AllWrite Ink Launchs a New Site

My brother, Daniel Chaddock, gave me my website design for my birthday two years ago.

I was just starting out in business and needed an on-line brochure. Daniel, founder and president of E&E Exhibits out of Mesa, AZ, commissioned the design and technical configuration of my website.

It was a great start. At the time, I didn’t know what I wanted my business to be when it grew up (still working on that) and so we put up three pages that outlined my writing services.

Overtime, my services expanded and I hated to keep going to Dan (because he wouldn’t let me pay him) and so my friend Julie D’Aloiso, president of D-WebJazz, in Macedonia, took over control. She did a great job until the day I asked her to teach me Front Page.

Knowledge can be a dangerous thing; and this was no exception.

Let’s just say, over the last year, I have messed with my site until it became an embarrassment. Julie worked hard to save me from myself, but it was a lost cause.

So then I turned to Tom DeFrank of Better Built, out of Canton, Oh. I write web content for Better Built when the need arises and work well with their team. One day I complained about the mess I had made of my site and Tom said he could fix it.

Not only did he fix it – he has created a thing of beauty.

My new site launched this week and I’m very pleased with the results. From beast to beauty, I’m hoping the new site will more effectively tell my story.

Like the shoemaker’s kids who had no shoes, I had neglected the very thing I sell – my website story.

It wasn’t easy getting to this new site. When creating a site you need to consider:

Who is the audience?
What is the purpose?
What action do you want the reader to take?
What are the key words?
How many pages will you need?
Which graphics will you use?
What do the competitor’s sites look like?
What can you emphasize that will stand out?

Now, I may not have accomplished all of these goals, but I’m on my way.
Check it out: www.allwriteink.com

Let me know what you think.

Trying Something New

This summer I was reading "Make a Name for Yourself" by Robin Fisher Roffer.

She talks about the 8 steps every woman needs to create a personal brand strategy for success.

Frankly, the steps apply to men as well.

Anyway, one point she makes it that we should be constantly learning, growing, trying new things and expanding our horizons.

So this July I took up cello. I'm old enough to be the mother of my teacher and he's married. I only tell you that because, it isn't often that you find someone of my advanced years, taking up something new.

Well, guess what? I have to perform in a recital - with all his 10 and 11 year old students.

I'm more nervous than I am before giving a speech in front of 100 business executives.

But it is exhilarating. I feel fresh and young and vibrant. All because I'm preparing to make a fool of myself. No seriously - it stems from learning something new. From stretching outside my comfort zone.

And that energy and enthusiasm spills over to my business relationships. I have had three people tell me in the last week that I look 10 years younger than I did just one month ago.

Why is that? Face lifts? Nope. It is the excitement that comes from learning something new. From realizing that you are never too young to try something new.

When was the last time you tried something new? And I'm not talking about dessert.

Check out a sample of my rehearsal. The lovely lady on the piano is my son's girlfriend Christine and the adorable girl trying hard not to cover her ears in pain is my Emily.

Do You Have a Theme Song?

This past Friday I had the pleasure of sharing lunch with 15 women from the Women's Network as we gathered to hear Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett. Dr. Barnett is the founder of Rise Sally Rise an organization dedicated to helping women of color overcome feelings of anxiety and believe their own personal value and ability to rise to success.

She demonstated a powerful exercise that involves having your own personal theme song.

We all have an internal tape that plays in our head; sometimes encouraging, but oft times reminding us of when we've failed keeping us from feeling successful.

She showed us that by singing the words to your theme song you can successfully squash the negatives voices in your head keeping you from striving for the goals you desire.

So I set about finding a theme song.

The first one I came up with is "Jesus Loves Me" because afterall, God don't make junk and besides I knew all the words.

But as I continued to search over the weekend, I found the perfect song just for me. Natasha Bedingfields song "Unwritten." Scroll all the way down the link at Amazon and you'll find the words to this insightful song.

So what's your theme song?

Press Releases - Do They Have Any Value?

I just finished writing a press release for a customer and we discussed what newspapers she would like to see pick up her information.

Sending your news item to the paper is a great FIRST STEP to spreading the word about your business, but print newspapers aren't the only ones that need to hear about your business.

I was just reading Chris Brown's latest post on her blog, Branding and Marketing, which talks about 5 things you can do with your press release:

1) Post on the Internet to help your search engine optimization
2) Send it to a potential client who is considering your product or service.
3) Include it in your packet of information for a potential employee or business alliance.
4) Post it on your web site to provide more content and keywords
5) Send it to a current client so they know what's new with your business.

Great advice - actually, click here for the complete post - Chris has even more tips for spreading the word about your business.

photo courtesy of lordrich

Ten Myths About Blogging

I was reading Brian Brown's Pajama Market blog today where he listed 10 myths about blogging for small businesses.

I enjoyed what he had to say, in particular Myth #2 where he addresses what my customers say almost everyday. Why do I need a blog? It serves no purpose.

Read what Brian has to say:




"Myth #2: My company doesn't need a blog.

Yes it does. The top five reasons your company needs a blog are:

• blogs generate huge internet traffic compared to traditional small business websites from search engines and from inbound links
  
• blogs allow you the opportunity to educate your customers thoroughly about your products and services
  
• blogs allow you to promote your new products, sales, and promotions to a captive audience
  
• blogs allow you to hear what your customers needs and ideas are through their comments
  
• blogs attract attention in your industry and establish you as an industry leader

And if that isn't enough for you - he has a posting with 101 reasons to have a blog.

Check out Brian's complete posting on the 10 myths of blogging and then get started with a blog of your own: for your business, your hobby, your rants and raves!

