Speaking Tips for Getting Taken Seriously from a Recovering DoorMat

By Daylle Deanna Schwartz

I was still in people pleasing mode when I started a record label on a dare, one of the few women doing it at that time. I wanted to be liked by the All Boys Club and let them walk all over me at first. Slowly I learned to handle myself in ways that got me taken seriously and evolved into what I call a Nice Girl on Top.

You can be nice but still play to win. To paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt, talk softly and carry a big stick—an attitude and demeanor that says you mean business. Your speaking style makes an impact. Nerves, frustration, anger or insecurity trigger emotions in your voice that can make you feel out of control. The more you control emotions, the less they control you, and the more confident you feel. Even when nervous, you can sound confident by using these tips:

• Use words that show conviction. Express a definite intention. Sounding just hopeful for a positive response instead of expecting one doesn’t sound serious. “I’d like____. Can you get it for me?” can be, “I expect to get the ___. When will you have it?” Show you mean business! Being tentative or wishy-washy won’t generate respect, or results.
• Take deep breaths before speaking. Breathe deeply and release it slowly, to calm down. Getting flustered from nerves or stress leads to poor communication. Taking deep breaths before speaking can help you control it.
• Use a gentle but firm tone. People pleasers speak timidly and get nowhere. Women at the opposite extreme are loud or tough, which annoys people. Nice Girls on Top have a friendly manner that’s also firm about expecting results. No whining or apologetic tones! Women complain that nice gets them nowhere. You can speak nicely while sounding resolute. Speak softly but carry your big stick—a tone that says you’re serious!
• Slow down. When anxious, you may talk faster. Consciously slowing down and enunciating words offers more control and allows leeway for speeding up if emotions kick in. Speaking at high speed can make you feel nervous. Slowing down and enunciating words helps control emotions and sounds more serious, which leads to feeling more confident.
• Bring your voice down an octave. Women’s voices tend to get higher pitched from frustration or nerves, which lowers credibility if your voice gets squeaky. A quick fix? Begin speaking at a lower pitch to allow leeway if emotions make it rise. Women’s voices tend to be higher than men’s and carry less clout, even without emotions. Bringing the pitch down and speaking slower sounds more serious and gives your words more impact.

Tape yourself during phone conversations. Listen back and pay attention to when your voice rises and speeds up. Become more conscious to slowly modulate your voice. The effort will prompt people to give what you say more credence, without raising your voice!

Daylle Deanna Schwartz is a speaker, self-empowerment counselor, and best-selling author of 10 books, including Nice Girls Can Finish First (McGraw-Hill) and Start & Run Your Own Record Label (Billboard/Random House). She’s been quoted in dozens of publications including the New York Times, Cosmo and Men’s Health, and been a guest on over 300 TV and radio shows, including Oprah and Good Morning America. She also writes the popular blog, Lessons from a Recovering DoorMat.

Financial Tips for Women Starting a Business

By: Michelle Dunn

I know what you’re thinking, are the financial tips for men starting a business different than for women? Well, they can be. Some women starting a business have never worked outside the home and need to start from the beginning, while some men may be starting a business after working in the workforce for many years. I had worked in the workforce for over 10 years before I decided to start my business and had some experience but still ran into problems. This is why I want to share these tips with you, so you can avoid problems I ran into and get your business started sooner and with less headaches!

If you are currently working at a job and thinking about starting your business, the first thing you should do is KEEP YOUR JOB! Don’t quit your job before you have a plan in place. While you have your job, you should be doing some things that will help you once you leave your job to work full time for yourself.

1. Write a business plan.
2. Write a marketing plan.
3. Write a credit policy.

These are three of the most important things you will do for your business. People are normally frightened away by these three things but don’t be! I have examples of all three of these items in my books and you can feel free to use them as they are or customize them for yourself. You can look online for examples of these types of plans and create your own. If you have these three items BEFORE you go to a bank for financing, you are guaranteed to have a better chance at getting approved than someone who does not have these items. If you go to the bank or approach the SBA without any of these items they will tell you to come back when you have them. So be smart and be ready.

