EmpressofBiz, Biz Tip What do you want? Job? Career? Business?

What do want?

 What is it that you want in life? A job? A career? A profession? Or a business? Only you know the answer. Each one requires a set of skills, attitude, preparation,  and dedication with its own set of rewards, risks, trade offs  and challenges.

To me...a job is something you do to bring in money.  It is something you tolerate so you can pay the bills and get on with your life.  Done that...hated it.

  A career is where you have found something that you are invested in and are goal oriented.  Usually it is doing it for someone else and being tied into their goals and expectations ...done that...and did not like it.  

A profession usually means you have spent a lot of time and dollars  being educated to do something hopefully will bring you money, respect and prestige i.e  Doctor, Lawyer, Dentist, Engineer or Indian Chief.  That was not a track I chose to follow.  

For me... I chose to be in business.  It is  the most challenging, rewarding and risky.  Yet I love it and would not do anything different.  When I was growing up "girls did not plan to go into business".  They got a secretary job with a big corporation which would provide safety and security.   

So when I went into business it was totally unacceptable.  It took my family 15 years to even acknowledge that I had a business.  There were of challenges to overcome...which I did.  And yes, there were times when  it was  quite daunting, harrowing and lonely....but thirtyfive years later I am still here..and still loving it.  

If you decide to jump into the entrepreneurial pool  there is  a number of thing you need to succeed besides a great idea.  You need a vision,  money, a business plan, a buying public, a willingness to work harder than you ever had, technical and people skills and plenty of courage, patience and dedication.  

And one other important thing...is Friends to support you and listen to you.  You cannot accomplish this without a support system.  Sometimes your family will be...sometimes they will not.  Make sure in your "business plan" you build your support team...it will be one of your most valuable assets.

And a special thank you to all of you  who have been my friends along the way.

Empress of Biz, Biz tips..Business emergency plans..crucial for survival

Sunday Biz TiP: Reflection: One thing we do not like to do is think about what happens if......So the majority of us don't. Emergencies and bad things happen...as responsible and caring business owners we need to have an action plan when problems occur. Being prepared does not prevent disaster...it does help to cope, heal and restore.

This week I will be concentrating on some of the things you need to think of when problems occur.  Whether you are a home based business or  Walmart...life happens.  The right planning makes all the difference in the world.

First thing to do...LOOK AT YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES.  Home, business, personal, liability, car  etc.  Do you understand what the polices are saying.  IF NOT ....CALL  your agent and sit down with her and make sure you know your coverage and risks.

IF YOU ARE HOME based...make sure your office and all equipment is covered.  We often leave ourselves exposed and vulnerable.  

I cannot emphasize this enough  Make sure you understand your policy and risks.  

Empressofbiz, Biz TiP...What is the ending for your business?

HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR BUSINESS TO END?  

Do you want to sell it?

Pass it along to your family or an employee?

Just close it?  

We spend a great deal of time planning to open our business...but very 

little on how we see ending it.  

 Your business can be your "nest egg for your retirement? 

It can be golden goose that gets you started on your next adventure

  Or it can be something that just keeps you busy and occupied until you decide to retire. 

 Each goal is  is different and requires planning and making different kind of decisions. 

If want to sell your business your strategy is different than those who are planning to keep it .  

One thing you will NOT DO.  Is  TAKE ALL THE PROFIT  of THE BUSINESS. 
YOU Need to build VALUE and net worth into the business. In other words...you cannot play the tax game with the business...gotta show it is worth something to get a good buyout.

Some additional factors to consider if your plan is to sell the business.

1. You need to determine what you have to sell. 
2. How much you want for it?
3. What type of person you would want to own it?
4. How long do you want to own the business?
5. Are you willing to "hold paper"? 
6. How long are you willing to help the new owner?


Selling a business can be a profitable venture for you and a good start for a new business owner...if you plan it right.

EmpressofBiz, Biz Tips: Reflection...what are you in business for?

Sunday Biz TiP: Reflection Time: 

What are you in business for? 

To make a difference in your community? 

To make money?

To be independent?

Become wealthy?

Build Security? 

Be creative?

Be innovative?

To Help Your Family?

 It is important to know your "reasons'" for STARTING and BUILDING a business.
 When your business model strays away from the reason you are in business...this is when you become unhappy. The business is your creation...make sure it is what you want.

Need to sort out what is going on in your business and keep on track...give SIBA a call...we have been guiding small business to success since 1975.  We know from our own personal experience what it means to create the business you want.  412-440-6969.  

EmpressofBiz, Biz Tips 10 Tips on Love & Business

Love & Business...Do they go together...like a horse and carriage or like oil and water?

