Small Biz Forward - Oct. 2014

October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

SMALL BIZ

FORWARD T I P S A N D T E C H N I Q U E S T H AT G E T R E S U LT S

RULE OF

7

The number 7 is not an absolute, it is a good number to work your marketing funnel around. pg. 20

Vol. 21, No. 6 $4.95

4 RISKY

BUSINESS

Some people are natural risk-takers while others shy away from any type of liability or loss pg. 16

RETREAT TOPICS to help you grow your business pg. 10

ARE THERE MONSTERS UNDER YOUR BED? As kids we all (I bet) were afraid of the monsters under our bed pg. 8

EXPO FOR WOMEN

For 26 years the Expo for Women event has been highlighting local business in the Michiana community pg. 28

“VOICE OF YOUR BUSINESS” SPEAKER GROUP pg. 26

Business Success Unlimited Where Business come to connect, collaborate and succeed

Are you looking for someone to help you grow your business easily, cost effectively and without taking years? Then Business Success Unlimited is the choice for you!

BSU helps small business connect, collaborate and succeed through mentoring projects, networking groups, and entrepreneurial forums.

Find us today at: Business Success Unlimited 701 N. Prarie Street Sturgis, MI 49091 (269)651-3555

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http://success4biz.biz http://facebook.com/bsuconnector http://linkedin.com/in/nancybecher http://twitter.com/smallbizjunkie

For advertising rates and other information call (269) 651-3555 You can also check online at http://smallbizforward.com

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CONTENTS 9

ARE THERE MONSTERS UNDER YOUR BED?

14 BUSINESS SURVIVAL

19

BUSINESS GROWTH BEYOND SURVIVAL

1 10 7 16 RETREAT

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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RISKY BUSINESS

20 RULE OF 7

33 25

VOICE OF YOUR BUSINESS

26

IS MARKETING THE WEAK LINK IN YOUR BUSINESS?

28

EXPO FOR WOMEN

“VOICE OF YOUR BUSINESS” SPEAKERS GROUP

37

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

30

HEALTHY BODY AND A HEALTHY BUSINESS

5

35

BEING CONNECTIVE

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

Office to Office

Welcome to fall!!!!

There’s something about kids going back to school, leaves turning colors and wafting down through the air to land on the ground at our feet; it makes me excited to get back in the game of business. What about you?

If you’re like me, you had time off during the summer – time to spend with family and friends, time to relax and enjoy the world around you, vacations and more.

Right? That’s great. We all need time to relax, rejuvenate and think about where we’re going to be headed next. But now that it’s fall, it’s time to get back to business.

Full speed ahead.

This issue is all about business growth and what we need to do to get to the next level. One of my patented business statements is “until you know the who, what and why of business you won’t be successful. You have to work ON your business to grow your business” That means that you have to know why you do what you do; who your ideal client is (and why they are the ideal client); and what it is you sell (this is not the product/service, it is the value that you provide). When you know these things, business starts to flow.

I’m sure you’ll be able to find many items to help you with that aha moment. I challenge you to take some time to go through the articles, worksheets and resources and put them to work in your business. And then, let us know how they helped you. We are starting a section with this month’s issue that gives the readers a chance to chime in on the different topics and what they’ve done to support you and help you grow.

So, for now, enjoy the excitement of a whole new season for you and for your business and let’s be SUCCESSFUL!!!!!!

Nancy Becher

Our experts this month will be giving you the tips and techniques needed to start you on your way in this exploration so that you can move successfully ahead.

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Letters to the Editor Just a note of THANKS for the Small Biz Forward Magazine! The professionalism, the attractive and useful business ideas provided basic, quick ways to implement things that were new and things we, as Business owners forget are very important to customers and service! Love how the advertisements are more of articles that really show more than just products and sales. Love getting to know new business owners and how we all have the same issues-at some time- and that we NEVER KNOW IT ALL! To become great students forever is mandatory! Got to know the cover guest at a workshop in Fort Wayne, IN. Proving...sometimes...we think too small when we go outside of our comfort zone and territory. BUT, we are actually doing business everywhere -if we allow ourselves to get the girdle off of our brains! Thanks again SBF for being a Go To Business Tool!

Randi Bortles-Lincoln, Mary Kay and Business Leader, Fort Wayne, IN

Small Biz Forward Magazine is a technically well written periodical that relates to what we all either need as small business owners and workers or addresses issues we need to know about. It is also very easy reading for its subscribers and uses content and writers that relate to what we need. The company program that incorporates the magazine is great!

Mary Partee. Independent a Direct Sales Consultant.

I just want to say how great the magazine is looking these days. I have watched this progress over the last few years and wow!

It looks great! The artwork and layout is professional and eye catching. The content is useful to the small business person and engaging. Keep up the great work!”

Mary Cooper Licensed Realtor In Indiana and Michigan Cressy & Everett Real Estate

Schedule of Events K Enterprises – Your Business Needs Fans

Business Mentoring, B2B Events, Shop & Greet Expo

South Bend, IN 46660

“Voice of Your Business” Speakers Group

Karen - 574.344.8895

Two events on the same day: Choose one or attend both – November 21 B2B Get Together November 21, 9:30-11:30pm (Open Networking starts at 9:00) (Trine University, 4101 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN)

Time to give your business a boost, refresh your own focus for success and join in the fun of a unique networking experience? Lots of fun and a great way to connect with other businesses. Open Networking time 9:00-9:30 and then Business Introductions start at 9:30. All businesses are introduced.

Bring your business cards, brochures, samples and a door prize if you want. Display space also available so feel free to come a little early and set up a small display too. Just $5 to participate.

(August, November, January, April) “Voice of Your Business” Workshop November 21, 11:45-2:00pm (Trine University, 4101 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN)

Want to improve your skills as a speaker and find ways to better demonstrate your own expertise? Join us for this two hour workshop designed for business owners and managers who have previous speaking experience but want to improve and expand their audiences too. LIMITED GROUP SIZE. Lunch will be provided. $30. (NOTE: In addition to the workshop, you will learn more about opportunities to join the “Voice of Your Business” Speakers Group). RSVP Required. Call or Text Karen Bachert 574.344.8895 , email karen@YourBusinessNeedsFans.com. Meet Speakers at www.YourBusinessNeedsFans.com (August, November, January, April) SPONSORSHIP & BOOTH SPACE NOW AVAILABLE: Michiana “Shop & Greet” March 26, 2015, 2:00-8:30pm (Saint Mary’s Campus – Gillespie Center, South Bend, IN) Best Expo of the year! One of a kind event with our unique “Everyone Shops Experience”! Great networking & auction fun with local charities. PLUS Speed Networking, Prizes & Surprises, Live Charity Auction! Live Radio Broadcast! Foodie Favorites! Cash Bar! Fun for you, fun for friends, good for your business and good for Michiana too! Tickets just $15 (and get $10 back in Michiana Bucks to spend at the event). More info, call Karen 574.344.8895

www.facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans 7

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Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

and say Nope, no monsters here today.

Eventually, I got to the point where I wasn’t afraid any longer. The same thing will happen for you. When you’re afraid of something, work at alleviating it and over time it will lessen and lessen until it’s suddenly – no longer there.

