New Year Ramp Up (Day 9): When Recycling and Repurposing are NOT Good for Business

January 9, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

To Get Something You Have Never Had, You Must Do Something You Have Never Done. ~ Author Unknown

I think this quote nicely sums up the difference between successful women and those who struggle to achieve their goals. The question I like to ask is “Are you more committed to the status quo or the success you say you want?”

Are you stuck recycling and re-purposing old ideas and been-there-done-that strategies?

As Einstein said “The definition of insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results.”

I’ve become known for my ability to deliver a loving kick-in-the-pants (a.k.a. reality check) for the women in our community. Do you get in your own way a lot? I sure used to. Maybe it’s time for your wake up call too?

To provide a little nudge in the right direction, here’s an invitation to step inside our community of women in business online. One of the free gifts you’ll receive is a SPECIAL REPORT titled: 3 Essential Mindset Shifts for Women in Business Online ~ This is a thought provoking personal account of my personal transformation and 3 vital aha moments that changed everything.

So you know, this freebie is going away soon to be replaced by IAWBO’s Virtual Hope Chest so grab it while you can.

Here’s where you can get it now: http://iawbo.com/insider

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New Year Ramp Up (Day 5): Breakthrough to Online Success eCourse is Coming Soon!

January 5, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Everyone wins with IAWBO’s guiding mantra for 2011 which is: Get Inspired. Be Inspiring and you’ll see this theme emerge in many of our new programs and resources moving forward.

Watch for FIVE exciting new offerings to emerge early this year. Here’s a sneak peek at one of them now…

Breakthrough to Online Success Strategies (weekly) e-Course: 52+ Surprisingly Simple Ways to Achieve More Online in Record Time. A free weekly ecourse available to association members starting in February.

IAWBO members will receive …

  • One 2-5 Page Lesson Every Week In Downloadable .PDF Format. (Audios & videos on occasion too!)
  • Every lesson subscribes to my K.I.S.S. (Keep It Strategically Simple) philosophy created in such a way that you’ll see results if you actively participate in the program.
  • Much of what you’ll discover inside I’ve never shared anywhere else…

You’re going to love this because:

1) Short And Easy To Digest.

Each lesson is only 2-5 pages in length and contains nothing but REAL content (Relevant, Exact, Applicable, Leading). There is a very real problem these days with “information overload” where the reader simply has too much information to absorb. Each lesson is purposefully brief (but detailed!) so you can consume it quickly and take action.

2) Includes a Take Action Assignment.

Every weekly lesson will conclude with specific action steps for you to complete. Instead of giving you the “here’s what I’ve done”, you’ll get “here’s exactly what to do”.

3) The Series Builds As You Go.

Every lesson builds as your business-building skills do. Early on we’ll discuss the fundamentals of online success. From there, we’ll move into other basics and then intermediate tactics for multiplying and maximizing the profitability (personally and professionally) of your internet-based business. Beginners won’t get lost and veterans won’t get bored.

4) Positions You To Succeed Long-Term.

This isn’t about filling your plate with a ton of information only to leave you to put it all together for yourself, that isn’t how things are setup in this training program. You’ll receive the essentials in bite-sized portions – every week (for 52+ weeks). The benefit is you’ll be more likely to DO something with the content … and more likely to see real results. That’s the golden ticket isn’t it… RESULTS.

5) Motivates You To Make Real Progress.

After a while you’ll be able to look back to see the progress you’ve made by putting theory into practice. You’ll actually be able to see things growing step-by-step because you’ll be following a consistent, weekly plan of action.

Each weekly lesson is designed to be “to the point” and immediately actionable.

Members, your first lesson is coming your way soon…

Not a member yet? IAWBO membership is just $20 a month and the value of this program alone far exceeds the small investment. Plus, it’s just one of many member rewards. You can see them all here.

Keep following the 2011 New Year Ramp Up to hear more about this Get Inspired Be Inspiring focus and the other offerings we have in store to support – and accelerate – the success of women in business online.