Photo courtesy of Billychic

Communication Through the Generations

Last night my son's band performed for the first time with a new member. The new guy is a lead guitar player and the band has been struggling to communicate with him. Although he is a talented player, he isn't a team player. He doesn't listen to the music being played by the other three and attempt to blend, rather he tries to "out play" the others with his wild electric guitar solos.

Yesterday as they set up and rehearsed, the bass guitar's dad mentioned that the new player needed to turn down his amp so that their blend would be improved. The new player took that to mean, "Your music is too loud, sonny," and so he turned UP his amp.

The result - he overpowered the vocals and all of the other instruments.

I realized that it wasn't just the older generation not communicating with the younger, but even within his own peer group - there was a struggle to get the message across.

Sometimes we have an employee or a customer that is like that. No matter who gives the message or how we give the message, they just aren't willing to hear. Like an alcoholic who hasn't yet admitted to having a problem, we need to first help them realize there is an issue before we can talk about solutions.

In this case, the new band member will shortly be looking for yet another new band to overpower. What happens in your neck of the woods? How do you handle those who are difficult to reach?

Sit Up and Take Notice - Women in Businses are Here to Stay!

This past month, I reviewed a book by Mary Clare Hunt entitled, In Women We Trust, in which she talks about the female consumer and how businesses can win her loyalty.

Today I found further evidence to support that point in Nancy Clarke’s post entitled The Tipping Point Evidence, Why Business is Suddenly Focusing on Women!

She points to six key factors:

· Women are starting businesses at more than twice the rate of men.
· Women are the skilled employment pool, earning 32% more college degrees than men.
· Corporate financial success linked to more women in upper management of Fortune 500
· Women hold the consumer wallet!
· Business now wants skills that come naturally to most women.
· Women are highly rated as managers.

I am reminded of a boss who, in an effort to motivate me, said that I should be home in the kitchen making cookies, not working in a man’s field. The job? Cold calling long distance services. Granted, I stunk at the job. However, women are a force to be reckoned with and it is about time the business world sat up and took notice.

For Nancy’s complete blog, click here.

Clearing a Path for Clearer Vision

As I carry the 8th bag of trash to the garage, I am reminded that this is Labor Day weekend and I can't remember if it is named that because of the work we end up doing around the house or is it in appreciation of the Labor we do all year long.

I have been busy clearing away the clutter. The labor feels good because after taking several bags to Goodwill, filling multiple boxes for the upcoming yard sale and carrying out the trash, I find a far less cluttered place of my life.

During this process I found some pictures I hadn't seen, a few craft items I didn't remember I had, and several articles of clothing I can now fit into that I haven't worn in years. Bonus.

Why do we let the clutter build up?

It is the same in our business. Michael Gerber of E-Myth fame, talks about the fact that many of us spend so much time on the clutter of day-to-day operations that we fail to see the clear path our business could be or should be taking.

I am remembering Jesus who told those who wanted to follow him, "leave your homes, your belongings, your family, and come with me." Some did. I have often wondered if I would allow the clutter of my life to hold me back from following Him.

Well, for right now, I am several bags and boxes lighter than I was on Friday and my path is looking clearer each moment.

Is clutter keeping you from a clearer vision?

I Have Found the Answer to End All World Conflict

I was just reading the book "Feeling Good, 100 ways to feel better every day" and found the secret to peace and harmony in our life.

Massage.

Have you ever treated yourself to a massage? Perhaps your company offers chair massages or you've received a gift certificate to a spa and reveled in the pure joy that comes from the relaxation of a great massage.

Well, here's what the book says:

"According to one Swedish study, young children who massage one another do not fight."

Just think about that. If we start young, that sense of well being would permeate our youth, stress levels would decrease, and peace would fill the air.

Yep, that's it. Massage. It's the answer to world peace.

photo courtesy of eggybird.

I attended a seminar today and in the opening of the speech, the speaker talked about the fact that there were three categories of attendees in the audience:

- The group whose boss made them come – he called them Hostages
- The group that just wanted time away from the office – these were called Vacationers
- The group that was there to learn – he called them Sponges.

Sponges are people who are successful in business and in life and he said they all had three things in common:

They manage their career
They are great communicators
They are life long learners

That last trait reminded me of a book a friend of mine has written called Learning For Profit.

It is an easy read, less than 100 pages, filled with easy to follow instructions to help prepare your mind for learning. Some you’ll have heard before, some you’ll say, “yeah, I’ve tried that and it works,” and most you think – “now why didn’t I think of that.”

I love his advice on how to read books. He provides a step-by-step guide to reading for retained learning.

Check it out, Learning For Profit by Daniel Sitter. You’ll be glad you did.

Welcome Akron Beacon Journal Readers

In today's ABJ - there is a great article by Sarah Filus entitled "More owners have new chore as they take Web plunge - Small-business blogs grow."

She features a few bloggers and their view points in her article (yours truly as well) and does a nice job of providing an overview of blogging and its benefits.

But I take exception to the word "chore."

For me, blogging is a pleasure. It is an opportunity to talk about different aspects of the business world from my point of view. It's better than a conversation because you can't be interrupted! Others can comment - which creates a wonderful dialog and the more you blog, the more your name is visible on the Web.

I would encourage you to visit Technorati and type key words into the search bar to see what people are saying. What key words reflect your business or industry? How many bloggers are writing about your topic. Do you have something unique to add? Make a comment! Get involved. It's easy - jump in, the water's fine!

For the complete ABJ article, click here.

Set Appropriate Expectations

This summer I have been working on refining my brand message. As a writer, I help companies communicate their message in all types of venues, but have decided that I needed a phrase that encapsulated what I do for my customers.

