3 simple questions to simplify success

1. What do you do (that gives you joy, because why bother if it doesn’t bring you joy)?

2. Who cares about what you do?

3. How do you get to who cares?

That’s it – three essential, monumental questions for every entrepreneur. Whether you’re a hairstylist or a blogger, a lawyer or a widget seller, it’s the simplest questions that will illuminate the way. I’ve been using this inquiry strategy for years to build businesses and it never fails to light up what the top priorities are.

Like most simple things, you have to examine each question from every angle to fully glean its elegance and power. No matter what stage of growth your company is in, the answers to these questions should drive your daily actions.

Let’s use a hairstylist for example. {I happen to think hair stylists are seriously powerful citizens. You want to firmly plant an idea in the minds of thousands of people? Tell a hairdresser. He or she has the rapt attention of dozens of people a week. Salons are hotbeds of news and inspiration.} Back to success…

ROLE PLAY WITH A HAIR STYLIST

YOUR PRODUCTS + SERVICES. Most entrepreneurs actually “do” more than they perceive. Examine the benefits and the unintended positive consequences of what you give or make. Look for the deeper meaning of the result of your work.

1. What do you do (that gives you joy)?

Stylist says: “I cut hair.”

Me: No, really, what do you do?

Stylist: “I make people feel beautiful.”

Me: Uh huh. You’re getting it.

Stylist: “I’m a healer who happens to give highlights.”

Me: If you say so, then BINGO!

YOUR MARKET. Pay careful attention to who you actually attract … how do the people who buy your services or use your content/product see the world, what do they read, where do they shop, who do they listen to, what are their values?

2. Who cares about what you do?

Stylist: “Humans with hair.”

Me: Could you be more specific?

Stylist: “Women…People who want to look great…Women between 20 and 50 who want the best possible cut and colour for under $100 … and like to talk about personal growth and baking.”

Me: Excellent. That is YOUR market. And the only market you need to care about is your own.

MARKETING TO YOUR MARKET. Effectively accessing your audience means that you’re reaching as much of your market with the least amount of effort. Quality + Quantity + Leverage. Repeat that to yourself before you spend a dime on marketing. Look for leverage points, vocalizers, mavens, influencers to spread the word for you … from the right trade show or celebrity, to the local socialite or class president.

3. How do you access who cares?

Stylist: “With business cards and an ad in the yellow pages.”

Me: Is that how the majority of YOUR market comes to you?

Stylist: “I get my very best clients by word of mouth referrals.”

Me: Whose word brings you YOUR market?

Stylist: “Becky the Realtor tells everyone. Janice is a total maven, she’s sent me at least ten clients. And Josie with the bakery and the flaming red bob … she’s so well connected.”

Me: Great. Give them each a free hair cut and a stack of business cards.

The formula for success is usually so simple it takes some time to really see it. The answers may take a while to find. Keep peeling back the layers until you come to the most elegant truth. Because the truth is what works. Simple.

Danielle is the creator of WhiteHotTruth.com, a motivational speaker, CBC TV commentator, and lead author of Style Statement. She helps entrepreneurs rock their career with her signature Fire Starter Sessions.You can find her on Twitter @daniellelaporte.

Write Yourself Right: 5 Writing Tools to Find and Keep Your Focus

Guest Author, Amy Ferguson Hackworth writes:

In your business and personal life, written goals are essential. Making a list is a great beginning, but regularly writing about the life you desire keeps you on track for success. Whether you choose daily or weekly check-ins, writing consistently is key. Use these suggestions, and a page or two, to explore your own plans for a great life and business.

Start from the inside out: be, do, have.

Although it’s tempting to begin with an external goal, write first about who you want to be. Beginning with yourself puts you in a place of power. Don’t wait for an external event to begin being courageous, generous, abundant, or healthy. All these things are within your reach by simply choosing them. Then focus on what you want to do and have. Writing about who you’ll be aligns your values, then the experiences and things you desire will follow.

