Mind Your Business

"The Disney Way" can be your way too!

I read the Disney Way a few months back and this month, the Make Mine Pink book club has chosen The Disney Way as their book to review. For those that joined the book club, you're in for a pleasant surprise. For those that didn't, I hope you'll have the opportunity in the very near future to read this book. It will change the way you view your own business.

A Successful Small Business Doesn't Need Fairy Dust... or a Good Economy

With so many big box businesses closing, this can be an unnerving time for any small business owner. After all, if the big boys can't make it right now, who are you to believe YOU can?

You may even be entertaining thoughts of packing up your dreams and bringing them out again when the economy's a little bit better... or at least when there's not so much media doom and gloom.

The truth is, though, big dreams and small businesses have never needed sunny days or good economies to succeed. Even Walt Disney, the man who created magic for millions of people, didn't factor fairy dust into his plans. Instead, his formula for success was simply: "Dream, believe, dare and do."

Big dreams are a good place to start, but the way we make dreams happen hasn't changed one bit. No matter what everyone else is saying, success is still achieved one small step at a time.

Believe in yourself and your small business. As a small business owner, you have more creativity and flexibility than any big business, which means your business isn't limited by anything except the limits you choose to put in place. Success is yours for the taking and it does not require fairy dust or optimistic media reports.

What you do need is a goal, and a plan for how to reach that goal. What does success in 2009 mean for you? Think big! Don't hold back just because of the media reports. What is it you REALLY want to achieve this year?

With that picture in your mind, you might hear a little voice telling you, "It can't  happen.  Cut your marketing budget and lay low. You'll be lucky to keep the customers you have."

Do you hear it?

Good.

That's the voice you should not be listening to this year. That voice just repeats what it hears everybody else say. If you follow its advice, you'll be heading down the same path as everyone else.

Instead, ask yourself, "What do I need to do each week to reach my goals for 2009?" then do it consistently, regardless of media hype or outward circumstances.

Is big business closing? This is your chance to shine like never before. Take advantage of it, and make this is your time to stand out. 

Are you still planning to cut your marketing budget? Before you do, consider the message that will send to your customers. If they don't see your business in the places they're used to seeing you, they're going to assume that hard times are affecting you as well.

Instead, let your customers see that you believe in yourself and your business. Show them that you have chosen to not participate in this recession. Show them they can feel confident about doing business with you because you're not going anywhere.

There has never been anything magical about making dreams come true. It's time to do things the Disney way,  "Dream, believe, dare and do," and realize your dreams of owning a successful small business:

How about making a little magic of your own?

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Stampington & Co stands out in a crowd

When we first started hearing the media report about the decline of the economy, and then again after months of media hysteria, I stood firm to my belief that if you want to succeed in this economy you have to turn a deaf ear to the media and do something to make your business stand out in the crowd. I believed that this was not the time to cut costs on marketing your business, but instead an opportunity to gain a very big presence by investing all of your time and resources into building an even better brand.

After reading Jenny Doh's (Editor-in-Chief & Director of Publishing for Stampington & Co ) facebook post and then the newsweek article "Can anything save magazines?" I want to jump up and down and say "See, I told you so!" But I won't. Instead I'll say Congratulatons Stampington & Company. It's clear that you not only have an incredibly creative team, but a smart one as well. For now I'll celebrate my validation and your success.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink.

Do "small business" women as a rule, fare better in a support - networking group?

I recently received an email and a phone call from 2 young women that had B&M stores and both feeling pretty defeated that they weren't able to make a go of it. After speaking with one young woman on the phone and reassuring her that business may be a little slow on the web but that it is still alive and well, and as we explored her possibilities, I heard a renewed energy and excitement about her lifelong dream. It made me realize that what I've always said to be true, women in general and especially in small business, have such different needs. You can't compare us all to corporate America nor can you compare us to men in business. We're moms and grandmas, sisters and friends and we rely on each other for very basic needs such as "caring", "support", "understanding" and "championing". It's what we know, it's what we do and at times it's what we need.

I've heard our community called an "affinity" or "feel good community" and I wasn't really sure I liked the stereotype, but I do like it. I love it as a matter of fact. I love that single handedly or collectively we have the power to pull someone up by their bootstraps or give them a new pair if theirs are broken, supporting them in ways that they can't get anywhere else. It isn't always crisis intervention that we need, it's the daily nurturing that makes us believe in ourselves and our dreams, that makes a group like ours so unique and so very valuable.
The often referenced "take the leap and the net will follow" is vital to our success as women in business. Until you've been a part of a very cohesive and caring "affinity group", you can't possible imagine the difference it can make in someones life - the difference it can make in your life. I would encourage anyone that is even considering starting their journey of bliss to find an affinity group that you can become a part of - an affinity group like Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Are You Ready For a Sneak Peek..

of our new marketplace for quilters and stitchers?

