Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Are you goals in the trash?

Isn’t it funny how when the first of the year arrives, we are so excited to achieve our goals? We know this year is going to be different! Then life happens and slowly but predictably the goals fade into the horizon.

Well, I was determined not to let that happen this year, so I signed up for the 100 day challenge. Whew, this is one intense program – and it was well worth the small amount of money I paid.

I am on day 49, and I have 51 days to go. I thought I knew everything about setting goals but this kicks it up to the next level. Every day I receive a short video with a lesson that challenges me to put what I have learned into action. I also love their interactive forms, and a host of other tools that really keep me focused on the prize.

I know if you are an achiever and want to take your business to the next level you will love it. This not only pertains to your business but any goal you are trying to achieve.

If you are someone who is not serious about stepping out of the box. This program is not for you. However, if you have goals, plans and idea’s this will keep you on the task. Gary will teach you how to stick with the plan. If you take this seriously you will succeed in achieving whatever you set out to do.

Check out the video and see what you think. If you decide to take the challenge I would love to hear from you...

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Networking is still important, even with social media.

With the advent of social media sites, a lot of business owners think this is all they need. They mistakenly believe that good old fashion person to person networking is dead.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The fact is it is more important than ever to make these human connections. It actually will make connecting online more powerful when you have met your online friends face to face.

Networking has been a really important part of my business – the connections have kept my business alive and well. A lot of people get the wrong idea about how to go about networking with groups. It isn’t the immediate sale that you are looking for it is long lasting relationships. Being know for you expertise and building trust with other movers and shakers in you communities is priceless. These are the types of people you want in your circle of business friends.

In every city and town there are business networking groups – you may have to go to several before you settle on the one you want to attend regularly. When you do go to a networking event I have 10 tips that will help you make the connections you need.

9 tips to productive networking…

  1. Always bring a handful of business card – give a card to everyone you meet.
  2. Dress in business attire – first impressions are everything
  3. Go out of your way to meet people, introduce yourself
  4. Do not sell while networking. Your purpose is to make contacts not drive people away the minute you meet them.
  5. The best way to make conversation is to ask them questions about what they do.
  6. When you get home follow up by emailing them and letting them know you would like to keep in touch.
  7. Organize contacts on your – computer or smart phone. Using their business cards to make notes
  8. When making referrals think of people in your contact circle first. This is a good way of cementing your relationships.

So find a meeting to attend in your community – nothing but good can come from it… For help in promoting your business shoot me an email – I would love to chat…

Pamela Jacob Artista Design

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Scarcity or Abundance - How Do You Run You’re Business?

It seems there are two different types of people in business – givers and takers (non-givers).

Now you may be wondering what I mean by that, but if you have come into contact with very many business owners you will know exactly what I mean. The sad part about this whole scenario is that these people who are afraid to share knowledge, ideas, or experiences are losing out on some really good professional connections and customers. I believe the motivating factor of this type of business owner is thoughts of scarcity. They are afraid someone may get ahead by giving away what they know or steal their ideas and concepts leaving them with less.

If you have ever heard Wayne Dyer talk about scarcity and abundance it is really enlightening. Simply put, scarcity is the idea that your negative thoughts and fears propel your actions and bring about consequences. So if you think in a negative way things like “my business is dying I will never make it" - “I have no customers” or any number of pessimistic thoughts about not having enough – you will begin to notice things start to dry up. Then you start to panic and what happens? Just what you believed would.

On the other hand, if you believe in abundance, you know there is more than enough for everyone, you are no exception – you will then feel free to expand your horizons in thoughts and actions. Giving more of yourself and being generous will attract others into your sphere.

No matter what you believe, whether it is in abundance and scarcity, or in the law of reciprocity. It is the truth as I have experienced it. The more you give, the more you get, and I can vouch for that in my own business.

Now I am not taking about giving away the farm. You need to charge for goods and services, having a healthy sense of self, knowing your boundaries ad understanding when it is appropriate to charge is essential. As business people we have to believe in our hearts that our goods and/or services are worth purchasing. If not you had better start looking for a new profession.

Giving in a genuine way by, writing great articles, sharing your knowledge and providing excellent customer service is essential. You will be amazed at how your business will grow and the quality of clients the clients you will attract when you do these things.

For a free consultation on your website effectiveness or marketing strategy contact me by email or phone….

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design

801.910.4825

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results