Smbizforward mag august

Small Biz Forward

Small Biz ForwardSmall Biz ForwardSmall Biz ForwardSmall Biz Forward Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of TodayExploring the Entrepreneurial World of TodayExploring the Entrepreneurial World of TodayExploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today

DONDONDONDON’’’’T WAIT T WAIT T WAIT T WAIT ‘‘‘‘TIL TIL TIL TIL PIGS FLY TO PIGS FLY TO PIGS FLY TO PIGS FLY TO GROW YOUR GROW YOUR GROW YOUR GROW YOUR BUSINESS!BUSINESS!BUSINESS!BUSINESS!

THE PLACE WHERE BUSITHE PLACE WHERE BUSITHE PLACE WHERE BUSITHE PLACE WHERE BUSINESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO

CONNECT, COLLABORATECONNECT, COLLABORATECONNECT, COLLABORATECONNECT, COLLABORATE AND SUCCEEDAND SUCCEEDAND SUCCEEDAND SUCCEED

Vol. 20. N0. 7 August Issue

2 Small Biz Forward

From the Home OfficeFrom the Home OfficeFrom the Home OfficeFrom the Home Office

————————————————————————————

Summer is moving quickly ahead, with

only a month left until Labor Day when the

business world’s traditional Fall starts anew.

Have you been taking time out to relax and

renew this summer? Good. But I hope you’ve

also been thinking about what you want to see

happen with your business come this fall. Do

you have goals? What about your vision? Are

you ready to make those sales and get shifted

into high gear? You need to be thinking about

those things now, as they are right around the

corner, and if you want this to be the best year

ever so far, those are things you need to think

about! Good luck.

Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer

Business Success Unlimited Business Success Unlimited Business Success Unlimited Business Success Unlimited and

Celebrate Business Publishing.Celebrate Business Publishing.Celebrate Business Publishing.Celebrate Business Publishing.

August 2013

Celebrating the success of

entrepreneurs everywhere.

Editor:

Nancy Becher

Advertising and feature inquiries send to:Advertising and feature inquiries send to:Advertising and feature inquiries send to:Advertising and feature inquiries send to:

[email protected]

Subscriptions can be directed to:Subscriptions can be directed to:Subscriptions can be directed to:Subscriptions can be directed to:

[email protected]

701 N. Prairie Street

Sturgis, MI 49091

269-651-3555

http://celebratebusinesspublishing.com

[email protected]

Small Biz Forward is published by

Celebrate Business Publishing

Small Biz Forward receives unsolicited materials (including le�ers to the

editor, press releases, promo�onal items and images) from �me to �me.

Small Biz Forward magazine, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce,

publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole

or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensa�on of any

sort. This statement does not apply to materials/pitches submi�ed by free-

lancers in accordance with known industry prac�ces. Statements and

opinions expressed in feature ar�cles are those of the corresponding

business owner.

While every care has been taken in the compila�on of this informa�on and

every a�empt made to present up-to-date and accurate informa�on, we

cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. Celebrate Business

Publishing will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or

inconvenience caused as a result of any informa�on within these pages or

any informa�on accessed through their web site.

Printing by

Sturgis PostNet, Sturgis, MI, 269-651-2670

Bill Martindale

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS

Networking Etiquette 5

Being Connective — Here It

Comes 7

Are You An Entrepreneur? 9

Keep Your Business Safe 12

Do You Have a Passion

For Your Business? 16

Are You LinkedIn? 18

Awareness is the Key 20

Customer Retention 23

3 Reasons Your Biz Website is

Failing 26

Business—Ain’t Nobody Perfect 28

Think Global...Go Mobile 30

Need Help? Ask 3

Membership Directory 35

3 Small Biz Forward

CONTRIBUTORSCONTRIBUTORSCONTRIBUTORSCONTRIBUTORS

Jason Barr, founder of Valen�ne Web Services. We don't just build websites; we

deliver fully-op�mized campaigns centered around your important business

objec�ves to put the Web to work for you! Located in South Bend, IN. He’s

there for all your website needs.

Ed Becher, (Ret.) US Marine and Former Chief Instructor, US Dept. of State,

Uniformed Branch, Diploma�c Security Service. Owner, The Bodyguard

Academy, Sturgis, Michigan.

Nancy Becher, Passionate about suppor�ng “mom and pop” businesses, Nancy

is the Chief Everything Officer of Business Success Unlimited, an educa�onal

training program and success mentor for entrepreneurs and small business

owners. She is the author of many short ar�cles and published pieces in various

magazines and online. An entrepreneur since age 12, she is known for her

knowledge of running small businesses and caring about the people she works

with.

Liz LaClair is the owner of Virtually Helps, a virtual assistant company. She is

PASSIONATE about helping her clients with any and all of their office

administra�ve work and is a specialist in her knowledge of Microso> Office

products.

Kenneth Nichols is a lifelong entrepreneur and the owner of Urban Appeal

Mobile Marke�ng. Kenneth started his first business at the age of 12, cuAng

grass around the small West Michigan town of Baldwin, Michigan. A>er

gradua�ng from Baldwin High School, Kenneth aBended Western Michigan

University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and a

Masters in Public Administra�on. Kenneth has 10 years of marke�ng experience

in the non-profit sector along with a wealth of experience in customer service,

direct and business to business sales.

4 Small Biz Forward

CONTRIBUTORSCONTRIBUTORSCONTRIBUTORSCONTRIBUTORS

Barbara Nicastro is a problem solver, strategist and business execu"ve highly

experienced in analysis of complex document or factual situa"ons. Uses a

pragma"c business approach to prevent or resolve issues. Extensive leadership,

public speaking, nego"a"on, media and mo"va"onal training experience. You

can reach Barb at www.linkedin.com/in/bnicastro

Jerry Sarno is a Strategic Partner with Schooley Mitchell Telecom consultants,

North America’s largest independent telecom consul"ng company.

Jerry. [email protected]

269-408-8679

Sherry Lynn works with Small and Home-Based Entrepreneurs to build a thriving

business through the right marke"ng methods as well as website design, blog

training & design and social media training and management. She runs two

networking groups (Women of Today and Business Builders Interna"onal) and

provides free training to members each month on a different aspect of

marke"ng their business.

Gail Turluck is the President of Connec"ve Marke"ng of Richland, Michigan.

Connec"ve Marke"ng offers communica"ons services including wri"ng, e-

newsle@ers, newsle@ers, web site content, edi"ng, proofreading, and more.

She can be reached at gail@connec"vemarke"ngllc.com.

Greg Olsen is a business coach and marke"ng consultant that founded

Delightability, LLC. where they believe if you delight customers – success will

follow. He helps nonprofit and for-profit leaders to deliver more remarkable

experience, tell be@er stories, and build community. Reach him at

[email protected] or 206.356.8811 or on social media at:h@p://

[email protected]/fordoers, h@p://www.linkedin.com/in/olsong; h@p://

www.facebook.com/thebigideatoolkit, and h@p://www.facebook.com/

delightability

5 Small Biz Forward

Networking Etiquette You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years

by trying to get other people interested in you. - Dale Carnegie

Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success Unlimited

“Don’t wait ‘til pigs fly to grow your business.

Hi, I’m Nancy Becher and I help you better

understand your strengths and weaknesses as a

business owner, so that you can move successfully

ahead with your company, getting you safely to the

next level.”

That’s my new elevator speech; something I say

when I’m asked what I do. The elevator speech in

and of itself is something that needs attention.

However, this article is about networking in general.

Networking often occurs at events where a group

of people walk around a room, shake hands, share

business cards, and generally feel nervous or even

scared because they’re meeting people they don’t

know, and have no idea what they do.

