Smbizforward mag july

Small Biz Forward Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today Vol. 20. N0. 6

Small Biz Forward

July Issue

BUSINESSES THE PLACE WHERE BUSI NESSES COME TO CONNECT, COLLABORATE AND SUCCEED

From the Home Office

——————— In the United States we have a great many freedoms that people throughout the world don’t. We are able to run our businesses, share laughter and joy with our families and friends.

I believe that we must truly appreciate our country’s core values and understand what having these rights means so that we never let ourselves get to the point where we give away our freedoms.

Living in a democracy is a privilege and I want to thank everyone who has chosen to allow me to be part of their lives in whatever way. Bless us all for the rights and freedoms that we celebrate each and every day!

Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer Business Success Unlimited and Celebrate Business Publishing.

Small Biz Forward is published by

Celebrate Business Publishing Small Biz Forward receives unsolicited materials (including le ers to the editor, press releases, promo onal items and images) from me to me.

Small Biz Forward magazine, its aďŹƒliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensa on of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials/pitches submi ed by freelancers in accordance with known industry prac ces. Statements and opinions expressed in feature ar cles are those of the corresponding business owner.

While every care has been taken in the compila on of this informa on and every a empt made to present up-to-date and accurate informa on, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. Celebrate Business Publishing will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any informa on within these pages or any informa on accessed through their web site.

July 2013 Celebrating the success of entrepreneurs everywhere.

Editor: Nancy Becher 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://celebratebusinesspublishing.com info@celebratebusinesspublishing.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS The Fear of Failure

7

Sarcasm — Not Usually For Work

10

So You’re Going on Vacation

12

If You Want New Outcomes Try Changing Your Language Top 10: Ways to Lead

15 17

Being Connective — Balancing Work & Summer Activities

19

Are You Suffering from Death by Meeting

24

Social Networks and Mobile Marketing: Social Mobile Marketing

26

Living in Diversity

28

Printing by

Disgruntled Employee or Stalker

33

Sturgis PostNet, Sturgis, MI, 269-651-2670 Bill Martindale

The Busy Signal

35

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CONTRIBUTORS

Ed Becher, (Ret.) US Marine and Former Chief Instructor, US Dept. of State, Uniformed Branch, Diploma&c Security Service. Owner, The Bodyguard Academy, Sturgis, Michigan.

Nancy Becher, Passionate about suppor&ng “mom and pop” businesses, Nancy is the Chief Everything Officer of Business Success Unlimited, an educa&onal training program and success mentor for entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is the author of many short ar&cles 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.

Liz LaClair is the owner of Virtually Helps, a virtual assistant company. She is PASSIONATE about helping her clients with any and all of their office administra&ve work and is a specialist in her knowledge of Microso6 Office products.

Garre8 Massage Therapy Ann Manuel, LMT/Owner 421 Smith Drive/Auburn/IN/46706 (260) 226-2418 Have equipment, will travel Dan Neumann is an Agile coach and trainer at NewManagement, LLC. He is also an entrepreneur. Having seen a need for a different style of office space and coworking in South Bend, Indiana, he is currently working to open a new space in the heart of downtown. Watch for The Branch to open this spring.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Kenneth Nichols is a lifelong entrepreneur and the owner of Urban Appeal Mobile Marke%ng. Kenneth started his first business at the age of 12, cu+ng grass around the small West Michigan town of Baldwin, Michigan. A-er gradua%ng from Baldwin High School, Kenneth a/ended Western Michigan University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and a Masters in Public Administra%on. Kenneth has 10 years of marke%ng experience in the non-profit sector along with a wealth of experience in customer service, direct and business to business sales.

Greg is a business coach and marke%ng consultant that founded Delightability, LLC. where they believe if you delight customers – success will follow. He helps nonprofit and for-profit leaders to deliver more remarkable experience, tell be/er stories, and build community. Reach him at gregolson@delightability.com or 206.356.8811 or on social media at:h/p:// www.twi/er.com/fordoers, h/p://www.linkedin.com/in/olsong; h/p:// www.facebook.com/thebigideatoolkit, and h/p://www.facebook.com/ delightability

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

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

Gail Turluck is the President of Connec%ve Marke%ng of Richland, Michigan.

Connec%ve Marke%ng offers communica%ons services including wri%ng, enewsle/ers, newsle/ers, web site content, edi%ng, proofreading, and more.

She can be reached at gail@connec%vemarke%ngllc.com.

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UPCOMING EVENTS If you’d like your events posted, send them to: publish@celebratebusinesspublishing.com Or join us on Facebook h%p://facebook.com/bsuconnector

One of the best ways to grow your business is through networking and going to mee'ngs, events, and more.

Check out events on Eventbrite.com, Meetup.com and other web-based event programs. You’ll find lots to do while watching your business become more and more successful.

