A Week Of Opportunities

Two great invitations came my way this past week and they both have me very excited about the possibilities! Both joint venture offers were finalized today, so I get to tell you all about them!

Firstly, I have been invited by Dianne Fraschter, owner of WahmsUnited to join her Panel of Experts on her membership website, as the Business Coach. I have already been leading a weekly information chat on customer service for Dianne's members and now will join other experts in their field, with my own messageboard area and be able to answer questions and offer advice on a regular basis.

The second offer came from Ryan Sawyer of Wrappcandy, to join his board as a graphics partner. Apparently he had sent me an e-mail in the summer sometime with the same offer, but I didn't received it somehow.

As a graphics partner, I will be offering some freebie graphics and wrappers on a regular, monthly basis to members and in exchange will have my own area on his messageboard, where they can post special requests. I will also be posting my specials, workshops, seminars and networking events on that board.

So, two great ideas and joint ventures came my way - what a great way to begin a week!

Terri

How To Start Now And Make 2006 A Success

This is an exercise that I'm starting with my messageboard members, as a way for them to really have a concrete and realistic plan in place, to make 2006 a great year for their business, but I thought I'd share the concept here as well, for those who are not members of the board.

OK, I got this inspiration while thinking about getting ready for the New Year. How many of us make New Year's Resolutions, with very good intentions, and don't follow through on them?

For instance, setting goals for your business, then life gets in the way and you look back a year later and think that nothing's actually changed, because you didn't do what you said you would.

Well, it's only November now, so it's actually a very good time to think about what you will do to make next year a great one for you. New Year's tends to be an emtional high, with a feeling of renewal and sometimes, in that spirit, we say things that we know we're not going to do. But, in the spirit of the New Year's Resolution, we decide to "go for it".

So, instead, here's what I want you to do. I will post about different areas of your business that might need a face-lift, revamping, refocusing, or just plain torn down and put back up again.

You post your comments under each subject, whether you feel good about where you stand in that category, need a little push, or want to regroup and begin again in that area of your business.

As we move along, we'll get you the help you need and steps to take, to get things in place, so that you can have a New Year's Resolution that you really can keep!

Terri

Everybody Needs Some Inspiration

Scott Stratten, who is a fellow entrepreneur here in Toronto sends me inspirational videos from time to time and here's one that he recently sent that I really liked.

It's subject is women, how we are caregivers and do so much for others in our lives, that we really need to take time to do things for ourselves.

For some unexplainable reason, the majority of women seem to have a problem with this idea.

Click on the title above and watch this movie whenever you need the inspiration to take the time, relax, do for yourself and recharge your batteries.

Keep in mind that if you don't, then you are at the risk of mental and physical breakdown, leaving those who rely on you alone and lost. So, it only makes sense that you take care of yourself, mind, body and soul.

It's for everyone's own good!

Terri

SEO Is Always A Hot Topic

When it comes to search engines optimization, I think that people need to know that it all comes down to common sense - and a lot of work.

Here's the deal - don't rely on keywords or lots of links alone. Keywords are important and they should be chosen carefully. Do some research, find out what words most people are using to search for a website like yours, selling similar products or services.

As for links, Google says that it's the quality of the links AND THEN the number that count. In other words, make sure that the websites that are linked to yours contain information, products, services, etc., that relate and compliment your website. If you sell cars, then linking to a bridal website doesn't make sense.

This is simply because Google wants it's customers to find exactly what they are searching for and so they want everything that the customer finds on your website and from your website to be relevant to that search. This is straight forward, good old-fashioned customer service - give them what they are asking for.

Of course, the third basic item that helps you is the number of clicks you get from other websites. To accomplish this, the old fashioned way of getting a link on someone else's webpage still works. So, keep submitting those articles to as many as you can, sponsor contests and get your link up ther as a sponsor, put ads in on-line ezines and newsletters and by all means, swap ads, but THINK before you do it and make sure whoever is visiting that website will want to click on your link and visit yours.

Terri

CJ's Now Has It's Own Toolbar!

Our new toolbar is free, quick to install, blocks pop-ups and no personal information needs to be given.

What does the CJ's Mentoring toolbar let me do?

