HELP! How to use assistants so you can make money!
December 29, 2011
Kelly and I were having a conversation on facebook last week about how to use assistants so that they are actually HELPING you to grow your bottom line.
I decided to turn it into a post. I learned a key principle when I was in college (over a decade ago) when I was assigned to read the book One Minute Manager Meets The Monkey. One of the key takeaways is that EVERY task in your company should be done at the lowest possible level. If you are the visionary, the creator, the seller, or something higher, then you NEED to have someone else doing the admin tasks that are sucking your time away. Your time should be spent on creating products and content, and tasks that make you money. If you are a company of one, you’re probably thinking that you should do everything. WRONG. Even if you don’t have enough money to hire an assistant full-time or even part-time, bring in key players on a project-by-project basis to help you. For me, I hire college students and even teenagers in my neighborhood to do things like mail catalogs, put stickers on my catalogs, send mailings, and anything else that THEY can handle for their knowledge level. I use other, more experienced people for more advanced tasks like distributing press releases, finding key contacts in organizations, updating StartupPrincess.com or my blog, etc.
BEFORE YOU HIRE SOMEONE:
1. Write a detailed job description. This is for you, just as much as it is for the post on Craig’s List or even on facebook. What will you have this person do on a regular basis? On a project basis? How many hours a week or month will these things take? How much are you willing to pay to get this done? (If you don’t even know where to begin with this, keep a journal of all the things you do for a week. At the end of that week, go through and mark a “K” on all the things you need to keep for yourself and write a “D” next to all the things you could have someone else do.)
2. Figure out what you’re going to do with your time once all of those tasks are being handled by someone else. This is for YOU. Always be driven by what that new time will do for you, so that you can stay motivated in keeping that assistant on task. Write this down. What will you do with that hour every Monday, if your assistant is now updating your blog, for example?
3. Interview and hire. This part is very personal to you. You have to hire the person that is the right fit and only you can decide that. My only advice here is that drive and willingness is worth a whole lot!
WHEN YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT PERSON:
Whether you are using a neighbor kid or a virtual assistant here are some tips for a win-win relationship:
1. Set a regular schedule, even if they can do things away from your home (aka office). Then you know that they’ve set aside time to work on things and you know when you can call and talk to them about tasks and projects.
2. If they’re local have them come to your house at least once a week or month and work on your computer (if they are doing office jobs) so that you can see how they work and so that you can set an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions. It’s also good for you to see how long things take so you can budget accordingly on what tasks to delegate or keep for yourself. This is also good for projects that should be collaborated on together. If you set the standard for them to be away all the time, if you ever need them to come in it might not go over very well.
3. Google is a gem. Keep a “To Do List” on Google docs where you can see it and they can see it. Don’t have them delete items, just post “Done” or “Completed” in the designated column. Good online “To Do Lists” will have a task column, a due date column, a completed column and a notes or questions problem. This will give them clear direction, and you a place to write down all the things you want them to do. If you have recurring tasks, include that in this list. I have a section at the top that is “recurring items” and in the due date column I put “Every Wednesday” or “First Friday of Every Month”. If I use email as to do lists, things get forgotten or dropped through the cracks.
4. “Delegate, don’t dump and drive.” I heard my Biz Diva friend Angela Johnson share this valuable tip that certainly applies here. Putting it on the “to do” list is not enough for bigger projects. Take time to tell them what the beginning is and what the end result will be so that they can fill in the gaps and get the project done well.
5. Give them the big picture, not just the details. Help them to know what their tasks enable your company to do and to become. Help them feel like a contributor to something awesome and they will feel awesome working for you.
6. Figure out what their currency is, and pay them with that, in addition to what the hourly rate is. Some love praise, some love gift cards, some love treats. Reward for things that are done above average or early (and well done). It’s amazing what I have been able to get people to do for food gift cards, massages and ski lift passes.
7. Set up a regular evaluation schedule. At the beginning, tell them that it’s a 30 day trial. That helps you and them know that if this isn’t working out, we’ll go our separate ways without hard feelings. After the 30 days, set up appointments to meet every 90 days. Do this in person. Tell them all the things they are doing well, and tell them the things you liked them to work on for the next eval.
Finally, remember you have to do the things that work the best for you. There is no real manual for hiring assistants and employees. Like a marriage, if you go into it expecting it to be a certain way, you could be horribly disappointed. However, if you go into it knowing that you can create an environment that works for you, you’ll find great success.
Share with us! What has worked for you when it comes to hiring out important tasks?
Michelle McCullough is the Managing Director for Startup Princess. Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess in 2008. She is responsible for event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 3 years she has coached women entrepreneurs and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses. Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success expert and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products when she was 19. And has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads as a successful side business. In 2008 when Michelle quit her full-time job to be home more with her newborn son, she moved Doodads to the front burner and doubled the income in 2008 and doubled it again in 2009. Today it continues to thrive. This year Michelle launched a coaching program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives. She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools to achieve personal and professional success. You can learn more about Michelle at SpeakMichelle.com Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.IT TAKES COURAGE TO TELL STORIES Excerpt from Your Big Beautiful Book Plan
December 23, 2011
Excerpt Taken from Chapter 3: CREATIVITY – The Book Becoming Beautiful of Your Big Beautiful Book Plan
by Danielle La Porte and Linda Sivertsen
Every movement has a story.
Every nation has a story.
Every community has a story.
Every person has a story.
You were born to tell yours.
Surprisingly, one’s degree of talent or life experience seems to have little bearing on the fear of writing. At one point in your writing career, whether you’re a seasoned author or a creative writing newbie, you will look a blank screen and… freeze.