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How Does She Do It? Blog Series: Today’s Featured Interview is with Suzanne Doyle-Ingram of SDI Communications

September 28, 2010 By admin 3 Comments

Its IAWBO’s birthday and we are celebrating all month long! First, get your Virtual Birthday Gift Bag and then, enjoy 30 days of interviews with successful women in business online like this one:

Today’s How Does She Do It? Interview is with Suzanne Doyle-Ingram of SDI Communications http://suzannedoyleingram.com

http://www.Twitter.com/suzannedingram

http://www.facebook.com/suzannedoyleingram

How long have you been in business online? 5 years

Provide a brief description of your business a) who do you love to work with? b) what is the #1 greatest benefit they get from working with you?

I have three businesses but the one I enjoy most is coaching and training women business owners to implement revenue boosting strategies so they can make more money working less hours.

What does being a woman in business online mean to you and what is your favorite thing about it?

Being a woman in business online means that I truly have equal opportunities for unlimited success. My favorite thing about it is that I don’t have to put on makeup in the morning and scrape ice off my car!

Who or has been your greatest mentor and how have they impacted your success?

I have had so many mentors, it’s hard to narrow it down to one. I would say that they impacted my success in two ways: by teaching me  that my intellectual property is my greatest asset and also teaching me to act quickly on my ideas and of course to take a deep breath and Just go for it!

What is the one achievement are you most proud of as an entrepreneur so far and why?

Growing up as a child, my mom was in real estate and I always thought it would be awful and scary to have a job in sales and never know how much money you’d be making every month. So taking the leap from employee to entrepreneur was definitely my biggest achievement because now I make more than I ever have. Now the “not knowing” is more of a thrill than a fear.

What does “authentic in business” mean to you and why is it important?

Great question and I’m glad you asked. This is very important to me. Being successful in sales doesn’t mean that you have to compromise your integrity. Being authentic means always asking yourself, “What is the right thing to do for everyone involved?” Don’t get tempted by an easy sale that seems too good to be true. Always maintain your integrity even if it means walking away from a potential sale.

What is your favorite & most effective marketing strategy that you use to grow your business?

Of course I am a huge direct marketing fan because I own a direct marketing list company (www.strategiclists.com) but I also love Google pay-per-click advertising because you can test and track your results.

How do you stay off of (or minimize the extremes of) the proverbial cash flow rollercoaster?

I take a salary every month and anything above that needs to go into savings until you have three months of income put away. After that, reinvest any extra money back into your business and keep saving your money.

What’s your best advice about how to achieve work-life-self balance?

The first thing to do is hire a house cleaner! Don’t spend your weekends cleaning or working. Then, when you can afford to, hire a nanny. Having a live-in nanny was the best thing we ever did.

What is your favorite technology that supports your online business and why? (i.e. how does it support you?)

It’s hard to choose only one but I would have to say right now it’s my iPhone. At this moment I’m on vacation on a rural lake with no Internet access but I can still check in with my office and get online. It’s very convenient.

What is your best productivity tip? i.e. how can our readers get more of the right things done quickly and with less struggle?

I learned this from Leah Goard at OrganizedtoThrive.com. She’s fantastic. She has a system that I use to clarify my vision and then create a strategic plan of action for each quarter, then break it down into each month and each week. Also, focus more of your time on your IGA’s (income generating activities).

What has been your biggest breakthrough, mindset shift or top lesson learned so far?

The more money you give away, the more opportunities come to you!

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How Does She Do It? Blog Series – Today’s Woman in Business Online is Beth Flarida of Get It Together

September 20, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

It’s our first birthday and we are celebrating for the ENTIRE month of September! The best is YOU get the gifts! In addition to the FREE Virtual Birthday Gift Bag (did you get yours yet?) you will enjoy a new How Does She Do It? Interview every day:

Today’s How Does She Do It? Mentor is Beth Flarida of Get It Together at http://www.getbeth.com

https://twitter.com/bethflarida

http://getbeth.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/beth.flarida

How long have you been in business online?

In business 19 years, 7 of them online.

Provide a brief description of your business a) who do you love to work with? b) what is the #1 greatest benefit they get from working with you?

I am a Productivity Consultant. I love to work with entrepreneurs who are in love with what they do. I love their passion and excitement. Working with me they lose overwhelm and anxiety and gain unique strategies to get more done in less time.

What does being a woman in business online mean to you and what is your favorite thing about it?

Being a woman in business online means I can work with clients all over the globe, not just in my backyard. It’s incredible!