After reading Robin Fisher Roper's book, Making a Name For Yourself, I came up with a new description for my business. I'm DCB from AllWrite Ink and I write "words people read SM."

I checked with the US Patent Office and the phrase wasn't taken. So I decided to complete the form necessary to make the phrase mine.

The process was simple, however, I will tell you that you need to be prepared before going on line with a credit card and a JPEG file that can be attached of your phrase or word in use.

I hit the "send" button and off my information went to the great cyberspace in the sky. I quickly received a confirmation from the government - they are so efficient, I thought as I saw the email was from the Patent and Trademark Department.

And then I opened the message:


"In approximately 6-7 months, your application will be assigned to an examining attorney; however, the critical date for determining registrability is your filing date, NOT the actual examination date. You will not receive any further USPTO communications until examination. At this point, your mark is not registered it is only a "pending" application. The overall process, from the time of initial filing to final registration, can take 13-18 months, and even longer depending on many factors, e.g., the correctness of the original filing, or the type of application filed."

I could be dead by then! I knew there would be a delay but a year and a half????

So take my advice - if you are planning on registering a trademark, set your expectations appropriately.

Need the form to register a mark? Click here.

Name, Rank and Serial Number

When you are at a business or networking event - how do you introduce yourself: with your name, company and job function?

So how's that working for you?

Do people's eyes glaze over?

"I'm a financial planner or I sell insurance, or I'm in the manufacturing and waste management industry."

No matter what your role, by just stating your name and job function, you'll be hard pressed to excite the listener. I mean, think about the last time someone came up to you and said "Hi, I'm Joan Smith with ABC Corporation and I sell widgets."

Oh boy. Not only do you NOT need widgets, you don't really understand what kind of widgets Joan sells and she hasn't described them in a way that makes you want to ask, right?

So try this, the next time you have an opportunity to introduce yourself.

Forget your name, company and job title and just tell them what you DO for your customers.

What if you sell widgets that help a company's existing equipment work fast, more efficiently and cost effectively?

Put your hand out there and proudly say, "Hi, I help my customers be more effective and drop more money to the bottom line."

WOW. I bet you'll get some interesting responses.

For more information on networking and in particular overcoming your fears of networking, check out my latest post on Biz Informer.com.

Photo by x180s

Giving Back - It Feels So Good

Recently in a commentary entitled "Beyond wine, cheese: Third phase of aging", in the Akron Beacon Journal, writer, Laura Ofobike, talked about the trend of baby boomers looking for ways to give back to the community.

I say - hurrah.

In a day of "what's in it for me" and "gimme gimme" it is refreshing to see a trend of volunteerism. Ms. Ofobike states that as baby boomers age and leave the full time workforce, they are looking for ways to use their experience, knowledge and energy in a way that will benefit others.

Locally, we have a new organization building steam called the Women's Central Project, led by Deb Lemire of Queen Bee Productions, Theresa Beyerle, Ph.D. of the University of Akron and Roberta Aber, of Planned Parenthood. The Women's Central Project seeks to bring women and women’s organizations together in collaboration, as well as to reduce competition among service providers.

Look around - is there a way that you can get involved?

For Ms. Ofobike's complete commentary, click here.
For more information on the Women's Central Project, click here.

Photo by Fatal Cleopatra

August 7 A Day To Say THANK YOU

According to Entrepreneur Magazine, August 7th is set aside as a day for saying thank-you to your customers.

We just don't do that enough.

Consider picking up the phone and calling your favorite customer just to say thank-you. It will make both your days.

Photo courtesy of EMDOT

Are You Considering Writing a Book?

Peter Bowerman, author of the critically acclaimed book, The Well-Fed Writer, has just published a new book, The Well-Fed Self Publisher.

If you have ever considered writing a book, whether fiction or non-fiction, at some point you've wondered how you get it published.

Do you need to hire an agent?
Do you need to join a guild?
Do you send your precious writing off to every publisher in the industry?

A growing trend in the publishing field is that of self-publishing. I have also recently joined the ranks of writers who have self-published their works. In June, I wrote a workbook called "It's a Party, Planning a Successful Retail Sales Event."

I wrote the words, laid out the text in a book format, hired a designer to create a lovely cover, researched printing houses and printed 100 copies.

Ever since I have been sending press releases, showcasing my book when I give speeches, featuring it on my website and believe it or not - I've been selling them!

If you have something to say but hesitated because you didn't know how to go about finding a publisher - look no further. Check out Peter's latest book - and give self-publishing a try.

Could You Feed a Village for $400?

Imagine if $400 would be enough to start a business, buy the supplies, make the product, sell to consumers, have enough left over to feed your family and maybe even your next door neighbors and buy the supplies you'd need to do it all over again.

Welcome to KIVA.

"Kiva, which is Swahili for "agreement" or "unity," is harnessing the power of social networking to support microenterprise in the developing world."

Similar to borrowing money from friends or family members to achieve a dream, KIVA is helping enterprising people in developing countries by organizing loans that provide the support necessary to start a small business. Villagers are using the money for small craft businesses, food sales, clothing retailers and with the profits are able to support many members of their community and pay back the loan.

You can help. KIVA has established the opportunity for multiple people to donate small amounts of money (as little as $25) to help these entrepreneurs. Check out this recent article in Business Week or check out KIVA's website for more information and for some of the people currently seeking finanical assistance.

Dream Jobs - Whose dream? Not mine

I just finished reading the MSN.com articles listing five dream jobs for women and five dream jobs for men.

Here are the jobs:

Women
1. Hollywood wardrobe stylist
2. Vacation tour director
3. Ice cream creator
4. Concert promoter
5. Doll fashion designer

Men
1. Video game designer
2. Brew master
3. Toy creator
4. Comic book guru
5. Casino host

Now I am sure that these jobs sound like fun - kind of like those "easy A" classes we would look for in high school and college. But as life's work? What about the person who wants to make a difference. I'm not knocking the people who currently hold these jobs, but is the world really a better place because of Barbie's wardrobe?

