For Entrepreneurs

New Year’s Resolutions for You and Your Small Business

THE ORIGINS of New Year’s resolutions, which were primarily religious in nature, date back to the ancient Babylonians. Today almost 40% of all Americans are estimated to make resolutions annually, despite the fact that their failure rate is a whopping 88%.

The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is based on the failure to achieve a stated goal – for instance, losing 25 pounds. But the real success, I believe, results from acknowledging a needed area of self-improvement. Execution of your plan to achieve your desired results can be refined through trial and error over time. So don’t give up on identifying areas of self-improvement just because you’ve come up short in the area of execution.

Here are sure ways to succeed: » Identify areas requiring self-improvement. » Implement a common sense approach to achieving your goals. » Make yourself accountable to a trusted friend.

BY TOM IRMEN

... consider supercharging your potential for success by becoming accountable for your resolutions to a trusted friend, mentor, or co-worker

Want to stretch yourself just a bit further in 2021? How about combining your personal resolutions with those of your small business? Just like yourself, your small business most likely can benefit from resolutions focusing on its financial health, well-being, and its relationships with customers. Ask yourself

AS WE MOVE toward 2021, I encourage you to make time this season to unplug, engage with family and friends, and allow yourself to step back from the busyness to enjoy the holidays (whatever shape that may take this year!). This can also be a great time to evaluate how you and your business (or your role within your profession) present yourself in the marketplace – whether online, via social media, or in print. We frequently hear about “branding consistency” and its importance. So… what is it, why is it important, and are you doing it?

For example, if your truck is yellow, your business card green, your street sign pink – all appearing inconsistent and disconnected – then it may be time to update your marketing materials, website, and company gear. Logo, fonts, color palette, tag lines, and overall look and feel are just one part of your story, but it makes a big impact in conveying consistency, professionalism, stability, and TRUST!

According to experts in the field, one of the primary goals of recognized branding is to gain customer trust. In order for customers to trust you, they must feel like they “know” you, these questions for starters: » Are you managing your small business or is it managing you? Identify possible areas for healthy future growth, and invest time implementing a well-thought out plan for success. Try delegating routine tasks to co-workers to free up the needed time. » Can your customers and prospective new clients differentiate you from your competitors? Don’t expect great success in a generic marketplace. Identify those areas where you can successfully differentiate your small business and then implement a marketing strategy to educate existing and future new customers.

Like personal resolutions, success with business resolutions begins when you identify areas of improvement and then implement an achievable plan for succeeding. But consider supercharging your potential for success by becoming accountable for your resolutions to a trusted friend, mentor, or co-worker.

Do They Know It’s You?

Business Note BY BRETT CAFFERTY

Happy New Year! and to know you, they have to be aware of your business’ community presence. To recognize and remember you, a consistent message and image (how you are recognized and perceived) are needed in a manner that reinforces your expertise, capabilities, stability, and character. Simple, right?

Think of why you choose certain brands or packaging at the grocery store. It may not be apparent, but there is a reason – as this awareness and recognition is often processed subconsciously. Perhaps you grew up with this brand in your home, the label may have appeal, or you have seen hundreds of advertisements that have made an impression. The first step is simple – if a potential customer, who doesn’t know your business, were to see your website, business card, vehicle, apparel, FB page, and any other promotional or marketing material, would they recognize it’s the same business? Evaluate how your business is presenting itself, and ask others for feedback. If you find yourself in the “needs work” category, there are local resources available to help, professionally and affordably, that will enable you to put your best self forward as we begin 2021.

EVOKE BY INMODE: FACIAL REMODELING MADE EASY

MATTHEW B. DOPPELT D.O., F.A.O.C.D., F.A.A.D. Board Certified Dermatologist

Evoke’s non-invasive technology is an industry first. Similar to body sculpting, this procedure delivers a structural reorganization of facial and submental tissue with radiofrequency energy, causing a thermal reaction that tightens skin, reduces fat, and creates a contoured appearance of the jowls, cheeks, jawline, and chin.

ACCORDING TO The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, facial contouring continues to be the most desired aesthetic procedure for those seeking to achieve more defined facial characteristics and a youthful appearance. Evoke by Inmode is the first and only non-invasive, hands-free facial remodeling device. The painless Evoke procedure sculpts the face without surgery, anesthesia, or downtime.

Evoke’s non-invasive technology is an industry first. Similar to body sculpting, this procedure delivers a structural reorganization of facial and submental tissue with radiofrequency energy, causing a thermal reaction that tightens skin, reduces fat, and creates a contoured appearance of the jowls, cheeks, jawline, and chin. Evoke was created and based on the development and clinical success of the proprietary A.C.E. (Acquire, Control, and Extend) technology. A.C.E. technology targets deep within the skin to ensure that no areas are under- or over-treated, thereby maximizing results and providing consistent outcomes.

Evoke treatments are very comfortable. Patients can relax, read a book, or watch TV in the Evolution Lounge while Evoke does all the work defining facial features to restore a more youthful appearance. Patients will feel a warm sensation very similar to a facial or heated stone massage. Evoke treatments are customized to each patient and can be used on every skin type and skin tone.

There is absolutely no recovery period or downtime associated with Evoke. It is a quick and painless treatment that can be done during the lunch hour, allowing patients to return to normal activities immediately. Most patients will begin to see gradual improvements in the treatment area following their first few Evoke sessions.

Southeastern Dermatology is proud to be the premier provider of Evoke in the Knoxville area. Dr. Doppelt and his staff will create a customized treatment plan that will determine the frequency, duration, and number of sessions at your complimentary consultation. Call 865-474-8800 today to schedule your free consultation to find out if Evoke is right for you.