Many small businesses are launched by the personal resources of their owners. But they can quickly reach the stage where the owner must look to the credit market for financial help in expanding operations. Some things you can do to improve your financial standing when starting a business are:

1. Get copies of your credit reports – you can do this free once a year.
2. Pay off any credit cards or bills you have as quickly as possible.
3. Start out small, buy more equipment or expand as your business grows rather than trying to start out “big”.
4. Share office space with a business that compliments your business.
5. Share big equipment such as copiers, fax machines, postage meters or printers.

Michelle Dunn is the Nations top expert on credit and debt collection. She has 7 published books on the subject and 20 years experience in the industry. Her award winning book, the third edition of “Starting a Collection Agency, how to make money collecting money” is a consistent best seller in its category. Visit her websites at www.michelledunn.com and www.credit-and-collections.com

Your Outsource Resource

By: Maria Elena Duron

“Small business” doesn’t mean “small-minded,” especially when it comes to the tasks that need to be completed to be successful and focus on those areas that provide high reward. Outsourcing is a great resource to your business. Yet, it can also be a great expense if not managed correctly.

Here are some tips to help you manage your virtual resources:

1. Secure a system to answer your phone and cell phone. Phone calls can be a huge interruption to your day. That does not mean that you should not be accessible to your clients and prospects, but it does mean that there is a need to manage that connection. Set hours and times when you’ll return the call. On the outgoing voice message, make sure you state when you return phone calls. When you leave messages, remember to state the number to reach you at and the time you’re available. Messages can be productive and helpful in managing your time to focus on those high profit areas. My favorite systems include: GotVMail and RingCentral. To leave messages, without having to speak to someone directly and consume valuable time, consider using PostCalls.com or Slydial.com

2. Hire a virtual assistant or assistants! I’ve worked with several virtual assistants, and I’ve found that one size does not fit all. In utilizing virtual resources, it’s time to “think out of the box” and break down what specific tasks do not need to be handled by you. This is the toughest part since so many small business owners are used to totally controlling the process. It is so important to separate out your tasks. Look at what are your most profitable activities and make sure they are ones that you enjoy! Whatever you don’t enjoy or whatever doesn’t directly drive the bottom-line, outsource to someone else. There are freelancers who will surf the internet for you, data enter, transcribe, screen phone calls, return calls, schedule appointments, write blog posts for you – even Twitter for you! Keep in mind – you can have a team of virtual assistants – not just one. In fact, I have fifteen on my team!

Maria Elena Duron is Chief Buzz Agent™ and an Inspiring Identity Coach with Buzz to Bucks. The agency focuses on visibility, credibility and profitability for individuals, professionals and small businesses with programs designed to Re-Invent, Rejuvenate and Re-Brand. To claim your FREE gift, a Crafting Your Own Brand Intro Toolkit, visit her site www.buzz2bucks.com .

Market Yourself With No Money

By: Brenda Nixon, M.A.

Whether a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, you must promote your business; it’s your survival. We’ve heard, "It takes money to make money," but how do you market a product or service with no cash? If you’re starting a small or home-based business, try these tips:

Use your Voice. Announce to friends, neighbors, relatives, internet social networks and former coworkers what you do. Tell them of your product or service even if they’re not your target client. I utilize the free social networks on facebook and twitter to alert others to my speaking services or upcoming booksignings. Add a promotional line to your fax cover sheet, E-mails, or envelopes. I include "Brenda Nixon, your speaker for family events" on my fax cover sheets. My E-mail signature line always has some message about upcoming books or free discipline tips on my website.

Give Away. It’s a paradox; to stimulate income you must give away. We recognize this in supermarket samples and manufacturer coupons. If your business is making candles, donate one to be an event’s door prize. If you’re developing your massage therapy business, donate a gift certificate for a free massage to a health fair.

