business banter
Whether you are an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, or just thinking about starting a business, this is the place to find out about resources, financial help, support, marketing, public relations and more.
Featured in this Issue
Business Banter Resources
How to Thrive in this Economy
I've seen a legion of articles and news segments on how to survive in our current economic climate. Talk about low expectations. I don't know about you, but I want to do more than just survive. This article will be part of a series devoted to ideas and suggestions on how to thrive. In addition, you can discuss your own ideas at the inSITES blog.
Do something you love
Can't find a job? Maybe it's the right time to create your own. Start your own business and do something you love. It is best if you have experience in the field first. Doing what you love can bring you double blessings: satisfaction in your work and success. There's probably never been a better time for start-ups than right now. | Learn How to Start Your Own Business |
Network and Brand Yourself
Networking
Whether it's at church or your community rec center, let people know you are looking for a job or that you have a business. You can also network online through your website, blogs, social networking sites and business networking sites. Join the local chamber of commerce and let everyone know what you can do-be friendly and professional. Make sure not to look or sound desperate (even if you are!). Sometimes you have to be creative, but networking can mean the difference between thriving or just surviving this economy. | Learn More |
Self-Branding
This is a new and controversial concept. We've heard of businesses branding themselves, but individuals? That's right, regular people just like you and me are presenting themselves as a brand...well, sort of. Self-branding is the art of communicating your value as a business person, salesperson, caterer, etc. to the world. When the outside world hears your name they think of your "brand" and vice versa. Branding gives the consumer an expectation of what they get when they work with you. That expectation or "brand" could be: savvy salesperson, outgoing pr person, blues singer, etc. That expectation comes through consistency. Your "brand" must be reflected everywhere on the web that you appear-your blog, your website and social & business networking sites.
With self-branding you are deliberately presenting yourself the way you want to be perceived in order to either get a new job or to attract new customers to your current business. This really only works if the brand you want to reflect is who you really are. Trying to create a brand that you can't deliver on is futile. | Learn More |
Try something new or Outside Your Comfort Zone
Several years ago I lived in Atlanta during a tight job market. Although I was suited for positions in graphic design, web design and administration, I had to settle for a job in retail. Maybe settle isn't the right word because in retrospect it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. As the Co-Manager of an upscale women's boutique in Atlanta, I was in charge of small staff and also had to make most of my money in comission sales. Sales? Yuck. Clothing? Not that interested. We had to walk around in high heels for 8-12 hours a day looking fabulous and selling clothing that was pretty overpriced. I hated it, but I stuck with it for 10 hard months until I found a job more suited to my background and interests. And guess what? My brief stint as store manager and salesperson taught me valuable lessons on selling, marketing and customer service that have helped me with my career and assisted me when counseling retail clients.
More THRIVING tips to come in the next issue...
top of page Recommended Links
- Quick Start Business Plan from SCORE
- Free Business Advice from SCORE mentors
- Inc. Magazine Online
- Update All Your Social Networks with Ping
- U.S. Small Businesss Administration
- Finance Primer: A Guide to SBA's Loan Guaranty Programs (you must register first)
- Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
- HP Eco Ideas
Business, Marketing and PR Books & Products I Recommend
Marketing for Artists CD
Based on Susan Lee's successful Marketing for Artists presentation, this highly informative CD can be viewed on your pc or printed. It includes the following sections:
- Marketing for Visual Artists
- Public Relations for Visual Artists
- Marketing & PR for Writers (information for published and non-published writers)
- Photoshop Tutorials
- How to Photograph Your Artwork
- Portfolio Creation and Organization (hard copies and online galleries)
- Complete clickable links to recommended instructional videos, marketing books and software
- Clickable links to artists resources on the web including grants, mailing lists, benefits for artists & more
Order your Marketing for Artists CD now for only $15 (+$5 S&H)
Share Your Ideas
Have an idea for an article or have a cool site or video you'd like to share? Please fill out this form and you may see your idea in the next issue!