Growing Your Business Without Sacrificing Your Relationships

“Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.” – Jim Rohn

Every entrepreneur has various relationships in their life.  They could be a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, niece, cousin, girlfriend, wife, partner, neighbor or a friend.  So how do you manage all of those roles in addition to being a businesswoman?  That was the topic of January 25th’s #startupchat, Growing Your Business Without Sacrificing Your Relationships, hosted by @startupprincess‘ managing director, @speakmichelle and business/marriage expert panelists, @DinoandShannon.

Q1. What struggles do you have running a business and preserving your relationships?

@DinoandShannon I struggle sometimes with disconnecting with work at night so I can engage w/family. Constantly working on that. With my clients, and even in our own marriage it can be stressful to not have a “steady income” if both are entrepreneurs.

@speakmichelle I know that one struggle I have running a biz and keeping my marriage going is time. I feel pulled in 100 directions.

@JHNannies I have found a common daily theme is an expectancy to do more and have results daily

@MCGustafson It’s about putting tasks in compartments of time. Working by a weekly plan sheet keep it all organized. Then sharing with hubby so it makes us feel like a team managing “our” calendars not just mine.

@WhatDoWomenThi1 My husband is so loud on the phone when we both work from home, I write a note that says ‘shsssh’!

TIP: @MarriageCheckup Have you tried to share your calenders with your husband? I use Google calenders and it works great!

Q2: Is your spouse/loved ones supportive of your entrepreneurial ventures? How do they show it? 

@DinoandShannon Yes- until we started working together & it created some new struggles to work on. I love that we do personal development together and are teaching it to our kids. So different then how I grew up!

@CKPFineArt My husband is wonderfully supportive. He asks how things are going, and he recognizes that what I do is important to me. Re: housework, I’m lucky enough to be at home, but it’s still tough. I budget an hour a day for domestic tasks and catch-up.

@radiantcosmetic Our loved ones are super supportive. They show it by lending a hand at our events and in lots of areas.

@BenitaWizeHouse Yes, very supportive in pitching in w/ un-done household chores so that things are done as a team.

@JHNannies Something I’ve started doing with my significant other is using Do.com it’s a fantastic way to organize time.

Q3: What other things can WE do as entrepreneurs to make it easier for our spouses/loved ones to support us in business?

@DinoandShannon Share our bigger vision and WHY for what we are doing & enroll them. Plus, set rewards when meet goals. Balance out “partnership” with time to be just boyfriend/girlfriend. Keep the romance alive=key to making more $ in biz. Make requests of what you need. Don’t expect spouse mind reading or assume they know. Define what is a date night, and what’s a “night out” for you. Date nights are pre-planned and more special. I also am a fan of making double batches of soups or casseroles and freezing 1/2 for later.

@speakmichelle I’m really working on ENROLLMENT this year. Not just what I’m working on, but WHY that task, project, event is important! I also think it’s a good idea to give them how they can support you. Help with kids, dinner, dishes, etc.

@MCGustafson Make them feel part of our business team not another thing/task to be managed.

@littlelambweb Set boundaries so your partner feels your just as important as your business. Even if your not a biz owner, don’t forgot to have your date nights!

@redheadJami Definitely ask and be specific. “I need help with this so that I can do this later or with you.” We choose several easy meals and several more detailed meals in our meail plan so that we can work those into our schedules.

TIP: @DinoandShannon Prioritize your to do list into A-B-C categories. Make sure the A’s get done everyday!

Q4: Do you carve out time each week to spend with family and friends? Date nights, etc? Are they regular times each week?

@DinoandShannon We likely do do a weekly night out (movie/dinner) and then once every month or so we go on a real “date” that’s pre-planned. For us, a date night is little “extra”. Concert-play-something diff than ordinary. Keep the spark alive

@BenitaWizeHouse Friday’s are our ‘Family Fun’ night where we do movies, games, crafts, etc. It’s great & we’ve been doing this for yrs.