Have you heard excited whispers and wondered what they're about? Make Mine Pink is really getting excited about our news! So excited in fact that we can't wait any longer to share! By the end of March we hope to be launching a sister site to Make Mine Pink. Like Make Mine Pink, our new marketplace will be a place for quilters and stitchers to come together to build their web business while gaining valuable exposure for their businesses. We're excited and we hope you are to! Let us know what you think!

Joyce M Lucas, Founder
www.MakeMinePink.com
Your premier shopping and networking site on the web.

Small business PINKstorming with Pink Magazine..

This has been a busy but interesting week. I received an invitation to join PINK Magazine this past Tuesday for a " small business PINKstorming" session with the PINK editorial team.
Since I wasn't local to the Atlanta office, I was given the opportunity to participate via conference call. There were 4 of us invited to take part in this PINK session. I have to be honest, it was nice to have a voice for small business. Historically, the PINK reader has been "sophisticated, highly successful female business executive or entrepreneurs." Yet interestingly enough 97% of small businesses gross 150K a year or less. 
There were various business topics discussed from how the recession is effecting small business to business trends. I enjoyed hearing the perspective of other women entrepreneurs at various levels of business and was really excited to hear that PINK had just launched a small business section in the magazine.
I think we can expect some really exciting changes in the future with an ever growing voice for the "small business woman."

Thank you PINK.. for asking me to join you and to represent the small business woman. I look forward to your new small business section in future PINK magazines.

Catching up on business with a cup of tea!

This has been a week of craziness that definitely interfered with business! Despite all of the obstacles in my way, marketing and networking went on as usual! Which brings me to my reason for posting today! I don't want to miss an opportunity to invite you to the latest, greatest and hottest event on the web! Ok.. maybe not the hottest event on the web yet.. but we're getting there! PINK FRIDAY at Make Mine Pink is quickly becoming all of those things I mentioned! The women behind the Boutiques of MMP have taken shopping one step further. Every Friday they offer a new themed shopping event. This week happens to be "An English Tea." All participating boutiques will offer very special merchandise and put it in a special section that will make it really easy for you to find on Friday Morning. When this event was in the planning stages, I knew what potential it had. What I didn't count on was just how much I would personally come to enjoy it. I love the ease of shopping and the fact that if I happen to have a soft spot for all things TEA, I can click on the link of each participating shop and find exactly what my heart desires. Add the thrill of the getting there first and grabbing that one of a kind treasure, well lets just say it leaves me smiling like a Cheshire cat! Doesn't it brings to mind the huge department store sales you see in the movies - where there are two women grabbing for and fighting over the same sweater? Only one person gets that sweater and I just love it when it's me!

Tea to the English...

...is really a picnic indoors. ~Alice Walker

PINK Friday@MMP event~ your invitation to "Shopping with a Twist". You already know that the Boutiques at Make Mine Pink have some of the most beautiful items available anywhere. As always, customer service is our #1 priority, unmatched by any on the Internet. So stop back Friday June 20th and enjoy your shopping as we present for you the most beautiful well coordinated English Tea shopping experience.

Special events you won't want to miss!

Romantic Homes Events:

MakeMinePink.com is pleased to announce that Romantic Homes and Cottages and Bungalows, two of our very favorite publications, will be hosting two upcoming special events.

Cottages & Bungalows will have a day to celebrate green at the charming McCharles House gardens in Tustin, CA on April 12th, 2008 while Romantic Homes will celebrate their new book, Vintage Vavoom, with a Tea Party at the new Parisian tea salon in Old Towne Orange, CA, called Paris In a Cup on May 17th, 2008 

Please use the links below to view event details.

Cottages & Bungalows Green Living Event

Vintage Vavoom Tea Party

MakeMinePink.com your premier shopping and networking site
CottageCollections.com Unique Feminine Web Design for Small Business

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!

Save the date! 2008 Country Living Women Entrepreneur Event

It's not too late to attend the 2008 Country Living Women Entrepreneur Event on March 15th 2008! To view the complete agenda, register or apply to pitch your product Click Here! Some of us from MakeMinePink.com will be there. Will you join us?