CREATING A WEBSITE or BLOG

HOW TO START a WEBSITE or BLOG

When you start a website you must first make sure that you have a passion, product or service that will be interesting to people.  It should be something that you are familiar with yourself and that REALLY interests you.  Research the other websites in your area of interest. Try blogging until you decide what you are truly passionate about. You might set up a http://www.blogger.com/ account, which is free. Start blogging about some of your passions; whether it be art, music, health, people or a business you already have or one you wish to start.  It is best to write up your blog as a word document --leave it for a day or two--go back and review it and see if it is what you would like to say on your Blog. 

If you want to create a Domain name for your Blog or Website make a list of domain names that you might like to try. They should be relevant to the subject of your Website.  You can easily search for domain names by typing in "domain name search" in the search area. You have several options of registering your website name – either as a (dot).com, a (dot). net or a (dot). org. The dot.com is the most common, dot.net is more for business and dot .org is for organizations, profit or non-profits. If you are able to secure the website name you wish in a dot.com, that is best for the average website.

I currently have this blog  a website which is www.homeandhealthtips.com .  It is very diversified and deals with many interesting subjects, surrounding health & medical issues, crafts and recipes. Now I am into Making Glass Art ,so I must decide whether I should start another Blog or create a blog page or a website for my new interests.  It is nice to have a website which may appeal to different interests, but it can also be beneficial to have a website which concentrates on one subject or area of interest.  You must decide how you would like to proceed.

One of the best Sites for learning about creating a website or blog is Lisa Irby's website http://www.2createawebsite.com

There are many possibilities. You may have a hosting company that sets everything up for you, or you may wish to try something like www.snapmonkey.com where you can make changes or updates whenever you wish for the same monthly charge.

Marty Miller:  Entrepreneur, Business owner, Artist and Writer
www.homeandhealthtips.com/

WELCOME SPRING BUSINESS 2015!

SPRING 2015!

What a time of year to rejuvenate yourself and your business.  Put a Smile on your face and have  a sunny attitude and Let's get started!  "The most beautiful attire is a smile"

Spring is a great time to start a business and to rework and market your business!  There seems to be a surge in energy and excitement in the Springtime.  This has been a particularly harsh winter in so many areas of the country--we WELCOME SPRING and let's GET TO BUSINESS!

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome".  ~Anne Bradstreet

A. INTERNET Marketing:  First and Foremost make your presence known on the Internet. Freshen up your website with some new materials, photos & ideas. Have your website on Directories that reflect the industry that you are in --sometimes if these are high in the search engines it will help your position and people can find you. Directories are available for many businesses and sometimes will have business Start-Ups if you are searching in your area of interest.  If you like to write--do a write up on your business by Blogging.

B. START NETWORKING:  Since Networking is so important to ANY business, here are a few tips when going to a business meeting, luncheon or just an informal gathering. There are numerous Small Business Organizations in most cities.
1. Arrive early--that gives you a chance to move around and talk with several people.
2. ALWAYS ask about the other person and repeat their name back to them such as "Susan, what you do sounds so interesting" It helps you remember the person's name by repeating it & gives a compliment.
3. If there are name tags--wear it on the right, so it seen when shaking hands.
4. Concentrate on one person at a time and wrap up conversation graciously, so you may move on to another.
5. Work on a "tag line" or "memory hook" which tells about your business in the fewest words, but has an impressive impact.
6. Drop a note or postcard to those you have met or make a quick phone call saying how nice it was to meet them.
7. Be consistent about attendance at the organizations you have chosen. Usually people must become well acquainted with you before they are interested in your product or service.8
. Send Thank You postcards or notes to customers and also to anyone who has given you a referral. Referrals can be thanked by email although receiving actual mail is nice these days.  Although it seems the courtesy of sending an actual posted card is very area anymore with so much technology--your Customer will remember that you took the time to write a personal note!

C.  SPRING PARTIES, BIRTHS and GRADUATION and MOTHER'S DAY!
Start sending out reminders to Schools and customers, reminding them of Graduation Signs and Mother's Day!  Some Florists may let you post a sign in their Store.


Prepared by Marty Miller, past President of 2 large business organizations in the Denver Metro area, who has delivered presentations on this subject.  Now resides in AZ and serves on a Social Board.