@startupprincess I also schedule time with my kids. They don’t know that, but when that appt pops up its a reminder to focus on them.

@littlelambweb Tues and Weds are mine to spend as I want. Sundays are also off limits. Thats when i get my crochet on, lol.

@carlymelissa_x I do activities with friends, like regular games of soccer etc. It combines my fitness time with social!

Q5: Anyone have”relationship evaluation time”with loved ones? I ask, “rate me on a scale from 1-10″ “What can I do to improve?”

@DinoandShannon Dino and I evaluate on lil’ things nightly during pillow talk. Big things we do at weekly marriage mastermind. We also have weekly family council and let the kids give feedback/have a say @ family life.

@BenitaWizeHouse Great idea!!; don’t have one now, but I’m inspired to implement such an evaluation.

@FronteSentre I regularly ask my kids if they have anything on their mind or if they feel like they got enough “mommy time” this week.

@CarterMarissa We agreed that we wouldn’t discuss business in bed. Might sound silly but it helps keep business & pleasure separate, haha!

In the month of February, #startupchat will be talking about money, finances and profits. Mark your calendars for every Wednesday 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 Questions – Asked and Answered!

Each Wednesday, #StartUpChat is usually themed around a certain topic, but sometimes, entrepreneurs still have questions that don’t pertain to the subject at hand.  Chats like Wednesday, December 14th’s “Ask Anything Day” are a perfect opportunity to ask whatever is on your mind, and receive great feedback from other people in business.

A lot of important questions were asked, but not every single one was answered (see the list at the end of this post).  Each question and comment is linked to the contributor’s Twitter handle, so if you see an area where you can comment, please keep the converation going!  

What’s a good way to research a new industry for costs/margins? Any good resources? (@caroline_tweets)

@startupprincess Check trade publications and look at other’s pricing. You’ll also want to check pricing from manufacturers.  Look at your 10 biggest competitors and see what they charge.

What is the best way to sell yourself/your services to other businesses? (@NexGenPR)

@ParijatDesh Network like crazy! Get to know your clients so you can offer them what they need. Honestly, how you pitch it matters most. Find a niche or show that your get your client better than the experts do.

I would love to know if anyone has recommendations for how to sell tickets to an event with minimal cost to the business!  Anyone know of good sites/programs to help sell tickets for an event? (@ParijatDesh)

I am looking to expand outside of my city. What is the best way to expand your brand nationally? (@thepinkboss)

@ParijatDesh Social media is great. Make sure your website is engaging for different areas!

@startupprincess PARTNERING. Look for others who can help you spread your message, and leverage your online following.

@thepinkboss  I have joined local org. and attended networking events to meet clients and obtain referrals.

@startupprincess Networking! People do business with people they know like and trust. Build relationships.

@Su_ccess_ful Network, network, network! That’s what it’s about, getting to know people & getting them to know YOU!  Show them the value in your product/service!

@thinksocreative Getting more clients = doing good work for the clients you do have. Referrals are key! And then promoting the work you have…

Aside from networking, any other ideas for getting new clients? (@BBrandMarketing)

@startupprincess Videos. Help people learn tips about marketing and branding. Let them see your expertise.

 

What have been some of your most successful tactics in utilizing social media to promote your business? (@BBrandMarketing)

@thepinkboss I offer business tips of the day and links to bring my followers back to my website.

@startupprincess Track your time on social media. Don’t get too caught up in that you aren’t doing what makes you money.

 

Seems like traditional marketing strategies no longer work & it’s all about online/viral marketing. What do you think? (@ParijatDesh)

@redtype integrated marketing. pick & choose best channels most appropriate to your audience.

@CKPFineArt I think you have to incorporate traditional strategies, in an updated way, to the online marketing. If other people aren’t using more traditional methods these days. You’ll stand out for sure.

@thepinkboss I think there is a balance of both traditional & online. I still use direct mail campaigns that work well for me.

@thinksocreative It all boils down to one thing: the product. No amount of mktg (on or offline) will help unless ur product rocks!