ARE THERE MONSTERS

UNDER YOUR BED? As kids we all (I bet) were afraid of the monsters under our bed. Night after night I would make one of my parents check to make sure that we were safe and that the monster had been shooed away. There’s even a commercial right now where one scene has the dad and the little girl looking under the bed and the dad says “there’s no monster, just Mr. Elephant”, and he pulls out a stuffed elephant.

We grow up and become the ones checking to ensure our children’s monsters are shooed away. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t still have our own slinky, slimy nightmares just waiting to pounce. But as adults, ours (especially if we are small business owners – or want to be owners) are much harder to get rid of.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently stated that over 51% of all US adults want to own their own business; yet only 6% actually accomplish that dream. What is it that keeps them from making it happen? Their monsters. Fear is most likely the number one reason – fear of failure, fear of success, fear of friends/family criticizing or looking down on the idea. These are all pretty common fears. Most everything you want right now is outside of your comfort zone. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It will become a way of life, and easier every time.

The first thing we need to do is to figure out what it is we might be afraid of; and then, just like all those years ago, we have to face them. For weeks my dad had to come to the bedroom with me, look under my bed 9

Here’s an example for you: I’m very afraid of standing in front of people and giving presentations. My fear is that I will look silly, or that they will say I’m making a fool of myself. But my business is that of an educational/ training facility and so, of course, one of my main tasks is to stand in front of people and to train them through presentations. It would be really bad if I couldn’t do that due to fear wouldn’t it. It was imperative that I do everything I could to rid myself of that fear. I haven’t yet, but I make sure that I get in front of people as often as I can. In fact, I even just found this wonderful speakers bureau where I’m going to be speaking more often than ever before. It’s the best way to STOP the fear.

So, ok, now it’s your turn. What are you afraid of that may be holding you back in your business? What can you do to start working your way through that fear so that you see “the light at the end of the dark tunnel”, or know that when you look under your bed, all you’ll see are dust bunnies!

Nancy Becher, passionate about supporting “mom and pop” businesses, is the Chief Everything Officer of Business Success Unlimited, an educational training program for entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is the author of many short articles and published pieces in various magazines and online. An entrepreneur since age 12, she is known for her knowledge of running small business and caring about the people she works with. http:// success4biz.biz is where she is found!

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

RETREAT 10

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A

s fall rolls around and the cold weather starts to chill, people start to spend more time indoors.

This is very common here in Michigan as we are familiar with the high winds, a typical fall day is around the high fifties lower sixty. Not only are people driven to keep warm they also spend less time in shopping stores so they choose alternative ways to get products or enjoy things. As a business, cold doesn’t bother you as you have means and ways to keep warm, but ask yourself this, do you have other ways to get your product out or keep your business running in a time when the climate may affect

your growing business? This is just one of many questions that may come up in a business when it comes to how it will effect growth and revenue.

If you are a small business owner looking for ways to connect with others in your same seat on ways to build a better company, the Business Abundance Retreat is the place to go for those inspirations.

The sole purpose of the retreat is to interact with others and share ideas; as you do this you will go through the 6 steps to help you grow your business. Each topic is geared to help the small business owner realize what

today’s market is looking for and how The “Grow Your Business in 6 Easy to get the company name out. The Steps Retreat and Workshop” will topics include, marketing, creating be held on Friday November 14th in a memorable customer experience, North Webster, Indiana. The retreat communicating effectively, will begin at 8 am with a breakfast.

Optimizing Social Media, Branding, The event will last until 5 p.m. and and Becoming the Voice of your will consist of a small fee that includes Business. In this one day seminar you Breakfast, Lunch and snacks. You will leave with a community of new may also get ahead and catch the early friends and even future consumers bird special ($99), which will be $100 -- not only is this a time for learning, it dollars less *. will also build networking skills. *Ends October 13th Among all those things most of all you will be given the chance to get your company name out more, so join in on this great opportunity.

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SMALL BIZ

FORWARD The place where businesses come to connect, collaborate and succeed

Editor Nancy Becher Layout and Design Lizbeth Cruz Advertising and feature inquiries nancy@success4biz.biz send to or http://smallbizforward.com Subscriptions can be directed to 701 N. Prairie Street Sturgis, MI 49091 (269)651-3555 http://smallbizforward.com info@success4biz.biz Š 2014

Twitter @smallbizjunkie Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bsuconnector LinkedIn http://wwwlinkedin.com/in/nancybecher

Vol. 21, No. 6 Small Biz Forward is published every month by Celebrate Business Publishing, a division of Business Success Unlimited. ISSN 2332-5887 No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All letters sent to Small Biz Forward will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication, copyright purposes and use are subject to SBF unrestricted right to edit and comment.

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Business Survival

by Ed Becher PPS, Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety LLC

Looting in Ferguson, MO Ed Becher PPS is the Owner and Director of Training for the Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety, located in Sturgis, MI. He can be contacted at ed@thebodyguardacademy. com or by calling his office at (269)651-3355 to discuss your security concerns.

Hurricane Sandy damage

September 11, 2001, a day that not only changed the way we saw the world but how we did business.

T

hings were changed forever after that day; now add how social media has changed how we receive news, and how they impact the way we do business.

Over the last couple of weeks quite a lot has occurred as well. Riots in Ferguson, Missouri, earthquakes in California, and way too much on the international level to even try to touch. But as business owners we need to be prepared for all contingencies that may occur. How would you and your staff handle the riots and looting that took place in Ferguson? How do you ensure the safety of yourself and staff in those times? What about your place of business, have you made plans to keep it secure while you are away?

How about an earthquake, how are you going to secure your business after a wall has collapsed off the side of your building? Hurricane Katrina and Sandy were wake up calls for many business owners who were not prepared for what destruction can be done by weather.

These and other incidents can have a very negative effect on your business survival. Some stores affected by the riots and looting in Ferguson, MO have stated that they will not reopen out of fear of anther situation like Hurricane Sandy damage which has occurred. Many lost everything they had, and insurance will be just enough to cover losses.

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Additionally, some of the smaller stores quite possibly had insufficient insurance to cover the loss from the looting and the damages that they incurred.

As business owners we must be prepared both mentally and financially for the extra investment and purchase a 2-3 camera DVR system. The system should be expandable and be able to record and store for minimum of 30 days.

Take a look at social media and look at how many law enforcement agencies are posting video of crimes in progress in an attempt to identify the suspects. How do you feel a jury will view that same video of them committing that crime? Pretty intimidating seeing yourself on video doing something stupid.

The same applies to your Wi-Fi; if you grant customers and clients access to Wi-Fi while they are visiting your locations, this should be a separate system from the one that runs your point-of-sale and in house network. I was at a location one day and hooked into a Wi-Fi, looking at it I was granted complete access to the company’s financial records to include banking. I went to that store and told the owner what I had stumbled upon, she had no clue how open her system was which had been set up by an employee that no longer was employed there. And no, the access passwords had not been changed and the system was never secured. How much damage could have occurred if someone with criminal intent had found this?

