Video Marketing Competition Five FINALISTS – ANNOUNCED
August 31, 2011
A big huge congratulations to those who entered our 3rd Annual Video Marketing Competition! Lots of great videos!
We are pleased to announce the five finalists chosen by the judges:
Day2Night Convertible Heels
Finalists will receive a free two day full conference pass to Touchpoint and a finalist prize package.
The top 5 finalists will get to show their video at Touchpoint and the winner will be selected by the Touchpoint attendees. Exciting stuff!
Our panel of judges will be making their final selections for the top 5 finalists and announcing SOON. Until then, check out all the entries and let us know what you think!
We wish to acknowledge all the those that entered into this years Video Marketing Competition. The judges had a tough decision to make. Check out the other entries here:
The winner will be selected by attendees of Touchpoint, our 5th Annual Conference for Women Entrepreneurs on September 16th, 2011. To register for our biggest event of the year, go here.
August 31st #StartupChat: Sales Channel Discussion
August 29, 2011
Join us on August 31st 12pm MDT/2pm EST for our next Twitter #StartupChat on sales channels with guests in business from eBay to Etsy, and more!
We will also be giving away a ticket to our 5th Annual Conference for Women Entrepreneurs (TOUCHPOINT), so you will definitely want to be there!
Not sure what #StartupChat is or how to participate? We’ve got you covered with this post!
Highlights of #StartupChat with Linda and Richard Eyre, The Entitlement Trap
August 29, 2011
#StartupChat is a twitter event we host weekly to help startups grow. Join us every Wed 2pm EST on Twitter with hash tag #startupchat!
This past Wednesday, national best selling authors Richard and Linda Eyre (@entitlementtrap and @richardeyre) chatted with us about their new book “The Entitlement Trap” and parenting tips. Linda and Richard Eyre raised 9 children, ran election campaigns, authored best sellers, and speak GLOBALLY!
Thank you to all who participated and to Linda and Richard for the great tips!
Here’s highlights of the conversation:
What’s your #1 tip for success for LIFE?
michelledoodads: Time management. Successful people plan, organize their days and prioritize tasks.
cynthiaschame: Never Assume! Ask questions of everyone, as often as you can!
momsinbusiness: Get support from other #momsinbusiness They really get what you’re going through -www.mibn.org
ifredborg: Take full responsibility.
Your latest parenting book is @entitlementtrap – why is NOW the time for this message?
richardeyre: 65% of parents today say entitlement attitudes are biggest challenge, something we must overcome.
richardeyre: Begins to get serious about 7 and that is time to start emphasizing.
entitlementtrap: Every parent to talk to is affected by entitlment. Even if they’re kids aren’t, their friends are!
richardeyre: Kids get entitlement attitudes from government, from media, unfortunately, from parents too.
At what age should we worry the most about entitlement issues/potential?
startupprincess: I know with my own kids I see that they show entitlement issues when they compare themselves to other kids
richardeyre: About 7 or 8 kids actually like responsibility, give jobs and chances to earn OWN money.
richardeyre: Set up “family economy” where kids keep track of task completion & get paid accordingly wkly from family bank.
richardeyre: Once they perceive ownership of their earned money, pride transfers to what they buy with it. One of the great things about getting kids to perceive EARNED ownership is that it is the antidote to Entitlement.
What’s the antidote for entitlement issues?
richardeyre: FAMILY ECONOMY!
How do you recommend we monitor/control our children’s spending/goals?
richardeyre: Be very careful to set up the family economy very carefully and to tell kids that just those things trigger PAY. Let them earn their own money.
richardeyre: Once kids feel ownership of money, you can move to ownership of goals, of grades, of conflicts, of values, of choices! What you are trying to do is make your household a michrochosm of the real world to prepare them for being on their own.
richardeyre: The more mistakes kids make in the family economy, the better, because consequences are small when they are young. They also, once they have their OWN money, are empowered to give….to church, to charity, to a world need they see on TV.
What can parents do to set their family up for success when they work at home? Outside home?
richardeyre: A family economy is like an infrastructure….or an auto pilot….so you can work and still monitor the family economy.
richardeyre: And parents who work have to have certain time blocks that are JUST for the kids.
richardeyre: Want you to think about this: OWNERSHIP IS THE ANTITOTE TO ENTITLEMENT AND THE PREREQUISITE OF RESPONSIBILITY. The world works on rewards…..and kids can understand that there is a big reason (love and loyalty) and a small reason–money.
richardeyre: Once they have own earned money, and say they want something, your answer is always “Yes, did you bring your checkbook?