I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and you’d

think I’d have it down, wouldn’t you. But I’ll let you

in on a little secret – I don’t. I still would rather stand

in the corner, drinking my glass of ice tea and

watching everyone else laughing and mingling. I

6 Small Biz Forward

don’t meet strangers well. However, if I want to

start making relationships with others who I might

be able to help, or who might help me, I’ve got to

get out there and mingle too.

There’s a couple of things I need to remember

when I’m doing this (and I suggest that this is

something you need to think about as well).

Networking is really NOT about selling. It’s not all

about WhatWhatWhatWhat’’’’s In It For Mes In It For Mes In It For Mes In It For Me. It’s more about building

relationships with others in a way that is beneficial

for everyone involved. The old saying we all know

so well…”People buy from those they know, like

and trust” is really true.

For example, I’m going through this right now.

My parents are elderly and may need some help in

the future. Things like cooking, cleaning, doctor

visits and more if I’m not around to do these things.

I have been talking with a variety of people recently

who run senior care companies, trying to find

someone that I trust with my parents. They have to

be kind, knowledgeable, efficient, cost effective and

SAFE. I’m not going to know this by looking at an

ad, or checking on Angie’s List. I need to “KNOW”

them and “LIKE” them, before I can TRUST them

with my parents.

The only way that is going to happen is if I sit

down and talk with them. Listen to what they have

to say — perhaps visit their facilities. In other

words, start a relationship with them. They’re not

going to get me to be their client just like that. It

will take time. They need to understand that and be

patient. I know we all are looking for income and

business, but for most people any exchange of

money takes time, certainly none more so than in a

serious transaction.

All too often I have seen people at networking

events that pass from person to person, stuffing a

business card in the other’s face as they walk on to

the next. They are only interested in getting as many

business cards out there as possible, hoping that this

shotgun approach will work for them. After all,

someone’s got to need them, right? The next time

you see someone doing this at an event, watch what

happens to the business card after the person leaves.

I’ll bet it goes in the trash. Not a good impression to

make or money spent is it?

Instead, I suggest you go up to someone you

don’t know, say Hi! I’m XXX. What do you do?

And let that person tell you about him or herself.

Ask questions, and show you’re interested. Look

them in the eyes – not around the room for the next

“victim”. Be genuinely a part of the conversation.

Think about who you might know that could use

their service or product. Perhaps share an idea with

them. And then, when it’s your turn, let them offer

ideas to you. Don’t be in a hurry to move on. I

sometimes take 10 minutes or so with an individual.

At the end of our conversation, I will often tell them

that I’m going to think about who they need as

clients, go through my Rolodex and see if I can’t

provide them with a name or two. And then, of

course, I do what I said I would. I will look through

my contacts, see if there’s anyone I think might be a

good fit. I then call or email that person asking them

if it’s okay to put them together with the new

contact. If they say yes, I then facilitate a “meeting”

between the two so that another NEW relationship

can get started. It’s really exciting when I see this

process working and people starting to connect,

Collaborate and SUCCEED.

What do you think?

7 Small Biz Forward

by Gail M. Turluck, Connective Marketingby Gail M. Turluck, Connective Marketingby Gail M. Turluck, Connective Marketingby Gail M. Turluck, Connective Marketing

While summer is barely over a month old, the

calendar is about to flip to August which should

trigger the entrepreneur to dust off that business

plan and marketing plan and see where things stand.

Before we know it, year-end will rear its ugly head

and it's critical to make sure your work is in

alignment with the goals and tasks you made high

priority for 2013.

Take an hour this week to update your personal

calendar for all the absolutely must-attend events to

ensure you miss none. Make sure you block out

time—at least 15 minutes a day—to make out your

daily plan and following that plan to keep on track

for your current needs. Some prefer to do this first

thing in the morning, others at the end of the work

day; either is fine but be consistent!

While Michigan schools don't start up until after

Labor Day, in some states school starts in a week or

two. The school calendar changes everything for

families and businesses alike. Make sure you are

prepared for a little less flexibility in business

meeting scheduling as customers and associates

adjust to the new schedule. Maybe make the "First

Day of School" a special day with a celebratory

lunch or office decorations. Connect your business

to the education process in this way and those you

work with and for will remember you for the

support.

Review your plans for the coming holiday

season. Make sure you have an event planned to

bring a personal touch to your clients, prospects and

associates to build a powerful bond. The event can

be something as simple as a thank you breakfast

buffet at your office or a cocktail party at your

home. It needs to reflect you: who you are and

what makes you tick outside of work, too. Keep it

simple; a couple hours long, and make sure you

8 Small Biz Forward

shake the hand of every guest. This personal touch

and thank you will cement your relationship for the

long term. Consider having it in mid-November

before the real craziness sets in.

Year-end should be embraced as a period during

which we may make great achievement and lock in the

year's success. With consistent planning and re-

checking, you'll find when the Ball Drops that 2013

was a great year.

Gail M. Turluck is the President of Connec"ve Marke"ng of Richland, Michigan.

Connec"ve Marke"ng offers communica"ons services including wri"ng, e-

newsle@ers, newsle@ers, web site content, edi"ng, proofreading, and more. She

can be reached at gail@connec"vemarke"ngllc.com.

ItItItIt’’’’s working for me, Its working for me, Its working for me, Its working for me, It’’’’ll work for you tooll work for you tooll work for you tooll work for you too!

www.plexusslim.com/kimgreenindy www.plexusslim.com/kimgreenindy www.plexusslim.com/kimgreenindy www.plexusslim.com/kimgreenindy

9 Small Biz Forward

Greg Olson, Delightability, LLC

Reprinted with permission from Greg Olson at Delightability, LLC. Visit www.delightability.com/blog for the original post.

Are you an Entrepreneur or one of the other Are you an Entrepreneur or one of the other Are you an Entrepreneur or one of the other Are you an Entrepreneur or one of the other 12 types of 12 types of 12 types of 12 types of ----preneurs?preneurs?preneurs?preneurs?

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone but, are you

aware of the other types of ‘preneurs? Perhaps you

fall into one of the other types, or you will at some

point in your life.

EntrepreneurEntrepreneurEntrepreneurEntrepreneur ---- this is the traditional risk taker

that sees the path they are forging as less risky than

working for somebody else doing something that

isn’t interesting, isn’t rewarding, or may conflict

with their values. They often see what’s next and

can’t imagine not pursuing it.

Solopreneur Solopreneur Solopreneur Solopreneur ---- an entrepreneur acting in isolation

without the support of others in the same

organization.

Multipreneur Multipreneur Multipreneur Multipreneur ---- an entrepreneur that is pursuing

multiple interests simultaneously either because they

have to, in order to make ends meet, or because it is

part of a portfolio strategy to see which plays out the

best. Or, they may simply have the capacity to do

more than one venture.

IntrapreneurIntrapreneurIntrapreneurIntrapreneur ---- an employee acting as an internal

entrepreneur inside the organization that has many of

the risk elements of a classic entrepreneur but, is

insulated from the brutal reality of having to

manufacturer their own paycheck.

WannapreneurWannapreneurWannapreneurWannapreneur ---- this person wants to start

something but doesn’t know what. They are more

constructive that the complainapreneur below but

may lack ideas or a clear path forward.

Ideapreneur Ideapreneur Ideapreneur Ideapreneur ---- this is the person who is stricken

with ideas, suddenly and often but they don’t take

action. They don’t have to jump on “this” idea

because another possible better idea is right around

the corner.

