Starting a new business in the Spring can be a great time to start! Just do some checking prior to starting your new business. The economy is especially tight right now, so you must research before throwing yourself into a new endeavor.
In the Yard Card Business, at least in my 21 yrs. of experience, I have found that Spring is probably the best time of the year for Celebration Sign Rentals. There is Mother's Day, Graduation, lots of babies born and of course the Birthdays. Even with the tight economy, people want to celebrate their special moments.
Spring is a popular time for Yard Cards & Lawn Displays, particularily in the States that have had snow, cold and storms during the winter months. People want to do fun, happy things & spring brings out the best in attitudes.
If you wish to Start a Lawn Display Business, start looking into some of the various ones that are for Sale. There are companies that provide Kits to make your own signs, ones that are pre-made for you or ones you can design yourself. Make sure you have a Manual to help you get started. Research different types of displays and businesses before making a decision. By purchasing a franchise or an establsihed "Business for Sale", you will at least know that there is some history and experience that has been put into that business.
Most people learn from their business mistakes or know what has worked well for them. If you work with someone who has been in business, you will gain knowledge from their experiences.
Websites I would recommend regarding business help of any kind is your local www.SBA.gov/ Also look into small business organizations in your area, Leads Groups, NAWBO, or Chamber of Commerce.
If you are interested in the Yard Card Business visit Entrepreneur Website or www.yardcards-business.com/
"An optimist is the human personification of spring."-- Susan J. Bissonette
Marty Miller, http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.homeandhealthtips.com/ www.lawnexpressions.com/
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARDS
Start a BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD
Over a year ago I did a blog on starting a Business Advisory Board. It seemed to be a popular blog, so I thought we would revisit the subject.
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 & Goals. *(these will be reviewed in a future Post). 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 & 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 have been in a group for over 17 years and find it one of the least expensive, most helpful things I have done for ME and for my Yard Card business development. Our group has met in business rooms, our homes, library private rooms and now with 4 of us we meet in a centerally located restaurant that is not very busy and we each purchase a meal and take turns talking about our business and presonal life, following the Accomplishments, Challenges and Goals format.
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"
Sincerely,
Marty Miller www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.homeandhealthtips.com/
Over a year ago I did a blog on starting a Business Advisory Board. It seemed to be a popular blog, so I thought we would revisit the subject.
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 & Goals. *(these will be reviewed in a future Post). 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 & 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 have been in a group for over 17 years and find it one of the least expensive, most helpful things I have done for ME and for my Yard Card business development. Our group has met in business rooms, our homes, library private rooms and now with 4 of us we meet in a centerally located restaurant that is not very busy and we each purchase a meal and take turns talking about our business and presonal life, following the Accomplishments, Challenges and Goals format.
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"
Sincerely,
Marty Miller www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.homeandhealthtips.com/
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Websites and Blogging about Your Interests
BLOGGING About Your Interests
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 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.) 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's website at: www.2createawebsite.com/ Read more about Lisa and why she is a great resource and teacher at my Favorite Links.
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. You may also just keep on Blogging and keep that as your website.
"The more places you are seen, the better you are recognized."
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
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 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.) 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's website at: www.2createawebsite.com/ Read more about Lisa and why she is a great resource and teacher at my Favorite Links.
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. You may also just keep on Blogging and keep that as your website.
"The more places you are seen, the better you are recognized."
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
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. A time to Tie the Knot. 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!
Hand Made Valentine gifts are fun for children to make.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Marty Miller; Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Writer and Blogger
www.homeandhealthtips.com/
Saturday, January 1, 2011
GET STARTED ON YOUR 2011 BUSINESS!
ORGANIZE FOR THE NEW YEAR
* Clean out old files ----hard to do, not a fun job, but gratifying once you rid yourself of unneccessary papers and things you have collected.
* Update your database--very important.
* Think of new ways to create business and NEW customers.
* Thank your repeat customers---send a postcard letting them know you are still in business.
* Inventory your products to see if you need to purchase new things, refresh or refurbish them, or add new products or delete those that are not working for you.
* Start the year with a GOOD method of filing, not only for tax purposes, but for keeping you "on track".
* Get on new Yard Card Directories and improve your Internet visibility. See a SUPER special for joining in Jan. at: http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/join.html
* Join business clubs or Chamber of Commerce--great way to meet people and get your service known.
* Refresh your website with new content & photos--put the name of your STATE on your website Home Page! Customers often search by State.
* Start an Advisory Board with 3-8 other business people so that you can share experiences, support each other.
* Start the New Year with a positive attitude!
* Take Care of Yourself and Stay Healthy www.healthandhometips.com/
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude."
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Marty Miller www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.lawnexpressions.com/
* Clean out old files ----hard to do, not a fun job, but gratifying once you rid yourself of unneccessary papers and things you have collected.
* Update your database--very important.
* Think of new ways to create business and NEW customers.
* Thank your repeat customers---send a postcard letting them know you are still in business.
* Inventory your products to see if you need to purchase new things, refresh or refurbish them, or add new products or delete those that are not working for you.
* Start the year with a GOOD method of filing, not only for tax purposes, but for keeping you "on track".
* Get on new Yard Card Directories and improve your Internet visibility. See a SUPER special for joining in Jan. at: http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/join.html
* Join business clubs or Chamber of Commerce--great way to meet people and get your service known.
* Refresh your website with new content & photos--put the name of your STATE on your website Home Page! Customers often search by State.
