Smbizforward mag january 14

Small Biz Forward Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today Vol. 201 N0. 1

January 2014

Chatting With the Experts— Cheryl Friar, Premier Women’s Network Who’s Next —Mary Ann Back, Trading Post Farms and Bakery New Section: Canadian Women in Business

Small Biz Forward

THE PLACE WHERE BUSINESSES COME TO CONNECT, COLLABORATE AND SUCCEED

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January 2014

CONTENTS

Small businesses are OPEN everywhere we look...That’s a good sign for 2014.

Let’s keep them open!!! Read the ar cles here to help push us all forward.

Contents New Year’s Resolutions Lead to Real Business Growth ....................................................................................................... 6 Facing the Fear of Failure .......................................................................... 9 Security and the Entrepreneur .................................................................. 14 Money Business ............................................................................................ 16 Being at Your Personal Best Includes Your Health .............................. 18 Canadian Women in Business ................................................................... 20 Chatting with the Experts ......................................................................... 24 Business Resolutions for 2014 .................................................................. 26 Most Important Thing for Website Effectiveness ................................ 28 Being Connective—Living Success ............................................................ 30 Who’s Next ..................................................................................................................................................... 31 Don’t Go QUackers—Get Your Legal Ducks in a Row .......................................................................... 32 New Year—New Resolutions? .....................................................................................................................34 Technology’s Potential—No Matter What ................................................................................................36 We All Have a Story ....................................................................................................................................38

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Editorial Nancy Becher Contributing Writers Jason Barr Ed Becher Nancy Becher Cindy Cohen Linda Daichendt Adam Fleming Barbara Nicastro Kelly Rock Jerry Sarno Sherry Lynn Simoes Gail Turluck

Celebrating the success of entrepreneurs everywhere.

Advertising and feature inquiries send to: publish@celebratebusinesspublishing.com Subscriptions can be directed to: info@celebratebusinesspublishing.com 701 N. Prairie Street Sturgis, MI 49091 269-651-3555 http://smallbizforward.com info@celebratebusinesspublishing.com © 2013 @smallbizjunkie

h p://www.facebook.com/bsuconnector

http://www.linkedin.com/in/nancybecher

Vol. 21, No. 1 Small Biz Forward is published monthly by Celebrate Business Publishing, a division of Business Success Unlimited.

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 urposes and use and are subject to SBF unrestricted right to edit and comment.

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Office to Office — Editor’s Notes Can you feel it? The excitement in the air? It’s time. It’s a brand new year, filled with the possibilities of anything we can imagine. This is the year of our dreams coming true. Walt Disney said it for us …”all our dreams can come true if we only have the courage to pursue them”.

But, as so often happens, our dreams and our goals, starting out with such potential, are all but gone by the end of the month. Let’s make this year stand out by NOT letting that happen. It can be done, but it requires some things that mean putting out an effort on our part. When we create SMART goals (with actionable to-dos), when we create habits that allow for forward motion, when we actually decide what we want and also make the decision to see it through, THEN and only then do we really get that forward momentum we dream of.

This month’s Small Biz Forward is filled with tips to help you take that first step towards fulfilling those dreams. Our writers have all been there.

They’ve had businesses that needed a push from time to time, or were going gangbusters at others.

Feet on the ground, they know what you’re going through, and want to help by sharing some of their knowledge and experience so that you don’t have to go it alone.

We have some new monthly columns made to help you realize that you are NOT alone. The new “Who’s Next” looks at a business that is just starting out with all that that entails. Our “Chatting With the Experts” shows us success strategies from some of our business neighbors who have been through it for a while and have reached a high level of success.

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Also starting this month we welcome Women In Business, a group in Canada that is excited to share their businesses with us and to learn more about ours. Even though we all believe strongly in “Buying Local,” for many of us the idea of collaboration with others increases our reach as well and still helps the economy of the small business world around us.

Two other groups that we will be hearing more about in the future are Premier Women’s Network, an organization with chapters throughout Indiana, and GRAPE (Grand Rapids Area Professionals for Excellence). Stay tuned to learn more about these two groups throughout the coming months. And last but not least, I want to thank Courtney Dirschell of 2nd Story Marketing for designing the logo for the magazine.

With that, everyone here at Small Biz Forward wants to wish you a wonderful new year, and challenges you to have the BEST, MOST SUCCESSFUL year ever!

Nancy Becher Nancy Becher Small Biz Forward Publisher & Editor

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New Year’s Resolutions Lead to REAL Business Growth We all hear so much about creating business plans, but the thought of doing that can be daunting.

There are statistics to find, financial figures to put together, SWOT analyses, and more. If you’re like me, I start out with good intentions, and then quickly say, “Phooey. Forget it.” It’s much easier to just go from day to day, without the headache of thinking about what I SHOULD be doing to grow the business. I just move along as if I were sailing slowly down the river in my canoe. Wherever the current takes me, there I go.

BUT – that doesn’t really get us anywhere does it? At least not anywhere that we truly want to go.

So, I have a suggestion. There’s something called a Simplified Business Plan, that’s really a strategic plan for YOU; it helps you to realize what your true motives are, where your passion lies, and who you want to share that passion with.

Included in this article is a Simplified Business Form that you can take, think about, and fill out-please, Please, PLEASE do get pen and paper and write down your answers. When you put these thoughts onto paper something happens. There’s a form of accountability that materializes. “IF you write it they will come.” When you can look at your goals, your dreams, your passions, you feel an eagerness to complete them that is not there when everything is just in your mind. Like bookkeeping; if you don’t have it down on paper, it’s likely not to get figured into the budget is it?

Let’s get started right away!

You probably don’t need a FULL business plan that will go into the files as something to be dusted off when you need lines of credit, etc. Instead, you probably are asking yourself questions like “How am I going to find customers,” or “What is it exactly that I do anyway, and can I tell someone else so that they understand?” This is designed to help you answer those and other questions so that you can

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immediately get to work making your business the best that it can be.

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What is the Mission and Vision for Your Business?

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What are Your Major Goals and Objectives?

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Who’s the Right Customer? (Don’t think that EVERYONE wants what you offer. Narrow it down to the ones that really want it and that you want to sell it to).

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How Will These Customers Find You? What are your marketing strategies?

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What Is It That You Sell? Be Specific. How are You Unique?

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What Problem Does Your Product/Service Solve?

Is This a Problem that People Really Want to Solve?

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What are Your Ongoing Monthly Expenses?

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What is Your Estimated Monthly Income?

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What Action Items Do You Need to Put on Your List to Do in Meeting Your Objectives?

Take some time to really think about your answers to these questions, for it is only when you truly understand yourself and what you want from the business that you will start to find your roadmap to SUCCESS. Nancy Becher 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 businesses and caring about the people she works with. http://success4biz.biz is where she’s found!

Growing Your Business is FUN! Don’t wait ‘Til Pigs Fly ...