10 Small Biz Forward

Olderpreneur Olderpreneur Olderpreneur Olderpreneur ---- this is an older experienced

person—the age can vary of course—but this person

has decided to take their wealth of experience,

network, skills, and package it up into a credible

“what’s next” story told with the authority and

credibility that may be lacking in a younger

entrepreneur. Often they are motivated by pursuing

an interest, addressing a nagging problem, leaving a

legacy, or designing a venture around a lifestyle.

ComplainapreneurComplainapreneurComplainapreneurComplainapreneur ---- individuals that are stuck in

the grind and don’t have the courage or clarity to

escape. Instead they bemoan their situation, wishing

things would change, and eventually they usually do.

DreamapreneurDreamapreneurDreamapreneurDreamapreneur ---- those individuals that dream of

pursuing a new passion but really never will commit

to action. It is simply more fun and much more safe

to fantasize about it while enjoying the security of a

paycheck, limited working hours, and the familiar.

Adventurepreneur Adventurepreneur Adventurepreneur Adventurepreneur ---- this person works only to

play; these folks might literally have a sign on their

door or online profile, “Gone Fishing” or “Kayaking”

or “Climbing.”

LoyalpreneurLoyalpreneurLoyalpreneurLoyalpreneur ---- these are those dedicated

employees dutifully carrying out the orders of those

they work for in exchange for a paycheck.

Philanthropreneur Philanthropreneur Philanthropreneur Philanthropreneur ---- a generous, thoughtful person

that supports other people’s projects, initiatives, and

ventures often times without concern for any

payback.

LuckypreneurLuckypreneurLuckypreneurLuckypreneur ---- somebody who has a job that

allows them to make a big impact, make a good

living, and also make a difference in the world.

Have another type of ’preneur to add to the list?

Contact me or comment below.

Whether you are on your own or in the walls of a

larger organization surrounded by colleagues, you’ll

need to be mindful of the customer and continuously

improve your organization. A sure path to do this is

to read and follow the recipes in my book: The The The The

Experience Design BLUEPRINT: Recipes for Experience Design BLUEPRINT: Recipes for Experience Design BLUEPRINT: Recipes for Experience Design BLUEPRINT: Recipes for

Happier Customers and Healthier Organizations.Happier Customers and Healthier Organizations.Happier Customers and Healthier Organizations.Happier Customers and Healthier Organizations. Sign

up to be notified of its release.

- See more at: http://

www.delightability.com/2013/06/26/are-you-an-

entrepreneur-or-one-of-the-other-12-types-of-

preneurs/#sthash.Swm9pseB.dpuf

YBNF Tip: Ask a Question

Best way to increase the number of people who are seeing your page in their newsfeed is to get oth-ers to comment on your posts. Why not write your post in the form of a question - a question with an easy answer to get people started. Even "Yes" or "No" questions often get comments. Also, re-member the value of inviting people to visit your page in your post.

For example: Do you have a Facebook Business page? Yes or No? Please comment and let all our YBNF frineds know about your page. Also, please feel free to visit our page, click on the NOTES tab to find more tips to help you with your Facebook Business page at:

www.facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans


Looking for a place to hold a meeting?

Check us out at

701 Prairie Street, Sturgis, MI

• Office space at $10 a day or $150/month full time

• FREE Internet

• FREE Coffee

• Collaboration

• Private Conference Room

• Copier, Fax and office supplies

h�p://success4biz.biz * h�p://facebook.com/bsuconnector


Keep Your Business Safe

Last month we discussed the disgruntled

customer, how about that employee who you are

having issues with. You feel it is time to terminate

them but how do you so without an incident? This

person has made comments to others that if they get

fired they will hurt someone or other types of

threats. Other members of your staff are concerned

and have come to you asking how you are going to

handle this. Remember now, “You are the boss.”

Over the years of working in security, I have

been involved in numerous employee terminations,

everything from just sitting in the hallway during the

termination to walking the employee and their

property out the door. I was also involved in a long

term security assignment because the terminated

employee made threats against management and had

come back to the former place of work a few times

after his termination. Management was so

concerned about this former employee that not only

did the facility get 24 hour security, so did some of

the senior management.

Is this a normal occurrence? No, it’s not—it is a

rare occurrence that we have these issues arise. For

many of us, who own a business we may never have

Security and the Entrepreneur —

Ed Becher PPS, The Bodyguard Academy


this occur because we are the ONLY employee

and I doubt many of us will fire ourselves, even

though we may have considered it.

Employees become disgruntled for many

reasons, low wages, long hours, not happy in what

they are doing. Some will just resign from

employment while others will complain and gripe

every day and bring down the morale of others,

you included. We then make the decision that

something has to be done and that decision is to

terminate the employee.

From a security side, things you need to

consider during termination are: will this

employee become hostile during the termination

meeting process or after? If you feel that he/she

may become hostile, DO NOT do the termination

alone, but have others present. Sit the employee

down and handle the termination process. Ensure

that all company property: keys, ID cards, etc; are

returned, turn off any inter/intranet access the

employee may have had as well. Have someone

that the employee feels comfortable with walk

them back to their work site or office and give

them time to remove personal items. With the

terminated employee present, look around the

office and see if anything has been missed. Ask

them if they have any other company property at

home they wish to bring back at a later date.

If there is fear that the employee may become

hostile, site security or a contracted Personal

Protection Specialist may be required to be present

during the termination process. They can remain

outside the office as a precaution for safety

reasons and can act as the escort during the

process. If a contracted Personal Protection

Specialist is used, they will not be dressed in a

uniform and their identity as security does not

need to be revealed unless necessary. They are just

a representative of management.

With the ones you have a fear of becoming

hostile and either security or a Personal Protection

Specialist is used, it is highly recommended that

they remain on site throughout the day in case the

terminated employee comes back. In the cases

where violence has occurred after termination, the

former employee left the work site and came back

the same day at a later time. If the former

employee has made threats during the termination

process it is highly recommended that these

threats be documented and considered real unless

they can be, without a doubt, considered no threat

at all. It is always best to rule on the side of safety.

Ed Becher PPS is the Owner and Director of Training for The

BodyGuard Academy located in Sturgis, MI. He can be

contacted at [email protected] or by calling

his office at 269-651-3355 to discuss your security concerns.

Even if you fall on your face, Even if you fall on your face, Even if you fall on your face, Even if you fall on your face,

you’re still moving forward you’re still moving forward you’re still moving forward you’re still moving forward ————

Victor KiamVictor KiamVictor KiamVictor Kiam


The BodyGuard Academy

Sturgis, MI

Upcoming Training Events:

Execu8ve Protec8on Basic and Personal Protec8on Specialist August 9 @8am

Women's Personal Safety Seminar August 21 @7pm

Bail Fugi8ve Recovery Agent September 14 @8am

Bail Industry Training Summit September 17 @9am

The BodyGuard Academy is a provider of training programs

to the security and bail industry. We also provide training

programs for Human Resource professionals on ‘Handling

Stalkers and Harassers’; Active Shooter Response in the

Office”, and Women’s Personal Safety Programs.

If interested in more informa8on on how

we at The BodyGuard Academy can help

you, feel free to contact us at:

Office: 269-651-3355

Email: [email protected]


What Can You Do at BSU?What Can You Do at BSU?What Can You Do at BSU?What Can You Do at BSU?

BANG (Business Abundance Networking Group) BANG (Business Abundance Networking Group) BANG (Business Abundance Networking Group) BANG (Business Abundance Networking Group) –––– meets 8:00 meets 8:00 meets 8:00 meets 8:00 ––––

9:30am every Tuesday9:30am every Tuesday9:30am every Tuesday9:30am every Tuesday

This group is the core of SSBI – new members start here with

weekly meetings in which they get to know other members of

the group, both personally and professionally. Each week, the

focus is on exploring a different member’s business. Through

support and interaction, members gain increased confidence

while building relationships with other business owners. You’re

not alone, come share your story with us!

