It's not the events in life that matters...
it's how you react to them that counts.
Eleanor Roosevelt. 
One lesson I have learned I cannot control everything around me(really wish I could) what I can control is my reaction and my actions. So if others are being discouraging, miserable, nasty etc..I do not have to be.
 Makes my life easier and saves energy.  This advice is especially good for business owners who are retailers..there are ALWAYS going to be a customer who has taken his/her r miserable pill...don't let them bother you or your staff. Good customer service and good moods always  pays off
Make it a great day follks.

Ola Jackson

15 minutes ago

Building Bridges Small Business Works Event

One of Pittsburgh's top business leaders JoAnn Forrester comments on the Building Bridges Small Business Works event. She also sits on the board of the organization. — with JoAnn Forrester.

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    JoAnn Forrester Thank you for your support..it takes all of us to build our small business community.

    6 minutes ago · 

Pain in the Neck customers

Just answered a quiz about what makes your back hurt.  And one of my answers was People. Back pain can often come from dealing with frustrating and stressful people at work customers, clients and then of course at home. The old phrase that person is a" Pain in my neck" is often true. Your neck, shoulders, back muscles tighten up and at the end of the day you are in knots from dealing with the stressful person or situation.  Occasionally we have customer/clients/employees  that the very mention of their name creates havoc to your system.  

So what do you do with "those people"  Fire the? Ignore them?  Run from them  Or let someone else deal with them?  To deal with the situation you have to ask yourself  Why is this person under my skin?  What are they doing to disturb me so much.  Why am I keeping them in my business.  Why am I keeping them as a customer?  The answers may vary.  You have to decide what you are going to do to take away the annoyance factor.  

After looking at the source of my annoyance with one client, I decided to fire.  For all the work I was doing for them it boiled down to making a very few dollars.   So with glee. I went and told him I have to quit working for you.  I   will finish this particular project..but cannot continue at the rates I am currently being paid   I am in business to make money..and I am not  making money with working for you.


Darned if he didn't asked, "What do you need"?   Not knowing what to say I just popped answer that was five times the price.  He looked at me squinted, sighed, turned red and then said, ".Ok I will pay that. I was wondering when you would get wise and ask me for more". 


 My mind was in a whirl and split into two directions.  One,  I could not believe he was willing to pay me that amount.  Two, at the same time  part of me was screaming..Oh No..we have to continue to work for him.  Anyway's to make a long story short, he is still a client..but now I can stand him because the pay is really good.  Our relationship has now progressed to the level..Hey Bob, if you keep this up my fee is really going up again.  So in this instance it worked out well.  

Morale of the story:  Find the reason for your pain and do something about it.  It will be worth your while to do so, either in money and or control of the situation.

Have a great day and profitable day folks.

Ten Steps to Take BEFORE U Go to the Bank.or What to do to IMPRESS the banker..so u won't be kicked out the door!

Ten Steps to Take Before U Go to the Bank..or

What  to do to IMPRESS the banker so you won’t be kicked out the door!

Going to the bank often feels like going to the dentist and having a root canal without the benefit of anesthetic…OUCH!   

Yes, it is tough out there.  No, it is not impossible. Yes, you do have to be prepared. No, not everyone will be the right lender for you. Getting the right paperwork prepared (ugh), the right lender (yeah) and the right attitude are essential.

To lessen the pain of rejection I have prepared the following Ten Steps to Take BEFORE you Borrow. 

First step:  Know what you need the money for and how you will pay it back.  You are borrowing money for a reason and that reason must be able to generate the loan payment.  An up-to-date business plan is essential.

Second step:  Know what type of loan you are looking for - short term, long term, working capital, start- up capital, accounts receivable, line of credit.  Understand an SBA loan.  It is NOT A Direct loan to you.  It is a guaranteed backing to the bank that eases the bank’s concerns about taking a risk on you.

Third step:  Know your credit score.  Get reports from all three companies. If you have had a problem, write down the reasons and give the explanation to the banker.

Fourth step:  Correct any mistakes on the credit score.  (Note:  Over 30% of credit scores have wrong information)’.  Be vigilant. Credit companies are not so interested in posting correct information; they are just interested in reporting information.  Garbage in, garbage out.  Stay vigilant

Fifth step:  Prepare a personal financial statement.  This is a snap shot of your financial worth.  What you owe: mortgages, credit cards, installment loans, line of credit. etc.  The Value of insurance policies, IRA’s,  pensions plans, stocks, bonds, accounts receivable, tools, furnishings, office equipment, etc.     Copyright, 2012 S. I. Business Associates.

Sixth step:  Know what resources are required for the type of loan you desire.   Are there government or non-profit loan funds for which you can apply?   Understand each application process.  They are not all the same.

Seventh step:  Make sure all legal documents and insurance policies are available and up to date.  If a corporation, have that information available. Know where your corporate seal is and please update your corporate minute book.  If a partnership, be prepared with fictitious name and/or anything that identifies your business legally.  Acting dumb and getting what you want by being cute only works in the sitcom world.    

Eighth step:  Pick several financial sources for your approach.  Look at several banks, government entities or non-profit organizations or other possible lending sources and discover their criteria. Most are similar, yet there may be something of which you are unaware that could become a road block.  Request a financial checklist for a loan from each possible source.  She who is prepared is more likely to be successful than he who is not.

Ninth step:  Interview the bankers.  Get to know them.  What is their lending authority? What are the requirements for a loan?  What credit score is required?  Most banks these days do not have direct lending authority.  Most are unfamiliar with most the government programs that are available.  Pick one that is most interested in you and will work with you. 

Tenth step:    Schedule an appointment.  Dress appropriately.  Have paperwork in hand.  Talk directly about any problems, opportunities or obstacles and show them you have done your homework. 

To learn more about borrowing please listen to my interview with SueMalone, The Money Lady.  

Want to make sure you are prepared to go to the bank  give JoAnn Forrester a call at 412-440-6969.  JoAnn and staff  have secured over 40 million dollars in small business/investment capital for small business.  Do not go to the bank alone….get expert guidance.  412-440-6969. Copyright 2012 S. I. Business Associates, 412-440-6969.