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Facing the Fear of Failure failure – but a failure that is a part of the overall success.

There are many reasons why an individual doesn't pursue their goals and desires. Sometimes financial constraints, or personal or family matters, are the inhibitors that simply won't allow for the beginning of a new venture or activity.

While there are legitimate reasons why a person may not pursue a dream, let’s focus on a few of the main reasons cited by those who have high hopes but haven't made the leap.

Fear of Failure This particular item is probably the most paralyzing of all. Yet, if we examine the successful people we know, we will see they have not been frozen by the fear of failure. Should we not try to emulate the practises of those who are successful? If so, the primary challenge is to shed the fear of failure. They did – all of them. It doesn't mean they didn't experience it, but it does mean they climbed past it. In fact, they probably blasted past it.

In their book entitled "Power Networking", Sandy Vilas and Donna Fisher proclaim that “life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Their message is that if you don't dare to pursue opportunities, then you will be stuck where you are forever.

If a basketball player finishes a game with no fouls, they were probably playing too safe, didn't take risks that should have been taken, and did not achieve their optimum result. And yet, each foul is a

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As humans, we have a biological make up that provides for the natural instincts to fight or run.

When we feel the fear of failure, we feel anxious and nervous, which causes us to tighten up and quell actions. We then tend to convert to natural defense mechanisms and escape to meaningless and timeeating activities. Instead of taking action, we bury ourselves in television nonsense, newspapers, and computer minutia, or whatever the particular medicine of the day dictates. That's the run-andhide reflex.

The result is that vagueness sets in and we lose sight of the important issues that can change our lives for the better. Our natural reaction is out of sight, out of mind. That makes finding solutions or finding change for the better an impossible feat. The contrary line of thought is to bring it out and deal with it. Picture the worst result, and use your imagination to identify alternatives. Knowing that the worst scenario can have alternatives is powerful medicine, which relieves the pressure and makes action possible.

As you can imagine, the most powerful and successful have faced fear, acted upon it, and realized they can survive it. That realization is a tremendous springboard to prosperity. As Susan Jeffers said, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

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

Jerry. Sano@schooleymitchell.com 269-408-8679

Calendar of Events

If you’re interested in placing your events here, just send an email to: publish@celebratebusinesspu blishing.com

JANUARY

What’s Happening This Month?

Peer Advisory Board — Do you have a dream for your small business? Want to see it grow and become bigger? January 13 we meet at the Niles Four Flags Chamber of Commerce at 9:00 am to create our marketing plans, guaranteed to help us grow our businesses.

Online Peer Advisory Board — if you can’t make it to Niles, but want to be part of a group to work on business growth issues, you can join us starting on January 9 and 23 at 9:00am for our online version. (Check with Nancy @ 269-651-3555) for more info and to register.

GRAPE — Grand Rapids Area Professionals for Excellence will also be facilitating a Peer Advisory Board Mastermind meeting. January 8 and 22 10-12; ITT Tech, Wyoming, MI Entrepreneurial Forum —

It’s so very important to have

a roadmap to where we want to grow our business, but it can be one of the most difficult things we try to do. Let us help you get those goals and plans set so that 2014 will be the BEST year for your business ever. January 21, 12-2, ITT Tech, Wyoming, MI

Explore Exciting Career Opportunities — with the Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety as they hold their introductory bodyguard class starting on January 10 at their Center in Sturgis, MI. Call Ed at 269-651-3355 for more details.

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This is a tremendous time to be your own boss. The opportunities are out there for the taking.

— Cheryl Broussard

Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY

What’s Happening This Month?

If you’re interested in placing your events here, just send an email to: publish@celebratebusinesspu blishing.com

Peer Advisory Board — Do you have a dream for your small business? Want to see it grow and become bigger?

February 10 and 24 we meet at the Niles Four Flags Chamber of Commerce at 9:00am to discuss ways to quickly and effectively grow our businesses to the next level.

Online Peer Advisory Board — if you can’t make it to Niles, but want to be part of a group to work on business growth issues, you can join us starting on February 6 and 20 at 9:00am for our online version. (Check with Nancy @ 269-6513555) for more info and to register.

GRAPE — Grand Rapids Area Professionals for Excellence will also be facilitating a Peer Advisory Board Mastermind meeting. February 12 and 26; ITT Tech, Wyoming, MI

Entrepreneurial Forum —

Your Money, Smart Moves

to ensure that you prosper financially in 2014, February 25, 122, ITT Tech, Wyoming, MI

We really have to learn to love thinking again. Not fretting, not worrying, but thinking...Thinking and learning are what we are born for. — Toni Morrison

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Charlie Ba zy Multi-Company Licensed Insurance Agent

Specializing in insurance for individuals, small businesses and the unique opportuni es of American Veterans

8175 Creekside Dr Suite 200 Portage, Michigan 49024 Toll Free: (800) 578‐1609

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Security and the Entrepreneur From us here at the Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety, we wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year. We hope you each had a very Merry Christmas, and a safe, enjoyable New Year’s Day as well.

With the new year comes new challenges for our businesses and the security of those businesses, whether that be physical, personal or cyber. Each of us-as business owners--have a responsibility to ourselves, our families, our staff and customers to keep them safe from harm while they are dealing with us. By maintaining a safe and secure work environment, our families stay safe, knowing that we are providing for them.

Our customers know that their personal data, ie., credit card information, stays safe and out of the hands of the criminal.

Ed Becher, (Ret.) US Marine and Former Chief Instructor, US Dept. of State, Uniformed Branch, Diplomatic Security Service is the owner of Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety (The Bodyguard Academy) which is a provider of training and resources to keep you, your staff and clients safe. He can be contacted at ed@thebodyguardacademy.c om or by phone at (269) 651-3355.

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Many of us will travel this coming year, either for vacation or business; we still need to keep a security mindset at all times. Criminals do not take vacations!

Before you head out on that trip, do some research and check out the hotel, the area the hotel is in, and how safe is the area from crime. Websites like http:// www.crimemapping.com can help you make the correct decision as to where to stay. For international travel, the US Department of State provides specific country information at http:// travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/ cis_pa_tw_1168.html.

The other thing to always keep in mind is your awareness. Our awareness is something that we sometimes take for granted: the feeling that we are always in a safe environment. As business professionals and leaders we need to continually be keeping an eye out for the signs of danger, whether this is from a purse snatcher, a cyber-criminal or even a stalker. Being aware of what is going on around us should be continuous and ongoing, not something we only do when we

are out someplace and the hairs on the back of our neck stand straight up.

Looking at the chart below you can see the different levels of awareness we can find ourselves in. I am sorry to say, most of us stay in the white zone, tuned out to what is happening around us. We should try to stay in the yellow, a state of relaxed awareness. We do this when we have small children in the house, always keeping an ear open in case they cry. The orange is a more focused awareness. We are carefully observing things that do not seem or feel right, while the red is a confirmed threat and we need to take some form of action; this may be fight or run...this is when our fight or flight reflex kicks in. The black means we are in shock, unable to function, too scared to react. We are now a confirmed victim.