SAVE THE DATE: Small Business Conference and Retreat October 22, 2013: As business owners we are tasked with understanding the business, running the business, making sure we’re making money, selling our product or service and everything in between. It’s a BIG task and can be overwhelming at times. Which way do we turn first? Do we do the marketing? What about the finances? Do I have time to make the product? There’s a lot to do, isn’t there? And maybe we’re not sure how do to some of these things, but we muddle by because it’s expected of us and there’s no one else there to help. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could take a work vacation where we didn’t have to feel guilty about being away from the “shop”? What if we could have a DAY away from the phones, the Internet, and were able to reconnect with our dreams, our vision, our goals? And then, what if we were given tools to go back and do things maybe a bit better, or a little more effectively — all while meeting new people and gaining business. To top things off we can do it in a tranquil environment that gives us the ability to rejuvenate, relax and find new perspectives and fresh insights. Would this be a valuable day for you?

Then you need to sign up for this great event before it fills up.

There are a limited number of spaces available for both vendors and attendees. Sign up soon at http://facebook.com/ dreamtheworkretreat.

Costs: $75 for the day (includes breakfast, lunch, snacks) $95 for a vendor booth (sessions and meals included)

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The BodyGuard Academy Sturgis, Michigan www.thebodyguardacademy.com 269-651-3355 Execu've Protec'on Agent training programs.

3 day Execu've Protec'on Basic 7 day Personal Protec'on Specialist

Next class starts August 9, 2013

Bail Fugi've Recovery Agent training program,

3 weekends star'ng July 13, 2013 Learn the latest techniques in loca'ng fugi'ves from bail.

Women's Personal Safety Seminar 2 hour presenta'on on Awareness, Smart Phone safety, and how to use the items you normally carry with you day to day.

Church groups, women's groups, civic associa'ons

Cost is $20.00 per person at a loca'on of your choice Do you have security concerns related to your business? Would you like a security audit?

Believe you or a loved one are the vic'm of a stalker?

Contact The BodyGuard Academy and lets see how we can help!

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The Fear of Failure “You're not always going to be successful, but if you're scared to fail, you don't deserve to be successful" -- Charles Barkley

Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success Unlimited

For many, the idea of running their own business never enters their mind; they are happy and content working in a good paying job where they have benefits and know what will happen every day when they clock in. But for others, the dream of being their own boss is uppermost in their thoughts.

Whatever the reason, they have the goal of being a success at something that has their hand print on it.

Like me, many have known from childhood that they wanted to control their own lives based on being 7 Small Biz Forward

their own boss. Each day would be a new day with different challenges and excitements.

But what really comes with being the boss is a lot more than excitement: it's hard work, long hours, persistence in the wake of adversity and a never give up attitude. Anyone thinking that they're going to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is probably going to be out of luck. Nothing worthwhile ever happens without hard work, planning and time.

But even then, there are other issues that need to be taken into consideration. One of the biggest challenges, I believe, that people run into when they're starting out (and even later in the cycle) is fear. The fear of failure is that irrational fear that we will not succeed, and unfortunately, it is often something that we all experience. It's human nature.

And with that fear comes an inability to move forward. There's the dream, and then there's the fear of not being able to succeed. What happens if no one wants what you're selling? What if you can't make a living at your desired business? Will you lose your home? What about the benefits you may be giving up by quitting a job? These are all fears that may crop up to stop you from moving forward.

I think, especially in today’s economic environment, it’s very easy for business owners to take the path of least resistance. “I’m going to just sit tight and clap when I get through the day without falling.” When we see obstacles in our path, we automatically seem to generate a fear of failure, and that stops us before we ever get started.

There are two ways to look at this fear of failure: one, is to see it as a way to better yourself.

Just because something happened this time, if you learn from your mistakes, you won’t make the same one again – thus a movement ahead. The other way to look at it is as though this failure was personal and permanent. No way to get around it. This second way of looking at things is the death of a business.

In order to get past these fears, one needs to figuratively "bite the bullet." Success or failure is in your hands -- you just need to do your homework, set goals, figure out what your customers want, and work towards creating the perceived need for your product or service. Most of all, you need to understand that it is going to take time, effort and money to get where you want to be. How to do this?

There are lots of people and books out there that show you maps to accomplish this work; it's up to you to find what resonates with you -- what makes sense to you and what seems doable for you.

SAVE THE DATE! Want time to spend working ON your business?

Planning for next year’s success? A day away from the office where you can commune with nature and other business owners, to reinvigorate, network and GROW? The Dream the Work Retreat is coming October 22, 2013. Stay tuned for more details, or go to https:// www.facebook.com/DreamTheWorkRetreat to register.

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Don’t wait ‘til ...… to grow your business You can sit there and do nothing, or you can get out, network, learn new techniques, brush up on the old but trusted ones, and grow your business NOW!

Visit our web page at http://success4biz.biz and click on http://success4biz.biz/Our_Programs.html to get more information on these programs and get signed up today!

Business Success Unlimited is at 701 Prairie Street, Sturgis, MI 49091. Our telephone number is 269-651-3555 and our email is info@success4biz.biz.

For 27 cents a day, you can have a group of business professionals by your side, guiding you, supporting you, helping you to create the best business you could ever dream of. But you can’t wait ‘til pigs fly to do it. Act TODAY!!!!

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Liz LaClair, Virtually Helps, LLC

For a long time I’ve been told I have a quirky sense of humor, a dry wit and lover of puns.