• Posted by JoAnn R. Forrester on January 26, 2013 at 4:35pm
• View Blog

Soon it will be February..cold, snowy  and windy and still the month of love.Where cupid aims his bow and zing everything is wonderful.  Once in Love, many couples start to think it would be "fun" and a great  way to be together if they start a business...Good Idea..Or Not?

It can be wonderful IF there is a great deal of planning, talking and a willingness to compromise.

No doubt about It....it is  tough being in a relationship and business.  I am writing on the subject "Love and Business...because so many of my clients recently,  have run into difficult and tough times in their business and have had  to find a way to change or lose the relationship or business or both.

Below are some tips for building a successful relationship and business.

1.   Ego's have to be put aside or the relationship will be rocky and floundered.

2.   Couples need  to bring a willingness to just let go of being right and find a way to solve a problem and not blame one another.

3.   Mutual respect is essential in the business.  

4.  Financial arrangements must be clear and in writing.

5.  Legal agreements must be in place.  None of this "if you love me you will trust me" bit.  Women need to be especially aware of this scenario.

6.  A business plan that has input from both partners needs to be written.  

7.  Insurance that protects both parties needs to be in place. 

8.  A commitment to personal time made and kept.

9. Share success and make sure you are always mentioning the other partner for their contribution.

10. Keep laughter and fun ALIVE in the relationship...and that makes it a success no matter what!EmpressofBiz,Biz Tips Love & Business

For guidance in building a successful business and a relationship give S. I. Business Associates a call at 412-440-6969.  We have been guiding small businesses to success for over 30 years.

Weekend Biz Tip: Know yourself plus minuses

Weekend Biz thought: I am fortunate I love what I do. My business allows me to stretch myself in all kinds of ways. Sometimes my stretch to do something new..does not work. Then I have to re-group and figure out what I did wrong. Somethings I just cannot do something as well as I would like or just do not have the talent for it, or absolutely HATE it.

But I learn from my efforts. I now know what needs to be done by others and do not waste my time trying to do the impossible. 
Knowing your limits and getting good people to do what you cannot or do not want to do is a valuable lesson.

Take some time to review you.

a.  What is it that  you like to do?

b.  What are your strengths? 

c.  What you do NOT like?

d.  What can you give up? 

e.  Or pay others to do

Doing the above may give you a great deal more enjoyment in your business or profession and greatly improve your attitude.

Most Business Meetings are NOT productive

Most business meetings are unproductive. Usually they end up too long, little decided and people turned off. You can change that! I suggest the following:

1. Decide what needs to be accomplished today and FOCUS on that.

2. Each morning take ten minutes and decide what are the most important tasks for your employees and communicate it.

3. Check on them several times with mini meetings. You will be surprised how much will be done.

4. Make sure you thank them as they do it and correct problems as they occur. Do not wait to give praise or correction.

5. When you do have staff meeting...have an agenda with time lines and stick to that.

6. At the meeting make sure you tell people what happened that is positive.

7. Present what is going wrong in the approach of "How do we solve this". ..not who do we punish.

Most of all think of meetings as a chance to motivate, communicate and inspire.

Adversity makes us STRONG

I am a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, and have been rejoicing that we beat the New York Jets and we are off to a 7th Superbowl. This team is like the city it thrives on adversity. Tell us we cannot do it...tell us the odds are against us ..we are the under dog..and we are going to find a way to beat the odds.

Small business people are like the Pittsburgh Steelers, we thrive on the odds being against us. We usually start with the cards stack against us..do not have the 'franchise player's.. or the huge contracts and vast cash reserves...yet somehow we survive and make it flourish. The past couple years have been difficult and many business have not made it, including some very big ones. Lessons have been learned and it is time to use those lessons to build a stronger business and future.

One of my most resilient clients, a woman owned contracting company, besides the lesson of managing money, the most important thing is managing employees. Her employees made all the difference in her business. They have looked for ways to constantly improve the company, be competitive and cost efficient. Her next challenge will be to reward the employees appropriately. We are working with her on establish a bonus plan based on her break even point and the growth of income in the business.

The recovery is here... slow... but it is here. Start thinking of what you have learned, write it down, share with colleagues and employees. Then work on the growth strategy of how you are going to build your "new business" in the new economy.

Tip of the day: Take an inventory of the business..not just counting things..but put down all the information pertaining to your business in one place and have back up copies off site.

For a business review check list give us a call at 412-440-6969

Make it a positive day folks and go Steelers!