There are two types of strength you’ll need to put your words onto the page and out into the world. One is the leather-hide, toughened-ego strength. Writing publicly is not for the faint of character. You may get criticized. You may be judged. (You may be adored, can you handle that?) Let it roll off of you. Take what you need from criticism and leave the rest. Keep going. And as Winston Churchill put it: Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Now that’s tough.
The other kind of strength is that of openness and vulnerability. Sharing what you see and feel will make you more compassionate for yourself and other people, because you’ll feel more connected to those around you. There will be a reciprocity of love when people respond to what you put out there. It can be incredibly encouraging, and it will evoke your tenderness. And that’s one of the greatest forms of strength—and creativity—that there is.
If you’re nervous about telling your story–anywhere on the spectrum from belly butterflies to full-tilt terror, know this:
Your stories will change. Like feelings, stories rise and settle from your depths to your surface. Most writers have completed manuscripts in a drawer or closet somewhere they will never shop. It felt right to write, but it doesn’t need to live in the world. There’s no such thing as wasted time when you’re working on your craft. Get the stories out of your inner world, give them time to breathe, and then see what’s true for you in the present time. If telling the story is between you and your God or only for your family, be proud you did it. You gave it voice. Then let it go. Something else will whisper in your ear, asking to be written.
It’s good to lighten up. Even the painful stories can make people laugh.
Trust that you will know which stories to put out there. Each story is it’s own creature. You will know when it’s time to let it fly.
There’s always more where that came from. When you let your ideas go, you become stronger. When you guard them, your expression muscle atrophies. Creativity needs to be freed, not calcu- lated—this is the heart of innovation. Just get the ideas out, now, and more will follow. Always.
“One of my many college majors was literature, and for several years I doubt- ed I could write a novel because I’d never be Tolstoy. It finally dawned on me that the world already had a Tolstoy, and it didn’t need another one. Which is when I decided to tell my stories my way.”
—JoAnne Ross, bestselling author of No Safe Place
I write about self-realization and livelihood, and love, at WhiteHotTruth.com, which seems to be working because it’s been called “the best place on-line for kick-ass spirituality” and over a million visitors have clicked on my sermons on riding your own creative edge. I’m an inspirational speaker, former Washington D.C. think tank exec, and the creator of The Spark Kit: A Digital Experience for Entrepreneurs. My new book, The Fire Starter Sessions (Random House/Crown Archetype) will be emblazing a bookshelf near you, in April 2012. Go get hot.
I’m a book proposal doctor, author whisperer, agent connector, idea-fairy, and huge-hearted cheerleader of creativity for writers of all genres — and every gold-plated publishing dream. In addition to authoring & co-authoring eight books — including Closer Than You Think (April 2012, Conari Press), Generation Green (Simon & Schuster), Lives Charmed (HCI), and the NY Times bestseller Harmonic Wealth (Hyperion) — I help aspiring authors land 6- and 7-figure book deals at my writing retreats in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Find me at Bookmama.com
ANNOUNCING: Startup Princess Teleseminar with Danielle La Porte & Linda Sivertsen
December 23, 2011
The Heavy Heart
December 23, 2011
Tiffany Walke Peterson shared the following article in an email and I asked if we could post it here. She graciously accepted.
Perhaps right now, your heart is aching. You may be facing great uncertainty in your life, your finances, your marriage, health, or career. Your circumstances may find you currently out of work or behind on your bills. You may be feeling lonely and unloved. Or you feel overwhelmed and frazzled and Christmas has become one more source of stress versus joy.
If I may, I’d like to speak directly to the heavy hearted this Christmas season. Last night as I was going to bed, I had the clear impression and inspiration to write this email. I thought it interesting considering it wasn’t planned nor the traditional holiday wishes. Yet, it was clear and inspired so here it is.
I too know what it’s like to have a Christmas where your heart is breaking. Where you feel so alone, scared, unsure, or simply without the joy of Christmas in your heart. Years ago at Christmas, I found my marriage in shambles and my heart broken. As one who typically loves the holidays with great passion, that year I couldn’t wait for December 26th to get here. I was sad, scared, and really unsure of where my life was going. Yet in the midst of that darkness, there were many glimmers of hope and light from God, angels, and dear family and friends – if I chose to see them. It was a time of great seeking and searching to know what to do, where to turn, and what choices to make. And in that searching, I did experience many choice spiritual experiences that touched my heart in a profound way.
Although I may not know the details of what you’re going through, I do know the following truths apply to you, your life and potential, and what is available to you.
- You are never alone. Ever. No matter what it “feels” like, you are not alone. You have a Maker who knows you and your needs and who loves and cares for you. You are always surrounded by LOVE and you are being watched over.
- God/Universe/Angels wait to assist you to guide your path and your decisions. They can never force anything so it is up to us to ask for their divine help and direction. They are always available, no matter where you’re at or the struggles you’re facing.
- From our greatest struggles can come our greatest strengths. There are lessons within your challenges. Go to meditation, prayer, or reflection and ask yourself, “What is this here to teach me? What is the gift of this?” As Napoleon Hill once taught, “With every adversity is the seed of greater opportunity.” There are gems for you where you are right now, even if you can’t see them just yet.
- Focus on what you are grateful for right now, no matter how small it may seem. Gratitude changes our heart and our mindset. It helps us to see the bright, glimmers of hope and goodness and in doing so, it can help your heavy heart feel lighter.
- “The best way to heal a broken heart is to serve others.” I heard this advice in the thick of my heavy hearted season. It was simple, true, and profound for me. It’s been said that when we lift others, we lift ourselves. I find this to be true. Reach out to someone else – offer a compliment, offer to help, buy their coffee in line, or some other gesture that serves someone else. When we focus on helping others, we do help ourselves.
- Finally, increase your self care. Watch your favorite movie or cuddle up with a good book. Take a hot bath or make your favorite treat. Increase doing kind things for yourself that bring you joy or happiness. When our hearts our heavy, it’s important to be kind and loving towards ourselves.