"Some people dream about success, and others wake up and do something about it"

HAPPY SPRING!   Marty Miller, Business Owner, Writer, Blogger, Artist
http://www.homeandhealthtips.com/   

Start a BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD

This Blog has been quite popular for all in business.  I am revising it somewhat to better fit business goals of today.  For those who are just starting a business a good place to start is the Small Business Association.

ADVISORY BOARDS

An Advisory Board is a group of people (can be as small as 4) with diversified interests and opinions and different types of businesses. The group can meet once a month or maybe every other month for about 2 hrs. ea. meeting. Each person has a chance to speak and should prepare something like the previous month's *Accomplishments, Challenges and Goals. (See below)  A Moderator for each meeting can be chosen to manage the division of time.  When you start your Advisory Board set down some rules to begin, so that the purpose is clear to the members.  Limit the number in your group so that each member will have enough time to address the issues to be discussed.  I would say as small as 4 to no larger than 10 members.  Make it a commitment for each member to attend.

BENEFITS:

Talking with others in business who can:
* be supportive
* give unbiased ideas and help
* share your successes and celebrate your accomplishments
* understand your strengths and weaknesses
* bring fresh, new ideas to the table
* give you socialization with others in business
* help expand your business and meet personal goals
* keep you updated on other businesses or New business ideas
* give YOU the opportunity to help others with your good ideas and support

The Group becomes your Business Family. You come back to your business energized and with a new perspective and creative ideas. I had been in a group for over 18 years and found it to be one of the least expensive, most helpful things I had done for ME and for my Business and Personal development. Our group has met in business rooms, our homes, library private rooms and now with 4 of us we meet in a conveniently located restaurant that is not very busy and we each purchase a meal and take turns talking about our business and personal life, following the Accomplishments, Challenges and Goals format.  (See below)

Form a Group of dedicated people who will be honest with you about their business and yours. STAY on TRACK at the meetings and again make it a commitment. Please comment if you need more help with this idea!

"You don't get any rewards out of this life unless you make an investment"

ACCOMPLISHMENTS -- Write down your accomplishments for the previous month. ie-rentals, sales, new brochure, a good business contact, whatever you feel made your month better. Brag some!  It can be something that has improved or added to your business or something that has added to your personal life.
CHALLENGES: --write down things that became a challenge for you during your previous month. ie. weather, a difficult customer, something you need help figuring out like a new idea or concept. Maybe it is problems with children, another business or YOU just not keeping on task. Admit your shortcomings and work on them and share your challenges---others can give you some help and support. You would be amazed at how others will brainstorm for you. That is how my previous Business of 21 years (which was recently sold), was developed. I developed ideas with my Advisory Board partners. 
GOALS: These should be specific, attainable goals for the upcoming week, month or quarter. It is best if your group can meet once a month.  Again if you are doing this "on your own", designate a particular time to do this weekly and/or monthly to help you assess your business strategies.

"Although no one can go back in time and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.  Strive for Progress, not Perfection!"

Your comments are appreciated!

Sincerely,

Marty Miller    www.homeandhealthtips.com/    Entrepreneur, Retired Business Owner, Business Coach, Writer & Artist

VALENTINE'S DAY!

VALENTINE'S DAY

 "To love and be loved is to feel the sun on both sides"

VALENTINES DAY kind of breaks up the slower winter months.  It is a special time that is fun, colorful and full of suprises.  Some choose Valentines Day for a Wedding--Vegas seems to be a popular, fun and fairly easy wedding destination.  Romance is in the air!

Unique and Memorable Gifts or Suprises are always appreciated.  This year do something that will make the entire neighborhood aware of the Surprise!  Rent a Yard Card or Lawn Display and display your feelings with Yard Display.  Imagine the Smiles!
 

KID's Valentine FUN!

 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Marty Miller; Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Writer and Blogger

www.homeandhealthtips.com/     www.theyardcarddirectory.com/

 

YOUR FALL BUSINESS

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

With Fall upon us and cooler weather starting in many states, it is sometimes difficult to keep up the good attitude.  Depending on what your business is, you may need some adjustments. If you are in business with selling items or in retail, the upcoming Fall and Winter Holidays may be YOUR time of YEAR for revenue. You must take on a cheerful, high energy persona. 

