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.

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.

Empress of Biz, Biz Tips. Sunday Morning Reflection: The Risk NOT to take

Sunday Morning Reflection:

Sunday Morning Reflection. In owning your own business there are calculated risks that you take. You do it because you have the confidence, courage and that inner drive that propels you. Sometimes you win...sometimes you loose. But there are times that your risk taking is not good. And one of those times is how we are protecting our families and business.

 This week I lost a business friend...only 61.  His family, employees, customers and business associates are still in shock. This is going to be a tough one for the family and the business.  It is a fifth generation business which looks like it is not going to make it.   No pre-planning...inadequate insurance and no one in sight who wants to take it over.  Most likely the assets will be sold for pennies of the dollar.    

Folks ...if you own a business please make sure your family and business is protected. I know money does not replace the one you love...but leaving things unprotected with little resources to take care of it...makes it so much harder to live thru. Please do some pre-planning to ...its the kindest and caring thing you can do.

Monday Biz Tip :) Good morning...the start of a new week. Let's see how we can make our week soar. How about doing the following:

1. Call your best customer and check to see how everything is going. And if everything is going well...ask for a referral.   If there is  a problem FIX IT IMMEDIATELY.

2. Call your suppliers and see if there are any special deals that may help you cut costs.

3. Just finished a job for a customer...make sure you send a thank you...if it is a big job...send more than a card.

4. Make an appointment with your Insurance agent and review your policies...better now than when a problem hits and you are not covered or under covered.

5. Surprise the people you work for and give them notice for their good work. 
Remember... You get more with sugar than vinegar.

6.  Ask your employees what can be done to build business.  Get them involved,  reward them and thank them for their efforts

7. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT!  Take a walk outside and come back and look at your place of business...is it inviting? Attractive?  Is the coffee fresh?  

8. MAKE YOUR LIST OF WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH THIS WEEK...AND PUT IT ON THE WALL WHERE YOU AND EVERYONE CAN SEE IT.  

9.  Check your attitude...is it working for you or against you?

10.   THINK and ACT POSITIVE.  The glass is BEING FILLED...  NOT emptied. 

S. I. Business Associates has been guiding small business to success since 1975.  Let us help you achieve success.  Call JoAnn at 412-440-6969.  

Empress of Biz, Biz Tips DEMOGRAPHICS... Whose your custOmer...FREE INFO

Demographics...The Who, What,  Where, What,  When & How of your Market.  You can have the best product/service in the world...but if there is NOT ENOUGH CUSTOMERS to buy your product at the RIGHT PRICE you  will go broke.  Below is information on FREE information you can use to start answering the 5 W's & H of your market.  Best example of your tax dollars at work!

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   S. I. Business Associates

   about an hour ago near Pittsburgh

   Saturday biz Tip #2: Are you thinking of starting or expanding your business?  Then you MUSTknow your potential customer, where she is, income , age, etc. This information is called Demographics. Below is an overview of where you can find the stat's on your potential customer. This info is FREE...and Reliable and extremely helpful.
   Information is from the SBA.gov site...check it out..a good resource.  www.sba.gov
   
   Demographics are the characteristics of a human population. This information is often used by small business owners to conduct research into where opportunities exist within their market and in developing appropriate business and marketing strategies to target customers. Use the statistical resources below to help you find out more about the U.S. population and uncover information that can be used in your business research efforts.
   
   American FactFinder
   Provides access to a wealth of population, housing, economic and geographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
   State and County Quick Facts
   Provides frequently requested Census Bureau information at the national, state, county and city levels.
   Current Population Statistics
   Shares information gathered in a monthly survey of about 50,000 households conducted by the Bureau of the Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
   Labor Demographics
   Makes data that has been collected by BLS available for specific demographic categories including sex, age, race and ethnic origin.
   Social Security Fact Sheets for Demographic Groups
   Offers fact sheets for all demographic groups including women and young people.
   U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts
   Gives access to facts about people, business and geography

   
   

   This is a great use of your tax dollars..information that you can use to answer to your marketing questions!

EmpressofBiz: Listen Learn Prosper 1pm Susan Newman

Join in Tomorrow as I interview Susan Newman nationally recognized expert on branding.  Time 1pm on www.talkshoe.com or syndicated on pplmag.com. The great thing about podcasting is that you can always listen later...check us out...wisdom like Sue's is important to hear over and over again.

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  JoAnn Forrester The great thing about the show...you can always listen later...wisdom like Susan's needs to be heard many times over.

EMPRESS OF BIZ! Listen! Learn! Prosper! - Live & Recorded Episodes

www.talkshoe.com

JoAnn R. Forrester is founder, president and owner of S I Business Associates, a business growth management firm established in 1975. Over 75,000 hours of experience in teaching, consulting, financing, human relations, speaking, writing and business development classes, writing and public relations,...

