This is a repost from December 2014 by popular request
So, I turn another year this week. I have always loved my birthday..even as the years tick on.
I am gonna try to write about this issue with the most PC I can muster. I am by no means the Emily Post of ANYTHING-not even social media...but I feel someone immediately has to address the common decorum of using social media that surrounds a holiday. This goes for birthdays, holidays, big announcements, etc. Because I have been sitting on this article for a while now and I have had about enough.
Some things to keep in mind when celebrating or being celebrated:
Holidays.
Do not multi-text "Happy Anything" to all the people in your address book-take that mess to Facebook. I had numbers all Thanksgiving long that I didn't recognize that I paid for them to send me a text message of a blanket "Happy Thanksgiving" More annoying is my closer friends that didn't have the time to pick up the phone to send me a well wish, but deemed me worthy of one of their 100 friends to send a Group MMS to.
It is just rude.
Birthdays
Days later, I am still shaking my head at how I had family members, and dear dear close friends think that it was good enough to send a text message Happy Birthday and be done with it. Let us remember what the initial use for texting is and that is the convenience of not actually talking to someone. A rule of thumb, if you are related or have ever bought a gift or attend their birthday celebrations, you are close enough for it to be horrifyingly rude to send a Happy Birthday text and let that serve as your well wish. Get on the damn phone. Shame on you.
In the same breathe, hee hee....if it is someone you are only acquainted with and want them to know that you care a little bit more than typing on their Facebook wall with their other six hundred friends...go ahead and send that text.
This is a black or white subject...either you are good enough friends to celebrate in full and pick up the phone or a good acquaintance to warmly remember that it is their day via text.
Engagements and Pregnancy Announcements
This one is tricky. I shudder at the thought of when I have to do it myself. You want to personalize and take the time to let them know this big news one on one...but what if your dim witted future brother in law posts on Facebook "Congrats on your Engagement" before your brother or your best friend has had the chance to call you back and then sees it there first. You are only one woman, damnit.
Again, this is just what I would do and hope that it would work. The paranoia in me and my distrust on other's lack of common sense wants me to tell you to temporarily disable your Facebook comments till you can at least get to family members and best friends. Call them, tell them to keep it off Facebook and pray that they listen. Then blowing all what I said above, send a Group Text to the people in your life that will be hurt if they see it on Facebook before you have a chance (or someone can on your behalf) to tell them personally. Your text can be simple: First make sure that you send the kind of text that lets people respond to you and you alone, not back to the 100 people you texted in the Group MMS (Google It). That would be annoying!!!!
A simple: Hi everyone! I apologize for this group text but there is no other way to share this exciting news with you that we are engaged/pregnant/etc. Please keep this announcement off Facebook till we have a chance to announce it ourselves and I cant wait to talk to you in person about this exciting day!
That should do it, and will politely take care of your acquaintances, coworkers and people that you cant get to in a timely manner.
People that you should absolutely speak to before you post your news on Facebook? Family members, best friends and people that would kill you otherwise. You have to physically talk to them unless they are completely unavailable via phone. Simply inexcusable to tell your best friend via text (sorry).
How to respond
One of my girlfriends wanted to take her birthday off Facebook because she wasn't going to have the time to personally take the time to answer each post. Good God, that would take a week. See that cute little LIKE button by their comment...click it and move on, perfectly acceptable.
I meant this less of a rant but more of a way to talk about things I have seen lately that are so blatantly obvious, I am surprised that they haven't really been addressed. Interested in your thoughts or experiences...I am sure there are some stories that would have Emily rolling over in her grave.
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Showing posts with label I Say When. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I Say When. Show all posts
NASCAR Foundation's Poker Tournament Raises $150K For Speediatrics
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| Betty Jane France, |
The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman was joined by co-chairs Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick, and the evening featured a poker tournament with players from the local business and NASCAR community.Drivers in attendance Regan Smith, Alex Bowman, Dakoda Armstrong, Jamie Dick, Jimmy Weller, John Wes Townley and IMSA driver James Gue. The poker community was represented as well,2003 World Series of Poker celebrity player Chris Moneymaker who played and won first place in the tournament
The evening culminated with a $150,000 check presentation to the Speediatrics unit at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. |
| Team Owner Rick Hendrick |
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| Chris Moneymaker |
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The NASCAR Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR family and its commitment to serving communities. The NASCAR Foundation seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: NASCAR.COM/foundation. Also on Facebook and Twitter
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Meeting Bethenny Frankel
When asked who inspires you, what do you say? A family member, a boss, an old teacher, all makes good sense. For me, I have to model myself after someone who is like minded and embodies that entrepreneurial spirit that I wake up every day fighting for. I have been a fan of Bethenny Frankel for quite some time, just because she seems like someone that gets it, works hard and doesn't follow the mold that is laid out for everyone else. It is just nice to know that there are people women out there that make stuff happen.
Bethenny is debuting nationwide her talk show on September 9th. Megan received an invitation as a Tampa blogger to come as a VIP to her Tampa stop on the Calling All My Girls tour. What is funny, is that we both entered the NYC National stop (which I hope to still win, ha ha) and I didn't think about going to the Tampa stop.
The event was at Grille 116 (which was hot as a Grille, but anyways) and we received pink carpet treatment with blogger laminate and Skinnygirl cocktails galore...oh! It was awesome.
What you may or may not know about me, is that my background is in radio. I have met every single alternative artist in the 90's you could throw a stick at. Some of them are my dearest friends...so to say that I don't get nervous to meet someone I respect isn't really a stretch. I was really excited to meet Bethenny but I was nervous as hell, haha! But, I wasn't leaving her side without telling her that I was a small business owner, she inspires me and I was so freaking excited for her next journey. I don't think I took a breath through that whole word vomit diatribe. I am sure she hears it all the time but I wanted to let her know that as a girl trying to make it happen for herself...she is quite the role model!
If this week wasn't crazy enough for Miss Bethenny, her book Skinnygirl Solutions came out today. In our fabulous swag bag came a copy and I can't wait to dive in.
