Small Biz Forward Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today
Small Biz Forward ™
BUSINESSES THE PLACE WHERE BUSI NESSES COME TO CONNECT, COLLABORATE AND SUCCEED
OCTOBER 22, 2013
Are you an Entrepreneur or Small Biz Owner? Want to connect with others who are on the same path? If you're ready to grow your business and want to be crystal clear on your mission and how to accomplish that growth, the Dream the Work Retreat is for you.
SPONSORS Michiana Chris an Service Camp Your Business Needs Fans The BodyGuard Academy WSMK Niles Radio Kerri's Avenue Salon PostNet Sturgis Speakers Karen Bachert, Your Business Needs Fans Adam Fleming, Epic Life Studios Milene Jeffirs, Psychologist and speaker Kyle and Erik Johnson, J2 Marketing Cheryl Friar, Premier Women Network Jason Rosado, Distinctive Coaching for Business Success Kerri Spencer, Kerri's Avenue Salon Cost: $75 for attendees/$95 for vendors Register at: http://dreamtheworkretreathttp://dreamtheworkretreat-es2.eventbrite.com/?rank=1
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Table of Contents Come On In...The Water’s Fine ................................................................................... 7 Change and the Fear ................................................................................................ 10 Why YouTube Should be Part of Everyone’s Marke*ng Plan ..................................... 12 Wallflower, Your Business Needs You ....................................................................... 15 BEING CONNECTIVE—Disaster Preven*on ............................................................... 18 Home is Where Your Business Is ............................................................................... 20 Social Mobile Marke*ng For Real Estate Professionals ............................................. 23 Ge8ng to Yes ........................................................................................................... 25 How to Turn Your Website into a Killer Genera*on Machine .................................... 28 Execu*ve Presence ................................................................................................... 31 Membership Directory ............................................................................................. 33 Fall Trends ................................................................................................................ 36 Being Safe................................................................................................................. 37
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From the Home Office After I had written the note below, a very sad thing happened here in town that I want to speak to (in fact, an article in a recent issue talks to this a bit) — the issue of disgruntled employees. Around noon on Wednesday, news came out that a local businessman had been found murdered in his office by employees on their way into work. While there is someone in custody, he has not been charged with murder but has been charged with embezzlement for which he had just been fired. He is their main suspect in the killing as well. We never know when our time to go will be upon us, and how that circumstance will happen. Dave Locey was very well known and respected in town — and in a town so small, how could something like this happen? So, this issue is dedicated to Dave. We grieve for his family, and for the city, as well as for everyone such violence touches. Please be aware of times when you need to have more security and to plan and prepare for something that I hope and pray will never happen to anyone else. —— ——- —— —— The weather is supposedly colder, I’ve put away all my summer clothes and am anticipating FALL — with all its bright oranges and reds, cool, crisp days and a lit fireplace at night. I love fall. But I also see it as a time to get reenergized. I want to get a head start on the new year with all the ideas and potential that I can see ahead of me. Yet, there is also a sense of dread at the unknown: what are the finances going to look like? Is this new endeavor going to sink or is it going to swim? All I truly know is that without creating a plan for where I want to be, I’ll not be anywhere except here in my office wondering what it’s like out there in the world. Don’t be like that. Don’t be afraid of the fear — read the articles and come to the Retreat. They will start you on your way out of the FEAR zone and into the SUCCESS arena!
Nancy Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer Business Success Unlimited and Celebrate Business Publishing.
October 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 Š 2013
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.
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Sturgis PostNet, Sturgis, MI, 269-651-2670 Bill Martindale
@smallbizjunkie
h p://www.facebook.com/bsuconnector http://www.linkedin.com/in/nancybecher 4 Small Biz Forward ™
Contributors
Jason Barr, founder of Valen ne Web Services. We don't just build websites; we deliver fully-op mized campaigns centered around your important business objec ves to put the Web to work for you! Located in South Bend, IN. He’s there for all your website needs. Contact him at: h0p://facebook.com/jason.barr.sb
Kenneth Nichols is a lifelong entrepreneur and the owner of Urban Appeal Mobile Marke ng. Kenneth started his ďŹ rst business at the age of 12, cuFng grass around the small West Michigan town of Baldwin, Michigan. ACer gradua ng from Baldwin High School, Kenneth a0ended Western Michigan University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies
Ed Becher, (Ret.) US Marine and
and a Masters in Public Administra on. Kenneth has 10 years
Former Chief Instructor, US Dept. of State, Uniformed Branch, Diploma c Security Service. Owner, The Bodyguard Academy, Sturgis, Michigan. He can be reached at: h0p:// thebodyguardacademy.com
of marke ng experience in the non-proďŹ t sector along with a wealth of experience in customer service, direct and business to business sales. kenneth.nichols.545@facebook.com
Barbara Nicastro is a problem solver, strategist and business execu ve highly experienced in analysis of complex document or factual situa-
Nancy Becher, Passionate about suppor ng “mom and popâ€? businesses, Nancy is the Chief Everything OďŹƒcer 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. h0p://success4biz.biz is where she’s found!