The true spirit of Christmas or the spirit of the Season as you may say, is about a special feeling, about love, about a certain attitude more than it is about anything external. If you look for it, through the darkness and sadness you may be feeling right now, there are embers of hope, love, and peace within.
I promise you that LIFE has great things in store for you. I promise you that you will not always feel so heavy hearted. I promise you that your Maker is with you, even now, to comfort you and guide your steps. There will be seasons of joy for you.
If this speaks to you, if this was written for you, I send a prayer for you with this email that you may feel hope and love within these words and within your heart this day.
Bless you, sweet warrior. You have what it takes to prevail and you will get through whatever you’re facing.
With great love for you,
Tiffany
Tiffany Walke Peterson is on of Startup Princess’ Fairy Godmothers. Before founding her own company, Tiffany worked with and for many popular authors and groups, both selling and teaching the content for Franklin Covey, Jack Canfield, and Robert Kiyosaki, of the world famous Rich Dad, Poor Dad series. Tiffany received many promotions in her corporate life experience, managing multiple sales teams and projects, with a responsibility for sales budgets that ranged from $7.5 million to $40 million in annual sales revenue. Due to her record breaking sales achievements, she was sought after to train and mentor her proven sales style, process, and techniques to other sales associates, of which ultimately led her career and her passion for training, speaking, and coaching to evolve into what is now her own business. Tiffany has successfully trained and coached hundreds of sales people, with an average of 30% increase in sales revenue due to her proven methods. Tiffany is the Founder and President of The Lighthouse Principles, Inc, a training and development firm offering proven methods and strategies to align individuals and organizations in creating success with their own goals, results, and purpose.
SBA Loans: What They Are and How to Qualify
December 20, 2011
The following post is by guest blogger Emily Haleck, from Bank of American Fork
There comes a time in most small business owners’ lives when they need to borrow money to grow the business. At these times, one option that should be considered is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. Here’s what small business owners need to know about SBA loans to determine if they are the right fit.
What is an SBA loan?
An SBA loan is a loan specially geared towards small business owners who may not qualify for a traditional commercial loan. SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which partners with banks across the country to provide these types of loans that help Americans start, build and grow businesses.
What are the types of SBA loans?
There are two main types of SBA loans:
- 7(a) Term Loan: This is a bank or credit union loan that is partially guaranteed by the SBA. It can provide up to $5 million to fund equipment, real estate, inventory and working capital, and up to $350,000 in revolving lines of credit to fund ongoing operations.
- 504 Loan: This is a participation loan with a bank or credit union and the SBA that is used to fund fixed assets, including large equipment and new facilities, with a cost of up to $12.5 million. Down payments range from 10 percent to 20 percent. Terms extend 20 years and interest rates are typically below market rates.
What are the benefits of an SBA loan?
- Less upfront cash – SBA loans require 10-20 percent down versus 25-35 percent for traditional loans.
- Competitive interest rates that are comparable to or lower than conventional commercial loans.
- Flexible repayment terms customized to your needs.
- Borrowers can sometimes avoid balloon payments that conventional loans may require.
- Higher-risk borrowers may be able to obtain financing.
Do I qualify for an SBA loan?
Businesses may qualify for SBA loans by meeting at least one of the four criteria: size, revenue, net worth or net income. Size and revenue guidelines vary based on industry type, as determined by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. If a company does not qualify under NAICS size and revenue guidelines, it may qualify with a net worth less than $15 million or a 3-year average net income of $5 million or less.
While many banks are willing to take a little extra risk on government-backed SBA loans, borrowers must still meet the following qualifications, known as the 4 C’s of lending:
Cash flow
The debt coverage ratio (DCR) is used to measure cash flow and evaluate whether a business can afford its debt payments. DCR is determined by dividing net cash flow from operating income by debt. Typically, lenders require a DCR of 1.25 or higher.
Other ways lenders evaluate cash flow is by examining your company’s profit and loss statement or its statement of cash flows. In the P&L, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) is the key figure. In the statement of cash flows, the key figure is cash flow from operating activities. These evaluations consider all of your debt obligations and help a lender determine your ability to repay the debt.
Credit
As a small business owner, you are the business, so both your business and personal credit reports will be used to determine your ability to fulfill financial obligations. While SBA loans can overcome certain shortfalls in loan credit applications, good personal and business credit is a necessity. On your business credit report, lenders will look at information regarding classification (based on size and creditor payment history), outstanding liens and pending lawsuits.
In addition to checking your credit history, lenders will review your company’s financial statements for the past few years and compare your company’s various financial ratios with industry averages.
Collateral
Cash or other tangible assets, such as property, inventory or equipment, will be used as collateral for your SBA loan. An SBA loan can be as high as 90 percent of the collateral value.
Character
The first three C’s revolve around hard-and-fast numbers, but lenders also consider a non-financial factor when qualifying potential borrowers: character. This includes your business philosophy, past experience, business savvy, education and work ethic. If you are lacking in the other C’s, this is your opportunity to shine.
How do I apply for an SBA loan?
Look for a bank that is an SBA Preferred Lender, which may be able to approve your loan faster than non-preferred lenders (days versus weeks). Request an SBA loan application, which includes sections for the company’s present and historical financial info, details on the business model, background on principals, IRS request for tax transcripts and a personal history form to verify legal residence and check for criminal background.
Emily Haleck is the public relations manager for Bank of American Fork, Utah’s largest community bank, where she is responsible for media relations, employee communications, copywriting and campaign measurement. Haleck received a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Brigham Young University and a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Utah. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.
Creating Profitable Customer Loyalty Plans
December 13, 2011
One of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs make in their marketing plan, is failing to include a plan that generates repeat business from their customers. When we think in terms of new customers, our plans include advertising, social media, email, etc. But do you have a plan in place that will help your current customers order from you again? Better yet, do you have a plan in place for those customers to refer new business to you? That should all be part of your “Customer Loyalty Marketing Plan”.