Who or has been your greatest mentor and how have they impacted your success? *

I have had many mentors over the years. The first and the one with the greatest impact would have to be my father. He was a writer and worked from home. Growing up and watching the discipline he had to ‘go to work’ every day, meet deadlines and not be distracted by every little thing that went on in the rest of the house was to be admired. I know it’s not easy. I learned a lot from him about commitment, responsibility and doing what it takes.

What is the one achievement are you most proud of as an entrepreneur so far and why?

I have been in business for 19 years now. I began as a Professional Organizer and have morphed into a Productivity Consultant.

I think what I am most proud of is that I’ve been willing to change and even enjoy change. When I began as a Professional Organizer, I organized everything. Closets, kitchens, garages, offices… you name it, I organized it. Doing so many things I realized where my joy was. And my joy is in working with business owners.

I love using my brain and being challenged. I can work with 8 accountants but they are all different and each brings their unique self to their business and I get to help them figure out how they can best be productive. It is my job to help them find their productive style. I’m constantly asked ‘How does everyone else do it?’. But the trick to being productive is learning it is not one size fits all. I am proud to say I have the unique ability to help my clients find their particular style.

And when they find that style they really feel the impact of what I do and live it every day. I can actually see the overwhelm leave and the freedom arrive and that is why love and am so passionate about what I do.

What does “authentic in business” mean to you and why is it important?

Being authentic means being myself. It is important because there’s nothing phony or false. It’s genuine and true and people can feel it! And it feels GOOD!

What is your favorite & most effective marketing strategy that you use to grow your business?

My favorite and most effective marketing strategy is my free consultation. It’s sometimes difficult for people to understand how I can help them to be productive and organized without stepping foot in their office. This gives me the opportunity to give them a taste of what I do and how I do it.

Also, it happens rather frequently that when someone is unproductive or disorganized they are embarrassed by their piles and clutter. This gives me the opportunity to show them there is no judgment. The consult is quick, painless and the sign up is available on the home page of my website.

How do you stay off of (or minimize the extremes of) the proverbial “cashflow rollercoaster”?

I have developed several different levels of service I can offer my clients. I offer everything from group classes to individual strategy time with me. I’m also beginning to develop some Do-It-Yourself products so that my clients can work on their own to achieve productive success.

What’s your best advice about how to achieve work-life-self balance?

Set boundaries. It sounds simpler than it is, but setting limits and boundaries and being willing to stick to them.

What is your favorite technology that supports your online business and why? (i.e. how does it support you?)

I really love my website and I am beginning to love my blog. I just gave my blog a makeover this week and I really love it now. It supports me by allowing me to go into the online universe and educate and be me.

What is your best productivity tip? i.e. how can our readers get more of the right things done quickly and with less struggle?

The best advice I can give about being productive is to simply find what works for you. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. Find your strengths and work with them. Always remember it is a work in progress, it can always be tweaked to better fit and it is not one size fits all!

What has been your biggest breakthrough, mindset shift or top lesson learned so far?

Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Diversify whenever possible and embrace change and challenges.

Remember to claim your Virtual Birthday Gift Bag

It’s filled with 30 EXCLUSIVE GIFTS (not available free anywhere else) hand selected by our team of experts for success-driven women like you!

As a matter of fact, Beth has contributed her Special Report: Make Your Office Flow (A $15 value and remember this is just 1 of the 30 gifts you get in the gift bag. Total value is over $1300

Once you have registered for your gift bag you’ll be directed to a SECRET PAGE where you’ll discover a MEGA secret we’ve been keeping. You’re really got to see it to believe it!

Be sure to share your comments on the blog! What did you like best about Beth’s interview?

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How Does She Do It? Blog Series – Today’s Featured Woman in Business Online is Randi Pierce

September 19, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

Its IAWBO’s birthday and YOU get the gifts! Our How Does She Do It? Interviews with successful women in business online continues:

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to Randi Pierce of MyStartupBizCoach.com

http://mystartupbizcoach.com

Twitter: @RandiPierce

Facebook: /thesbc

How long have you been in business online? 8 years

Provide a brief description of your business a) who do you love to work with? b) What is the #1 greatest benefit they get from working with you? I love working with men and women who are ready to build an online business (or take their existing business to the next level) so they can create a life and business on their terms.  From startup to success!