Numbers Tell a Story

Ok admit it. When you hear your accountant, banker or other numbers type talk about "the numbers", most of us wish we were out the dentist having a root canal. This is Not the fun part of business. But...numbers are not something that just jumped out of the air to annoy you...they are the results of the decisions you made on HOW to use or spend your money. Some of the decisions you make are "wise" and some are are not. Most of us look at money as something to use..spend on what we need or want to get things done..instead of a TOOL. Looking at money as your number one tool puts you in control. Periodically we will be talking about MONEY and how you can be in charge of it, instead of it in charge of you.
Have a great day and start making a plan on HOW you are going to use your "dollars and sense" wisely.

Daily Thought: December 31 Thank You

It is not WHO you know...it is WHO you know who is willing to stick by you through "thick and thin". Thank you to all my friends, clients and associates who have made a difficult year a lot better by just being a friend.
Happy New Year to all! May 2011 be a FANTAST year.
JoAnn R. Forrester
Empress of Biz--Reinvest Yourself in Rugged Times
S. I. Business Assocates

Daily Thought: December 29 Success

Today's Success is built on Yesteray's Lessons.
Before you say "Good Bye" and Good Riddance to 2010. a diffcult year for many, what are the lessons learned and how can you put them to work for you? Write down the following to say goodbye to 2010
1. What was good?
2. What impressed you?
3. What and who helped you?
4. What would you like to change
and remember Today's Succes is built on Today's Lessons

EmpressofBiz, Pa Governor's Conference for Women Preview, 9-30-10

2010 PA Governor’s Conference for Women
Background and TALKING POINTS

The seventh annual Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women is taking place October 14, 2010 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

The event is co-hosted by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.

This year’s theme is “Your time is now!” and attendees will be encouraged to be fearlessly resilient, to rebound with purpose and power and to lead with intention.

Conference Background

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women is a non-profit, non-partisan, one-day event that features more than 75 renowned speakers sharing inspirational stories and leading seminars on the issues that matter most to women, including health, personal finance, business and entrepreneurship, work/life balance, the environment and more.

The conference offers incredible opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth.

Keynote Speakers

Ellen Alemany (Citizens Financial Group CEO) - chairman and chief executive officer of Citizens Financial Group, Inc. and RBS Americas, the North and South American operations and subsidiaries of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc. Recognized by Forbes Magazine and U.S. Banker Magazine as one of the most powerful women in banking.

Kelly Corrigan (Author) - an accomplished author and columnist. Her book “The Middle Place” spent six months on The New York Times bestseller list and her columns have appeared in Glamour and Good Housekeeping.

Eve Ensler (American playwright) - is the award-winning author of “The Vagina Monologues,” which has been published in 45 languages and performed in more than 130 countries. She is also the founder of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls, which has raised $70 million and educated millions through art and activism.

Jessica Herrin (“Serial Entrepreneur” and founder and CEO of Stella & Dot) -
is founder and CEO of Stella & Dot, a nationwide direct seller of boutique jewelry, and a “serial entrepreneur” who previously co-founded WeddingChannel.com, the world’s leading wedding site.

Mae Jemison (Astronaut) - launched into orbit aboard the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992, as the world's first woman of color to go to space. She is the founder and president of two technology companies; she also founded and chairs The Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, which hosts an annual international science camp.

Career Fair

Led by Women For Hire CEO Tory Johnson, the workplace contributor on ABC's Good Morning America, the Career Fair takes place from 2:30 to 5:30pm. The Career Fair will feature workshops on career development and advancement as well as practical advice including one-on-one resume critiquing and “speed mentoring” with local career coaches and executives.

This year’s Career Fair will also feature a “Meet Up” with Tory Johnson where attendees will get the opportunity to ask Tory any question about careers — from getting hired, to advancing in a job to starting or growing a business.

Registration

The registration rate is $135/individual Special discount for Empress of Biz listeners..

For more information or to register, visit www.PAGovernorsConferenceforwomen.org

Sponsors

The co-presenting sponsors for this year’s conference are UPMC Health Plan and Citizens Bank.

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Guest on the Empress of Biz

Selena’s e-mail: selena@nextgenwomen.com

Brief Bio on Selena:

Selena Rezvani is a recognized author, speaker and consultant on women and leadership. She is the founder and president of NextGenWomen, LLC, a consulting firm whose goal is to propel more women into leadership positions and to help companies position an inclusive workplace as a competitive advantage. Rezvani is also the author of the acclaimed career guidebook, "The Next Generation of Women Leaders: What You Need to Lead but Won't Learn in Business School" (Praeger, 2009). Her breadth of knowledge makes Rezvani a frequent resource for news media and an in-demand business speaker. She has been quoted, interviewed and profiled by CareerBuilder, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and NBC and ABC. Rezvani is a regular commentator on NPR's nationally syndicated "The 51% Perspective" and writes a women and leadership column for The Washington Post. Rezvani received her B.S. and M.S.W. degrees from New York University, and has an M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins, where she graduated first in her class. 1. www.nextgenwomen.com

