Would you agree that some of your employees are rock-star performers, some are just OK, and, for a small few, you’d like a genie to change them into statues so they stop disrupting others? Let’s take a minute and think about your workforce. How many people are engaged at work — that is, involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace? How many … [More]
How to Collaborate with a Purpose
For many of us, collaborations resemble this scenario: A team is brought together; the problem is defined; some, not all, individuals begin to participate in the discussion; a solution is developed, agreed upon and implemented. Sometimes, the solution resolves the problem, but at other times it’s only a band-aid method that merely offers a short-term solution that will need to … [More]
Business Insurance is Not a Luxury for Small-Business Owners
You are a strong, smart entrepreneur. You own your own business because you have a passion for what you do and know in your heart you are the best person to do it, whatever that passion is. Your business is your child, and you give it your all. You’d do anything for your business. You turned your dining room or basement into an office. You work evenings and weekends. Along … [More]
Strategies for a Worry-Free Vacation
Vacation is meant to be a time to reset and relax. But for some of us, letting go of the office while away proves difficult. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. With these helpful reminders, you can let go of work and have a worry-free holiday. 1. Plan for a day of re-entry. Before even packing your bags, look ahead in your calendar and block off the first day back to … [More]
Five Critical Elements that May Be Missing from Your Website Copy
You know what drives me nuts? Putting a lot of effort into something and then not getting much to show for it. I hate that, and I try to avoid it as much as possible. But sometimes it happens anyway. And I know I’m not the only one. I often hear the stories of business owners who are frustrated that their marketing isn’t getting the kind of results they want, despite the … [More]
How to Keep Good Workers: Follow the Golden Rule
Hiring good workers is a critical function for every small business, but it’s only the beginning. One of the biggest costs to small businesses, both in the outlay of actual money and in lost productivity, is worker churn. Once you hire good workers, how do you keep them? The simple answer is, follow the Golden Rule: Treat your workers the way you want to be treated. Here’s … [More]
Making the Shift to Woman-Owned, Woman-Operated Businesses
A brand-new organization known as WOWOB (Woman Owned, Woman Operated Business) got off to a rousing start last month with a spectacular launch party held at Splash Printing & Marketing in Scottsdale, which drew more than 125 guests. The idea behind WOWOB is that woman-owned and -operated businesses tend to have deep-seated characteristics that set them apart. Research … [More]
March 2017 Message from Phaedra Earhart
So far, this year has been full of forming new partnerships and creating lasting relationships with our community partners, such as ASBA, ASU Sparxx, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, e-Women Network and Athena Valley of the Sun, to name just a few. We are looking for more community alliances to partner with on a monthly basis so that members and those interested in … [More]
Focus on Your Digital Marketing to Increase Sales
A website with an integrated CRM (customer relationship management) may be the tool to drive increased sales, since it allows you to focus on your top prospects! Ideally, you want to achieve increased sales and better customer service with minimal effort. A CRM tool allows you to manage customer information in one location and provides valuable insights into your customer’s … [More]
Are You Having Fun Yet?
What’s the point of having your own business if you’re not having fun? Really, considering how hard you work, the sacrifices you make, the risks you face; shouldn’t the rewards be as great or greater? Here are some suggestions to help you significantly increase the rewards and returns from your business, minimize the risks, and make the ride on the entrepreneurial roller … [More]
7 Steps to Effective Delegation
Having a successful, thriving company can only occur when your team flourishes. The onus is on leaders to create a business culture that focuses on helping each person grow and expand her skills, knowledge and responsibilities. Unfortunately, this can be very challenging for many of us because of a lack of time and an inability to delegate work effectively. We always have too … [More]
Sitting Is a Pain in the Butt
Have you heard the idiom “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes”? Well, instead of walking in someone else’s shoes, I have been sitting in someone else’s office chair. All I can say is, given the option, hand me those shoes! I’ll admit I’ve been spoiled. For the last 17 years as a self-developed, movement-based therapist and educator teaching Kinessage® to therapists, my days … [More]
Getting Back to Basics with Healthcare
Our first form of medicine was herbs. Even with our scientific advances, plants are still one of our most valuable healthcare resources. Discussions about healthcare tend to focus on big-ticket items like hospital stays, doctor visits and medical tests. But that is only a fraction of healthcare and doesn’t even address the issue of prevention. It is estimated that … [More]
The Smart Money Is on Businesses that Think Globally
Successful businesses know they must think outside of their communities and neighborhoods to excel. Savvy business leaders consistently work to develop relationships globally, if not for the purpose of conducting business, then to affect and influence public policy and diplomatic efforts world-wide. From local to global, the smart money is on those enterprises that encourage … [More]
How Accountability Helps You Master Your Goals
As the facilitator of High Stakes Mastermind Groups, I see a lot of driven, organized people. And they’re reaching their goals through accountability. These people know what they are doing. These people have it together. They are executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, trailblazers and leaders. They’re educated and have big dreams. Often, they’ve made their dreams come true … [More]
#NAWBOFirst
So far, this year has been full of great community building, creating alliances and forming new partnerships. I am thrilled to be a part of this growing organization and witnessing, first hand, the impact it has on our membership. Let me share with you a few exciting announcements! First, get your calendar out and reserve this time in your schedule because you won’t want to … [More]
How Paying Employees More Can Increase Your Profits
Many small-business owners are concerned about the changes to the overtime rules that come into effect this December. Currently, employees who make an annual salary of less than $23,600 are eligible to be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours a week. Beginning in December, the annual salary threshold increases to $47,476 — impacting the earnings of upward of … [More]
Options for Owning a Part of the Valley of the Sun
Arizona is a beautiful place to live and work, but it’s also a great place to visit. Arizona is a top winter destination for many who live in cooler climates, like our northern friends. Arizona is also a great summer destination thanks to lower prices for hotels, golf courses and other tourist attractions. Several new attractions have opened recently. The OdySea Aquarium, … [More]