Learning how easy it is to breakthrough to 6-figures. Making more money and helping more people – without working harder!

What does being a woman in business online mean to you and what is your favorite thing about it? Women in business online means a career or business without boundaries. The days of corporate jobs are gone. No more hitting the glass ceiling or seeking permission for success. This is about stepping into *your* magic, purpose and gifts and creating a business that works for you.

The possibilities are endless!

Who or has been your greatest mentor and how have they impacted your success? Tough question…I’ve had several mentors who have been largely influential in my growth and success.  I’d say the key women entrepreneur mentors are: Ali Brown, Fabienne Fredrickson, Baeth Davis, Gina DeVee and Bernadette Doyle.

They’ve taught me much more than systems and business models (although those are important!) – they’ve helped me see my own greatness and potential.

What is the one achievement are you most proud of as an entrepreneur so far and why? I would have to say helping others see their own greatness and potential.  I’ve learned that it’s not so much about me, as an individual.  It’s about the spiritual me that yearns to set everyone free from the suffering that happens when we don’t step into our potential.  Life is so much easier “on the other side” as I call it…And it’s my goal to help other women see just how magical life can be when they’re empowered enough to create it : )

What does “authentic in business” mean to you and why is it important? On the surface: It’s about believing in what you’re doing.

On a much deeper level: It’s about aligning your purpose, greatness and gifts with a business that doesn’t feel “salesy.”

I tweeted this recently and it sums up my philosophy perfectly: When you step into your purpose, anxiety falls away. Self-worth & passion take over & you become magnetic.

What is your favorite & most effective marketing strategy that you use to grow your business? Teleseminars and Telesummits have been very effective list builders for my business.  Of course, it only works well when your target market wants to hear what you have to say. So at the source, it’s always about delivering what your market wants and needs.  The 1st From Startup to Success Telesummit I hosted in April grew my list by over 200%.

How do you stay off of (or minimize the extremes of) the proverbial cash flow roller coaster? Ahhh…the ride we’ve all been on!

The cashflow rollercoaster is NO FUN and I was on it for many years.  The only way to prevent is to be sure that you:

1. Are constantly marketing.  Marketing is a year-round event. There’s no way around it.

2. YOU, the business owner, must focus on income-generating tasks (I call them the high-payoff tasks). Everything else – I mean everything else – gets delegated to my team members.

3. And finally, a tip I learned from Kim Duke (@SalesDiva) – your marketing should always be 90 days out.  This was challenging at first because there’s some planning involved, but before I was only 30 or 60 days out and it inevitably caused some cashflow problems.

What’s your best advice about how to achieve work-life-self balance? My best advice: Set your own rules and boundaries.

Do what works for you and dump the rest. It’s great to learn from other women entrepreneurs what’s possible.  Take what you learn and then customize it until it works for you.

Regarding the home – family – business juggling act?

It’s really easy to cave into family demands (I see it all the time with my clients….) but it’s vital that you set boundaries and have the strength and diligence to stick to them.  The juggling will never end until you stand up and say, “This is what I need…”  It can be a very uncomfortable conversation (I see it all the time with my female clients), but you’ve got to do it.  Yes, your family is important – but are you any less valuable? No way!

What is your favorite technology that supports your online business and why? (i.e. how does it support you?) I have to admit – I am a bit of a tech geek.  Hmmm…not sure I have a favorite, but here are a few tools I use consistently.

Hootsuite: http://hootsuite.com

Color Wizard: http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorwizard.asp

BoxShot3D: http://www.boxshot3d.com/

Screenr: http://screenr.com/

What is your best productivity tip? i.e. how can our readers get more of the right things done quickly and with less struggle? This really depends on the individual.  Some people are more productive in the morning, while others work best at night.  Follow your instincts and design your day the best way it works for you.  That’s my best advice for eliminating the struggle and improving productivity. Wow – there have been so many over the past 8 years.

What has been your biggest breakthrough, mindset shift or top lesson learned so far? I’d say there are 2 major mindset shifts that had the biggest impact on my business (and life):

1. The key to creating anything is about the BEING.  Who are you BEING?  You cannot BE the victim and experience success.  You cannot BE broke and expect to build a 7-figure business.  Whatever you would like to create in your life or wherever you would like your business to go – you must BE the person you will be when you get there – NOW.  I hope that makes sense….