How do you prioritize your children when you have a job/business?
entitlementtrap: When we were gone a lot we kept reminding them that they are ALWAYS first priority. Their calls came first!
richardeyre: It’s actually easier to prioritize kids when you have a business….the business is to support the kids, not vice versa.
richardeyre: We like the 10-20-70 formula…..Kids get paid at payday, and first write a check for 10% to charity, then one 20% for savings
richardeyre: Family economy leads to great discussions about delayed gratification, value for money, discipline, percentages…so many good!
Any other parenting tips we haven’t covered yet you want to share with us?
richardeyre: It really does all come down to OWNERSHIP….just hold that thought…..think about what you want them to OWN.
richardeyre: With real ownership comes initiative, creativity and motivation to do one’s best.
You can visit Linda and Richard Eyre at www.valuesparenging.com. If you preorder the book, “The Entitlement Trap” you get a free download and a chance to win prizes!
What is #StartupChat and How Do I Participate?
August 24, 2011
#StartupChat is a relatively new program we’re hosting on Twitter each Wednesday from 12-1pm MDT/2pm EST.
The aim of #StartupChat is to provide additional resources, support, tips, strategies, inspiration for Startup Princesses in our community (and beyond!) We feature experts as guests from a variety of industries and have a set of questions we ask them so we can gain their insights and share their wisdom. The wonderful thing about #StartupChat is that it’s FREE, it’s mobile and global! It’s amazing to be participating on your phone wherever you are or at your office.
To participate you need a twitter account. Then search the hashtag #startupchat in your search bar or here: search.twitter.com and then you’ll be set to follow the conversation. You can see the questions from @startupprincess account, they show up like “Q1: what is your best tip…” and then the guests typically answer “A1: my best tip….”
Enjoy getting to know like-minded people and be sure that when you tweet yourself you use the same hashtag #startupchat at the end or within your tweets.
Also Tweetgrid.com might be a helpful resource for you to manage/follow the conversation. That’s what we use!
See you on the chat!
25 VIP Touchpoint Tickets Just Released! Includes LOADS of Resources + Free Coaching!
August 24, 2011
We are releasing 25 VIP spots for Touchpoint. Here’s what the package includes:
- 2 Day Full Conference Touchpoint Ticket (Valued at $259)
– Startup Princess Marketing & Strategy Workbook (Valued at $25)
-Marketing to Women Online Audio Series (Valued at $99)
– “Ready for Media At Any Moment” checklist (Valued at $25)
– A NEW Head shot – That’s right. We’ll have a photographer there, exclusively for VIPs to get a new head shot to use however you choose. Your image will be emailed to you. (Valued at $50)
Already, you’ll receive $455 worth of stuff for $359!
AND that’s not all. You’ll also receive:
– You can bring a friend to Touchpoint with you for FREE! your friend will be required to register in advance so we can plan for meals and materials, etc. (Ticket valued at $259)
– You’ll ALSO get 30 minutes free coaching with Kelly King Anderson. You can talk about anything from growing your startup to marketing (Valued at $250)
$967 in value for only $359.
What’s the catch?
I’m only giving away 25 of these packages and they are on a first come first served basis.
If you’re interested, purchase your exclusive VIP ticket through this hidden link.
And, to sweeten the deal for the members on our list, use code: member for an additional $25 off!
REGISTER NOW before the tickets are gone. We’re only selling 25 of these tickets. Period.
August 24th #StartupChat: Linda and Richard Eyre, National Best Selling Authors
August 23, 2011
Join us for our next Twitter #StartupChat on Wednesday, August 24 with Linda and Richard Eyre, National Best Selling Authors of many family and parenting books. Learn more about them here: ValuesParenting.com.
We will be discussing work and family life, as well as their new book, “The Entitlement Trap“!
Kids’ sense of entitlement is the biggest problem today’s parents face. Children seem to think they should have whatever they want, and whatever their friends have right now, and without working for it. The reason entitlement is a trap is that it destroys motivation, incentive, creativity and work ethic. It takes away from our children everything we want to give them. We have come to believe that the antidote to entitlement (and the prerequisite to responsibility) is to help children feel “earned ownership” of their spending money, their “stuff”, their education and grades, their values and goals, and their decisions and choices. This is a book on how to give them all of that!
The Entitlement Trap gives parents a detailed blueprint of how to establish a “family economy” wherein kids earn, budget, save, and give money and where they buy their own things and become truly responsible for them. It involves an interest-paying family bank complete with checkbooks and a pegboard or on-line system of keeping track of task accomplishment.
You can pre-order “The Entitlement Trap” now and get a 33% discount and a free download for your child! See details at www.valuesparenting.com
To join the discussion, follow the hash tag #StartupChat – See you there!