Entrepreneurial Forum Entrepreneurial Forum Entrepreneurial Forum Entrepreneurial Forum –––– meets 4:00 to 6:00pm the second meets 4:00 to 6:00pm the second meets 4:00 to 6:00pm the second meets 4:00 to 6:00pm the second

Tuesday of every monthTuesday of every monthTuesday of every monthTuesday of every month

This once a month meeting will give you the opportunity to hear what the experts say and interact with other

business owners in a relaxed learning environment. Members will gain valuable insight on what it means to be

“in business”. This group focuses on the one thing that is common to all of our businesses….sales. Once a

month we discuss the issues that help us all find more clients. Topics such as “Networking 101, getting to

know each other”, “Now that you’ve got all those business cards, what do you do with them?”, and “Social

media dos and don’ts” are examples of recent discussions. Your business education starts here, at the next

Entrepreneurial Forum!

TIGER Group TIGER Group TIGER Group TIGER Group –––– tbdtbdtbdtbd

World War II saw the creation of small groups whose function was to bring people together for small challeng-

es and then disband once the “project” was complete. Tiger Groups have a similar mission: Members work

together building key pieces of their business with the help and support of others in the group. An example is

our latest 6-week series on marketing plans. From establishing a target market, to identifying strengths, weak-

nesses, opportunities and threats (S.W.O.T. analysis), this group will help you apply the fundamentals of busi-

ness to your particular situation. It’s hands-on, and it’s real world…

Peer Advisory Group Peer Advisory Group Peer Advisory Group Peer Advisory Group –––– Next meeting starts September 9Next meeting starts September 9Next meeting starts September 9Next meeting starts September 9thththth, 8:00 to 10:00am, Niles Four Flags Area Chamber , 8:00 to 10:00am, Niles Four Flags Area Chamber , 8:00 to 10:00am, Niles Four Flags Area Chamber , 8:00 to 10:00am, Niles Four Flags Area Chamber

of Commerce, Niles, MIof Commerce, Niles, MIof Commerce, Niles, MIof Commerce, Niles, MI

The idea is that when you have several people focused on one thought, question or idea, you find solutions as a

group that you would not have found alone. BSU believes the same…it’s the power of brainstorming, ac-

countability, support and education all rolled into one…it’s your very own personal Board of Advisors! Apply

now - groups are hand-picked based on length of time in business, type of business and your individual person-

ality style. You will thank us later….

Lunchtime LearnersLunchtime LearnersLunchtime LearnersLunchtime Learners———— Conducted online, this group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month from 12:00 to Conducted online, this group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month from 12:00 to Conducted online, this group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month from 12:00 to Conducted online, this group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month from 12:00 to

1:00pm.1:00pm.1:00pm.1:00pm.

Read any interesting business books lately? This group chooses a book each month to discuss and learn from.

TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF –––– meets 5:00 meets 5:00 meets 5:00 meets 5:00 –––– 7:00pm the last Friday of the month7:00pm the last Friday of the month7:00pm the last Friday of the month7:00pm the last Friday of the month

This monthly open networking is for fun and relaxation as well as a quick and easy way to get to meet other

business owners in the community. Come and hang out with us!


Lately I've been thinking about the

differences in small businesses around the country

and the state and how there are different

personalities for different businesses and business

owners. It seems that there are a couple of different

types of business -- those that are content to have a

product or a service and "sell" that commodity, and

those that are passionate about what they do and how

to make that business grow. For this second group

it's all about putting the time and energy into making

this a BUSINESS, not just a way to make money.

I was doing some surfing and came across this

website: http://www.passioninbusiness.co.uk.

The front page says exactly what I'm trying to

state here --

"Passion in business is about you jumping out of

bed in the morning enthusiastic about the day ahead.

It’s about your team coming to work every day with

ideas about how to make a difference. It’s also about

your customers having a smile on their face when

they think about your business and coming back for

more."

Nancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success UnlimitedNancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success UnlimitedNancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success UnlimitedNancy Becher, Chief Everything Officer, Business Success Unlimited

Do You Have a Passion for Your Success? "Chase your passion, not your pension." ———— Denis Waitley


Now granted, it's summer and time to take things

a bit more slowly, but all too often I see business

people saying, “Oh yeah, I'll get around to that.” Or,

“I know you have a good meeting planned, but I've

got friends coming over. I want to hang out with

them.”

Sure, you need to take time for yourself; that's

really important. But if you are passionate about

your business, you find time to do things that will

help your business grow. Time for friends later per-

haps. Now's the time for business growth—that is, if

you really want your business to grow past the I just

want to make some money stage.

Think about it, and ask yourself (I've got news

for you -- the IRS asks this question, too): am I truly

in this to be a business, or is this a hobby (a part-

time income)?

It’s not only about the ability to run a business,

though. Something I’ve seen a lot of lately is a belief

that when you go into business for yourself, you be-

come the “boss”. You set the hours—there’ll be lots

of free time, you only answer to yourself—no more

bosses yelling at you to get things done, or watching

over your shoulder to see that you do it right. You

can set your own pay check, giving yourself a raise.

But, I’m sorry to say, that’s just not the case.

Many entrepreneurs have never worked so hard in

their lives. They are up at the crack of dawn and fall

in bed in the deep, dark hours of the night. Unlike an

employee where you work a certain number of hours

and at the end of a set time period get a paycheck,

small business people work and work and work and

pray and hope to get a financial reward SOMETIME

in the FUTURE. A person who starts his or her own

business needs to be aware that they are going to

work very, very hard without seeing any sort of in-

come for quite awhile. If you “get” that, and are

willing to work hard to move towards the SUCCESS

level, then I say — GO FOR IT. Show your passion

and you will find success.


An increasing amount of our business is done

online, so it only makes sense that professionals are

flocking to social networks to connect over the

Internet. Though there are a handful of prominent

platforms out there, LinkedIn is by far the largest and

most popular business resource. It has established

itself as the premier networking site for business

people.

So is establishing a profile on LinkedIn

worthwhile? Absolutely. With over 225 million users

encompassing virtually all industries, there is an

endless list of people to connect with which can open

doors to new opportunities and help build your

brand. Let’s look at a few ways we can harness the

power of LinkedIn for our benefit.

Optimize Your ProfileOptimize Your ProfileOptimize Your ProfileOptimize Your Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is so much more than an

online resume, though we should approach it with the

same care and diligence. Complete all sections of

Are YOU LinkedIn?Are YOU LinkedIn?Are YOU LinkedIn?Are YOU LinkedIn? by Jerry Sarno, Schooley Mitchellby Jerry Sarno, Schooley Mitchellby Jerry Sarno, Schooley Mitchellby Jerry Sarno, Schooley Mitchell


your profile, making sure to include a well-crafted

profile headline and summary. It is more

advantageous to describe what you do or what

product or service you deliver as your headline than

it is to simply put your title. There are lots of

Presidents and lots of CEOs but very few purple

widget suppliers to NW U.S. hospitals.

Expand Your NetworkExpand Your NetworkExpand Your NetworkExpand Your Network

LinkedIn allows you to make connections, much

like you would add friends on Facebook. It is a great

way to keep in touch with others including potential

clients. Update your status frequently with business

tips, or share content from legitimate news sources

that offers value to your connections. Doing this is a

great way to keep yourself, and your products or

services, front of mind. Just make sure it’s valuable

content to your audience and not just nonsense.