Situa onal Awareness Tuned out Unaware of surroundings Relaxed Awareness Paying a en on, but enjoying life

Focused Awareness Carefully observing a poten al danger High Alert Confirmed threat, need to take ac on Comatose In shock, unable to func on

As we travel this upcoming year, let us stay safe and not only prosper but grow.

Security and safety is every one’s responsibility.

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Money Business Starting the New Year with Money In Your Pocket?

Need capital? If your accounts receivable are in good shape and you need to expand, your options can sometimes be limited.

President of Epic Life Studios since 2008, Adam Fleming is a Certified Leadership Coach and Coach Trainer. Adam has coached business owners in many aspects of growth, with a focus on personal calling and balance; and business focus on marketing, specifically intentional growth by referral. Adam has been a BNI member since 2011 and currently serves his chapter of that organization as Educational Coordinator, teaching members to network effectively. He designs a new elevator speech weekly.

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Banks are great when it comes to business loans over six figures. I have friends at a very small, local community bank who specialize in loans of $500,000 to $1.5 million.

They see this as a “small business loan”. But many entrepreneurs I know would be thrilled to get $20,000$40,000 that allows them to make a one-time purchase which immediately enhances their business to the point of doubling their cash flow and profitability overnight. Besides their needs being much smaller than what a bank is interested in looking at, the smaller entrepreneur has to jump a lot of hoops to even be seriously considered, a process which might not work anyway.

Do you really want a loan from family members? Maybe that’s the way to go. Maybe they have it, maybe they don’t. Sometimes it’s a bad idea on principle. I spoke with an Amish man who told me he’d loaned his daughter and son-in-law a six-figure sum to start a business, and for some time after he requested it back, they were unable to return it to him. Of course it was tied up in specialty equipment! This did create family problems. (Yes, I was surprised an Amish man would confide this in a complete stranger!)

What about a cash advance based on previous performance, without the credit check, blood draw, and signing away of your firstborn?

While consulting with a small grocer the other day, I found out they are interested in getting a range hood installed to start a small taqueria in one corner of the grocery store. As I was talking with them, getting some authentic tacos suddenly sounded very appealing. The concept is good, fits alongside what they already do quite well. Both aspects of the business under one roof is a great idea and would increase profitability immediately, each side of the aisle feeding the other.

Small retailers don’t need half a million to install a range hood, they need much less, but they need more

than you’ll find if you shake out your couch cushions for change. Banks often don’t want to mess with business loans of that size. Neither do a lot of families.

What about a cash advance based on previous performance, without the credit check, blood draw, and signing away of your firstborn? AdvanceMe is a unique concept. This is not a product I sell, but I do work together with AdvanceMe in partnership to serve my clients. AdvanceMe is not a loan product, but rather an advance based on a business’ past record of credit card processing. For a small business that processes at least $5,000 a month in credit card business consistently over the course of a year, in a retail setting with at least 100 transactions per month (like a small grocer would do) AdvanceMe will advance a sum of money for a project like this range hood.

AdvanceMe is an advance against future credit card receipts. They negotiate with a business owner an advance amount, a percentage, and payback period, and as arranged, the funds are drawn based on a percentage of monthly credit card processing

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volume. Most AdvanceMe customers pay back their advance in 12-18 months, and those who use it love it so much that they tend to go back for more when their first advance is paid back. On average, AdvanceMe users go back three times.

Probably the thing AdvanceMe customers like the most is the fact that they don’t have to go through a loan approval process. Your credit can be poor, and it doesn’t matter, because the collateral is your assumed volume of your future credit card receipts.

Make your own intelligent decisions about how to fund your growth by working with a coach (someone who has the ability to consult you without an agenda) to be sure your plan will pay off, whether you get money from a bank, a family member, the sofa cushions, or a company like AdvanceMe. Adam Fleming is a certified leadership coach and coach trainer, and a consultative account executive with Worldpay, the world’s third largest provider of non-cash transaction solutions. For more information on AdvanceMe, direct questions to adam.fleming@worldpay.us

Healthy 2014 Being at Your Personal Best Includes Your Health

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 corporate 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-E 4 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 2013

What’s on Your Plate a Simple Guide to Healthy Cooking (Amazon.com) You can find Cindy www.fb.com/ CindyCohenRN, www.Linkedin.com/in/ CindyCohen, www.CindyCohenRN.com

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When you’re feeling stressed out, sick, tired and out of whack, talking to people, creating new business, reconnecting with existing clients and networking is nearly impossible. When your business depends on you, YOUR health IS your business. When you are suffering from poor health— without being your personal best all the time … your business suffers along with you. This is not only true for the small business owner, entrepreneur, or your local small storefront business that provides the service, but also applies to sales representatives, account managers or any sales type position that depends on business relationships to “close the deal”.

The fact is if you can’t work, you don’t make money. End of story. Don’t think your health is that important?

Here’s a story I would like to share with you …

In our community there was a small publishing company which produced a with a very successful women’s magazine. For 5 years the magazine circulation and advertising grew it from the ground up to a very profitable business. As with many entrepreneurs the business owner was the business. Sure there was an advertising sales staff, but really no one has the passion for your business like the owner does. The owner became sick and was unable to work

The fact is if you can’t work, you don’t make money. End of story. Don’t think your health is that important?

for 3 months. That’s all it took for the business to tank to the point of no return. The lost customers, advertisers and readers never to be recaptured.

That’s how important your health is to your business. When you think about it you know your granny was right when she said “if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.”

This what she was talking about.

So let’s talk about it now too. Are you looking and feeling your best? Do you take care of yourself? It’s hard to be your best when you are feeling run down, sick or tired. Remember the last time you felt too “tired” to network?

You missed the meeting? Too sick to work? Did that cost you money? You bet it did.

Never forget your good health is good for you and your business. After all you ARE your business. Keeping yourself in the “game” by improving your health helps your business to thrive.

Healthy living is on everyone’s mind these days.

There’s so much wrong, bad information, and misinformation on television, radio and the internet it may seem daunting to find the truth. The best advice I can give is to check the source of the information for credibility and the reason for telling you. The most credible information will come from the experts such as physicians, naturopathic doctors, dietitians, nurses and health coaches.

To help you get started in a simple way I’ve broken the road to better health down to three healthy habits. These healthy habits will increase to support your immune system to help you stay healthy, improve your performance, reduce your stress, increase your energy and look your personal best.

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Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains.

whole

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Exercise or get some kind of activity every day.

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Get some extra sleep, rest and rejuvenate.

There are no “magic pills” or “quick fixes” when it comes to health however there is help on the way.