For those "outdoor" type businesses that rely on good weather, such as the Lawn Display business, it can be much more difficult.  If you are delivering a Yard Card during a blizzard or rain storm, late at night or early morning, it can be a daunting experience.  However if you remember the joy that you will be bringing to the recipient the following morning, you will realize that the effort is worth the challenges. If you are in the Lawn Display business.

Attitude is most important. It is more important than circumstances. Each day we have a choice regarding our attitude for the day or the day's work. We cannot change the inevitable, but we can change our attitude towards it.  It is a small percentage as to what happens to us in relation to how we view, handle, or react to what is happening. Put a smile on your face, meet the day with gratitude and caring and you will be happier doing your job.

This is one of the Best Websites for learning about business, blogging, website creation, advertising and promoting.  Lisa also does great videos for small and large companies. 

 
"Failure is not falling down, but refusing to get up." chinese proverb
 

Have a pleasant, profitable Fall business!  

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
 

 COMMENTS WELCOME!

 

Marty Miller:  www.homeandhealthtips.com   www.theyardcarddirectory.com/
Artist, Entrepreneur, Business Consultant and writer.

NETWORKING YOUR SUMMER BUSINESS

It is imperative as a Business Owner that you belong to various Networking Groups.  You cannot just pop into a meeting now and then, but you must JOIN the group and get involved while learning about other Businesses while marketing Your product or service.  If there are no Business Groups in your area, Start One with a few other business owners that are in various types of businesses.  It is amazing what you can learn from other people in business.


NETWORKING:
Since Networking is so important to ANY business, here are a few tips when going to a business meeting, luncheon or just an informal gathering.

Prepared by Marty Miller, past President of 2 large business organizations in the Denver Metro area, who has delivered presentations on this subject.

1. Arrive early--that gives you a chance to move around and talk with several people.
2. ALWAYS ask about the other person and repeat their name back to them such as "Susan, what you do sounds so interesting" It helps you remember the person's name by repeating it & gives a compliment.
3. If there are name tags--wear it on the right, so it seen when shaking hands.
4. Concentrate on one person at a time and wrap up conversation graciously, so you may move on to another.
5. Work on a "tag line" or "memory hook" which tells about your business in the fewest words, but has an impressive impact.
6. Drop a note or postcard to those you have met or make a quick phone call saying how nice it was to meet them.
7. Be consistent about attendance at the organizations you have chosen. Usually people must become well acquainted with you before they are interested in your product or service.
8. Always send Thank You postcards to customers and also to anyone who has given you a referral. Referrals can be thanked by email although receiving actual mail is nice.

In the Yard Card/Lawn Display Business you have less interaction with customers, since most contact is done by phone. However a follow-up phone call, Thank You postcard or spending a few minutes with the customer on the phone is good customer service. This could make the difference in this customer using you for future special occasions.

"Wringing your hands only stops you from rolling up your sleeves". James Rollins

Marty Miller;  www.theyardcarddirectory.com/     www.homeandhealthtips.com

BUILDING A GOOD WEBSITE

BUILDING A GOOD WEBSITE OR BLOG

"The more places you are seen, the better you are recognized." (author unknown)

When you start a website you must first make sure that you have a passion, product or service that will be interesting to people. Research the other websites in your area of interest. If you are unsure of what you might want to start as a website, try Blogging until you decide what you are truly passionate about.

IDEAS for WEBSITES
* Choose a Domain name that is relevant to your business.  There are many places to register Domain Names ex.: GoDaddy.  If you want to check to see if your "chosen name" is available go to www.whois.com   Choose a DOT.com if possible, although there are many new choices the .coms are the most common.
* Make your Home Page as attractive as possible. It is your BOOK COVER!  It must fit the business that you are in.  If you are in Lawn Displays your page should be colorful, happy looking and have good attractive content.
     * YOUR STATE NAME should be on your Home Page. Many folks search by State for local services of friends or family may be searching for a compnay in another State. 
     * Have pertinent information about your business on your HOME PAGE. 
     * Potential customers will generally not spend the time to search for information not postedon your home page. 
      * As a general rule you have about 5 seconds to grab attention.
Once you have your Home Page set the way that you would like it, you may add additional pages with a Menu Bar placed on your home page for the customer to click.
     * Yard Card Businesses Join Directories, they generally come up high in searches. Usually one or Two rentals will pay for your Join Fee.
     
