territory with fresh solutions, overcome obstacles with excitement and climb to the top on innovation and hard work. u

November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 27


Style Now Fashion review by Tessa Audet Photo by Jayne Erickson

Finally! The Holiday Party Dress-Code Explained

It’s ok, just breathe! We know how confusing it can be to navigate the holiday event circuit, from off ice parties to swanky client shin digs to charity galas, having the perfect attire for each event and making sure you’re within dress code each time. No worries though, Biz put together a quick and easy guide -- to help you get through those soirees stress-free, and be a hit at any function.

Formal Suit and tie for men and cocktail dresses for women.

28 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013


J AY N E E R I C K S O N PHOTOGRAPHY

Black Tie Men should wear a tux and women should wear an evening dress.

People. Places. Things. It’s about the reaction, the moment, the angle. It’s about the idea, not the filters used to get there. It’s about seeing things differently. That’s what I do.

Semi-Formal No jeans. Men should have a collared shirt and women should wear a nice dress or blouse and slacks.

~Jayne Erickson

Casual Jeans are fine, but it is a party so it’s still important to look put together.

Ugly Sweater Themed Go crazy and get weird, especially if it’s a contest.

With these quick guidelines you’ll be ready for the holiday season with zero questions on what to wear! (Unless it’s a reindeer-themed party, then you're on your own.) u

jayneericksonphoto.com | 605-595-4689

November 2013 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 29 JYN011-People-Half-V2.indd 1

10/18/13 10:36 AM


BizNOW Calendar

Send items to: events@biznowmagazine.com

what's now

November 1

Downtown First Fridays

November 18-24

Zumba Fitness & the American Diabetes Association 5:30PM The District 4521 West Empire Place All ages are welcome to shake it up with large-group zumba. All proceeds and 5% of sales will benefit the local American Diabetes Association.

All month long, we’re celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month – but this week, the business community recognizes innovators and job creators across the globe. They’ve launched startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. Thanks for all you do!

Zumbathon

Downtown Sioux Falls 10:00AM-12:00AM Philips Ave & Main Ave First Fridays are a flurry of shopping, entertainment, culture and fun, free for all ages. November 3

Just Your Style Event

1:00PM-5:00PM Quality Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Spend an afternoon with the trendy vendors you’re looking for in one place – plus, it’s free! November 4

November 14

November 14

14

High Heels & Hard Hats

4

Boe Forum on Public Affairs

Center for Western Studies 7:00PM Augustana College Elmen Center Former Govenor of Utah Jon Huntsman discusses the “Geopolitics of China and the U.S.” Free admission, tickets are required. Order yours at www.augietickets.com. November 8

Grand Opening ft. Uncle Cracker

Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Epic Event Production 6:00PM-9:00PM Ultra-Lounge at The District Support another great cause: this wine, beer, and appetizer tasting benefits Make-A-Wish Sioux Falls. Get your tickets at ticketleap.com or by calling 605.335.8000. November 15

YPN Night at the Sioux Falls Stampede

Young Professionals Network 7:00PM-10:00PM Sioux Falls Arena YPN members enjoy a Stampede suite for networking and hockey. Purchase your $15 tickets by calling 507.373.2009

15

The District 8:00PM 4521 West Empire Place Sioux Falls’ newest events venue celebrates its grand opening with a free show. Details will be revealed at thedistrictsf.com.

November 17

Sioux Empire Wedding Showcase 12:00PM-4:00PM Sioux Falls Convention Center Brides and Grooms meet premium Sioux Falls area Wedding Professionals. Register at siouxempireweddingnetwork.com

jason.mueller@me.com 605.610.9226

jason M ueller business advisor

30 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2013

Global Entrepreneurship Week

November 19

SME Membership Meeting

Sales & Marketing Executives 5:15PM-8:00PM Callaways Event Center Speaker Bryan Dodge presents “The Biggest Predictor of Sales.” More at www.smesiouxfalls.org November 21

21

Off the Clock & New Member Event

Young Professionals Network 4:00PM-7:00PM Krav’n Bar & Grill Members and any young professionals are invited to mingle and meet at this free event. November 29

Membership Mixer & Holiday Fair

Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 4:30PM Best Western Ramkota, Sioux Falls Members and employees welcome for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and available beverages. $3 Admission, RSVP to 605.373.2018. Reserve a booth at 605.373.2014.



www.DreamHomeVision.com exclusive listings / valuable advice / planning tools, and more‌

Think. Think how good it could feel to find the right home and have your existing home sold. Now, think how good it would feel to have saved valuable time, maximized your dollars and had peace of mind throughout the process. We have a vision for how easy it can be, whether you’re closing on your new home or selling the old one.

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L to R: Carli, David, Diane, Tony, Sue, Ashley, Megan

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