Be specific about what you want.

Have you taken the time to create a vivid written image of your greatest dreams? Of the best outcome for your upcoming family vacation? Or your ideal job? To get what you want, you must first be clear about what you want. This is essential! Writing specifically about your desires eliminates any comfortable vagueness you might be holding onto, helps you address your fears, and creates a mental anchor to guide your thoughts and actions. Write about exactly what these ideal situations look like, and more importantly, what they feel like. When you do it consistently, those feelings of success energize your goals with unstoppable momentum.

Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.

This may seem like obvious advice, but have you noticed how often people talk about things they don’t want? “I never have enough money.” “I just can’t get this right.” “Things are too hard right now.” In The Courage to Be Rich Suze Orman suggests a simple question when you find yourself talking like this: “Is that what you want to be true?” If the answer is no, then don’t talk about it like that! Use your writing time as a practice ground for reframing those negative positions. If you’ve got to get it out, do it on paper and be sure your last sentence is a positive one. It takes practice to choose to see things differently, but when you discover the power in that choice, you’ll find the things you want to be true are showing up in your life.

Write yourself out of discouragement, and back into action.

Setbacks and discouragements are learning opportunities, and when we want something greater for our lives, we tend to experience plenty of learning. When obstacles occur, writing helps you see them for what they are. As you explore a challenge or obstacle on the page, you may find meaning you didn’t expect, or that proverbial silver lining. If nothing else, writing regularly about what you truly desire reminds you where you’re headed, and focuses your energy on getting back on track.

Celebrate the beginnings of change.

The greatest joy of writing about the life you desire is watching it happen! It may begin with small shifts in your perspective or a chance meeting that gives you a pivotal answer. Events are bound to occur that move you in the direction of your dreams. You must acknowledge them! Record your gratitude in writing, and more synchronicity is on its way!

If you’re ready to make writing a regular part of your self-exploration and goal-setting, these great books will help you dive right in:

Write It Down, Make it Happen by Henriette Ann Klauser

The Slight Edge by Leo Weidner

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny

Amy Ferguson Hackworth is the resident muse and marketing maven at Justin Hackworth Photography. Two busy boys and a wonderful husband are her greatest joys. Exploring this intersection of writing and personal fulfillment is a perennial passion.

Free Ebook: 10-Minute Business Success

Power8Marketing presents, 10-Minute Business Success. You’ll find:

-The “inner game” approach Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com uses to keep their billion-dollar brand growing

-Cameron Herold reveals the simple 3-step publicity formula he used as COO at 1-800-Got-Junk? to get over 5,200 stories written about their services

-Brian Tracy, best-selling author of 45 books on sales and marketing, reveals the sales killing mistake nearly every business makes — and how to quickly fix it

-The six words PR expert Arielle Ford relies on to land celebrity clients like Deepok Chopra, Dean Ornish, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chicken Soup for the Soul and more

-The dead simple technique John Jantsch, whose blog has been chosen as a Forbes favorite for small business and is a Harvard Business School featured marketing site, uses to bring in a never ending flood of referrals

SHORT VERSION:

21 leading business experts help make your business more successful.
www.10minuteBusinessSuccess.com PASSCODE = StartupPrincess

LONG VERSION with attached graphic in the newsletter:
In this book, you’ll discover short, powerful strategies and tactics from 21 leading business experts to help make your business more successful. Each chapter features a 10-minute interview where an expert shares their single best business-building secret and shows you exactly how to apply it to your business. Featuring Tony Hsieh from Zappos.com, Brian Tracy, Robert Cialdini and many more top level executives. For a full description of all the participants, please go to www.10minuteBusinessSuccess.com PASSCODE = StartupPrincess

Chatter: Casual Blogger Conference

Written by: Erica Davidson, Social Media Club, Slat Lake Chapter

Join notable Utah social media leader tonight, Thursday March 25th, at 8 p.m. MST for a blogger teleconference. The live phone conference, called Chatter, is open to all who are interested and participation is free.