In preparation for starting your website or Blog an excellent website to view is 2CreateaWebsite.  Lisa is very knowledgeable in many areas of websites, blogging, U-tube and so much more.  She is extremely easy to follow and gives great advice.

REMEMBER that most people search for what they are looking for on the Internet.  It takes awhile to get noticed with so many websites out there.
 
  "There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate".  ~Robert Brault

Marty Miller;  Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Writer Artist
www.yardcarddirectory.com   www.homeandhealthtips.com

VALENTINES DAY 2013

                          "To love and be loved is to feel the sun on both sides"

VALENTINES DAY kind of breaks up the slower winter months.  It is a special time that is fun, colorful and full of suprises.  Some choose Valentines Day for a Wedding--Vegas seems to be a popular and fun & fairly easy wedding destination.  A time to Tie the Knot.  Romance is in the air!

Unique and Memorable Gifts or Surprises are always appreciated.  This year do something that will make the entire neighborhood aware of the Surprise!  Rent a Yard Card or Lawn Display and display your feelings with Yard Display.  Imagine the Smiles!

Children love to make HandMade Crafts and Recipes for Valentines Day.

YARD CARD COMPANIES--SALE to JOIN the # 1 DIRECTORY to help people find your Lawn Display BIZ!

By Marty Miller:  Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Business Advisor, Blogger
 www.homeandhealthtips.com   www.yardcarddirectory.com

Calm During the Holidays

"May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, and  May nothing but happiness come through your door"  (author unknown)

Well, It is that time of year--where we pull our hair out with so much to do-- working, shopping, cooking, decorating, wrapping, entertaining and always feeling tired--ah, we forgot "resting".

It is difficult this time of year to feel calm and collected, particularly with all that has happened in 2012 with incomprehensible tragedies, shootings, natural disasters and worry for our future generations. Life must go on, so here are a few ideas that hopefully will be helpful.

* Make home-made gifts—they are usually treasured more than store-bought items.
*Plan a special Christmas Craft that you can do with your children or neighbor children.* If you must shop, do it early in the morning or late at night if you have stores that stay open late or all night. (Less people, less lines at check-out)
* Find a charity and make it a family event to take presents, clothes or whatever the charity needs. Take it TO the charity. It is a great teaching tool for children and putstheir life and "needs" instead of "wants" into perspective.* Make Christmas cookies while listening to Christmas music.
* Make lovely calendars using this past years photos--makes great memories!
* Take some Christmas cookies to the neighbors.
* Find some Hallmark Christmas CD's, such as “The Dog Named Christmas” or watch Christmas TV Specials, as a family.
* And most importantly remember the reason for Christmas or Hanukkah. It is to be a peaceful time, not hectic.
* Discuss the importance of caring for and sharing with others during this season.
* Take some time for quiet without TV or cell phones to be together as a family.
* Make Home-made decorations.
* DON'T forget those with December Birthdays!

AND for those of us in business--we must be courteous to our customers, despite our state of mind.Have a Healthy, Happy, Calm Holiday Season!

Marty Miller, Entreprenuer, Business Advisor, Writer    www.homeandhealthtips.com/

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

BUSINESS  ETIQUETTE 

      "Although no one can go back in time and make a brand-new start,
        anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending,

Strive for Progress, not Perfection."  Unknown 

SOME BUSINESS ETIQUETTE TIPS:

1.  Returning Emails, Phone CallsNot getting a prompt response to a phone call or email is probably the # 1 complaint among customers; when it comes to Customer Service. I have experienced this "lack of response", even with Companies within the Yard Card industry. I send emails requesting an answer and do not hear back. Sometimes there may be a valid reason, but without that information you waste your time trying to contact the person or company. I consider it my biggest "Pet Peeve" in business.

 Communication is one of the most important parts of any business and the old saying applies here. "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you". PLEASE RESPOND to customers and other companies in a timely manner.


  2.  New technology is not always better!

Text messages or Emails can be easily misunderstood and impersonal for some topics or issues.  Since so much is done via email or mobile devices, we sometimes do not realize the value and importance of a personal phone call or personal handwritten note!