Alarm systems should be in place for unauthorized after hours entry and the access code should be on a need to know and each person who does have access should have their own sign in PIN. Not every employee needs this access. You need to consider this and provide this access only to those you have true faith in.

Now tie your business survival with the items I have talked about. Can your business survive after severe weather, looting and riots, earthquakes, or criminal activity? Consider your options before they happen because after is too late.

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4 RISKY BUSINESS

1

Some people are natural risk-takers while others shy away from any type of liability or loss. What can be an easy decision for some can prove crippling for others. No matter which category you fall into, we know that taking risks is necessary to truly succeed and get the most from business and life.

Jerry Sarno is a strategic partner with Schooley Mitchell Telecom consultants, North America’s largest independent telecom consulting company.

Jerry.Sano@schooleymithcell. com (269) 408-8679

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But not all risks are created equal and the lasting impact they can have on us also differs.

Physical risks will affect us in a different way than social risks. Someone who doesn’t hesitate to take emotional risks can find themselves conflicted when it comes to making a financial or intellectual decision.

Many calculated, well-planned risks are worth taking and can help your business get ahead. Let’s look at four risks you should never hesitate to take:

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

1

Hire New Talent

The employment market is hot and companies have their pick of some of the best and brightest workers. New hires can infuse your workplace with innovative ideas and motivate existing employees to step up their game. And thanks to current labor conditions, talented workers are plentiful and can be brought on board for a reasonable salary.

However, be careful to choose those who are a good fit for your company and its culture. Hiring the wrong person can have disastrous results.

2

Reinvent Your Company Any company with longevity has reinvented itself more than once.

Taking a complacent approach almost always leads to a slow death, whereas those who aren’t afraid to mix things up reap the greatest rewards and rise above the competition. Take an open-minded look at your business model on a regular basis and brainstorm ways to keep innovating.

3 4

Ignore Conventional Wisdom

Straying from established formulas can cause anxiety; however, playing it safe by sticking to conventional wisdom can also amplify the perceived risk. Bucking the trend can take us outside our comfort zone, but it’s often what is needed to gain a competitive advantage. This is one risk that forces you to face your fears.

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Invest in Yourself When was the last time you took a business course or attended a webinar to learn more about the newest technology or tactic?

Continual professional development leads to high levels of expertise and keeps you up-to-date with the current trends.

You may be busy, but investing in yourself is always time (and money) well spent, so dedicate some attention to yourself in the coming weeks. The reward is much greater than the risk.

Oftentimes we gain a sense of empowerment from summoning up the courage to take risks.

Pushing ourselves to new limits may also increase our creativity and force us to better define our goals.

Because not every risk pays off, it can also teach us about failure, how to face it and how to press on to bigger and better things. As T.S. Eliot said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

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Business Growth Beyond Survival: Why You Can’t Stand Still

by Barb Nicastro

Barbara Nicastro is a problem solver, strategist, and business executive highly experienced in analysis of complex or factual situations. She uses a pragmatic business approach to prevent or resolve issues. She has extensive leadership, public speaking, negotiation, media and motivational training experience. You can reach Barb at www.linkedin. com/in/bnicastro

Say the word “advertising” and most traditional entrepreneurs think “print ads, media commercials, flyers, brochures.” Others, more internet-based, may come up with “groupons, blog, Facebook, Linked-in.” Many eschew advertising altogether in the mistaken believe that the return on investment doesn’t justify the effort and cost. All of these methods are right . . . and wrong! The only business growth tool that always works is using your passion and your personality to project your business image.

Having been a business owner for almost 25 years, I’ve tried a lot of ways to grow my law practice. Advertising and the law were not exactly compatible back when I started, and too aggressive a marketing campaign could create the kind of attention and feedback you didn’t want to have – from your state bar. And, as the child of depression-era parents whose favorite fall-back line was “you never know”, I also was highly attuned to the “save it, don’t spend it” approach to money. Plus, I was unorthodox enough to know that my practice and my personality didn’t exactly fit comfortably within square corners. So, how did I manage to pay the mortgage, put three kids through college and still have enough left over to enjoy my life and fund my retirement? I concentrated on what I did best and what was my passion.

For me, this approach led to a high level of interpersonal contact, public speaking, relationship networking and strong involvement in community and nonprofit groups. I love people and I also love helping them solve or avoid problems. I also love learning about people’s stories and how they got to where they are in life. I learned that bringing my personal life experiences into my work environment allowed me to project a vision of my business that made clients feel protected and at ease. Using these tools, I have been able to create a business environment that grows to meet my needs, but can also contract for those times when I needed to concentrate on being a single parent or to vegetate by sticking my toes in the sand. And with “retirement” being one of those topics I’m pondering the “when” of lately, I’ve also managed to look ahead to that time of life with a smile rather than with fear. That’s the true definition of business success.

So, what works for you? That’s for you to decide. Maybe you’re not a people person. Maybe you are more visual than oral, more reflective than dynamic.

Figure out what makes you laugh, what energizes you and what kind of person you want to be. Use that knowledge to help others to learn about you and what you can do to help make their lives better. It really IS all about not standing still, but it’s done for you personally as well as professionally, with joy and a purpose, not just to create movement and make noise.

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RULE OF There’s an old marketing adage that goes something like this: a prospect needs to see or hear your marketing message at least seven times before they take action and buy from you. It’s a good one to remember when you start any marketing process. While the number 7 is not an absolute, it is a good number to work your marketing funnel around. Why? Until you understand the reasoning behind this philosophy, your plan may not work well.

Marketing must be an on-going process in order for it to be successful. So, let’s dissect what is being said here. It WILL get you more business coming in the door.

7

right now. Businesses are advertising everywhere you look from online, to direct mail, in person and through many other media. Even if what you offer is GREAT, your ads need to be heard above the rest, and that can be really hard. Our prospects need to be looking for what we offer in order for our materials to register at first. If they are not actively looking, your messages will probably be shoved to the back of the mind, or not even taken in.

Price is also a part of the equation at this point. Often, we our potentials finally do realize they want or need something, they turn to the one that they find with the Stop and think for a minute. How often do you see a “most reasonable” (i.e., “cheapest”) price. If a prospect sees commercial on TV, or hear one on the radio, read an ad your message and is interested but worried about money, in a paper or magazine and immediately go out and buy it just means you haven’t quite convinced them of the what you just encountered? People buy from those they value of your offer. It isn’t until a relationship has been know, like and trust. We hear all the time these days about established that price variances become less important. relationship marketing and it is really true. We don’t buy So, how do you plan your marketing? First and foremost, from someone unless ….. do not “put all your eggs in one basket”. What? When The Rule of 7 means that it takes approximately 7 times you’re planning your strategy put several methods in it. of someone hearing or seeing your ad before they are Use social media, networking, emails and/or blogs, etc. I ready to buy. The first 2-3 they don’t even realize they’ve recommend being part of networking groups, the local seen it. The 4-6 they begin to think, I’ve heard about this Chamber of Commerce, find a mastermind program, company – maybe I should check into them. And finally and then find ways to market using your website, email around the 7th time they’ve seen or heard of you, they are address, and as many different techniques and styles as ready to finally check you out. I personally think in today’s you can. They’re not all expensive, and when you focus business environment, you need a lot more than 7 just to and are consistent, you will definitely see results! get the relationship started.