Get Active in GroupsGet Active in GroupsGet Active in GroupsGet Active in Groups

A great LinkedIn feature is its groups. No matter

what type of group you join, it is essential to get in

on the conversation. Ask plenty of questions, share

articles and other information sources, and be sure to

participate in discussions. Your participation in

groups can forge new relationships with other

individuals and companies, especially if you

contribute valuable information and answers to

questions.

Establish a Company PageEstablish a Company PageEstablish a Company PageEstablish a Company Page

If your company itself does not have a presence

yet on LinkedIn, consider establishing one. A

company page is a great place to share information

about products and services, and can be used to

recruit new talent. Search engines give authority to

large, prominent websites and search results for your

company will include postings and pages from

LinkedIn.

There are many active users already benefitting

from their participation on LinkedIn, but too often

those who don’t realize its potential write it off as

nothing more than a place to shop around a resume.

It is a site that allows you to keep in touch with

connections, grow your network and help build your

business. It is a powerful, free tool that we can all use

to our professional advantage by investing just a few

minutes of our time each day.

Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants

To save companies and organiza&ons &me,

money, and gain peace of mind that their

telecom expense is always op&mized for

performance and price.

Jerry Sarno, Business Op&miza&on Specialist

269-408-8679 (o)

269-235-2497 (m)

[email protected]


Awareness is Often the Key Ed Becher PPS, The Bodyguard Academy

One of the programs The BodyGuard Academy

offers is a two hour Women’s Personal Safety

Seminar. During this seminar one of the key points

we make is staying aware of your surroundings

both day and night.

How many of us have had to make that

midnight store run for something either we or

someone else just had to have right now? Many of

us have, haven’t we? And when we do, where is our

focus? It’s on getting that item, not who is watching

us, following us or even where we park in the store

lot. As we all are aware, most violent criminal acts

take place at night. This period of darkness offers

the criminal element great opportunities for hiding

and surprise. The other advantage we grant them is

that our level of awareness is also decreased. Our

thoughts are on getting into the store, picking up

those few items we have to get and getting home to

watch the rest of that movie we were watching.

Some of the key elements we need to remember

when we do have to make these late night store

runs, or we are out to the movies, dinner or any

other activity that will put us out in public at night

is to not drop our situational awareness. When we

drop our awareness level it is like putting a neon

sign on our back telling the criminals to pick me,

pick me—something we do not want to happen.


Here are some ways to stay safe (other than not

doing that midnight store run):

• Carry a small flashlight

• Park in well lit spots, as close to the store as

possible

• Be observant to who else is in the parking lot

• Do not leave the store with both hands full of

groceries or packages. Use a cart if you have

more than one bag

• Have your cell phone charged

• Ensure others know of your plans and what store

(s) you are going to

• If you see something suspicious, report it

There have been stories of criminals purposely

breaking out lights in parking lots so as to give

themselves an advantage. Along with that have been

the reports of women, and men, walking up to their

cars with both arms full of packages and being

confronted by criminals. Not only do they steal your

car and wallet, they take your packages and leave

you injured on the ground. One of the things to

remember is do not resist, the items you have are not

worth you getting injured or killed over, they are

replaceable.

Stay aware and stay safe!


Need a Business Mentor

to help you grow your business?

Call for info on FREE INTRODUCTORY BUSINESS MENTORING SESSION

Call Karen 574.344.8895Call Karen 574.344.8895Call Karen 574.344.8895Call Karen 574.344.8895 (no obliga0on - just a free one-hour session)

January, April, August & NovemberJanuary, April, August & NovemberJanuary, April, August & NovemberJanuary, April, August & November

BusinessBusinessBusinessBusiness----totototo----Business Get TogetherBusiness Get TogetherBusiness Get TogetherBusiness Get Together

Trine UniversityTrine UniversityTrine UniversityTrine University

4101 Edison Lakes Parkway4101 Edison Lakes Parkway4101 Edison Lakes Parkway4101 Edison Lakes Parkway

Mishawaka, INMishawaka, INMishawaka, INMishawaka, IN

1st & 3rd Monday each month1st & 3rd Monday each month1st & 3rd Monday each month1st & 3rd Monday each month

Success Team Mastermind GroupSuccess Team Mastermind GroupSuccess Team Mastermind GroupSuccess Team Mastermind Group

8:308:308:308:30----9:45am OR 12:009:45am OR 12:009:45am OR 12:009:45am OR 12:00----1:15pm1:15pm1:15pm1:15pm

Old Na0onal Bank, Heritage Square, Granger, INOld Na0onal Bank, Heritage Square, Granger, INOld Na0onal Bank, Heritage Square, Granger, INOld Na0onal Bank, Heritage Square, Granger, IN

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Sherry Lynn Simoes — Marke�ng Ac�on Coach

Many marketing plans are so focused on

customer acquisition that they largely ignore

customer retention.

Did you knowDid you knowDid you knowDid you know…?…?…?…?

•It costs 6-7 times more to acquire a new

customer than it does to keep an existing one.

•You are 4 times more likely to close business

with an existing customer than you are with a new

prospect.

•The probability of selling to an existing

customer is 60-70%. The probability of selling to a

new prospect is 5-20% (from Marketing Metrics).

Research also shows that a 10% increase in

customer retention results in a 30% increase in the

value of the company (from Bain and Co.)

SoSoSoSo…………how can you make sure your clients stay a how can you make sure your clients stay a how can you make sure your clients stay a how can you make sure your clients stay a

loyal client?loyal client?loyal client?loyal client?

Follow Up!Follow Up!Follow Up!Follow Up!

There are lots of ways you can follow up and the

best ones will be dependent upon the type of product

or service you offer.

Pick Up the Phone

If you are a service oriented business pick up the

phone and call them to check up.

Email Them

You may wish to send an email follow-up

instead of a phone call and that is ok but it is not as

personal as a caring voice on the phone.

Send a Card

How do you feel when someone takes the time to

send you a card? This should not be self-serving –

just a note that says Thanks!

Get them on Your List Right AwayGet them on Your List Right AwayGet them on Your List Right AwayGet them on Your List Right Away

One of the most important things you can do that

will allow you to communicate with your clients on a

regular basis is to have an Opt-in Email list.

Connect with them OnlineConnect with them OnlineConnect with them OnlineConnect with them Online

Whether it be Facebook, LinkedIn or other

online places, search them out and connect and then

watch them online and interact with them!

Communicate with Customized Content and Communicate with Customized Content and Communicate with Customized Content and Communicate with Customized Content and

Special Offers Special Offers Special Offers Special Offers Just for Current CustomersJust for Current CustomersJust for Current CustomersJust for Current Customers

Most companies communicate with their list but

fewer are actively making offers to their current

customer base.

Check in On ThemCheck in On ThemCheck in On ThemCheck in On Them

The overwhelming majority of unhappy

customers will never communicate their


dissatisfaction with you. Regularly checking in on

customers will help you to see signs of an impending

departure while there’s still time to fix problems. Ask

them how you are doing!

Thank Them!Thank Them!Thank Them!Thank Them!

If someone referred you (even if you did not get

business) Thank them! I try and remember to send a

card to each one and I know it is appreciated!

Create Loyalty Programs and/or and Customer

Referral Programs

Rewarding customers for referring you new

business or for repeat buys is always a good idea.

You can always just thank them but having a

program in place encourages referrals.

Bring Your Customers TogetherBring Your Customers TogetherBring Your Customers TogetherBring Your Customers Together

Is it time for an Open House? Maybe a Festive

Gathering at Christmas time?

Show them you care by taking the time to

appreciate and reward them!

Campaign to your Lost Customers Campaign to your Lost Customers Campaign to your Lost Customers Campaign to your Lost Customers

You are twice as likely to close business with a

lost customer as you are with a new prospect.