Knowing how this (sometimes) got me in to

when people take things the wrong way – things go south in a hurry! But when it works, sarcasm can be a handy tool to get things done/help needed. I bet

trouble in school, I have tried to behave while

you’re wondering what I mean by that one. Well, let

working. Generally I succeed. But there have been

me give you a couple examples of sarcasm going

times when keeping quiet would have been the much

well:

better way to go. Heck, sometimes it’s just the tone of

Working for a busy doctor and I was the only

voice that can get me in trouble. (Really, I didn’t

medical assistant. One Saturday, when he was

think I used that tone?!) Pictures like this seriously

ordering tests on 90% of the patients he overheard my

represent my thought processes.

comment to the office staff “do me a favor trip him

Sarcasm and work walk a very fine line. It’s enough to make tightrope walkers concerned.

when he goes by – maybe he’ll slow down.” A few minutes later he was drinking coffee in my small lab.

He said “You know, you are in charge.” My witty

My sarcasm has gotten me in trouble a few times.

Even the things I didn’t think were sarcastic. Boy, 10 Small Biz Forward

retort? “Oh, yippee, when I’m pissed at myself I can tell me where to go” and went back to work. That

dishing out, he was actually (slightly) upset when he asked me WHY. I simply told him, “I’ve come to realize that I don’t have to. I can get my work done, still make you look good and not feel the need to put up with your nonsense.” He actually thanked me for standing up to him.

What happens when sarcasm backfires? Well in the second example – I wasn’t employed there much Monday I had an assistant. By the end of the week, I started getting students working on an internship basis.

longer. I was told my work wasn’t up to his standards. (hmm, I worked harder than the others…)

Well, at least it wasn’t a job I missed. I knew I wasn’t

In an office – as an administrative assistant. One

ever going to wear short skirts and bend at the waist

day I was wearing a shorter skirt (not incredibly but

to pick things up for the guy. After that there were a

perhaps a bit too short). The boss “dropped” his

series of other jobs (temp) where I was told that the

pencil and asked me to pick it up. He complained

reason they didn’t hire me for a permanent position;

when I bent at the knees and stooped to pick it up.

they didn’t approve of my sarcasm/tone I took with

My comment was, “I guess I’ll have to wear pants so

peers.

I can pick up pencils around here, my knees are on the bad side and don’t like to bend that much.” He was the owner/president. I overheard his VP tell him “Yes she ruined your day and was sarcastic, but it could have been worse; she could have ruined you

So, what do I do now? I “sit back” and observe the culture more. While I get a feel for the place/ people I stay reserved and don’t say much. I truly am basically shy; it’s when I decide to “open up” and over-compensate that I get into trouble.

and the business.”

For the record, I keep my sarcasm to my coA co-worker (slightly higher up the rung than me)

workers and some bosses/clients. NEVER used on

likes to give people grief. Seems to enjoy it. I didn’t

customers. I will not make an employer look bad

ever raise my voice, but that “tone” was there. Once

because they chose to hire/work with me and my wit.

he complained that I wouldn’t take anything he was

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So you’re going on Vacation?

Ed Becher, Ed Becher PPS/BEA. The Bodyguard Academy

school’’s out and now it it’’s time to start planning your vacation Ahhhh the summer months: school with the family. You know that your business cannot do without you for those few days that you are at the beach, visiting Washington DC or just spending time with family.

But you feel that you and the family need that break away from the stressors of your business. Most likely your laptop, IPad, and cell phone will never be far away from you. There will still be emails to be answered, phone calls from upset clients and possibly orders to be filled while you are away.

But, how do we handle the security of our homes and businesses while we are away? In my office alone I have 5 computers, 2 televisions and other high cost items. Both I and my wife often take weekend trips away from home base to get refreshed and to relieve some of that stress that comes with being business owners. While I am gone I do worry about the possibility of break in, vandalism, fire and 12 Small Biz Forward

the other assorted disasters that could possibly happen.

Here are a few tips to keep your home and business safe while you are gone: ⇒

Stop newspaper delivery and ask the post office to hold your mail until your return. If this is not possible, ask a neighbor to collect it and hold it for you.

⇒

Notify the local law enforcement agency of your travel plans.

⇒

Remember the old Motel 6 motto, ‘Leave a light on’; it’s still not a bad piece of advice.

⇒

⇒

⇒

Let a family member or neighbor know of your travel plans and how to get in contact with you.

Provide them with your travel itinerary as well.

Record all of your credit/debit card numbers and keep them locked up someplace safe. Same holds true for all your high value property: televisions, computers, firearms. Take photos of all your jewelry.

Before you go, ensure that all outdoor furniture is put away. If severe weather should occur

when you are gone, there will be no one there to handle this for you.

Have a safe and wonderful vacation and take the time to refresh yourself and enjoy the time with family and friends.

Ed Becher PPS is the Owner and Director of Training for

The BodyGuard Academy 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

Tyson Smith, the newest Intern for BSU, is a business owner in his own right. As a relationship appreciation manager, Tyson understands how important it is to say thank you to those we do business with, as well as staying in contact with our friends and family. Tyson works with clients through Send Out Cards, and is always happy to show how you can show your appreciation for your clients too!

