Happy New Decade! Sounds good doesn’t it, but it depends on what it means to you. Perhaps it means a fresh start or just another ten years gone from your life. It’s all a matter of perspective and considering that our emotional responses can significantly warp the accuracy of said perspectives, taking an objective inventory could bring a surprise, albeit a very pleasant surprise, or two. You have accomplished and know more than you may realize.

Last year was the year to end all years for many fraught with change, loss, disaster, and even some joy with a miracle or two. The whole world seemed to stand still for a moment and take a deep breath before plunging forward into the unknown. And here we are on the threshold of a brand new decade. Think of the possibilities, the second chances! Most people I’ve spoken with have reinvented their lives or are in the process of figuring out what their next step is. The recession has indeed impacted how many of us see our lives and the need for change, to rewrite our scripts so-to-speak.

Yes, it is true that nothing will ever be the same, but isn’t that a blessing in itself? Horizons need to be expanded, core beliefs need to be examined, and fears need to be addressed and understood. Most people truly abhor change and some become frozen in the headlights, unable to take action. Stepping out of the comfort zone, no matter how mundane and stifling, can strike terror to even the stoutest heart. But we are now living in a time when to not take action is the greatest waste.

As the world continues to shrink, social thinking seems to be harking back to the 60’s and the 70’s when political, sexual, environmental, biological, and economic revolutions were the theme. The concept of green; recycled materials, biodegradable products, environmentally friendly is far from new. It all just got shoved under the carpet for a few decades. Advocacy is also on the rise along with community involvement. For a lot of us, particularly over 50 baby boomers, this mindset has stayed with us throughout the years to one degree or another.

Advertising has grabbed on hard to this ‘what’s old is new again’ message. Companies, those who are surviving, are stepping up to the green plate and moving right along. What does this all mean to the solo-preneur and small business owner of today? If your business growth has been based on referrals, and it’s few that aren’t, your phone may not be ringing as much lately. Marketing strategies need to be evolved, new niche markets targeted and networking honed down to a fine skill. We all need to be consummate trend-trackers. What is your message for 2010? It all starts with who you are now. And just who is that?  Here are a few questions to ask your self.

• What would be your biggest accomplishment or dream come true?
• What advice would you give yourself if you were on the other side of the table?
• What is your plan to improve your financial forecast?
• What major experience is just waiting for you to indulge in?
• What would you most like to change about your self?
• What are you looking to learn?
• What will be your biggest risk moving forward, besides moving forward?
• What are you willing to change about your work?
• What is one undeveloped talent that you are willing to explore?
• What has brought you the most joy? How are you going to get more of that feeling?
• Who or what are you willing to love other than yourself?
• What one word best describes your theme?
• And lastly….do you have the courage to step outside of your box and create new, uncharted territory?

I realize that this article will mean different things to different people. However, the basic premise is universally the same for all. It hasn’t really changed but the recession has brought it home once again. Simply, the key to a successful business is to first of all be successful at your life, to give more and consume less. Recently I had the great pleasure of hearing a respected associate speak at a meeting. The line that stuck with me the most is that we want what we want, but it’s the feeling rather than the actual thing that we get from what we want that propels us to buy it. How do you make your clients or customers feel? As long as the feeling is a positive one, the money will follow.

About Jude L. Gorgopa

Jude L. Gorgopa is a licensed insurance agent, field manager, and award- winning trainer representing Atlantis Health Plan of New York for over four years. She is currently serving on the board of directors for the 23^rd Street Association and is also the president and founder of Clout Et Cetera, Inc., since 2001, including an online image and lifestyle resource, The Fundamentals of Clout. Clout is available for speaking engagements and acts as a business referral. www.cloutetcetera.com Questions? 917-833-5677 or jude@cloutetc.com.

NM. Prior to starting my current business, I ran a small customer service auditing business. I would audit customer service provided by businesses ranging from independent stores to large, multinational corporations. I evaluated the overall customer experience and provided reports to companies. I enjoyed it for awhile and learned a lot –you can never learn too much about providing excellent customer service! But I outgrew it and knew it wasn’t something I wanted to do long-term. That’s when I got into media.

Education-wise, my degree is in Business and Political Science. I love politics and international cultures. I’ve had the opportunity to visit more than 50 countries and I love the experiences you have while traveling.

EB. What inspired you to start your award winning blog: “She Takes on the World”?

NM. I started She Takes on the World as more of a personal blog while I was still traveling a lot. It was a way to keep in touch and share my experiences. As I shifted my priorities to focus on building my business the blog naturally shifted to more of a business and entrepreneurship blog.

EB. Tell us about your business as a media producer and consultant and the services you provide:

NM. I work with companies to develop online media and marketing strategies. I also project manage the development of interactive websites which are highly immersive for the user.