It cost 5 to 8 times more to get a new client than it is to get a current client to purchase from you again. So customer loyalty should be top priority on your list.
When I started Doodads Promotional Products back in 1999, I tried everything under the sun. Newspaper, radio, phone books (I know, ancient, right?). After a few years of trying different tactics I looked back on my previous years and noticed that more than half of my business each year came from repeat customers. That was a staggering amount and once I learned that, I learned that I needed to get good at keeping my current customers happy, but how? Now, 12 years later I have a detailed plan for repeat business, and repeat business accounts for more than 65% of my business each year (even when my goal is to double my customer base, I still get MORE business from repeat clients) and I’m going to share it with you.
Here are 5 things you must know or do to have customers keep coming back for more:
1. Make Customer Service Your #1 Priority - Very few things can make up for poor customer service. Even if you have a great product, if your customers are treated poorly they’ll find what they need elsewhere. Put together a customer service plan. Start by writing down all the points at which a customer interfaces with your business from the time they hit your website or store, to the actual purchase to what happens AFTER the purchase is made. How can you show your customers that they are gold? Make a plan for that and make sure it’s communicated well to all your employees. Help your employees know and understand your customer service plan.
2. Thank Customers for Their Business – At the very minimum at the time of the sale, they should be thanked. That happens verbally at a cash register or through a thank you email confirmation online. But don’t stop there. Send a note in the mail, reach out with a phone call, give them a promotional item or send an additional email thanking them for their business. The higher the dollar amount of your product, the better the thank you should be. Tell your customers through your actions that you know they have choices, and you are grateful they chose you.
3. Provide Customers A Reason to Buy From You Again Soon – Reward them for their business. Whether that is repeat customer promotions, frequent customer discount cards or bonuses, come up with something that makes your customers come back, and come back often.
4. Remember Them at Holidays & Birthdays - It’s that time of year when people send Holiday cards and gifts to thank people for their business for the year. Don’t let the season pass by without thanking your best customers for keeping you in business. Also, offer discounts on birthdays as another way to say, “We remember you!”
5. Relationships Matter - I learned long ago that people aren’t buying imprinted pens from me, they can do that anywhere. They are buying the experience they get from ME. Most of my clients have become dear friends, and that’s okay. Now, I’m not saying that every customer should be on your BFF list, but remember that people buy from people that they know, like and trust. If you run an online business or a store with huge traffic, you may not be able to remember everyones birthdays, but you can still be friendly in your interactions that say, “Your business matters to me.” Return phone calls and emails. Resolve issues quickly. Go above and beyond when you do something wrong, and apologize for it. Send emails that provide value and help them learn things.
Recently, I interacted with a company that really inspired this post. Sarah Jane Studios offers a line of adorable illustrations that you can get on everything from notecards to fabric. I’ve purchased Sarah Jane Studios products at local boutiques, and I know Sarah personally through Startup Princess (we even sat in traffic school together earlier this year 
. She did the illustrations for this adorable Christmas book I can’t wait to get my hands on. Anyway, I thought of her when I was looking for a gift for my mother, and started looking through her etsy shop. I made my selection and then waited for the package arrive.
I was more than impressed with my package. 1. My package arrived in a timely manner. 2. The product I purchased (The “Have Joy” notecards in the top left) came wrapped with an adorable twine that makes me feel like I don’t have to wrap it, and makes my purchase look cute and festive. 3. I didn’t get a personal call, but I got an adorable “Thank You” card that I can reuse and share with someone else if I want (She thanked me AND gave me a BONUS at the same time). 4. She gave me a business card with her information if I have questions or want to make an additional purchase. 5. She took the opportunity to sell me on another product of hers (her adorable Christmas book) without making it too salesy. And finally, 6. My receipt had a code for me to come back in January and make another purchase for a discount. BRILLIANT. In one package, for very little additional cost, she ensured that I was pleased with my purchase (which is HUGE, you don’t want customers to have buyers remorse) and she gave me reasons and opportunities to purchase from her, again. A marketing and customer loyalty A+.
As you look at your marketing plan for 2012, what will your customer loyalty program look like? How will you turn prospects into customers and customers into raving fans who buy from you over and over?
And now, the Startup Share: What kinds of things are YOU currently doing to generate repeat business? Share with us in a comment below and let’s help each other create loyal customers!
Michelle McCullough is the Managing Director for Startup Princess. Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess in 2008. She is responsible for event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 3 years she has coached women entrepreneurs and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses. Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success coach and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products when she was 19. And has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads as a successful side business. In 2008 when Michelle quit her full-time job to be home more with her newborn son, she moved Doodads to the front burner and doubled the income in 2008 and doubled it again in 2009. Today it continues to thrive. This year Michelle launched a coaching program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives. She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools to achieve personal and professional success. You can learn more about Michelle at SpeakMichelle.com Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.
Meet Dana Lardner of Words To Sweat By
December 12, 2011
Over the last 18 months, I’ve made some big changes in terms of exercise and health, and I’ve lost 40 lbs. I still don’t love exercise, so when I saw this fun line of exercise gear, I smiled. It’s totally me. I’m even buying a towel for myself to put in my own stocking. Enjoy! – Michelle
Name: Dana Lardner
From: California
Education: B.A. in Comparative Literature
Professional Background (brief, please): 12 years in technology and consulting in a variety of roles: object-oriented programmer, business analyst, technical writer, instructional designer, and web development project manager.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: Anything that took me on an adventure to foreign lands.
What you are: Designer and manufacturer of motivational fitness and health products.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: Words to Sweat by™ are functional fitness and health accessories with mantras that motivate you to reach your health and fitness goals. Why workout with a boring, white gym towel when you can use Words to Sweat by™?