Quiz: What Type of Networker Are You?
August 22, 2011
By Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
1. When you are in a group at a networking event and someone says something that you relate to, what do you do?
b. Say nothing but make a mental note or jot it down on the back of their card.
c. Look for your opportunity to interject the thought into the conversation.
d. Interrupt with enthusiasm over the fact that you have something in common.
2. When a new person wanders over to the group your are speaking with, what do you do?
b. Shift your body to give them room in the circle, make eye contact or smile.
c. Wait for an opportunity to ask them their opinion and bring them into the conversation.
d. Stop the conversation and welcome him/her in.
3. How often do you eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a different person per week?
c. 4 – 6 times per week
d. > 7 times per week
4. How many different organizations, groups, or clubs are you an active member in?
b. 1 – 2 organizations
c. 3 – 5 organizations
d. > 6 organizations
5. What percent of the new people you meet do you follow up with?
c. 50% – 74%
d. > 75%
6. How quickly do you follow up with a new contact?
b. Over a week
c. Within 2 – 4 days
d. Same or next day
7. Which is the most common way you meet new people?
b. Someone offers to introduce me.
c. I ask friends for warm introductions.
d. I search people out and contact them directly.
8. When are you most likely to reach out to your network?
b. When they reach out to me.
c. On a regular basis when there is a reason (i.e. Birthday, job opportunity, change in situation, etc.)
d. On daily basis.
9. You end a conversation with someone when . . .
b. The conversation becomes stilted or I think they don’t want to talk anymore.
c. When I know how I will follow up.
d. When I am ready to talk to someone else or see someone I want to talk to.
10. People regularly reach out to you (check all that apply)
b. For an introduction
c. To ask for a favor
d. To request you speak to a friend
e. To ask for advice
f. To request you or your services on a project
g. To say hello and catch up
h. To invite you to something
Scoring: For questions 1 — 9, score as follows:
A answers — 1 point
B answers — 2 points
C answers — 3 points
D answers — 4 points
For question 10, give yourself 1 point for every answer you circled. Total up your score and read your Networking style below.
9 – 14 points: The Observer.
You tend to hang back in a crowd. You watch what is going on, but don’t get involved. You never initiate and rarely follow up on making new connections. The result, your network is small and you are not in the front of people’s minds as a resource. If you are uncomfortable, make slight changes. Consider making the follow up via email or through social media. If you prefer one on one — invite someone to lunch. If the group is easier at first, then tag along or ask to join a group that has room for one more at the table. Look for situations that match your style and comfort until you get used to joining in.
15 – 24 points: The Reactor.
You are interested in making those new connections but feel more comfortable when someone else takes the lead. You can get stuck keeping a conversation flowing. You are responsive to other’s attempts to connect and follow up more frequently when in response to something specific. You take a subtle approach though sometimes your comfort and confidence may get in your way. You are on the right track. Stretch a little more and you will gain comfort. Set a goal to initiate a conversation once a week and to find a reason to reach out to a new contact. Don’t doubt they want you to — you are not the type that comes on too strong so don’t worry about feeling like a nuisance.
25 – 37 points: The Initiator.
You are actively networking and taking a balanced approach. You seek opportunities, include others in the conversation, and follow up regularly. People think about you for a variety of reasons and you are effectively staying in the front of their minds. Keep doing what’s working.
38 – 44 points: The Director.
You are strategic and methodical about networking. It is high on your priority list and you take a numbers approach. You are involved in many organizations which increases your familiarity since you or your name pops up everywhere. Your approach may feel insincere or over the top for some. Give people some breathing room and use a lighter touch when reaching out. Seek to connect beyond the surface topics that come up in business. Make sure people feel you value the time you are spending with them and not looking for the next or more interesting contact in the room. Don’t pull back too much, simply consider your timing, frequency, and depth of conversation.
A note from Michelle McCullough: Figuring out what kind of networker you are will help you play to your strengths and will also give you some ideas and areas where you can improve. I love Michelle Lederman’s insights here. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing some insights about how to turn your investment of time at networking events into relationships that bring sales. Stay tuned! And if you are looking for a place to try out your networking skills, join us at Touchpoint our 5th Annual Conference for Women Entrepreneurs.
© 2011 Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like, is founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, which provides customized communication and leadership programs. She is an adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and a faculty member of the American Management Association. In keeping with her belief that real relationships lead to real results, Lederman specializes in teaching people how to communicate to connect. She has delivered seminars internationally for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and universities. She is a graduate of Lehigh University and Columbia Business School and lives in South Orange, New Jersey.
