There’s a plethora of blogs out there now. Finding good ones can be a challenge sometimes. Here are a few that are great resources for consultants and small business owners, each offering their own take on topics related to running a business. Women in Consulting—of course this would be number one. :-) But really, you’ll find posts that cover the full range of issues confronting consultants and small business owners. Social Media Examiner—if you follow only one social media blog, … [Read more...]

"The finish line." -- When you read those words, what do you think? And what do you feel? Do you imagine, or recall, experiences of: Soaring across a finish line? Struggling to cross it? Missing a finish line altogether, despite your best intentions and most dedicated preparation? If you’re like most people, your experience with finish lines – and goal achievement – covers the full range from exuberance to missing the mark at times. Goal-setting and goal achievement is, of … [Read more...]

The jungle is dark, humid and dense. Birds of all kinds sing and call, while other animals rustle through the underbrush. The adventurers hack through the plants with their machetes to blaze a passable trail. It’s hard work, and it had to be done so they have a clear path to get where they’re going. Is your website like that jungle? Recently, I met someone at a conference and wanted to learn more about them while following up. So, I carved out a few minutes to check out their … [Read more...]

We’re human. All of us. (You, too). And sometimes we find we can’t do it all, after all. -- So how do you ask for help? Maybe the thing we should focus on is why we hesitate to ask for help. It’s easy to think these things as a consultant: –You have to have all the answers. –You’re supposed to be done learning. –You’re being watched and being judged. And on that last count? -- You probably are, if we’re honest. But don’t worry. The people you work with (including … [Read more...]

I hope you have enjoyed the past days gathering with family and friends.  It is good to change up our schedules and pause to ring in the New Year. I wanted to remind you of a few things…not my favorite thing to do, but important so that you will have less stress in your business and in getting ready for your tax return. Write down the odometer reading on the vehicles you use for business.  It is important to know what percent you are using the vehicle for business and the amount for … [Read more...]

As year-end looms and you work to meet the year’s final goals, here are two of many possible scenarios. 1. You are GOOD for the finish line. You have the right time, money, energy, attention, skills and other resources you need to get the job done. 2. You are HOPING miracles are real…because you need one now. In this case, priorities may be unclear, or absent. Resources may be limited, or poorly aligned with your goals. Skills, knowledge or experience available to get the job done may … [Read more...]

Do you ever feel like your brand's a little bit chilly? Like it's too professional or boring? Or you're distant... not as cozied up and close with your clients as you'd like to be? Why not warm it up a bit? Warmth in your brand can make it seem more alive, open, passionate, and even both interesting and interested. The warmth is a sign that your small business is run by a real person and that you care about your clients. A warm brand also does a lot for your client relationships. Warmth … [Read more...]