Company Website?
Products: http://www.wordstosweatby.com
Business blog: http://www.whimsicalwalney.com
What inspired you? Staring at the countdown on the elliptical machine or the treadmill is something almost everyone avoids by throwing their towels over the display. It’s those last five minutes that get the best of us and that’s when we need motivation most so I thought, why not add a mantra to the towel so that someone could focus on that instead?
How long have you been in business? Whimsical Walney, Inc. was founded in 2004 and launched with a line of outdoor blankets, shirts, and additional whimsical items for children.
Due to the requirements and costs associated with the passing of the CPSIA, I made the difficult decision to stop manufacturing products for children in May 2009. At the time, it appeared I would have to close the company, but the need to continue creating something lighthearted and useful was too great so I changed my focus to motivational fitness and health products for adults.
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?
No, I currently do not have a mentor but there have been many people throughout my career whose lessons I still carry with me today.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I do not currently belong to any groups of this nature. Because mine is an online business, most of my networking is done online.
Current Business Challenge? It has been much more difficult than I thought it would be to find the quality of production resources that meets my needs.
What are you doing about it? I have been working with community organizations that can connect me with people who may not look for work in a conventional fashion (online, or want ads, etc.).
Favorite motivational quote: That one is tough because my business is comprised of motivational quotes! A friend recently reminded me of one she uses, “because I can,” and I have always liked that one. I think we should all remember to celebrate how capable we are of achieving our goals.
Favorite book? I enjoy reading too much to choose just one favorite, but The Count of Monte Cristo has always been at the top of the list.
What do you do to relax? Getting outside in almost any capacity helps me relax. One of my favorite things is playing outdoors among the redwoods; that always does the trick.
What do you want to change most about your world? I would like to feel more comfortable not being able to plan for certain aspects of owning a business. I accept a level of uncertainty, but with some things there’s just no telling what will happen no matter how much you try to plan and that always makes me nervous.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of taking the lemons that CPSIA gave me and making a whole new kind of lemonade. A large part of starting my own business was to have an outlet for both my business and creative sides. Instead of living in the frustration, I stepped onto the treadmill to clear my head and think of how to use the materials I had on-hand to create something new. While I may not have come up with an idea that will help me work through my fabric stash, I came up with a business that I can build and grow.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? There are many paths that can bring your business to the same place therefore don’t be too concerned if the one you thought was “the answer” isn’t the path you take.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The internet is a powerful tool. I use it for everything. I like the simplest of tools – taking a deep breath that fills the lungs.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Off the top of my head, my tiara wouldn’t use precious stones, but instead a mixture of tourmaline, smoky, and other quartz. I like the earthy nature it would create.
How to Rock Facebook
December 5, 2011
Since it’s launch from Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard dorm room in February 2004, Facebook has been growing at astronomical rates. As of July 2011, Facebook estimated it had 750 million active viewers – that’s approximately 1 in every 11 people in the world… the world! And with Americans spending more time on Facebook than any other site, its becoming increasingly critical for businesses to have their own Facebook pages to engage current and potential customers.
But how do you make your page stand out against all the others? That was the topic in November 30th’s #startupchat, How to Rock Facebook for Business, hosted by Kelly Anderson, founder of Startup Princess @startupprincess with panel Facebook experts @sethjenks @allmandy, @heyitsmegan and new Startup Princess, me - @KCbakes!
Q1: Should you have a Biz page & a personal page on Facebook?
@heyitsmegan yes but they have different purposes. Profile = person / Fan Page = biz or brand.
@BWOps Yes. Because you can’t Sell your personal page when you are acquired.
@ParijatDesh Agreed keep it separate. A personal page for your free time and a biz page to keep your business professional.
@KCbakes Yes! Absolutely two separate pages… keeps things professional and gives your audiences a clear vision of your business. Your business should also have a FAN page so people only have to “Like” you – not friend request you or ask approval to join. another benefit of having a FAN page is that FB has a great analytics tool, you can see demographics of fans & more.
Follow up questions from chatters regarding Q1:
Q1: @ShopInCedarHill should I put myself as administrator or use a different email altogether for fb page?
A1: @ParijatDesh I put myself as admin because it’s easy to log in and manage.
Q2: @fullcircle_sd what about sharing your biz page’s info on your personal page? I want to share, but not annoy
A2: @KCbakes If its tastefully done I think that its great to share your biz page w/ friends/fam so they can help support u. Vice versa, it also helps to share some personal info on ur biz page, helps your audience bond w/ u.
Q2: How often to post in personal pages vs. biz pages?
@speakmichelle Tiffany Peterson, @thehopegiver, says 80% should provide value, 10% personal, 10% sales or marketing based. I think it’s a good formula. Providing value is key. Updates, do videos, link to articles on your blog. Help people get to know your area of expertise.
@heyitsmegan biz pages should only post when they have info/resources – don’t post just to fill a quota!
@ParijatDesh With changes to FB we’ve found we have to post on biz pagemore often to stay relevant on feeds. At least 5-6 times a day.
Q3: What should you include on a fan page? (Design wise)
@heyitsmegan design-wise I always include a custom (long) profile photo, custom pages (<3 pagemodo), & other plugins. I also love FB apps like Wazala (ecommerce) and Constant Contact (email marketing) to tie everything together.
@KCbakes Be clear & concise… people use their Info tab for sales lingo & its tough to find contact & other needed info.
@kreyolicious Links to other social networks and a tab that will take users to an action page.
@fullcircle_sd I recently added a flash portfolio tab and a ‘info’ tab. Love them both! One w/wix.com & other w/ pagemodo.
@speakmichelle Photos. And put great information and links in your photo descriptions so that people know where to find more information. Take photos of your products, and put links on where to find more info or to buy it. Soft sales where ppl can visualize.