Remember their Special DaysRemember their Special DaysRemember their Special DaysRemember their Special Days

Sending a Birthday Card or wish is such a small

but special gesture. You may want to think about

collecting Birthdays when you have people sign up

for you list. Facebook has a Birthday reminder and I

personally send everyone of my connections a special

wish on their Birthday. Again, show them you took

the time to care!

Be CreativeBe CreativeBe CreativeBe Creative

What Other things can you do to increase

customer retention?

These tasks are time consuming, overwhelming

and sometimes hard to put in front of paying work

but I promise, it will pay off! Pick the ones that

resonate with you and do them on a regular basis –

not just when you can. Make them an important part

of your marketing plan. If you are in the stage of

growth in your business where you simply just cannot

do it all hire an assistant or VA to do this for you.

These tasks are crucial to your success!

FREE

Want a FREE ad

in the magazine?

Join Business Success Unlimited.


Do you need to work out a strategic plan? Launch a project? Create goals for the upcoming year?

Would you like support in gaining clarity and focus for your business goals?

Are you ready to stop playing small?

Do you need space and time for quiet reflection to work on those goals?

Are you interested in learning new ways to work, manifest and prosper?

Want to showcase your products as a vendor?

Then plan on attending the Michiana Dream the Work Retreat

October 22, 2013

Michiana Christian Service Camp

8am—6pm

Call for info on prices

Topics include:

Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Creating Your Business Vision

Live Networking—Deconstructed

Steps to a Perfect Elevator Speech

And more


Three Reasons Your Business Website is Failing Jason Barr, Valentine Web Services

It happens all the time: a business owner spends

thousands of dollars to have a brand new website

built. But then launch day comes and goes, and

nothing happens. There’s no flood of visitors, no

new sales--nothing!

Everyone gets discouraged, afraid the whole

thing was just a big waste of time and money—and

it’s possible they’re right! If you don’t know what

you’re doing with your website, there’s a good

chance it’s going to be a flop. Here are three reasons

why your website’s design might be hurting your

business.

ItItItIt’’’’s Not Clear What You Want Viewers to Dos Not Clear What You Want Viewers to Dos Not Clear What You Want Viewers to Dos Not Clear What You Want Viewers to Do

Most business websites suffer from what I call

clutter-itis; they have too much going on. There isn’t

a single, clear action for viewers to take! Instead

they have social media icons, email forms, product

listings, pictures, and all kinds of links that are

confusing and generate anxiety for their visitors.

When you build a website for your business you

have to make sure each page has one thingone thingone thingone thing your

viewers are clearlyclearlyclearlyclearly meant to do. Too many options

will kill your conversion rates.

For e-commerce sites this can be tricky! You

will have things like catalog pages that list multiple

products. That’s ok! The clear action can simply be

something to move further in the purchase process.

But why not make it easy? You should definitely

have “buy now” buttons on the product listings to

reduce friction. And you really really really really shouldn’t depend on

random site visits to make sales; instead, use smart

marketing to lead people straight to the products

they’re most likely to buy.

Your Content Is Too Hard to ReadYour Content Is Too Hard to ReadYour Content Is Too Hard to ReadYour Content Is Too Hard to Read

Another problem many websites have is the

design doesn’t draw viewers’ attention to the content

and make it easy to read. Design clutter plays a part

in that, but other problems include

• breaking up left margins with images

• having long blocks of text with no breaks,

subheadings, formatting, or lists


• text that’s too-small with poor spacing and line-

height

All these problems increase user difficulty and

decrease the chance they will become your next

customer. Focus on readability, both in design and

the text copy itself, to get more prospects and sales.

You Fail at MobileYou Fail at MobileYou Fail at MobileYou Fail at Mobile

The third major problem is becoming more and

more important every year: their design doesn’t

work on mobile! Mobile internet use has explodedexplodedexplodedexploded

over the past few years thanks to the increasing

popularity of smartphones and tablets.

Over halfhalfhalfhalf of all internet users under 40 use

mobile as their primaryprimaryprimaryprimary means of web access, and

most regular mobile users immediately close the immediately close the immediately close the immediately close the

pagepagepagepage if it’s not mobile-friendly. If you want your

business to survive into the future, having a website

that works on mobile is incredibly importantincredibly importantincredibly importantincredibly important.

There are dozens of other website problems that

could be hurting your business, but tackling these

three will go a long way toward making it better.

Jason Barr is a Digital Media Consultant for Valentine

Web Services in South Bend, Indiana. Get more great tips for

your business website at http://valentinewebs.com

Create Custom designs for Create Custom designs for Create Custom designs for Create Custom designs for

most any occasion with most any occasion with most any occasion with most any occasion with

Simply Said designs! Simply Said designs! Simply Said designs! Simply Said designs!

Consultations available Consultations available Consultations available Consultations available

upon request. upon request. upon request. upon request.

Website:

hDp://www.mysimplysaiddesigns.com/604

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (574) 850-6627

Get in touch with Kathleen today for those

wonderful Back To School specials. It’s not

long now before classes are again in

session!


We all strive for perfection in our business,

sometimes to the point of obsession. We don’t

(always) listen to the advice of others. Believing so

strongly in something that we wear blinders—this

way of thinking can backfire.

I’m a “Motor City” girl, so the story of the Edsel

and the Tucker is always around. The 1957-60 Edsel

Sedan had some interesting ideas but really no

planning involved. Ford’s planning issues went from

design flaws on up to no dedicated factory line to

build the car. The issues with manufacturing

included putting “extra” parts in the trunk with

instructions to the dealership mechanics on how to

finish the build. Had an interesting idea with

placement of shifting – in the steering wheel hub,

Business: AinBusiness: AinBusiness: AinBusiness: Ain’’’’t Nobody Perfectt Nobody Perfectt Nobody Perfectt Nobody Perfect Liz LaClair, Virtually Helps, LLC


where everyone was accustomed to finding the

horn. Not to mention it had a strange design, it’s a

shame they didn’t stick with the Roadster – it was

slick, although it’s double grille design wasn’t

exactly a complimentary look either, the second

grille was where you’d expect to find the bumper.

Then there’s the 1948 Tucker Sedan. It had all

kinds of features, making it a car ahead of it’s time

and some of the features should have been available

in cars all along. The most well-known was the

directional third headlight. But at the time 17 states

had laws against more than two headlights. It was a

rear-engine and rear wheel drive marvel. With a

perimeter frame for crash protection and a roll bar

built into the roof. The steering box was behind the

front axel – designed to protect the driver in case of

front-end accident damage. And like cars are now,

the instrument panel and all controls were within

easy reach of the steering wheel. The parking brake

had a separate key so it could be locked in place to

prevent theft. The rear end had a very strange look

and confused its lines. What was the problem with

this car? Mr. Tucker didn’t get investors and

(possibly because he wasn’t with any of the Big

Three) was blackballed from getting the materials

needed to build.

Where am I going with this?

Both examples show what happens with poor

planning (whether it’s directly their fault or not).

Ford didn’t properly test market the car – they said

they did but marketing failed – along with that

assembly line issue. Tucker so strongly believed in

his designs – which were amazing – that he didn’t

want big investors involved, wanted to do it all

himself.

Ford and Tucker were being themselves.

Believing in their product – never a bad thing – but

using tunnel vision to see it through. They didn’t

listen to their advisors. They thought, believed, they

had perfection and knew all would be as they

envisioned.

Having a dream is wonderful. Having the drive

to see it through is what is needed in business. You

could have the perfect idea/innovation. However, if

you don’t listen to those trusted people around you,

you could fail. Just remember, no one is perfect –

that 40 in WD 40 is the number of attempts to get it

right.