And more on her participation in conference program:

11:30 am – 12:30 pm SESSION 2

Negotiating Your Way to the Top
Author Selena Rezvani shares the hardest won lessons of the 30+ c-level women she interviewed in her book, “The Next Generation of Women Leaders,” specifically around making requests. Attendees will learn how to leverage their strengths in workplace negotiations--including preparing for them, maneuvering through them and maintaining relationships after negotiations. Together we will learn how to:
• Portray and embody behaviors that build, rather than reduce, their credibility
• Use new and creative negotiation techniques for use in any kind of bargaining situation
• Express themselves in ways that convey influence and experience

Speaker: Selena Rezvani, founder and president, NextGenWomen and author, “What You Need to Lead But Won't Learn in Business School”

-- ******************************************************************************************************************************

Second Guest

From: Hannah Calvert <hcalvert@pstrategies.com>
– Emily Bennington – .

Emily e-mail address: ebennington@msn.com

Brief bio on Emily:

Emily Bennington is coauthor of "Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job." After her own bumpy transition from campus-to-career, Bennington found her calling working with businesses to create superb organizational and onboarding experiences for interns and entry-level hires. She applies these same "back-to-the-basics" skills as founder of Professional Studio 365, where she leads training programs and workshops for employers looking to get the most out of their young talent. A frequent speaker on the topic of career success, Bennington has been featured on CNN and ABC News, as well as quoted in publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Post, US News and World Report, Yahoo Jobs, and the Washington Post Express. She is also a regular contributor to Monster.com and The Huffington Post. Bennington is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. www.ProfessionalStudio365.com

And here is more on Emily’s role in the conference program:

CAREER FAIR POWER SESSIONS (2:45 pm – 3:45 pm SESSION 3)

Strategies to Utilize Technology for Maximum Performance
It is becoming increasingly more challenging to stay focused on work with the constant distraction of a ringing phone or an overflowing email box. In a world of wireless, Blackberries, laptops, cell phones and working remotely, technology can be both a blessing and a curse. This session will explore strategies and tips for using technology to increase rather than hinder performance. Attendees will learn practical tips and strategies to:
• Effectively manage the time spent on sending and responding to emails
• Identify a plan for using technology that works best with your way of life
• Set boundaries to focus better on the task at hand
• Manage your technology better so it doesn’t consume you in the office or at home

Speaker:
Emily Bennington, founding partner, Professional Studio 365 and author, "Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job"

Thanks JoAnn!

Website link: www.nextgenwomen.com

Short bio: Selena is an author, speaker and consultant, whose goal is to propel more women into the top echelons of leadership. Selena’s debut book, The Next Generation of Women Leaders (Praeger, 2009), is the career guidebook she always wished she’d had but could never find. A major underpinning of her book is the 30+ interviews she conducted with c-level women around the country. Selena wrote Next Generation while pursuing her MBA at Johns Hopkins, where she graduated first in her class. Selena also holds a Masters degree in social work from NYU. In 2009, Selena created her own successful consulting business, NextGenWomen LLC, where she works with corporations to build leaders and foster gender balance at top ranks. Selena writes her own column in The Washington Post covering issues related to women and leadership. She is also an active volunteer, serving as a regional vice president with the National Association of Women MBAs, where she helps developing leaders excel upon graduating.

Talking points:

Learn how Selena focused her passion on emerging women leaders and what she’s learned from the executives she interviewed, the women she’s coached, and the audiences she’s spoken to around the country.

Selena, it sounds like you’re thriving -- and passionate about helping others to do so. How did you get to this point?

·

What excited you about women and leadership? Why this topic?

· You present around the country all the time―at places like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Princeton…what kind of response have you gotten from the female audiences you’ve presented to?

· What barriers remain for women who want to lead in the business world?

· Given these barriers, what are you trying to achieve?

· Why do you think there still is a pay gap in the salaries of male and female leaders?

· You talk a lot in your book about how important it is for women to make their career aspirations known, and above all else to ASK. How would you coach someone through making a request?

· What should women avoid doing at work?

· Can you talk about the challenges women face in achieving the work-life balance?

· What advice can you offer to a professional who wants to differentiate herself and stand out on the job?

· What would you say the one defining experience in your journey has been that made the difference in your success?

· What has been vital in keeping you afloat?

· Selena, how can we “pay it forward” for women just coming up?

· So clearly, women are rallying around this and your book’s repeatedly been #1 on Amazon in its category. Why is this striking a chord with women?

· How has the process of writing this book and finding your core passion changed you?

Contct Selena: 267-496-6797