I take offense at a list that lumps all women into a category that states they aspire to be an ice cream taster. Sure, I love ice cream. On a hot summer day the idea of getting to try ice cream and get paid sounds fun. But 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year?

Where is the stimulation? Where is the brain activity?

It would have been nice to find just one job that didn't sound like Potsy from Happy Days came up with.

photo courtesy of Scottie

Making a Difference, One Woman at a Time

Today the Women's Network of the Greater Akron, Ohio region held their annual Women of Achievement awards luncheon. The event was well attended, over 300 area men and women, and several women were recognized for their professional excellence.

Two women, Ruth Dean and Diane Johnson, RN, BSN, JD, were honored for their contributions to the community progress of women and the economic progress of women (respectively).

Additionally, three women, Jewell Cardwell, Sister Suzanne Repasky and Rhonda Gail Davis were recognized for their overall achievements in the field of encouraging success among women.

Their contributions were vast, awe inspiring and humbling. We think we are busy doing; for our families, our businesses and our community, until we hear the contributions of award winners like those recognized today.

Yet, they were all regular 'folks' like you and me. They get up every morning and start their day. They have family and professional challenges. They have health concerns. They have doubts; good days and bad.

So what sets them apart?

Many of the women, either in their acceptance speeches or in the speeches said about them, had one thing in common. They didn't set out to win an award. They found a cause they believed in and they just started helping.

ONE WOMAN AT A TIME.

So often you hear the apathetic mantra - "the problem is too big for one person to fix."

I tell you those with that attitude are WRONG.

You can make a difference. Your efforts DO matter. That age old saying "if I can just help one person" is really true.

Tonight as you lay your head down, just before you go to sleep. Look in your heart for that one cause you truly believe in and think: "What can I do tomorrow for one person that might make a difference?"

And then do it.

Sleep tight and congratulations to all of those amazing women recognized today at the Women of Achievement luncheon. You inspire me to take up the cause!

D

Just how important are stamps?

I just came from a meeting where one of the members, a newlywed male, was sharing a conversation he'd had with his wife.

Actually, the way it started was with a female member of the meeting saying that she and her husband had a mis-communication about a project she was working on. I commented that often we communicate poorly with members of our own family.

The newlywed pipes in and says, "Yes, I had a miscommunication with my wife as I drove to the meeting tonight. She'd called to see if I had used the last stamp."

The women in the meeting all gasped.

He said, "Yes, I think I did use the last stamp." His wife went on to explain that she'd been addressing the envelopes for a bridal shower and needed that stamp for the last envelope.

The women in the meeting said, "You didn't use a LOVE stamp for a bill, did you?"

"Yes," he admitted. He had. "It's just a stamp," he failed to defend his actions.

He went on to explain that he should have known better because earlier in the week he had been sent to the post office to purchase the stamps and originally came home with VEGETABLE stamps.

The women in the meeting knowingly chuckled.

"She said, what are these?" the newlywed told us. "Stamps," he told his wife.

"No they aren't, they have vegetables on them, I can't use these."

"What do you mean," he was clearly confused. "It is just for an envelope, no one will care."

"Women care," his wife countered.

The women in the meeting collectively nodded their heads. Yes they do.

As a writer, I hand-write most of the envelopes I send to clients and prospects. I am careful about the stamps I use - never using a postage meter - selecting a stamp that reflects my business. When the stamps rose in price to $.39 it wasn't the cost difference that most irked me, it was the fact that I could no longer use the Dr. Suess stamps. He was also a writer.

I am currently using the Disney stamps. Not to reflect that my writing is "Mickey Mouse" but that I am creative.

Actually, when mailing to a client or a prospect, it pays to take the time to hand-write the envelope and use a real stamp as oppoesd to a meter and typed label. In the midst of the mail received, your handwriting will be noticed and will stand a better chance of being opened.

So just how important are stamps? Clearly, in one marriage tonight they are of great importance and I would argue that in your business they should be given some consideration.

Photo courtesy of OKAGGI

People competing to give you money???

In the May edition of INC. Magazine. there was a small blurb sharing this exciting tip:

e-Bay is now auctioning off small business loans. You can log onto eBay with basic information about your business type, the reason for the loan, the amount you want and your credit score. Then people can offer up all or part of the amount you need.

You can even request what interest rate you want to pay!
For more information visit www.prosper.com. Loans range from $2,500 on up for schooling, surgery, debt consolidation and business ventures.

Check it out!

BizInformer.com

Guess what? I am now blogging on www.bizinformer.com. Check it out - there are several great writers sharing tips that will help your business. Additionally, there are links to additional sites and blogs with a wealth of valuable information.

Currently, I'm writing about how we communication through our body language.

DCB

Blogs Galore

I am amazed at the number of blogs available for small business owners to learn from, ask questions of and share tips with. One such repository of blogs is www.allbusiness.com in which they are currently highlighting "The 6 for '06 Resources." They are following six vastly different businesses, each with a different business challenge:

1. Improving marketing
2. Recruiting and keeping great employees
3. Creating a technology investment strategy
4. Improving cash flow
5. Managing cost centers
6. Creating a growth-oriented business plan

Allbusiness.com will report on these businesses for six months (April - October) and you can follow along. If one of the business challenges touches a warm place in your heart, check out the blogs associated with the challenge. The suggestions are being made by experts in the associated field and you can apply the guidance offered.

