What Clients/Customers Really Want

Recently I worked with a client who wants to grow his business. Like most solo-preneurs he feels his biggest challenge is to find employees who will represent him well and will provide the quality of workmanship he provides.

During the discussion as he got to the core of the issue he said he finds what clients/customers really want is TRUST. They want to trust that they have made the best buying decision and that they will receive a quality job, product or service.

How can we convey TRUST to our clients/customers? How can we train our employees to convey that same trust?

There is one simple answer to both questions.

Operate at the highest level of honesty and integrity in ALL that you do. If you operate on this level your clients will see it and so will your employees.

Proper employee training and systems are necessary to the growth of your business, but TRUST is vital, for both your clients/customers and your employees.

Have you ever wondered what your entrepreneurial style is? Are you even aware you have one? Well, yes, every business owner has their own style and Michelle DeKinder-Smith has identified the five types of female entrepreneurs and written a book, "See Jane Succeed" which provides and accurate depiction of each style.

Once my style was identified, by taking a quiz at her site JaneOutoftheBox I read the related chapter in the book and could quickly identify with the qualities and challenges of being a Merry Jane. I felt very validated in my choices of merging my business and my life. She not only provides the description of each Jane but an action plan for each Jane to create a joyful life and prosperous business. I was also happy to find that she included a chapter on changing my type, just in case the day comes that I want to move from being a Merry Jane to a Jane Dough.

If you are looking for a book to help you reveal what it takes to win in business and life, then read this book! You can get it atAmazon.

You can see more recommended reading for business and life on my site RhondaHSmith

Summer is in full swing and many of us are enjoying summer activities, vacations, and family time. We tend to get a little more relaxed and laid back in the summer. But have you ever left for a wonderful vacation only to wonder if turned off the iron and locked the doors? In your business backing up your data and securing your flash drive is the equivalent to turning off the iron and locking the doors.

If you have ever worked with me as your QuickBooks ProAdvisor then you already know I preach 'back-up' your data. In most businesses a computer crash is the equivalent to an office fire! If you've backed-up your data you can be back in business quickly. However, within QuickBooks there is a certain way to back-up, not only to give you to the option to recover your data but also to maintain the data integrity. Read, "Backing-up QuickBooks" for this important information.

Many of us use flash drives to store or back-up data. Since flash drives are inexpensive and small, we may undervalue the true value of the data we store on them. What if you lost your flash drive? What information would the person finding it have access to? Read, "Secure that Flash Drive" to learn how to protect your data.

This summer back-up your data and secure that flash drive so you can enjoy that "Summer" state of mind.

Remember, you can create Your Business and Your Life, YOUR WAY!

Secure that Flash Drive

Many of us use Flash Drives to save files, move data, and/or back-up data. But how safe is your flash drive? What if you lost it? What information would the finder have access to?

Through our ProAdvisor's website I found an interesting article on just this topic. The author, Dr. Bob Spencer, offers advice on how to encrypt the flash drive to secure and protect your company data. Continue reading.

Backing Up QuickBooks

If you have ever worked with me as your QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor then you know I am always reminding you to backup your data. Even if you have a complete system back-up software such as Maxtor or Carbonite you should backup QuickBooks within the software to avoid data corruption. To illustrate the point let me share a story...

A client called me in shear panic. While working in QuickBooks an error message popped up which said something about QuickBooks encountering a problem and needing to shut down. When the client re-opened QuickBooks her bank balance was off and other data was in question. She immediately called me. The first question I asked, “When was the last time you backed-up?” She said she didn't know, the computer guy handled all that. I asked her to call him and find out. I also advised that she stop using QuickBooks until I could get there.

The next day I met with the client and her computer guy. My job was to rescue her QuickBooks and help him understand how to properly back-up QuickBooks. He had set their system to do a complete back-up but had not set QuickBooks properly; therefore the data integrity had not been analyzed and had become unstable. Fortunately, the data was rescued with a rebuild and we were able to set QuickBooks automatically back-up properly. By the time we were finished both the client and the computer guy had learned valuable lessons and were sighing in relief.

Following are the QuickBooks back-up instructions from Carbonite. These instructions should work regardless of which back-up software you use.

