3 Ways to Make Your Marketing Go Viral and MORE from The Contagious Theory
February 1, 2012
Startup Princess Managing Director, Michelle McCullough, was invited to speak at TEDxBountiful on January 18th. Here is her TEDx talk. Lots of great juicy nuggets for business and life.
Growing Your Business Without Sacrificing Your Relationships
January 31, 2012
“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!
January 30, 2012
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.
I See a Book In Your Future – Your Big Beautiful Book Plan – Book Review
January 25, 2012
Ever have one of those creepy moments where you decide to do something and a tool that you need shows up within days? Well, 
that happened to me a couple of months ago. I decided I was going to write a book. I mention this to a friend and they say, “You need to put together a book proposal.” Honestly, I had never heard that in the non-fiction world people write book plans before they finish books. Who knew? I start to panic. And then, BOOM! I get an email from a long time mentor and Startup Princess friend, Danielle La Porte about Your Big Beautiful Book Plan. Like a beacon of light sent straight from heaven. 
I’ve always been a huge fan of Danielle La Porte’s, even before she was the keynote speaker for Touchpoint in 2010 (You can see her keynote from Touchpoint here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9788489), so I knew I’d love her. Linda was a wildcard, since her work wasn’t familiar to me before I got their online book . Ever since I’ve listened to Linda on the audio I thought for sure we could be BFFs (she just doesn’t know yet).
The book (more like an e-course its over 400 pages and hours and hours of video and audio) is A-MAZE-ING. I’ve been DEVOURING the chapters and soaking up every audio. I’ve been listening to the audios in the car over and over and there are two main takeaways that I want to share with you.
First of all, these girls know their stuff. They’ve done it. They’ve helped others do it. Their tips are timely, practical and produce results. They share case studies of themselves and clients, and even share the plans that helped them get agents and book deals. They really over-deliver in the content department. Every time I got to a new chapter, I was amazed at how much information and resources they provide. They take you through section-by-section on HOW to write a book plan, and tell you all the tips and also share the mistakes novices make. It’s a great straight read, and I have also enjoyed going to back to read certain sections I forgot, or catch an audio that reminded me about a key tool. It’s like the crystal ball for book plans.
Second, when I read this, I’m infused with confidence that I actually could launch a book deal and that it could work! The publishing world has always seemed elite, untouchable, complicated and bigger than me, but Danielle and Linda have provided the knowledge we need to break into the publishing world, find an agent and ultimately, produce a book plan that we will feel fantastic about. The chapters on telling your stories, finding your own voice and sharing your message with confidence have inspired me, and my book plan is underway!
Like anything else, great things take work. HARD work. A book plan is like writing a book about your book before you get to write your own book. However, lots of hard things done with passion produce great results. Some days are harder than others, but with Your Big Beautiful Book Plan, I have a blueprint to lead me to success. And since I now know that to do, the publishing world and book success don’t seem scary it seems thrilling, and I can’t wait for what this next year will bring!
Have you read Your Big Beautiful Book Plan? What were your takeaways? Please share them below and lets have a little book club right here.
Want to learn more about Danielle, Linda and Your Big Beautiful Book Plan?
I am GIDDY with excitement to announce that we’re hosting a FREE teleseminar on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 with Danielle La Porte and Linda Sivertsen, authors of Your Big Beautiful Book Plan.
To register to receive the call details go here.
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 and sign up for her free video e-course on “The Life Balance Myth” coming later this month. Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.
3 Ways to Preserve Your Marriage While Growing Your Business
January 17, 2012
If this message resonates with you, there are 3 upcoming resources for you:
1. Making Love and Money Work Event – Salt Lake City, UT – February 2nd or 3rd. Register here: http://mlmw.eventbrite.com/ Startup Princess is a sponsor of the event, so we’ll be there! Come and say hi! Use code “princess” for 50% off
2. I’m speaking at a Marriage Round-up in St. George, UT on February 11th. I’ll be talking about The 5 Love Languages. The event starts at 4:00 PM. For tickets or for more information, call the USU Extension office at (435) 634-5706.
3. Tara McCausland, one of the former Startup Princess Fairy Godmothers, is hosting a 4 part teleseminar series in February, that begins on the 8th and ends on the 29th. Register for call details here: http://www.taramccausland.com/happily-ever-after-tele-seminar-series/
Interesting that just as I started doing more work in this area, other experts are stepping up to the plate to provide resources to preserve the marriage of entrepreneurs. I hope this video and these upcoming events serve you!
Share your tips, how have you preserved your marriage while running a business at the same time?
Make a Wish, Make it Happen!
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 and sign up for her free video e-course on “The Life Balance Myth” coming later this month. Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.
Monetizing Your Message The Millionaire Messager, by Brendon Burchard
January 10, 2012
My favorite thing in the world is to speak. I love to speak. I do a lot of speaking through Startup Princess and to entrepreneur events, youth groups, etc. It’s a joy. Last March I decided that I was ready to share my messages and get them out in a bigger way. Have you ever heard the quote, “When the student is ready, the teacher/master will appear.” Well, as soon as I made that statement, masters appeared. A previous Startup Princess contact, Tiffany Walke Peterson was everywhere, and I quickly hired her to coach me.
And then I was introduced virtually to Brendon Burchard. The expert of experts. He helps speakers, authors, seminar leaders and online marketers share their messages in a bigger way.
I have devoured his free online video content, which really over delivers. As he recommends to experts across the country, if you provide quality content for free it allows people to experience you and what you offer, and then it makes it easier for people to want to purchase what you are offering them. I know it works, because I bought things from him on this exact same structure.
If you’re looking for a good book, I recommend The Millionaire Messenger, by Burchard. it’s a great start. You can see my review below.
The Millionaire Messenger, by Brendon Burchard Review by Michelle McCullough
And, if you’re interested in learning more about Brendon Burchard, you can go here.
Share with us! Have you read The Millionaire Messenger? What was your key takeaway? What books have you read that have really inspired you and taken you to the next level?
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 and sign up for her free video e-course on “The Life Balance Myth” coming later this month. Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.
Success and Strategy Week – A Virtual Startup Princess Event
January 4, 2012
We’re excited to announce that we will be hosting a week long Teleconference January 23rd – 27th!
Join us for two hours each day from 9:00AM to 11:00 AM MST/11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST. (If you can’t make all the calls, don’t worry, we’ll send you the links to download them so you can listen to them at your convenience!)
We’ll be featuring our 2012 Fairy Godmother team as they share great strategy ideas for a successful 2012. The agenda and topics will be updated shortly so check back!
10 hours of amazing strategy for only $49!
**BONUS:
Register before Thursday, January 19th, 2012 and you’ll receive the livestream to Touchpoint 2011 for FREE. 8 hours of live entrepreneur education and inspiration. Attendees paid over $259 to attend this event, and you’ll get the recording for FREE when you register for the Success and Strategy Week Virtual Event!
REGISTER HERE (Get both events, for only $49!)
Speakers include:
Kelly King Anderson, Founder of Startup Princess
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
As an added bonus, we’ll be creating a facebook group JUST for the attendees and speakers of the event. You can network with attendees and speakers, ask questions, share ideas and more!
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
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.