Courtney Kendrick of CjaneRun.com, Elisa from MormonMommyBlogs, Vanessa of INeverGrewUp, Sue Marchant of Navel Gazing, Emily Cushing of MyGiveawayToday and others will discuss the following topics:

• Is it too late to cash in on that Cash-Cow of blogging?
• How to make your online business/blog more profitable.
• Blogging: Man vs Woman. Who has more power?
• Your life is not a bed of roses – Why you should be authentic on your blog.
• The train wreck of blog haters. Why do you keep blogging?

The bloggers are all speakers of the Casual Bloggers Conference being held in Sandy, Utah this May and the teleconference is a precursor to this event.

Listening to this teleconference is free and organizers will take Q & A at the end. It should provide you with great insight on running a successful blog. The audio of this teleseminar will be available for download within 24 hours of the end of the call. You can find all of the information on how to call in in the graphic below.

Introducing Whitney May, Owner and Founder of The Sweet Stash

Did you ever grow up wanting to own a candy store? Whitney May is living most children’s dream with her delightfully, delicious, Sweet Stash. Owning and operating her own bakery, Whitney is selling cupcakes, truffles and desserts to anyone who has the tooth to enjoy. Follow Whitney and her cookie crumb trail on Twitter and Facebook!

Hometown: Pasco, WA

Current Residence: Franklin, TN

Education: Belmont University, Nashville, TN, B.B.A.

Professional Background: I’ve worked in both politics and the music business since graduating college in 2006…but I’ve always had the spirit of an entrepreneur. I went back to school briefly in 2008 to study in the Entrepreneurship program at Belmont University, which helped me focus my thoughts and formulate a business plan.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Veterinarian

What you are: A baker of all things sweet! Cakes, cupcakes, truffles, chocolate lollipops, cookies, pies, etc.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: We began formulating a plan for our business nearly a year and a half before it came into being. I’ve always been a baker, but did not realize that my products could have value in the marketplace until family and friends suggested that I give it a try. Their advice, paired with my passion for creating pretty sweets, led me to where I am now. The actual ‘start up’ process was long and grueling at times, but so worth it!

Company Website? www.thesweetstash.com

What inspired you? I had many things that inspired me. Like many, I had always desired to ‘be my own boss’ one day, which factored heavily into my decision. In addition, my husband encouraged me to pursue my passion, as he noticed I was baking everyday even before the business, developing new techniques and fine-tuning recipes.

How long have you been in business? We have been open since January 27, 2010.

How did you fund it? We started our business the Dave Ramsey, or debt-free way! No loans. No investors. Just us. It was worth it for us to have complete financial and creative control. It was a long process of saving and delayed gratification, but now I get to bake for a living!

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I suppose my husband is my Fairy Godmonther? He has a brilliantly logical mind and a sharp business sense. When my creative mind wanders too far off the path, he reels me back in with solid, sound advice.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Not currently, no.

Current Business Challenge? Since our bakery operates from our commercial home kitchen, there are many challenges that arise as a result of not having a store front. No walk-in traffic, impulse purchases, and most importantly, no direct connection with our clients. The lack of a store front also makes marketing and branding more difficult.

What are you doing about it? We have been marketing ourselves as wholesalers to local shops that sell everything from coffee to frozen yogurt. We are in talks with several local businesses and hope to forge strong working relationships with them to not only sell our products but also to boost their bottom lines as well.

Favorite motivational quote: Honestly, I’m not much for motivational quotes, so I’m not sure I have a favorite.

Family? I am married with one ‘child’ who is furry and loves pupcakes.

Favorite book? I love reading political books, but other than those my favorite is a childhood book called ‘The Last of The Really Great Whangdoodles’ by Julie Andrews. It reminds me of the board game, ‘Candyland’, only in text form. It’s wonderfully magical – I would love to do a cake inspired by the story one day!