So come September 9th, check out your local Fox affiliate or on her website here, you can enter your zip code.
Oh, and cross your fingers that we get to go to NYC for the National stop. You can enter here too but you may be begged to take me with you. I don't snore.
What would you say to someone you really respected?? (Don't forget to breathe while doing so!)
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The Wrong Way To Use Facebook For Business ( a tiny rant)
Technology really has made things easy for us. If you have noticed, wireless companies like AT&T have eliminated their minutes plan and have started to charge for data because people just aren't communicating with their friends and family via phone calls like they used to.
I am not even sure that they using email as much as a contact, when it is just so easy to text or Facebook message for an immediate response. Most of us have smartphones and get notified straight away when we get a message on FB. I am a big fan of instant contact and can say that my phone habits have changed and are not the same that they were a year ago.
I am not even sure that they using email as much as a contact, when it is just so easy to text or Facebook message for an immediate response. Most of us have smartphones and get notified straight away when we get a message on FB. I am a big fan of instant contact and can say that my phone habits have changed and are not the same that they were a year ago.
Of course with everything, it must be used in moderation and with some common sense.
Some thoughts from a girl who is cranky on this issue:
Some thoughts from a girl who is cranky on this issue:
Contacting a person for new business via text message or (personal) FB message
DON'T
As far as I am concerned, your personal Facebook page is for you, your friends and your cute cat and kid pictures. Writing someone on their personal Facebook page with a long drawn out business inquiry in their personal inbox is just wrong. Even if the phone (you should pick it up and call, then) or FB is your only connection, there is a better way to ask business related questions.
DO
Be proper and apologize for bothering them on their personal Facebook and ask if they have an email you can use for this inquiry.
As far as I am concerned, your personal Facebook page is for you, your friends and your cute cat and kid pictures. Writing someone on their personal Facebook page with a long drawn out business inquiry in their personal inbox is just wrong. Even if the phone (you should pick it up and call, then) or FB is your only connection, there is a better way to ask business related questions.
DO
Be proper and apologize for bothering them on their personal Facebook and ask if they have an email you can use for this inquiry.
Texting or Personal Facebook Messaging for Impersonal Reasons
DON'T
So you are an employer looking on your personal Facebook page...maybe enjoying your friend's recent vacation pictures or wondering how big is your niece going to get. My point, is that this is your personal time with you and with Facebook., and in comes a message from Facebook...someone you only know, not are even that good of friends with-"Hey, I was wondering if you are hiring?" or "Do you know anyone at the radio station that can get me tickets to One Direction" (This is actually a true story from someone I hadn't talked to in five years.)
DO
The Do here is Don't do that. Ever.
So you are an employer looking on your personal Facebook page...maybe enjoying your friend's recent vacation pictures or wondering how big is your niece going to get. My point, is that this is your personal time with you and with Facebook., and in comes a message from Facebook...someone you only know, not are even that good of friends with-"Hey, I was wondering if you are hiring?" or "Do you know anyone at the radio station that can get me tickets to One Direction" (This is actually a true story from someone I hadn't talked to in five years.)
DO
The Do here is Don't do that. Ever.
Understanding a time and place rule.
DON'T
Using Facebook or Text messages to check in on your vendors for progress out of business hours has its own set of rules. This is a Do and a Don't. I think if you have someone you work with or for-you can check in with them via text or ask them a quick question, obviously. But during business hours only. Sending an email, text or Facebook message other than between the hours of 9-5 Monday-Friday is NOT ok! Unless your building is on fire, please don't do this!
DO
It is understandable that you are not being conscious of the time because you dont want to forget the question or situation at hand. Rely on services like Boomerang that will delay your email and send it at a more appropriate time. As someone who gets up at 5a, I would die without this feature.
An actual expert weighs in.
Using Facebook or Text messages to check in on your vendors for progress out of business hours has its own set of rules. This is a Do and a Don't. I think if you have someone you work with or for-you can check in with them via text or ask them a quick question, obviously. But during business hours only. Sending an email, text or Facebook message other than between the hours of 9-5 Monday-Friday is NOT ok! Unless your building is on fire, please don't do this!
DO
It is understandable that you are not being conscious of the time because you dont want to forget the question or situation at hand. Rely on services like Boomerang that will delay your email and send it at a more appropriate time. As someone who gets up at 5a, I would die without this feature.
An actual expert weighs in.
Founder and Director of The Etiquette Seed, Heather Post says "Facebook posts and texting are considered two of the most casual forms of communication and using these for cold calls or to apply for employment can imply that the recipient is not important enough for face-to-face or "human" contact. These forms of communication should not be used in formal business situations where a first impression or building a relationship is key."
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Looking for a Three -Peat! Please Vote for Little Blog Dress
Vote for Little Blog Dress for Best All Around Social Media
Little Blog Dress currently is the 2011 and 2012 Reader's Choice for the Daytona Beach News Journal in Social Media...that's a nice honor! Lets make it three times a charm!
I would love if you vote for me again by clicking here and scrolling down to Goods and Services on the right hand side and fill in that little line that says Social Media. Thank you!
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Little Blog Dress currently is the 2011 and 2012 Reader's Choice for the Daytona Beach News Journal in Social Media...that's a nice honor! Lets make it three times a charm!
I would love if you vote for me again by clicking here and scrolling down to Goods and Services on the right hand side and fill in that little line that says Social Media. Thank you!
The Need To Be Validated
I was watching the Today Show (how many blogs can I start THAT statement off with, really) and they were reporting that Oprah spoke at the commencement ceremony at Harvard. The teaser was this: Listen to what Oprah has said to be the single most important lesson she has learned in her twenty five years in television. When Matt mentioned Oprah's piece of wisdom I almost dropped coffee. Oprah repeated in her words of wisdom to the Harvard graduates what I had up to that point thought she just scribbled on the back of her O Magazine several years ago to close out an issue.
Words that I have read and reread every other day since I first saw it.