Q4: How do you build Facebook traffic/community?
@ParijatDesh We’ve asked friends & volunteers to comment and recommend the page. Word of mouth has been most helpful for us.
@speakmichelle Post things of value, and post things that encourage conversation. Try to create a community where people chat together. I’ve seen startups get good traction by involving their facebook community in decisions on final logos and taglines.
@KCbakes giveaways are GREAT for getting more “likes” – partner with a bigger player in your industry; make sure you follow Facebook guidelines regarding giveaways. Make sure the free product makes sense with your brand. Also, research your industry & participate in the “hot spots”. Then be active in that setting so ppl learn your name & associate u with the industry.
@heyitsmegan caution: too many giveaways, promos and one-off attempts to knock up your #s can really cheapen your brand.
@fullcircle_sd I post link to FB page in email sig, website, etc. Then post things of interest to art/photog community. i love collaborating! It’s a win-win and builds community.
Q5: Suggestions for videos & updates to go viral? Get more likes?
@allmandy Key is giving the audience what they are looking for, not what you want to give.
@heyitsmegan more importantly video needs to reach & impact your target audience – do this through great storytelling. My faves have mostly been @kickstarter vids; the clear format of ask, give, tell a story really works!
@allmandy Viral Videos- Title is key, make it interesting- what is the audience benefit for clicking on it. Images help- but do not post an image without adding text..what is your message? short text is still a way to grab attention.
Q6: How do you get more comments and people ‘talking’ about your biz page?
@KCbakes I hosted a Halloween cake pop contest and our “people talking about this” # was at its highest… received lots of FB shares/tags.
@allmandy Create conversation with other Biz Pages on FB, follow your insights and understand what your audience really wants. Put heart/personality behind the posts. share something that blows their mind.
@fullcircle_sd I found that tagging people gets them excited to share. If i do photos & can tag clients,it gets huge hits. It also helps to explore FB pages AS your biz. That way ur comments are made w/biz name.
@seventhandpeach It’s something that your readers will want to share with others So has to be relevant and shared with the right market.
@YvetteMJones Look at the kinds of posts you are willing to share and the posts that everyone has seen and are talking about.
Q7: How do you get updates to show in your newsfeed?
@speakmichelle Comments seem to help. Facebook seems to be noting the popularity of posts.
@KCbakes Make posts unique – FB has this new “grouping” feature where it clusters all ppl talking about same topic (ie Black Friday).
@BusinessPartnrs Consistent posting, interaction with users, and constant activity (contests, polls, etc)
Other Facebook Tips To Note:
@allmandy Always keep your personality and heart of your business behind your posts and information
@speakmichelle I tell some clients to give themselves time limits on Facebook. It can easily suck you into non revenue generating activities. Provide value. Give people tips and tricks. Answer FAQs as updates. Help them get to know you!
@KCbakes Take advantage of the vanity link! so your link reads www . facebook . com / yourbusinessname – long links are a turnoff, hard to remember and difficult to use in your advertising materials. You must have at least 25 “Likes” to create a vanity link. ALSO – don’t forget to check “Hidden Posts” – sometimes FB flags thing as spam that are really your customers asking something
@NexGenPR Take advantage of as many vanity links as you can. They call that online brand claim and it is awesome. Make sure to tie all of your print materials to FB — i.e. Find us on FB (insert your link).
@heyitsmegan Plugin overload is hot mess. I think the magic number is 3, dependent upon the needs of the brand.
Next #startupchat topic is Defining Your Sales Funnel – join us on Wednesday, December 7th, at 2pm EST, 12pm MNT!
Startup Princess guest blogger Kim Celano is the founder of KC Bakes, an online cake pop stand business. Dedicated to her social media outlets, she has transformed KC Bakes’ reach from a small group of local bakers into an international audience of cake pop makers, bakeries and recently supplied stands for a new restaurant in California. Kim is an avid baker and enjoys sharing her knowledge through tutorials on her blog, aptly named KC Bakes. She lives in Maple Shade, NJ with her husband.
Your Why
December 2, 2011
What are you passionate about? When you are talking with your family and friends, what lights up your eyes, puts a smile on your face and gets you excited to just thinking about it? Is it love? Money? Politics? Success? Health? Happiness? Business? The next question can be pretty telling. Do you get AS excited about your business as you do about the subject that makes you giddy to talk about? I hope so. If the answer is no, I want you to look critically about the thing that you do with your time that doesn’t absolutely light up your life. If the answer is yes, you are probably pretty motivated by “your why”. What I love about working with women entrepreneurs is that most are driven by one of two things (hopefully both!). They are either SUPER passionate about what they do in their business, or they are super passionate about WHAT their business provides for them (lifestyle, food on the table, roof over their heads, etc.). This passion is critical to your every day happiness and success and sometimes even if your passionate about what it’s providing for you, it can still be tiring and hard sometimes.
I just finished reading the New York Times Bestselling book “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy, publisher of Success Magazine. It was a great book about success. It was a quick read and the concepts were fantastic. One of the things that I like about Darren Hardy is his campaign to free homes of television. Though I’m not THAT extreme in my own home, this book 
reminded me to be REALLY careful about what I put in my brain. “Garbage in, garbage out,” says Hardy. We fill our minds with all kinds of depression and destruction and then expect to have our minds fueled with success and joy. He doesn’t watch one bit of news media. But, like me, he’s turned his car into a rolling university where he listens to good books while he’s commuting or traveling. He’s filling his mind with good stuff. Since September, I’ve finished 9 books on the subjects of business, success, and work/life priority. I read some, and I listen to some in the car. I highly recommend this success principle of filling your mind with good non-fiction that keeps you motivated but ALSO keeps you at the top of your industry. Some of the concepts in his book I’ve read in other places. That never gets me frustrated, it just reminds me that success really is about universal truths, we just get to pick if we’re going to act on the wisdom of the greats.
