It's All About YES!

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This month’s issue is all about the finances of owning your own small business and the argument that sometimes results when your partner wants to know...

VOLUMEIt’s 1; ISSUE 2 Yes All About

YES

IT’S ALL ABOUT

JUNE 6, 2011 JUNE 6, 2011

Written by Women, for Women

Where’s the money?

Our guest writers: Tricia Dycka Ariaa Jaeger Daye Salander

FINANCIAL FOCUS You had a Dream, You had a Plan so...

Where‛s the Money?

Jennifer L. Shelton Liz LaClair Liz Nonnemacher Lori Latimer Tamsyn Hawkins Linda Eaves Janet Foust Ali Rodriguez

Have You Been there?

It’s All About Yes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter From The Editor Pg. 3 Money, Vision and Dreams Pg. 4 Liz LaClair

Finding the Hidden Treasure in Your Head Pg. 5 Tamsyn Hawkins

Why Are You Wasting Your Time? Pg. 7 Tricia Dycka

Where Is The Money - Or So I Asked Pg. 8 Daye Salander

The Gold In Them Thar Words - For You and Your People Pg. 9 Linda Eaves

Mining the Gold of Your Shadow Pg. 10 Jennifer L Shelton

Because I Believe Pg. 12 Lori Latimer

Serving Others Is An Honor Not A Chore Pg. 14 Ariaa Jaeger

Free Is Not Business Model Pg. 15 Liz Nonnemacher

Going In Style Pg. 16

By Ali R. Rodriguez

Congratulations, You Started Your Business - Now What? Pg.17 Janet Majoulet-Foust

Publisher: Tricia Dycka Editor-In-Chief: Daye Salander Editor: Liz LaClair

Copyright 2011 It’s All About Yes

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the first public issue of It’s All About Yes e-zine. At first glance you may wonder exactly what the magazine is about and in a nutshell, it is about encouraging other women to “break out of the box” and live their dreams.

Women so often are so busy taking care of everyone else that we put our own wants and desires on the back burner and hope that one day we will get to them. The honest truth is that we will never get to them unless we take them OFF the back burner.

Through the move forward with our dreams we often find ourselves misunderstood with little encouragement from others. It is not easy to get discouraging words on one hand while you are trying to build your dream with the other and that is what this magazine is about.

It is about your dreams and how to get there. It is about women encouraging other women and being supportive. It is about women sharing their stories so that others can be encouraged and know that they are not alone, that others have passed this way and made it through.

Each month we will focus on a new challenge or aspect of being a woman as well as an entrepreneur which means that each month there will different points of view, one of which you will find yourself relating to.

For comments or questions, please e-mail Info@ItsAllAboutYes.com

It’s All About Yes

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Money, Vision and DREAMS Liz LaClair

Hello again dear reader! Last month I told you why I started Virtually Helps, LLC – my driving force behind it you might say. This time we’re going to talk about the money stuff. Sometimes that’s the scary part!

OK, so if that’s so scary why on earth do I do this??? Darn good question. Well for one thing I know my business will take off and soar. For another, when you do something you truly enjoy doing sometimes you sort of wear blinders. I’m not saying that I go skipping through life thinking all is going my way – I’m no Pollyanna (an excessively or blindly optimistic person)! But when you put your all into your business, your vision, your dreams, people around you may make think you’re a Pollyanna when the money doesn’t roll in the minute you start.

Yes, there are times when I think (maybe even yell – in my mind) what do you mean I have to get…for my business? (A new computer? The one I have is just fine. MORE programs? I hate when Microsoft updates every couple of years! A business coach? Well, OK – that’s a good idea.) I’m a small home-based business just how in the world am I supposed to let folks know I exist? It costs HOW MUCH to let them know I exist? But then after doing the things you need to do, money starts coming in – hurray! But don’t rest on that success! Once you start seeing that dear reader – don’t stop the successful campaign that got you the acclaim. You need to keep clients “knocking at your door” so you can keep the money rolling in – and in bigger amounts.

What is the vision/goal? Well mine is to have enough clients to need a team. THEN enough that I can pick and choose what work I do – because it’s fun (the team handles the rest). THEN sell the business and continue to enjoy the money from my business.

