10 Weeks to 2010
OH NO - the holidays are just around the corner! Often when the decorations go up, the marketing goes down the tubes. Maybe it is seasonal overwhelm, maybe it is just the belief that the next year will be great and why waste your time at the end of they year. Stop fighting yourself and realize that it has been a rough year, so planning now could be great.
Take some time to analyze what worked well in 2009 for your business.
Start by making a list of:
--What you spent money on for advertising and promotion AND the resul
--How much time you spent on social media and networking AND the results
--When did you have your best marketing results
--Why did customers give you repeat business.
From this frank discussion, evaluate your target market to be sure that they know you, remember you and are of a financially rewarding market. Ask yourself if there is a more desirable ideal customer.
Use these answers to set a 10 week action plan to get more customers before the end of the year. Don't forget to review your core message for clarity and appeal to your ideal customer.
Next step: Develop your 2010 marketing plan and the activities that will help you achieve them. Start planning now - email Linda to get started on your plan for 2010.
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Cinderella and the Stroke of Midnight
We're all familiar with Cinderella's story. Her fairy godmother turned a pumpkin into a gorgeous carriage to take her to the ball -- with a strict warning to be home by midnight, lest the carriage turn back into a pumpkin!
Tax planning works the same way. That's because at midnight on December 31, some of the most valuable tax breaks turn into pumpkins. In some cases, you miss the chance to take advantage of them this year. In others, they expire entirely and you lose them forever.
In recent years, Washington has made taxes even more complicated than usual. Strict budget rules mean that new breaks come and go. This year, there are 22 tax breaks expiring on or near December 31. Some of them may be renewed before the end of the year. But it still makes sense to look at them now to make sure you don't lose anything the law offers:
* The deduction for sales tax you pay to buy a new car or truck
* The "First-time Homebuyer" tax credit (this one actually expires November 30, although it may be extended)
* The itemized deduction for state and local sales taxes (as opposed to income taxes)
* The special deduction for state and local property taxes for clients who don't otherwise itemize
* The $4,000 deduction for "qualified tuition and related expenses"
* The increased exemptions for calculating the dreaded alternative minimum taxable income
* The $100,000 exemption for IRA distributions paid by the trustee directly to a qualified charity
Several valuable business tax deductions also expire this year:
* The 50% "bonus depreciation" for new business equipment
* The expanded "first-year expensing" dollar limit of $250,000 (which drops to $125,000 in 2010)
* Accelerated depreciation benefits for certain tangible assets (including "qualified leasehold property," restaurant property, retail space improvement property, and "qualified machinery and equipment" used in farming businesses)
* Expanded first-year depreciation benefits for business vehicles
* Special credits for "COBRA" continuation subsidies for laid-off employees
None of us want to miss any of these breaks. But the only way you can be sure not to is to ask! If you're worried about missing valuable deductions -- especially if you own your own business -- call us. And if your friends, family, and colleagues are worried, have them call us too!
Tim Pinkelman, CPA
Accounting Center & Tax Services, Inc.
6601 Lewis Ave.
Temperance, MI 48182
419-882-9255 or 734-847-0400
http://www.accounting-centers.com/
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Business tips for week of October 19, 2009
No Blame means No Excuses
Over time, I’ve learned that when managers say “we need more accountability around here” they really mean “Who is to blame for that latest disaster.” People fear blame often because they don’t want to be admit they made a mistake. Therefore they deflect, make excuses or just plan ignore the problem become the norm. In the real world, mistakes can often be the best teachers and when mistakes are honestly discussed, corrective action taken and follow-up accountability used, often an organization will excel.
Now, the dark side is that sometimes a person may think no blame means we will tolerate anything. Talk to a commercial pilot and you will discover that if the pilot doesn’t follow the pre-flight checklist, the co-pilot is empowered to not allow take off.
The next action on “no excuses” is related to repeat offenders. Being clear that you will learn from your mistakes is good; allowing the mistakes to continue is bad policy. Back to the airplane – do we really want to keep a pilot employed that refuses to do a checklist?
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Variety Is the Spice of Life…and Networking!
Variety is the spice of life! It’s also the key to a powerful network. Business professionals that count on qualified referrals to build their business know the importance of meeting new people - not just any people, the “right” people. I’m not saying that there are “wrong” people; simply that there are people better suited than others to help you.
All too often, we spend way too much time doing the same old things with the same old people and there is nothing that will take you down faster than surrounding yourself with too many folks that are too much alike. Limiting your contacts means limiting your referral marketing efforts!