There are basically six different marketing techniques: Ok, why? Well, there’s an awful lot of “noise” out there 20

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six different marketing techniques

1 2 3

Direct contact and follow-up Networking and referral building Public speaking

Let’s look at these different strategies: direct contact can be calling, having lunch or coffee with the prospect, phone calls, personal letters and emails, thank you’s and nice to meet you notes. It can also be IMs on Facebook and LinkedIn, sending newsletters, and auto responders. Can you think of anything else?

Networking and referral building includes things like attending meetings and seminars, participating in online communities, lunch or meetings, volunteering, collaborations, exchanging leads and giving referrals.

Public speaking is often a scary one. How does public speaking work? Serving on panels, making presentations, and giving classes or workshops are all part of public speaking.

4 5 6

Writing and publicity Promotional events; and Advertising

breakfasts and doing giveaways, contests, and surveys.

And finally there is advertising. Included here are print display ads, banner ads, newspaper or magazine classifieds, listings in the event conference programs, emails, direct mail, brochures and flyers, radio and TV, and billboards.

Since all of us are small companies, when we’re doing our marketing we also have to include sales. Not only do we have to get people interested in what we have to offer, but we also have to get them hooked and wanting to buy what it is that we’re selling.

It’s a big job but doable if we take the time to really think about what we want, who our ideal customer is, and what value we provide. That should help us well on our way.

The next one’s writing and publicity: a magazine is one way you can do that by writing articles. You can also reprint articles that you’ve written in the past for blogs and other things. You can write a column in the newspaper, for a magazine or a blog. Getting PR written about you and your business is another way. Be interviewed, having people link to your website for Facebook and speaking of Facebook, posting things to your social media.

Promotional events is the next one. Holding open houses, receptions, cosponsoring events, networking lunches and

Nancy Becher, passionate about supporting “mom and pop” businesses, is the Chief Everything Officer of Business Success Unlimited, an educational training program for entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is the author of many short articles and published pieces in various magazines and online. An entrepreneur since age 12, she is known for her knowledge of running small business and caring about the people she works with. http:// success4biz.biz is where she is found!

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Approach 1: Use the Following to create your own two-part statement

What is the value of your service or product?

Who is your Ideal Client?

What is the need that client has?

What do you sell? (the actual product or service) What is the benefit?

Positioning the Value What does your competition provide?

Your company is different how?

Show that what you offer has a better benefit

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Product Features vs. Benefits Worksheet Objective: 路 What are the features and what are the benefits of your product or service?

Task: 路 Fill in below for your product or service

Feature

Benefit

Define the difference

Product of Service:

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VOICE OF YOUR BUSINESS Claim it, Own It, Then Write About It and Talk about It Becoming the “Voice of Your Business” How to Become Better Known and More Highly Respected POPULARITY AND EXPERTISE BRINGS MORE BUSINESS TO OUR DOORS

Buchard and dug deep in myself to bring forward my own experience and passion in public speaking to help myself and other business owners alike to become the voice of their businesses. We are starting with a group of eight wonderful entrepreneurs who are all experienced, passionate and ready to help others succeed. We come from a variety of backgrounds: some are networkers, some are skilled bloggers, and some have already been speaking for years and want to expand their topics and their audiences.

“When times get tough, the tough get going” could well be the sentiment that launches a new approach to growing our business. We see times when a whole industry takes a hit and loses long-established revenue streams. It happens with Real Estate and Travel Agencies and even with the once well-frequented diner down the street. In reality, all businesses face the challenge to grow their business despite obstacles that are inevitable. Either caused by the economy, the competition or a variety of often We call ourselves, the “Voice of Your Business” Speakers unidentified factors that play havoc with profit margins, Group. and you’ll meet each of us here in Small Biz the challenges are real and the results could be devastating. Forward. We are business leaders ready to share our stories, our experience and our passion with you. Please Be it a hunger for new levels of success or a response to enjoy a sneak preview of our topics here in this issue of declining revenue numbers, it doesn’t really matter so Small Biz Forward. much what motivates us to try something new to grow our businesses. Either way, we are here to suggest a new IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR SMILE OUT THERE AND path and a proven-effective way to make more money. It’s JOIN OUR GROUP a fact, a business owner’s own personal popularity and recognized area of expertise brings more business to If you are a business leader ready to take your skills and their doors. In the book, The Millionaire Messenger, the your experience and combine them with your own unique author teaches us that digging deep and pinpointing the personality to become a passionate example for others things that we are passionate about and the things that and a helpful and responsible leader in your industry we are really good at is the beginning of claiming and and community, consider joining our group. It’s time to owning our individual areas of expertise. Claim it, own get your smile out there. It’s time to start shacking more it, then write about it and talk about it. Teach others and hands and talking to more people, all in the name of share generously your insight and wisdom. This simple building a reputation and a following that most certainly “Market-Yourself ” Approach works and will help you grow will translate into more customers and more business. your business.

PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR STUFF, ARE LIKABLE AND HELP OTHERS SUCCEED It’s based on the premise, people buy from people they know, like and trust, but we tweak it a little and add people buy from people who know their stuff, are likable and are always willing to help others succeed too. For this reason, the “Voice of Your Business” Speakers Group has been formed and I have followed the lead of author, Brendon

For more information on the next “Voice of Your Business” Speakers Workshop or about joining the “Voice of Your Business” Speakers Group, visit our website at www.

YourBusinessNeedsFans.com or call Karen at 574.344.8895. Karen Bachert, Your Business Needs Fans Leader & Coach of “Voice of Your Business” Speakers Group www.facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans.com

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“VOICE OF YOUR BUSINESS” SPEAKERS GROUP Just Give’m a Pickle & Watch Your Business Grow.

Discover the Most Effective Ways to Gain New Customers and Get Repeat Customers Coming Back for More. Nothing like a loyal customer who is so happy with your company that they just can’t help but tell their friends. Nancy’s story of the “pickle” is one every business owner needs to hear. With an extensive background working with booth small and large businesses, Nancy Becher know her stuff, presents with clarity and guides her audience to personal discoveries that they can quickly and easily apply to their own business success, towards a new approach to business success.

Nancy Becher, Chief EVERYTHING Officer Business Success Unlimited & Publisher of Small Biz Forward Magazine www.success4biz.biz Time to Work ON Your Business, Not Just IN Your Business?

Learn How to Change Your Focus to the 5 Areas that Produce Powerful Results.

Nancy understands that it is never easy to be truly successful but with the right tools, business goals are attainable. Let Nancy’s insight, unique skill set as an experienced business owner and educator, and her wisdom gained through both academic accomplishments and through years of entrepreneurship, guide you towards a new approach to business success.

Nancy Becher, Chief EVERYTHING Officer Business Success Unlimited & Publisher of Small Biz Forward Magazine Run, Hide, Fight Empowering Women to Stay Safe in an Unsafe World. An Expert in personal safety, Ed will make learning fun and help everyone from teenagers to seniors to know what to do when faced with unexpected danger.