CONTACT: email — tysonsmith4freedom@gmail.com | phone — 260-336-4851 (Mobile)

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Cowork Centers Provide: •

Office space at $10 a day or $150 full time

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If You Want New Outcomes Try Changing Your Language Greg Olson, Delightability, LLC Reprinted with permission from Greg Olson at Delightability, LLC. Visit www.delightability.com/blog for the original post.

From Healthcare The American Medical Association recently voted to declare obesity a disease. This, in a move to change the focus from treating obesity related symptoms, toward prevention. Without the label of disease, insurance companies have largely rejected insurance claims. And, without reimbursements, doctors are reluctant to have conversations about prevention. Prevention, it turns out, has been a big money loser. What has worked is treating the symptoms of obesity – those claims are reimbursed as normal and customary. Sadly, aside from people remaining unhealthy, this practice also

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increases the costs of an already overburdened healthcare system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, treatment of obesity -related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers drives up the nation’s medical bill by more than $150 billion each year.

To Homelessness The Executive Director of the Sophia Way, a nonprofit organization that serves women experiencing homelessness, once shared with me a story about a woman that visited her as her last stop in getting help. The woman said, “Why do I have to

lose everything in order to get any help.” Think about it for a moment, there are homeless and housed. What about those in transition from being homeowners to homeless. Our limited language here also limits our thinking and creative solutions that might be beneficial for all involved. I can imagine an organization that would maintain payments for this person while they sell their home, possibly rebuilding a new life from the equity. Without such an organization, the home is returned to bank and the person loses their equity and a new beginning. This is a situation where everybody loses.

To Developing Nations The former CEO of World Bicycle Relief shared with me that in Zambia, one place where they sell their rugged bicycles (trucks), there is no word for maintenance. Imagine what that means. If there is no word, then the concept doesn’t exist. Not surprisingly, many broken down and abandoned bicycles litter the landscape. One of this organization’s aims was to not only introduce bicycles as a path to improving lives, but also introduce the idea and provide training for bicycle mechanics and inventory. This is life changing for many.

And in Your Business Too. We also need new language and better conversations between business leaders, creatives, and customer facing roles, so that we can create and deliver more remarkable experiences to those

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being served by the organization. We also need to understand better, how and where our big ideas and decisions fit into improving the health of the organization. For this we need new eyes, new thinking, and new conversations. I’m doing my part – I’m completing my book The Experience Design BLUEPRINT: Recipes for Creating Happier Customers and Healthier Organizations If you want to get past boring experiences and sputtering performance and get to remarkable and sustainable, you might want to sign up to be notified of its release. Sign up at: http:// bit.ly/11s4TjV Please share with other like-minded individuals that want to do their part to make this world a little better for those that inhabit it today and in the future.

Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success Unlimited

Good leaders must lead by example. Through their actions, which are aligned with what they say, they become a person others want to follow. When leaders say one thing but do another, they erode trust, a critical element of productive leadership.

Here are 10 of the dozens of ways to lead by example.

1. Take responsibility. Blame costs you your credibility, keeps team members on the defensive and ultimately sabotages real growth.

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2. Be truthful. Inaccurate representation affects everyone. Show that honesty really IS the best policy.

3. Be courageous. Walk through fire (a crisis) first. Take calculated risks that demonstrate commitment to a larger purpose.

4. Acknowledge failure. It makes it OK for your team to do the same and defines failure as part of the process of becoming extraordinary.

5. Be persistent. Try, try again. Go over, under or around any hurdles to show that obstacles don’t define your company or team.

6. Create solutions. Don’t dwell on problems; instead be the first to offer solutions and then ask your team for more.

7. Listen. Ask questions. Seek to understand. You’ll receive valuable insights and set a tone that encourages healthy dialogue.

8. Delegate liberally. Encourage an atmosphere in which people can focus on their core strengths.

9. Take care of yourself. Exercise, don’t overwork, take a break. A balanced team, mentally and physically, is a successful team. Model it, encourage it, support it!

10. Roll up your sleeves. Like Alexander the Great leading his men into battle, you’ll inspire greatness in your company.

Author’s content used with permission, © Claire Communications

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BEING CONNECTIVE— CONNECTIVE— Balancing Work & Summer Activities

by Gail M. Turluck, Connective Marketing

Too many small business people think they cannot take time off, cannot let the phone go to voice mail, cannot let the mail pile up for a few days, cannot have email sit for a week, or any of the other things that occur when a business owner finally makes the choice to take a break from his or her business.

Whether to take a real vacation, attend a family get together, or to pursue an activity passion, it is critical for the business owner to keep doing the fun 19 Small Biz Forward

things in life and to not allow the business to swallow them whole!

Depending on the structure of the business, it may be that the executive may participate in a golf outing, go on a winery tour with friends, compete in a sporting event during the day, and thanks to the electronic conveniences of today—laptop computer, smart phone, wi-fi access and more—catch up enough in a couple hours in the evening to keep things running while primarily being away. It's easy

to set up an auto-responder to email letting folks know you are away, share if there is someone they can contact in your stead, or reassuring that you will be in touch with them just as soon as you can. It can be helpful to notify your customers of a pending break: a notice in the footer of emails, invoices, and/ or on your web page that your business will be closed or minimized during a given period will help them plan and work with you on their needs. Everyone knows that you need some time away to keep things recharged and fresh!