Of course this is all done while folks are wondering:

• why do you bother when there’s no “appreciable” amount of $$$ coming in • well why can’t you join in on this family function – it’s not as if you’re doing anything • hey can you donate…it’s not like you’re actually making anything from this

This is from the non-entrepreneurs of your family and friends who just don’t understand the whys of what drives you. But I’m here to tell you – it is worth it. If you truly believe in your vision/dreams, if you have faith in yourself and enjoy what you do – then hell YES this is all worth it! Then you can – with a selfsatisfied smile on your face – tell all those folks who wondered, THIS is why I did all that!

I wish you all the best, and have fun!

Liz LaClair I have TWO best parts of my life. I’m thrilled to have found my business calling! I truly enjoy working with my clients – the work I do is fun! Check out how I got past my challenges – learn how I’m taking what was a not so good and making it great. I’m a small business entrepreneur who likes working/supporting other small businesses. The other best part of my life? I’m married to the love of my life. He’s very supportive of what I’m doing. Who could ask for more? You can find me at http://www.virtuallyhelps.com/

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Finding The Hidden Treasure In Your Head Tamsyn Hawkins

They say that money makes the world go round. Well, perhaps not entirely, but it certainly smoothes the path along the way of running your entrepreneurial life. Without exception, I believe that all of us who start out on this self employment journey, do so with the intention of creating thriving, passion filled enterprises that support our life’s work, whilst allowing us a deep sense of security for ourselves and those we care most about. But so often, its easy to get stuck along the way, by money gremlins in our heads, leading to thoughts of lack and scarcity, that can derail us in times of challenge. Below I have shared my top 3 tips for getting back in the mental money flow and out of our own way.

1: Examine your own origin of beliefs about money Consider your own personal history with money, or that of your family of origin. Have you got some mental roadblocks about money or a scarcity mindset? It’s very common and many people do. Finish the following question yourself: “ Being wealthy means………..” and list all your beliefs about wealth and abundance. Consider if you are preventing yourself from attracting money by holding onto negative or limiting beliefs 2. Money loves order Taking control of your money through systems and structures will have an immediate mental pay-off for you. Ensure that you are focusing on keeping your business revenues and personal revenues separate, have a savings plan in place and have a process for paying your bills on time.

All these activities will create a positive sense of awareness of how your money flows in and out. The more specific you are here with the numbers, the more in control you can feel.

3. Ask yourself “ What would X Do (insert name of relevant £million turnover business guru here) Are you making decisions based on operating a real business, or an expensive hobby? Modeling the energy of a successful business operator

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maybe the mindset shift you can make to step up to the next level of business growth. Check your financial decisions are made from a position of business savvy, not emotional response, and always calculate your return on investment.

Tamsyn Hawkins Tamsyn is an expert in coaching business owners to boost their revenue through branding and marketing. Specializing in creating brand and customer profiles for independent businesses, Tamsyn helps her client organizations identify exactly who they are and teaches them how to authentically represent themselves so they can attract their ideal customers.

Tamsyn has worked in sales and senior leadership roles for top UK companies including Pizza Hut UK, Mothercare, Top Shop, River Island, Gondola Group and New Look, and launched her own consulting business in 2008. Tamsyn teaches independent entrepreneurs how to craft their company image so they can engage with their customers on a personal level, foster brand loyalty, and create stronger, more profitable relationships with their clientele. You can find her at www.tamsynhawkins.com

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Why Are You Wasting Your Time?

Tricia Dycka

I started my business expecting congratulatory high fives. What I got was a lot of other people’s issues. Of course I can stand back and say that now, but when I was in the midst of being grilled about money and my business I will be the first to say it sucked. The common question was: How can you make money doing that? (Big attitude behind the question). Why would they want to pay you? The support was null and void.

I was on the defensive trying to answer these questions. Quite frankly it doesn’t matter what responses you give. The same questions will keep coming.

Who the hell needs that? Definitely not me. One thing I learned and would Quite frankly it love to pass on to you is, stop trying to defend yourself, especially when doesn’t matter what you are just going round and round..it is time to stop the nonsense. You are responses you give. wasting precious energy trying to explain what you are doing to someone who is so set in their thoughts and beliefs that if it doesn’t pertain to a 9-5 The same questions job with benefits, then you are wasting your time. will keep coming.

When I started “It’s All About YES” four years after starting my own business, the questions rolled in again. Why are you doing this? How do you get paid? What do you mean you are not making money from this?

Stop trying to Seriously, are we back to this? AGAIN? I am doing this group for my defend yourself. reasons why should it matter to someone else? The logical answer is NO but for some reason it is still an issue. The point here is that it’s their issue not mine. I have nothing to prove to them.