3.  DO NOT ask for Special Deals from Friends or other Businesses!

When you start a business, you may need to do some specials or extras to help your business become recognized,  but once you start doing that you may begin a trend and become a loan closet or discount store, rather than a business.  You are in Business to make money and be respected as a good business person. Your Friends and others' in business should understand that you are running a business and not expect special prices or favors.

*When I had repeat customers in my Lawn Display business, I would often tell them I would add extra balloons or Lawn Critters to their celebration display. They were delighted as it was not "expected" by my loyal customers.

I have found the best way to overcome this is to decide how many donations or "specials" that you will do in a year and stick with that. If you feel in your heart that you really want to do something extra special for someone that is up to you, but be careful or you will start to feel as though you are failing at becoming a business and are being taken advantage of.  It is fun do do doantions or special things for your repeat customers.

Another good source for Business Etiquette comes from "Manners International" 

Emily Post also has many books on Manners.   

"Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in." William Eardley

 Marty Miller: Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Business Consultant, Writer, Artist

www.yardcarddirectory.com     www.healthandhometips.com   

Start Your Own YARD CARD BUSINESS

Summer time is a great time to Start your Yard Card Business as the weather in most places is suitable for constructing and/or Painting signs.  If your summer is filled with activities, start working on a Business plan and wait until early Fall to actually Start your business.

The Yard Card Business is a great venue. Questions you should think about before starting a this type of business:
* Have I researched the Lawn disaply business?
* Do I have a large enough vehicle to carry signs or yard display items?
* Am I willing to deliver the signs/displays after dark or early morning?
* Do I want to make signs from a Start-up Kit or do I want to use the pre-made or plastic props?
* Do I have artistic ability and would I like to paint signs?
* Do I have a plan to market, network or advertise my business?
* Do I enjoy spoeaking with people on the phone?
*Do I have a computer? Email?
* Can I keep good business records?
If you can answer “Yes” to these questions than this may be the business for you.
If you enjoy celebrations this is a great “social expressions” business. If you have a young family, having a business like this helps teach children about responsiblity and advantages of being your own boss. Having a business is a great teacher and motivator for children; they usually love to help. (Depending on your children’s ages you might not want younger ones actually doing the sign painting—you might end of with something you don’t want. (smile).

It is a fun business and a way to make a little extra money and to make others happy.  Recipients usually enjoy the "special" attention and are enjoy seeing a surprise in their yard in the morning.

Do some research on the business and find what type of product you want to represent--there are many choices of Yard Sign businesses. When I started this type of business in 1990--having my roll out date as Valentine's Day 1991, there was very little internet usage and people had to really work to find information.  It is much easier now to research and find what you need.

Marty Miller: Former 21 year owner of Lawn Expressions Yard Cards, Business Advisor, writer, artist and blogger
www.yardcarddirectory.com     www.homeandhealthtips.com   

NETWORKING YOUR SUMMER BUSINESS

It is imperative as a Business Owner that you belong to various Networking Groups.  You cannot just pop into a meeting now and then, but you must JOIN the group and get involved with learning about other Business Owners while marketing Your product or service.  If there are no Business Groups in your area, Start one with a few other business owners that are not in your business!  It is amazing what you can learn from others in business.


NETWORKING:
Since Networking is so important to ANY business, here are a few tips when going to a business meeting, luncheon or just an informal gathering.

Prepared by Marty Miller, past President of 2 large business organizations in the Denver Metro area, who has delivered presentations on this subject.

1. Arrive early--that gives you a chance to move around and talk with several people.
2. ALWAYS ask about the other person and repeat their name back to them such as "Susan, what you do sounds so interesting" It helps you remember the person's name by repeating it & gives a compliment.
3. If there are name tags--wear it on the right, so it seen when shaking hands.
4. Concentrate on one person at a time and wrap up conversation graciously, so you may move on to another.
5. Work on a "tag line" or "memory hook" which tells about your business in the fewest words, but has an impressive impact.
6. Drop a note or postcard to those you have met or make a quick phone call saying how nice it was to meet them.
7. Be consistent about attendance at the organizations you have chosen. Usually people must become well acquainted with you before they are interested in your product or service.
8. Always send Thank You postcards to customers and also to anyone who has given you a referral. Referrals can be thanked by email although receiving actual mail is nice.

In the Yard Card/Lawn Display Business you have less interaction with customers, since most contact is done by phone. However a follow-up phone call, Thank You postcard or spending a few minutes with the customer on the phone is good customer service. This could make the difference in this customer using you for future special occasions.