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 oďŹƒce administra ve work and is a specialist in her knowledge of MicrosoC OďŹƒce products. Check out Liz at: h0p://www.virtuallyhelps.com
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ons. Uses a pragma c business approach to prevent or resolve issues. Extensive leadership, public speaking, nego a on, media and mo va onal training experience. You can reach Barb at www.linkedin.com/in/ bnicastro
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
Contributors
Sherry Lynn Simoes works with Small and Home-Based Entrepreneurs to build a thriving business through the right marke!ng 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 Interna!onal) and provides free training to members each month on a different aspect of marke!ng their business. Sherry Lynn can be found at: h.p://facebook.com/ sherry.simoes
Kerri Spencer, owner of Kerri’s Avenue Salon in Granger, IN has been in the beauty industry for 27 years in all aspects from working for others, running a beauty college, color educator for two global color companies, health and wellness expert, featuring body wraps, hair/makeup for all medias and currently own and operate my very comfortable, beau!ful, salon and more....She can be found on Facebook at: h.ps://www.facebook.com/ KerrisAvenueSalon
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Gail Turluck is the President of Connec!ve Marke!ng of Richland, Michigan. Connec!ve Marke!ng offers communica!ons services including wri!ng, e-newsle.ers, newsle.ers, web site content, edi!ng, proofreading, and more. She can be reached at gail@connec!vemarke!ngllc.com.
Come On In… The Water’s Fine Fear keeps us from taking ac!on, and if we don’t ask, we never get beyond where we are now. — Jack Canfield
Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success Unlimited
I’ve asked this before…do you jump into the water or do you gingerly test it toe by toe? Are you ready to take on the next big thing right away, or do you want to weigh the pros and cons, asking everyone you meet what their opinion is on the subject? Risk is a big thing in all of our lives, but do we let it rule us or do we understand that without risking anything, you never move ahead?
asked this question and had a series of very interesting comments. The end result was that most people felt those who went into work at 8:30 or 9:00 worked til 4:30 or 5:00 and then went home not thinking any more about the business were small business owners. Sure, they worried about the day to day, but they really didn’t do much to actively grow their companies.
The next question is, are you an entrepreneur or are you a small business owner? Entrepreneur Magazine on their social media a few months ago
On the other hand, entrepreneurs often had two or three businesses going at the same time, or were at least thinking about the next thing down the pike
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while spending hours and hours working ON the businesses they were running at the time. They were active in networking, training programs, they read books and watched TED (and other training videos), to the point where they were going 16 or so hours out of every 24. What is the main difference between the two: the first is adverse to risk. They like it the way things are, they don’t want to reach out into the unknown and maybe make a mistake. Things are going along well enough as it is and they are afraid to try something new because it might just jimmy up the works that are going OK right now. The second type however is not content to keep things as is. They are the ones that will jump right into the ice cold water at the deep end of the pool just to see what happens. They’re not afraid of a mistake or a failure. To them failure is part of the learning curve and without the risk they will never get to the next BIG thing. I think there needs to be a middle of the road category. Like many others, I am scared of risk. Have you ever been to a Halloween party where you stick your hand into a bag in the dark and have to feel gooey, icky stuff? Or the show Fear Factor,
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where you are forced to do things that you really don’t want to do? I’m like that. I like my bright lights and knowing what I’m getting into. Yet, when it comes to growing my business, I truly believe that if I don’t continually work at making my business the most up-to-date with new technologies, new methods of marketing, new ways of connecting, I will stagnate and die a slow death. To prove that I mean what I say here, I am sitting in a classroom in Grand Rapids this morning (Left home at 5:30am to be at school by 7:30am). I have just enrolled in a yearlong college program on technology and the entrepreneur. It is going to take many hours of work and study in order to gain a certificate at the end of the year. But I’m ready and excited to take on the challenge…it can only help my business and the businesses I help. You may not want to take this much of a challenge, but maybe you could go to a new networking group once a month, or join a peer advisory board or mastermind group. Go to the Dream the Work Retreat on October 22 – these are all things that will help open you up to new opportunities, new challenges, thoughts to move your business forward.
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Change and the Fear Ed Becher, PPS, The Bodyguard Academy
I have owned my training business now since 2005 in one form or another. It was not until 2007 that I got more involved and started doing more in my business. Then it was Becher & Associates and we were doing Service of Process and Bail Fugitive Recovery. In 2008 I moved to Michigan and in 2009 the name was changed to MI Security Training/The Bodyguard Academy. Nothing really happened until 2012 when we really started to get rolling, not that we were not doing anything we just were not where I wanted to be. We have been running training programs since 2012 and still are growing, so fast forward to September 2013, yes last month.
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One of our ongoing programs has been conducting two classes in conjunction with Gunslingers LLC gun shows in Indiana. At the gun shows we provide two training classes which are well liked by those that attend and with the help of the show staff it is something we will continue to do. Here is where the fear of change comes in: we started talking about a name change, one that more showed our diverse training programs. I am not one who embraces change well. So we set out looking for a name that would more show that we not only trained Executive Protection Agents and Bail Fugitive Recovery Agents but had programs on church security,
stalkers, active shooters and more. As we sat down and talked new names, of which we came up with many, we started asking friends, business acquaintances and anyone who would provide us with input. I put out three different polls with different names to get peoples’ input. Talk about headaches, and indigestion on reading the comments, some liked what we already had, others liked some of the new ones; oh what do we do? After about a month of running the names around to see what we liked best and continuing on our path to a name change we finally made a decision. We looked at what we did and put that into three groups; protection, security and personal safety. Our new name became The Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety. We incorporated all three aspects of our training into the name — a name we feel will show our commitment to providing the best affordable training in the industry in Michiana. Now more fear comes into play; will the name change make people feel we have outgrown our mission of providing that affordable and professional training that we have become known for? I hope not, we have put much effort into this and we will continue to be the best in Michiana!
Ed Becher PPS is the owner and Director of Training for The Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety located in Sturgis, MI and a provider of training programs on protection, security and personal safety.