I am currently working on transitioning out of client work and using my skills to focus on producing my own products. I will be launching The Women’s Business Academy in the New Year (a sister site to She Takes on the World) and I am also the co-founder of GarageEntrepreneurs.com, a community for young entrepreneurs.

EB. How has any outside advisors made a difference in your company?

NM. I have a few advisors and mentors who have really helped me focus on growth. It’s important to seek advice from people who have been-there-done-that. Some of these advisors I meet with in person and there are also a few who I have never met with in person but communicate with online or on the phone.

EB. What were/are the most difficult challenges you face as an entrepreneur?

NM. Cash flow can be challenging. Sometimes you don’t have a regular paycheck and clients can be late on payments. It’s important to spend time developing a personal budget and building up an emergency fund for when/if you face tough times.

Another challenge for me has been finding a clear focus. Entrepreneurs are always coming up with new ideas. It takes discipline to focus on turning one idea into a thriving business.

EB. What things do you find personally rewarding as an entrepreneur?

NM. I find it rewarding to build a business and a brand from nothing. It makes each day so exciting. It’s rewarding that I’ve created my own career and can spend each day doing what I love.

EB. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?

NM. Take the plunge! There is never going to be a perfect time to start a business. Put a plan together but also be dynamic. If you need to keep a job and start your business on the side and slowly transition into full-time entrepreneur, incorporate that into your plan. Get advice and input from successful entrepreneurs and tap into your network for resources and to stay motivated.

EB. What are your plans for your business in 2010?

NM. I’m actually just finishing my strategic plan for 2010! I’ve been working on it for a month. My top priority is transitioning from client work to focusing on my own products. I plan on growing She Takes on the World and focusing on building The Women’s Business Academy. I’m also going to start writing my first book.

EB. Are there any other questions you wished I had asked, from which you feel Women and Biz’s readers could learn valuable lessons?

NM. There’s a quote I like about entrepreneurship: “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” No matter what your goals are in starting a business, you can achieve anything. Feel free to contact me through SheTakesOnTheWorld.com anytime.

Here they are Letterman-style:

10. Develop a social media “schedule” and stick with it. It’s easy to get caught up in reading interesting blog posts or playing Mafia Wars on Facebook. Figure out your on and off days and stick with it no matter what your friends say. If I can do this and I’m a social media strategist, you can do it. You’ll thank me later.

9. Building on the previous point…If you aren’t using any form of social media yet and you don’t have a REALLY good reason – like your hands are broken and have been for years – you need to get with the program. If Oprah and Bill Marriott can get their organizations to commit to social media, you can get it going, too. Go ugly early!

8. Kill the braggathon. There are many, many ways to toot your own horn without bragging. If you don’t know how, Google “Twitter without bragging”. Learn them and use them wisely.

7. Don’t get over-zealous in your sharing. Recently someone posted some information about a call they had scheduled with me on Twitter. It was no big deal, but be careful. Don’t inadvertently put someone on blast with your social networking updates. Avoid the Noid.

6. Chances are if you’re boring offline, you’ll be boring online. Dig deep, find out who you are and what sets you WAY apart from the pack. Hint: Unless you’re Zappos, it ain’t your stellar commitment to customer service.

5. For those who are worried about what people might say about you once you start using social media. Two thoughts: a) they already are talking about you (gasp!) and b) To quote Dr. Seuss, “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.”

4. Get a “social media birthday”. Most social networking sites ask you for your date of birth. Unless I’m trying to get into the State Dinner at the White House (whoops, can’t use that example anymore!) or you are a close family member or friend, you don’t need to know when I was born. I always give these sites the same information – January 1. You might want to as well.

3. Social media and social networking are business tools. It’s not a popularity contest. I realize this might bring up some “high school stuff” for many people. It did for me when all the people who never spoke to me in high school all of a sudden wanted to connect on Facebook. Do what I did – come to grips, do whatever you need to do and deal with it. Never allow personal crap to interfere with living your passion.

2. Be personable without being personal. People don’t have to know all about you to do business with you online, they just need to think they do. This is not about being inauthentic, it’s about keeping your personal life…well…personal.

1. If you’re a woman, you need to approach social media differently than a man. So dispense with the winking emoticons in your Facebook and Twitter messages to men. Stop changing your Facebook picture every other day. Quit talking about your boyfriend or other S.O. in every blog post. People don’t care and it’s tacky. Don’t shoot the messenger.

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Lena L. West is the CEO of xynoMedia http://www.xynoMedia.com a company that helps growing companies profit from the power of social media & the Internet.

Power of Change reflects my perspective on how we can become more fulfilled in our lives by celebrating what we have at any given moment.  Positive change only occurs when we stop believing that a new car, new job, more money or a new relationship is going to change how we feel about ourselves. [Article posted originally on Terry R. Yoffe’s site: www.trycoaching.com]

Power of Celebration:

With the holiday season upon us and as we come to the end of 2009, the word celebration comes into focus with even greater clarity and awareness than any other time of the year.  As I thought about the message that I wanted to convey with the Power of Celebration, I wondered what celebration would look like if you shifted your usual meaning of the word and explored what it would be like to celebrate your life on a daily basis.