Healthy Eating Help: To help you with healthy eating our government developed the website www.choosemyplate.gov to show you healthy food choices and fitness ideas too for kids and adults. If you find it hard to eat all those fruits and veggies we have recommend Juice Plus+. It’s whole food nutrition supported by scientific research to prove it puts your body in a healthier state by supporting your immune system. To pick up fruit and veggie strategies go to www.YourJuicePlus.com. Don’t wait until your health becomes top priority. Ask anyone who has developed an extended sickness, when your health becomes a priority you’ll be too sick to think of anything else but being sick.

Fitness Help: A great resource is the website Physical Fitness for Americans www.health.gov for the latest and up-to-date news on the health benefits of adding activity to your busy schedule.

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Rejuvenate Help: Having trouble sleeping? You are not alone: over 100 million people are right there with you. “Sleepless”? Go to the National Sleep Foundation for some help www.sleepfoundation.org.

Stress is nothing to laugh about. According to WebMD, there are at least 10 medical conditions that occur with prolonged unmanaged stress— among them are heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, accelerated aging and others. A good stress management resource is HelpGuide www.helpguide.org. Search the site for “stress management tools” for help to reduce stress.

Cleaning up your diet, exercise and stress management are just the beginning. If you’ve already developed a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure and such you may need additional guidance and a health plan developed with a medical professional, a certified health coach or nutritionist to help you get on track.

Best suggestion: don’t wait until your health becomes top priority. When your health becomes a priority you’ll be too sick to think of anything else but being sick.

Your partner in health,

Cohen speaks on a local and national level about personal health, corporate wellness, and business leadership. Her expertise helped build an award winning franchise as a Qualified National Marketing Director for the Juice Plus+

Corporation winning the Top 10 in the category for developing new business. Other awards include the 2000 Temple Beth El Woman of the Year, the 2009 nomination for WSBT & Enrichment Strategies "Success Story of the Year", the 2010 -11 Annual Social Media Summit nomination for the Up and Coming Business Award, and the 2012 Wellness Council of America Faculty Status.

Chatting With The Experts “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney

Dreams are what businesses are made from. We start out thinking “I wish I could”, or “If only…” and then SNAP it’s a done deal. Right? Well, not so much.

Starting and growing a business takes a lot of courage, work and “stick-to-it-if-ness”. Cheryl Friar, our Expert this month, knows all about that. She is the Founder of Premier Women’s Network based out of Ft. Wayne, IN.

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Passionate about helping women in business and sharing success with heart, it all started with a dream in the Summer of 2008. Cheryl tells us “my vision was so clear. I wanted to help professional women achieve their highest capabilities through networking and education.”

Since that time, the growth of this company has been excellent – expanding out to Indianapolis, South Bend, and Angola, in Indiana as well as Niles, MI. In 2014, Premier will be debuting in Chicago, IL as well.

When asked what was she passionate about, she responded “Helping Women”. This is clear in her various meetings where groups of women, young and old, gather around to show their products and services, while chatting about their families, their businesses and their relationships with each other.

Newcomers are welcomed with open arms, and the others are always eager to learn more about the individual women and their companies. Business is getting done, in a friendly, welcoming environment.

As business owners we all have our own idea of what success means to us. To Cheryl it means “…accomplishing your goals and dreams that you

worked so hard for and knowing that you have made a difference in this world we live in.” She then goes on to say that in order to reach that level, a business owner needs to: 1. Build relationships with others FIRST; 2. Know that you are only as good as your “team”; 3. Delegate; 4. Think outside the box; 5. Be FEARLESS! 6. Take risks, and 7. Have integrity.

“Putting all these things together,” she tells us, “an entrepreneur will succeed and their dreams will start to take shape.

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Finally, when asked what she recommends doing in 2014 to make this the best year for your business she tells us: Take action NOW! Set up your calendar with appointments for the next three months; Have short term goals set up tha can be achieved within the next couple of months; Be consistent with follow up; Be persistent – never give up!

Finally, Connect and Collaborate and 2014 will be a BIG SUCCESS!

Nancy Becher, Business Success Unlimited

Community Collaboration

Business Resolutions for 2014 Each New Year it’s important to look back and ask ourselves, what worked, what didn’t and what will?

The New Year can bring us a sense of new hope, new success and new goals.

We must remember to kindle the fire and keep our pursuits for success ablaze. While we make resolutions to lose weight, kick a habit, have more understanding with our children, or stop worrying so much, we must also plan, as business owners, leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals, to resolve our business woes, and make a plan for new successes in 2014.

In the shiny, brand new year of 2014, my business resolutions include improving my time management process, build bigger and better events, and work more closely with chamber member businesses so that I know how to help!

For more information about the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce and Niles Michigan, visit www.nilesmi.com or call (269)683-3720. It is our pleasure to serve this great community!

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Time. Considering now is the only real time, I tend to get lost in the moment, and get off track managing what I need to get done in a day’s time.

In 2014, I vow to take Nancy Becher’s advice. Write down everything I do every day for a week. Assess where my time is being well spent and where it is being wasted. A shift in the perception on time, and the ability to effectively manage time to accomplish what I need to get done, is forefront.

Events. Chamber networking is a great way to meet people, refer friends,

and learn about ourselves through others. I like to see people as a mirror.

We have so much to learn from one another if we’d quit talking about ourselves all the time! I enjoy dishing a rant about where I’ve been or what I’ve witnessed, but there is something more pleasurable about learning how I can help others by listening. Help others and allow.

Can I help you? Wow. Let’s all learn to say this more often and really mean it. If I don’t know what my fellow chamber members need help with, how can I be of service to them? I desire to learn and help others. These are my goals for 2014; for now.

Wishing you much success and happiness for the year ahead!

Kelly Rock

For advertising rates and other information, call 269-651-3555.

You can also check online at http://smallbizforward.com

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Geek Speak The Most Important Thing You Can Do Today To Boost Your Website

Effectiveness Star ng in January, Valen ne Web Services will be offering a free course to help nonprofits and small businesses make the most of their websites and online marke ng. Jason will be wri ng about the topics covered in this course for the next few months.

Your website isn’t selling like it should. The design looks nice, and the copy has you convinced, but you’re just not getting the results you need. Your business isn’t doing badly, but you didn’t spend all that time and money putting the site together for it to sit there and do nothing.

Your Website Visitors Aren’t Converting

Jason Barr is a Digital Media Consultant for Valentine Web Services in South Bend. To get a free step-by-step plan to power up your business’s online presence, visit http:// valentinewebservices.com/ free-course.

You get steady traffic to your website, but they’re not clicking through to your service pages. If they are, they’re not buying. It’s frustrating to check your analytics day after day and see people coming to your site and then just leaving. It’s obvious they’re interested, or they wouldn’t visit your site! Why won’t they buy?

Your Website Is Directed Toward Too General an Audience Every business owner knows you have to have a target market for your

28 Small Biz Forward

services, but it surprises many to hear how vital specific customer targeting is for a website.