"Wringing your hands only stops you from rolling up your sleeves". James Rollins

Marty Miller; www.yardcarddirectory.com     www.homeandhealthtips.com

FEATURES and BENEFITS of your Business

"The smallest deed is greater than grandest intention".  Patti Labelle

FEATURES and BENEFITS of your Business

Your potential customers need to know the Features and Benefits of your business. When preparing advertising or marketing materials for your business be sure to stress the Benefits more than the Features.

What is the difference between Features and Benefits? Features are a description of your product. Benefits are how it will impact your customer and why they should choose your product or service. Let's pick a couple of products as examples: Yard Cards/ Lawn Displays and Window Coverings.

YARD DISPLAYS

FEATURES: 5-6 ft. colorful Yard Signs, Personalized message sign, Critters in the yard like Flamingos, Buzzards, Grad Caps, Smilies and other fun creatures or props. 

BENEFITS:

"Make a friend happy with a unique early morning surprise in the yard", "Let the whole neighborhood know of your Graduate's Big Day!”,“Surprise a new Mom with a Stork in the Yard” Announce the New Baby” “Celebrate that BIG birthday with a Yard Card” "Welcome someone home from the Military".  You will make your friend or family smile and afford them recognition by creating a very visual memory.  We work with you to make the special occasion one of joy for the recipient with a wonderful Lawn Display.  Your Surpise will NEVER be forgotten!

WINDOW COVERINGS

FEATURES:

The blinds are made of durable wood and come in different sizes and colors. The curtains are made with quality fabric and you can choose the fabric, the size and the color.

BENEFITS

The blinds will allow you to have sunshine in your home during the day and privacy at night when the blinds are closed.  They are easy to open and close and you can choose different styles to meet your needs.  Our rpices are competitive and we do our best to meet all ofyour needs.

Drapes or curtains add color and beauty to your room and can complement furniture and accessories in the room. You can decorate around your curtains or blinds or pick your color theme of furniture and then chose your blinds. The fabric helps quiet excess noise in the room.

The point is:  People are more interested in the benefit to them and or the recipient than they are hearing about a long description of your product. In the Celebration Lawn Greetings business, it is all about recognizing people and offering a new type of "social expression"!

This idea can be applied to almost any business. When you describe your business, be sure you are telling the person about what your product will do for them, rather than all of the details regarding your product or service!

"You can’t be a success in any business without believing it is the greatest business in the world.  You have to put your heart in the business and the business in your heart." Thomas Watson, Sr

WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!

Marty Miller; Entrepreneur, Busines Owner & Coach, Writer & Artist 

www.yardcarddirectory.com/

www.homeandhealthtips.com/

SPRING into BUSINESS

Spring is a great time to start a business and to rework and market your business!  There seems to be a surge in energy and excitement in the Springtime.

"When Spring is dancing among the hills, one should not stay in a little dark corner"
Kahlil Gibran


A. INTERNET Marketing:  First and Foremost make your presence known on the Internet. (More on internet marketing later). Have your website on Directories that reflect the industry that you are in --sometimes if these are high in the search engines it will help your position and people can find you. (ie. Yard Card Industry  www.yardcarddirectory.com    These Directories are available for many businesses and sometimes will have business Start-Ups if you are searching in your area of interest.

B. START NETWORKING:  Since Networking is so important to ANY business, here are a few tips when going to a business meeting, luncheon or just an informal gathering. There are numerous Small Business Organizations in most cities.
1. Arrive early--that gives you a chance to move around and talk with several people.2. ALWAYS ask about the other person and repeat their name back to them such as "Susan, what you do sounds so interesting" It helps you remember the person's name by repeating it & gives a compliment.3. If there are name tags--wear it on the right, so it seen when shaking hands.4. Concentrate on one person at a time and wrap up conversation graciously, so you may move on to another.5. Work on a "tag line" or "memory hook" which tells about your business in the fewest words, but has an impressive impact.6. Drop a note or postcard to those you have met or make a quick phone call saying how nice it was to meet them.7. Be consistent about attendance at the organizations you have chosen. Usually people must become well acquainted with you before they are interested in your product or service.8. Send Thank You postcards to customers and also to anyone who has given you a referral. Referrals can be thanked by email although receiving actual mail is nice these days.