I digress. I intended to write a full review on the book, but my heart wants to take me elsewhere. Hardy talks in his book about “Your Why” and I reflected on this A LOT this year.
When I hired my first success coach this summer to really launch my speaking career, one of the most powerful exercises she took me through was, “Your Why”. I was trying to fine tune my topic and area of expertise and she asked me a series of questions that were easy for me to answer. I truly wish the entire world was happier. I truly wish that everyone realized that with some simple choices, they could choose to be happier. I love helping women entrepreneurs find joy in business without sacrificing their personal lives. While we were talking I was so full of passion that I was doing laps around my dining room table. These weren’t new realizations to me, and they were easy to talk about, but then she had me write it down. I was amazed at how easy it was for me to write down a page of things that were really motivating me to share my message with the world.
So my question for you, again, is this? What makes you giddy? What makes you SO excited that you have a hard time sleeping at night because you WANT to work? I want to invite you to create your “My Why” paper. Why do you do what you do every day? What do you want change about your world? Who do you want to influence and how? Then, I want you to summarize that why and put it on a 3 x 5 card, just as my coach told me to do. Put it somewhere you can see it every day. This card is taped to my bathroom mirror. I see it 5 or more times a day. It keeps me constantly grounded in my “movement” and drives my days with passion.
Your why is one piece of your success puzzle and staying grounded in your passion can help you get through the dips that you encounter on this path of entrepreneurship.
Let’s talk more…What is your why? What motivates you to do what you do? Share with us in the comments below!
Michelle McCullough is the Managing Director for Startup Princess. Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess in 2008. She is responsible for event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 3 years she has coached women entrepreneurs and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses. Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success coach and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products when she was 19. And has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads as a successful side business. In 2008 when Michelle quit her full-time job to be home more with her newborn son, she moved Doodads to the front burner and doubled the income in 2008 and doubled it again in 2009. Today it continues to thrive. This year Michelle launched a coaching program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives. She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools to achieve personal and professional success. You can learn more about Michelle at SpeakMichelle.com Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.
Announcing the 2012 Startup Princess Fairy Godmothers
December 1, 2011
This was a really tough decision to make. There are some super impressive women entrepreneurs out there! Thank you to all who applied.
Our Fairy Godmothers will serve as our experts for the year. They will share their knowledge and expertise through online posts, teleconferences and will speak at our live events. We look forward to working with them in 2012 and we look forward to providing you with the resources you need to have a fantastic year personally and professionally!
Here is our list of 2012 Fairy Godmothers!
Kelly King Anderson, Founder of Startup Princess
Kelly King Anderson
Kelly King Anderson, the Founder of Startup Princess has always been passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Previous to Startup Princess Kelly worked as an Assistant Producer for a Radio Station, Account Executive for a Marketing Firm, and as a Freelance Publicist for an International Tae Kwon Do Champion, helping her client to receive national media attention on Today’s Show, CNN, and more. Kelly has been featured on the covers of Wasatch Woman and Utah Business magazines, Named one of the Top 30 Women to Watch in Utah Business and has published multiple business articles online and in print. Her specialties are in marketing strategy, PR, branding, life and business planning, and social media. The Startup Princess Twitter account updated by Kelly is considered an Elite account – ranked in the Top 25 of Most Powerful Women on Twitter by Twittergrader with over 130,000 followers.
Work/Life Balance Expert & Marketing Expert Michelle McCullough – Managing Director for Startup Princess
Michelle is the Managing Director for Startup Princess. Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess (http://www.startupprincess.com/) in 2008. Michelle has been focusing on event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 3 years she has coached women entrepreneurs and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses. Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success coach and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products (http://www.doodadspromotional.com/) when she was 19. And has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads Promotional Products as a successful side business. In 2008 when Michelle quit her full-time job to be home more with her newborn son, she moved Doodads to the front burner and doubled the income in 2008 and doubled it again in 2009. Today it continues to thrive. This year Michelle launched a program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives. She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools for personal and professional success.
Strategic Entrepreneurship Expert – Adelaide Lancaster of In Good Company from Philadelphia, PA
Adelaide Lancaster, co-founder, is a successful entrepreneur who excels at making business ideas a reality and helping businesses grow to their potential. Adelaide is both a strategic thinker and a master implementer. She has spent her professional career dedicated to helping women find work that is meaningful and rewarding. Adelaide was recently featured in the book Upstarts!, as one of 60 Gen-Y entrepreneurs who are rocking the world of business. Adelaide was co-founder and Principal Partner of Berkman Fives a consulting firm that helped women professionals with career development and advancement and women entrepreneurs with business growth and efficiency. Adelaide also is a contributor to The Huffington Post and Daily Muse.
Adelaide also co-authored the book “The Big Enough Company”.
Sales Expert - Tiffany Walke Peterson of The Lighthouse Principles from Salt Lake City, UT
Before founding her own company, Tiffany worked with and for many popular authors and groups, both selling and teaching the content for Franklin Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Jack Canfield, The Success Principles, and The Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and Robert Kiyosaki, of the world famous Rich Dad, Poor Dad series. The opportunity to be mentored and trained by some of the world’s best authors, teachers, and content has significantly influenced her own successful results and the results she helps others to achieve today. Tiffany received many promotions in her corporate life experience, managing multiple sales teams and projects, with a responsibility for sales budgets that ranged from $7.5 million to $40 million in annual sales revenue. Due to her record breaking sales achievements, she was sought after to train and mentor her proven sales style, process, and techniques to other sales associates, of which ultimately led her career and her passion for training, speaking, and coaching to evolve into what is now her own business. Tiffany has successfully trained and coached hundreds of sales people, with an average of 30% increase in sales revenue due to her proven methods. Tiffany is the Founder and President of The Lighthouse Principles, Inc, a training and development firm offering proven methods and strategies to align individuals and organizations in creating success with their own goals, results, and purpose.