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It’ It’s working for me, It’ It’ll work for you too! Kim Green @ h.p://www.kimgreen.nerium.net 11 Small Biz Forward ™
Why YouTube Should Be Part of Everyone's Marketing Plan Sherry Lynn Simoes — Marke ng Ac on Coach
YouTube is one of the most visited sites on the Internet right now. Millions of people visit that site every day. People love to watch videos. All you have to do is make a video in order to tap into the power of YouTube for Internet Marketing.
It’s very easy to make a very basic video and post it on YouTube. It’s actually no more work than just signing up for an account with YouTube and then recording it on your webcam and clicking the Upload button!
Too many people wrongly believe that they can’t make a professional enough YouTube video because they can’t afford to have it edited or shot by a professional and/or they don’t know how to do it. This holds them back from making any video at all. This in my humble opinion is a big mistake for someone wanting to build their business.
You can do something as basic as talking about a certain topic or giving a tip. You may also want to give an industry update. For example if you are a Mortgage Specialist you could give some news about the industry or current rates. If you are a healthcare practitioner you could give a tip and then lead into promoting an event.
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Do not try and write a script as it will look like you are reading and sound a bit robotic instead of genuine but you can make cheat notes. I would recommend putting them on the wall behind you at the level of the webcam so that it still looks like you are looking at the camera. This way it you get stumped or want to make sure you cover it all you will have a guide. Just like when you gave a speech in school! The one thing you do need to make sure you do is to include a link back to your website or blog/
blogpost/online article or place where you want to make sure people can find you after the video. When your video is done playing, other related videos will immediately pop-up. So be sure to have a few seconds at the end of your video where a link to your site is displayed. Because of the search feature on YouTube you will definitely get people watching IF you use the right keywords and enticing video description. You will get tons of traffic to your site too if you remember that back link!
YBNF Tip: Variety is the Spice of Facebook Creating posts that are engaging, adding content shared from other sources of interest, continuing to provide meaningful and helpful information are all components of an effective Facebook page. Reaching out to add new favorite pages to our contacts (by "liking" other businesses from our own business page), keeps our page active and noticed. Using the TABS to create EVENTS, posting a collection of tips in the NOTES tab, adding PHOTOS to our posts and creating & sharing VIDEOS all are actions appreciated by our fans. The name of the game is "making contacts" and being generous in our support of other business pages too. A "like"on another's post; a "comment" that lets other business owners know that we are paying attention; regularly "sharing" good content and announcement; introducing other pages on our page are all activites that make sense for business owners striving to get the most benefit from their Facebook Business pages. Visit our page at www.facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans and click on the NOTES tab for more YBNF Tips.
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October is HARVEST time! GRATEFULNESS abounds at Simply Said, as we are so THANKFUL for you, our clients and new recruits!! If you have CREATIVITY, WARMTH, and JOY, then I would LOVE for you to work with me as we SHARE the BLESSINGS of Simply Said with coworkers, friends, family and businesses adding VALUE to their home/office surroundings! This could be your LIFESAVER dream job! KATHY WILLIAMSON #604 PH: (574) 850-4424 EMAIL: simplysaid604@yahoo.com FB: http://www.facebook.com/ SimplySaidwithKathyIndependentConsultant604 14 Small Biz Forward ™
Wallflower - Your Business Needs You Front and Center Liz LaClair, CEO, Virtually Helps, LLC
Hey Wallflowers! Wake Up! When it comes to social situations, how many of you are wallflowers – raise your hands. OOPS, this being a virtual world, I can’t see the answer. No matter. Us wallflowers don’t always answer those types of questions anyway. WHY? Because it (generally) brings unwanted attention. OK, how many business owners are wallflowers? More than you might think. It’s just that some of
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us have come to learn that if we don’t get “out there” no one will know about us. Think about it. If Abraham Lincoln, Orville Wright, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Tom Hanks or Lucille Ball let their shyness rule, would we have things like planes? Or think about this, if Thomas Edison let his shyness rule, would anyone have accepted his inventions – like the motion picture camera? If that wasn’t invented, how would we see movies? We wouldn’t have gotten to see Tom Hanks in Big. We wouldn’t have seen The I Love Lucy show.
So, now how will anyone know how wonderful your business is if you can’t get past your shyness and/or fear of being in the public eye? You may have the same/similar argument I have.
My work is in the virtual world and is all over, most of my clients are not local. Trust me, I’m definitely with you on that one! I have clients that I’ve never seen and the only reason I know what they look like is because of their picture on one of the social networking sites. But my business coach – who I also have not seen face-to-face – has told me that I need to get out there and strut my stuff. Strutting your stuff – virtually – can be via social media, a killer website, and awesome marketing. But
even with this – wallflower business owners need to engage. It is your face the public sees when it comes to your business (even if it is only a picture). Now, as this quote says – get out there and dance! Um, for the record – and complete honesty – for me, some of this is a do as I say not as I do kind of thing. I really want and hope you do better than me. I know I need to get away from that wall.
So get closer to the flashing lights, before the night is over just DANCE.