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Words that I have read and reread every other day since I first saw it.
I was at the gym for one of the first times getting back into the swing of things after my brain surgery (another story for another bottle of wine), I actually was walking on the treadmill reading the latest issue of O and these words jumped out off the page and smacked me right in the face. It answered exactly what I was going through at the time.
I was at a job I have spend over a decade at that I loved like a family member...or at that point a very mean uncle. The economy was receding and so was my income in advertising sales. Everyone was pulling their radio ads and it was causing internal panic in the building because our paychecks were dwindling away. This was causing a fury of internal conflict and we were all fighting for the same buys. It was an emotionally terrible place to be.
To be validated. It was so simple. Such a good reminder, it's what was missing as I had lost my way. This moment changed my life.
At the risk of ensuring that I am not describing a B Movie, I looked in my Remember the Milk to show me when this happened to timeline my actions from that point on.
Thank you Oprah for reminding me what it is important. Read her commencement speech here
The Today Show piece is below.
At the risk of ensuring that I am not describing a B Movie, I looked in my Remember the Milk to show me when this happened to timeline my actions from that point on.
May 6, 2009
I had had enough....while my personal life was flourishing my professional life was at a dead stand still. I gracefully went back to work the next week and gave my two week notice after 13 years. It devastated me and it was a hard thing to do but I knew it had to be done. I just couldn't sacrifice the love for a job at the sake of my financial destiny anymore.
Fast forward four years later, I run a successful social media company all by my lonesome and I am so blessed to say that the company that I left welcomed me back in a freelance capacity. I am eternally grateful.
I used to say that being an entrepreneur was the most exciting and most nauseating thing I have ever done but I have a little help with some simple daily affirmations. Every day when my Iphone alarm goes off it has one of two messages on it to start my day:
She believed she could, so she did
and
Be Validated
Thank you Oprah for reminding me what it is important. Read her commencement speech hereThe Today Show piece is below.
Katie Couric BlogHer12 Keynote Speaks About Her Show
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| Credit:Austin 360 |
Katie has a lot going on! She has a new show starting in September-a talk show titled Katie.
Have you seen her promo??
She truly is this adorable in person, She came to BlogHer looking like a million dollars (she credits spinning) and had a honest conversation with us about where she has been and where she is going.
Some takeaways: (thanks to BlogHer for the transcript)
On dominating Daytime television- I'm very excited, I don't know if I want to be the daytime dominatrix or not, but, I’m very excited, I'm trying to get the best of people, trying to deliver really useful information is great. The idea of being able to talk to news maker, celebrity, is exciting. I want it to feel like a community, like BlogHer has a community. I think a lot of subjects are being short changed.
I have really smart friends that are interesting, curious, and sometimes I feel like they are not being served. I think there is always room for more smart conversations. The idea of flexing my muscles and being able to talk to people like Hilary Clinton, post-traumatic stress, and whether we are serving our veterans like we really should be are all important conversations. And fun stuff too.
On her new theme song (written by Sheryl Crow):Our theme song was written by Sheryl crow and I reached out to her and we sat down and talked about what the show would be about the kind of environment, theme we wanted to create, and I am thrilled we were able to.
On Social Media: I really want social media to be part of this new show. We created a website, we want people to really engage. We are going to have two seats for female bloggers at every show. We want to hear from their community. We want to have input from them, and hear from them some of the things they are doing. And this is an incredible resource for us. We used to hear stuff before, comments about my hair, and it's just a great way to get instant feedback. We are doing the show at 2 pm, and we will solicit questions from people on Facebook and twitter. And I tried this at CBS, but sometimes traditional media is slow to get it.
That is really exciting development for the blogging community. To have it embraced on such a great platform is pretty huge. Believe it or not, this whole blogging thing isn't understood by all, looked at as a hobby...people actually ask me if I am still doing "that blogger thing" So this recognition and involvement from bloggers by the Katie team is applauded.
A side note, one of the few things that I didn't love about BlogHer12 is that some of the speakers and peanut gallery comments were extremely democratically leaning. I appreciated the most when Katie was asked about the Sarah Palin interview, she answered it eloquently and diplomatically as possible and kept the political angle out of it.
If that wasn't enough her Stand Up to Cancer Event is the same week as her debut! That is the epitome of superwomen multitasking!
For more information about Stand Up to Cancer click here
To find out where Katie is going to be on your television this fall here
Katie and her social media channels are here Pin It
I Know You Are On Vacation, But...
There is always a decent amount of prep work to go away on vacation when you are in a job that never stops, or if you own your own business. How I am envious of the people I know that at 5:01 on any given weekday, leave their job and duties till they sit back down the next business morning.
I had that opportunity once when I wasn't allowed to put the company email on my phone so it would just have to wait till the next business opening hour to be addressed. How I yearn for those days! But when you sell or market, or you own your own business...time is money. I mean, yes I could put my phone down till the next day at 5:01 but it just doesn't work that way. There are some boundaries that you can set, but where is the line??
For two weeks, I planned leaving for 5 days (to NYC) and then leaving the country for 3 days (Bahamas). I told everyone three weeks early that I would be leaving during this time and then personally reminded most the week of. I am fortunate that I can schedule things outward but I really did keep an eye on my email when I was in New York, because to disconnect for me is an impossibility.
What I didn't expect is for certain clients, the day before I was leaving to dump an amazing amount of work on me that could have waited (the day before he gave me restaurant recommendations) .Or the client who emailed me at 11pm that Saturday to update some social media. Or the winner, that someone did call and say "I know you are on vacation, but..." and proceeded to detail what he needed and by when. It just isn't human nature is it? What if it was 1995 and I physically couldn't get back to you til I returned?
When you are a business owner, this puts you in delicate situation, doesn't it? In one breathe it would be nice to say something to this insensitivity or just dare ignore all correspondance until you get back into town but can anyone afford that kind of arrogance in today's economy.