What do you do to relax? Hot yoga, go walking with my husband and our dog in the park, travel, and visit my parents at ‘home’ in beautiful Washington State.

What do you want to change most about your world? I’d like to get to a point where my business is able to donate a significant portion of its profits into local charities.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my husband and the wonderful life we have been blessed with.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? There are a lot of stresses associated with running your own business, so don’t let debt be one of them. For me, it was worth the added time and effort it took to begin my entrepreneurial endeavors NOT to have any nagging debt following me around. Also, go into your entrepreneurial endeavors with a mentor. No matter how tough you are, it gets really hard sometimes.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My trusty commercial dishwasher, which polishes a load of dishes in just 120 seconds!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Emeralds.

Bumgardner Photography, 2010

Guest Post Featuring, Build A Stronger America and Urban Interns

Entrepreneurs are not only are the answer to job creation but the catalyst to our economic recovery. That’s why the Kauffman Foundation launched Build A Stronger America, the Entrepreneurs’ Movement, the first and only nationwide initiative that unites entrepreneurs and small business owners and gives them a stronger voice in the public discussion about the country’s economic future.

Last week, two job creators and the founders of Urban Interns, Cari Sommer and Lauren Porat, shared insights on their business, entrepreneurship and Build a Stronger America (BSA).

BSA: The BSA website hosts dozens of videos telling inspirational stories about how the entrepreneur members got started. What inspired you to start your own business?

C+L: When we launched Urban Interns in February 2009, we felt we had a very compelling idea at the right time. Job seekers faced tremendous challenges, and employers wanted to keep growing in a cost-effective way. We saw an underserved need — connecting small business owners with job seekers looking for part-time jobs and internships — and we jumped on the opportunity.

BSA: How do you help create jobs?

C+L: As a job board, we enable job creation by allowing small business owners and job seekers to connect. Hundreds of employers have used our site to hire part-time help and interns. As Urban Interns continues establishing a footprint in the national market, people are finding each other, they’re finding opportunities and employment is rising.

BSA: You’ve built a thriving start-up in the heart of NYC. What are some of the marketing tactics you couldn’t have succeeded without?

C+L: In the early days, we were a boot strap start-up company with few marketing dollars. We got our product into the market quickly and received a lot of feedback. We took advantage of every opportunity network, pitch to a group or hand out a card. When you don’t have a marketing budget, word of mouth is all you have – never underestimate its power.

BSA: Are young people are becoming increasingly interested in the start-up scene?

C+L: There does seem to be a growing interest in gaining entrepreneurial skills and immersing oneself in this environment. A recent Urban Interns survey found that the number one reason job seekers want to work with a small business is to gain hands-on experience, followed by working in an entrepreneurial culture, gaining more responsibility and working with founders.

BSA: The BSA movement speaks to empowering entrepreneurs. What have been your greatest challenges in starting your own business?

C+L: Being an entrepreneur is a job that requires you to be everything. You have to learn how to keep yourself on track and motivated – as an individual and together. We’ve learned a lot about what we look for in the people we hire and the people we partner with – it’s very much about adopting a collaborative mentality and finding people who do the same.

BSA: What makes BSA a movement you feel connected to?

C+L: As a small business for small businesses, our world exists among entrepreneurs and start-ups. The world of entrepreneurship is one of great innovation and creation. It’s a world that can be a bit isolated and disconnected individually, but in aggregate entrepreneurs are doing so many great things for the community, society and the business world. Build a Stronger America is helping entrepreneurs connect. We have to tap into resources and communities and each other — that’s how we make a difference.

Join Build A Stronger America. If you are like 80% of Americans, you believe that the U.S. economy has been, and will continue to be, built by entrepreneurs like you. Join the movement.

15 Activities That Will Free Your Time and Your Mind

Fairy Godmother, Danielle LaPorte gives these great tips:

1. Stop checking email obsessively. Have you heard? If you’re checking email every five minutes, you’re checking it 24,00 times a year. Unclutterer.com has some good e-ddiction perspectives.