Maybe you'll be golfing from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and hitting the computer from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Maybe you'll be sailing from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and using wi-fi access from 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

Maybe your business is tied well to a smart phone and you can monitor most needs with a click here and a tap there while enjoying an architectural tour and beer sampling and mop up finer details in the morning.

Sometimes it is important to do just that little bit more: hire an answering service to pick up calls and

have a trusted knowledgeable designate in place to handle emergencies, should they come up. Hire an assistant or personal concierge, even if only for the week, to view email messages, respond as instructed, and, if there is something important, draw it to your attention in the manner you define. Have that person pick up the mail daily, make cursory responses, perhaps make bank deposits (anybody can make deposits), and keep things orderly so when you return, getting caught up will be easier.

If at all possible, take a whole week of no computer, no cell phone, no smart phone and really cut those cords. It will surprise you how many new ideas, different approaches, and the enhanced enthusiasm you will bring by taking this all important time to recharge. There are so many studies that have proven that activities, breaks from work, vacations, family outings and other relaxation and refreshment is important to our health, that if you have not yet already made some plans for a break or two this summer, get started on those plans today!

Your Business Needs Fans Tip: Post your photo. It's a good idea to occassionally include your own photo in your post. This helps others on Facebook connect you with your business and puts a face behind your messages. All of us like to do business with people we "know, like, and trust" so a good starting point in building those valuable connections is to be sure your fans know the face behind your business. Might even sign off on your posts with your name. Karen Visit our page at www.facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans and click on the NOTES tab for more helpful Facebook hints.

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The Rubdown Ann Manuel, LMT/Owner, Garrett Massage Therapy I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and have been practicing in the field for nearly 15 years. I have seen everything and heard every massage parlor joke there is. I am open to questions, either thru email, Facebook or by phone. There are a lot of misconceptions about massage therapy and I am more than glad to dispel them to the best of my ability. There truly isn’t a stupid question, and if I cannot answer your question, I will do my best to find an answer and have a practically unlimited amount of resources.

To do a little research for this article I asked at least ten people to tell me what three words they associated with being a successful business person.

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The words ranged from happiness to satisfaction to prosperity to honesty, focus and financial stability.

My three words were self control, goals (meeting realistic ones) and rewards. Three of the people I asked didn’t take the time to even submit their three words. These three people did more for my research than the people who answered it. We do things out of obligation at first. Then when we become busier with more important obligations, we stop doing the things we call maintenance actions.

We neglect our house in the name of working more hours. When we get home we are too tired to manage the small things so we push them to the side.

The combined conclusion of asking the “three words” question is that people will do things for others when they feel obligated. When they feel overwhelmed with what they perceive to be more important they neglect whatever, whenever they can to make more time for profit.

The problem with this struggle and strive attitude is that we drive the car (our bodies), expect it to function properly with just the minimal amount of care and then become surprised and discouraged when there is a breakdown. For short periods of time we can run on fumes, but eventually we begin to stall and have to pull to the side of the road for repairs. What do you think would happen if we actually took the time out of our busy, profiting schedule and put time and maintenance into the car?

It would not only last longer but would run more

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efficiently and there would be fewer breakdowns.

And less stress.

And for my closing thoughts and shameless self promotion in regards to massage therapy: what do all ten people that were asked to share their three words related to success have in common? They all get massage. They are all successful business owners who take the time to get massage, maintain their bodies and strive as much to keep themselves going as they do their businesses. Massage doesn’t cure anything. It simply helps the body repair itself.

Relaxation has never ruined a day or caused someone to fail in business. Find a reputable, licensed, professional massage therapist. So give yourself a break, try massage therapy and see if it helps. It certainly can’t hurt.

Do you need to work out a strategic plan? Launch a project? Create goals for the upcoming year?

Would you like support in gaining clarity and focus for your business goals?

Are you ready to stop playing small?

Do you need space and time for quiet reflection to work on those goals?

Are you interested in learning new ways to work, manifest and prosper?

Want to showcase your products as a vendor?

Then plan on attending the Michiana Dream the Work Retreat October 22, 2013 Michiana Christian Service Camp 8am—6pm Call for info on prices

Topics include: How to Turn Prospects into Clients Creating a Compelling Brand Secrets of Successful Networking Steps to a Perfect Elevator Speech And more

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Dan Neumann, NeuManagement, LLC

Are they scheduled for an hour long? If you have days like mine, you can get invited to several back-toback meetings throughout the day. When that happens, it is nearly impossible to make it to all of them on time. This results in delayed starts, interruptions as people join the meeting late, and you can waste a lot of time for a lot of people if you are not careful.

Here are five ideas to help combat the conflict that the hourhour-long meeting can create: 1. Shorter by default – In your calendaring software, change the default meeting time from an hour to something shorter. If you shorten the default time, you will have to intentionally make the invitation for a longer meeting. I have my default meeting time in Outlook set to be 30 minutes. I think you will find that needing the extra effort to extend the meeting will keep you from setting up so many hour-long meetings that are not necessary.