Ed Becher, Licensed Bounty Hunter & Security Professional Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety Centerforprotection.com

Guerrilla Marketing, It Will Work for Your Business Big company or small company -Nothing can stand in your way!

Andy Garza, "The Guerrilla Marketing Guru", has over 20 years marketing experience and has successfully launched 3 different businesses using Guerrilla Marketing techniques. Now he is ready to share those techniques with you!

Andy Garza, Business Owner & Marketing Guru Big Gorilla Marketing Group

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The Power of Entrepreneurship It’s a mindset, a skill set and an eagerness to succeed.

Already a successful entrepreneur? Or ready to turn "the dream" into a reality? Join Jerry, as he shares his incredible approach to profitability that has already helped thousands of business owners. His own story of entrepreneurship and the action plans he has created to help others be successful too are the credentials Jerry eagerly shares with others.

Jerry Sarno, Strategic Partner Schooley Mitchell http://www.schooleymitchell.com/jsarno, www.schooleymitchell.com/jsarno Fundraising Made Easy!

Everything you need to know to raise more money.

Shannon, enthusiastic and energetic mother of six, who set her sights high on the ladder of success and earned a Top Sales Executive spot in her industry in less than one year; now specializes in Team Building, Fundraising and Creating Programs that help her clients raise money for charity and for themselves.

Shannon Stuart, Independent Consultant Pink Zebra http://www.pinkzebrahome.com/sstuart Branding 7 Steps to Branding Your Business in Today's Market It’s not easy to get your business noticed. With a wealth of experience in business marketing, an eye for helping her clients look good, and a passion for helping others, Paula will share her tips for branding success Paula Sours, Account Executive Visions by Gudi / Proforma Print House www.proforma.com/printhouse, http://www.proforma.com/printhouse Simplify Your Life 5 Easy Steps to Put Clutter in It’s Place Tired of searching and searching for things you just can’t find? Time to learn how to get rid of the mess and keep everything you need at your fingertips. Learn from the best. Wendy is a certified professional organizer, member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and former host of Transformational Radio.

Wendy Taddeucci, Certified, Professional Organizer Simply Organized, http://www.putclutterinitsplace.com/ The Power of the Trust/Respect Triangle, A Highly Effective and Genuine Way to Build Your Business An accomplished business owner herself, with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge about what works and what doesn’t work in networking, Mary Jo will guide you towards building new relationships that will enrich your life and add value to your business.

Mary Jo Smith, Owner A.V.A.S, LLC www.avasllc.net, http://www.avasllc.net Becoming the “Voice of Your Business” How to Become Better Known and More Highly Respected What happens when a business leader builds a reputation as a recognized, credible force in their industry and their community? Learn how to earn credentials, gain visibility and create a following each and every time you speak.

Karen Bachert, Leader of “Voice of Your Business” Speakers Group Your Business Needs Fans www.YourBusinessNeedsFans.com, http://www.YourBusinessNeedsFans.com

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GRAB THE GALS FOR A DAY OF SHOPPING,

REJUVENATION

AND FUN! Attention beauty addicts, get excited once again: the Expo Women’s Ultimate Ladies Day Out Celebration is bringing you the best home grown and international products, services and experts to help you to feel and look your personal best.

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n 10 short weeks the Gillespie Center in South Bend Indiana will be filled with women from all walks of life who will be having fun at the 2014 Ultimate Ladies Day Out Celebration. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 20th, 2014 from 2 p.m.–9 p.m.

For 26 years the Expo for Women event has been highlighting local business in the Michiana community to help women become happy, healthy and wise. Over the years each spring the Century Center was packed with 5,000 attendees and 157 exhibitors offering a full range products and services.

In 2013 Cindy Cohen RN, owner of C2 Your Health LLC the promoter of the Expo for Women introduced the Ultimate Ladies Day Out Celebration to the Michiana community. The Riverside Terrace in Mishawaka, Indiana provided an intimate setting for this “women only” event with 50+ exhibitors, 724 attendees and a new 28

focus “Beauty Inside and Out.” The Ladies Day Out proved to be a huge success.

You might be asking yourself why would a wellness company promote a beauty inside out event? Because beauty is, to the world, a reflection of the health that is experienced inside each of us. When you are healthy, you not only have beautiful hair and skin you feel confident in your ability to make positive changes in your life and the life of other women. Beauty is really an inside job!

Experience the largest woman’s show of its kind. The Ultimate Ladies Day Celebration is a first-of-its-kind, large scale community event that brings women from all walks of life together in a fun, open environment and introduces you to area non profits.

Attendees will treat themselves and their girlfriends to a fabulous day of shopping, food, beverage and product sampling, fashion shows, art, health and wellness demonstrations,

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

rejuvenation services and more.

Celebrate life as women at the Ultimate Ladies Day Out Celebration.

It’s more than about how you look, it’s about listening to other women’s experiences and sharing yours, positively impacting others and about raising awareness. What could be better than to empower other women to be their personal best?

It’s really a day of beauty inside out from head to toe. Attendees relax, socialize and enjoy tasty delights or a cash bar, kick off their shoes and watch the hottest looks come down the runway during one of our high end fashion shows, or simply shop and take in the very best products and services Michiana has to offer.

This event offers Cindy Cohen RN attendees everything they need to renew and energize their minds and bodies in a convenient, relaxing environment while supporting outstanding local businesses.

Share something amazing with girlfriends. As a woman you often put your friendships in the back seat to all the other priorities in life. We forget nurturing good friendships are important to increase our sense of belonging, happiness and improve self-worth. Did you know many experts say girlfriends are also great for reducing stress? And are an important source of support to help you cope with tough life situations such as illness or divorce.

Beauty on the outside begins on the inside. Dance the day away and get fit too, according to health experts and wellness education. Is it weight loss you are looking for? New from the UK check out the Transform 30 Day Challenge, Whole Foods Market and healthy eating strategies.

they? Enjoy the expo and stay for the show. The nationally known Brick House Burlesque Dance and Review show will be performing and so will Chicago’s Dan Allen with DJ DA Mobile Entertainment will be providing the musical entertainment to set the mood for the festivities.

While you’re there pick up your “Pink Lady” from the cash bar.

We support those in our community who take care of you for a day and take care of women for a lifetime.

Hello Gorgeous of Hope, Inc provides complimentary, professional makeovers and cosmetic education to all women battling all cancers.

Hannah’s House, maternity home Be and look your personal best. You with a heart and American Heart will find makeup, skin care, antiAssociation Go Red for Women aging treatments, makeover seminars, BetterU – Michiana Makeover fashion shows, tips and techniques.