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by Gail M. Turluck, Connec!ve Marke!ng
The sole entrepreneur is an ever-busy, forwardlooking, achievement oriented individual. Now and then the unexpected comes along, bringing a setback at an often ill-timed moment. What can we do to minimize or avoid such situations? 1. Have an emergency fund. Yes, just like for your household, it is critical that you have an emergency fund for your small business. Cell phones get dropped, hard drives die, photocopiers stop copying, and unexpected opportunities come along. Be prepared, like a Scout, knowing these times are coming and when they happen it will be a blip on the financial report, not a catastrophic setback. How much is enough? A minimum of $1,000, but that goes up quickly with the cash flow of your business. A 10 percent of gross income cushion is a good starting point; 25 percent is strong. 18 Small Biz Forward ™
2. Join cloud computing. At a minimum, establish online backup for all of your computers. After the first time you experience a computer crash and restoration with this service, you will wonder why you never had it or messed about with separate hard drives (and relocating that separate hard drive so it wouldn't burn up in the same fire or theft that would cause the loss of the data on said computer). Maybe make the leap to tablet computing with cloud -based file management. Small businesses can gain such protection for as little as $50 a year; physical hard-disk recovery starts at $1,000 and not everything can be recovered. Today's the day to get this task done. 3. Make do with just barely enough. Work carefully to squeeze every drop of sweat out of every penny you can. Do you really need that i-Phone 5 or
Galaxy S4? Might you manage effectively with last year's phone for one more year, leaning a little more heavily than others on your laptop or tablet, leaving that $200 free to put towards a more important goal? Don't have an appointment for luncheon? That's a day to pack a sack lunch—every time! Make one-tothree word note slips that identify (to you) your top five business goals for the rest of the year. Stick these up in strategic locations that you will see regularly and they will inspire you to keep taking forward steps to achieve these goals. This simple and highly effective trigger WILL cause you to meet this year's planned achievements, setting aside the hurt and disappointment that is the result of coming up short. 4. Have an emergency plan. No matter the size of the business, it is critical to have a well thought out and written down emergency plan. What happens if the neighborhood where you home-based business is located suffers a major storm and the power will be out for a week or longer? How about if you, the entrepreneur, suffer a heart attack and are laid up for four weeks? Can your business adapt if your internet service is cut for three weeks? What about if your building burns to the ground and your business must relocate? If you are at a marketing event and a prospect gets hurt at your display, what would you do? Take a look at all the things you do on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis and prepare a written emergency plan to address the steps essential to continuing operations and affecting as rapid a recovery as possible. Share this emergency plan with at least one other individual who could cause its implementation should you become temporarily incapacitated. The plan can be critical to your business being one that reopens after a disaster. 5. Check your business insurance annually. Your insurance agent and you should meet at a minimum once a year to review coverage for your
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business. When you have a major change in mission or product, that is the time for an interim insurance review. Ideally you will never make a claim; when you need coverage it is too late to get it put into place. 6. Test your plan. After the fire, storm or earthquake is not the time to discover that your recovery plans will come up short on meeting your re -start needs. It is worth a few hours to test your plan and be confident that you are prepared for the unexpected. Taking a day or so to develop an emergency plan, review your insurance needs, and testing them leads you to a point of confidence. This confidence will give you the ability to share the salient points of your plans with your clientele, creating a firmer relationship with them as they recognize you are planning to meet their needs through thick and thin.
Gail M. Turluck is the President of Connective Marketing of Richland, Michigan. Connective Marketing offers communications services including writing, e-newsletters, newsletters, web site content, editing, proofreading, and more.
Kelly Rock, Director of Opera!ons, Four Flags Regional Chamber of Commerce Niles Michigan was recently ranked by Forbes to be among the top places for small business. Nationwide, Niles ranked #114 for small business and #75 for our school districts (*ref.). We have award winning school systems, unparalleled recreational opportunities and easy access to Lake Michigan, University of Notre Dame, South Bend and the Chicago area. Our community enjoys the benefits of two Industrial Parks, both with access to excellent transportation. Niles Michigan is often referred to as the "Gateway to Michigan", as it is situated between I-80 and I-94. Eight passenger trains make stops at our Historic Amtrak Depot. Five state and federal highways pass through Niles providing access to markets across the USA. Niles is served by a business airport, Jerry Tyler Memorial and is 15 minutes from a major regional airport, South Bend Airport. The Four Flags Chamber of Commerce, first established in 1919, has been in continuous operation since 1930, and proudly serves nearly 40,000 people in four townships. Chambers encourages local commerce by supporting new and existing large and small 20 Small Biz Forward ™
businesses, non-profits, civic groups, and individual community supporters. The Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities for community business owners and professionals to work together. It works to collaborate with other community organizations for its improvement and development in business, industry, and in the professions. Together, the Chamber does what no person can do by themselves. Chambers of Commerce have been forming since the Declaration of Independence. The first Chamber of Commerce originated in New York, in 1768, and then Charleston, South Carolina in 1773. 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! *Ref: www.forbes.com/places/mi/niles/
420 West Cleveland Road Granger IN 46530 5742433901
Since 1987, Kerri Spencer has been a licensed cosmetologist and instructor. She serves as a master colorist and regional instructor for It&ly Hairfashions. She is also the owner/operator of Kerri’s Avenue Salon. Prior to opening her own shop in 2005, Kerri was the lead instructor at Premier College of Cosmetology. Her professional accomplishments include working “on set” with various theatrical produc!ons, television commercials, print photo shoots and fashion shows. She was even hired to create “period looks” for a Hollywood movie produc!on.
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She prides herself on offering a high level of service at an affordable price. She has a true passion for the art and science of hair design, and loves to bring that passion to her clients. Kerri belongs to numerous business networking groups and oJen emcees speed networking events for these various groups. Kerri’s Philosophy: As a wellness advocate, Kerri believes that nutri!on is key to outer beauty. As such, she also provides wholefood nutri!on consola!on and total body care products with It Works Global. Kerri will be a featured speaker at the “Dream the Work Retreat”, focusing on the importance of first impressions in your work environment, for men and women. Come find out what your best look is!