Prepared by Marty Miller, past President of 2 large business organizations in the Denver Metro area, who has delivered presentations on this subject.


"Some people dream about success, and others wake up and do something about it"

HAPPY SPRING!   Marty Miller, Former Business Owner, Writer, Blogger, Artist
http://www.homeandhealthtips.com/

Blogging on your Business

BLOGGING About Your Business

When you start a website you must first make sure that you have a passion, product or service that will be interesting to people. Research the other websites in your area of interest. If you are unsure of what you might want to start as a website, try blogging until you decide what you are truly passionate about. You might set up a http://www.blogger.com/ account, which is free. Start blogging about some of your passions; whether it be art, music, health, people or a business you already have or one you wish to start. As you blog, you may find a certain subject, product or service that is really interesting to you or one that you already have that consumers find interesting.

Make a list of domain names that you would like to use. They should be relevant to the subject of your Website. (i.e.) http://www.yardcarddirectory.com// refers to a US and Canada Directory for those in the Lawn Display and Yard Sign business. You can easily search for domain names by typing in "domain name search" in the search area. You have several options of registering your website name – either as a dot.com, a dot. net or a dot. org. The dot.com is the most common, dot.net is more for business and dot .org is for organizations, profit or non-profits. If you are able to secure the website name you wish in a dot.com, that is best for the average website.

One of the best Sites to visit if you are learning is Lisa Irby's website at: http://www.2createawebsite.com/.

Once you decide that you are headed in the right direction, then you need to research how to start a website.

There are many possibilites. You may have a hosting company that sets everything up for you, or you may wish to try something like www.snapmonkey.com where you can make changes or updates whenever you wish for the same monthly charge.

"The more places you are seen, the better you are recognized."

Marty Miller,  Entrepreneur, Writer, Artist, Blogger 

ROLES and GOALS --Starting 2012

ROLES and GOALS

A good way to start the new year is to define your Roles and set your Goals.

Take a sheet of paper and make a small column for ROLES and a larger area for GOALS.

In the ROLES column put things relating to you such as Mother, Husband, Business Person, Volunteer

In the GOALS area put Short Term (maybe a week or month) and Long term ( maybe 6 months or a year)

Examples:
ROLE: Mother
GOAL: Spend 1/2 hr. with each child individually each day.

ROLE: Spouse
GOAL: Plan at least one "couple" activity per week

ROLE: Business Owner
GOAL: 20% more sales or rentals for the month, send Thank You Notes, check Inventory 
Start an Advisory Board, keep better records. Join Business Clubs, Leads Clubs, Start your own group of business owners, whether you are a large or small business.

ROLE: YOU
GOAL: Spend 1/2 hr. each day reading, praying, excercising, Relaxing--something just for YOU!

These are all things for TIME MANAGEMENT and for LIFE BALANCE. Each person's sheet will be different. This is helpful in creating in putting your priorities in order. Things can change, so you may need to review monthly.

The following site has some great articles and insight into daily living. http://www.spiritualwealth.com/

Hope this help in the start of your new year! Please comment!

AND--there will always be things that prevent you from accomplishing your goals.  I broke my Femur in late Aug and my husband and I moved to AZ in December, which has put me way behind in business, but life goes on and Roles and Goals do change!

"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.
The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."


Marty Miller; Business Owner, Artist, Writer
http://www.homeandhealthtips.com/       (which is in need of updating)

Selling Your Business

"You can’t be a success in any business without believing it is the greatest business in the world. You have to put your heart in the business and the business in your heart." Thomas Watson, Sr

SELLING YOUR BUSINESS

When it comes time to sell your business, it is hard in so many ways. Some of the things that need to be done to sell your business are:

•  Come up with a marketable, fair price
•  Decide if you want to sell your name and your website
•  Decide how and where to advertise
•  Come up with a training or consulting plan
•  Find a buyer you feel can represent your Company
•  Find something you enjoy doing to fill the temporary void following the sale

It can be done. I just sold my “Lawn Expressions” business of 21 years. This business was something I loved and a social expression that made people happy-- putting up celebration signs as a Lawn Display for special occasions. Each time I created and painted a new yard card, it was such a joy to rent these to my customers. It was time for me to sell and retire from this business, even though selling the business that I started and enjoyed for so many years is difficult. Luckily I found the perfect family to continue making Lawn Expressions a very unique and special business.