Move Outside. Get out of your comfort zone and involved with civic organizations, university events, or church groups that are unfamiliar to you. Join associations that force you to mingle with new people.

Do the Obvious. Get business cards, stationary, and laptop. These tax-deductible items make you feel professional. If you don’t have the revenue for business cards try www.vistaprint.com, where cards are free.

Follow Through. After contacting a prospect, follow up with a "Thanks for your time" card. Then, allow a reasonable period to pass and reconnect with her for a purchasing decision. Also, send periodic thanks to current customers. Does this courtesy translate into smart marketing? You decide. Would you rehire the speaker who sends you a note of gratitude and offers to serve you again or the one who took the check and ran?

Be Patiently Persistence. I often read this Shakespeare quote taped to my computer, "Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast." When discouraged because my E-mails, calls, or contracts aren’t returned, I read his counsel. It gives me the tenacity to keep trying.

Much of entrepreneurial promotion is creative energy and practice. Both of these are affordable.

©Copyright 2008, Brenda Nixon.

Brenda Nixon partners with organizations to attract and empower parents. She is a popular keynote speaker on parenting/family issues and the author of The Birth to Five Book (Revell). More on her bio and book are at: www.BrendaNixon.com.

The Power of Personal Branding to your Business

By: Natalie Jobity

What is it about Oprah, Suzie Orman, Katie Couric and Martha Stewart that make them household names worldwide? It’s the effectiveness of their strong personal brands! You are your own walking billboard, which markets and conveys information about the value of your business’s brand.

At the very heart of your brand message is you—the personal manifestation of your business’s brand. What brand image are you conveying by your visual presentation of your brand? Getting clear on this helps you develop a Unique Value Proposition that positions you for business success.

Your personal brand includes your image and marketing but it is also hinges upon establishing a reputation for yourself, showcasing what differentiates you from your peers, and leaving a lasting and unforgettable impression.

Every element or aspect of your personal brand needs to communicate your overall brand message.

This includes:
· Your image
· The way you communicate
· Your marketing materials
· The way you relate to people (approachability, likeability, trustworthiness etc.)
· The level/type of service you offer
· Your business’s mission and vision
· Your online identity (website, e-newsletters, blogs, etc.)

An effective personal brand helps you:
· Establish yourself as an expert
· Reinforce a clear and powerful ‘business’ brand message
· Market your services
· Establish credibility
· Engender trust and loyalty with your clients
· Differentiate your business
· Exert your ‘influence’ (your point of view, message, etc.) with those you interact with

Get clear on your brand promise. Think about what your target market needs and expects from you. How do you deliver against that in a way that delights them? How do you want your customers/clients to experience your brand? What images does your brand personify? Are your marketing materials and your own appearance congruent with this image?

Examine your personal brand in these key areas. Is it…
· Memorable?
· Well differentiated?
· Original?
· Sustainable?
· Credible/Authentic?
· Influential?
· Relevant?

All these areas need to be successfully conveyed otherwise your personal brand will be ineffective or non-existent. You must be very clear on who you are, what you do, and what makes you the best provider of your product/service to your clients. A strong, authentic and successful personal brand is easily identifiable and tangibly felt. This is why we unequivocally equate Oprah with generosity, compassion, positivity and personal enrichment. Her mantra, ‘live your best life’ and her look (bright, cheerful, happy colors/ soft, feminine silhouettes), reinforce these brand attributes.

Developing a strong personal brand takes effort, focus and tenacity. Play to your strengths. Take the time to build a strong foundation for your personal brand. Once established, make every effort to reinforce its message in everything you say and do. Remember that every interaction a person has with you is an opportunity to build or undermine your brand message and strength.
Re-examine your personal brand against the list of metrics above. I’m sure you have some work to do to refine and tweak your personal brand strategy.