We often think of our target market as a group of people, but groups don’t visit your website; individuals do, and you have to address them as individuals.

Target Your Customers More Directly and Grow Your Business I worked recently with a computer repairman. When I asked “who is your target customer?” he responded, “anyone who needs computer repair work.” Not so! Would you rather work on Windows, Mac, or Linux? What about this person would make him choose you? I asked him these and many other questions until we had built a detailed profile.

Most entrepreneurs are afraid to get too specific. They’re afraid of alienating people they don’t include.

That’s sensible, but the opposite is actually true: more specific targeting broadens your range of prospects addressing individuals specifically as individuals. As an extra bonus, you direct prospects who aren’t right for you away from your business. That way you only work with people who reinforce your passion and energy! And

people who aren’t right for you will find a provider who’s right for them. When you target your customers well, everyone benefits!

Targeting makes readers feel like you’re talking to them directly. You engage the emotional centers of the brain, where decisions are actually made. You’ll be more likely to attract customers who resonate with what you do and why you do it. Your customers will be more likely to come back to you again. You will actually attract a wider range of people because of highly specific targeting!

How to Build a Can’t-Miss Customer Profile 1. Envision the kind of person you want to serve.

What sort of person inspires and empowers you to do your best for them? Write down these qualities.

2. Take the personal qualities you’ve written down and turn them into an individual profile. The more specific you can get, the better! “Mothers between 30 and 40 with two school-aged kids whose combined household income is above $35,000” is not a profile. “Anne is a 34-year old mother of two who works part-time as a bank teller. She has a 7-year old boy and an 11-year old girl who both attend the local public elementary school” is the beginning of an effective profile.

When you’re finished writing Anne’s profile you should know her as well as your best friends.

3. Assess your profile’s needs, wants, desires, and fears. What motivates Anne? What keeps her up at night? What does she desire most that she can’t yet have? Spend some time getting to know Anne. Visit internet forums, read blogs, and go where Anne hangs out online. Learn how she and her friends talk, and how to talk to her.

4. Revise and expand your profile based on your research. You should be able to write a solid page about her, a minimum of 500 words. Dig deeply into her psyche, social life, and everything else about her.

With this highly specific customer profile, you can tailor your services to her specific needs and make the content on your website speak directly to 29 Small Biz Forward

her. You’ll also be able to target her more highly with email, social media, and all your other marketing.

You might even see a boost in your offline sales as your improved profile informs your day to day operations.

YBNF Tip: Ask a Question Best way to increase the number of

people who are seeing your page in their newsfeed is to get others to comment on your posts. Why not write your post in the form of a ques on ‐ a ques on with an easy answer to get people started. Even "Yes" or "No" ques ons o en get comments. Also, remember the value of invi ng people to visit your page in your post.

For example: Do you have a Facebook Business page? Yes or No? Please comment and let all our YBNF friends know about your page. Also, please feel free to visit our page, click on the NOTES tab to find more ps to help you with your Facebook Business page at: www.facebook.com/ YourBusinessNeedsFans

Marketing Minute

BEING CONNECTIVE— Living Success Now is the time. The business world is moving faster and faster every year. As we embark on 2014, it's a critical opportunity to break out those tools you have been holding; there is no reason to "wait for that perfect day" any more. It is here!

Dust off your marketing plan and put into your electronic calendar prompts for your personal deadlines for the entire year to meet the plan's achievement points. If your marketing plan is more than three years old, it's time for a consultation to get it updated. Do it this week, no matter what!

Gail Turluck is the President of Connective Marketing of Richland, Michigan.

Connective Marketing offers communications services including writing, enewsletters, newsletters, web site content, editing, proofreading, and more. She can be reached at gail@connectivemarketingllc. com.

30 Small Biz Forward

Any size business can embrace technology to enhance their marketing across many platforms. It's critical for the small business to have an e-newsletter, a web site, a Facebook page, the owner and the business each to have a Linkedin page, and the owner and the business to each have a Twitter account. You can utilize platforms like HootSuite to tie your marketing messages across all these platforms so at one sitting your message is sent to them all. If you are not comfortable working with these tools, it is completely worth your money to take a class, hire a part-time specialist, or outsource this task.

A consistent message from you to your clients keeps your business in the front of their minds when the need for what you provide comes up.

Use your smartphone to take a 1-3 minute video of you explaining a new service or describing how using your business will meet a specific need that your client has. Be dressed as you would

regularly for work, and be fresh and wellgroomed. By uploading the video to YouTube and using your e-newsletter to notify your clients of the video's presence, you can reach hundreds or thousands with a direct, personal message at low cost.

Doing this just once a month can bring priceless returns.

Try to identify a "something extra" that your competitors do not do that you could do. It could be something as simple as delivering a premium one pot of coffee pouch with product orders over $250; an auto shop wiping down the dashboard, cleaning the steering wheel, and inside door handles on every work job; or a technology firm providing an extra page for every six that are laid out. These are just suggestions; what you provide as a service premium needs to have a recognized value and make you stand out from the crowd.

The beginning of a new year brings many clean slates. Embrace the opportunity to leave behind the things that have not worked or produced for you in the past and seize this chance to apply new methods and tools to do your work in a more efficient and effective manner. The business that keeps up with changing times is the one that opens the door to success!

Who’s Next?

2013, she found herself in the hospital having surgery.

While in the recovery phase, she received some chickens as therapy. “A reason to get out of bed in the morning” she laughs.

“I was having a major challenge trying to gain weight, so I decided a "small" garden was what I needed: fresh vegetables and "REAL" food would take care of me and get me back on my feet.” That, along with fresh air and exercise, was all it took. Her garden is 100 ft x 100 ft. — the chickens now total 21, and there’s a rooster and 14 rabbits.

This month we are starting a new monthly column showcasing one of the many newest businesses out there.

While it’s great to learn from those that have been there for a while and have made it up a rung or two on the ladder. But, for me, I get so excited when I see the passion and joy of someone who has just taken their first baby step into the world of business. Getting their feet wet by jumping in and getting started – who wouldn’t have goosebumps. But I also know that it’s a scary time: a time when these individuals need the support and encouragement of others around them, telling them that they’re on the right path. Or perhaps they could use some guidance directing them to a different road. This column will be sharing their dreams and goals so that we all can know them better, and help them move ahead to the next level.

With that, let’s meet our first “Who’s Next” entrepreneur. Welcome, Mary Ann Back.

Mary Ann starts the interview by saying, “Welcome to Trading Post Farms and Bakery. I am a startup company that is just finding my footing in 2013.”

Although she had been an entrepreneur for a while, with her company Leather Lady Trading Post, where she sold leather pieces and leather laces, along with fur hides and other merchandise at trade shows and gun shows, she wanted something more but just wasn’t sure what or how to do it.