Challenge providing heart health Professional image consultants for a strategies for women. new you too. Looking to improve your personal presentation? Join Voice of Looks like the Expo for Women Your Business speakers group while Ultimate Ladies Day Out Celebration you are at the expo. is a full day of fun, food and fabulous events. To learn more about the event Looking for the latest trends in the website is www.expoforwomen. fashion? Shop and support local org. Look for them on Facebook and designers, artists, boutiques and Twitter Expo for Women, #fabfall2014 specialty retailers for jewelry, clothing #expoforwomen and the Expo for and then there’s the fashion shows too. Women YouTube Channel www. youtubelcom/expoforwomensb. You Let yourself go – relax and rejuvenate can contact Cindy Cohen RN, www. with all natural spa treatments, CindyCohenRN.com find her on artesian soaps, and healing aromas. social media Cindy Cohen RN. Coming to the Girls Night Out Happy Hours Celebration? After all, girls just want to have fun don’t 29

Cindy Cohen is a registered nurse with 35 years of experience from the bedside to CEO of a hospital. Cohen is recognized as an accomplished author, wellness expert, and corporative wellness leader. As a health coach and wellness consultant, Cohen is the guiding force behind the C2 Your Health team in helping others find their way to improved personal and business wellness. C2 Your Health LLC, through the corporate wellness division Health-E4 Life Worksite Wellness, assisted industry leaders with certification and was awarded the 2009–11 Indiana Small Business Wellness Tax Credit C2 Your Health LLC also promotes the annual Expo for Women bring wellness to the community.

Cohen has written a number of books, the latest 2012 Prevention Benefits Healthy Employee Costs Less (Amazon.com), and 2012 What’s on Your Plate: Simple Guide to Health

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

Challenge Yourself to Have a Healthy Body and a Healthy Business If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail! ~ Benjamin Franklin

Living a healthier life not only affects you, it affects how you do business and those around you too --now and in the future. When you are healthy, you wake up refreshed ready to go to work, filled with energy you become more productive, fully awake after work ready to have fun with the family, and sleep soundly at night waking up the next day in a good mood.

If this is not you, then you might want to “challenge” yourself and your business to get healthy. After all if you don’t have good health you won’t have much of a business either.

Experts agree: to be successful in business and in life it’s good to set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly 30

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goals. In this way you will be able to measure your success and see the results such as increased product distribution, new customer acquisition and money in the bank.

With your health it’s pretty much the same except the deposits are made in your healthy body bank more commonly known as vitality and longevity. You might be asking yourself “What would the deposits in my healthy body bank look like?” I’m glad you asked! Each time you make a healthier choice of a good for you food, add more activity to your day and / or manage a stressful situation effectively you’ve made a deposit. The donuts you ask? They are your body bank withdrawals.

Just like you plan to deposit money in your business bank account you must plan for those healthy deposits in your body bank too. The plan includes thinking about how you will handle the birthday cake, donuts and other sweet treats the next time they show up at work. It includes how you will handle lunch; take out or bring your own. The plan includes parking your car a little further away from the business entrance or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. The plan also includes how you will think and feel about the next time you are facing an unhappy customer, bully boss or unruly kids at home.

The long and the short of it is being healthy not only will save your business bottom-line it will save you money. Where? Fewer doctor visits, sick days, medications just to name a few of the expenses that come along with poor health. According to the Centers for Disease Control the average person takes 8 sick days per year, 70% of us are taking prescriptions medications and 50% of us low productivity due to sickness or chronic illness. This all comes to real dollars. For example, while the annual health cost of a normal-weight worker is about $10,000, it rises to $16,000 for those who are approximately 100 pounds overweight, reports WebMD. At the end of the day the health (success) of your business is determined by the size of its bank account. For your healthy body bank account success is measured by how you feel, look and the good health you enjoy.

Looking for some help with those body health bank deposits?

Maybe where you work there is a worksite wellness or corporate wellness program you can participate in. If not you can make your own wellness program, hire a health coach, ask a wellness consultant how to get stared or invite some of your co - workers to join in with fitness at work and health eating with health challenges and challenge yourself to get healthier!

Can’t get that group together or keep them motivated? Connect with a community wellness challenge in your area, they’re generally low cost and increase your chances of making lasting healthy lifestyle changes by 50 – 60%.

Here are a couple of fun challenges to look into: Northern Indiana Kenko 6 week Challenge (team challenge) and Transform 30 Day Challenge (individual detox – weight loss) brought to Northern Indiana by C2 Your Health LLC. Remember we’re all in this together and together we can make a big difference one deposit at a time!

Your partner in health,

Cindy Cohen RN Cindy Cohen RN, BS BA Wellness Consultant, Certified Health Coach C2 Your Health LLC www.CindyCohenRN.com Don’t feel like you are doing enough and looking for a place to start improving your health?

How about with you? Ramp up your nutrition with Juice Plus+ Whole Food Nutrition (www.

YourJuicePlus.com). How about getting a group of people together a get healthy as a group, ask about our programs to help you get healthier during the work day.

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Is Marketing The Weak Link in Your Business?

Andy Garza President/CEO Big Gorilla Marketing Group

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Guts, perseverance, tenacity, motivation and hard work are just a few of the tools needed to be successful in your own business. But is all that enough?? As admirable as those traits may be, the real challenge is to recognize your weakest links. With an estimated 75% of new business owners being undercapitalized, many are found to start out as a “jack of all trades”. This may be economically futile and the longterm effects can work against you.

Trying to “do it all” when you don’t really know how to do it all may well cost you on several levels. As a business owner, you must be more of a long-term thinker when it comes to delegation responsibilities.

Production, delivery, installation, service, administration, sales and marketing have become specialized fields and should be treated as such.

To be weak in any of these areas can be the difference between thriving and struggling, celebrating business anniversaries, or closing your doors.

Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to your long-term success. It’s the same as having the right tools for the job. Having the right person to strengthen your weaknesses is a better strategy than winging it and hoping for the best.

The story is all too common.

Somebody starts a business because after working for someone else, they’ve come to the realization that “I can do this for myself.” And set out on their own. They know their products, services and have at least the basics of administration and service procedures down and think ”How hard can it be.” They start by telling friends, family, acquaintances, and everyone else they bump into.

This gives the promise and sometimes a false sense of security. When the newness fades and the friends and family support settles down, reality

starts to settle in. The little things that were overlooked become glaring weaknesses. Remember “Jack of all Trades” has a second start, Master of None. In today’s world, businesses can’t afford to be “masters of none.”

They need to be “Masters of all.”

In this story, generally speaking, the product or service is the strength.

It was the reason they went into business in the first place. Delivery, installation and service all go hand in hand. Sales is often done by the owners until business warrants hiring salespeople ministration can always e subcontracted out to companies that specialize in bookkeeping and payroll but marketing always seems to be the forgotten part of business. It is often treated as an afterthought for many start-ups and young businesses. Since they may throw a few ads on air or print now and then but it becomes evident that there was never a solid, long-term marketing plan in place.

“Winging it”, “Going with the flow” or doing what’s worked in the past is no longer good enough to sustain long-term success. In other words, marketing determines the trajectory of your business. It can be the longterm solution or the short term demise.

As a business owner, you need to ask yourself, is marketing my weakest link? Do I have a short-term and a long-term plan? The answer to these questions will determine the future of your business. So, what to do?

Have no fear, even if you’ve been “winging it”, your options are still on the table. For one, you can always continue “winging it” which is more of a survival tactic and not a longterm success strategy. Two, you can hire a marketing person. This has both advantages and disadvantages.

Hiring the right person is critical.