If you are being asked these pointless questions don’t sweat it, just continue on your journey. Maybe it would make them feel better if you drove a luxury car or lived on snob hill, but then there will be something else for them to complain about it.

It is YOUR life say yes to you!

Tricia Dycka is an Entrepreneur, life enthusiast, author, intuitive, funny, very candid, great listener. Take the path less traveled. Living in the moment. Enjoys massive amounts of chocolate and coffee. Supportive friend who is there for you when everyone else has abandoned you and thinks you have lost your mind. Encourages entrepreneurs to embrace themselves so they can create an environment that supports their dreams. http://triciadycka.com/

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES You can have whatever you are willing to be. ~Marianne Williamson “INVENT your world. SURROUND YOURSELF with people, color, sounds, & work... that NOURISH you.” ~SARK The only way you’ll do whatever it takes, is to do whatever it takes.

Author Unknown

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Where Is the Money or So I Asked

By Daye Salander

It all began with a simple idea, of approaching local workout clubs with aerobic wear for women. At the time, in the mid-80’s, the craze was just beginning and there were few places to buy aerobic wear and quite honestly, it was pretty ugly. So when I approached clubs with original designs and even one-of-a-kind outfits, they were jazzed. So, it began.

I spent 2-3 nights a week in person at clubs with a rack full of women’s aerobic wear. The items were snatched up and I found that right from the beginning I made money.

I developed a line that was then sold to aerobic clubs across Western Washington. At that point I was still doing all the sewing myself. I began to search for a shop to sew my designs and finally settled on one that I thought would do well. And there is where the problems began.

To think that all the money wouldn’t be ours? That I would cut my income by paying someone else to sew? That it would never work and it would fail? That I shouldn’t grow because it was great the way it was?

These are some of the beliefs that my husband had. At first I resisted this line of thinking and opened an office in town. It was such a joy to just be there, working, creating. Every single day was an adventure.

It was at this point that I approached Nordstrom and after viewing my line they invited me to do a trunk show. It was a day long event where I brought my product in and my items were sold. After the first day they asked me to come back for two more days. After three days it ended with Nordstrom placing their order.

Within days after that sale, the office was burglarized. Gone was the computer and anything of value. My husband decided that it was not safe and that I should move the business back to the house. I permitted him to determine my fate and within months the company was broken.

I had a mother that had a stroke and who I cared for, two children, a husband, and no sewing company, no office assistant, no nothing. In a twinkle of the eye, everything that I had worked for was gone.

In retrospect I realize that there were two things that permitted me to be defeated. First was that I lacked the belief in myself and I permitted someone else to determine my talents. Secondly was that I believed I could not have it all…a wonderful married life and a successful business. How sad is that?

Okay, so now to the funny part. I’m divorced. During that process one of my husband’s complaints was that I didn’t work. Okay…go figure.

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The Gold In Them Thar Words - For You and Your People.

Linda Eaves

“Has your business made any money yet?”

When family or friends would ask that question, I used to get angry. Now, I don’t pay attention. Sure, I’d like them to get what’s going on as I build my business, but if I wait for their permission or excitement to make a move; to me that’s the definition of a job.

I’m writing today to introduce another option. It’s one you’ve probably heard about, and I know I glossed over it barely giving it a thought.

This concept is quick, transformative, and I invite you to revisit it and see if it works for you.

It’s about finding a story. More accurately – the story. Craft your story, the one underneath telling all about why you’d want to do this – whatever it is – in the first place.

Dear one – it starts with you. This vision holds your interest and will keep you going because you have something to grab onto. Whether you’re a seller of junk box treasures or a database creating wizard, the story impact makes you stand out. Build a business to nourish you and serve your perfect customer and I promise you’ll not tire of it. You’ll have something to orient yourself with, and you’ll be grounded down to your toes.

Why? Two words: clarity and conviction. These are contagious and attractive. When you have this in place, people will listen. They get swept up, and will identify with you – showing up with loyalty, trust and eventually dollars. Soon the conversation easily flows into a gift exchange instead of just another money transaction. I could create a whole series on that topic alone but that’s not why you’re here today.

