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January 12, 2008

Starting a Home Based Micro Business

Workingtogether_2Starting a Home Based Micro Business

With the power and accessibility of the internet and with the availability of free web design tools and other open source software, it is so easy for you to work from home if you choose to. 

In fact, starting a home based micro business is really easy for you , no matter what your age !

Here's a little story about one of my daughters first steps into "micro business".

If she can take her first steps, then so can you.

"taking steps means taking action" DS

December 31, 2007

Stressless Success

Stressless Success Photo_13

OK, I look pretty dotty, if stressless in this photo, it's one from the Silly Snaps my son I were taking on Boxing Day.

Our family Christmas went without any hitches, family arrived from overseas, no flight delays etc, the lucky ones this year it seems from all the delays and cancellations that were suffered by many this year.

Were you one of the unlucky ones? If you were, we raised a glass or two for you over the Turkey, rib of beef and all the trimmings :>)

Review, Reflect,  Amend & Plan ahead.

It's the time of year to review your progress over the closing year, on both a personal and a business level, if you haven't done it already.

Comparing what you planned to do against what you actually achieved is a really helpful way to guide your action planning for the coming year.  Knowing where you deviated from your plans this year, highlights the areas that you need to make a concerted effort to focus on in the New Year.

Don't forget that you need to commit your plans to paper, as this 'firms up' your desire to achieve these goals and motivates you to take action to achieve them.

PLANNING for 2008

I hope that after you have reviewed your 2007, you start your planning process for 2008.  Finding time in between the social celebrations can be trying, however, do find a quiet corner to do this.  It doesn't matter how you record your intentions for the coming year, provided you write it down, as that makes it a more concrete commitment in your brain.

Start your 2008 road map as soon as you can  By doing so you can begin your personal journey into 2008, knowing which road you are driving down once you are back at work/business after the holidays.

This Year: My thanks to many fantastic clients, who have been achieving great things for themselves and their clients.

This year I'm grateful for the notes of thanks and appreciation from those whom I have been able to help or support freely and wish you every success with your endevours during 2008 and beyond.

This year I am pleased to report that only one supplier is off my recommendation list - don't you just know someone is 'taking the mickey'!!

This year I thank my friends and family for their constancy in love and support, without which I could not achieve what I do achieve or overcome the challenges presented.

Until next year

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

regards

Diane

 

 

September 10, 2007

What does it mean to be an Expert?

Screaming What does it mean to be an ‘Expert’

So what does this word ‘expert’ mean for the general public and the population as a whole.

Beginning as a child – we thought we were experts in riding bicycles and kid’s scooters until we fell off! Today many kids would believe they’re experts in roller skating, swimming, running, playing football, etc. Of course as kids we are not experts. However, feeling like an expert is very motivating.

When we think of someone who has a special skill or knowledge derived from training, this could be any one of us. We have so many different ways of learning these days that its now much easier to learn a skill, especially as there are many distance learning courses, plus all the books you can imagine.

In obtaining the knowledge, an expert has a specific area of focus as to what they want to learn in order to practice that skill over and over again so as to become an expert in it.

We learn something new most weeks, if not days. If you put your mind to something, and obtain the knowledge and skills to practice these skills daily, you would eventually become an expert. 

Thinking of the word ‘service’, being an expert is in-service of something for which you have been specially trained. 

My mother was an expert at cooking because everything she cooked tasted delicious, except the scrambled eggs and spinach she once decided to give me as I was lacking in iron and I have never forgotten the experience to this day! However, I still recognize her as an expert, especially when she organized special occasions like parties and Christmas. These are occasions I will never forget. 

Researchers don’t become experts over night. We know that its taking decades to produce medicine that will combat serious illnesses such as cancer, although great strides have been made in the last ten years in different treatments. 

There are experts in physics at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research, Geneva) who are going to do a very expensive experiment very shortly that will give the results of the ‘Big Bang’ – at least that’s the reason for the experiment. 

I believe I’m an expert life coach as clients have said they have achieved their goals as a result of my coaching. I have a special niche for those who have lost their jobs earlier than expected and for those who are in pre-retirement and who may need a plan for the rest of their lives. They are certainly looking to see how they can develop themselves further in their later years with zest and fulfillment towards a new life plan. So people think of me as an expert in retirement coaching. 

So the bottom line is that you can call yourself an expert if the work or service completed gives the required results. Meaning that complete satisfaction on the part of the person who is receiving the service will have met their goals. 

This may sound a little too simple especially if you have lots of knowledge of a particular subject but you have had no feedback on how you are using the knowledge. I believe the only way we know is through feedback – asking people what they think about your services or work. Along these same lines, if you have created a website and no-one knows about it, your knowledge will never be appreciated. You could be the expert that someone who is just around the corner wants to discover! 

If you are asking the question: When will I know I am an expert? I believe I have answered your questions in this article. If not drop me a line to:

carole(at@please-replace)too-active-to-retire.com,

Carolebarnerias_2

www.too-active-to-retire.com

Thanks Carole for your contribution to our 'Expert' question.

kindest regards

Diane

achieve your success

July 31, 2007

Marketing Success Videos

Fh97 Fraser Hay on Video

Poor Fraser has been slaving over a hot pc and microphone for days just so he can share lots of useful marketing ideas, hints, tips and tactics.