You’ll be relying on them to research, recommend, strategize, organize campaigns and make media buys.

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You’ll be putting all your faith in them so it’s important that they become an extension of your vision.

They will also be on your payroll with all the associated expense.

And third, you can subcontract your marketing to an independent marketing firm. This is the most versatile of all the options. An independent firm can be contracted to work within whatever budget you have without the extra expense of an “employee” status. They already have the knowledge and experience to tweak or change the strategy.

They have already sifted through the local marketing avenues and have developed relationships with local media. This is helpful when designing a strategy and negotiating media buys specifically for your company. Most are equipped with graphic designers, website specialists along with audio/ video production. They have a coalition of professionals that can help you build a marketing strategy from the ground up or retrofit an enhancement to your current one.

Whichever option you choose, marketing needs not be your weakest link.

Andy Garza President/CEO Big Gorilla Marketing Group

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

BEING CONNECTIVE—

by Gail M. Turluck

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Defining Healthy Business It's a good idea once a year for the business owner to step back, take a look at the big picture, and determine the overall health status of the business. What kinds of parameters should be considered?

Absolutely, the balance sheet, P&L statement and bottom line need to be examined. Is enough cash coming in to pay all the bills? Is meeting payroll a non-issue? Is there a contingency fund? Are there adequate retained earnings to provide for the next planned capital investment and the following period to recoup the investment?

Examine your written business goal or goals. Do they apply to what your business is doing today? Is it time to update them? Are your methods appropriate? Is it the right time to change a method to make it more efficient or effective? Has the methods of other businesses or has technology changed in a way that will make your business or business goal outdated? Do you have a personal Board of Directors? Have you run these questions by them lately to get their opinions?

Do you take stock of you personally?

When growth spurts come, demands on you will be much higher. Can you handle the demands? Do you have trusted staff to aid as needed? Is staff well trained that business can go on without your presence? Are there personal issues that could distract or sidetrack you right at a moment that would be disastrous? Can you resolve or eliminate these situations to keep your lifestyle on track during a period

of intense business need?

Is your business mature to the point that customers are seeking you? When that happens, you then need to be ready to deliver to meet demand. Have a plan in place that is adaptable; your business' connectivity to its customers or clients will be the determining factor of your success.

Do you make a yearly review of each of your team members? Are they right for the positions they hold?

Do you set specific goals and have a measurement system in place to track achievement? When these goals are reached, are there appropriate rewards in place to continue to inspire further achievement? Is it time to consider adding a staff member to absorb program needs due to business growth? Is the business fiscally healthy enough to allow this addition?

Having solid plans in place to address all these concerns and have confident, realistic, positive answers in place will likely indicate your business is healthy. As you serve your customers and clients, be sure to keep in mind the importance of being connective as well. Consistent communications with them will lead to your business being the one they turn to for their future needs as well.

Gail M. Turluck is the President of Connective Marketing of Richland, Michigan. Connective Marketing offers communications services including writing, e-newsletters, newsletters, web site content, editing, proofreading; Send Out Cards; the Body by Vi 90 Day Fitness Challenge; and more. She may be contacted atgail@ connectivemarketingllc.com or by visiting www.connectivemarketingllc.com.

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MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY A AL HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY All types of photography, from wedding to birthday, to pet and school pictures–we do it all!

Daytime Phone: (547)264-5413 Evening Phone: (547)329-3040 Email: alhowardphotography@yahoo.com

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C2 YOUR HEALTH Wellness Programs for Mini–Checkups, Home Laboratory Testing, Health Coaching, Self–Care, Community Connections and more.

Cindy Cohen RN, BS BA Website: http://CindyCohenRN.com CHARLIE BATIZY,MULTI–COMPANY LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT Specializing in insurance for individuals, small business, and the unique opportunities of American Veterans.

Phone: 800-578-1609 CHARLENE BOOKS REFLEXOLOGY/REIKI Relax, Release and Transform Your World charlenebooks@gmail.com Website: http://charlenebooks.myitworks.com

CONNECTIVE MARKETING Provides communication services to small businesses: •Print and e-newsletters •Handbooks, yearbooks and directories •Web site content •Organization membership management •Event management Connective Marketing offers non-profit management and consulting services. Connective Marketing has a particular focus on sailing and sailboat racing organizations and events.

Be confident you can drop your dock lines and sail away knowing your needs will be met.

Connective Marketing 1245 West Gull Lake Drive Richland, Michigan 49083 Phone: (269)203-7130 Fax: (786)358-3605 E-mail: gail@connectivemarketingllc.com Website: www.connectivemarketinggllc.com

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EPIC LIFE STUDIOS Adam Fleming is a leadership coach as well as an Account Executive for the credit card processing company, WorldPay. Phone: (547)238-7872 E-mail: Adam.Fleming@WorldPay.us adam.fleming.lifecoach@gmail.com

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FIND GREAT COMPANIES.COM, LLC We specialize in creating an online presence for your great company, complete with interactive online marketing, networking and even a customer comment and review section. Your profile with us lets online users connect to your website, social media platforms and even locate you via our map feature with just one “click”!!! We are not just another business listing. We are semi–exclusive and only accept the most reputable business. Your profile with us provides member to member benefit discounts and the opportunity to offer/advertise your special offers to our online user group each week at no additional cost to you. We are a power packed website with all of the tools necessary to help your great company GROW!!!

Phone: (269)499-1415 E-mail: tbarse@findgreatcompanies.com 37

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HEARTWOOD RENAISSANCE ACADEMY A private school dedicated to helping students succeed. We teach students to SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS. The staff and teachers help DESIGN, BUILT, and TEST each child’s skills, confidence, and self– esteem to fly with courage into their adult futures with the ability to overcome obstacles and accept challenges.

Phone: (269)273-0160 Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Heartwood-Renaissance-Academy

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ID LIFE Susan Ruch, Founding Partner: #IDLIFE provides “Individuality Designed” Vitamins & Nutritional Supplementation based on Medical facts and “Chrono-Biology.” All products are Organic/Natural, Gluten Free, Non-GMO & Casein Free. Visit to learn more at www.IDLife.com/Health4Life Email: susaneckleyruch@gmail.com Facebook: Susan Eckley Ruch Twitter: @susaneckleyruch LinkedIn: Susan (Eckley) Ruch

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KERRI’S AVENUE SALON High End Hair at Affordable Prices. We use top quality products, attend education classes on a regular basis, and work with all textures of hair. Free consultations are always available, just call. Check us out at our new location! Kerri’s Avenue Salon Too 420 West Cleveland Rd. Granger, IN 46350 Phone: (547)243-3901 Website: http://www.kerris-avenue-salon.com

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NILES FOUR FLAGS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the needs of Businesses and the Community. For further information on joining the Chamber please call Phone: (269)683-3720 Email: chamber@nilesmi.com 38

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PREMIER WOMEN’S NETWORK To uplift, encourage, and inspire all women in business and career seekers to achieve their highest capabilities through networking and education.

Phone: (260)747-5202 Website: https://www.facebook.com/ PremierWomensNetwork/info

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SCHOOLEY MITCHELL Jerry Sarno and Schooley Mitchell will save your business or organization; •Time; we do the work so you can concentrate on your core business.

