EmpressofBiz, Biz Tips: Empressofbiz, Biz Tips. Awards bring Respect, Recognition & FREE Publicity.

AWARDS...BRING RESPECT, RECOGNITION
   FREE PUBLICITY!

Blue Ribbon Award Winning Writing Tips
JoAnn R. Forrester

            Awards are an excellent way to position a client, business associate or oneself for Respect, Recognition and FREE publicity.  The publicity received is often worth hundreds of thousands of dollar$.  The following tips will give you an overview of writing a nomination that will stand out and shout, “Pick me.”

1. Preparation:  Knowing the RIGHT steps to take, people to nominate and what awards to nominate your nominee for saves time, frustration and losing  submission.

2. READ, know and follow the guidelines exactly for the nomination.    If you have questions… ASK the organization sponsoring the award.

3.  Nominee’s Permission:  It is essential  to ask the intended honoree’s  permission to nominate him or her for an award.    Explain the award and let the nominee know up front  if financial data is required. Some nominees are uncomfortable with disclosing financial information and will elect not to continue.

4.    Supporting material: If there are supporting documents required, start gathering them immediately.   The supporting documents and letters can be referenced in the nomination write-up to illustrate strong points of the candidate.

       5.    Writing:  Give yourself plenty of time to write.  Figure at least 10 hours for each            nomination.  This covers research, interviewing, verifying material and writing. List each criteria and answer that only.   Use short and brief sentences with strong follow-up points.  Long sentences and narratives are boring. The committee soon gets tired of reading and will start to skim over material and you will lose points..

6.      Editing. Have the nominee  review and verify what  you have written.  If you are unsure of a fact, do not use it.   If it states no more than 5 pages, stick to that!

7.      Submission: Make sure All information requested is enclosed. Do not guess on postage if mailing.  Get proof of mailing or delivery verification of nomination.  Make sure you have the name of the person who received it.

8.    Congratulate Yourself.  You did it! Pat yourself on the back! You deserve it and when your nominee wins…it will be a great time for all.

 The author of this article, JoAnn Forrester, of S. I. Business Associates, is an award winning business consultant, teacher, lecturer and writer.  JoAnn has written over 300 award winning profiles for her clients, including the U.S. Small Business Administration National Small Business Journalist of the Year, U.S Small Business Administration National Small Business Person of the Year Award, YWCA Racial Justice Award, YWCA Tribute to Women, SBA Minority Business Advocate, Athena Awards, Stevie Awards and the PA Best 50 Award. If you do not want to write your nomination she does.  JoAnn can be reached at 412-440-6969 or selfimagebz@aol.com. or empressofbiz@gmail.com

Empressofbiz, Biz Tips Job vs Business ownership I love Mondays...what about you?

 I love Mondays...do you?

Monday Biz Tip ;) Good morning...the Monday adventure begins anew. I remember once upon a time...I use to hate Mondays... now I don't. I must have been a terrible employee...much better owner of my own business. For those of you who have "jobs" I really hope you enjoy them. 

For those of us in business and who work at what we love.... our main challenge is time management and focusing on what makes us money...not just doing what we enjoy and is easy for us.   
 Enjoy the day and make sure you do the activities that will bring you money!  :)

Plan your weekly list today...make sure the money making activities are there.  No money...no business.

EmpessofBiz, Biz Tips: Sunday Morning Reflection . All Started Small

Sunday Morning Reflection  

I believe in small business and you.   I know when we walk with vision,  a plan, courage,  dedication and confidence we can accomplish great things. All the big businesses that you see today....Google., IBM, Ford, Facebook, Apple & Microsoft  etc.....ALL started small propelled by someone's dream. My posting each day says I believe and support you.

My 30 plus years experience of owning business has taught me a great deal.  Some of the knowledge comes from successes I have had.  I have won numerous awards for my accomplishments,  achievements and advocacy of small business.    My clients have been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for their success.  Yet success alone does not build wisdom.  Many of my lessons have been learned painfully...mistakes made, shifts in market place, wrong advisors and my own shortcomings.

 I hope you will use these posts to stimulate your thinking and creativity. Please share your tips and experiences so we all can accomplish our dreams and continue to build our nation. Let us all dream big, support one another and make this our best year.

My best wishes for a prosperous and productive 2014.  May you be blessed with the energy, enthusiasm, courage and insight needed to make your dreams come true.
 JoAnn R. Forrester
SBA PA Women Business Champion 
PA Best 50 Women in Business
YWCA Tribute to Women, Entrepreneur Category
Co-Founder of the Women of Achievement Awards