If we want to stay in business, we definitely need to spend time with our prospects. They look alike. We’ve also got to spend time with our clients. They look alike.
Forest Gump’s momma was a little woman that made a big statement, “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get”. The same is true of many networking events, boardroom meetings and trade shows that you attend. Often times we walk into a room full of wondrous variety. Experienced networkers know how to relationally sample and select the very best.
I can’t tell you how many networking events I’ve been to over the years. Without exception, some folks are enjoying, or finding solace in, the food and drinks. Others are shaking hands, kissing babies and collecting as many business cards as possible in hopes of finding that one special person that will become their next client.
Unless and until you can take all of those business cards to your local bank and cash them in, it’s probably not in your best interest to become a card collector. Instead, you should attend networking events with purpose…the purpose of connecting with the right people.
I hosted a workshop several weeks ago. Everyone in attendance looked…well…like me - suit on, hair done, laptop in tow and Blackberry in hand EXCEPT one guy. He had on uniform pants, work boots, a sweat shirt and had his hair pulled back in a pony tail. Almost no one talked to him. Why? Because he was different!
The one person that did take the time to connect with him, a very smart BNI Executive Director, struck gold. He learned that Jeremy was an auto mechanic. He wasn’t just any auto mechanic; Jeremy was one of two Certified Master Porsche mechanics in all of Southwestern Virginia. Do you think some of his clients may be part of our target market?
DIVERSIFY YOUR NETWORK BY DIVERSIFYING YOUR CALENDAR:
1. Attend a new networking event with purpose, the purpose of meeting new people.
2. Find a person in the room that no one is talking to and engage them.
3. After learning a bit about who they are and what they do, ask them to introduce you to someone there that THEY KNOW. Diversity…here we come!
At this point it becomes incredibly important to know the difference between contacts and connections. In his recent bestseller, The 29% Solution, Dr. Ivan Misner offers that a contact is someone you know, but you still haven’t developed a strong, trusting relationship. A connection is someone who knows you, likes you and trusts you because you’ve taken the time to establish credibility with one another. Card collectors are increasing their surface level contacts. Conscientious networkers are looking for high level connections.
How much money are you leaving on the table by hanging out with people that are already connected to the majority of the people in your network? Diversify your networks. Embrace a variety of people to help you build your business by referral. Get out there, meet someone new and start digging. You never know when you might strike GOLD!
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, consultant and keynote speaker. She is also an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles are featured internationally. She was recently published in Brainsbook for Networking and is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com .
Links of Interest
If you are a MOM interested in raising healthy children, check out: http://www.healthytalksformoms.com/ Pat Altvater has launched a Telesummit with 7 experts discussing raising healthy children - this is a free program, but you must register.
Have a profitable week.
Linda Fayerweather, Editor
Changing Lanes LLC
Teleclass
Available
Don't leave 2010 without a Plan!
Business Planning! Simple and Complete.
Join other savvy open entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed and time starved by the success of thier business and desire to leverage thier time, resourcs and money.
October 20, 22, 28 7-9:30PM EDT/EST Cost $149
This will be a live webinar, handouts will be delivered via email and follow-up coaching will be available for 5 Monday Morning Motivator readers.
Go to: Changing Lanes - Classes for registration and details
This class is limited to 10 participants. Web site also has live classes in Northwest Ohio.
No Blame means No Excuses
Over time, I’ve learned that when managers say “we need more accountability around here” they really mean “Who is to blame for that latest disaster.” People fear blame often because they don’t want to be admit they made a mistake. Therefore they deflect, make excuses or just plan ignore the problem become the norm. In the real world, mistakes can often be the best teachers and when mistakes are honestly discussed, corrective action taken and follow-up accountability used, often an organization will excel.
Now, the dark side is that sometimes a person may think no blame means we will tolerate anything. Talk to a commercial pilot and you will discover that if the pilot doesn’t follow the pre-flight checklist, the co-pilot is empowered to not allow take off.
The next action on “no excuses” is related to repeat offenders. Being clear that you will learn from your mistakes is good; allowing the mistakes to continue is bad policy. Back to the airplane – do we really want to keep a pilot employed that refuses to do a checklist?
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Variety Is the Spice of Life…and Networking!
Variety is the spice of life! It’s also the key to a powerful network. Business professionals that count on qualified referrals to build their business know the importance of meeting new people - not just any people, the “right” people. I’m not saying that there are “wrong” people; simply that there are people better suited than others to help you.