Speaking of great business blogs: www.bizinformer.com is another great place to land, and one on which I've been asked to blog occasionally. So check it out!

DCB

5 Ways to Get Rich

This week I attended a seminar for the Trump Institute.

The truth is, I received an invitation for a free seminar with a coupon for a copy of his book, Think Like a Billionaire. Whether you like Trump or not, you have to admit that he has access to some amazingly talented people and I have found great tidbits in his writing.

The seminar was a pitch for a 2-day class, (only $1399) that would teach me all his real estate secrets.

"If you are here for the free book," the speaker (not The Donald) announced, "You are here for the wrong reason."

Guess, I was there for the wrong reason. But I did hear a few interesting facts. For example, 5 ways to get rich:

1. Win the lottery
2. Inherit a fortune
3. Marry money
4. Own a successful business
5. Become a GREAT investor

Well, I don't buy lottery tickets, I hope to never loose a family member and I married a librarian, so the first three are out!

Guess I will have to concentrate on numbers 4 and 5.

DCB

A Great Picture is a Work of Art

As you strive to combine all of the lessons learned, you hope to create a work of art. This picture of one of the nurses in the Nurses Memorial statue in Washington DC is my favorite of all the pictures I took.

It has emotion, light, focus and it tells a story.

Now think about your communications. Although your message is conveyed through the words you write, how it looks is equally important.

A few tips for creating a visual communication:

• Use white space - it gives the eye a place to rest between important thoughts on the page
• Use bullets, lists, key phrases instead of lengthy sentences - they are easier to read
• Add graphics and color to emphasize or enhance your message
• Keep it short and sweet - remember to be focused on one single thought or key message

When you create a visually appealing message along with words that are easy to understand and reader focused, your finished product will be a work of art.

DCB

Is Your Subject Well Lit?

This photo was taken of a portion of the Nurses Monument in Washington DC. At this point in the lesson I was beginning to combine all that I had learned:

• Determine the subject
• Come in close
• Make sure there isn't anything in the photo that you don't want
• Edit in advance

And make sure the subject is well lit. I got down on the cold ground to take this picture so that I could capture the sun as it glinted off the face of the wounded soldier. The shadow on the nurse's face mimicked the despair she must be feeling - out in the battle field with limited medical treatment for the thousands of soldiers she and her peers were trying to save.

When I look at this picture, I feel the hopelessness of both participants. I am reminded that although the Vietnam War was in my youth, my children are now faced with another such brutal activity involving fighting and death.

In my communications, I work to create the same image, the passion, the focus and the spotlight on the key message that I'm trying to convey.

Often when we communicate, we are in a hurry. We have a message with a task and deadline that needs to be communicated. Who has time to ensure it is crafted in a way that will evoke the necessary emotion?

I challenge us all that we owe it to our readers to try. Begin to implement some of the tips I learned from my photography teacher in your corporate writing. You'll be amazed at the results.

DCB

Add a Touch of Color

If you have been to the Vietnam Memorial, you know what an amazing work of art it is. A wall of names as far as the eye can see in a reflective marble that allows the visitor to see their own reflection in the names on the wall.

Our photography teacher told us to look for the opportunity to add a dash of color to create a contrast in the picture. So when I took this picture I found a section of the wall that had been decorated with a single rose. Note the reflection the rose makes. The simplicity of the single rose speaks of the love that someone must have felt for a name etched in the wall close by. Was it a relative of Robert Staley or Larry Tolliver? I don't know, but that rose made me pause and pay closer attention to that section of the wall.

Adding a dash of color to your communications will also add to its impact. You might select colored paper or well chosen colored font to make certain points stand out in your message. Adding graphics or photos that enhance your message will also make it more appealing to the reader. A more visually appealing message increasing the odds of it being read, understood and acted upon.

So add a little color to your communications.

Planning to Edit? Do it before you hit send

This is a picture of the inside of Union Station in Washington DC. The architecture is magnificent. Before taking the class, I might have taken this picture with the idea of zooming in with my computer photoshop and focusing on the ceiling design and editing out all of the people.

Why wait. I'll just have a zoomed in picture of an image that was taken from far away.

Move in closer and get what you want the first time.

It's the same with your business communications. You might write down a whole lot of details thinking that the reader can edit and find the nuggets of information that are the most important. Why make them work that hard?

Through the use of captions, bolded phrases and bullet pointed lists you can zero in on the most important details and edit out the extra stuff that really isn't all that important.

Targeted communications are more likely to be read. Just like a focused picture that zooms in on the desired object is more enjoyable to look at.

The Brain Edits But The Camera Doesn't

In the third session of what I learned from the DC photographer, he told us that when we look through the camera, our brain edits out the stuff we aren't concentrating on. Then, when we get the picture developed, we find something in the frame that alters the art of the picture.

In this picture of the Korea Memorial, the 38th Parallel, I was concentrating on the haunted look in the soldier's eye and totally missed the honking big green bus in the background. For me, it ruined the feeling I was trying to capture in the picture.

Now think of your business communications. When you have an important message to communicate, make sure you look at it from all angles to ensure there isn't a pesky detail that might alter the tone of your message.

Example: in my previous company we would frequently receive information in our paycheck envelopes. One such message was printed on PINK PAPER. Talk about receiving a "pink slip." My colleagues and I had a hard time getting past the color of the paper to see what the message was.

Another example is the timing of your message. Are you sending out a sensitive message to arrive on a Friday? From the reader's perspective, they will now have to wait the entire weekend to call with questions or for clarification thereby increasing their emotional response.

I'd recommend having someone proofread your message prior to sending to ensure that you haven't missed a detail.

One final story on that subject. In my past company, the president would frequently hold open-door meetings and invite all associates to come and ask company questions. My department would create a flyer announcing the details of the meeting and post them around the building. One such poster was supposed to say "A Message From the President."