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2. Less is more – Truly consider your meeting agenda (you have one, right?) and how much time you will need to cover the outlined topics. Be conservative on the time allotted. You can always schedule a short follow up meeting to cover additional territory if you don’t cover everything you need to in the first meeting. Consider setting up 25, 35, or 45 minute meetings. Attendees will appreciate the found time in their day.

3. It takes time to travel – Schedule your meetings to end at five to seven minutes before the hour or half-hour boundaries. Until teleportation gets worked out, people still need time to get from point A to point B. Even if teleportation is invented some day, there is a good chance that people will still need to use the facilities. Do your attendees a favor and end a few minutes early.

4. Plan to start a few minutes late – It’s rather inconsiderate to make those that are on time for a meeting wait for others who are late. We all have better things to do than to wait for other people to show up. Assuming that not everybody you work with will adopt item #3, why not plan to start at five minutes after the hour? Plan that your meetings start at 9:35 instead of 9:30, and start on time.

1. Have a parking lot – Keep the conversation focused on the most important topics. If there is a tangent, write it up on a section of the whiteboard or a flip-chart labeled “parking lot” and do not let it drag

you off topic. There may be time at the end of the meeting to cover it, or perhaps in a separate meeting.

6. Stand up – One of the things I love about Scrum is the daily standup meeting. It is a 15 minute meeting and yes, people stand up for it. Consider having other meetings that are “stand up” meetings.

Just having people stand can keep them from getting too comfortable and wanting to wander off topic.

Let’s face it, an hour is a pretty arbitrary increment of time. Experiment with using a shorter duration, changing the start time, and ending a few minutes early. Let me know if you have any other suggestions related to scheduling meeting times.

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25 Small Biz Forward

Social networks and mobile marke2ng: Social Mobile Marke2ng Kenneth Nichols, Urban Appeal

Social networks are popular platforms that allow people to share relationships and similar interests online. Mobile marketing is a medium through which companies connect with customers. What is the relationship between social networks and mobile marketing?

Social Mobile Marketing is an interwoven experience that allows an entity to connect customers or audiences to their social networks.

Customers are taking pictures, informing their networks about sales, checking in at restaurants and ‘sharing’ their experience with their networks and the rest of the world. If companies are already using popular social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare or other social networking platforms, this can allow them to extend their network and customer base.

Example: 1) Print advertisement to potential customers to text ‘URBANAPPEAL’ to 99000 to receive event promotions and discounts in the Kalamazoo, MI area delivered to your mobile phone.

2) Provide link to Facebook Page inside of the automated text message.

3) Ask potential customer to ‘LIKE’ their page.

This is a great method for baiting offline clients with text message marketing, providing links to your social networking sites, engaging them, and accessing their network of family and friends through updates.

Why social mobile marketing? 90% of text messages are opened and read within 3 minutes of being received. Then you consider the following statistics: -86% of 18-29 year olds are accessing social networks.

-61% of 30-49 year olds are accessing social networks.

-The number of 50+ year olds accessing social networks nearly doubled from 22% to 42% since 2010.

Your customers are texting. aren’’t you?

Why aren

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We Help You Preserve Your Precious Memories& Special Moments in Digital Format or Video Montage AVAS, LLC | 574.514.5193

27 Small Biz Forward

Living in Diversity Your signi icance is not in your similarity to others. It is in your differences. — Mike Murdock

Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success Unlimited

In this era we all need to be aware of different cultures and different values. I can’t think of one single place that I’ve been to recently (including the small nearby town with a population of 250) that hasn’t seen at least one person of a different faith, color, or sexual orientation within the town’s limits.

It’s a new world from when I grew up, and one that I think is better, for sure. Since this is the way the world is these days, it is important for us to understand what this phenomenon means to us and to the people that we come in contact with daily.

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First of all, we need to understand that cultural awareness is important and that in order to act professionally and honorably we need to understand and accept the different cultures. But what does this mean at its basic core? Cultural awareness recognizes that we all have a background which influences how we interpret the world around us.

Just because we may like to go barefoot does not mean that in a Middle Eastern culture for example, being barefoot is acceptable. Experiences, likes and dislikes, even how and who we shake hands with

varies depending on where we’re from. We have to realize that people identify with their own cultural and religious backgrounds, and in order to communicate (both verbally and non-verbally) with others from other cultures, we need to at least have a feel for what they believe.

For many of us in business we have a variety of ways that we meet and create relationships with others: vendors, customers, employees – if we don’t get “it” then we can alienate these people and wind up losing out not only on business connections, but on possible friendships and a whole new way of looking at life. I love meeting new people from other countries, with backgrounds that are different from mine. Having lived in Europe and having been married to a man from the Middle East for many years, I have embraced other cultures and LOVE everything I’ve learned.

But let me ask you a few questions and see if you know the answers – if someone who definitely speaks with an accent, walks up to you, gets right in your face, and yells something at you in a foreign language, what do you do? Do you shove them away, making him fall to the ground so that you can get safely away from him? Do you yell for the police? Or do you realize that there is something wrong and that he needs your help?