All too often, we spend way too much time doing the same old things with the same old people and there is nothing that will take you down faster than surrounding yourself with too many folks that are too much alike. Limiting your contacts means limiting your referral marketing efforts!
If we want to stay in business, we definitely need to spend time with our prospects. They look alike. We’ve also got to spend time with our clients. They look alike.
Forest Gump’s momma was a little woman that made a big statement, “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get”. The same is true of many networking events, boardroom meetings and trade shows that you attend. Often times we walk into a room full of wondrous variety. Experienced networkers know how to relationally sample and select the very best.
I can’t tell you how many networking events I’ve been to over the years. Without exception, some folks are enjoying, or finding solace in, the food and drinks. Others are shaking hands, kissing babies and collecting as many business cards as possible in hopes of finding that one special person that will become their next client.
Unless and until you can take all of those business cards to your local bank and cash them in, it’s probably not in your best interest to become a card collector. Instead, you should attend networking events with purpose…the purpose of connecting with the right people.
I hosted a workshop several weeks ago. Everyone in attendance looked…well…like me - suit on, hair done, laptop in tow and Blackberry in hand EXCEPT one guy. He had on uniform pants, work boots, a sweat shirt and had his hair pulled back in a pony tail. Almost no one talked to him. Why? Because he was different!
The one person that did take the time to connect with him, a very smart BNI Executive Director, struck gold. He learned that Jeremy was an auto mechanic. He wasn’t just any auto mechanic; Jeremy was one of two Certified Master Porsche mechanics in all of Southwestern Virginia. Do you think some of his clients may be part of our target market?
DIVERSIFY YOUR NETWORK BY DIVERSIFYING YOUR CALENDAR:
1. Attend a new networking event with purpose, the purpose of meeting new people.
2. Find a person in the room that no one is talking to and engage them.
3. After learning a bit about who they are and what they do, ask them to introduce you to someone there that THEY KNOW. Diversity…here we come!
At this point it becomes incredibly important to know the difference between contacts and connections. In his recent bestseller, The 29% Solution, Dr. Ivan Misner offers that a contact is someone you know, but you still haven’t developed a strong, trusting relationship. A connection is someone who knows you, likes you and trusts you because you’ve taken the time to establish credibility with one another. Card collectors are increasing their surface level contacts. Conscientious networkers are looking for high level connections.
How much money are you leaving on the table by hanging out with people that are already connected to the majority of the people in your network? Diversify your networks. Embrace a variety of people to help you build your business by referral. Get out there, meet someone new and start digging. You never know when you might strike GOLD!
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, consultant and keynote speaker. She is also an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles are featured internationally. She was recently published in Brainsbook for Networking and is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com .
Links of Interest
If you are a MOM interested in raising healthy children, check out: http://www.healthytalksformoms.com/ Pat Altvater has launched a Telesummit with 7 experts discussing raising healthy children - this is a free program, but you must register.
Have a profitable week.
Linda Fayerweather, Editor
Changing Lanes LLC
Teleclass
Available
Don't leave 2010 without a Plan!
Business Planning! Simple and Complete.
Join other savvy open entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed and time starved by the success of thier business and desire to leverage thier time, resourcs and money.
October 20, 22, 28 7-9:30PM EDT/EST Cost $149
This will be a live webinar, handouts will be delivered via email and follow-up coaching will be available for 5 Monday Morning Motivator readers.
Go to: Changing Lanes - Classes for registration and details
This class is limited to 10 participants. Web site also has live classes in Northwest Ohio.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Changing Lanes & Truth
Changing Lanes - Really!
Last night, I returned from the annual "close up the summer camp adventure" and drove 200+ miles through Michigan on Interstate 75. At some points this road is 2 lanes and several place 5 lanes and in case you haven't driven this highway, I believe the majority of those traveling believe that 75 is the minimum speed limit. What I noticed is that many people change lanes much like they change directions on their business.
1. Impulsive - puts on blinker and changes lanes all at the same time. Often this can cause havoc for those in the immediate area. They don't intend to cause problems but there lack of planning does.
2. Focus Challenged - thinks about changing lanes, puts on blinker and never changes, just blinks. If you go by them you will usually see they are talking, singing with the radio, talking on the phone or just day dreaming. Remember - wishing and dreaming are not plans.
3. The Dervish - Just changes lanes whenever they think they can go faster - no blinker and you will see them weaving in and out of traffic. They seldom arrive any sooner, just more stressed.
4. The Thoughtful Planner - looks, puts on blinker, waits and then changes and usually very successfully. These drivers are aware of their surroundings.