Luckily, we proof read everything we sent in our department, and found that the flyer actually read: "A Massage From the President."

Changes the tone of the message a little bit, doesn't it???

Focus on the subject - come in CLOSE

In the last post, I talked about determining what you were taking a picture of (or writing a communication piece about).

Now for the next step. Before you hit the shutter button on the camera or the SEND button on your email...come in closer.

Photos; When taking a picture of your loved one, in this case, my husband - David - in front of the White House, focus on the person rather than the building.

In most cases when we are on vacation taking pictures of loved ones in front of famous sites, we step back and take a tiny picture of the person waving in front of the large object. The end result - a photo that isn't really focused on anything CLEARLY.

So come in close - position the person in the left or right corner of the picture - focus on the person with the famous site in the back and slightly blurred. Hey - it's a famous building; we all know what it is right? So why not focus on the person - crisp, clear and close.

In communications: Same story holds true. You've selected the subject you want to communicate. Say you are writing to your customers/prospects about a new product you have to offer. Don't muddle the message with features or extra information that is unrelated to the topic.

Come in closer: look at the message from the reader's point of view. What problem will this new product solve? How will it make the person's life better? What is the BENEFIT to the customer?

Focus clearly on the benefit and your communication will be crisp, clear and close to the heart of the reader!

Determine Your Subject

In the first of 7 posts connecting business communications and what I learned from the photographer in Washington, DC, we'll start with determining your subject.

Photos: In a photo you want to determine what the focal point of your picture will be. Rarely do we randomly point and click and expect an artistic finished product.

Select your subject and then position them/it in the center of your frame.

Business: This works perfect in business communications. Have you ever read a piece that was "all over the place?" There was a little bit of this and that and at the end of the piece you were confused as to the main theme or subject of the communication.

To clearly communicate your message you need to determine what the subject will be and what the objective of that subject is.

Once you've determined the subject and objective, your communication piece will be clear, in focus and easy to understand.

Example: You would like to send a communication to your customers about a new product that you are offering. Wrapping that product data around several other messages, like an industry update, the staff holiday party and a great recipe for cole slaw, will dilute your message of informing customers about this great new product.

When sending a message - make sure that everything else, from articles to photos, supports your subject.

What I learned at the Library of Congress

I had the opportunity to conduct research in the Library of Congress Business and Science Reading Room this week. What an amazing experience. The next time you get to DC, I highly recommend taking the time to obtain a library card and visiting the reading rooms.

Two copies of every copyrighted item: song lyric, business concept, book, picture, play, recipe, et al, that has legally obtained a copyright is located within in the Library of Congress. The copyrighting department is so huge that the building has its own zip code! Over 10,000 items are received and catalogued each day.

I had the opportunity to walk among the stacks and view a variety of business and marketing books. In one book, "Business Writers Book of Lists," by Mary A. DeVries, I learned about the most common objectives in a business message (I'm paraphrasing):

• make initial contact
• acquire, provide or exchange information
• instruct
• ask or grant a favor
• thank
• change behavior or attitude
• praise
• reprimand
• strengthen a relationship and encourage feelings of goodwill
• build a favorable image of one's self or company
• buy or sell
• begin or end something

In additional to conducting research for a business project I also had the opportunity to view the city through the eyes of a professional photographer. Continue reading here over the next few postings for what I learned about my business through the eye of a camera!

5 Paths to Sanity

I recently read an article in Fortune Magazine (March 20, 2006 edition) that had 5 simple rules to keeping your sanity at work. I thought I'd share:

1. Keep your meetings rare
2. Show your technology who's boss
3. Give yourself a time-out
4. Say no
5. Delete

My favorite is giving yourself a time-out. It suggests first thing in the morning with no phone calls, email or chitchat - just a time to quietly think strategically about your business. As a business owner with my office in the home - I have to get up pretty early to enjoy any quiet in my home and so I've taken off to the library for my quiet. Especially now that they have a coffee bar!

There is a lot of merit to having "me" time. Time to read the business journals that you keep meaning to get to, time to list out the goals you have for your business, for yourself, for your family.

As a writer, I also use that time to be creative. I write thoughts, dreams, fiction or my blog.

It's a new month - time for new initiatives - consider giving yourself an hour a day - just for you. You'll find it makes you more productive, more creative, and more tolerant. All good things!

photo courtesy of powerbooktrance

Vocabulary-Schmabulary

I'm taking a book discussion class in which the teacher (via a video training session) uses a vocabulary that turns off the listeners. In his bio, he says that "when he is not teaching hermenetics or researching some minute exegetical point..."

Admit it - did you have to look up those words in the dictionary? I did.

If you are trying to impress people with your $100 words, you may be surprised to find that your efforts are back-firing. People don't want to be made to feel stupid or wanting when communicating with a "big vocabulary" person. They'll focus on the words they aren't familiar with and totally miss you point!

Choose your words carefully - use simple, easy to understand words and phrases if you want people to pay attention. Use the big words to impress your folks - after all, they probably paid for some or all of your education!

"It is inevitable that we dispense with the bureaucratic details and consider only the practical aspects of the situation."

In other words: CUT THE CR-P AND GET TO THE POINT!

photo courtesy of srozekrans' photostream

Some Places Should be Off Limits to Advertising

In a recent Times Magazine, there was a small blurb that caught my eye. A new and unique place available to secure for your company branding - your product and service message.

THE PUBLIC TOILET

I'm sorry, but isn't there any place where we can go for a little privacy without being bombarded with advertising messages? People can reach us on our pagers and cell phones, snail mail, home phones and faxes, computer email and instant messages - and now the loo? Remember those old commercials for the bath bubble product Calgon and the woman would pull on her hair and whine, "Calgon, take me away?" Well, evidently the bathroom is no longer a place we can escape.

