Mind Your Business

Dressing Your Business for Success!

Anybody.. that's anybody.. knows what today is! It's Marketing Wednesday! Which just happens to follow the Make Mine Pink Tuesday night marketing chat!

Our topic this week was creating a professional business Identity or Dressing your business for success!

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve talked about setting small measurable goals…setting a time frame and actually feeling the success of meeting our goals.
I hope you have been setting and meeting goals each week! Keep setting small ones until you’re comfortable making larger goals.

Then last week we discussed finding or creating your niche. I’ve seen so much energy and excitement around this topic. It’s really refreshing to see everyone taking this so seriously. It’s an important topic and one we’ll visit often.
Has anyone had any luck identifying their niche this week?

Now this week… our topic is Dressing your business for success!

Once  we get all the little business technicalities out of the way,it’s time to have some fun and create our brand. But first..
Have you named your Business?
Have you registered your business locally?
Do you have a business license and a tax ID number.
Have you written your Mission Statement ?

Now with that behind us..it’s time to let your creativity SHINE through. You’ve set your business goals, you’ve found your niche.. Now it’s time DRESS your business for success.

Now trust me when I say this.. And I mean this in the nicest way possible… Being artistic does not always mean we have the best judgment. I speak from first hand experience. I have made my own stickers and labels.. changed my logo several times.. changed my website design..wrapped packages in vintage wallpaper, used images that are not uniform is size on my web site. I’ve done it all over the years in an attempt to learn my way into business. There’s no shame in it.. After all.. we ARE creative souls. But now we need to be objective creative souls with our eyes on the small details. We need to see our business through the eyes of our customers and clients.

Our first order of business this week is to Brand or DRESS OUR BUSINESS for the success we all desire and deserve! Branding is about creating your celebrity!

What would you consider is your brand?

If you’re thinking your logo, well you’d be partly right. Your logo is part of your brand …but it’s also so much more. Your brand is your complete identity. But remember, it’s all about perception!
I’ll give you an example… I found a book I loved at high end Dept. Store for 95.00 and I guarantee you they sold many of them! At a discount on-line retailer they sold the same book for less than 20.00.
Each of these companies has a distinct brand. Yet one is able to sell the same product for 5x the amount. It’s all about perception and branding. Some people will only shop at the high end Dept. Store because them have come to trust in their “brand.” It doesn't matter if they pay more. They want to be comfortable with who they're doing business with.

The main reason for branding your business is to make you stand apart from your competition by building a memorable image and identity.

Your BRAND should be a visual expression of your business. From Logos to business cards…. Your brand should tell the story about your business.
Once you’ve settled on your Brand and implemented your brand into all aspects of your business.. You still have a really important final step.

Just as you never get a second chance to make a first impression.. Your final presentation is also your “last chance” to make a long lasting impression.
Equally as important as your niche and your product..is your brand.. The final packaging is all part of branding. 

Do you think your business is dressed for success?

Do you have a Logo? A Look? A Color?
Is it recognizable when seen? 
Branding is about having a “unique” identity. Using clip-art that is available for free or for a licensing fee, means others are also using your identity, causing confusion with your customers.

YOUR logo.. YOUR brand.. should only be about YOU and your business. It needs to become recognizable as YOU. Once you’ve settled on your brand you need to develop that brand in every marketing way that you can. From Business cards to product packaging…. Each little piece makes up the entire package.
If you buy an expensive new red dress, you wouldn’t even consider wearing it with sport socks and tennis shoes. Why would you care any less about how your business is dressed?

Remember…standing out in a crowd is about more than having a niche.. Or even having a great product. A STRONG brand.. Will give us the credibility that we all need to be successful.

I know I have given you all a lot to think out these past few weeks. But 2008 is our year for success. In order to realize our full potential.. We need to be ready. Are you ready to find success this year?

Don't miss another Make Mine Pink Marketing Chat! Join Make Mine Pink today! Enrollment is now open.

Minding your business.. How to find your niche.

Good Morning fellow marketeers! Last night we held our weekly marketing chat at Make Mine Pink and had quite a lively discussion. If you remember, last week we talked about setting attainable goals in your business. This week we spent the first part of chat discussing and congratulating all that set and met their goals. Remember.. set small goals.. attainable goals.. just make them measurable and give them a deadline. Feel the success of reaching your goals!