Don’t give up. Besides, it was the Edsel that

was the frame for the Batmobile.


Businesses must have a global perspective when

it comes to selling goods and services. However,

mobile technology has made our world much

smaller. Each mobile device represents a growing

market and a 1-on-1 connection with the customer as

well as potential customers. Smaller businesses can

be just as competitive, if not better, by adopting a

mobile marketing strategy that says ‘Think Global,

Buy Local, Go Mobile!’ What does this mean?

Small businesses are forced to compete with

global behemoths with huge budgets. When a lot of

small businesses are forced to do more with less and

be more competitive with larger businesses they

must be very creative. A lot of small businesses may

not have the money or the time to wait for circulated

newspapers with ads to reach customers. However, a

smart mobile marketing strategy can be VERY

effective in smaller markets where they rely on close

connections and repeat business in order to thrive.

‘Buy Local Initiatives’ are becoming more common

in smaller cities with small businesses that thrive off

of each other, prosper from jobs, and related

economic activity.

The following mobile marketing strategy could

be adopted and implemented by a City, a Chamber

of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority,

or a private party. These are examples of industry

related mobile marketing strategies that give people

options and can be engaging:

• Gyms and health food

stores

• Stores and boutiques

• Restaurants and nightlife

People are able to market, advertise, and

communicate through various mobile channels. A

text messaging campaign can help attract new

customers, engage current customers and help with a

‘call to action’ in a short amount of time.

A mobile optimized website allows for

customers to find your small business or to go to

other search sites.

A mobile app adds some of the same features in

calls to action, mobile optimization. However much

more details about your customer can be derived

from when they download your company’s mobile

app. (i.e. How, many downloads, which pages

people spend more time on, and what ads they are

clicking on, etc.)

How can your company benefit from a ‘Think

Global, Buy Local, Go Mobile Strategy?’

Think Global, Buy Local, Go Mobile!!! Kenneth Nichols, Urban Appeal


Entrepreneurial based business is looking

for an apprentice interested in supporting

company in developing and implementing

marketing strategies, while learning

entrepreneur skills.

This person should be prepared to work

in a fast-paced team environment, and will

finish the apprenticeship having gained

experience in various aspects of marketing a

successful business, as well as working with a

team to achieve expected end results.

Some of the responsibilities will include

(this position will be shared with 1 - 2 others,

so one applicant is not responsible for ALL the

tasks on this list and for this position):

• Research & reach out to organizations

within target market for speaking & sales

opportunities

• Implement social media marketing plan

• Write & submit press releases

• Assist with creating any presentation

materials for speaking engagements

• Follow up with presentation attendees after

event and enter new leads into the main

database, as well as follow up with

attendees to give them more information

about the products/services they expressed

interest in

• Draft sales pages and messages and post to

web site

Qualifications: Qualifications: Qualifications: Qualifications:

• High to advanced knowledge of Microsoft

Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Publisher &

Adobe Photoshop a bonus)

• Social Media marketing experience

• WordPress experience a bonus

• Interest in collaborating ideas & making

decisions while recommending and

implementing courses of action

It's essential that applicants be creative,

self-directed, and comfortable in taking

initiative in creating and implementing ideas,

as well as have the ability and desire to think

outside the box and come up with new

solutions towards overall company objectives

and find new results-oriented solutions.

JOBS, APPRENTICESHIPS and MORE …

If you have a job you’d like to list here, send us a Word doc for possible inclusion in an

upcoming edition.


Apprentice must be articulate, dependable and

committed with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Hours:Hours:Hours:Hours:

Flexible with 15 - 20 hours per week

Length/Availability:Length/Availability:Length/Availability:Length/Availability:

6 months

Benefits:Benefits:Benefits:Benefits:

• Mastermind Business Building

Membership

• Knowledge, experience, and practice in a

supportive team environment

• Working with a team of highly skilled and

motivated professionals

• Ability to discover and learn new resources

in a supportive learning environment

• Feedback and suggestions to improve

personal skill level

• Testimonials and recommendations as

earned

Details:Details:Details:Details:

• Primary role will be to support company in

developing and implementing marketing

strategies.

• Apprentices are required to work a

minimum of 15 hours/week, and some

weeks during launches may work 20+ hours

with a minimum 6-month commitment to

role

• Access to own desk, high-speed internet,

and additional equipment and software

necessary to complete all assigned tasks

• Weekly Team meetings (1 hour)

• Monthly Apprentice meetings (to learn and

discover from one another, 1 hour)


Barbara Nicastro is a self-described “business woman with a law degree” who guides business and executives in their legal, business and personal lives. Her twenty-plus years as an entrepreneur and manager provide the basis of her practical yet intuitive style.

Needing Help as a Sign of StrengthNeeding Help as a Sign of StrengthNeeding Help as a Sign of StrengthNeeding Help as a Sign of Strength

Many of my clients are entrepreneurs who are

excellent at what they do, but who hate to, or are

not particularly good at, running a business. As a

business owner, I understand how we all worry

about failing or appearing weak. But the best sign

of strength is knowing when to reach out for help

and who can best help you.

Barbara Nicastro


1. Team BuildingTeam BuildingTeam BuildingTeam Building. Business owners know the

real value of networking and promotion. I’m

thinking you probably allocate a portion of your

time and budget to networking. Have you given

sufficient attention to creating your advisory

“team”: an attorney, accountant, insurance person,

banker and one brutally honest person who will be

your sounding board? Creating this group when you

start your business, or before you have serious

issues, is the smart move.

2. Agreements/ContractsAgreements/ContractsAgreements/ContractsAgreements/Contracts. Simply put: any

agreement/contract/proposal you are presented or

you wish to present should be in writing and should

be drafted or reviewed by your attorney. While a

document may seem quite simple and without

dangerous language, often what is not included may

create problems in the future. Don’t rely on the

other side’s attorney, don’t presume that review

isn’t necessary when dealing with a trusted

colleague or friend, and don’t be lulled by verbal

comments on how things will actually be handled.

Spoken words vanish into the air and from memory;

written ones are what will save or sink your

business.

3. Delegate Your Weaknesses.Delegate Your Weaknesses.Delegate Your Weaknesses.Delegate Your Weaknesses. I would never

trust myself to repair my car, absolutely hate doing

housework, and am a killer gardener in the bad

sense. I also like to tinker with, but can be

dangerous around, my computer, my taxes and my

investments. Plus, the older I get, the more

important time becomes to me. A frazzled me does

no one any good. So, I farm those duties out to

talented people who take care of me and leave my

head, body, home and business in peace. From a

time management and even a cost perspective, it’s

often the wiser choice to outsource tasks such as

payroll, bookkeeping, IT, employee benefits or

graphic design functions. Even if your business is

large enough to support an in-house person for one

or more of these jobs, calculate the “real cost”, i.e.,

employer taxes, benefits, management duties and

potential employee issues of hiring rather than

contracting.

4. Do Not Fear FeedbackDo Not Fear FeedbackDo Not Fear FeedbackDo Not Fear Feedback. Who wants to hear

criticism? The smart business owner does! Don’t

be afraid to ask your clients, managers, advisory

team or even your family what you are doing wrong

or could do better/differently. Be creative and ask

your peers or colleagues what mistakes they wish

they had avoided in their business careers. If you

don’t get or lose an account or client, ask for

feedback on what would have made you more

competitive. You may not get an answer, or the

response may be a serious wake-up call, but not

asking the tough question makes you competitively

weaker.

Being totally self-reliant only works when

nothing is going on or everything is going well.

And how can you be sure either is the case? For all

the other times, reaching out for help is the best

move you can make.