Traditional and Digital Publishing Expert - Ishita Gupta of Fear.less Magazine from New York City, NY
She understands the blogosphere, how to build a tribe of supporters, and how to use the power of the Internet to market ideas. She helps both first-time and veteran authors do just that. As Head of Hoopla and Media at The Domino Project, a new publishing house powered by Amazon, she launched 6 bestselling books, and helped market 100,000 copies of the most recent book, Read This Before Our Next Meeting, in the first month. She also launchedLinchpin: Are You Indispensable, one of the bestselling business books in 2010 (and had a page in the book.) She founded and runs Fear.less magazine, a popular digital magazine that profiles hundreds of bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, artists, thought leaders, and many others on how they’ve overcome fear; The magazine has been called “Fast Company meets Oprah” by its 10,000+ readers.
Product Development Expert - Jude Anker of Anker Consulting from Park City, Utah
Jude holds that innovation simply isn’t as unpredictable as many people think—that intentional innovation in product development is a systematic process. So much so that she’s currently developing a playbook on how leaders and teams can best ideate, conceive, develop, test, roll out, and improve their new market offerings. With focused expertise in both sustainable design solutions and strategic business planning, Jude has guided both corporations and independent inventors, including Little Giant Ladder Company, Connor Sport Court, BullFrog Spas, and Soul Pole ski and trek poles. A true connector, Jude offers a network of potential resources and specialized talent via her relationships with proven vendors in the areas of product design and engineering, business banking, IP law, PR, marketing services, and website design and development.
Branding Expert - Rebecca Servoss of Persnickety Graphic Design of Salt Lake City, UT
Rebecca Servoss is an extremely talented Graphic Designer and Branding Expert. She also has a background in corporate branding and marketing strategies. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Marketing and Advertising. Since then she has served as graphic designer, brand manager and creative director at several large companies. After leaving “Corporate America” Rebecca opened the doors of her own successful graphic design and web agency. Her talents and abilities assist clients to not just have a pretty logo, but a powerful identity branding message. Not only does Rebecca have powerful business branding intuition and an impeccable eye for design, she also has a gift for guiding entrepreneurs to discover who they truly are so their essence and passion can be communicated properly in their identity branding.
Public Relations Expert – Cinnamon Bowser of Nail Taxi from Alexandria, VA
Prior to starting Nail Taxi, Cinnamon worked for 14 years in the public relations/communications arena. In the six years that Nail Taxi has been in business she has done all of their PR resulting in FAB coverage! Nail Taxi has received coverage in Family Circle, Entreprenuer, Fast Company, the Fine Living Network, Daily Candy (in multiple cities),The Knot network, Lucky, Allure, CNBC (Donny Deutsch), The Fine Living Network, Nails Magazine, NailPro, Washington Post, Washingtonian, Capital File, Chicago Sun and Tribune, local TV network affiliates, Small Business TV and dozens of web sites. Later this month we have a story coming out in Woman’s World and in the next few weeks Nail Taxi will be on Working Mother.com.
This incredible media coverage has allowed Nail Taxi to grow o cities across the United States and now the Bahamas! PR also increased my visibility and has helped me to win some prestigious awards including the 2008 Home-based business champion of the year for the U.S. Small Business Administration and a 2011 TOP 50 MOMPRENUER award from Babble.com.
Social Media Expert - Mandy Allfrey of The Buzz from Asheville, NC
Mandy is a digital marketing professional, speaker, and blogger, having over 12 years of marketing experience in multiple industries. The founder and CEO of Social Media Architecture Company, The Buzz, of Salt Lake City, UT. Clients located across the United States, Canada, & the Caribbean. Mandy engages with corporations, clients, and groups teaching the value of social media and best structuring the best strategies for your business. She is also the founder of Cafe Grace, a positive, uplifting environment on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cafegrace) that makes a positive impact and creates influence in the lives of others.
Online Marketing Expert – Desiree Scales from Bella Web Design from Atlanta, GA
Desiree Scales brings over 15 years of expertise in online marketing to customer projects at her award-winning company, Bella Web Design, Inc. With a background as a web designer for a major U.S. corporation, Delta Air Lines, Desiree delivers sound advice and outstanding solutions for her business customers. Her expertise and experience has evolved into a passion to educate people about online marketing and technologies that foster success. She has been a featured speaker at companies, conferences and seminars speaking on topics about web design, social media, online marketing and protecting teens on the Internet. Desiree also hosts The Bella Buzz, a weekly podcast dedicated to online marketing topics, tools and tips for business owners. Her podcast is popular among business owners around the world. Her company garnered a prestigious Webby Award Honor in 2011. Desiree has provided consulting for many companies including Microsoft, Delta Air Lines, Northside Radiology, Brand Mortgage and Marriott among others.
Revenue Expert – Monica Shaw from Revenue Breakthrough from New York City, NY
Monica Shaw, the business breakthrough specialist, Kellogg MBA grad, and business professor helps women business owners double their income within 12-18 months. Revenue Breakthrough is Monica’s 2nd six-figure company. Her corporate and teaching background allow Monica to show business owners how to step into their role as the CEO of their businesses. She shows them the HOW, every step of the process to grow their businesses to the next level, without going broke or crazy in the process. Monica is the author of: Creating Your Revenue Breakthrough – Five Steps to Doubling Your Income in the Next 60 Days, and the Money Magnet Kit. If you would like to monetize your marketing and increase your income be sure to check out her Money Magnet Kit. Get your copy at www.revenuebreakthrough.com/moneymagnet