As you read this newsletter, please keep in mind that celebrate also means praise, rejoice and enjoy.

Imagine how your interaction at work would be if acknowledging and praising others were routine, and team building and inclusiveness replaced exclusivity and negativity.  How would that affect your company’s performance and productivity in the workplace?  And how would that affect you as both the provider and the recipient of positive interactions from your peers, subordinates and management?

And on a personal level, what would your relationship with family and friends be like if in celebrating yourself on a daily basis, you could find more to celebrate in others?

We all know about celebrating the joys and successes of our life but what would life be like if you could celebrate even in difficult times when it doesn’t look like there is much to celebrate?  Perhaps you’ve lost your job, ended a long relationship, or been in transition and it turned out to be not much fun; what can you do to reframe these seemingly unhappy situations so that you can still stand in the perspective of celebration?

As difficult as it may be to accept a problem, our own history tells us that “We learn more from our failures than our successes.”  That doesn’t mean you would look forward to a failure, but it does mean that you should embrace a failure and celebrate your new learning.  It is these understandings that can provide a better place from which to grow.

What perspective are you standing in as you answer these questions?

What did you learn from a difficult experience?

How has it helped you grow?

How can you celebrate the gains and accomplishments in your life?

Oprah Winfrey’s simple one liner aptly sums up celebrating life:

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

How can you praise and celebrate your life on a daily basis and what would that truly look and feel like?  And, how would it change your perspective of yourself, your situations and how you show up in the world?

The word choice comes to mind.  At any given moment you can choose to step into a life of celebration by choosing to praise and celebrate your life. Then opening the lens wide you are able to include everyone else, thereby having more in life to celebrate!

What choices are you going to make as you step into the New Year?  I offer you the perspective of the Power of Celebration of your life, who you are and what you have to offer and honoring that each day.

Celebration — it’s not just for the holidays anymore!

Welcome to WomenandBiz.com, your source of inspirational and resourceful business articles.

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year, to you, your family and your business.

During this month, we recommend that you take some time to celebrate all barriers you overcame, all successes your business achieved and all that you have been able to accomplish in 2009.

Then, start planning for 2010. What is your vision for your business? What are your sales goals? Where would you like your business to be by the end of the year? I recommend that you write down your vision and goals for the year, and review it throughout the year.

Once you know your goals for 2010, make sure to breakdown each goal into smaller and achievable steps, and create a timeline to achieve them.

Here are a few opportunities that can help you grow your business in the new year:

Join PR Newswire 1-year free subscription, and find out how you can take  advantage of this online resource.

Stay up-to-date with your industry, by subscribing to free trade magazines. Visit http://womenandbiz.tradepub.com today to browse TradePub.com’s selection of complimentary Industry magazines, white papers, webinars, podcasts, and more across 34 industry sectors. No credit cards, coupons, or promo codes required.

Feel free to post your comments and share with us how you are celebrating the end of the year, and planning for 2010. You can also reach us by filling out the Contact us form on the About us page.

Success,

Elisa Balabram

Founder and Editor, WomenandBiz.com

Author of “Ask Others, Trust Yourself: The Entrepreneurial Woman Key’s to Success”.

We asked Laurel Tielis about her new book:

“No matter what state the economy is in, it is always possible to make money. For that reason, Ka-Ching! How to Ring Up More Sales, is a must-read for independent retailers. It offers innovative and inexpensive strategies to bring in more business that they can easily implement. There are even specific suggestions for everything from soft goods to hardware. Written in a conversational style, the book is brief, because everyone is so busy. Business owners will quickly discover how to make people want to shop, and will also learn the all-important ways to get their stories told in both traditional and new media.

Readers will see how they can:

• Become a destination
• Sweeten sales
• Go outside the “box”
• Change hours to raise sales
• Get karma credit

I’ve been in retail for most of my life–as an ardent shopper, a retail reporter, and currently as an author and professional speaker. I began my career at Fairchild Publications, writing for Women’s Wear Daily, W, Home Furnishings News, the Daily News Record, Footwear News, and Supermarket News.

I moved to the Miami Herald to write its social column, then to People magazine as its Miami correspondent. I left journalism for public relations and marketing, where I worked for major corporations and small businesses. For the last dozen years I’ve been a professional speaker, and present seminars at conferences, trade shows, and conventions, both nationally and internationally.” Laurel Tielis

Order your copy on Amazon.com, by following this link:
Ka-Ching! How To Ring Up More Sales

For more information about Laurel Tielis, please visit www.laureltielis.com.