So, why the money question? Society is still emerging from the production-based hours-for-dollars model. Information is the new currency. This alone is cause for celebration. But before we break out the festive beverages and throw confetti…

Not everyone has caught on to this yet. It’s difficult, almost impossible for some to get excited until the money is coming in. Do. Not. Let. That. Stop. You. We need your voice, your vision and story. The world needs what you have to say. Build something sustainable that’s about you and about meeting your customers where they most need you. Solve one problem at a time and they’ll keep coming back. That’s where the gold’s at.

Linda Eaves Linda is an empathic Coachsultant guiding people to empowerment, piece of mind, connection, good times, and proper wig selection. If you’re sick of dating the same people over and over – but with different tattoos – join Linda as she talks about Sex & Self Respect at Don’t Go Home with Him! – “Self Respect for the Desperate.” You can find Linda at http://dontgohomewithhim.com/

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It’s All About Yes

Mining the Gold of Your Shadow Jennifer L Shelton

Are there certain people in your life who really piss you off? You can’t stand to be around them but have little choice in the matter? You end up stewing about their behavior or comments even when they aren’t around?

You dread to see them coming? Have you ever heard of Carl Jung’s theory of the shadow? Are you tired of all these questions?

Our shadow is comprised of the parts of ourselves that we repress because we find them unattractive. Unpleasant. We often are so good at repressing our shadow that we don’t even know it’s there. But, as you probably know, repressed stuff can cause all sorts of problems from stress, to relationship issues, to weight gain, to even illnesses. There is an interesting way, however, to bring your shadow into the light.

Notice whenever you have a really strong reaction to someone else. I’m not talking minor annoyance. I’m talking about the people who piss you off completely – the people whose very presence makes you squirm. The things that bug you about those people are the very things about yourself that you are repressing. You don’t like how your co-worker is always interrupting people in conversation? You probably have a tendency to do it too.

Micromanagers send you over the edge? You guessed it – you’ve got your own micromanager hiding out in the shade somewhere.

So, what does this have to do with making money in your business?

Most all of us have had people ask when we’re going to start making money. Or, how much money we’re making. Or, tell us that we’ll never make money doing what we’re doing. And, most of us (I suspect) get very upset when this happens. See where I’m going with this?

If a particular question about your business has you fuming, you can bet that on some level, you are asking yourself that question. But you’re denying it. Ever heard, “what you resist, persists”? The more we deny, the more the questions will stick around. Even more, when we become aware that deep down we’re asking, “Why the hell am I not making any money yet?”, we often argue with ourselves, the same way we might argue with the family member or acquaintance who asked the question.

Arguing, however, is just another form of resistance.

So, what can we do? We can acknowledge our insecurities and fear, and learn from them. Get to the bottom of why you’re asking yourself this question. Maybe it’s a legitimate question, and you need to look to see what tweaks you can make to start bringing money in the door. Maybe you know you have a tendency to be impatient, and you need to research

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What Our Readers Are Saying?

Sandy from Texas...

“Sometimes I find it so hard when I get no encouragement from anyone. Finding your magazine lets me read and re-read so that I stay in a possible attitude.

Thank you!”

Kelly from Illinois...

“I always thought that women that were entrepreneurs were very different than me but after listening to the series of telephone calls, I realize that they are not so different. If they can make it, so can I.” L. from Virginia...

“I feel like I have been struggling by myself for years but now...not so much so. My husband has been totally against me starting my own business and so I have not.

But now? I’m not going to let go of my dreams and my ideas.”

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how long it takes the average person in your field to be successful. Maybe deep down you don’t even like what you’re doing. Only you can answer these questions. But, you must answer them because they won’t go away on their own!

And, how do we respond to the aunt who loves to watch us squirm when she asks about our business? We respond by giving an answer that makes US feel better. Who knows what would satisfy her. Maybe no answer will. Maybe you could be bringing in six figures, and she’d find something to criticize. However, if we’ve satisfactorily dealt with our own insecurities and issues, her criticisms won’t bother us.

Use your reactions to other people’s comments as a barometer for how you’re really feeling. Use them to explore your own insecurities. To grow and evolve. You might even learn to be thankful for those annoying people in your life! So fess up, what’s one question about your business that bugs the crap out of you? Can you use it to learn something more about yourself?