h.ps://www.facebook.com/KerrisAvenueSalon h.p://www.youtube.com/user/kerriblairsalon
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Looking for a place to hold a meeting? Check us out at 701 Prairie Street, Sturgis, MI •
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Social Mobile (Social Media + Mobile) Marke ng for Real Estate Professionals Kenneth Nichols, Urban Appeal I recently did a presentation for the Kalamazoo Area Rental Housing Association on Social Media for Landlords. In this presentation I explained the importance of building a mobile marketing strategy for your business, no matter how large or small. This mobile marketing strategy can vary to include text messaging services, mobile apps, mobile website, or social mobile marketing which includes mobile apps for social media sites. I like to use what is called ‘Social Mobile Marketing,’ which is the practice of interacting with people via social media sites that they can access through mobile devices. Social Mobile Marketing can include such media sites that also have apps such as Facebook, 23 Small Biz Forward ™
Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, YouTube, etc. The common thread with all of these mobile mediums is that each mobile device represents a 1 on 1 relationship and can be accessed from the mobile device just as mobile websites and text messages. The golden rules that I use for my Social Media in my business as well as in assisting other businesses are: •
Share and Don’t Sell
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Educate and inform audiences
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Build meaningful relationships
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Ask questions and survey people
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Build your brand
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Add a human element and don’t make people feel like your site is operated by a ROBOT!
A Social Mobile Marketing strategy can allow people to interact with your brand and provide an open platform for real estate professionals to connect with prospective and current clients. This can be renters, buyers, or sellers. Social media outlets have been assisting real estate professionals greatly over the last few years as they have gained much popularity as free advertising. Some of the best practices include: •
Providing pictures and listing information on new listings.
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Providing information and instructions to buyers or sellers
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Posting accolades and accomplishments of agents and brokers. (People want to know about who they should work with. Who are the real estate stars?)
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Providing area information on housing and the economy
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Providing information on Open Houses and changes to listings
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How-to information for homeowners. (Home improvement tips)
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Interacting with clients and answering questions relevant to the industry or area
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How to information for potential buyers. (Building credit and getting approved)
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Educating buyers and sellers on the process of buying and selling property.
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Tenant Landlord information
These are just a few tips on how social media can be leveraged for real estate professionals. Although the list is not exhaustive, it offers some tips on how to inform and engage audiences on real estate services. This can be implemented by Real estate agents/ brokers, landlords, investors, and finance professionals to have a maximum impact on reaching current clients and new ones via mobile!
Reflexology/Reiki Charlene Books
Call for Appointment
East West Center for Natural Medicine 51099 Bittersweet Rd. Granger, IN 46530
Relax, Release and
Tel: 574-323-7517
Transform Your World charlenebooks@gmail.com www.eastwestnaturalmedicine.net http://charlenebooks.myitworks.com
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Barbara Nicastro, Law Offices of Barbara Nicastro Negotiation is the way things get done in business. Although getting to “yes” doesn’t come naturally for most of us, the following hints may help ease the process. Who’s on first? If you can choose who makes the opening proposal, let the other side go first. Why? Because it’s better to know your basement than to disclose my ceiling. Ask “what would it take for us to resolve this matter?” to solicit the opening offer. Set your priorities. Negotiation is not just about money. Don’t ignore the non-monetary issues which might provide more value in the long run. Make a descending wish list of both monetary and nonmonetary options before your start negotiating. Don’t always start out with “musts.” If you haunt flea markets, you know that the best way to get what you really want at the right price is to 25 Small Biz Forward ™
pretend that you don’t really want it. List some “giveways” in your first communication. And hold onto a “must” or two for a bit to see if your other side offers it unilaterally. You can always change your mind. Ditch personal emotions. Overly negative or positive feelings during negotiation impede reaching a solution that you won’t later regret. Get rid of them, and try to get the other side to do so. Sometimes, acknowledging that mutual negative feelings exist and suggesting they be shelved during negotiations can defuse the process and place it on a productive track. What’s on their mind? I recall a vicious lawsuit where two [former] best friends sued each other for claims involving my client’s leaving the company that the other owned. Months later, during a settlement conference, the other side disclosed that what she wanted most was my client to
acknowledge how much her leaving the company had hurt. Once that came to light, the parties were able to resolve their personal feelings and resolve their business claims. What are you thinking? While simplistic, you should literally and figuratively sit down to divine what is the root of your feelings on issues and why certain things are so critical to you. You might be surprised by your answer. No is better than yes. When faced with an offer or a request, unless you’re absolutely certain you want what’s offered, the best (only) option is to just say “no.” A “no” can be reversed without ill will; the same cannot be said when “yes” turns into “no.”
“Maybe” only gives the false hope that “yes” will follow shortly. If it doesn’t, there might be less inclination to be conciliatory toward you. Think outside the box. When at an impasse, get creative and propose a different set of options. This often works wonders. Don’t be afraid to start at the beginning. Remember, a good negotiation seeks a result that both parties believe is fair. What DO you want? A world of difference exists between our “wants” and “needs”, our “musts” and “coulds.” Give proper consideration to these differences. Conceding a secondary issue might give you what you really want.
Note from Rebecca Maalouf, professional makeup artist and small business owner:
Why Updates Matter: Every fall, we pull the same looks out of our closet. We apply our (one time) favorite lipstick, and we face our days... firmly stuck in a rut. When was the last time you stepped outside of your comfort zone to consider something new? Take that baby step forward today. Call me. I'll show you how to find the best look while respecting your personal style.