I want to use Twitter to expand my customer base but not sure how? (@VickyLPLT)

 

@ParijatDesh You have to be online a lot and engaging with the community. Connect with leaders/clients & talk to them.

@speakmichelle Provide value. Link to your blog posts, and share tips on twitter. Also PARTICIPATE in the conversation.

@startupprincess The trick is getting people to respond. Provide offers and bonuses strategically in marketing.

 

OPEN QUESTIONS

Does anyone have advice on navigating through determining pricing? (@NexGenPR)

Do you recommend encouraging newsletter subscriptions so that we can give discount codes for products? (@ParijatDesh)

Any suggestions on tools to help conduct webinars? (@thepinkboss)

Hi this is shell from meetyouthere.ie, whats the best way to get ppl liking your FB page? (@ShellTV3)

 

 

VALUABLE ADVICE

@CKPFineArt  Something simple and easy to forget: be confident. You won’t get every sale; that’s ok. Your product may not be for everyone.  Your product will be great for those whose needs it meets. Also, know what your business doesn’t do. Sometimes it’s easy to fall into gray areas, because you want to please people. Don’t be afraid to recommend someone who can meet that customer’s needs. It can build goodwill all around. And it is helpful.  People remember the generous businesses. Don’t do it just to be remembered, but because that’s who you are. It’s worth it. If you’re going to meet with them in person, do your homework. Know who you’re dealing with and what their problem is.  Don’t be too quick to bring up money. That’s awkward for everyone. Let the client get to know–and like–you and your work.

@speakmichelle  Stop trying to hit EVERYONE, & market to specific niches. Your marketing will be better received.  Sit down and create a list of 4 unique niche markets and how you can target your marketing to meet their needs. Great exercise. The higher the cost of the good/service, the more personal the interactions should be; the more people pay the MORE they need to feel personally connected to you.  Remember the higher the $ of your product or service the longer the sales cycle is. Be patient. Keep your pipeline full. Speak to the pain. What pain does your PRODUCT solve?

@NexGenPR There is a fine line between giving a deal and underselling your product.  Too much emphasis is placed on money and less on value even though value is the important part.  Researching before a meeting is so crucial! They want to know that you have taken the time to get to know them.

@redtype Don’t over promise… under promise, over deliver instead.  Help your clients understand how you build value into their biz/lives.  Also need to help your clients understand the intrinsic value you ( & your biz) bring to their lives & biz.

@CarteBlanchebmt  Never lower your price when you can add value to your clients.

 

I hope you’ll join us for the next #startupchat, Wednesday at 2pm EST/12pm MTN!

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.

How to Rock Facebook

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.

Gratitude in Business

Thanksgiving is my all-time favorite holiday. It’s filled with fun and food, but its also a great time of year to express our gratitude – hence the combination of the terms “thanks” and “giving”, right?

In keeping with the season, Gratitude in Business was the topic of Wednesday’s #startupchat on November 23rd, led by the hostess with the mostest, Kelly Anderson, founder of Startup Princess @startupprincess.

Q1. How do expressions of gratitude make you feel?

@bslmNYC Gratitude makes you feel as though you are being truly seen and heard fully and that you are appreciated top to bottom.

@KCbakes Gratitude makes you feel valued & appreciated, encourages loyalty. I love hand-written TY’s on invoices, things like that.

@startupprincess I know it’s basic- but really, when we connect to how we FEEL then we can try to create that for others. Whenever someone takes time to thank me then I feel like returning to them again!

@MysticHut I got to admit it makes me feel so wanted when someone expresses gratitude for big/small things I may have done for them.

@TianfenConsult Expressions of gratitude make me feel appreciated and that something was accomplished.

Q2. How do expressions of gratitude help to nurture relationships in biz?

@startupprincess It’s the simple things like when the Nordstrom sales person walks AROUND the counter to hand me my bag and thank me.

@WizeHouse Showing gratitude spreads positive energy & connectivity. It’s a natural force in work; all around healthy.