Jennifer L Shelton Jennifer is the founder and administrator of FemCentral, the Virtual Institute for Women, where she also works as an astrologer, intuitive coach and instructor. She teaches undergraduate, online classes in global cultures for Franklin University and works as an education, outreach and training consultant. She’s a writer. She’s a mom. She’s gloriously busy doing the things she loves. You can find Jennifer at www.jenniferlshelton.com

JOIN THIS FABULOUS GROUP OF ENTREPRENEURS ONLINE AT: FACEBOOK.COM/ITSALLABOUTYES

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Because I Believe Lori Latimer

“Why haven’t you made any money yet?” “How long are you going to play with this thing?” “Why don’t you get a real job?”

Has anyone ever asked you any of those questions? Maybe you’ve even asked yourself some of them.

When you haven’t made much, or any, money in your business, people may start questioning what you’re doing. You may question yourself.

So why keep going? Why not just give up?

For me, it’s because I have a dream and a passion so strong for what I’m doing that there is no other option. And because I believe in it with everything inside of me.

If you believe in what you’re doing, deep down in your soul and it’s a part of you, then you know you can’t give up. You have to say yes to your passion and your dream, regardless of what anyone else says.

Is it easy? Not always. It all comes down to whether you believe strongly enough in yourself and what you’re doing to keep going.

If you believe in what you’re doing, deep down in your soul and it’s a part of you, then you know you can’t give up.

We all have something to contribute to this planet. If you’ve found that thing, the one that no one else can do the way you do it and you know it deep in your soul, then nothing and no one will stop you.

Here are a few tips for you: 1. Don’t beat yourself up for it – and don’t let anyone else beat you up for it either! If you’re truly passionate about your business, keep pursuing it. If someone else is critical or judgmental of you, that’s their issue, not yours. Don’t let it become yours.

2. Don’t burn yourself out. You have to pace yourself, especially if you have a family and/or a full-time job. (Yes, I let myself get burned out last year and paid the price for it.) If you get overwhelmed, run down or burned out, you’re more likely to listen to your own mind chatter or someone else’s opinions or criticisms of what you’re doing.

3. Barter with someone. I have a new client who is going through a difficult time financially and isn’t able to pay me right now. But she’s a massage therapist so we’ve worked out an arrangement where I’ll coach her and she’ll do my massages. It doesn’t always have to be about money.

4. Get a job to help support yourself if you have to. Many entrepreneurs, including me, have a “day job” to support themselves until their business can fully support them. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. It’s not a sign of failure. Consider it your business loan – one that you won’t have to pay interest on!

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5. This one may sound harsh, but you may have to cut some people out of your life. Whether its friends or even family members, if someone can’t or won’t support you, or at the very least keep any negative comments and opinions to themselves, then you may have to make the hard decision to end the relationship. If you’re going to be successful, you need people who believe in you enough to love and support you around you, not someone who’s going to make you question your dream.

Here’s the big question though: Does it really have to just be about the money? If you’re using your gifts, if you’re helping someone by doing that thing you love, if you’re doing it from a pure heart, then you will feel a sense of satisfaction that you can’t put a price tag on.

And always remember this: Everything happens in its own time, when it’s supposed to. The money will come when it’s supposed to. If you have a dream, do not give up on it! There are people who need what you’re doing. Keep working, keep believing, and the money will come. Believe in yourself, and believe in what you’re doing.

Lori Laimer Lori helps women work through the issues they face as newly-single women.

After working as a paralegal in family law for over 20 years and going through her own divorce, she discovered a way to heal the pain of past relationships and build a new life full of joy and passion. She now helps newly-single women and those going through divorce fall in love with themselves and their lives. You can find me at http://lorilatimer.com/

Worth The Read...

The Illusion of Control

by Leo Babauta ‘The Master allows things to happen.

She shapes events as they come.

She steps out of the way and lets the Tao speak for itself.’ ~Laozi When you think you control something, you’re wrong. It’s amazing how often we think we’re in control of something when really we aren’t. Control is an illusion, as I’ve said many times before.

We constantly make plans that never actually turn out the way we envisioned. ‘If you want to make God laugh, make a plan,’ an old saying goes.

We have been trained to set goals, and then work on the actions that lead to those goals … and yet how often do those goals fail? How often are we trying to control a future that we cannot predict?