How to Use Quickbooks Automatic Backup
Please follow the instructions below within Quickbooks to set up automatic backups. Make sure that the location for the Quickbooks backup files is a folder selected for backup by Carbonite.
1. Select File; Save Copy or Backup. This will open the Backup Wizard.
2. Click Backup Copy; Next; Local Backup.
3. If you have not already done so, click Options to set your backup defaults (such as where you want to save your local backup) then click Next.
4. Click Only schedule future backups (to create a schedule without running a backup) and click Next.
5. Select the first checkbox and enter a number to specify how often you want your company file to be backed up. For example, to back up your data file every fifth time you close it, type 5 in the field provided. The backup will be stored in the location you specified in the Set Backup Copy: Options window. To view or change this location, click Options. In order for Carbonite to back up the Quickbooks backup files, please choose a location selected for backup by Carbonite, such as your My Documents folder.
6. Click Finish to close the wizard.

Note: These instructions are based on Quickbooks Pro 2009. If you are using a different version of Quickbooks, the instructions for setting automatic backups may vary slightly. Please consult your Quickbook documentation for details as necessary.

As always I urge you to back-up your data. When asked how often you should back-up, my standard reply is, “Depends on how much you are willing to lose.” If you call me in distress my first question will be, “When did you last back-up?”

The Social Media Craze

Social media is all the rage these days and I believe it is here to stay, just like telephones, fax machines, and the internet. If you are not using social media in your business you are missing an opportunity for FREE marketing. If you are not using it in your personal life you are missing out on connecting with family, friends, old school buddies, and long lost acquaintances. But hey, I understand it is hard to keep up with all the new technology and trends.

Social Media 101

Where to post
Each social media place has a different personality. For example, FaceBook is a mix of business and personal, whereas LinkedIn is strictly business. Twitter is primarily business and limits the number or characters you can post in a single "Tweet" to 140. Plaxo is a networking/address book site. There are many more social networking sites available. FaceBook, LinkedIn, and Twitter seem to be the most popular.


What to post
Do you wonder what is appropriate to post on social media? Industry leaders recommend posting tweets and statuses of four equal types in equal parts: quotes, tips, pitches and personal. That way you're pitching 25% of the time. If you pitch all the time, no one will pay attention. Tie the topic of a quote to your business, you can get these by Googling for quote sites. Tips should be specific to your niche and be useful information. Pitches can include your latest client testimonials, special offers, questions that help clients prospects realize that they need what you do, upcoming events, etc. Always include some personal posts so clients and prospects feel like they really know you!


When to post
Some businesses/people post daily. Some even post the same status update early in the day and then later in the day to catch the attention of those who may have missed it earlier. How often you post is a matter of how much you have to say and how much time you have. There is more to social networking than just what you post. Think of social media as a conversation. In addition to your posts you also need to interact in the conversation by commenting on other member's posts. Just as in conversation you need to speak, listen, and interact.


How to post
Each social media site has an empty box to type your post. In FaceBook the box is labeled, “What’s on your mind?” In Twitter is says, “What’s Happening?” LinkedIn says, “Share an idea, article, question or update.” You can set up your social media to post a comment to one social media site and have it post to the other sites. Software is also available to set future posts. And there are virtual assistants and companies that will manage your social media for you.

How to get started
Ready to get started on social media? Here’s a free gift from Susan Payton, the Marketing Eggspert and owner of Egg Marketing & Public Relations. It’ll help you figure out social media in an hour a day. Download it now.
And if you want even more help on setting up a facebook Page and marketing it to grow your sales, check out Susan’s Facebook for Business ebooks, Setting Up Your Page and Marketing Your Page. At just $30 per ebook, they’re the cheapest, fastest way to teach you hands on how to use social media to grow your business. You’ll be social media savvy before you know it!

Changes---Again

In October I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Stage 2, invasive ductile, with minor lymph node involvement, estrogen positive. Since then I have had a biopsy and two surgeries. Radiation begins today. I have been blogging on Rhonda's Breast Cancer Blog, to keep family and friends up to date.

As a result of this life change I have not been blogging here. As life is slowly settling into this new reality I am establishing a new routine in my life and business.

Even though this was an unplanned and unwelcome change in my life, I embrace the lessons I can learn and share through this experience!

Celebrating Change: A New You is Emerging

Is change something to celebrate? Often times when we think of change, fear is our first emotion. Most people do not like to think of change, because it feels like something out of our control. When you think of change what feelings come to mind; fear, doubt, anxiety, terror, dread, the unknown, unexpected, anger? Or do you look at it with feelings of; excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation, hopefulness, eagerness or even joy?