When I was in my doctoral program in Sociology, one of my classmates and I did an experiment at a local grocery store. My friend was from Iran (this was when Iranian students had

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special first class status at the school). She had dressed for the experiment in her “veils” that covered her from head to toe with only her eyes showing through. I stood in the background observing while she, with her grocery cart, went up to different individuals, asking them if they knew where a particular grocery item was. The reactions ranged from screams and dropping of groceries to get away from her, to ignoring her, to shoving her away, to finally one person saying “sure, dear. It’s right over there.” Taking her by the arm and escorting her to the aisle where the food was. In all, she asked seven people, and got seven reactions.

It was then my turn. I, the good old American girl, in my blue jeans and t-shirt, also asked seven different people, and every single person told me where the product was located. Quite a difference, hmmm? My friend was not a terrorist, nor someone with two heads and six arms. She was a young girl in a foreign country trying to cook a meal. Even though this was just an experiment, she never went back to that store to buy her groceries.

So when we don’t understand what is happening or we don’t allow for differences in language, viewpoint, values, or other cultural backgrounds, we can do a lot of damage to our businesses. So, please when dealing with someone that has a different cultural viewpoint, embrace it, and learn from it. Try welcoming instead of fearing. You never know, you just might get a loyal customer for life!

JOBS, APPRENTICESHIPS and MORE …

If you have a job you’d like to list here, send us a Word doc for possible inclusion in an upcoming edition.

Entrepreneurial based business is looking for an apprentice interested in supporting company in developing and implementing marketing strategies, while learning entrepreneur skills.

This person should be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment, and will finish the apprenticeship having gained experience in various aspects of marketing a successful business, as well as working with a team to achieve expected end results.

Some of the responsibilities will include (this position will be shared with 1 - 2 others, so one applicant is not responsible for ALL the tasks on this list and for this position): Qualifications: •

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Research & reach out to organizations within target market for speaking & sales opportunities

High to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Publisher & Adobe Photoshop a bonus)

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Social Media marketing experience

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WordPress experience a bonus

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Interest in collaborating ideas & making decisions while recommending and implementing courses of action

Implement social media marketing plan

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Write & submit press releases

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Assist with creating any presentation materials for speaking engagements

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Follow up with presentation attendees after event and enter new leads into the main database, as well as follow up with attendees to give them more information about the products/services they expressed interest in

•

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Draft sales pages and messages and post to web site

30 Small Biz Forward

It's essential that applicants be creative, self-directed, and comfortable in taking initiative in creating and implementing ideas, as well as have the ability and desire to think outside the box and come up with new solutions towards overall company objectives and find new results-oriented solutions.

Apprentice must be articulate, dependable and committed with an entrepreneurial spirit.

•

Hours:

Details:

Flexible with 15 - 20 hours per week

•

Primary role will be to support company in developing and implementing marketing strategies.

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Apprentices are required to work a minimum of 15 hours/week, and some weeks during launches may work 20+ hours with a minimum 6-month commitment to role

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Access to own desk, high-speed internet, and additional equipment and software necessary to complete all assigned tasks

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Weekly Team meetings (1 hour)

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Monthly Apprentice meetings (to learn and discover from one another, 1 hour)

Length/Availability:

Testimonials and recommendations as earned

6 months Benefits: •

Mastermind Business Building Membership

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Knowledge, experience, and practice in a supportive team environment

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Working with a team of highly skilled and motivated professionals

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Ability to discover and learn new resources in a supportive learning environment

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Feedback and suggestions to improve personal skill level

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Need a Business Mentor to help you grow your business?

Call for info on FREE INTRODUCTORY BUSINESS MENTORING SESSION

Call Karen 574.344.8895 (no obliga0on - just a free one-hour session) January, April, August & November BusinessBusiness-toto-Business Get Together Trine University 4101 Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka, IN 1st & 3rd Monday each month Success Team Mastermind Group 8:308:30-9:45am OR 12:0012:00-1:15pm Old Na0onal Bank, Heritage Square, Granger, IN Call Karen for more info 574.344.8895

32 Small Biz Forward

Security and the Entrepreneur — Disgruntled Employee or Stalker?

Ed Becher PPS, The Bodyguard Academy

Many of us at one time or another have had to deal with the disgruntled customer, but at what point to they go from disgruntled customer to stalker/harasser?

Stalking is defined as …“…a ‘willful course of conduct’ involving repeated or continuing

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harassment of another individual that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.”

Sounds like some disgruntled customers we have had to deal with at one time or another doesn’t it? But one big difference, the disgruntled customer goes away, and they may come back again as a customer. Remember one bad experience does not always drive them away. But the stalker does not go away as easily. He/she may have started out as a customer, but their ‘feelings’ towards you have changed. You are no longer the salesperson, or client, but you are now someone who has attracted their attraction, either real or imagined.

Now what do stalkers and the disgruntled customer have in common? If you have affected them in some way, they could go from being upset with you to being obsessed. They feel that your rejection of them shows your desire for them to be a part of your life. With the Simple Obsession, these being ex-partners, male or female, they feel that things can be worked out. One key point to remember: this is their thoughts, not yours. Do not give in, do not meet them, no amount of dialogue is going to convince them that the relationship is over.

In the book, “The Protection Specialist’ Specialist’s Guide to Stalking & Harassment Threat Management” Management” by Miguel A.R. Deyer CPSS, stalkers are broken down into different categories, with the top three being ones we are most likely to see. These are 1) Simple Obsession and 2) Love Obsession, and 3) DeClerambaults Syndrome or Eroticmania.

