Minnesotahelp.info is a one-stop shop to find human services and programs

Minnesotahelp.info is a one-stop shop to find human services and programs

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Monster Cookie Testimonial – They are VERY good

Monster Cookie Testimonial – They are VERY good

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Strategic Planning or the Laws of Attraction? by Wendy Houser Blomseth

Which marketing method are you using to grow your business and attract your best clients in 2009?

Many experts recommend strategically using images to support your bottom line activities and to attract your best clients. When asked “How do I strategically use photographs?” I gave my client the following advice:

First:
Review your Strategic Marketing Plan to assess how your images are supporting it. Examples:
(a) Define your brand, what your company is and who your company is with images
(b) Identify your products, services and target buyers with images
(c) Illustrate your unique selling proposition with images

Next:
Determine the freshness, variety and impact of the images so they establish trust, attract attention and tell a compelling story that is different from your competition.

Then:
Look at the actual placement of image(s) on your website and in your advertisements. Web and graphic designers will tell you there are locations on a page proven to catch the eye of your potential customer. Social Media Networking experts will advise on which sites you should be listed to reach your target clients.

Some people prefer to allow “The Law of Attraction,” to be their guide to grow their business. One definition of The Law is: “I attract to myself, whatever I give my focus, attention or energy to.” So if you have invested time and attention to create new portraits that show you at your best, you will attract your best clients. Many of us have seen this powerful force work in our personal and business lives.

Whatever marketing method you choose, the experts recommend moving forward with concentrated actions toward your goal, even though we may be tempted to procrastinate. Having new photographs created for your annual marketing plan may seem, in the short term, an easy thing to postpone but it can, in the long term, slow down your growth. Ms. Beth Woodward of Adventures in Brainstorming, said after her portrait session, “…. why did I wait so long? The money I spent was nothing compared to what I received. In fact, I wonder what it cost me to NOT have a professional photo on my website.” You already know that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Today that first impression is often via your website, an email, a business card or a blog, anything but in person, so the visuals you present have got to have I * M * P * A * C * T . You need your pictures (not stock models) to be a powerful tool to develop virtual relationships and differentiate you from the competition so your client remembers you.

Attractive, well-produced images are a priceless tool to help your clients connect with you. Make a lasting impression with images that convey the friendliness, warmth and professional trust you bring to your work, plus build brand awareness of your company and its mission, values and belief. Good business images are a necessity in today’s competitive marketplace, not a luxury !

Wendy Houser Blomseth InBeaute Photography

In case you find yourself unemployed – tips based on real stories from people not ready to go

http://tinyurl.com/l92ybh

Have important information at home

IRA Penalty Exceptions

My friend and financial consultant from Edward Jones shared this document with us. If you absolutely must draw from your 401k, take a look at this list of exceptions to see if you can recapture some of those penalties you paid.
http://sitebuilder.myregisteredsite.com/sitebuilder/f_edit_page.html

Protecting Your Business

Published an e-letter

Credit Cards Changes Coming

  http://tinyurl.com/llh2uq

Free Job Search Workshops Offered by Rebecca Adams and MCTC

Opening Doors AND Windows in Your Job Search

Job Search “Immersion” Program – half or full day.  FREE. Call 612.659.6500 to register. 

Weekdays:  Weds 7/29    Fri 8/7       Mon 8/17
(9 – 4 – come ½ or full day)

Power Saturdays:  9 to 2   on 7/18  &   8/29  

For anyone who has been displaced from their employment.  Call for info & save your spot now!

Held at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin Avenue South, and led by Rebecca Adams, M.S. HR Development & Counseling, and owner/consultant at www.adamsatwork.com. 

CALL 612.659.6500 to Register

Create Social Networks
Learn what to do at networking events
Personal Finance Advice
Tips on what successful people do in this economy
Increasing the Power of YOU on the Internet
Convert online contacts into face-to-face meetings
Not your typical job search seminar!!!

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE HERE 

References – a different way of considering which ones to use

This article is also published on Minnesotajobs.com at:  http://minnesotajobs.com/article.php?article_id=100

For references, I generally recommend at a least a group of five to choose from and am providing some tips on getting the right person on your references sheet – these suggestions may trigger some people you had not thought of yet.

A reference from someone who understands what you do Can be a supervisor if possible but also consider another trusted individual in the company, even if from a different department, who at least understands your role and can attest to your work there. You should always have someone who falls into this category on your list. A reference from someone in a past position where you worked for a very long period of time. These references are like gold- these are people who probably entrusted you for a great deal of responsibility over several years. They know your personality and work habits well and can give great insight to your abilities. A reference from someone who is a recognizable person in your industry or in the general public (e.g. a state senator). This can certainly stand out on anyone’s credentials. A reference from someone in your academic background, especially if you are seeking positions tied into your education background (e.g. the position requires a great deal of business knowledge and you have a business professor who thought you had natural business acumen.) A reference from someone who was a part of any volunteer/community efforts you’ve participated in. Boy Scouts, blood drives, kids activities, political campaigning- someone that attests you go the extra mile to help your fellow person even if you don’t get paid for it. I hope this gives you some ideas for people to pursue for your references. For each of the references, list them on a separate page in this format: Mr. John Doe Supervisor of Sales HINT: You may wish to indicate the nature of the relationship…(e.g. “Former Co-Worker at XYZ Company) Awesome Company 123 Main St. Bloomington, MN 55555 (952) 555-5555 johndoe@awesomecompany.com

What is Business Therapy?

The Franklin Covey organizational system asks its users to categorize tasks in “A” , “B” or “C” priorities.  Business owners like yourself may have very important tasks like paying bills and keeping clients happy in the “A” column. The A-list takes up most of time available.   

What about the “B” list?  Tasks that show up here are perhaps ways to save money, make money and save time through greater efficiencies.  If you never get to these issues, then you are leaving money on the table and time rapidly ticks by. 

Consider a Business Therapist - we dedicate ourselves temporarily to collect information on potential solutions to your issues.  We know your business first-hand through brief onsite visits and when we’re not there, we’re meeting the best, fair-market priced business service talent in the Twin Cities. 

We focus on six areas of business, all of which depend upon each other to work efficiently:  

• Sales/Marketing/Branding
• Employee Benefits and Training
• Finding and Motivating Talent
• IT Systems
• Business Processes
• Managing Your Business

And one final part, too – you, the business owner. How are you doing?