How to save time when you go on vacation:
Do
1. Set a precedence as a business rule. Whether you are on vacation or not, do not answer your phone or email to reply after business hours unless their building is on fire. If you respond or take that call on Saturday, it is automatically assumed that you are ok being interrupted at these times.
2. Tell your clients, even if it the ones that are the most needy that you will be going away, and whether or not you will have access to your email in your absence.
3. Set a boundary for yourself...are you truly disconnecting (Bravo!) or are you just gonna work each morning, much to the glare of your loved ones??
4. Set a vacation message on your email saying when you are leaving, when you will be back, what kind of correspondance they can expect from you in your absence and if there is someone else they can contact.
Don't
1. Feel Guilty! Let yourself take a break. Take one, and feel no remorse about it.
2. Forget about the clients who had no regard for the fact that you are away...you may need to reevaluate your relationship upon your return. Remember you say when, right??
3. Let one thing slip through the cracks in your absence. Work like a dog the days before, have someone check your email and voicemail while you are away, if possible and when you close your computer for the last time before you go away, do so with a certainty that no one will come back and say you let the ball drop because you were away.
4. Forget why you started your business in the first place. The freedom and the ability to make your own decisions...this is a part of that process. Just be clear, set boundaries and Bon Voyage!! Pin It
I had that opportunity once when I wasn't allowed to put the company email on my phone so it would just have to wait till the next business opening hour to be addressed. How I yearn for those days! But when you sell or market, or you own your own business...time is money. I mean, yes I could put my phone down till the next day at 5:01 but it just doesn't work that way. There are some boundaries that you can set, but where is the line??
For two weeks, I planned leaving for 5 days (to NYC) and then leaving the country for 3 days (Bahamas). I told everyone three weeks early that I would be leaving during this time and then personally reminded most the week of. I am fortunate that I can schedule things outward but I really did keep an eye on my email when I was in New York, because to disconnect for me is an impossibility.
What I didn't expect is for certain clients, the day before I was leaving to dump an amazing amount of work on me that could have waited (the day before he gave me restaurant recommendations) .Or the client who emailed me at 11pm that Saturday to update some social media. Or the winner, that someone did call and say "I know you are on vacation, but..." and proceeded to detail what he needed and by when. It just isn't human nature is it? What if it was 1995 and I physically couldn't get back to you til I returned?
When you are a business owner, this puts you in delicate situation, doesn't it? In one breathe it would be nice to say something to this insensitivity or just dare ignore all correspondance until you get back into town but can anyone afford that kind of arrogance in today's economy.
How to save time when you go on vacation:
Do
1. Set a precedence as a business rule. Whether you are on vacation or not, do not answer your phone or email to reply after business hours unless their building is on fire. If you respond or take that call on Saturday, it is automatically assumed that you are ok being interrupted at these times.
2. Tell your clients, even if it the ones that are the most needy that you will be going away, and whether or not you will have access to your email in your absence.
3. Set a boundary for yourself...are you truly disconnecting (Bravo!) or are you just gonna work each morning, much to the glare of your loved ones??
4. Set a vacation message on your email saying when you are leaving, when you will be back, what kind of correspondance they can expect from you in your absence and if there is someone else they can contact.
Don't
1. Feel Guilty! Let yourself take a break. Take one, and feel no remorse about it.
2. Forget about the clients who had no regard for the fact that you are away...you may need to reevaluate your relationship upon your return. Remember you say when, right??
3. Let one thing slip through the cracks in your absence. Work like a dog the days before, have someone check your email and voicemail while you are away, if possible and when you close your computer for the last time before you go away, do so with a certainty that no one will come back and say you let the ball drop because you were away.
4. Forget why you started your business in the first place. The freedom and the ability to make your own decisions...this is a part of that process. Just be clear, set boundaries and Bon Voyage!! Pin It
This is Business, not Personal
Tom Hagen: Your father wouldn't want to hear this, Sonny. This is business not personal.
Sonny: They shoot my father and it's business, my ass!
Tom Hagen: Even shooting your father was business not personal, Sonny!
Confession: Where I first heard this quote-You Got Mail
Joe Fox: It wasn't... personal.
Kathleen Kelly: What is that supposed to mean? I am so sick of that. All that means is that it wasn't personal to you. But it was personal to me. It's *personal* to a lot of people. And what's so wrong with being personal, anyway?
There is an immense sense of autonomy when you have your own business, you literally get to make any rule you want. Even almost two years later, I can't believe that I really have that power. Except that whole paying taxes thing, I can make and break any rule for my business that I choose. It could be get so arrogant and narcissistic in a blink of an eye, I could wake up today and decide that I don't want to work on Wednesday and wave the magic self-employed wand and my clients will know I shall not be bothered on any day that begins with W.
But in all seriousness, when you begin your self employment, you do have to figure and lay out how your business is managed. One of the main things is how you wish to bill and how you wish to be paid...As someone who got paid on what she collected and not what she billed for fifteen years, I prefer to get cash up front or payment due upon receipt. I also have to keep in mind that the work that I do is creative and if I am not paid I worked for free that month.
So, I bill on the first and my clients thankfully send out their payment within the first ten days of the month. I do have some clients that have me paid timely and methodically towards the end of the month and I don't really mind that because it comes without incident every single time and gives me a little spending padding towards mid to end month. In other words, I don't have to chase it. My other policy is that I send a friendly reminder to the non payers at the 15th of the month. I usually go to Quickbooks and resend their invoice but I change the email message to say This is an automated mid month reminder to notify you that as of today, this invoice has not been paid.
I struggle with the guilt associated with this reminder with some of my clients. I have no idea why this is a sensitive spot for me...I worked hard and I deserved to be paid. I guess I feel a little stupid taking the time to remind someone that this bill must be paid. It is also a little annoying to constantly remind the same people. Sometimes I wonder if I would be better off asking for a credit card and auto billing each month, but would I include a 3% fee to not lose any money??
What are some of the no fail collecting tips that work for you??
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How Do You Do Business?
At the end of the day, I will still be a customer.
