:: Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks? A few years ago, the Women In Consulting Annual Best Practices Survey unveiled some tricks by top consultants that helped improved my business’ profitability and my work/life balance. Here’s one: I learned top consultants out-source the administration of their company so they can maximize their time on generating revenue. I added a bookkeeper and a virtual assistant to the Stage2 network and could not be happier. My clients are happier too since I … [Read more...]
Mastermind: An Appreciation
August 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment
:: Building and running one’s own consulting practice has its challenges. When I meet people and tell them I do consulting, they sometimes look impressed, but do not know what to say after that! It has been important to build a community of colleagues who understand different aspects of consulting. About a year ago, I heard about WIC Mastermind groups and decided to take the plunge. I already had a wide network of colleagues and fairly clear areas of expertise (facilitation, strategic … [Read more...]
Six Tips From a Newsletter Marketer
February 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment
:: Did you know that: We encounter more than 5,000 media messages a day. We’re aware of only about 150 of them. And only four to 12 of them make any impact on us. That’s bad news if you’re trying to break through the clutter and get your message to your prospects and clients. Fortunately, consistent, informative email newsletters can help you get heard above the noise. According to the Annuitis Group, “businesses that send lead-nurture emails generate 451% more qualified … [Read more...]
Essential Tech Tools for Entrepreneurs
January 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment
:: Entrepreneurs need lots of support to be successful, and it can take many forms. For example, it’s important to have sources for trusted advice, like the Small Business Administration. It’s also key to have practical tools to get established and maintain your workflow. Here are a few valuable use cases and my go-to technology tools: Keep track of the interwebs. You probably have a number of websites and blogs you visit to get your daily dose of news about your industry. It’s a waste of … [Read more...]
The 3 Questions You Absolutely Must Answer Before Your Next Training
June 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment
:: Long before you polish up your PowerPoint and prepare the training room, there are three essential questions that you must ask to ensure the success of your next staff development training. If you can master these preliminary steps, you’ll find that your in-house sessions will be more effective and have longer lasting results. 1. Why are We Doing This? It’s a simple question, yet it’s amazing how many different answers you might get when you ask. It’s also the first question that your … [Read more...]
The Value of One Great Idea
May 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment
:: Does one of the following describe you? Your business is on a roll. You’re ready to take that next step to grow your business even further. But you’re having second thoughts. Is this really the right time? Are there any negative consequences you’re not considering? What important details could you be missing? Your business is stalling. You’ve tried everything to grow your business, but you’re just not getting anywhere. Is it time to throw in the towel? While you may think you’ve tried … [Read more...]
All About Connection – An Evening With Kristy Rogers
December 7, 2015 By Leave a Comment
As the featured speaker of the November general meeting, Kristy Rogers spoke on creating genuine connection and getting the most out of networking, followed by an interactive activity where the group was able to practice their new networking skills. Below are the key points of her program along with some great tips to help you increase your networking success. As Kristy says: "The ability to produce results is all about connection." What is Connection? It involves being liked, being … [Read more...]
Be bright. Be brief. Be gone.
February 24, 2015 By 2 Comments
Cool Under Fire© series, 2 of 5 by Marianne Fleischer www.fleischercomm.com This second of five articles in the Cool Under Fire©Series will help you think on their feet. Speechwriter & Executive Speech Coach Marianne Fleischer, Fleischer Communications, will also be the keynote speaker at Women in Consulting’s August 10th, South Bay General Meeting. Whether you are at the podium or working the room, brand these six words onto your heart: Be bright. Be brief. Be gone. Why? … [Read more...]
Video: Catching Up with the 93%
October 23, 2014 By 1 Comment
As of last year, 93% of senior marketing professionals use video for online marketing, sales or communications. Most (84%) used this content on their own website; and more than 60% also using it as a part of their social media and email marketing campaigns. Which should make us consultants think: if the vast majority of marketing professionals are using video for online marketing, shouldn’t we be doing the same for our businesses? My company is focused on conducting user experience … [Read more...]
Risk Averse or Change Averse?
July 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment
The riskiest action in a changing environment is Business as Usual. So why do managers repeatedly shy away from change—real, thoughtful, productive change— as they watch their markets erode? The most likely source of change resistance is in the normal brain. Your instincts are wired not to take you into the unknown or unfamiliar. Same is good. Same is safe. Change is a threat. Follow your instincts. The problem with following your instincts in a changing environment is that your … [Read more...]