Then, on New Year’s Eve 2012, she fell in her driveway, breaking her hip. The next day, New Year’s Day 31 Small Biz Forward

She decided to spin off Leather Lady Trading Post, and start Trading Post Farms & Bakery. On a dare, she started growing the hottest hot peppers you could get, making "Ghost Pepper Jelly" out of them. This was the start of her business. Now, she has a bread of the month club where you can order special breads, jams, teas, and more, having them delivered to your door each and every month. She has been researching dietary issues and has a sugar free selection of jams and jellies, and soon will be offering a gluten free bread selection as well.

When asked what she thinks is important for a startup business to know and how that helps she responded, “With the great help of "Business Success Unlimited" and Nancy Becher, I am now getting organized to move forward into 2014.

Networking has been my best asset. I get fresh ideas from others and move forward from there. I also used my network associates as a test market for my trial items.”

Currently she is spending time getting her products ready for the Farmers Markets and to sell directly to the farm market stores and meat markets. “My biggest challenge to date is time management. Early on I realized I am not Superwoman, so where do I start?” The answer to that question is: “I started with a vague plan and am constantly working on my mission statement, goals, and business plan from there. Each day I take on ONE more piece of the challenge.”

Keeping Things Legal Don’t Go “Quackers!” Get your Legal Ducks in a Row

1

Do your taxes early! Organize your 2013 expense and income data to give to your accountant as soon as possible. Did you make those 4th quarter estimated taxes? Did you pay over all withheld taxes including your share? Playing ostrich with the IRS is never a smart idea, so take charge, do what you must, and use the experience to better your tax planning for 2014.

2

Barbara Nicastro is a problem solver, strategist and business executive highly experienced in analysis of complex document or factual situations. Uses a pragmatic business approach to prevent or resolve issues.

Extensive leadership, public speaking, negotiation, media and motivational training experience. You can reach Barb at www.linkedin.com/ in/bnicastro

32 Small Biz Forward

Project and catalogue your expenses. After you’ve gotten your 2013 finances finished, take a hard look at how you spent your money and see where improvements are required. Did you properly document all that you spent? Maybe it’s time to take the “cash” out of your payment methods and use a credit card for ALL business related expense. Invest in QuickBooks, learn how to use it, and enter all data regularly.

3

Consolidate your debt. Are you paying off a number of creditors? Do you know how much interest you’re being charged? Do you really need to continue those monthly payments?

See where you can combine or reduce your indebtedness so that when the unexpected occurs, your credit is good, you have a reserve for emergencies, and your business won’t suffer.

4

Finish that estate planning/ end of life conversation.

Death and taxes are the only two sure things. Make a will or a trust, draft a power of attorney and a medical power of attorney. Make sure the estate documents you have are not out of date. (For example, does your medical directive have a HIPPA waiver in it? Do you have an alternate agent named?) Sit down with your family and talk about your wishes. . . and then put them in writing so that when the time comes, your family will know exactly what you want.

5

Enact or tweak your company succession plan. Who will handle your business when you’re gone? Or what will happen if a key person dies, divorces or becomes disabled? Without a written succession plan and the ability to financially enact it, your business “baby” may founder or crash.

6

Document problem employees early and often. Way too often, companies end up stuck with a problem employee because there is no history of the prior problems or concerns the company had with him. Get your management team together and set firm requirements for dealing with this issue. Does your company have a progressive discipline plan? Does your company have ANY plan on how to deal with problem employees? If not, maybe this is the

year to institute new company policies to avoid EEO claims or lawsuits for wrongful or discriminatory termination.

7 8 9

Get form contracts prepared/revised. Gone are the days when a handshake and a promise were enough. Any activity that involves giving money or services to another party should be part of a document that sets out each side’s duties and promises. Getting form contracts or documents in place for your recurring business activities will allow you to protect your company and to set out the terms that most benefit you.

Organize company responsibility structure. Are you operating on the “same ole, same ole” method of management? Maybe it’s time to sit down with upper/middle management and see what they think about how things could be better structured to match your team’s talents and desires.

Give your company a well-being check with your lawyer, your accountant and any other consultant who impact your company’s future.

10

Say “thank you.” Send a handwritten note thanking your customers for their business. Offer a brief meeting or phone call to listen to their goals and ask for their recommendations so you can plan your strategy on how better serve them in 2014.

Brenda Johns, brenda.johns.90@facebook.com 33 Small Biz Forward

New Year — New Resolutions?

Making a New Year’s resolution may not be done formally for a business but most business owners do start the new year out with some new goals and an eagerness to achieve them.

♦

Eliminate one or two unnecessary tasks from your busy schedule each week to free up time to pursue your passionate interests. Which will they be?

♦

Reward yourself. What can you do for yourself when you reach your goal? Coming up with something you will enjoy and look forward to will increase the chance of you following through.

♦

Most often, the same thing seems to happen with new year’s goals for our businesses. We start out raring to go, pumped up with eagerness and determination to succeed and as time goes on the excitement fades away and we put off our goals for another year. In fact 90% of people do not stick with it and accomplish their goals made at the start of a new year!

Write it down and post it somewhere you can see it and will serve as a constant reminder. This could be simply on a piece of paper. How about your computer background or screensaver? You may even wish to frame and hang it where you can see it each day!

♦

Keep a journal. Journaling is proven to reduce scatter in your life and increase focus. It will help keep the momentum going!

♦

Think back to last January…was there a goal you made for your business? Did you accomplish it? If you did my hat goes off to you! If not, how long did you pursue it? Why did you stop or give up?

Keep score! How are you progressing, what percentage are you at?

♦

Along the way you are sure to hit road block and challenges. Don’t give up. Just get back on the bandwagon as soon as you can. Using just a few ideas above will help you go just that!

Do you recall the first day of school when you were armed with a fresh notebook, brand new pens and pencils and a determination to keep things neat and organized. Each year it was like a new start, a new beginning with good intentions. The first few pages of my notebook would start out with my neatest writing and get sloppier as time went on.

Here are some ideas to help you stick with it and accomplish your goals this year! ♦

Make it attainable. A goal too hard to reach is soon going to be put on the back burner or be given up on.

Taking baby steps work better for most people. Break your goal up into stages. Set dates for when you want to accomplish each step.

♦

Make a plan. Without a plan of action you are not going to reach your goal. Flying by the seat of your pants is a recipe for disaster. Life will get in the way and

♦

Get an accountability buddy. It is so much easier zwhen you have someone who you can talk to and will hold you accountable. Make a date to meet for a coffee or lunch or chat once a month about your progress and challenges.

♦

Tell your networking friends you feel comfortable telling so they can encourage and ask you how you are doing

34 Small Biz Forward

Happy New Year to You and Your Business!!