For more information please visit http://www.michelletillislederman.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter
Highlights of #StartupChat “Do-It-Yourself PR”
August 22, 2011
On August 17th our #StartupChat (every Wed 2pm EST) topic was Do-It-Yourself PR. Guests included PR experts: @newspapergrl @newspapergrl and @prtini! We also included some of our participants tweets here who added great value. Thanks everyone! Fun topic.
Here’s highlights of the conversation:
How do you know you’re ready for press?
LibbyDowd: When you have a story to chat about, dig into the background of your pitch, find the interesting piece of news and expand it.
NewspaperGrl: When you have something to say besides ‘buy from me.’ You have an interesting angle or story.
prtini: If you have an interesting story to tell that will help your start-up achieve goals, be proactive in telling it.
startupprincess: Businesses are ready for press when branding, website, services/product is done, they have compelling story to tell. STORY is key! being polished is essential.
What are the benefits/dangers of do it yourself PR?
NewspaperGrl: Benefit of DIY PR: You know your brand best & are its most passionate spokesperson. Danger of DIY PR: You blow opportunities or look bad because you’re not prepared.
prtini: DIY PR pros: Can save $$; you know the product/service better than anyone else; build relationships w reporter w/o middle man.
startupprincess: Benefits: low cost/risk Dangers: looks small, might not come off polished, etc.
LibbyDowd: The relationship building is most important in PR. know ur media and their audience first.
What types of press do you recommend a small biz should go after by themselves if they lack budget to hire someone?
NewspaperGrl: Start local – local bloggers, reporters, news stations, magazines, etc. Local stories can turn into national stories. Position yourself as a local expert. Tips on how here –> http://t.co/A2lLWQp
prtini: Identify your target audience. What media outlets (online & offline) are they reading/watching? Start there.
startupprincess: I highly recommend a blog for every business owner if they can keep it updated weekly- a free form of PR!
What types of news is press release worthy?
startupprincess: Launch of a new product/service, new executive, new partnership, charity support, events.
NewspaperGrl: I use press releases both for media & online exposure. Send a press release to share tips, events, milestones, trends, etc.
prtini: If you’re pitching a trend story, send a short pitch, not a release. Bullet key facts.
LibbyDowd: Press worthy release is new, different, timely, any and all of the above.
What press release distribution sites do you recommend?
NewspaperGrl: Free sites: have had good success with @Smallbiztrends press release service for SEO. We have a list of over 140 sites with notes about links/features/cost breakdown at www.PublicitySpark.com
startupprincess: I always at least hire someone to distribute our press releases because distribution lists are KEY
prtini: @Pitchengine is helpful for creating a social media release, but it’s not a distribution channel. Helpful tool, though.
Advice on working with local news? local TV?
prtini: Local media needs a local hook. Who can you offer as an interview that gives story local connection?
startupprincess: Ask for editorial calendars and then customize your pitches for TV/print.
NewspaperGrl: Offering insight into trends that are big or how you were affected by larger news story can be very effective.
startupprincess: When you’re asked to be on a TV show be SURE to practice speaking in sound bites.
How can video be a form of PR when done well?
prtini: Video is powerful. Wear your journalist hat & think about how to convey emotion & tell a story.
NewspaperGrl: Ex of using video: I filmed a local bank closing. Posted it on YouTube, CNN’s ireport & tweeted, etc. Got a call back.
startupprincess: Video builds trust when done well and you an demo your product/service beautifully.
IAmAmeerah: Since YouTube is the #2 search engine behind Google, video is great for SEO.
How do you get national media to look at a story?
prtini: For nat’l media coverage, position your biz as part of a larger trend, instead of pitching a company-focused story.
NewspaperGrl: If the reporter has a blog read it, comment. If they are on Twitter, follow them. Get to know what they cover.
KaraKennedy: Relate it to current hot topics….that are happening in the media at the national level.
What do you recommend doing before press hits/airs?
startupprincess: Before PR hits, be SURE you have CALL TO ACTION, easy to navigate website, email capture, all products IN HOUSE
michelledoodads: Make sure your infrastructure is in place, website, phone calls, etc. How will you handle further questions and inquiries.
entbootcamp: Be prepared for customer questions after news hits the media. Planning after getting leads is worst thing
What do you recommend doing after Press hits?
startupprincess: Be sure to create a Press page on your website, link all interviews there, great for credibility & to get MORE.
entbootcamp: Use a lead management software to better follow ups. After all this handwork is to get good quality leads.
Thanks for the wonderful tips and insight into Do-It-Yourself PR!
For FREE PR, create a video to enter our Video Marketing Competition for Touchpoint! Create a compelling marketing video for a competition AND use that video to promote your business online!