Then moving on.. our topic of the week was.. Finding YOUR niche. I've discussed this in chat before and will undoubtedly discuss it again. It bears re-visiting often. Especially when we get a group of ultra creative and talented women together in one place. It's easy to want to have your hands in everything!

Remember back in the day of small town shops? It wasn’t as critical to find your niche the. A general store that carried a variety of merchandise did really well. But remember, there wasn’t a tremendous amount of competition in that small town setting. Having an Internet business is another matter completely. You are competing with millions of other “web stores” and having a niche and targeting a niche market can be critical to you success.

Personally I think that just being a part of Make Mine Pink is defining us in one sense. Clearly we’re not a sporting good center, or a place to buy medical products. But even within the folds of Make Mine Pink, we need individual identities. Finding that identity is our challenge for this week!

We discussed how some people sell a large variety of products and want to continue doing so, and for some, that's ok. But everyone has some aspect of their business that they particularly love. What interests you the most about what you do? Where is your passion? Where is your knowledge?
I think if you start making a list starting with the things you love to do the most and work your way down you'll be really surprised. Then make a list of what sells the best? Do you see any relationship in what you love to do and what sells the best? I bet you will! A passion is hard to hide.

What makes you/your business interesting? What’s your hook? Your appeal?
(example) You sell vintage linens.. You also collect them. You know everything there is to know about vintage tablecloths! That passion and love for what you collect along with your knowledge is what will make you stand out. ANYONE can sell a vintage tablecloth. Being established as an expert is what is going to bring people back to you. Now add that to spectacular customer service.. And you can’t be beat.
What things do you know the most about.. No matter how trivial, that information is of interest to someone. (your niche market)

I know I’m repeating myself… but you MUST do what you LOVE.. You MUST Do what you KNOW …Become and expert.. If you have a passion for something, you are already far ahead of your competition. Add knowledge to that.. And you have the market cornered. Once you know what your niche is, you just need to get the message out there to everyone else!
This year.. As we establish our niche.. And find our confidence and apply our knowledge, we’re going to see unbelievable changes. I already see it happening with several members. The transformation is pretty amazing.

I truly believe that we are as successful as we want to be. And that most.. if not all the blocks we face are blocks that we have put there in our own path. There’s absolutely no room for doubt when you have your own business.
I’ve always said.. Having your own business is not for the faint of heart. We take chances, make mistakes, but that’s ok. We are also strong, passionate, knowledgeable and have something to share with the world. I have absolutely no guilt about making money while doing what I love. So.. What do YOU love?

This week… dig deep. Make your lists.. Find your passion.. Your area of expertise. I’m not saying don’t sell other products.. But focus on one specialized area.

Setting Goals in Business

Good Morning ladies! (and gents of course!) We may have a bit of a feminine focus on design but we don't discriminate! We welcome anyone with the dream of owning their own business. Our Goal this year is to make that easier for you through weekly marketing chats that will focus on various aspects of getting started and staying in business. So...Welcome to our new weekly MIND YOUR BUSINESS FEATURE. If you're a member of makeminepink.com you know that we have a weekly marketing chat. This year the focus is going to be much more task oriented. We'll be discussing very real and helpful things that will help to kickstart your business into 2008! Last nights chat topic was...Setting Goals for your business... do you?
It was an interesting chat and gave me a much clearer perspective on how people perceive goals and setting goals. if you're a member of MMP, please check the archives and read the chat. I think it will be very helpful for you. If you're just visiting our blog and would like some pointers, I'll outline the chat for you here!

The Topic for Mind Your Business marketing Chat on January 8th 2008 is Setting Goals for your business.

Our first question of  the evening was to ask How many of you have come here tonight knowing you want to set goals, and have a vague idea of some of the goals you want to achieve, but do NOT have specific goals?

I find that it’s easier when you’re first starting to measure your success with goals, if you keep them simple and at a minimum. Maybe even one at a time.

First and foremost you should be able to define the reasons why you are in business. Writing a simple mission statement will help you. Once you know what your mission is.. You’ll find it easier to make goals that are specific to you and your business.

Remember…Goals must be specific to be successful. If you don’t understand them.. You can’t possibly achieve them.