Such is the way with business, the thoughtful planners are not adverse to the risk of entrepreneurship or changing the direction of their business, they just plan it out. They calculate the risks, put on the blinker and commit to change. They don't live in their business, they live with their business as part of the competition, landscape and their lives.
I have to admit that at various points in my life, I've been all four of the above in business, but last night with two precious packages in the car (my daughter and grandson), I am proud to say I was number four when it came to driving.
Getting a plan before you change lanes is one proven key to success. Where will your business take you?
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Awakened Entrepreneurs Face the Truth
We are in the final stretch of 2009; do you know how you are doing compared to your plan for 2009? Have you kept your accounting records up to date so you have a clear picture of where you are at this point?
Many entrepreneurs claim they are just too busy to keep up their monthly records and compare their results to their plan. Really, too busy? OR maybe they just don't want to have to face the truth.
Awakened entrepreneurs know that denial is like holding a finger in the dike. Eventually, it'll break down and then it will be too late to self-correct. When we fear the truth, we become defensive and constricted and waste energy that could be spent on seeking opportunities or solutions.
If your receipts are in a paper bag (think file folder, drawer, top of dresser, etc) all smashed together, maybe it's time for you to get some help before the year is over. Get your records up to date, so you can create a plan for 2010 that is based on accurate information from the current year.
Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.healthytalksformoms.com/
419-344-6613
Last night, I returned from the annual "close up the summer camp adventure" and drove 200+ miles through Michigan on Interstate 75. At some points this road is 2 lanes and several place 5 lanes and in case you haven't driven this highway, I believe the majority of those traveling believe that 75 is the minimum speed limit. What I noticed is that many people change lanes much like they change directions on their business.
1. Impulsive - puts on blinker and changes lanes all at the same time. Often this can cause havoc for those in the immediate area. They don't intend to cause problems but there lack of planning does.
2. Focus Challenged - thinks about changing lanes, puts on blinker and never changes, just blinks. If you go by them you will usually see they are talking, singing with the radio, talking on the phone or just day dreaming. Remember - wishing and dreaming are not plans.
3. The Dervish - Just changes lanes whenever they think they can go faster - no blinker and you will see them weaving in and out of traffic. They seldom arrive any sooner, just more stressed.
4. The Thoughtful Planner - looks, puts on blinker, waits and then changes and usually very successfully. These drivers are aware of their surroundings.
Such is the way with business, the thoughtful planners are not adverse to the risk of entrepreneurship or changing the direction of their business, they just plan it out. They calculate the risks, put on the blinker and commit to change. They don't live in their business, they live with their business as part of the competition, landscape and their lives.
I have to admit that at various points in my life, I've been all four of the above in business, but last night with two precious packages in the car (my daughter and grandson), I am proud to say I was number four when it came to driving.
Getting a plan before you change lanes is one proven key to success. Where will your business take you?
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Awakened Entrepreneurs Face the Truth
We are in the final stretch of 2009; do you know how you are doing compared to your plan for 2009? Have you kept your accounting records up to date so you have a clear picture of where you are at this point?
Many entrepreneurs claim they are just too busy to keep up their monthly records and compare their results to their plan. Really, too busy? OR maybe they just don't want to have to face the truth.
Awakened entrepreneurs know that denial is like holding a finger in the dike. Eventually, it'll break down and then it will be too late to self-correct. When we fear the truth, we become defensive and constricted and waste energy that could be spent on seeking opportunities or solutions.
If your receipts are in a paper bag (think file folder, drawer, top of dresser, etc) all smashed together, maybe it's time for you to get some help before the year is over. Get your records up to date, so you can create a plan for 2010 that is based on accurate information from the current year.
Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.healthytalksformoms.com/
419-344-6613
Monday, October 05, 2009
Business tips for week of October 5, 2009
Monday Morning Motivators is a short burst of business tips you can use today and through out the week. Our reporters, authors and correspondents strive to bring you tips and insights to make your business shine.
"In the absence of communication there can be no business" --Diane DiResta
Your authors are:
Linda Fayerweather of Changing Lanes LLC
Rebecca Booth of Imagine That
Pat Altvater of Transformations Institute
Paula Frazier of BNI of West Virginia
It is the 21st Century
Business practices that match the century are going to be key to making your business thrive. If you are reading this email, you are savvy on the Internet - great! What other things can you do? Well, I'm reminded every time I hear someone say "green business" that "lean businesses" have been the leading the way for years.