I was told that thought process when I first started out selling advertising....it isn't easy being told no when you have a great product but I always kept it light and fluffy (does that surprise you?) when I sold. I was never really into the hard sell and the cheesy car salesman approach. I did the best I could, I made them see why they should do this...but if they said no, I moved along. And at the very least I would be a customer...sometimes I would actually spend more money in there then I would ever see in commission even before the sale was done because I liked them and their product.
Now, that the tables are turned slightly and I am being sold TO a little... thanks to the city posting my information online (GRRR). The pitches have been interesting...they assume that I am a new business because my license is new so they try to tell me what I need...like a credit card terminal, one young (well, I think she was older) lady argued with me that I needed to hire her because I was new and needed help...A for Tenacity...but I remained patient and kind which is tough for me, but I know what they are going through.
I try to be as humane as possible for this reason alone, it is really not ok to be nasty to someone who has a viable product. Something that gave me confidence is that I was selling radio for the biggest (only) conglomerate in town. I wasn't terribly deflated when someone say no, because it wasn't like I was pushing the local yocal Beacon. So if you said no, the answer was no...but some horror stories still haunt me to this day like:
1. The Wine Bar. The guy that yelled and screamed at me because he ran out of money to pay me...and that was my fault. He also belittled me at every turn. By the way if a hunky dory relationship suddenly goes way South for no reason and all the sudden you are on the bum end of everything that is wrong...a small red flag that they are about to cancel due to lack of funds. This falls under the real fun type of person that makes themselves feel better by making you feel like dirt.
Status: Out Of Business...ha ha hee hee hoo hoo
2. The Sub Shop. When I walked in to this business, I kid you not she started screaming on the top of her lungs for me to get out. Who knew Hi I'm Darlynn from Black Crow, I would like to schedule an appointment with you regarding advertising (a suggested pitch, btw) would cause such insanity.
Status: Still in Business, but I will spend my last breath telling everyone to not go there.
3. The Sports Bar. Three guys walk into a bar start a bar business and we hit it off swimmingly. It was a $$good$$ account and I turned a blind eye on extremely late (like midnight) calls regarding their ad...and that came to a screeching halt when they went MIA and stopped paying. Couldn't get near them to save my life, they owed me 3K which I was to receive 15%.
Staus: Out of Business and sadly the owner still lives in town. Not sadly, I drink a large amount of vodka and enjoy seeing him out. Because telling people the story when he is within earshot is yes, unprofessional but makes me feel so so much better. Not $500 better but close.
That is three...I have three hundred...but the moral is-it is nice to be nice, that still holds true.
How do you sell? How are you sold to??
When A Sales Pitch Goes Very Wrong
An email I got last night at 11:30pm.
Hello
My name is _______ and I am with the _________, We are an SMB partner of the Google networks. I work with new businesses like yours getting them new customers through the internet, direct marketing and yellow pages. I would like to show you just how many potential customers are looking for your type of business in Volusia County and just how to let them know why they need to choose you. You opened your business to be a SUCCESS. I can help you do this. Please reply back to me and I will show you just how it works. Tell me about that perfect customer that you want calling you. That will help me build out the right program for your business. I look forward to hearing from you.
________
Volusia New Bussines analyst
This is like a giddy dream for my cynical self. I mean this is the kind of stuff that keeps me motivated and giggling for hours.
Some things are wrong with this pitch, and by the way it isn't spam exactly because they at least got the county right and it doesn't say Dear Sir. But it is def a form letter:
- I am not a new business, I opened in 2010
- Don't send sales pitches at 11:30 at night
- Who reads the Yellow Pages?
- And the obvious-he wants to show me about new BUSSINES
What did my mean self write back?
Thank you for your email. You might want to change your signature to reflect the word BUSINESS spelled correctly in order to be taken seriously.
That was good, right?? No coffee and all!
What was the worst sales pitch that you received?
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Dressing The Part
A big bonus of working for yourself is you have a lot of control. Control of your time, the way you conduct your day, where you work and what you wear while doing so. As I have left the world of high heels, skirts and blazers-(ooof!) at my radio sales job, there is great joy to have the choice of throwing on a pair of jeans or wearing pigtails on a Wednesday. But I think some of the rules still apply ...you want to dress for the job you want, right? At the very least, your first meeting when you are asking for money.
The other day, I was in a meeting with a new client. I had a dress and strappy heels on. As I was leaving his next appointment was coming in. She was a girl who also owned her own company.and was there to pitch my client. I wasn't sure what she was selling but I couldn't get past her outfit: Tank Top, headband and leggings...it looked like maybe she was gonna go to the gym but changed her mind, and made a quick stop to go pitch her goods to a new client. I don't mean this as a bash, but it gave me the inspiration for this blog.
Quick Thought-
Be yourself, but know when it is appropriate. Everyone loves the arrogance of waking up and throwing on sweats if you feel like it. Because you can. Just know when it isn't right-a professional atmosphere like a lawyer or doctor office, a first meeting and when you are asking for money or renegotiating.
I grabbed some freelancy, but professional outfits but would work in any of these situations:
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| I would love a jacket with this Source |
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The Tumultuous World of Trade
When you start your own business, trade with cash may be something you wish to consider. I feel with some cash behind it, it shows responsibility on both ends. Trade is actually kind of cool if you manage it properly. Think of things that you don't want to lay money out for and see if the two of you can utilize each other's services. I currently have awesome trade agreements set up and they work really well.
Any trade deal may be beneficial if you lay down certain parameters. Some that I have learned along the way:
1. Know if you are the kind of person that can work on trade. If you separate your trade clients from your paying clients and think of them different in any other light, than trade might not be for you. When you negotiate your agreement, you have to have a number or value in mind that will make this worth it for you. You can not put these people to the side and work on them later because they are trade. They should be treated exactly the same as a full paying client. If you don't think of them in this light, you need to reevaluate this agreement, as you are providing a disservice to your client as well as a successful flow to your business.