Call 574-243-1730 Ask for a "Best Look" lesson with Rebecca. $40. 45 minutes. Bring in or mention this note, and it's fully redeemable in product - so you have nothing to lose. Camellia Cosmetics * 7220 Heritage Square Drive * Granger IN www.camelliacosmetics.com
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Schedule of Events K Enterprises – Your Business Needs Fans Business Mentoring, B2B Events P.O. Box 6056 Facebook Training, Consulta.ons & Design South Bend, IN 46660 www.Facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans Karen – 574-344-8895 B2B Get Together/” Together/”Live Networking DeDe-constructed” constructed” Friday, November 1, 2013 – 9:309:30-11:30am (Trine University, 4101 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN) Have you heard about our B2B Get Togethers? Lots of fun and a great way to connect with other businesses. This time we’ll have Resource Tables with information and guidance on Business Event Planning. Open Networking time 9:00-9:30 and then Business Introductions and “live Networking De-constructed” starts at 9:30. All businesses are introduced. Bring your business cards, brochures, samples. Just $5 to participate. B2B Get Together Holiday Bash – It’ It’s A Networking Party Thursday, December 5, 6:156:15-8:00pm (Open Networking starts at 5:30) (Loca.on: Sprenger Health Care Center, Elm Road Campus, 60257 Bodnar Blvd., Mishawaka, IN) This B2B Get Together is a Holiday Networking Party with an awesome twist and we think the very best way to network successfully. It’s a sponsored event with complimentary wine, non-alcoholic beverages, yummy appetizers and will be held at the beautiful Sprenger Healthcare Center, Mishawaka. Open Networking at the bar, 5:30-6:15 and then Business Introductions and “Live Networking De-constructed” starts at 6:15pm. All businesses are introduced. Bring your business cards, brochures, samples. Just $10 to participate (complimentary wine and appetizers). RSVP please on Facebook, www.facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans Event tab). Sponsorship Opportunities, call 574.344.8895. B2B Get Together/” Together/”Live Networking DeDe-constructed” constructed” Friday, January 10, 2014 – 9:309:30-11:30am (Trine University, 4101 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN) Time to give your business a boost, refresh your own focus for success and join in the fun of a unique networking experience. Lots of fun and a great way to connect with other businesses. Open Networking time 9:00-9:30 and then Business Introductions and “live Networking De-constructed” starts at 9:30. All businesses are introduced. Bring your business cards, brochures, samples. Just $5 to participate. Michiana “Shop & Greet” Greet” Thursday, March 20, 2014 – 4:004:00-9:00pm (Saint Mary’ Mary’s Campus – Gillespie Center, South Bend, IN) Best Expo of the year! One of a kind event with our unique “Everyone Shops Experience”! Networking at its best and auction fun with local charities too. Sponsors, 40 Vendors, “A Minute Wins It’ Challenges, Great Prizes & Surprises. Live Auction Fun! Great Networking! Fun for you and your friends and good for your business too! Come shop with us! $15 at the Door (and you get $10 back in Michiana Bucks to spend at the event). More info, call Karen 574.344.8895.
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How to Turn Your Website Into a Killer Lead Generation Machine By Jason Barr, Valentine Web Services
Leads are the lifeblood of any business. If you don’t have any leads, it’s like sticking your head underwater and taking a deep breath. It just doesn’t work, and if you go on that way for long the consequences will be dire. Lead generation is the most important task for your website. Sure, you can demonstrate your products and services, tell about the history of your company, and all kinds of other nice things with it, but none of it means anything if your site is not giving you a demonstrable return on investment through new leads that you can cultivate and turn into paying customers. There’s a pretty good chance your site isn’t up to snuff in this department, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s how you can fix it.
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Why Your Website Isn’ Isn’t Generating Leads The first step is to understand why your site is failing at this critical task. The most likely reason is poor planning: either you didn’t have a clear vision for how your site fit into your marketing from the beginning, or the purpose of your site’s different sections has become blurred over time. A major cause of this problem is a poor approach to websites in general, as many business owners believe a website can simply occupy a similar role in marketing as a brochure or billboard. The web is capable of so much more, and you’re wasting time and money if you don’t take advantage!
Go Back to the Drawing Board There’s no easy way to fix this problem. It requires a thorough evaluation of your web marketing strategy. Is your most potent channel for converting leads to sales through email? Phone conversations? Is there an offer you can make to serve as a “lead magnet” to get relevant parties to trust you with their time and information? You have to come up with a plan and an incentive to get people to take the step of contacting you. Then you have to have a system in place to move them through the funnel and make the sale.
Finally, relentlessly test the site to make sure it’s doing what it needs to do. Split-test headlines, images, and other elements to see what works better. Be ruthless, and track everything through analytics. If you follow these five steps you’ll turn your site into a powerful lead generation tool.
Jason Barr is a Digital Media Consultant and the founder of Valentine Web Services. Contact him at jason@valentinewebs.com to find out how you can get a professionally-designed website, normally $2000, for free. free
5 Simple Steps to Maximize Web Leads There is no easy fix, but the process itself is simple and straightforward. First, you define your goals for the website as a whole, and each individual section and page of the website. Which pages are for leads, and which are for people in your pipeline who are ready to buy? Each section and page should have one and only one purpose, and you should define follow-up tasks for your team. Second, write the copy for your pages in a way that serves that purpose. Content is actually more important than design; it’s your content that actually persuades them to engage and buy. Make sure your copy is about them and their needs, not about you. Third, design your theme and pages to draw attention to the relevant actions you want users to take. Make it so clear a third-grader could understand what to do next. In most places it’s best to make sure there is one and only one action for a visitor to take. Fourth, build the site. Make sure it’s optimized for search engines and seamlessly integrated with your marketing channels, including social media and email. Create targeted landing pages for any advertising campaigns you’re doing, instead of sending people to the home page.
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What’s Happening Here! There are LOTS of exciting events happening from now through the end of the year. Check them out!
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Peer Advisory Board
Peer Advisory Group — Niles, MI (Four Flags Chamber), 8:30-10:00am Dream The Work Retreat — Niles, MI (7383 Steinbauer Rd., Niles, Michigan) from 8 to 6.