2. Stop paying everyone else before you pay yourself. It will ease your stress and less stress = more time. (Disclaimer: I have, more than once, paid my staff when there wasn’t enough cash flow to pay me as well. That’s just leadership.)

3. Stop lugging. Double up on tools. I have two sets of: power cords, mice, earphones, and makeup kits.

4. Stop last minute. HAVE IT DELIVERED. Get a food delivery service for your organics, set up direct bank deposits and auto payments, get DVDs by mail.

5. Stop doing the tasks that are not in your natural skill set, or suck time from doing what you do best that earns the moula. OUTSOURCE. The upspringing of Virtual Assistants is a phenomenon that enables you to get anything done for anywhere from $4 to $70/an hour, from India to Nebraska, from Twitter pages to legal docs. Invest in your freedom.

6. Stop going out of your way to get to a computer. This may sound contradictory on a time-save list but, I think i-Phones can save time and create space. The “I don’t want people to think they can get a hold of me anytime” argument is weak. Master your domain and give yourself the POWER OF MOBILITY.

7. Stop shopping for and buying gifts that need to be wrapped. It’s a rule that means you buy experiences and gift certificates for things like, concert and conference tickets, magazine subscriptions, MP3s.

8. Stop cleaning your house yourself. I seethe with resentment when I’m cleaning my stove because I could be doing something I love that makes me money. I did the math: in the three hours it takes to really clean the house, I could do a Fire Starter Session or write an article that would bring me $300 to $3000. Or nap.

9. Stop with the perfectionism. Give people a chance to rise to the occasion. My kid can dress himself (rubber boots and surf shorts look great!) Staff can figure out most things (mistakes are useful).

10. Stop doing it alone. Team with experts. A great coach, designer, consultant, can create quantum leaps.

11. Stop subscribing. Rather than just hitting delete, go through the steps (too many steps too often) to keep your inbox squeaky clean.

12. Stop taking home “free” stuff - pens, kitsch-filled gift bags from networking events, ugly volunteer t-shirts. You will spend time moving it around or pawning it off at your neighbour’s yard sale.

13. Stop forcing yourself to finish every book you pick up because you think the ghost of your English teacher is watching.

14. Stop dying your hair. At least consider it. For that matter, examine all of your beauty synthetics and waxes and plucks and extensions and wonder how hot and less-stressed you’d be without all that maintenance.

15. As for time-sucking fears and neuroses, maybe you need the 5 minute shrink appointment: (click to view video)

Danielle is the creator of WhiteHotTruth.com, a motivational speaker, CBC TV commentator, and lead author of Style Statement. She helps entrepreneurs rock their career with her signature Fire Starter Sessions.You can find her on Twitter @daniellelaporte.

Office Depot Giveaway Winners!

We would like to thank all those who nominated and participated in this giveaway and to Office Depot for their support to women entrepreneurs. Office Depot knows small business owners need great tools to be successful.

We are pleased to honor the following women:

Laura Dahl, nominated by Rebecca Servoss, won the Canon SD780 camera & TurboTax grand prize!

The following received, TurboTax for Small Businesses:

Rachael Herrscher nominated by Jenny
Janis Phelan nominated by Aaron
Lauri Anderson and Marci Lloyd nominated by Parker
Debbie Savage nominated by Heather Ledeboer
Patsy Walker nominated by Christine King
Ginny Cardenas nominated by Bob
Tameka Preston nominated by Brenda Foster
Aubreigh Parks nominated by Kim Flynn
Alaina Frederick nominated by Elena Verlee

Congratulations to all!

Introducing Ja-Naé Duane, Author of, “How to Start Your Business with $100″

We are pleased to introduce another mover and shaker, Ja-Naé Duane. Creating a business practically from scratch, she is now sharing her wisdom and tips in her new book, “How to Start Your Business with $100″. Multi-talented, perservering and defeating the odds, Ja-Naé has reached for the stars and has made her dreams a reality. Connect with Ja-Naé on twitter or on her site. Enjoy the interview!

