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 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.

What happens when things go RIGHT!

Are you the type that gets worried and apprehensive when a plan works out? Do you think something is wrong because you made money on a job..Did I miss something.? I know something is going to bite me on this. Many business owners are prepared to handle things going wrong...but when the things go right...then they really worry.

I have watched a number of my clients and students really make their lives miserable by worrying about success. I am not sure how to correct it for every one . Each person has their own individual reason for worrying, but what I can recommend are some basic tips to stop the success worry.

1. Use visual reminders to re-enforce it is OK to be successful.

2. Every time you find yourself worrying put money in a "worry jar". One client I know started putting $5 in a jar each time he caught himself worrying...it quickly got expensive. He decided it was too costly to worry...and stopped.

3. Do something nice for someone who needs it. A good way to put those extra dollars to work.

4. Ask a good friend to help you change yourself . Every time she hears you 'worrying" she asks you why.

5. Learn more about your business.. sometimes we worry when we know we are skating by.

6. Ask yourself what is the worse thing that can happen if I am successful. You might be surprised at the answer.

7. If you are really devoted to worry...make yourself worry intensely for a half hour each day. No smiling no joking..just worry and frowning...it soon gets boring.

8. Give us a call..412-440-6969! We like to work with people who want to adjust their attitude.

Life can be so much more pleasant when we decide to enjoy it.