According to the Times blurb entitled, "Caught with Your Pants Down" by Nadia Mustafa, Lifetime Television has a 20-second plug for the reality show Cheerleader Nation airing in stalls in 15 cities.

As you are putting your marketing plan together for the 2nd quarter of 2006? You might consider this new avenue of advertising. However, consider also consumer Leia Jervert who heard the Cheerleader Nation advertisement four times while visiting a NY pub facility and was quoted as saying, "I would prefer not to have my business solicited when I am doing my business."

'nough said.

Photo courtesy of Tracy Hunter

More Email tips

I just got back from a week in Arizona - marvelous! So I decided to try the email tips I discussed in my last post and realized that I have a couple more tips that I use when I have a large number of email to review:

1. Sort by name - it makes it easier to delete those unwanted emails or those that quickly accumulate - like those I received from Joann Fabrics or other businesses.
   
2. Sort again - this time by subject matter. Now look for long strings of conversation. You may have been copied on a series of emails on one topic. Select the most recent and see if the string is in tact - in other words, that all of the other email with that subject title are included as part of a long string of messages on the most recent missive. If so - delete all the others - and now you have one email that has the whole conversation included.
   
3. Do the four tips listed on my previous post.
   

There you have it - a quick way to review large numbers of email messages.

Speed Emailing

How many emails do you get in a day, a week, a month. What happens when you go on vacation and don't take your computer. Do the emails number in the hundreds?

Amy Schulman, partner at DLA Piper Rudnick, Gray, Cary has this advice for quickly devoring your emails:

Divide them into four categories:

1. emails you can send to someone else
2. emails that contain information someone is waiting for to move forward on a project
3. emails you can read later
4. emails you need to respond to immediately.

When you group your emails into categories like those Amy suggests, you'll be able to focus on those that require your immediate attention.

Remember - if you touch it - do something with it (pitch, file, delegate or respond) so you don't have to deal with it later.

Listen - The Key To Being a Good Boss

I am way behind in my reading and so today decided to read a few articles I'd set aside that had previously caught my eye. In the BusinessMonday section of the Plain Dealer on Monday February 20, there was a front page article entitled, "ABCs of Taking Charge" written by Janet H. Cho. In the article it listed the Dos and Don'ts of a good manager.

One of the Dos that caught my eye was "Listen to employees and learn from them."

The article goes on to say that being humble is a good thing. Especially in the beginning when you are learning the lay of the job, the department and the people in it. However, I would add that established managers need to take note of this tip as well.

Too often, we become engrained in the role we play at work (this actually goes for our home life as well) and we forget to ask for advice, opinions or suggestions.

The articles reminded readers about the Major of New York City, Ed Koch, and his "How'm I doin'?" question that he asked residents.

Do we know how our employees, vendors and customers think we are doing? Have we asked them lately?

The Benefits of a Comedy Show

On Saturday evening I took my son to see Brad Sherwood and Colin Mochrie of the television show “Whose Line Is It Anyway”. They are award winning improv actors and put on an extremely entertaining show.

There were three things I noticed during the two+ hour show:

1. They are quick witted and topical. Their comments were quick, funny, and included a wide variety of references from politics to Hollywood to literature.
   
2. They kept the language clean. With the exception of an occasional reference to a donkey-like animal that begins with an “a”, they were funny without resorting to inappropriate language.
   
3. They were master listeners. One of the skits involved Brad leaving the auditorium so Colin and the audience could develop a wild and wacky crime that Brad was to have committed. Ours involved Brad wearing a chastity belt, a lace monocle and dead fingers. His crime was stealing a possum van while drinking whiskey from an enema. The crime was committed in Wapakoneta in Al’s Nose Hair Supply and Ump a Loma Factory with a canoe.
   
   It was through a series of clues, references and comments that Brad was to glean this improbable crime. He not only listened with his ears but he listened and observed the body language of Colin and those in the audience that he could see.
   
   So I ask myself – what can I take away and use in my everyday life from this evening of fun and frivolity?
   
   

• Read – the more I know the more likely I’ll be able to provide some interesting fact or opinion
  
• Use vocabulary other than the famous “Seven Words You Can’t Say On Television” that George Carlin coined more than 30 years ago. You'll appear smarter and gain the respect of those you communicate with.
  
• Listen - it's amazing what you'll learn.
  
  If you haven’t seen “Whose Line”, is it on ABC Family – usually at 10pm EST. Check it out – it’s very funny.

Are Thank You notes a lost art?

In our family, everytime we are given a present, before you can truly enjoy it, you must take a few minutes and write a little note of thanks to the person who gave you the present. That's something my Mom taught me and something I make my kids do as well.

Both kids gripe about the practice, but take the time to write a lovely note. Although I may not hear the words, when it comes to writing them, that's when I see just how much the gifts are appreciated.

I love my in-laws, but the practice of writing thank-you notes wasn't a tradition in their family. It's not like I give expecting anything in return, but sometimes the only way you know the package arrived is if you receive a thank-you note in return.

It seems that we've become a generation of verbal or email thank yous. The art of selecting a note card and taking a few minutes to compose your thoughts on paper has been lost. People don't know what to say, particularly if they received a gift they already have or don't care to have.

I remember when I wrote the thank-you notes for our wedding gifts I had received a thing from one of the managers who worked for me. I say a "thing" because there were no words to describe what it was. As I recall it was a miniature golden bird cage with a stuffed and feathered bird perched on a little stand. It was too big for a Christmas ornament, too small to be a real bird cage, and too ugly to ever put on a display.

