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