With the second category -- Love Obsession -these feel that you are all they need to feel complete.

You are the answers to their prayers, love at first sight. Even if you have stopped having them as a customer or client, they still contact you. While this category is seen more often in celebrity stalker cases, remember, to them you may be that celebrity.

Simple obsession, is usually the ex partner who still feels there is something there and they cannot accept that the relationship has ended.

Many times with stalkers, it takes more than just a “leave me alone” to get stalkers to stop, this is when the legal system may have to get involved.

Never feel that you can handle it alone. It may take you doing a trespass notice against them or Personal Protection Order hand delivered to the stalker to get your point across. Do not be afraid to contact your attorney and ask for advice when dealing with stalkers and harassers.

Love obsession is a stalker who has fallen deeply in love with their victim; they are the answers to their prayers, love at first sight. The victim already being in a relationship with someone else makes no difference to the stalker.

The third, DeClerambaults Syndrome, at one point was only felt to be a female related issue, but is seen now more and more in male stalkers. The stalker becomes aware of their victim through various forms of media, including social media and establishes a delusional fantasy where they have a special relationship with the victim. These fantasies can take on a very strong sexual nature. This group of stalkers tends to be more violent and may also suffer some form of mental illness. This group may have never met you in person, but has seen you in the media and feels that if you two did meet it would become a lasting relationship.

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Because they are disgruntled today does not mean they could not become your stalker tomorrow.

Ed Becher PPS is the Owner and Director of Training for The BodyGuard Academy 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.

The Busy Signal Jerry Sarno, Schooley Michell

A long-time client calls one day and starts the conversation off with the usual formalities.

“I haven’t spoken with you for a long time! How have you been?” she asks, politely.

“Busy,” you respond. “Things are pretty hectic.

Crazy busy.”

Without even realizing it, you have dropped a four -letter word with some stinging implications: busy.

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It can be easy to see how “busy” is our go-to response, considering the pace of modern North American life. Many of us have packed schedules from morning till night – an hour with the personal trainer, a business dinner, shuttling Sally to ballet class. It seems our calendars are fuller, and busier, than ever.

So when you respond that you’re run off your feet, you may innocently think you are speaking the truth.

You are busy, right? You probably are, but the mes-

sage being sent to the person is not what you intend.

Essentially you are shouting, “I have other things going on and I don’t have time for you!”

When it really comes down to it, you do have time for them, especially if it means making a sale, signing a lucrative contract, or fostering a new relationship.

These are all things that benefit us professionally and make our businesses succeed.

Janet Choi, of iDoneThis, points out that the stereotypical “I’m busy” response does little to stimulate conversation, and makes those who do spend time with “busy” people feel ripped off. In her experience, those who are truly occupied don’t often spit out the “I’ve been busy” line.

Those who do use it, says Choi, are usually trying to communicate that they are important, or are giving an easy excuse to get out of an engagement. Psychologically, she says those who like to be “busy” may be afraid they’re not important or valued, and fill their time with meaningless tasks. Others overbook themselves until they feel guilty for not getting everything done, or for doing tasks that don’t mesh with their productivity model.

36 Small Biz Forward

Breaking the ‘busy’ busy’ cycle Freelance writer Jessica Latham burned herself out early in her professional career. A neck injury forced her to slow down, and while recuperating she had time to reflect on the way she had been living her life. She discovered three steps you can take to help break the busy cycle.

First, examine what you are doing during the day that does not serve you. Second, consider the motivations behind your actions. Third, question what would happen if you stopped doing the activity. Pick something small you can eliminate from your routine to free up time.

Remember also that the next time you tell a person that you’re busy, you just may be telling someone that was about to refer a big opportunity to you that you’re too busy to consider it. It’s kind of like a busy signal on the phone. You cease the connection when you get that signal and so does the person that received the busy message from you.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY AVAS, LLC

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

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

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 ———————-

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

37 Small Biz Forward

Membership Directory Continued ….

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

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

Ways to Connect Follow us on Twi er @ http://www.twitter.com/smallbizjunkie

Like us on Facebook @ h p://www.facebook.com/bsuconnector

Join us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/in/nancybecher

38 Small Biz Forward

Success Club Where businesses go to connect | Collaborate | SUCCEED

Purchase a Platinum Membership with Business Success Unlimited and become a member of the Success Club, which gives you access to several different types of programs.

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If you’re ready to build a strong referral network, then JOIN THE CLUB! We’re here to support you and help make your connections count! As our community grows, we will add valuable enhancements to this site with new features and benefits for all our members. This business club creates unique opportunities to connect with other professionals.

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Dream the Work Retreat reflect, dream and plan for the growth of your business

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Vendor booths are available for $95.

8am—6pm

SPONSORS (to date)

Michiana Christian Service Camp 7383 Steinbauer Rd Niles, MI 49120

Michiana Christian Service Camp The BodyGuard Academy Your Business Needs Fans

Register NOW online at http:// facebook.com/dreamtheworkretreat Call 269-651-3555 for more information

1 Powerful Day ONLY $75 Includes meals, workshops and great takeaways 40 Small Biz Forward

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