I struggled for days over what to say. "Thank-you for the thing" just didn't seem right. I finally settled on "thank you for your generosity" because that was honest and kept me from having to write "doo-dad" or "nick-nack" in a thank-you card.

Isn't that what it really comes down to: Generosity? No matter how much money is spent or how beautiful or useful the gift, someone took the time to think of us, to go to a store (or visit their 'regifting closet') to select something just for us.

Isn't that worth a few minutes of our time and words, a notecard and $.39 stamp?

DCB

Photo courtesy of Michgm

Have you ever yelled without uttering a sound?

I dropped my son off at the high school a few minutes ago and he got out and slammed the door without so much as a backward glance. No words did he speak, but the message held thousands.

Did you watch the ice dancing during the Olympics? The Italian couple spoke volumes without words after their short program. They were performing in front of their home country. What a thrill that must have been. Imagine how many home town friends and family were in the stands rooting them on.

The announcers were explaining that the woman really was the better skater in this particular couple with the man simply a strong force to hold her up while she performed all her beautiful moves. And just then....he dropped her.

She jumped up and finished the program like a pro, but when the music stopped she skated right in front of him and held his gaze. The camera moved from her face to his, from hers to his. The time ticked. Was the audience applauding? Who knows, you couldn't hear anything over the deafening silence that was her screams.

Time passed and still they starred. His eyes pleading, hers accusing. The time continued to the point of embarrassment, you wanted to look away. Surely this can't be happening and yet the stares continued.

Finally she took his hand, they faced the millions watching and took their bow.

Talk about powerful communication.

Our bodies are constantly communicating for us: our eyes, our posture, our facial expression.

What is your body saying?

Photo courtesy of Broken Chopstick

When you talk - do people listen?

Did you watch The Apprentice last night? Brent, member of the Synergy Corporation team struggled with having his ideas heard and accepted.

Was it his ideas?
Was it his delivery?
Was it his appearance?

Have you ever had that happen? You are sitting in a meeting, perhaps brainstorming ideas for your company and everytime you speak up it is as if you are the Invisible Person. The worst is when someone has the same exact idea that you've expressed, or in the case of Brent an idea that was spawn from your original idea, and the other person gets the credit.

Could the same be happening with your written communication? Does it go unread? Or perhaps the reader glances at your words but the ideas don't sink in.

At AllWrite Ink, we specialize in understanding the audience and helping you find the words to communicate a message that gets noticed.

Give us a call the next time you feel that no one is listening. We will.

DCB

It's all in your tone

This morning I was eating breakfast when my husband, David, came into the kitchen.
He looked around and spied a foiled wrapped package on the kitchen counter and said:

"What is THIS?" (with a sneer in his voice)

Hold that thought and rewind to last night at dinner when we were all eating and the smell of apples and cinnamon began to fill the air. "What smells so good?" my family asked. "I'm baking a coffee cake for tomorrow morning," I answered. They all agreed that they looked forward to the special treat.

So now less than 12 hours later, the self-same coffee cake is being sneered at.

When I questioned his attitude, he replied that he had heard himself say, "What is THIS?" (with hopeful anticipation.)

Notice how the same exact words can evoke such different feelings and responses. It is all in how the words are perceived.

So often it isn't the words we say, but how we say them. Today I will be especially aware of my tone of voice as I communicate with others.

DCB

So what do you write about?

I woke up this morning, thinking about words. Yes, yes, that clearly says something about my life, but I was thinking: so what do I write about today?

When I've looked at other's blogs the topics are all over the place: gossip, spousal complaints, teen angst, sexual preferences, recipes, camping tips, obscure observations, etc.

So how do you decide what to write?

It is the same in business when you think about it. (how was that for a transition?)

There are many things you can offer to your customers, but a successful marketing campaign will recommend that you focus on just one point. Is it service, availability, convenience, price, product lines?

The answer is: whatever is most important to your audience. I'm a firm believer that you need to keep your reader, customer, audience in mind when communicating. Walk in their shoes. Learn what it important to them - what motivates them - what problem do they have that you can solve?

So what should I write about today?

I'm not sure. I need to learn what you want to read about. So tell me.

DCB

First full day as a blogger

If you have the chance to take a class on blogging, RSS or internet marketing - I highly recommend it.

Yesterday, not only did I learn the ins and outs of setting up a blog, I also learned the blog benefits for a small business owner:

1. Blogs enable you to be connected to the global community - far more than a website.
2. They are great for search engine optimization (SEO) because of all the content.
3. Spiders visit regularly (reminds me of a particularly scary Twilight Zone episode) because the content is updated so frequently.
4. The ability to use key words - both in your blog description but also in your blogs.
5. For those with a small working group or community group - blogs can be set up to be used by a group
6. set up is simple
7. IT'S FREE!

I produce a monthly newsletter for my company, AllWrite Ink, that I've been emailing out to customers, colleagues and prospects. In the March edition - there will be additional information, tips and etiquette on blogs - let me know if you are interested in receiving a copy.
DCB

Learning to Blog

Who would have thought that I'd be back in college at the ripe old age of 48, learning something new. Anita Campbell, owner of Small Biz Trends, is teaching a wonderfully informative class at the University of Akron, on creating a blog.

So here is my first attempt!

At first, I thought blogs were the ramblings of opinionated people who didn't have anyone to listen as they went on and on and on. However, I am quickly learning that blogs are the newest, fastest growing trend useful for business and personal use.

Go to Google and type in "business blogs". Amazingly, you'll find 402,000,000 references! Do you have a blog? It is the way of the future - a wonderful way to share information out to the greater global community!

More later.

DCB

Photo courtesy of Hile