2. Make sure the other party have the same goals in mind. The ideal trade investment scenario is this: You provide a normal bill of service and the client pays cash with a agreed amount gift certificate for you to use as you wish. No stress! The situation stops working when you the agreement is service for service. When you are providing the same amount of service month to month and the other party starts wavering on their end of the agreement, that is a red flag. When you feel cheated or you feel that you are last on their list for them to provide the service on their end, it is time to get out.
3. Trade can also be used as a negotiation tool for leverage of a cash investment. You can easily look like The Negotiator if you have someone wavering at your fee, and you take $50 bucks cash off and ask for it in trade.
4. Be weary of people who have the moo and want to trade only. Since you are providing the service, it should be your ultimate decision if you want to go this route. There is a difference between a struggling business owner like you that wants to work out a trade so there is a mutual benefit, and a business that is trying to get out of spending money with you, just for the sake of saving money. Know the difference and make the best decision for what works best for you and your business.
5. Be clear that this deal can be renegotiated at any time You may start doing this for a couple of months and realize that this may not be the best deal for either of you. Make sure when you start this agreement, both parties will feel comfortable revisiting if it isn't working.
How do you deal with trade? Any nightmare stories? I would love to hear them!
No, No, It's You...
When you start a business, you would be a fool to not take every bit of business to come your way. No matter how painful, annoying, needy, even jerkish...if it is money and coming in to your new venture...give it to me. But when is enough is enough? When is the line drawn in the sand when it is no longer ok to be spoken to like you are an employee or not an equal and you have Holly Go Lightly and tap danced for someone to pay you that you are over it? Do you wait till you have a good customer base to where you can sacrifice your income but save you morale? How much is peace of mind actually worth? These are questions that I ask myself a lot. I am very fortunate that I have finally got over the nerves of making my number to exist successfully. It wasn't a big number it was just the number that in my head was enough to make monthly where all my bills could be paid, money could go in savings and not check your bank balance every minute. Now that I am at the point, my courage is there to really establish what I will and will not put up. They include the following:
1. Being talked to like I am a piece of dirt. This is really never acceptable but with years and years of working for the man (although in my case, he is one the nicest men I know), you can get very accustom to sucking it up for your customers or clients to get the deal done, so that he wont cancel, so you will make money off of it, etc. When you own your own business, you may forget that you don't have to deal with this anxiety anymore.
2. People that do not respect you. There is this interesting psychology when you are being sold to, you are way up here (reach your arm way up) and the seller is somewhere near or beneath the ground. I have backed out of a proposal because the guy was a total arrogant cussword the entire time we were meeting for the first time. When I politely said Thanks, but no thanks-he was shocked. Even as far to ask incredulously, do you not want my money?? Sometimes the money isn't worth it.
3. People who don't pay you. Speaking of money, why are working with people that don't respect the fact that we need to be paid? I have very clear billing terms and I tend to lose my mind a little when I have to stalk people for payment. Because I choose to work with small businesses, I take it a little more personal than when I was at the radio station. If it is taught me anything, I try really hard to make sure the biils I pay are in order of "The Man" or lack thereof...lawn gets paid first, that hospital bill, when I get around to it...sorry....People that don't pay you, and know full and well firsthand the challenges you face as a small business owners should be ashamed of themselves. Just be very clear of each others expectations in this matter so everyone is on the same page.
These are my top three of people not to work for...what are yours?
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1. Being talked to like I am a piece of dirt. This is really never acceptable but with years and years of working for the man (although in my case, he is one the nicest men I know), you can get very accustom to sucking it up for your customers or clients to get the deal done, so that he wont cancel, so you will make money off of it, etc. When you own your own business, you may forget that you don't have to deal with this anxiety anymore.
2. People that do not respect you. There is this interesting psychology when you are being sold to, you are way up here (reach your arm way up) and the seller is somewhere near or beneath the ground. I have backed out of a proposal because the guy was a total arrogant cussword the entire time we were meeting for the first time. When I politely said Thanks, but no thanks-he was shocked. Even as far to ask incredulously, do you not want my money?? Sometimes the money isn't worth it.
3. People who don't pay you. Speaking of money, why are working with people that don't respect the fact that we need to be paid? I have very clear billing terms and I tend to lose my mind a little when I have to stalk people for payment. Because I choose to work with small businesses, I take it a little more personal than when I was at the radio station. If it is taught me anything, I try really hard to make sure the biils I pay are in order of "The Man" or lack thereof...lawn gets paid first, that hospital bill, when I get around to it...sorry....People that don't pay you, and know full and well firsthand the challenges you face as a small business owners should be ashamed of themselves. Just be very clear of each others expectations in this matter so everyone is on the same page.
These are my top three of people not to work for...what are yours?
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All Business is Not Good Business
In my inbox from Mantra today was this little pearl of wisdom:
While your product or service may be beneficial to the vast majority, not every client is worth the effort. A business filled with clients who are consistently looking for a "better deal" – or are otherwise causing you to lose sleep at night – is a clear sign that it’s time to redefine your target market. Start by creating a list of characteristics of your best customers and then research how best to reach them with your company message.
I really resonate with this and it is very close to my unofficial mission statement stolen right from the mouth of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman:
I say who, I say when and I say how much
I feel that sometimes we see the dollar signs before we see the cause and effect. Of course, you can't be incredibly arrogant and only work with people that think you are greatest, but on second thought...why can't you? Isn't it important as a business owner to control the amount of stress that enters your work environment? It seems to be the amount of chaos you conflict on yourself may be the only thing that you can control.
There is no reason to look a gift horse in the mouth, but you can make an extra effort to choose wisely the people you work with in order to make it all sunflowers and daisies. If it is your own business and you are the one calling the shots, this choosing should be as important as any other business decision you make.