You can now find him on youtube where you can listen to all his FREE videos.

Fraser is well known as the 'Marketing Ideas Man' as well as for his willingness to share with others.

Here is a link to one of his videos, check it out now: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xV0UC_264xM

Once you get to his youtube profile, why not bookmark it or subscribe so you can go to view his videos when you get a few spare minutes.

Check out Fraser Hay on youtube

success videos on youtube

Diane


May 11, 2007

Marketing Expert Gets Me Certified

Certificate_di_2 Marketing Expert

Certified Me

(pictoral evidence)

Of course I didn't receive my certificate until I had completed all parts of the 8 week course.

Marketing Course Content = view here

This is my review of the course after week two:-

Fraser Hay, Lead Generation Coach, Lead Generation System, Marketing Coaching Program, Marketing Advice,Lead Generation Course

"Brilliant Results "

"There are NO SECRETS!! Seriously, there is only knowledge, learning and application, mixed together with a few great ideas and plenty of calm focused action to get the results you desire.

The skill is in recognizing where to find the knowledge you need, the desire & commitment to learn, the willingness and determination to assimilate what you learn, an open mind to encourage your creative thinking and focused action to achieve positive results.

It is no secret that Frasers 8 week course is delivering all of the above for many people, including myself. I am 2nd week in and have gained so many benefits simply by following the strategies of Frasers course.

Benefits so far - New clients, new leads, improved focus and strategy followed up by appropriate action with brilliant results. I am thrilled and even enjoying my 'homework'

Each call is an inspiration and motivates you to be the best you are at what you do - you are the secret to your own success. I highly recommend this course to everyone who really wants to be the best at what they do.

Thanks Fraser and the others on my course calls"

Diane Stafford

continued..

Continue reading "Marketing Expert Gets Me Certified" »

Virtual Assistant for Small Business Benefits

The Benefits of a Virtual Assistant

Have you experienced that occasional overwhelming feeling of panic?  The one where you know you have too much to do and not enough time.   That tingle along your spine when you know you need help – now - but you don’t know where to get it?

You put obstacles in the way….

“I can’t afford an assistant/secretary”

“I don’t have space in my office”

“How will I know they can do the job?”

“I don’t have time to train anyone – if I did I wouldn’t need them!!”

My suggestion would be to take a very close look at the emerging field of VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE.

A Virtual Assistant or VA is a self employed, independent professional offering administrative and secretarial support to her/his clients.   Some have chosen a niche in which to specialise, for example, Medical or Legal sectors.   A good VA will already have  had a strong career in the corporate world and therefore understand the demands that are regularly placed on business owners and executives. 

Now, you are probably thinking “how can a VA support me when they’re not even here?”

Well, that’s where technology, imagination and flexibility come into play….

Technology

You will correspond with your VA via telephone, e-mail, fax, instant messaging and post.  For example, with the onset of digital technology it is now possible to dictate directly into your PC or handheld digital recorder and email an audio file to your VA who will then transcribe it and send it back to you as a word document.   If you were to call your VA using Skype, she/he could record the conversation to ensure that your instructions are clear and easily accessible should they need to be reviewed– as opposed to constantly repeating yourself to your secretary in the next room!  By utilising an ‘on-line’ office both you and your VA can access to the same files, amending them as necessary and both using the most recent version.

The growth of the Internet and digital technology means that even if a VA is based in the

UK

they can assist anyone, anywhere in the world.  For example, a businessman in the

USA

must have a report or PowerPoint presentation ready for the next mornings meeting.  He passes the request to his VA in the

UK

who compiles the information and prepares the document ready for his return to the office the next morning….

Imagination

If you have previously had a traditional secretary, where were they?  In the office next door or two floors away?  In the same room?  How did you communicate when you were travelling or at a conference?  Did you always speak face to face?  I think you are beginning to see my point….

Your VA doesn’t need to be sat next to you – although once you have built a good relationship it may feel as if they are!  If you were to call an instruction across the room or talk through an intercom, this could easily be done over the telephone or via email.  Your VA can have access to your on-line diary to make the appointment you need or carry out your request to send a particular letter.  It can be emailed to you for signature and can be sent from your office or if preferred, your VA can send it on your behalf.

Flexibility

A very important factor if you are a small business owner or busy executive.  Your VA will work for you only when you need them.  There are no ‘added extras’.  You don’t need to provide extra space in your office.  You don’t need to pay any training costs, National Insurance Contributions, holiday or sick pay.  You’re VA will already have all the equipment necessary to carry out your work.

This all seems like a very good idea…. I want one of those!

So here are a few things to think about and remember when choosing a VA.  A good VA will want to get to know your business and become an invaluable member of your team.  Try to have a list of specific skills or experience you would like your VA to have.  The working relationship will develop over time – communication is the key.   Each business has its own unique requirements and with clear communication from you your VA will quickly learn and anticipate your needs. 

Article by Sheena Russell

Sheena Russell runs a successful Virtual Assistance business from her office near

Bath

in the

UK

.

Read more about Sheena, listen to an audio or download an article HERE:

The Benefits of Using A Virtual Assistant

Small Business benefits and Business Success

Diane

April 02, 2007

Success Without Stress

Idea_head120117_2 What are your dreams and desires for the next 1, 6 or 12 months?

Continue reading "Success Without Stress" »