MEMBERSHIP

DIRECTORY

AVAS, LLCAVAS, LLCAVAS, LLCAVAS, LLC

AVAS provides photo scanning, photo montages, social

media consulting, and project assistance.

h�p://www.AVASLLC.NET | Cell: (574) 514-5193

Connective MarketingConnective MarketingConnective MarketingConnective Marketing provides communications services to small businesses:

• Print and e-newsletters • Handbooks, Yearbooks and Directories • Web site content • Organization membership management • Editing and Proofreading • Event management Connective Marketing offers non-profit management and consulting services. Connective Marketing has a particu-lar focus on sailing and sailboat racing organizations and events. Be confident you can drop your dock lines and sail away knowing your needs will be met.

Connective Marketing /)/)/)/) 1245 West Gull Lake Drive (\(\(\(\ Richland, Michigan 49083

269.203.7130 T | 786.358.3605 F gail@connec+vemarke+ngllc.com |

www.connec+vemarke+ngllc.com

Heartwood Renaissance AcademyHeartwood Renaissance AcademyHeartwood Renaissance AcademyHeartwood Renaissance Academy A private school dedicated to helping students succeed. We teach students to SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS. The staff and teachers help DESIGN, BUILD, and TEST each child's skills, confidence, and self-esteem to fly with cour-age into their adult futures with the ability to overcome obstacles and accept challenges.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heartwood-Renaissance-Academy | (269) 273-0160

Kerri’s Avenue SalonKerri’s Avenue SalonKerri’s Avenue SalonKerri’s Avenue Salon We are stylist-owned and operated, we care about our customers and would love you to be one too! Whether it's hair extensions, eyelash extensions, a Japanese straightener or some kick-butt color, give us a call and see what we can do for you.

MI Security Training/Bodyguard AcademyMI Security Training/Bodyguard AcademyMI Security Training/Bodyguard AcademyMI Security Training/Bodyguard Academy

Providing quality training for those working in the

private security industry.

http://thebodyguardacademy.com | (269) 651-3355

Niles Four Flags Area Chamber of CommerceNiles Four Flags Area Chamber of CommerceNiles Four Flags Area Chamber of CommerceNiles Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving

the needs of Businesses and the Community. For further information

about Business opportunities in our area or information on joining the

Chamber please call (269)683-3720, or [email protected] or

write to us at 321 E. Main St., P.O. Box 10 Niles, MI 49120.


Follow us on Twi�er @ http://www.twitter.com/smallbizjunkie

Like us on Facebook @ h�p://www.facebook.com/bsuconnector

Join us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/in/nancybecher

Ways to Connect

Premier Women’s NetworkPremier Women’s NetworkPremier Women’s NetworkPremier Women’s Network

To Uplift, Encourage, and Inspire all Women in Business

and Career Seekers to Achieve their Highest Capabilities

through Networking and Education

https://www.facebook.com/PremierWomensNetwork/

info | (260) 747-5202

River Country JournalRiver Country JournalRiver Country JournalRiver Country Journal

Celebrating and nurturing life in Southwest Michigan

river country.

http://www.rivercountryjournal.com | (269) 279-8000

Schooley MitchellSchooley MitchellSchooley MitchellSchooley Mitchell

Jerry Sarno and Schooley Mitchell will save your business

or organization; 1) Time; we do the work so you concen-

trate on your core business. 2) Money; we save $$$ on

your telecom spend, if we don't, there is no fee. 3) Peace

of mind.

269-408-8679

http://www.schooleymitchell.com/jsarno

Your Business Needs FansYour Business Needs FansYour Business Needs FansYour Business Needs Fans

Encouraging businesses create and maintain their online

presence by teaching best-practice Facebook marketing

and so much more.

https://www.facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans

(574) 344-8895

MembershipDirectoryContinued….


Want to run an ad here? Sign up now and

get 3 months for the price of one! This offer

won’t last long, so contact us today at

[email protected] or

call 269-651-3555 for more information.

Hurry before the offer expires!


Don’t wait ‘til ...…

to grow your business

You can sit there and do nothing, or you can get out,

network, learn new techniques, brush up on the old but

trusted ones, and grow your business NOW!

Visit our web page at http://success4biz.biz and click on

http://success4biz.biz/Our_Programs.html to get more

information on these programs and get signed up today!

Business Success Unlimited is at 701 Prairie Street,

Sturgis, MI 49091. Our telephone number is 269-651-

3555 and our email is [email protected].

For 53 cents a day, you can have a group of business

professionals by your side, guiding you, supporting you,

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dream of. But you can’t wait ‘til pigs fly to do it. Act

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Success Club

Where businesses go to connect | Collaborate | SUCCEED

Purchase a Platinum Membership with Business Success Unlimited and become a member of the Success Club, which gives you access to several different types of programs.

BENEFITS: (For only $195 a year)BENEFITS: (For only $195 a year)BENEFITS: (For only $195 a year)BENEFITS: (For only $195 a year)

• You get listings on the Business Success Unlimited website. • You get the opportunity to submit an article to the magazine Small Business Forward for possible inclusion.

• A monthly FULL COLOR, quarter page ad in Small Biz Forward • You may participate in:

Mentoring Projects, Entrepreneurial Forums, Talk Radio, Business Abundance Networking:Mentoring Projects, Entrepreneurial Forums, Talk Radio, Business Abundance Networking:Mentoring Projects, Entrepreneurial Forums, Talk Radio, Business Abundance Networking:Mentoring Projects, Entrepreneurial Forums, Talk Radio, Business Abundance Networking: ——— Lunchtime Learners Book Club (FREE); Mentoring Project [Mastermind] ($75 for 3 months); Entrepreneurial Forums ($20 per event); Talk Radio (FREE) and you may be asked to be a guest; Abundance Networking (FREE).

• Member to Member Discounts (at least 10%) • Job Listings, Referrals, Authors & Publishers, Events • Tradeshows and EXPOs (Annual conference in October. Vendors booth will be $75 or just attendance will be $50).

• Other events as they come up • Plus, other highly customized programs If you’re ready to build a strong referral network, then JOIN THE CLUB! We’re here to support you and

help make your connections count! As our community grows, we will add valuable enhancements to this

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JOINNOW

420 West Cleveland Road

Granger IN 46530

574-243-3901

∗ Color

∗ Cu>ng

∗ Styling

∗ Nail Services

∗ Skin Care

∗ Hair Extensions

∗ Eyelash Extensions

∗ Waxing

∗ Massage

∗ Body Wraps

∗ Teeth Whitening

∗ Spray Tans

h�p://www.youtube.com/user/kerriblairsalon

Since 1987, Kerri Spencer has been a licensed cosmetologist and

instructor. She serves as a master colorist and regional instruc-

tor for It&ly Hairfashions. She is also the owner/operator of

Kerri’s Avenue Salon. Prior to opening her own shop in 2005,

Kerri was the lead instructor at Premier College of Cosmetology.

Her professional accomplishments include working “on set” with

various theatrical produc+ons, television commercials, print

photo shoots and fashion shows. She was even hired to create

“period looks” for a Hollywood movie produc+on.

She prides herself on offering a high level of service at an afford-

able price. She has a true passion for the art and science of hair

design, and loves to bring that passion to her clients.

Kerri belongs to numerous business networking groups and

oHen emcees speed networking events for these various groups.

Kerri’s Philosophy: As a wellness advocate, Kerri believes that

nutri+on is key to outer beauty. As such, she also provides

whole-food nutri+on consola+on and total body care products

with It Works Global.

Kerri will be a featured speaker at the “Dream the Work Re-

treat”, focusing on the importance of first impressions in your

work environment, for men and women. Come find out what

your best look is!

h�ps://www.facebook.com/KerrisAvenueSalon