For more details, check out h5p://success4biz.biz/Upcoming_Events.html
30 Small Biz Forward ™
Execu<ve Presence By Jerry Sarno, Schooley-Mitchell
Education, hard work and success may not be enough to get you to the top. But if you’ve got executive presence – the wow factor that identifies you as leadership material the minute you walk into a room – there’s a good chance you’ll reach your goal of making it to the C-suite. A recent study released by the Center for Talent Innovation found that how other people perceive your skills is just as important as the reality. In fact, senior executives surveyed for the report indicated executive presence accounts for 26 per cent
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of what it takes to climb the corporate ladder. The New York think tank identifies three main areas in its report that it believes contributes to the EP package: • Gravitas, Gravitas one of the Roman virtues and the core characteristic of executive presence. Those with gravitas are decisive, calm under pressure and exude confidence. • Communication. Communication The ability to speak publicly with assertiveness, and to read an audience or situation are considered superior traits. • Appearance. Appearance Looks do matter, and those with
executive presence appear polished and well put together. Where do the CEOs stand? A whopping 67 per cent of the 268 executives surveyed identified gravitas as the most important aspect of executive presence. Twenty-eight per cent said exceptional communication skills are what define leadership material. Though only five per cent considered appearance to be a key factor in EP, all the senior execs agreed it has the potential to curtail talented trailblazers. The biggest blunders are unkempt attire and provocative clothing. Coming across as uneducated is also a big nono. The study consulted with 4,000 college-educated professionals and 18 focus groups, along with sitting down for over 50 one-on-one interviews with highlevel executives. Women and multicultural professionals surveyed felt they received conflicting information on expectations in the workplace, and were held to higher standards of executive presence. Many felt at odds between their own identity and the need to conform to corporate culture.
Global Leadership Council founder Josh Ehrlich has identified six principles to improve executive presence, which he shared with the Harvard Business Review. 1. Focus: Focus Channeling your attention can ease nervousness and help you relax. 2. Use Body Language: Language Pay attention to your posture and the messages your body sends. 3. Reflect On Your Habits: Habits What are your mannerisms? Take some time to reflect on your identity and face your fears. 4. Practice With Support: Support Let those around you know you are working to improve your presence, which can help boost skills and confidence. 5. Connect, Don’ Don’t Transact: Transact If you are a nervous public speaker, videotape yourself to identify ways you can improve. Learn to tell engaging and captivating stories instead of delivering dry, scripted addresses. 6. Be Still: Still Ditch your impulsivity and learn to stay cool and calm under pressure. Make a plan and put it into practice to help improve your executive presence and the next promotion may be yours.
To save companies and organiza<ons <me, money, and gain peace of mind that their telecom expense is always op<mized for performance and price. Jerry Sarno, Business Op<miza<on Specialist 269-408-8679 (o)
Schooley-Mitchell Telecom 32 Small Biz Forward ™
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
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 33 Small Biz Forward ™
Epic Life Studios Adam Fleming is a leadership coach as well as an Account Executive 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 Kerri’s Avenue Salon We are stylist-owned and operated, we care about our customers and would love you to be one too! Whether it's hair extensions, eyelash extensions, a Japanese straightener or some kick-butt color, give us a call and see what we can do for you. 574-243-3901 | h ps://www.facebook.com/KerrisAvenueSalon
Membership Directory Continued …. MI Security Training/Bodyguard Academy Providing quality training for those working in the private security industry. http://thebodyguardacademy.com | (269) 651-3355 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
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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
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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You may participate in: Mentoring Projects, Entrepreneurial Forums, Talk Radio, Business Abundance Networking: —— — Lunchtime Learners Book Club (FREE); Mentoring Project [Mastermind] ($75 for 3 months);
Entrepreneurial Forums ($20 per event); Talk Radio (FREE) and you may be asked to be a guest; Abundance Networking (FREE). •
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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. 35 Small Biz Forward ™
420 West Cleveland Road Granger IN 46530 574-243-3901
WITH COOLER TEMPS, COMES DRYER HAIR...
Fall and winter brings cooler weather, so that means the heat in our homes and cars go on, this dries out the humidity in the air, giving us dry sta/c filled hair. We must add moisture to our hair product regimen, using the proper products is essen/al, work with your stylist and use professional products; they are different and prescribed by your stylist.
Kerri Spencer owner of Kerri's Avenue Salon
WHO CAN I BELIEVE?
I've been in the beauty industry for 27 years in all aspects from working for others, running a beauty college, color educator for two global color companies, health and wellness expert, featuring body wraps, hair/makeup for all medias and currently own and operate my very comfortable, beau/ful, salon and more....
Picking a salon /stylist........get a referral, you wouldn't pick a doctor out of the phone book, or get your teeth cleaned in someone’s kitchen. Make sure they are licensed and con/nue to aEend classes, keeping up with the latest in technology and design are a must. Any successful salon/stylist is willing to con/nue to bring the best to their clients.
Let’s talk fall......
COME GET YOUR STYLE ANALYZED....
FALL TRENDS FOR MEN AND WOMEN
We offer individual complimentary consulta/ons, call and book an appointment today 1-574-243-3901. We will explore your perfect colors, style, head and face shape, your best looks, and healthy, youthful /ps you can start using immediately. We will answer all your hair and product ques/ons.