When you set your goals…. Make them realistic and attainable.

What is your goal?

How will you achieve this goal? - take clear and concise steps.

When will you achieve this Goal? Remember, a goal without a deadline is simply a wish or a dream. I’m sure you can relate to that. I have had many of these myself over the years!
Also remember that your goals don’t have to be big goals to be considered a success.

You first Goal May be as simple as….
“To complete my vision Board.”
I will design my Vision Board and post one new goal or visual aid on my board each day for one week. Then I will hang it in my work area and spend 5 minutes a day visualizing my dreams/aspirations/goals.

Goal: :To have an organized office or work space in 2 weeks.”
I will spend 15 minutes each day organizing my office/work space for 2 weeks. I will maintain this space by ending each day with a 15 minute organizing session.

Keep your goals positive. Don’t say I want to complete this goal. Say “I Will” complete this goal!  Repeat this often… add your goal to your vision board if it will help to see it every single day. Your subconscious will think that you have already achieved this goal and make your success a sure thing! Remember the BELIEVE aspect of “The Secret?” You have to feel the success.. Before you achieve it.

Remember to also put your goal/s in writing! Make it real.. Make yourself accountable. Make yourself a success!

Setting goals and measuring actual performance of these goals can and will  improve the performance of your business.

So for this week… set a goal!

And if you aren’t a member of Make Mine Pink yet, open enrollment starts January 21st! Don’t be left behind in 2008! Join MMP

Meet the inspiring Susan Branch

"I think one of the most important things you can do is be yourself," says Susan Branch in her recent interview with Cathy Scalise of Treasured Heirlooms. "Love and cultivate friends along the way; we're all here together sharing the planet at this time", she continues. "You can offer help to others, and they can offer it to you. I've been lifted by the kindness of others, and I try to pay it back by doing some lifting myself. And, overnight success is probably nice, but you become more as you age, so, let yourself gather information, knowledge, credibility, and show yourself through your work. Don't be in a hurry. Read and learn. One of my favorite quotes is actually a proverb: “Pray to God, but continue to row toward shore.”
To read more of Cathy's interview with Susan Branch, visit MMP's Women Who Inspire.

Creative Marketing... Do you have what it takes to be a success?

Do you have a marketing plan for 2008? If not, don't worry! We have one and it includes you. We'll be starting up our weekly Member Chats on Tuesday January 8th at 9PM Est. If you don't happen to be a MMP member, don't worry. We'll recap for you right here each week. bringing you tips and pointers to market your business creatively and effectively.

Remember.. your business is only as important as YOU think it is. If you don't take the time to nurture (market) it, it just isn't going show the growth you want to see.
I've asked my member to make a commitment to market their business 1 Hour a week on Wednesdays. We'll call it "Marketing Wednesday". Ok.. it may not be the most creative name BUT some of the marketing plans we have in store ARE creative!

Mark your calendars.. your day planners.. add a sticky note to your computer. "REMINDER TO SELF TO MARKET."

I'm glad you've decided to make the commitment and join us at MakeMinePink.com as we take our businesses to new heights this year.

Happy New Year To Our Cherished Friends!

Happy New Year to all of my treasured friends at Make Mine Pink!
As I sit having my morning coffee today, I can't help but reflect over this past year. It's been an amazing journey! I'm in awe at the talent and strength I am surrounded by every single day at Make Mine Pink. What started 4 years ago as a small network of women with a common vision, a vision to own our own business and to realize success through networking with other women in business...is now one of the most amazing networks on the web! You might argue that I'm biased, after-all I am the founder of Make Mine Pink... But what I am is proud and humbled by the women that surround me.  Women that are smart and funny, loyal, supportive, amazingly talented and and have a dedication to succeed compared to none. I know Make Mine Pink was started as my vision, but has become the vision of hundreds of other women willing to share the journey to success. So thank you all for helping to make Make Mine Pink what it is today. As we go into 2008, we are united, excited and ready for all the wonderful things waiting for us!

Last but not least, a big thank you to the patrons of all the Make Mine Pink Boutiques. Your continued support has contributed to the success of each and every boutique that makes up this wonderful group. We promise to continue to offer you products, services and customer service beyond compare.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!