Read Entire Article

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Serving others is an honor not a chore ~ Ariaa Quotes~

by Ariaa Jaeger

My business is not your average fair and in no way falls into a conventional category so formulating financial success is more an art than a science. I have worked with thousands of people from all walks of life over the years and have never made my work about money. That being said, I look back on the past 18 years of my life with gleeful joy. Why, you ask? I am not a wealthy woman, have not a world of possessions, I don’t drive a Mercedes Benz nor am I draped in opulent creature comforts. Yet I look back on the countless numbers of lives I have been afforded the honor of helping and serving and find myself to be richer than the Queen of England. Money may be a necessary pillar in life but living your dream is the “Success is not foundation. measured by the Ariaa Quotes~ “Right now consider if it does not uplift, support, inspire, compliment or delight you, move on.” A critical ingredient to success is learning to remain true to your path and only you can define what that path is. You know yourself better than anyone on this planet and you are the best gauge for determining what you are good at. Everyone without exception has some special gift or gifts. Defining, honing and putting your gifts into motion is how you create a successful path. I have always felt that “Success is not measured by the amount of money you make but rather by the number of lives you have touched” ~Ariaa Quotes

amount of money you make but rather by the number of lives you have touched” Ariaa Jaeger

“Right now consider, if it does not uplift, support, inspire, compliment or delight you, move on” Ariaa Jaeger

You have heard the old adage that if you just do what you love to do you will make money at it and that really is true. Don’t aspire to be a millionaire, aspire to leave a legacy, something that will live on long after your time on earth is through.

Ariaa Jaeger is a Spiritual Life Strategist, Executive Life Counselor, Motivational Speaker, Author, Visionary, Philosopher, Intuitive & people magnet who has taught thousands around the world with her special blend of wisdom, humor & accurate prophecy. Her "Ariaaisms Spiritual Food for the Soul" and "Ariaa Quotes" have reached and impacted millions in social media. She inspires and teaches others to LOVE OUTLOUD and has drawn a huge following as a result of living that very message. As an animal rights activist, environmentalist and humanitarian she donates her time and energy to help create a better world. Ariaa is also a gifted singer. She sang at the United Nations Spirit Awards & has a new CD of covers "Absolute Ariaa." Ariaa also has a new weekly radio show on Blog Talk radio, "Breakfast With Ariaa" http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/breakfast-with-ariaa/ To make an appointment with Ariaa or hear her music go to http://Ariaa.com/ "16 People on Twitter Who Inspire the World" http://bit.ly/bpo39a

© 2011 It’s All About Yes. All Rights Reserved.

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FREE Is Not A Business Model Liz Nonnemacher

I’ve had a bit of a different path because I did not start Wickedly Chic to make money. In fact, money was the furthest thing from my mind!

My oldest daughter was going off to college in the fall and the whole Wickedly Chic thing pretty much fell into my lap. As I mentioned in my last article, I didn’t know anything about websites and I CERTAINLY did not know a darn thing about starting a business. I was at a point where I needed to do something with myself besides taking care of kids, cooking, cleaning, being a mom & wife, etc.

Yet, we all like money.

My first goal was to find a way to promote independent businesses and I had a lot of takers. Except that it became pretty clear to me (and very quickly as well) that the takers were interested in one word. Free. As in, “I own a small business and I’m not making much money and you have a website and I need your services.

For free.”

And I’ll tell you. I got pissed off. And fast. Free isn’t a business model. It’s not a business model for me and it isn’t a business model for you either.

I started to charge for my services and slowly but surely the money started to come in. And that was pretty exciting. People were willing to pay me for my services.

But….

It dawned on me that I was working an awful lot of hours for not many dollars. And that had to end.

Several years ago, I began to realize that my services were worth quite a bit of money. So I started to charge accordingly. And in reality, I’m probably still underpricing myself but I am getting there.

The most important thing for any entrepreneur is that they need to really “get” the value of their services and “know” that what they are providing has a definite dollar value. Until you get to that point, you will keep bumping along. Working a lot of hours for not much money.

Now I work fewer hours (weekends are pretty much off limits) and I charge fair prices for what I provide to small business owners.

Although I love Wickedly Chic, it’s not the center of my life and along with working for x number of hours on x number of days, I have improved profitability and the quality of my life AND the quality of what I provide to my clients.

And free is still not a business model 

.

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JUNE 6, 2011

Going In Style

By Ali R. Rodriguez I want to tell you about my Aunt Rosa, who at 97, decided to get a mini-facelift, refused to wear glasses because those were for old people, and even tried to move her hips to the sounds of Shakira’s music whom she adored and was beginning to like Lady Gaga’s style. My Aunt or Tia Rosa (in Spanish) was bigger than life and her wisdom was deep, unusual, and oh, so generous when sharing with others. Her focus was always on the younger generation teaching the spiritual value of money, and techniques to nurture it and save it, so it could come back ten fold. She was simply brilliant, loving, and absolutely one of a kind. She loved Music, Money and Men, and not necessarily in that order, she also had a zest for life, like no other. She was not only a woman of substance but she was also, highly opinionated, and I loved that about her.