Copyright Élan Image Management

Natalie Jobity, a wardrobe/ image consultant and President of Élan Image Management LLC, an image consulting firm, coaches women on how to look their best by helping them discover, define and project their own unique signature style, personal brand and an image that positions them for success. Visit her website and blog at www.ElanImageManagement.com

Success is in the Work You Love

By: Jennifer Goode

How many hours in the day do you spend working? If you're working for yourself, how many more hours did you just add to your day?

The hours we spend working should be dedicated to doing something we enjoy. We should be loving the work that we do every day because there is so much of it we have to do in a lifetime. It's hard enough to manage, organize, coordinate, plan, market, follow-up, reach out and brainstorm new angles. We don't need to add that nagging line of thought that sounds something like "is this really what I want to do?". There are so many more opportunities for success when we truly love what we are doing.

There will always be tasks we don't love, or even like for that matter. I greatly dislike billing and collections. Others may dislike the creative tasks I thoroughly enjoy. Instead of fighting these tasks, which usually lead to procrastinating or dragging our feet to finish, we should be finding helpful resources and use them to our advantage. For example, instead of managing the books and arguing with the numbers every month, find a bookkeeper, accountant or even software to take on the bulk of the task.

To build up these resources attend various events such as industry specific conventions. Get involved not just for the marketing or exposure value of your own business. Attend these events to meet people and companies with services and skills complimentary to your own. Swapping skills can be a fantastic way to grow a business while building a strong network of collaborators. When you work toward helping others while they help you, success is often a natural result.

Don't wait for the ideas to come to you, create them from what you already love!

Whether you are thinking about building a business or you are looking for new angles to grow, you can begin to build your business into something you love by merely knowing what you love. Think about what you enjoy most. What do you spend most your time doing (or wishing you had time to do)? What are your favorite hobbies, sports or traveling locations? Think about what things, foods, places and activities you prefer - and then think about why. These preferences are a great starting point for building foundations to support successful business ideas. Tie them into your business concept and make them work for you.

It's so much easier to share, spread the word and be proud of our accomplishments when we are truly excited about path we are on. There are a million good ideas - so reach deep down and pull out your favorites; find one you'd be happy to wear on your forehead. This is the idea you are mostly likely to put the most effort into. Grasp it, hold it tight and then run full steam ahead.

When you love what you do, eventually what you do will love you right back.

Jennifer Goode is a Colorado native, mother of 3 and the "doodler in charge" of JGoode Designs. http://www.JGoodeDesigns.com - Inspiring Smiles Every Day

Meet with Everyone

By: Kris Appel

One of the things I started doing early on was meeting with everyone who asked to meet with me, or who was referred to me by someone I trusted. At first I did it because I needed advice so desperately, but soon I realized that there were valuable contacts among all these lunches and coffee dates. (Side note: as a poor entrepreneur watching every penny, I didn't really mind if someone wanted to buy me breakfast or lunch.)

And I always make it rule to ask for something from everyone I met. I don't have much time for socializing, each meeting has to have a purpose. From most people I ask for a piece of advice, or the name and number of another contact they mentioned that might be worth pursuing. From some people I ask for reports, scientific articles, market data, etc. that I couldn't otherwise get without paying for it. From others I ask for information about competitors and their sales figures and product development efforts.

Still others turned out to be real gems. I had a few breakfast meetings with a PR specialist someone had introduced me to, and he took an interest in my business. By our third meeting, he offered to make a sizable investment in my company in the form of PR and marketing services. And since his firm specializes in my field, that investment has made a significant impact on my company. Two other people I was casually introduced to are now serving on my Board of Directors.

Sure, some meetings result in nothing, no new information or advice. But the majority have been valuable in some small way, and I highly recommend it as a strategy for gaining critical supporters, insightful advice, and valuable business intelligence.

Posted to the Average Entrepreneur Blog on July 29, 2008. www.averageentrepreneur.blogspot.com

After a 17-year career in the federal government, Kris Appel left in 2006 to start Encore Path, a medical device company. Her first product, for stroke rehabilitation, will be released later this year. She can be reached at kris@encorepath.com.