Sherry Lynn Simoes works with Small and Home -Based Entrepreneurs to build a thriving business through the right marketing methods as well as website design, blog training & design and social media training and management. She runs two networking groups (Women of Today and Business Builders International) and provides free training to members each month on a different aspect of marketing their business. Sherry Lynn can be found at: http://facebook.com/sherry.simoes

granting you permission, especially if we are contacting creditors or former employers.

Every one of us has a vision-visions of seeing our business grow to the point where we can share the wealth and hire some employees. I do know it is one of mine. But with this vision comes some concerns that unluckily we need to think about. I am not talking about how much to pay them, or health insurance or Social Security benefits and taxes. I am talking about the security of your business when you bring these new employees on board.

There are a lot of very trustworthy individuals out there and there are also some with very questionable backgrounds and desires. Not every potential employee will be a good fit, no matter how much education or experience they have. We all have standards of what our ideal employee would be like, and if you look at that list will you even see yourself? Is your own background as sparkling clean as you wish those employees to have?

Let’s discuss background checks to start with. Almost every major company is now doing them in one form or another. There are many contract companies out there that will conduct them for you for a fee. But there is one thing you must do, you must inform the potential employee that you are going to be conducting this background check and you are required to have a signed form by them acknowledging this and 35 Small Biz Forward

One of the best ways to find out about someone’s background is to ask. Inquire if they have any criminal history and let them know that this may or may not be a disqualifier from employment.

Let them know that they may explain it in more detail during their interview.

Sometimes they will put something on their application and the first thing we say is “No way” but after we talk to them and find out THE WHOLE STORY we may just change our minds.

If you decide to utilize one of the companies that performs background checks, do your due diligence and check out both their credentials and performance thoroughly. Another option would be to engage the services of a local licensed private investigator.

Both of these options will cost you some money but will provide you with a good look into a potential employee’s background.

One thing that has become quite popular in this area is looking at social media and seeing what potential employees are posting on Facebook, LInkedIn, Twitter and other sites. There are even employers who require that their employees refrain from using these sites as terms of employment. Sites such as these can provide an employer with quite a bit of information about the candidate, especially if they post everything they are doing or have done.

Law enforcement, private investigators and the bail industry love social media

as some people just love to talk about themselves and what they have done and where they are.

If you decide to conduct your own background check there are many sites out there that can assist you in this endeavor. Sites such as Intellius.com, beenverified.com and a few others out there can provide you with information but you need to use caution as sometimes it is inaccurate and out of date. I ran my name; Edward G Becher, through one site and it showed me being 27 years old and living in Hamburg, NY with aliases of Edward C Becher and Edward Becher; sorry folks that was my son and not me, and this was on a national check and this was the only Edward G. that showed up. The cost to run checks on these sites can run from $4.95 to $39.95 per check or some offer unlimited checks at $19.95 per month.

There is also one site I have used with great success and that is ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Tool) run by the Michigan State Police. For $10.00 you can run a potential employee and see if they have criminal convictions with the state. The one I highly recommend that every employer check is the Sex Offender Registry, I am not saying deny employment based on this, but it is always better to know ahead of time then after.

Ed Becher PPS is the owner and Director of Training for the Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety a provider of training programs for the security industry and others. Ed is a retired US Marine Corps Master Sergeant and former Chief Instructor for the US Department of States Diplomatic Security Service Uniformed Protection Branch and has over 40 years of security experience as a provider and trainer.

Technology’s Potential to Positively Impact Your Business – No Matter Its’ Size Someone recently asked me about their business, “If I could do one thing better, what should it be?” As a business consultant, I am frequently asked some version of this question, but in my role as the Executive Director of the Mobile Technology Association of Michigan, I am deeply attuned to the many ways mobile/wireless technologies can positively impact the productivity and profitability of even the smallest businesses.

Therefore, the start of a new year seems like a great time to make businesses aware of the many ways these technologies can help them.

So, my answer to the aforementioned question would be: “Resolve for 2014 to fully embrace technology and to completely integrate it though out every aspect of your business; from marketing, to the way you work with and interact with clients and staff, to how you manage administrative tasks and operate your business.

Every aspect of your business can be positively impacted by the use of technology.”

What I mean by this is don’t be afraid of technology, instead, embrace it and integrate it in every way possible so you can take advantage of all the benefits that today’s technologies have to offer.

Technologies such as webinars and other types of virtual events (including virtual environment events), social media, mobile/wireless technologies (and I DON’T mean just Mobile Marketing), cloud computing software, video and email will help you increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability and can be highly impactful for even the smallest of businesses.

36 Small Biz Forward

Those that elect to disregard technology will be left behind very quickly because 2014, I believe, will be a ‘game-changing’ year for how business is conducted. Mobile/wireless technologies in particular are having significant impact on the way we live and the way we conduct business today; so much so that if you continue to do business as you always have, you – and your business - will very quickly become irrelevant.

Think about your business in new ways, for example: Can mobile technology enable customers to order and pay for products/services via their cell phone?

Can you use social media to interact with customers and potential customers on a more indepth level via their mobile devices to increase certainty that you’re providing the products and services they need? (customer satisfaction surveys anyone?)

Will location-based mobile technologies enable you to more effectively target potential customers via their mobile devices?

Do you have an email marketing program to keep clients, vendors and staff aware of what’s going on in your business? If not, why not? Studies indicate most people are accessing their email via mobile these days.

Can field staff be more productive if dispatched with GPS mobile technology tools?

Can you get more immediate customer response to special offers by sending those offers directly to their cell phones?

Can the ability to access real-time data from cloud-computing software via a mobile device allow you to make decisions from wherever you are?

Can RFID mobile technologies help you manage your warehouse inventory more efficiently?

Can you be more available to your staff for those decisions only you can make if using a SmartPhone or tablet device?

Can you cut down on company travel costs, and yet increase the number of people that you effectively interact with to present your products or services by engaging virtual sales and training programs?

Can bluetooth or QR code mobile technologies help your firm in the manufacturing or supply chain processes?

Can mobile marketing technologies make your marketing more effective and increase ROI? Would video technology help you more effectively communicate the benefits of your product or service?

‘down time’ that results from that travel, while increasing the number of viable leads you receive?

Can social media, mobile and virtual technologies increase your ability to recruit new employees with higher rates of effectiveness?

Every business can be positively impacted by increased integration of technology in their business in these and many other ways. I challenge you to consider how technology can help to improve your business – and as a result, your life.

If you would like to learn more about the many ways mobile/wireless technologies can aid your business – no matter its size – please consider becoming a member of the Mobile Technology Association of Michigan (MTAM). You can find information on our website at http:// GoMobileMichigan.org/membership. You can also reach us via email at info@GoMobileMichigan.org.

Here’s to increased efficiency, productivity and profitability in 2014!

Linda Daichendt is Executive Director of the Mobile

Technology Association of Michigan (MTAM), Cofounder of Mobile Monday Michigan, Co-host/Co-

Can you get more people to engage with your website or product videos by enabling access via QR codes from their mobile devices?