• Instant access to CJ's Coaching & Mentoring from any site on the web
• Search from anywhere on the Web
• Blocks annoying pop-ups
• Includes cookie cleaner, history cleaner, and cache cleaner
• Open CJ's Chatroom, Messageboard and Blog with one click of your mouse
• Receive private messages from Terri directly through the toolbar on seminars, new products and freebies

Just click on the title above to download and let me know how it's working for you!

Terri

Get Ready For Christmas

I wanted to make sure that everyone knew about our Christmas Kick-Off Party. It's happening the week of November 13th and winding up with a day long party on Saturday, November 19th.

There will be great prizes given away all day by the vendors. You can visit the Kick-off party page, by clicking on the title above.

If you have products that you'd like to sell that others can use for Christmas presents, just send me an e-mail.

Having a vendor's page and your own 20 time to talk to your customers in a chatroom is all FREE!

Remember, visiting is FREE, the prizes are FREE and vending is FREE - you can't loose - all it takes is some of your time.

Please pass the word along to everyone you know, so they can get some great deals and very unique Christmas gifts, along with having a great party chat, all in one place!

Terri

Take Time For You

Today, as I'm preparing to leading one session in the 4 Day Marketing Retreat, I had a nap because I was exhausted.

It's been a long, tough month! The problem is that I took a nap during the evening and when I wok up about 1/2 hour before the retreat session, I wished I hadn't because I felt more tired.

This is a habit I need to get out of. We all need to look after ourselves better. Take time for ourselves and rejuvenate. It would have been better to sit and read a good book, or spend time with the kids, just talking or playing a board game.

Changing your eating and sleeping habits to accommodate a business that you are spending a lot of time at, actually hurts you more than helps.

So, from now on, I'm in bed at a decent time, take a break from the computer and eat a slow, satisfying dinner with my family and when I do spend time at the computer or on my business, make sure that it's shorter periods, but time well spent, actually accomplishing things each time I do.

Think about it, is your business that was supposed to give you more time with the family, doing things you want to do, actually taking that away from you and running you down?

Make it work for you - Take Time For You.

Terri

Paid Websites vs Freebies

Website Design Basics

Our next Free seminar is on Friday, November 11th

Your website is your chance for a great first impression on your customers.

We take a look at behind the scenes planning strategies that you need to do even before you create your website.

Among the many strategies covered in this seminar, we include; aesthetics, navigation, graphics and text layout, content and flow of your web pages.

All are welcome and the seminar is FREE!

I would love to have you join us. Simply click on the title above to enter our main chat page, then come on in to MyRoom2.

Terri

Customer Service/Care

I conducted my 2nd seminar on Customer Service/Care on WahmsUnited tonight and we talked about USP (Unique Selling Proposition). Most people had never heard of it and didn't know what it was.

So, it follows that they had no idea what it would have to do with customer service or care. Your USP is what makes you stand out from your competition. Whether it's your guarantee, your prices or your delivery time, it's very important in your customer service.

It really defines who you and your business are, why your potential customers should buy from you, instead of someone else who is selling the same product or service. Your prices may be higher, but your quality is better, you stand behind your products, etc. Well, you get the idea.

The only way that a USP is going to really work and bring about that part of your Customer Service/Care Plan is if you really mean what your USP is and back it up 110% and that can have a powerful impact on your business.

So, think about it, why should your customers buy from you, instead of someone else who offers the exact same products or services. It can be a toughie. There was one person in the chat who sells gift baskets. She said that this was very hard for her to do. When I asked her what her customers say when they order, or she delivers, she said they say how easy it is. Then she went on to say people could say that about just about any gift basket business. She is stumped on what she can say makes her different and stand out from the rest.

Now I'm asking you, any ideas to help her? Or, any ideas on your own USP?

Give it some thought, because it makes a huge difference on how you and your customers approach doing business together.

Terri

Starting Out

When you are starting a business, it can seem so difficult. The learning curve is huge!

For those who decide to begin a business from an idea and grow, there are definitely more challenges.

My blog is meant to help moms who want to make a successful business and after spending time training fellow employees in the corporate world in software and business applications since the '70s, I've decided that it's time that I help other moms who have small businesses.

This blog will give you my thoughts, experiences and, hopefully, some helpfully advice to all who visit here.

I also hope that others will post their thoughts and ideas, so that we can all learn and benefit from a collection of inspirations, information and experiences.

Terri