The new Owners AMY & DEREK were recent customers of mine and loved the idea of this type of business. Both of them and their young family will continue to make others happy with this business in the Denver area.

The new Lawn Expressions contact information is Phone # is 720-556-1250
Email: amy@lawnexpressions.com
Website: www.lawnexpressions.com/
I will continue writing this Business Blog and hope that others in this business or ANY business will benefit from the different Blog about Business!
"There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate." ~Robert Brault

Sincerely,
Marty Miller; Entrepreneur, Business Consultant, Artist & Blogger
www.homeandhealthtips.com/

ADVERTISING & MARKETING your Business

ADVERTISING and MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

"You can’t be a success in any business without believing it is the greatest business in the world. You have to put your heart in the business and the business in your heart." Thomas Watson, Sr

Summer is a GREAT time to market your business. Advertising and Marketing are two different ways of promoting your business, along with Networking.

Advertising is things like is usually done in: Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, telephone book or promotionals. Donating a Sign or Display for a large event can be both advertising and marketing, particularly if you are present at the event "marketing" your product or services.

Marketing is usually where YOU are physically present like: LEADS Groups, Chamber of Commerce groups, Local Business Clubs, School or Church clubs, Business forums and Advisory Boards. (small group of business people who share Accomplishmetnsanother subject we will address later). The advantage to MARKETING is that you are socializing and selling yourself along with your product/service. People who Market their product or service will do much better in business. People like to do business with someone they know. You will also get support from others who run small businesses if you are in a business group environment.

The INTERNET is now the BEST way of both advertising and marketing, even though you are not physically present. People want the convenience of getting things instantly, so more consumers use the Internet, rather than phone books or print media. However there is still a segment of society that do not use the Internet and rely on Print media.

The best advise is to try different ways of advertising and marketing and find which works best for you and your particular business.

Marty Miller, Business Owner, Entrepreneur     http://www.lawnexpressions.com/     www.yardcarddirectory.com/
www.homeandhealthtips.com/

"You are never fully dressed until you wear a smile!"

SUMMER SALE for Yard Card Business

"Ambition is the path to success.  Persistance is the vehicle you arrive in".  William Eardley

If this is your first visit to this blogsite, please peruse the many business issues that have been featured for those who are serious about making their business a SUCCESS!

For Great business advice and ideas on blogging, websites and creating a succesful business visit www.2createawebsite.com/

"Doing business without advertising is like winking at a someone in the dark. YOU know what you are doing, but no one else does." Stewart Britt


Marty Miller   http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/   

SUMMER STRESS or SUCCESS?

SUMMER BUSINESS SUCCESS or STRESS?

“ If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded”
Mayo Angelo on Success
How you THINK can make the difference between being Successful or just Stressed.

Be positive. Think Success, not failure. Do not stay in a negative place either mentally or physically. Let your customers and people around you know what your business or product will do to enhance their life, rather than telling them “about” your business. Customers ultimately care about what your business will “do for them”. See Features and Benefits.  
If you think you can do things to help your business grow, get on it. “Habit is like a soft bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of”. (anonymous)  Refresh your thinking—set new goals—not huge ones, just little goals. When you reach the little goals, start making bigger goals. Write down your goals each day, maybe even just one. Writing it down really does help—when you succeed in that goal "celebrate" and cross it off of your list.
“Ideas won’t keep; something must be done about them”
Alfred North Whitehead (mathematician, philosopher)

YARD CARD and LAWN DISPLAY BUSINESS

For those of us in the Yard Card and Lawn Display business, summer is a good time for us as the weather is nice, people are happy, the sun is out (usually) and our business brings smiles.

Even if your business has taken a hit in this economy, as most have, don’t stop now, keep doing the things that work well. One of those is being present on the Internet. As has been stressed numerous times, you need your State and important information on your Home Page of your website. If you have not done this—do it now. Then join as many Directories as you can. Put in a few relevant search terms and see which companies and Directories come up on top. Join them—you must spend a little money to make money.
“Don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines”. Satchel Paige

 Marty Miller   http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/  http://www.lawnexpressions.com/  http://www.homeandhealthtips.com/