@speakmichelle Acknowledges that your customer could have bought elsewhere. Gratitude helps people feel better about their purchase.

@Dino_4ever builds good will, reciprocation!

@ShopInCedarHill A Sales person who shows me gratitude…I make sure to tweet my gr8 experiences.

Q3. What are effective DAILY expressions of gratitude in biz?

@startupprincess I love it when people send a quick email and just say simple ‘nice to meet you, thank you for our chat’. I also really appreciate it when I make an intro & it results in biz that receiver of the biz gives thanks to me.

@ParijatDesh Saying thank you for even the smallest tasks goes a long way!

@KCbakes I’m an e-biz, so I make it a point to say thank u in every email I send – I truly appreciate the time they spent emailing me.

GoodiesForGifts Klout is easy and sort of fun.  When someone says TY or give me a K+ online on @klout, I always return it. It makes me happy and makes me feel more connected. Its a fun way to exchange TY’s and admiration.

@3kidshere Doing your best with whoever you deal with is consistent customer service & shows a good structure for biz.

Q4. What do you do to systemize expressions of thanks in biz or do have a “gratitude standard of practice”?

@startupprincess There is something magical about getting something with their handwriting on it in our digital world.

@TianfenConsult When I was a kid, I couldn’t use a gift until I wrote a TY note. That still applies even in business. Give thanks b4 use!

@GoodiesForGifts Always an handwritten TY when I get a new contract signed.

@MysticHut I don’t like system generated thank you notes. Great when response is a note that is personally connecting in someway – delightful.

@3kidshere I’m always disappointed with I get a card that is just ‘signed’-no add’l note or thought…it’s a mental let-down. Personalization is key.

Q5. What expressions of gratitude do you do annually for your clients/partners?

@speakmichelle Holiday cards/gifts are a must. Thank people for the year’s business. Over 65% said that they’d buy again from holiday thx.

@IamMariaAlex We work with children, so we send them birthday and Christmas cards.

@bslmNYC We also mind accomplishments (promotions, big projects done) of our clients and send notes for those!

@ParijatDesh We’re a brand new nonprofit with limited funds so this year (our 1st holiday!) we’re making phone calls to all of our donors.

@MelissaOnline This year’s gifts are local goodies from women-owned businesses & our cards support the local food bank.

Q6. What are some creative low cost gifts we can give to our clients?

@WizeHouse As a #leanstartup, I give in ways of expression, crafts, and cooking gifts. A heart of gratitude covered w/ labor of love.

@MysticHut I write a thank you note and sneak a nice but smaller product free of cost.

@mollyoehmichen A small treat from a local bakery, hand-written notes, a “fancy” pen, or a small office plant.  If on a tight budget, sign up for Vistaprint emails. Can sometimes get loads of stuff free& only pay shipping!  Also if short on funds for customer gifts, consider teaming up w/other local or complimentary biz’s for co-branded items.

@KCbakes A low cost thank you – - discount on future service. Identify your profit margin and see what % you can offer.  Also, branded swag is awesome, b/c ur customers’ friends/fam will ask “what’s that company?” and they can promote u.

@stephsday Check Pinterest in the “Gift” category…so many fun, inexpensive ideas!

Q7. What are your plans for biz gifting this year?

@startupprincess I’m going to do something from @sweettoothfairy this year – my local fave.

@cupcakes4clara I’m sending out little Christmas Clara notecard sets to my customers with their orders. Fits my brand, & a useful gift.

@KCbakes I’m ordering @BDKettlecorn for my staff this year as a Thank You – treats always make ppl smile, & doesnt break budget.

@WizeHouse As a thank u to our team I’m making homemade salsa made out of tomatoes from the Amish..an act of LOVE from the kitchen.

@MysticHut I love the small desktop calendars with inspirational quotes. They are not that expensive and so handy to give away any time.

THIS week’s #startupchat topic is How to Rock Facebook – join us on Wednesday, November 30th, 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.