HOW TO PICK.....a stylist/ salon. HOW TO GET YOUR SEXY BACK; see someone from my staff…. Fall is almost here, are you ready???... LADIES AND GENTLEMEN BASICS FIRST!!! All hair-types should have their haircut and style reshaped no less then every 4-6 weeks, men and short ladies cuts need to be more oDen to hold the desired style. Longer styles may be trimmed less oDen 6-12 weeks, my moEo... "Only way to have long hair, is to not cut it oDen", micro trims will do, also in the bang area. Now, with that being said, the color trends for fall are warm reds, auburns, and soD touchable hair for ladies, and men longer tops, cropped, short backs and sides. Color is fine for men but make sure you are blending grey with cooler tones so you look the most natural.
hEp://www.youtube.com/user/kerriblairsalon
hEps://www.facebook.com/KerrisAvenueSalon
Being Safe In Your Own Business By Ed Becher, PPS, Center for Protection, Security and Personal Safety
With the tragic events which occurred at the Washington Navy Yard on September 16th in our thoughts, as business owners we must keep in mind how we are going to keep our employees, visitors and guests safe. The shooter in this case -- Aaron Alexis - was what is considered a lone wolf, meaning he acted alone with no outside help. While much may never be known about him and why this occurred and it is not my desire to Monday morning quarterback this, I like many in the security industry want to know more about how it occurred, how was security breached and/or bypassed. What could have been done better to stop the threat before he gained entrance into the facility. 37 Small Biz Forward ™
The idea of active shooters is not new: Ft Hood, the Colorado movie theatre, Arizona shooting of then Congresswoman Giffords. These are a few from the past and now the Washington Navy Yard. All of these were conducted by one person acting alone. There was no intelligence saying it was going to occur, no NSA intercepts, no confidential informant, so how can we prepare for this as business owners. The best thing we can do is have a plan in place, ensure all of our employees know it and understand it and practice it. Know where your safe spot is; know where all the exits in the facility are. Know how to alert everyone as to what is occurring.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.” In its definition, DHS notes that, “in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.” If we look at past active shooters this is what we see, no pattern, or method to selection of their victims: just randomness. In the time period of January 1, 2010 through December 21, 2012 there were 48 Active Shooter incidents around the world. The Department of Homeland Security states that employers should train building occupants on response options outlined by the Department of Homeland Security in “Active Shooter: How to Respond” when an active shooter is in the vicinity: o Evacuate: Evacuate Building occupants should evacuate the facility if safe to do so; evacuees should leave behind their belongings, visualize their entire escape route before beginning to move, and avoid using elevators or escalators. o Hide: Hide If evacuating the facility is not possible, building occupants should hide in a secure area (preferably a designated shelter location), lock the door, blockade the door with heavy furniture, cover
all windows, turn off all lights, silence any electronic devices, lie on the floor, and remain silent. o Take Action: Action If neither evacuating the facility nor seeking shelter is possible, building occupants should attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by throwing objects, using aggressive force, and yelling. • Train building occupants to call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. • Train building occupants on how to respond when law enforcement arrives on scene: follow all official instructions, remain calm, keep hands empty and visible at all times, and avoid making sudden or alarming movements. So as business owners we need to ensure that our employees know what the plan is, and our trained on it and be able to follow that plan and help your clients/customers and visitors in the event of an active shooter.
Ed Becher is the owner of Academy of Protection 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.com or by phone at (269)651-3355.
WANTED
Adver/sers
38 Small Biz Forward ™
Peer Advisory Boards … How Can They Help Your Business? Entrepreneurs are generally people who put everything they’ve got into their dream – the business. They work night and day to grow it, to become successful (whatever that means). They may want a steady income, time to spend with family and friends that they couldn’t have when they worked a J-O-B), they might want a vacation home, etc. OR – they just might want to be the best person they can be with the best widget making company in the world.
support the others in the group in order to have everyone gain. It’s not a time to network, or to market, gossip or look down on others, although networking does get done, and marketing is created through relationships. BUT NEVER do we laugh at, gossip about or look down on the others. Everyone has the knowledge that what’s said there, stays there, and that all have their right to ideas, thoughts, etc. Yes, but is NOT allowed.
But, as entrepreneurs, we all know only too well, that this success is not so easily attained. We may not know how to price our products, how to market our services, how to divide time between home and business … All too often the words, “I feel so alone. I’m not sure where to turn or what to do next” come to mind and we sit and stagnate.
Business Success Unlimited has been running and facilitating Mastermind Programs both online and in-person for 20+ years. Now, since coming to the Michiana area, we have conducted several online programs that have been highly successful.
Peer Advisory programs are a way to combat that aloneness; it gives us the ability to share our thoughts, our fears, our questions with others who are generally in the same situation. In this place of safety and protection, we can each address our own issues as well as 39 Small Biz Forward ™
Most programs such as this are small. It is thought that the best groups hold between 6 and 10 people – this is so that relationships can be formed; people can truly start to know each other and know their businesses. Empathy is formed, and a true need to support and be part of the process for the other business owners becomes the
most important part of any meeting. My programs are a bit different than most. The agenda for these are as follows: It is a two hour program – ½ hour – sharing “What Great Event/Situation/Emotion, etc.” has happened since our last meeting. 1 hour – each individual meeting there is a topic, discussion and exercise. Often the people are given homework that they complete and discuss at the next meeting. ½ hour – burning issues: If anyone has anything that they NEED to discuss with the others, this is the time for that. The group meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Monday from 8:30am to 10:30am and the time frame is 3 months. At the end of that time, a new group forms: people can continue if they want, and others come and go as they feel the need.
Want to run an ad here? Sign up now and get your ad for half price (with 3 month commitment)! This offer wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last long, so contact us today at info@celebratebusinesspublishing.com or call 269-651-3555 for more information. Hurry before the offer expires! 40 Small Biz Forward â&#x201E;˘