My friend and I were talking about this the other day and she mentioned the monetary loss she has seen from setting the unruly free...but doesn't peace of mind overrule every cost? Why do you want extra anxiety with clients that get in the way of allowing you to take on more like minded individuals that actually pay their bills on time and are thankful for what you do (and actually take the time to tell you so)
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| Your lips to God's Ears, Sister |
I wonder if I am being a pompous ass here? How dare I not take every little bit of business that comes my way and be thankful that anyone would want to work with me? Or do I have a point? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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I Have Bills To Pay Too
For the first time since I started my business , I have been having issues with a couple of clients paying their bills on time. Before I started my business, my whole professional life has been in radio and a sales person for them for over a decade, The radio station is set up that you are paid on what you collect, rather than what you bill. I am eternally thankful for this method. It has made me stronger as a business owner. When your next meal depends on how well you collect on your invoices- you get really good at going to get your money each month.
A common obstacle for some business owners is asking for the dollar in the first place, and then there is sometimes an issue getting them to pay on time. While I have no struggle with the former, I am amazed at how many of my fellow small business owners are lax to pay my measly tab in a timely manner. I know that business is business but I am a little unnerved that these are the people that know better than anyone else how important it is to be paid in a prompt manner...and they just don't do it. That is why I was drawn to work with them in the first place, because I thought they would be the ones who were most sensitive to these kind of things. While a medium size business can have a $400 or $500 receivable that goes 90 days out without feeling it, that is a huge chunk for me. This week, I had a client texted me, I have many bills due...I will pay you when I can. Because, I don't have many bills due, right?
Although there are policies that I am putting in place, it really shakes my small business morale that people don't do the right thing for one of their own. How do you deal with non paying clients?
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The One Woman Show
This Staples Dave Commercial, although this version not so great in quality, is brilliant. It really defines what it is like to be a small business owner. You are the receptionist, the sales person, the accountant, the planner, and the one who fixes your office equipment.
As much as I love being in business for myself it definitely comes with its own sets of obstacles. For instance, we are going on a much needed vacation next week to San Diego (any must sees?). While I am thankful I don't have to count my vacation time or be really nice to a Devil Wearing Prada so she will let me off-there is a large amount of anxiety leaving your baby for a whole week. If I can be honest, unless I leave the county with no cell phone service...I wont be able to turn it off completely.
In A Small Business, It is all you... is the Staples tagline...but, how do you do it? Pin It
Resolutions on My Mind
“If you asked me for my New Year Resolution, it would be to find out who I am.” ~Cyril Cusack
Happy 2012!! It is weird how the holiday fell...there is a lot of room for free time off if you can take it! I didn't realize that most people are taking tomorrow off...I am a little conflicted as to how hard to work when everyone else is playing.
Do you know that I hate New Year's? I cry ever year at midnight. I dont know why it makes me so emotional. I am on top of the world and yet again I wanted to go to bed on the 30th and wake up on the 1st. But, we ended up having a really fun New Year's! Actually, we have had fun week watching the Noles whoop it up on Notre Dame on Thursday and we spent time being very very lazy on Friday. It was awesome.
For New Year's, we decided to do Surf and Turf-Check out our Larry's!
The night ended nice and quiet with the one I love. I am thankful. I do want to share my cat's New Year's celebration. She is in love with Seth Meyers and Kermit like I am...I thought she was gonna pust through the TV...she has never did this before...and she is 13!
Today began with a smile as my first article was published on Women of Google+ this morning. I am really looking forward to being a part of what they do in 2012. I am obsessed with Google+ as I know have a very good grasp of what it is and what it can do. I have been studying it for days, bought Chris Brogan's book on it and I am now just so excited about this platform. I feel like I am let in on a secret that is gonna go gangbusters. I can't wait to see what it can do for my clients. I imagine I drive them nuts with all the things I think they should do, but I am excited!
2011, I bid you adieu...my first year as a business owner was pretty freaking great. Aside from that whole skimming incident. I learned a lot, stayed true to what I believed in professionally and connected with a lot of cool people along the way.
My wish for 2012? Build my business, find more and more ideas to streamline its efficiency...write my face off and work towards that world domination goal of mine.
What is your wish?
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Year End Musings
As most people do, when the year comes to an end...I tend to get a tad whimsical looking at the year that is ending. What have I done right? What could I improve? What was a total waste of my time? Most people don't really focus on the right, they want to focus on what to change, and what (or who) to get rid of as the year ends.
Am I following the rules or making them up as I go along? Can I actually do that or am I just being a complete pompous individual by creating my own work environment? I preach I say who, I say when, I say how much...but is there a fine line? Should I never ever work with someone difficult just because I don't have to? Isn't that arrogant? Will it make me broke? Should I take the hit (after Christmas of course) and rid myself of the random few that give me the most aggravation? The ones that I have to chase to pay, the ones that do not respect that it is not ok to call at 10p because he was "thinking" about something... Isn't that why I went into business for myself to not be aggravated or am I a fool to think that one can be stress and agro free in a work environment?
I learn every day what it is like to be in business for yourself and the different peaks and valleys that comes with it but these are the things that I am thinking of as the year comes to an end. I would really love your comments and your experiences below. Pin It
Am I following the rules or making them up as I go along? Can I actually do that or am I just being a complete pompous individual by creating my own work environment? I preach I say who, I say when, I say how much...but is there a fine line? Should I never ever work with someone difficult just because I don't have to? Isn't that arrogant? Will it make me broke? Should I take the hit (after Christmas of course) and rid myself of the random few that give me the most aggravation? The ones that I have to chase to pay, the ones that do not respect that it is not ok to call at 10p because he was "thinking" about something... Isn't that why I went into business for myself to not be aggravated or am I a fool to think that one can be stress and agro free in a work environment?
I learn every day what it is like to be in business for yourself and the different peaks and valleys that comes with it but these are the things that I am thinking of as the year comes to an end. I would really love your comments and your experiences below. Pin It
What I Learned In My First Year As A Business Owner
I have been so crazy, I wanted to take a second to reflect on the fact that I have pulled this whole thing off for an entire year! This month marks a year that leaped and let the net catch me as I started my own business, full time. Honestly, I still don't believe it that every day I wake up I can do whatever I want. Thankfully because I am so passionate about what I do, its usually hitting the ground running but if I wanted to take a bed day that would be fine too. (more about that later).