You have probably heard the saying, “Change is the only constant in life.” Since change is constantly occurring, then we must learn how to accept it, and even learn to celebrate the changes. Understanding change will be your first step to celebrating change.

Change has several faces. One face is Reactionary Change. This is the type of change that occurs suddenly, and therefore we must react. An example could be an accident, a death, a sudden loss of a job, illness or a divorce which requires us to react and realign our life.

Another face is Anticipatory Change. With this type of change we have advance warning, so we are able to anticipate the change. An example could be retirement, getting married, moving to a new city, or having a baby. We are allowed the opportunity to plan for the effects on our life.

And then there is the face of the Unknown Feeling Change. With this type we may not know exactly why we want to change; we just know we want something different. An example of this type of change maybe choosing a new place to live, trying a new route instead of the normal route, or trying something new at a favorite restaurant. This type of change allows us to explore choices and options.

The last face of change is Not Quite Right Change. With this type of change we feel that something is not quite right and that there could be something better. An example of this type of change may be deciding to redecorate the house, get a new car, or just make an improvement in your life. With this type of change we are seeking a change for the better.

As we come face to face with change we will realize the impact on our life. Regardless of our emotional state surrounding the change, there will be an effect on our lives. We may feel a fundamental change, which truly changes who we are at your core, our essence. Or we may encounter a revelatory change, an epiphany that gives us that “a-ha” or "light bulb moment" type of change. Or we may experience a habitual change, where we change a long held habit.

With all change there is a process that occurs. The process doesn’t necessarily happen in a specific order, but as we progress through the change we will typically experience each aspect. First we realize that the change is occurring, although this may take some time to recognize. Once we recognize the change is occurring, we need to factually disengage from the past. To do this we will need to see what the current state is, see there is a new way and accept that change is occurring. The most difficult process in change is emotionally disengaging from the past. We may realize there is a change but may not be accepting the change, and be yearning for ‘how it used to be.’ If we can see the anticipated end we will begin to process through the change and be on our way on the learning curve. This is where the opportunity begins. With each change there is the opportunity to learn and grow. Once we are completely through the change and on the other side we will internalize the lesson, the true blessing of change.

There is a goal oriented way of getting through the process of change which may help one move from fear of change to acceptance and celebration. The steps are:
1. Identify and define the change.
2. Communicate the results of the change.
3. Recognize what is NOT changing.
4. Remember personal greatness, strengths and qualities.
5. Identify the positive feeling the change will bring.
6. Make a new plan around the change.
7. Find a support network.

If we focus on the positive aspects change can bring, we will find the blessing in change, even a difficult change allow us the opportunity to grow spiritually, and may open new paths that we could have never anticipated. Change is a blessing, sometimes in disguise. Learning to follow the steps above will make change easier and may even enrich the process. The next time you face change CELEBRATE: a new you will be emerging!

Insights of a Tourist

Recently I spent 10 fabulous days in London with my husband, visiting our daughter who lives there.

The trip came up quite suddenly. While on the phone with our daughter one morning, she was telling me about her upcoming trip to Greece and how she did not have anyone to dog sit. I immediately hung up the phone with her and ask my husband if he would like to have a flat for a week in London in exchange for dog sitting. He said book the tickets! So, a week later off we went.

We arrived in London on Friday, that evening our daughter had arranged dinner at Gaucho which offered an incredible view of the Tower Bridge
and a scrumptious meal.

On Sunday, my daughter and her guy were off to Greece.

Hubby and I spent the next several days site seeing through-out London. We took a bus tour of the city, and a boat tour. We visited the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Churchill's War Rooms. We strolled through the Portobello Market, the Flower Market, Hyde Park and Green Park. We even took a day trip out to Windsor Castle with the kids when they returned from Greece!

Somewhere in all this site-seeing, and walking, and trips on the tube it occurred to me that I was so enjoying just simply being a tourist. As a tourist, I was meant to be there only for a time, enjoying the sites, the history, and all that I could take in during my short visit.

Then the big epiphany came...aren't we all tourists here visiting this place we call Earth? How different would our lives be if each day we embraced the sites and splendor of this place? Would we live our life with more passion if we admitted that we are only here for a brief time? Would we try to make each day count? Would we determine our purpose, then live each day with that intention?