Can mobile technology help you increase the number and viability of the leads you receive at the next in-person trade show you participate in?

Can participating in virtual trade shows help you decrease travel costs for your staff, and the

producer of the international podcast, ‘The Mobile Marketing Review’, and Co-host of the audio broadcast ‘This Week in Small Business Technology’ on the Michigan Small Business Network.

Linda is the leading proponent for mobile/wireless technologies in the State of Michigan and her daily focus is educating business, government and education stakeholders about the opportunities that these technologies provide to substantially grow Michigan’s economy and increase productivity and profitability in their respective verticals, as well as insuring the ability for Michigan residents to benefit from jobs and businesses created by the technologies.

37 Small Biz Forward

We ALL Have a Story to Tell — What’s Yours?

Once upon a time, many years ago, there lived a girl who loved the world of business. She worked from the age of 12 to build a business for herself with all kinds of ideas from crafts, to office admin, and even to becoming an executive suites owner.

Over the years people started to rely on her and she hired employees as well as bigger and more expensive offices and the "TOYS" that went along with all that. Her biggest shared view was that no matter what you do, you've got to have FUN doing it.

Along the way somewhere, however, she realized that she herself was no longer having fun, and decided that she needed to rethink what she was doing. She knew that in order to do what she was meant to do (help others) that she needed to first figure out how to help herself, and then, most importantly, what it was that others wanted from her.

She searched for a mentor, a group to be part of, and she found the perfect one...even though it met EARLY in the morning, and more than an hour away from where she lived. She knew that they would help her to find her spot in the world, and so she started moving in that direction.

After she had been part of that group for a while, her soul started to 38 Small Biz Forward

sing again with passion for what she was doing, and she began to focus on how helping herself was going to help others. She created meetings for people that let them listen (and share) with other likeminded individuals who had boots on the ground and were trying to build their businesses. Her Entrepreneurial Forums brought ideas like Customer Service, and Using Social Media, as well as Marketing Fears and How to Push Past It to the forefront, so that everyone would be able to take a message back with them to their own homes and offices, saying "Wow. This is going to help me NOW".

From the Forums came other advancements. The Peer Advisory Boards sprang into existence. Heavy questions like "What is our mission?" and "Who is our Ideal Customer and why do we need to know?" made heads hurt as people struggled with those answers, only later to realize that it actually made business much easier. People lined up to see just what the next question would be.

Then, after 9 months of joy and pain, exhaustion and exhilaration, came the birth of this girl's own dreams for her business and her success. Along the way she had come to realize that God had asked her to

do this...He wanted her to be there to support those around her (although she had been in business now for over 35 years, she had never had the support and training of others, and this was her calling to do that so that new businesses wouldn't struggle so much). By helping those others, she was, indeed, helping herself. And finally, the culmination of that gift was a national magazine, Small Biz Forward, that provided answers, ideas, values, information about other businesses, all in a format that allowed for people throughout the country and world, to read and put into use immediately things that would help them grow their businesses without taking years and thousands of dollars. It was her dream and her goal come true.

I'm sure you have one (or two) as well. What are you going to do to create your own Happily Ever After?

—— Nancy Becher

It’s working for me, It’ll work for you

too!

Kim Green @ h p:// www.kimgreen.nerium.net

Cindy Cohen, RN Wellness Consultant C2 Your Health LLC h p://CindyChohenRN.com 39 Small Biz Forward

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

2nd Story Marketing Three passionate and energetic women providing marketing services for small businesses including marketing plans, campaigns, managing social media, newsletters, press releases, event management and more.

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

AVAS, LLC AVAS provides photo scanning, photo montages, social media consulting, and project assistance. h p://www.AVASLLC.NET | Cell: (574) 514‐5193

C2 Your Health Wellness Programs for Mini-Checkups, Home Laboratory Testing, Health Coaching, Self-Care, Community Connections and more.

Cindy Cohen RN, BS BA | http://CindyCohenRN.com

Charlene Books Reflexology/Reiki Relax, release & Transform Your World charlenebooks@gmail.com http://charlenebooks.myitworks.com

Connective Marketing provides communications services to small businesses: • • • • • •

Print and e-newsletters Handbooks, Yearbooks and Directories Web site content Organization membership management Editing and Proofreading 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 269.203.7130 T | 786.358.3605 F gail@connec vemarke ngllc.com | www.connec vemarke ngllc.com

40 Small Biz Forward

Epic Life Studios Adam Fleming is a leadership coach as well as an Account Exutive for the credit card processing company, WorldPay. Email: Adam.Fleming@WorldPay.us adam.fleming.lifecoach@gmail.com 574-238-7872

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, BUILD, 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. https://www.facebook.com/pages/HeartwoodRenaissance-Academy | (269) 273‐0160

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 (269)683-3720, or chamber@nilesmi.com.

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 https://www.facebook.com/PremierWomensNetwork/ info | (260) 747‐5202

River Country Journal Celebrating and nurturing life in Southwest Michigan river country. http://www.rivercountryjournal.com | (269) 279‐8000

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 http://www.kerris-avenue-salon.com | (574) 243-3901

MI Security Training/Bodyguard Academy Providing quality training for those working in the private security industry. http://thebodyguardacademy.com | (269) 651-3355

Schooley Mitchell

Jerry Sarno and Schooley Mitchell will save your business or organization; 1) Time; we do the work so you concentrate on your core business. 2) Money; we save $$$ on your telecom spend, if we don't, there is no fee. 3) Peace of mind.

269-408-8679 http://www.schooleymitchell.com/jsarno

Your Business Needs Fans Encouraging businesses create and maintain their online presence by teaching best-practice Facebook marketing and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans (574) 344‐8895

41 Small Biz Forward

42 Small Biz Forward

The Center for Protec on, Security and Personal Safety

Keeping our Poli cal Candidates and Religious Leaders Safe

Upcoming classes: January 10, 2014: 7 Day Execu ve Protec on Training Class, Sturgis. MI January 2014: Security Awareness for Poli cal Campaign Staffers. Loca on to be announced February 2014: Church Security and Keeping our Religious Leaders Safe: Loca on to be announced

Resources Available Through The Center for Protec on, Security and Personal Safety •

Security Audits/ Red Teaming

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Network of Execu ve Protec on Agents to assist on details, conduct Security Advances.

Surveillance Detec on, Security Escorts, high value discreet deliveries.

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Contact informa on: (269) 651‐3355; or by emailing ed@thebodyguardacademy.com

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Don’t wait ‘ l pigs fly to grow your business – come to BSU where businesses

connect | Collaborate | SUCCEED 269‐651‐3555 h p://success4biz.biz h p://facebook.com/bsuconnector h p://linkedin.com/in/nancybecher h p://twi er.com/smallbizjunkie

Are you looking for someone to help you grow your business easily, cost‐ effec vely and without taking years? Then BSU is the choice for you.

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