Some things that I was told, taught or learned that I can share.
1. Work with WHO you want to. It is easy to be very anxious and say yes to every piece of business that comes your way. After all, you are new-who are you to turn down good money? Once you get a good base however, I found that one the joys of working for yourself is the least you could do is work around people you enjoy. They don't have to be your BFF, but you can set the attitude, the expectation and the dynamic that makes your business yours. Why would you work for someone who didn't respect your time, your experience and your talent? What does your boss say about such behavior? Yes, that's right...you now get to make that choice.
2. Work WHEN you want. I learned a lot about time management and I still have a far way to go. What works for me, may not work for you. Like I mentioned, I spent an entire year working 24/7 with the biggest smile on my face. Any former employers may take a second look of who is writing this blog...but I enjoyed what I did so damn much, that I had to tell myself to stop working...quite the difference between some jobs where it took me an act of congress to work with my whole heart in it the whole time. I rented office space to give me a little separation from it all. This has really kept me focused.
I also did the best to my ability to take bed day at least once a month. There is really no one to monitor you PTO, so a bed day takes care of that. I would do my morning work, schedule no other appointments, kiss the mister goodbye, shower, get into new Pjs, lowered the air, and enjoy a day from bed.. Sometimes I worked, sometime I caught up on TV and chilled and napped. The idea is, it is such a rat race-the least you can do is slow down and pull the cool sheets over your head. It was always exciting when a bed day presented it self...just a random day that nothing was scheduled became the day when I got a little of my sanity back.
3. Say HOW MUCH and go get your damn money. For the past ten years, my paycheck depended on how much I collected at the end of the month. So, I became really good at becoming Louie the Bill Collector. Starting your own business, you can set your own billing rules...I keep my prices aggressive, and make sure that everyone is crystal clear on my billing policy. Because my work is creative, I feel that a cash-up-front- or front of month is pretty mandatory. If someone decides to stiff you, you worked for free all month for nothing. Things I plan to write about soon have to do with this issue. Like the two times that everything was hunky dory with the client and then all of the sudden everything I did was wrong, nitpicking galore and they became a unhappy unreasonable client. You see, this validates the person when they cancel on you out of the clear blue because "this isnt working", which is code for I am out of money or I am shutting my doors soon. Every single one of my peeps are good pays, and I love them for that. I stay on them politely and mid month send them a friendly reminder. It goes back to making it a rule to work with good people and dumping the bad attitudes, the non payers and the pain in the asses.
Some of the best advice I received was from my friends who worked for themselves and had some wisdom to share:
Don't hire an assistant to help you work, hire someone to do the stuff you no longer have the time to do-like clean your house.
Be crystal clear about the things that you are good at, don't be good at 100 things, it puts you in a more focused position to help your client to the best of your ability. Why spread yourself thin? Be good at what you are good at and leave the rest to others.
Stop using the word Just. I just wanted to...is a sentence I start so many times. It sounds like you are making excuses. So Stop.
I ask you-what have you learned in business??
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Some things that I was told, taught or learned that I can share.
1. Work with WHO you want to. It is easy to be very anxious and say yes to every piece of business that comes your way. After all, you are new-who are you to turn down good money? Once you get a good base however, I found that one the joys of working for yourself is the least you could do is work around people you enjoy. They don't have to be your BFF, but you can set the attitude, the expectation and the dynamic that makes your business yours. Why would you work for someone who didn't respect your time, your experience and your talent? What does your boss say about such behavior? Yes, that's right...you now get to make that choice.
2. Work WHEN you want. I learned a lot about time management and I still have a far way to go. What works for me, may not work for you. Like I mentioned, I spent an entire year working 24/7 with the biggest smile on my face. Any former employers may take a second look of who is writing this blog...but I enjoyed what I did so damn much, that I had to tell myself to stop working...quite the difference between some jobs where it took me an act of congress to work with my whole heart in it the whole time. I rented office space to give me a little separation from it all. This has really kept me focused.
I also did the best to my ability to take bed day at least once a month. There is really no one to monitor you PTO, so a bed day takes care of that. I would do my morning work, schedule no other appointments, kiss the mister goodbye, shower, get into new Pjs, lowered the air, and enjoy a day from bed.. Sometimes I worked, sometime I caught up on TV and chilled and napped. The idea is, it is such a rat race-the least you can do is slow down and pull the cool sheets over your head. It was always exciting when a bed day presented it self...just a random day that nothing was scheduled became the day when I got a little of my sanity back.
3. Say HOW MUCH and go get your damn money. For the past ten years, my paycheck depended on how much I collected at the end of the month. So, I became really good at becoming Louie the Bill Collector. Starting your own business, you can set your own billing rules...I keep my prices aggressive, and make sure that everyone is crystal clear on my billing policy. Because my work is creative, I feel that a cash-up-front- or front of month is pretty mandatory. If someone decides to stiff you, you worked for free all month for nothing. Things I plan to write about soon have to do with this issue. Like the two times that everything was hunky dory with the client and then all of the sudden everything I did was wrong, nitpicking galore and they became a unhappy unreasonable client. You see, this validates the person when they cancel on you out of the clear blue because "this isnt working", which is code for I am out of money or I am shutting my doors soon. Every single one of my peeps are good pays, and I love them for that. I stay on them politely and mid month send them a friendly reminder. It goes back to making it a rule to work with good people and dumping the bad attitudes, the non payers and the pain in the asses.
Some of the best advice I received was from my friends who worked for themselves and had some wisdom to share:
Don't hire an assistant to help you work, hire someone to do the stuff you no longer have the time to do-like clean your house.
Be crystal clear about the things that you are good at, don't be good at 100 things, it puts you in a more focused position to help your client to the best of your ability. Why spread yourself thin? Be good at what you are good at and leave the rest to others.
Stop using the word Just. I just wanted to...is a sentence I start so many times. It sounds like you are making excuses. So Stop.
I ask you-what have you learned in business??
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