Yes, I am one of those green people that takes my own bags to the grocery store which does seem to perplex many a cashier. Now, all the places I shop SELL reusable bags yet, I'm still I'm the oddball. This is clearly a green thing on my part - 5 less bags in the land fill each week. Now take a look at the Lean side of this. I usually choose to bag myself - saving the cashier time and me on the unloading end as I bag by where the supplies are shelved in my home. Two stores actually give me $.05 for each bag I use - a little change never hurts.
Lean businesses are always looking for ways to do more with less.
Green businesses are looking for ways to have less impact on the environment.
Together they are a team that will be thriving in this century.
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
The Future of Sales: On-Demand Customization
Check out this website: Zazzle.com. It's been allowing consumers to customize their own t-shirts, shoes, mug, business cards and the like since 2005.
Zazzle CEO Robert Beaver notes, "The competitive mentality is, 'If I help someone else, that's going to take dollars out of my pocket.' But that isn't the way our sellers are thinking. More sellers enhance the overall quality of the marketplace." Test drive the model for yourself. You'll find there's an idea incubator, access to artists' creations as well as a trend indicator. Create a few shirts for a company event or birthday party, then consider creating your own personalized line of marketed goods to be sold on zazzle.com. Remember, customization is the future.
Copyright 2009 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
Celebrating 10 years of delivering results for our clients.
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
www.marketinginabox.biz
Links of Interest
If you are a parent interested in raising healthy children, check out: http://www.healthytalksformoms.com Pat Altvater is launching a Telesummit with 7 experts discussing raising healthy children - this is a free program, but you must register.
Need help with your business books? If you are in Northwest Ohio, this upcoming seminar is for you. Check it out at Minding Your Money sponsored by the Women's Entrepreneurial Network.
Rebecca Booth is working to help the Toledo Crystal Awards be awesome - she will keep us posted about her enteries. Details about the Gala
The Ultimate Lean and Green man of New York City: No Impact Man
Monday Morning Motivators is a short burst of business tips you can use today and through out the week. Our reporters, authors and correspondents strive to bring you tips and insights to make your business shine.
"In the absence of communication there can be no business" --Diane DiResta
Your authors are:
Linda Fayerweather of Changing Lanes LLC
Rebecca Booth of Imagine That
Pat Altvater of Transformations Institute
Paula Frazier of BNI of West Virginia
It is the 21st Century
Business practices that match the century are going to be key to making your business thrive. If you are reading this email, you are savvy on the Internet - great! What other things can you do? Well, I'm reminded every time I hear someone say "green business" that "lean businesses" have been the leading the way for years.
Yes, I am one of those green people that takes my own bags to the grocery store which does seem to perplex many a cashier. Now, all the places I shop SELL reusable bags yet, I'm still I'm the oddball. This is clearly a green thing on my part - 5 less bags in the land fill each week. Now take a look at the Lean side of this. I usually choose to bag myself - saving the cashier time and me on the unloading end as I bag by where the supplies are shelved in my home. Two stores actually give me $.05 for each bag I use - a little change never hurts.
Lean businesses are always looking for ways to do more with less.
Green businesses are looking for ways to have less impact on the environment.
Together they are a team that will be thriving in this century.
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
The Future of Sales: On-Demand Customization
Check out this website: Zazzle.com. It's been allowing consumers to customize their own t-shirts, shoes, mug, business cards and the like since 2005.
Zazzle CEO Robert Beaver notes, "The competitive mentality is, 'If I help someone else, that's going to take dollars out of my pocket.' But that isn't the way our sellers are thinking. More sellers enhance the overall quality of the marketplace." Test drive the model for yourself. You'll find there's an idea incubator, access to artists' creations as well as a trend indicator. Create a few shirts for a company event or birthday party, then consider creating your own personalized line of marketed goods to be sold on zazzle.com. Remember, customization is the future.
Copyright 2009 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
Celebrating 10 years of delivering results for our clients.
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
www.marketinginabox.biz
Links of Interest
If you are a parent interested in raising healthy children, check out: http://www.healthytalksformoms.com Pat Altvater is launching a Telesummit with 7 experts discussing raising healthy children - this is a free program, but you must register.
Need help with your business books? If you are in Northwest Ohio, this upcoming seminar is for you. Check it out at Minding Your Money sponsored by the Women's Entrepreneurial Network.
Rebecca Booth is working to help the Toledo Crystal Awards be awesome - she will keep us posted about her enteries. Details about the Gala
The Ultimate Lean and Green man of New York City: No Impact Man
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