Highlights of #StartupChat “Fall Fashion Trends”
August 19, 2011
One of our latest #startupchats (every Wed 2pm EST on Twitter) was about Fall fashion trends for women in business featuring stylists and designers! Guests included: @lsquaredstyle @polishedimage @MarisaSwystun1 and sponsored by TJMaxx and Marshalls @hdueitt tweeted in behalf of TJMAXX and Marshalls. We also included some of our participants tweets here who added great value. Thanks everyone! Fun topic.
Here’s highlights of the conversation:
Share with us your definition of style
What makes a woman look ‘put together’?
TJMaxx: A woman looks ‘put together’ when she walks with self-respect and confidence. Accessories help a woman look “put together”, and a smile is the best accessory! 
BeChicMag: when she walks with self-respect and confidence
MarisaSwystun1: A woman should bravely wear her heart on her sleeve. If she does it well, she will always look put together.
polished image: I tell all moms that they need to fight for their right to be stylish and functional. As a mom of 3 I understand.
How does looking polished/fashion forward build trust in life/business?
What’s the difference in your wardrobe if you’re working at home or going to an office?
How do dress standards range between industries?
What colors should we look for in fall fashion?
Meet Cherie Burton, Purpose and Presentation Coach
August 19, 2011
Cherie Burton is a Mom and Purpose & Presentation Coach who has a passion for empowering women to step forward and do what they were born to do. She holds a degree in Psychology and has held group therapist positions at a psychiatric hospital, a residential treatment facility for teen boys, a birth mother support group, and an addiction recovery center. She was crowned Mrs. Utah 2004 and is the author of, Where Depression Ends and You Begin and the upcoming book, She Was Made Whole: 7 Steps of Restoring Order to a Woman’s Soul. As an Essential Oils and Wellness Educator, Cherie is on a worldwide mission to educate other mothers to self-nurture and become healers in their own homes.
Name: Cherie Burton
Location: Alpine, Utah
Education: Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Minor Degree, Sociology
Professional Background: Purpose & Presentation Coach, Mrs. Utah 2004, group therapist at a psychiatric hospital, a residential treatment facility for teen boys, a birth mother support group, and an addiction recovery center; Author of, Where Depression Ends and You Begin, and the upcoming book, She Was Made Whole: 7 Steps of Restoring Order to a Woman’s Soul; Essential Oils and Wellness Educator
What you wanted to be when you grew up: An author and a teacher
What you are: An author and a teacher! Only not in the public school system
Brief Summary of your Start Up: Coaching programs: “Present Yourself with Power” (6 week group training in confidence, beauty, public speaking), “Find Your Life Mission in a Month” (guided course in defining your purpose) and “Breakthrough: Peace with Food, Peace with Your Body” (12 week weight loss e-Course), Image & Speaking Private Mentorships
Where you are located? I run my business out of my home.
Company Website: www.CherieBurton.com
What inspired you: Beautiful and elegant women I’ve associated with in the pageant industry, who’ve “classed” it up with their integrity and eloquence
How long have you been in business? 6 years
How did you fund it? Self
Do you have a Fairy Godmother or Mentor? Yes, I have several! My latest is my business coach, Kim Flynn.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Just starting to get into Biz Divas, the HUB and others.
Current Business Challenge: Locating clients who could benefit from my programs.
What are you doing about it: I’m looking into doing an affiliate launch and I’m getting a marketing funnel together that will provide lots of value –free- to those who frequent my site.
Favorite motivational quote: “You have never met a mere mortal…every interaction is sacred.” C.S. Lewis
Family: My primary role/responsibility is that of being a mom and I take it “mother bear” seriously. I have 3 children, who, as of Summer ’11, are ages 10, 12 and 14.
How do you balance family and business? I try to listen to my heart in my moments. The answers are always there and motherhood and your business/life mission are a beautiful dance. It takes a lot of courage and surrender to stop what you’re doing and give a child your full attention.
Favorite book? Fiction: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Non-fiction: Light in the Wilderness by M. Catherine Thomas
What do you do to relax? Read, go on movie dates with hubby.
What do you want to change most about your world? To master being a source of love and acceptance for others.
What are you most proud of? My two sons and daughter and the close bond we have.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Keep your life in Divine Order (1.God, 2 Self, 3.Family, 4.Humanity, 5.Earth)… Your business is 4th on the happiness index
Favorite Magic Wand? Sacred Routine I do every day (study of Truth, connection to the Divine, meditation, soul stillness)
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Rubies – biblical reference to a virtuous woman
Thanks, Cherie! Meet Cherie in real life at Touchpoint – our 5th Annual Conference for
Women Entrepeneurs. Register today!