Hometown: West Haven, CT

Current Residence: Boston, MA

Education: BA, Northeastern University and New England Conservatory; MA, Carnegie Mellon University; AD Boston University

Professional Background: Entrepreneurial and Social Media Strategist, Creative Economist, CEO of Wild Women Entrepreneurs; CEO of Ja-Nae Duane Ventures; Professor of Music at Northeastern University; Professional Opera Singer

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Actress

What you are: A Renaissance Woman.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I noticed that men and women networked differently; That women needed to build trust before doing business with someone. I also noticed that women didn’t know where to find the resources that they need both professionally and personally. So, I approached three other women and asked them to help me. With that, Wild Women Entrepreneurs was started with $100. It is now the largest community of entrepreneurial women in the world with 55 chapters in 7 countries.

That is what my book, “How to Start Your Business with $100” is about. How to take a dream and turn it into a reality with little or no money.

Company Website? http://www.Ja-Nae.net

What inspired you? Creativity and Positivity

How long have you been in business? Which one?

How did you fund it? Less than $100

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I make it a point to learn something from everyone I meet on a daily basis.

Current Business Challenge? The same challenge I have always had and will always have: Finding more innovative ways to help people be free to live the life they’ve always wanted.

What are you doing about it? Thinking outside of the box and doing a ton of social advocacy (If you know of more partnering organizations and businesses, please let me know).

Favorite motivational quote: “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World”-Ghandi

Family? No. Not yet. Because of my mother’s alcoholism and drug abuse, I had to raise my siblings from the age of 13. So, for today, I am enjoying my childhood now.

Favorite book? The Alchemist.

What do you do to relax? Go into nature.

What do you want to change most about your world? My location. I feel a change coming on and am excited to see where life is about to take me.

What are you most proud of? The fact that people were afraid that I would never amount to anything because of my home life growing up. I’m now here to show people that you do not have to be trapped or be a product of your environment. You can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Stop trying to do everything yourself. Figure out what you do well and then delegate everything else out. Once I learned this lesson, I started making the money I deserved to make and had the freedom to do other things that I had been dying to spend time on.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My team.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Hmmm…..Too bad I couldn’t make a tiara of stars. Think of the amount I would save on my electricity bill.

Maximize Your Travel Experiences by Connecting with People in Your Industry via Social Media

This week I have the absolute pleasure of a work/vacation ‘down under’ in Australia and New Zealand. Since I’m an uber-connector, the first thing I wanted to do when the trip became a reality wasn’t to cuddle koalas (although that’s #2) was to meet lots of wonderful entrepreneurial women.

Thanks to Twitter, I’ve connected with about a dozen fabulous women and have some fun meetups planned during my trip. The easiest way for me to find the type of women I want to connect with who share my goals/intentions is to do a search via Twittergrader and search first for city and then scan the list for who looks like an interesting match for you based on bios/profiles and then simply send them a “@” message to get their attention and say something like this: @____ I’ll be in Auckland 3/26-27 and organizing a tweetup for women in biz, would love to connect, pls DM if interested. This is such a simple, easy tool for us to reach out to new people we’d like to connect with and just consider the possibilities for business and new friendships!

Now, one thing I’d definitely remind you that if you’re going to approach complete strangers and invite them to meet with you, always meet in a public place during daylight hours is best and meet in small groups if possible. Also, I’d recommend that you have a good look at your Twitter profile and link before you send out requests because no doubt people will be checking out your sanity and background before they accept your invite (at least I always do!!)

Enjoy meeting new people IRL (in real life) in foreign cities when you have the chance, your trip will certainly be more rewarding if you do. Connect with me on Twitter, I’d love to meet up on your next trip to Utah, I’m @startupprincess

Kelly King Anderson is the Founder and Managing Director of Startup Princess. She loves to connect, say hello!

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