In this epiphanous state of mind my purpose became crystal clear; to make a positive contribution to each person I meet. I can do this not only in my professional capacity, but also by being loving, caring, and compassionate to my family members, friends, business associates, and others who cross my path.

Even though in our day to day lives we have bills to pay, deadlines to meet, health concerns, family situations, and many other facts of living to distract us, I encourage you to act like a tourist...look up, (tourists are always looking up!) see the sites, feel the air, embrace the splendor of this magnificent place! In doing so, you very well may ignite your passion, discover your purpose, and at the very least you will feel more alive!

As the saying goes, "The past is history, the future a mystery, and today's a gift, that's why it's called the PRESENT!"

create video polls & surveys on pollsb.com

Developing Your Money Magician

If you want to learn about "Unleashing Your True Potential for Prosperity and Fulfillment" then read Money Magic by Deborah L. Price! This book is chocked full of insightful, useful information.

Ms. Price starts by explaining about the energy of money and why there are winners and loser in the money game. The most interesting part of the book was Price’s description of the eight money types:
• The Innocent
• The Victim
• The Warrior
• The Martyr
• The Fool
• The Creator/Artist
• The Tyrant
• The Magician

So how do we recognize these types, and identify which type we are? I am sure we've all known people like these.

For instance my friend who has no clue of what her take home pay is and how much her monthly expenses are, she'd be The Innocent. Or my relative, The Victim, who continually makes bad choices with her money then blames everyone else and gets her mother to bail her out. And oh boy, you know The Warrior type, he is so focused on money, he sets out to conquer the world, all in an effort to prove his own self-worth. Then there's The Martyr, poor thing, she spends all her time, energy and money on everyone else. I think I dated The Fool once or twice, they play by a different set of money rules, usually rules they try to stack in their favor! The Creator/Artist type just finds it difficult to live in the material world and would rather not have to think about money. I think we've all known The Tyrant, he dedicates his whole life to making money so he can use it to feel superior and control those in his life. Finally, there is The Magician, these are probably the millionaires and billionaires, because they know how to transform and manifest their own financial reality!

Most of us are probably a combination of money types. I could see small traits of all them in myself. At times I am The Innocent, because I would rather not pay attention to the money details, and sometimes I’m The Victim, who likes to blame the economic downturn, but then The Warrior in me will emerge briefly, until The Martyr takes over and I spend too much money on my kids, then I truly feel like The Fool, and crawl into The Creator/Artist who wonders why we need money anyway, until the Tyrant emerges reminding me that the one with the gold makes the rules. Unfortunately, cycling through all these types has never lead to The Magician, who I am sure resides somewhere in my mind.

This book challenged me to define my relationship with money through a series of exercises such "Your Money Biography" and "Identifying Your Money Archetype". Although I am still a work in progress, I feel I am on my way to developing a new relationship with money and on the path to finding or developing The Magician but maybe, The Magician is just a state of mind where we feel truly abundant, prosperous and fulfilled! I can hear the tune strumming through my head, “I’m in a Magician state of mind!”

Big Business Layoffs, Small Business Opportunities

Richard Branson predicts more big business layoffs and opportunity for small businesses.

In an interview for American Express, the mega business mogul (best know for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies including Virgin Airlines and Virgin Records) shared how he sees the gaps that will be created by big business layoffs that can be filled by small businesses. Regarding the current financial crisis he says it is up to all entrepreneurs to do everything possible to make our businesses stronger, that in fact small business is what will get America back on our feet.

Branson encourages business owners to talk with their existing customers to get innovative ideas for new products and services. He also reminds business owners of the value of leadership and communication with their employees in an effort to cut waste and make their business stronger.

Branson sees hope and opportunity for small businesses in spite of, and possibly because of, these tough economic times. We'd all be wise heed his words, after all this is a guy who has proven he has an eye for opportunity!

To see part of Branson’s interview click here.

The Blogging Effort

It's been a very interesting day regarding blogging.

First let me say, on most days I don't think about blogging. I actually only think of it once or twice a month, either when I write my email newsletter or when I am reminding my newsletter list of my FREE monthly tele-coaching session. Today is neither of those days, so it's unusual for me to even think of blogs or blogging.

But, as I said, today has been interesting.

My first encounter with thinking about blogs and blogging began at a lunch networking meeting where one of the attendees gave her 60 second elevator speech of who she is and where she works. I don't remember any of what she said about that. But when another attendee said something like, "Tell them about your entrepreneurial work." She then said, "Oh yeah, I teach people how to monetize their blogs." Then that same attendee said, "Tell them how much you made last year on your blog." She then said, "About $35,000, working about 5 hours a week." Wow! Now that is something to think about!