* Start an Advisory Board with 3-8 other business people so that you can share experiences, support each other.
* Start the New Year with a positive attitude!
* Take Care of Yourself and Stay Healthy www.healthandhometips.com/
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude."
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Marty Miller www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.lawnexpressions.com/
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
THANKSGIVING DAY 2010
Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with family and friends and share memories. As with many families, we always have each person at the table, including children, say something for which they are thankful.
An excellent website having to do with the origin of Thanksgiving, traditions, recipes, stories & jokes is www.thanksgiving-day.org/ Great website! For the Thanksgiving story visit http://www.2020tech.com/thanks/
I would like to do a little "Turkey Talk" regarding turkey preparation. Although this has nothing to do with the Yard Card-Lawn Display Industry--cooking is another passion of mine. Proper cooking of a turkey is imperative if you do not wish to spend the evening or the next day in the ER with food poisoning.
1. Cook a fresh turkey within 3 days.
2. Thaw a turkey in a refrigerator or for quicker thawing use a chest cooler with ice or frozen cold packs. (It should be started in the fridge about 4 days ahead of the day you wish to cook it and spend no more than 2 days in a COLD cooler.)
3. Do NOT thaw a turkey at room temp as bacteria will grow.
4. If you stuff your turkey, place an unpeeled apple in the opening rather than sewing it closed. The dressing will pick up a nice apple flavor and the apple will absorb extra grease. (APPLE NOT EDIBLE--altho' it WILL lookl like a baked apple, after removing from turkey)
5. I rub the turkey with mayonaise and salt and pepper it. After putting in a roasting pan, I tent the turkey with aluminum foil and place it in a 425 degree oven for 1/2-1 hr., depending on size of turkey. I then turn it down to 325 degrees for the duration.
6. I remove the foil about 1-2 hrs. before I think it is done. It will brown the skin.
7. DO NOT overcook or undercook a turkey. If it does not have a pop-up timer or meat thermometer, move the turkey leg back & forth to see if it is a little loose.
Then cut into the breast mid turkey--you do not want to see pink meat.
"We may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving." author unknown
Have a good Thankful Holiday! Marty Miller
For those looking for yard cards or lawn displays for special occasions during the Holidays please find companies listed at www.yardcarddirectory.com/
An excellent website having to do with the origin of Thanksgiving, traditions, recipes, stories & jokes is www.thanksgiving-day.org/ Great website! For the Thanksgiving story visit http://www.2020tech.com/thanks/
I would like to do a little "Turkey Talk" regarding turkey preparation. Although this has nothing to do with the Yard Card-Lawn Display Industry--cooking is another passion of mine. Proper cooking of a turkey is imperative if you do not wish to spend the evening or the next day in the ER with food poisoning.
1. Cook a fresh turkey within 3 days.
2. Thaw a turkey in a refrigerator or for quicker thawing use a chest cooler with ice or frozen cold packs. (It should be started in the fridge about 4 days ahead of the day you wish to cook it and spend no more than 2 days in a COLD cooler.)
3. Do NOT thaw a turkey at room temp as bacteria will grow.
4. If you stuff your turkey, place an unpeeled apple in the opening rather than sewing it closed. The dressing will pick up a nice apple flavor and the apple will absorb extra grease. (APPLE NOT EDIBLE--altho' it WILL lookl like a baked apple, after removing from turkey)
5. I rub the turkey with mayonaise and salt and pepper it. After putting in a roasting pan, I tent the turkey with aluminum foil and place it in a 425 degree oven for 1/2-1 hr., depending on size of turkey. I then turn it down to 325 degrees for the duration.
6. I remove the foil about 1-2 hrs. before I think it is done. It will brown the skin.
7. DO NOT overcook or undercook a turkey. If it does not have a pop-up timer or meat thermometer, move the turkey leg back & forth to see if it is a little loose.
Then cut into the breast mid turkey--you do not want to see pink meat.
"We may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving." author unknown
Have a good Thankful Holiday! Marty Miller
For those looking for yard cards or lawn displays for special occasions during the Holidays please find companies listed at www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Monday, October 25, 2010
BUSINESS ATTITUDE IN THE FALL MONTHS
With Fall here and cooler weather starting in many states, it is sometimes difficult to keep up the good attitude. In the Yard Card & Lawn Display business, in many areas of the country, rain and snowstorms are in the near future. It may not seem as fun putting up a Yard Display either early in the morning or late at night, both with more cold and physical discomfort than the rest of the day. It is important to keep in mind how happy the recipient of your display will be when they see your work! A new mother coming home from the hospital with her baby sees the STORK in the yard and it brings her a smile. A person who has a birthday comes out to get their newspaper and sees a "Happy Birthday Sign" knows someone cares!
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.
If you have ideas regarding the Yard Card Business during the colder months, please share them below in the "comments" section.
FIND a Yard Card or Lawn Display company near you. www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"Cheerfulness is the atmosphere under which all things thrive" Jean Paul Richter
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
Enjoy the beauty of the Fall!
Marty Miller http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.lawnexpressions.com/
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.
If you have ideas regarding the Yard Card Business during the colder months, please share them below in the "comments" section.
FIND a Yard Card or Lawn Display company near you. www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"Cheerfulness is the atmosphere under which all things thrive" Jean Paul Richter
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
Enjoy the beauty of the Fall!
Marty Miller http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.lawnexpressions.com/
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