Just last week, on May 17th in the afternoon, she decided it was time to go, and that is exactly what she did.

She gathered her only daughter, neighbors, friends, and other close relatives and asked that whatever they wanted to say to her to do it now, as she wanted to bless them all, and say her good-byes, and so she did.

She had just celebrated her 101st birthday on Mother’s day, May 8th; with troubadours, mariachis, and lots of flowers and good cheers. It was a grand celebration, just like her. Right after that, she began to make her arrangements, she knew it was time for her one big party in the sky.

I went to Miami by Amtrak train (and that’s another blog post!) on time to make it to the funeral, and was privileged to be able to be of comfort to her only daughter, and saying my final good-byes to her, though in my heart, she will live forever.

She was a great teacher and mentor, and above all, not only was I a big fan of hers, but she was of me too, which I always found flattering and amazing. She would never let me forget about all my qualities and virtues and my passion to serve and help others, while fulfilling my own destiny.

She lived by: “Always do the right thing, no matter what, nor to whom.” It’s a lesson well learned and the spirit of those words resonate with me at a very deep level.

What I most remember of Aunt Rosa is how she always made me feel: “Full of Life, Joy and Gratitude!” – She used to say that was the whole point of being alive.

Now you know why I titled this blog-post: “Going in Style”…because….that’s exactly what she did.

Rest In Peace my dearest Tia Rosa.

Much Love, Ali

Ali R. Rodriguez I’m a Business Coach Strategist and Passionista expert. I love helping Professionals fuse passion with profits, monetize their expertise and create a lifestyle to match.

If you dream of having a business that will provide you with the luxuries you know you deserve, I’m the girl to call. If you’re turned on by abundance of money to create a lifestyle of freedom from the 9 to 5, yup, that’s me again. If vacationing in style tickles your fancy be it in the French Riviera, the Swiss Alps, or even your own backyard…I’m just a phone call away. (386) 615-6282. – http://VisionForSuccess.biz/

It’s All About Yes

VOLUME 1; ISSUE 2

Congratulations, you started your business. Now what?

by Janet Majoulet-Foust

When you start your business, the first thing you think about is “how am I going to get clients so I can make money so I don‟t have to go back to the JOB.” If you don‟t have a backup plan, then money becomes extremely important. If you don‟t have a job that is supporting your business or a significant other who is helping pay the bills, it can be even more stressful.

Having a business is a lot of work, and it takes tenacity to keep moving forward.

And if you believe in the laws of the universe, if you are stressed about money, then you are most likely not seeing money flowing easily to you. The more you worry, the less you will make. I have experienced that time and time again in my own business, and it is a waste of time and energy.

On the flip side, many people start a business thinking that the money is going to roll in. They put up their shingle and wait for their new clients to stream in. They sit and wait; they do no marketing, no networking and wonder why they don‟t have clients.

Unless you put in the time and effort it takes to be successful, it won‟t ever happen. Having a business is a lot of work, and it takes tenacity to keep moving forward through a lot of your own mindset stuff, and those of your friend‟s, family and colleagues who just want you to stop this silly dream you have of being a business owner and go back to work!

So what does that work look like? For those of you who have jobs, this might mean working after work on your own business or working all weekend or both. The time you spend will depend on what kind of business you decide to start. If you are starting a completely new business as a coach, trainer, or consultant you will need to get yourself out there to get known. You can do this by building up your social media presence and networking as much as possible. Of course there is a lot more to do around that as well, but this is a great start.

The next thing you have to remember is that you will have to invest in your business. So this means, creating a web site. This could be as simple as a one to two page site just to let people know what you do and who you are. You will also want to learn a lot about marketing, and sales. And, if I had done it right from the beginning, I would have hired a really good business coach to help me put all the pieces together.

If you have saved money to start your business or if you are using your credit cards, make sure you are investing wisely. I can tell you so many stories of new business owners burning through $50,000 with nothing to show for it. That can be very discouraging. If you are unsure where to start, ask your colleagues, networking groups and others who

JUNE 6, 2011