My second encounter regarding blogs was a conversation I had with my daughter who has/had a high fashion blog. She was looking at a magazine and casually commented that she had not posted anything on her blog in quite sometime. We began talking about the different kinds of blog styles, her competition in the fashion blog world, and why she has somewhat lost interest. I mentioned to her about the woman from the network meeting who teaches people to monetize their blogs. She said she has a friend who knows how to do that. Of course, having today heard for the first time about the concept of 'monetizing your blog' I had to wonder why she wouldn't have already learned how to monetize her blog since she has a friend who could teach her how!

My third thought about blogs happened as I was surfing the internet to look at website designs as I am considering a website make-over. I was shocked to see how many sites had links to their blogs which hadn't had any new blog postings for months or even in over a year! As I would see that I had to wonder, "Are they still in business?" or "Have they lost interest in their business?" or "Did they just decide to quit blogging?" However, when I saw a blog with a recent posting I felt comfort in knowing this person is still passionate about their business and/or blog.

Now as I sit here this evening pondering the question of why the subject of blogs has come up for me 3 times today, I realize I have learned the following:

1. If you already have a blog it's a great idea to learn how to monetize your blog, after all a little extra income would be wonderful.

2. It is easy to loose interest in your blog. If you have lost interest, examine why and what it would take to re-gain your interest.

3. If you are not going to keep your blog current either take it down or at least leave one final message for the readers advising them that you are still in business but have decided to no longer blog.

Amp Up Those Resources

In these times of economic downturn (the new catch phrase for recession or depression) many are loosing jobs, homes, and businesses.

Many of the external resources we've come to rely on may no longer be readily available such as jobs, easy to acquire credit, and investment income.

Now is the perfect time to focus on and develop our internal resources. Internal resources are attitude, awareness, creativity, confidence, courage, determination, education, knowledge, passion, and skills. We can amplify these for to our personal lives as well as our businesses.

Perhaps John F. Kennedy said it best when he said, "The human mind is our fundamental resource."

When experiencing a loss of external resources, invest in internal resources. External resources may come and go, but our internal resources with see us through!

Topic of the Month--Resourcefulness

What comes to mind when you think of resourcefulness? Do you think; inventive, self-reliant, imaginative, or perhaps well-connected or wealthy. There are both inner resources and outer resources. When we develop our inner resources the outer will follow.

"Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used."
- Richard Byrd

Resourcefulness

How resourceful are you? Take the poll More online surveys on pollsb.com

What's Hot Now?

A recent Yahoo! News headline read, "Hot in recession: Cheaper wine, chocolate, Spam". Needless to say, this caught my attention! Even though we are in an "economic downturn" -- our new phrase for depression or recession (we certainly would want to scare anyone with those words) this article revealed which products are currently experiencing a growth in sales.

Included in the list --I've added my comments:

• Chocolate --we must have something to make us happy
• Cheaper Wine --makes us happy and saves money
• Running Shoes --guess we can't pay the gym membership anymore
• Gold Coins --maybe we're loosing our faith in the US dollar
• Spam, Dinty Moore stew, Hormel chili --so much for dining out
• Seeds --better learn how to grow our own food just in case we can't afford Spam
• Stomach remedies --this makes perfect sense, our stomachs are upset over the
economy, or maybe it's the canned meat products
• Fishing Equipment --fish is better than Spam, plus it is something to do with our
time since we don't have extra money to spend
• Lipstick --well if you can't get a new outfit, perhaps new lipstick
• Guns --are we that scared?

The good news here is as the article states, "It is not all doom and gloom in the US economy." We are still spending money, just in smaller sums and for things that bring us a little happiness and a sense of security!

What is "Normal" now for your business?

With many businesses feeling the effects of the economic downturn, a new "normal" is evolving, what's yours?

Could your self-esteem use a boost?

Join Coach Rhonda tonight April 20th at 7pm EST for a FREE coaching workshop.

When you are self-confident you will:

* Do what you believe is right, even if others mock or criticize you.

* Be willing to take risks and go the extra mile to achieve better things.

* Admit your mistakes and vow to learn from them.

* Accept compliments graciously.

* Pursue and achieve your goals.

To register click here.