•Money; we save $$$ on your telecom spend, if we don’t, there is no fee.

•Peace of mind Phone: (269)408-8679 Website: http://www.schooleymitchell.com/jsarno

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THE CENTER FOR PROTECTION, SECURITY AND PERSONAL SAFETY Providing quality training for those working in the private security industry.

Phone: (269)651-3355 Website: http://centerforprotection.com

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2ND STORY MARKETING Three passionate and energetic women providing marketing services for small business including marketing plans, campaigns, managing social media, newsletters, press releases, event management and more.

Website: www.2ndStoryMarketing.net Facebook: 2nd Story Marketing

Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety 701 Prairie St 2nd Floor Sturgis, MI 269-651-3355 office 269-221-2221 cell ed@thebodyguardacademy.com

Upcoming Training Programs Personal Protection Specialist November 7,8,9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 2014 Sturgis, MI $1499.00 Entry level training for those wishing to enter the Executive Protection industry.

Learn techniques to protect High Net Wealth Individuals, Celebrities, Dignitaries.

Women’s Personal Safety Seminar October 15 and 29, 2014 Sturgis, MI $25.00 Designed for women of all ages, 13 and up, to learn how to stay safe in todays 39 Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz ever dangerous world.

CROSSWORDS Across

Down

1. Meetings, conferences, networking. Etc.

1. Growth, as in an economic recovery.

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2. Establishing an informal set of contacts among people with common social and business interests as a source of prospects, for the exchange of information, and for support.

5. Beginning of a new project or venture, especially to an investment made to initiate such a project, as in a commercial or industrial enterprise.

7. A blueprint for building a company, containing a definition of the company’s mission, identified opportunities, objectives, strategies and action plans and control and evaluation measures.

8. Economic expansion as measured by any of a number of indicators, such as GDP. 9. The process by which products and services are introduced to the marketplace 10. Supply with money; allocate or set aside financial sums 40

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

3. Guides and teach another person 6. Rivalry between businesses trying to obtain a larger piece of the same market share.

Name:

CROSSWORDS Complete the crossword below 1

2 3

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1. meetings, conferences, networking. Etc. 4. monetary resources available to a company 5. beginning of a new project or venture, especially to an investment made to initiate such a project, as in a commercial or industrial enterprise.

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1. Growth, as in an economic recovery.

2. establishing an informal set of contacts among people with common social and business interests as a source of prospects, for the exchange of information, and for support.

3. Guides and teach another person 6. rivalry between businesses trying to obtain a larger piece of the same market share.

Solutions: Across: 1. Events 4. Finances 5. Startup 7. Business Plan 8. Growth 9. Marketing 10. Funding Down: 1. Expand 2. Networking 3. Mentoring 6. Competition 41

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 11–12

13–27 Every Monday

The Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety will be holding an advanced Executive Protection Agent training program at their school in St urgis, MI. 701 Prairie Street, Sturgis, MI 49091. This program will take be an add-on to the basic program and is available for those who have EP training already. Cost of the program is $300.

The BSU Mastermind Program will continue their 3 month program on Getting Rid of the Monsters Under the Bed – Eliminate the Fear of Sales and Grow Your Business!!!! Cost for this program is $95 and meets at the Old National Bank, Heritage Square, Granger, IN 8:00 am to 9:30 am.

Georgetown Plus Networking, Northeast Innovation Center, Fort Wayne, IN meets every Monday at 11:30 am JOIN US for FREE LUNCH + A New Way of Networking! This welcoming group of CEO’s + Business Owners Mentor, encourage, inspire + promote each other to success!

•$3 & 2 Business Cards gets you in!

•Bring flyers, promotional gifts for door prizes, be ready to share about your business!

•RSVP for a table to display for $15 during the group! Call Randi: 260-312-7862 •Weekly Collection to support our Community Give Back: A Hope Center.

•Come Early - Stay Late & NETWORK!

Every Wednesday

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Exit 25 Networking, Ziannos (Exit 25), Fort Wayne, IN meets every Wednesday at 11:30 am. Join us - RELATIONAL Networking at It’s BEST at Exit 25 Networking At Ziano’s - Networkers, Career Seekers, CEO’s + Business Owner’s who share, encourage, mentor + promote each other to SUCCESS! •2 Business Cards + $3 gets you in ! Weekly Collection for Christian Community Health Care, Inc - QUESTIONS: 260-312-7862 Bring Business Cards, flyers, door prizes + share with 25-45 others.

Small Biz Forward October 2014 http://success4biz.biz

Premier Women's Network Michiana Shelly Pleasant (574)621.8910 Mary Jo Smith (574)514.5193 MONTHLY EVENT - LAST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (PDT) Mishawaka, IN Check Facebook for other meeting dates, times and places.

20 Expo Women’s Ultimate Ladies Day Out Celebration 2 p.m.–9 p.m.

14 Business Success Unlimited Business Abundance Retreat Take a day to work ON your business and not just spin your wheels working IN your business.

This one day event meets at Epworth Forest in North Webster, IN from 8 to 5 and is filled with networking, business connections, education and training, and much, much more.

Cost is $199 and includes breakfast, lunch and snacks.

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Andy Garza The Guerilla Marketing Guru President/CEO of Big Gorilla Marketing Group

GUERILLA MARKETING BOOTCAMP

November 13th from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Trine University Bringing out your Inner Gorilla

Learn •Fundamental differences of traditional vs Guerrilla Marketing •The Secrets of Gorilla Marketing used by business big and small •How to apply Guerilla Marketing to your business

ONLY $30 to register text or call (524)334-3378

YBNF TIP Attach a photo with your comment

One of the best ways to engage others with your Facebook Business page is to comment on other Business Page posts while logged into your own business page. Expand your comments by adding a photo. See the little camera on the right side of the comment box.

Just click on it and add a photo from your own computer pictures.

As a small business owner, it is often expensive to replace equipment or other items around the office. Did you know that often you can come across great finds online through recycle groups where trade no longer needed items for free. You have to be careful because at times the items are being traded for parts, but you can find treasures there as well.

Google recycle groups and then plug in your location and see what you can find!!!!!

Another great tip if you’re not already using it, is Google Calendar. It helps keep you on track on your computer, your phone, your iPad or tablet, and you can even sync with others in your office of family members to keep you all on the same page.

One more piece of technology for this month is Evernote at http://evernote.com. Here you can keep track of notes, business cards, photos and much more. Again, it syncs with phones, desktops, laptops and iPads/tablets.

It’s a great (and mostly FREE) program that you will learn you can’t live without.

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Check out our Membership Values and Benefits BASIC

EMPOWERMENT CIRCLE

Listing on Web and in Small Biz Forward

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Most events 1/2 price

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Member-to Member Discounts

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One FREE business card listing in Small Biz Forward yearly

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Listing on BSU page on Facebook

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Private chat group on Facebook

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Entrance into MOST events FREE

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Small Biz Forward FREE

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Quarterly 1/4 page ad in Small Biz Forward FREE

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1/2 hour one-on-one business consulting monthly

COST

$195/yr

$49/yr 47

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