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  JoAnn Forrester The great thing about the show...you can always listen later...wisdom like Susan's needs to be heard many times over.

EmpressofBiz, Biz Tips Each Day brings an

Sunday Biz TiP: Reflection Time: Each day brings you an 

opportunity to do something positive for:

 your business, your employees and  your community....

It can be a big gesture or a series of small ones...you can

make a difference each day by your choice of actions...

Make it a good one for all of us.

EmpressofBiz, Biz Tips..Financial Terms..Cash Flow

 Financial Term: Cash Flow...what money comes into the business...and what goes out. Often feels like a lot more goes out than comes in. 

Cash Flow...The money that comes in from sales of product or services. It can be in the form of Cash, credit cards, debit cards or checks. You can be receiving money daily through your business, especially if you are retail, or you can be receiving  it after you have invoiced or billed your customers. 

An indication that a company is in trouble is when your CASH flow IS always LOW.

In other words what you are paying out is MORE than you are bringing in.   When this is happening.... you need to immediately LOOK at your business and review your marketing and pricing structure.  

Need help?  Give us a call at 412-440-6969.  S. I. Business Associates has been guiding small business to success since 1975.

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 Tip Accounts Receivable...Asset can turn into a Liability

Thursday Biz TiP: Definition of Financial Terms...

Accounts Receivable: The money that is OWED to YOU for services or products sold to your clients or customers. Accounts Receivable are CURRENT Assets...no longer than a year old.
 Payment terms are established as part of the sale:

 For example, JoAnn's Plumbing Services has installed a hot water tank for Mr Brown. The agreement of sale states the payment terms. The terms could be IMMEDIATE,  10 Days, 30 Days, whatever is stated on your bill. Make sure your terms are CLEAR and UNDERSTANDABLE!  

Banker Tip:

Going for a loan? You are judged on how QUICKLY your Accounts Receivables are collected. If you allow them to drag out to 90 -120 days...they are seen as not good. Be careful of collection  time...it can count against you.

Want to be in charge of your business...take the time to learn not only the "book" definitions of financial terms...but how they REALLY IMPACT your Business.  Give JoAnn Forrester "The EmpressofBiz" a call at 412-440-6969.

Empressof Biz, Biz TiP, Do your e mployees LIVE for Friday?

Friday Biz TiP#1. If you live for Fridays and the weekend...you need another job. If you are an employer...and your people cannot WAIT until the weekend....you had better look at what is going on...including your management style.

Friday Biz TiP#2: Surprise people around you...thank them for their  work they have done for you. End their week and yours with a smile :) and a thank you can open the door to a happier you and happier employees.

Ola Jackson, Founder and CEO of OWN, The Onyx Women Network was my guest on the Empress of Biz on Thursday February 21...click link below.  She had started her business as a way to deal with a family crisis and has invaluable advice and an inspiring message to share. Listen Learn and Proper with the Empress of Biz and Ola Jackson.

Listen into one of Talk Shoe's popular business radio shows as I share with host JoAnn Forrester how and why I started my business over 21 years ago.http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=80050&cmd=tc

EMPRESS OF BIZ! Listen! Learn! Prosper! - Live & Recorded Episodes

www.talkshoe.com

JoAnn R. Forrester is founder, president and owner of S I Business Associates, a business growth management firm established in 1975. Over 75,000 hours of experience in teaching, consulting, financing, human relations, speaking, writing and business development classes, writing and public relations,...

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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.

Thursday Biz Tip. Leader style..good? Bad? Indifferent?

 Thursday Biz Tip:  Employees can be a business owners biggest asset or biggest headache.  Your leadership style, good, bad, indifferent will dictate what they will be.  Think about it.

  What kind of leader are you?  

Want to know more?   Read below.

1. Are you the last one to now about a problem in your business?

2. Would your customers rather talk to someone else than you?

3.  Are you always saying there are "No good employees out there"?

4.  Do you have rapid turnover of employees?

5.  Would you rather fire someone  than give correct their behavior?

6.  Do you  defend family members and blame an employee for mistakes?

7.   Do you listen to employees suggestions on how to improve your business?

8.  Do your employees know more about your business than you do?

9.  Do you have clear guidelines for employees?

10. Do you make the time to thank employees for good work?

11.  Will your employees stay over voluntary if there is a crisis in the business?

12.  Is your business growing and is it profitable?

The type of leader you are makes all the difference in your business.  Good leadership is not genetic..it is learned behavior.

To learn more about developing your leadership style give us a call. 

 Remember... Good leadership is not genetic..it is learned behavior. 

Empress of Biz, 

JoAnn R. Forrester

412-440-6969

E-mail:  empressofbiz@verizon.net
              selfimagebz@aol.com  

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