2. Cannot stress enough how important MONEY MGMT is in business – and life. (I use to ignore or completely give up my power in this arena – and it cost me dearly!) Whether your spouse or acct handles the books, always understand what’s going on.  You don’t have to be the one doing the books, but you must be the one who has control over it.  If it’s not likely for you to gain control (or at least be in a position to have a say) then it’s time to create your own income and own accoun

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How Does She Do It? Blog Series – Today’s Featured Woman in Business Online is Jessica Eaves Mathews, America’s Advocate for Women in Business

September 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Its IAWBO’s birthday and YOU get the gifts! Our How Does She Do It? Interviews with successful women in business online continues:

Today’s featured mentor is Jessica Eaves Mathews of Jessica Eaves Mathews International LLC

Website Address:
www.jessicaeavesmathews.com
www.businessbrillianceuniversity.com

Social Media:
http://www.facebook.com/jessicaeavesmathewsfanpage
http://www.twitter.com/jessmathews

.
How long have you been in business online? 8 years

Provide a brief description of your business a) who do you love to work with? b) What is the #1 greatest benefit they get from working with you?

I am a single-mom with an amazing 6 year old daughter who is the light of my life. I believe I am on this planet to live an extraordinary life and to be of service to other women by helping them realize their dreams. I am particularly passionate about helping women launch wealth-building businesses that support their ideal lives. As I say: Brilliant Business. Brilliant Life. :-)

I am a seasoned business lawyer, advisor and coach for business owners and entrepreneurs. I am also a multi-passionate entrepreneur myself, having launched a number of successful ventures of my own throughout the past 15 years.

I have spent my career representing businesses and business owners, from solopreneurs, to mom and pop stores and restaurants, to professional service-providers to Fortune 500 companies. I have even represented some of the most successful and most wealthy entrepreneurs in the world. I have been there in every phase of the business life cycle from start-up on.

However, I always suffered from entrepreneurial ADD because I never wanted to be defined as “just a lawyer.” My heart has always been drawn to creating businesses out of my creativity and passions.   And over the years, I found that my clients, friends and family regularly sought me out for advice, support and guidance on how to launch and run their own businesses. As a result, I finally shed her role as “just a lawyer” and have been happily realizing my own dream of devoting my time and energies to helping women business owners reach their own dreams and goals through their own businesses.

My Business Brilliance™ brand is dedicated to empowering women with the tools they need to create a life of personal and financial brilliance through entrepreneurship.

My new Business Brilliance University™ is an eLearning library for women entrepreneurs to help them get their legal foundation in place as easily, painlessly and affordably as possible. It will soon provide all you need to address every area of exposure as a business owner, and you can focus only on what you need and not pay for what you don’t need. BBU will make it possible to address one area of your legal foundation in an hour or less for under $100! You can’t say that about any lawyer….and I AM a lawyer! http://www.businessbrillianceuniversity.com

I also offer 45-minute strategy calls, group coaching and full- day, one-on-one VIP coaching, which is one of the favorite parts of my business. My goal is to guide women entrepreneurs through the emotional and practical steps toward a well-founded business that is based in authenticity, passion and that can provide personal and financial wealth.

My professional activities include:

  • Expert blogger for StartupNation (http://www.startupnation.com/blogs/index.php/author/jmathews/)
  • Radio/podcast host on Entrepreneurial Podcast Network, Foundations for Business Brilliance. (http://epodcastnetworkd.com/category/legal-corner),
  • Adjunct faculty member for the Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning (http://www.sherimcconnell.com/faculty),
  • Official blogger for Savor the Success (http://www.savorthesuccess.com/member/jessica-mathews/blog),
  • An eLearning expert for MOMeo, the online community for mompreneurs (http://www.momeostore.com/index.html),
  • A business and start-up expert on the up-coming reality life makeover show for women on the Oxygen network, 180: Life and Style Makeovers  (http://www.180lifeandstylemakeovers.com/180-experts),
  • Author of the soon-to-be-released book, Brilliant Business, Brilliant Life: A Woman’s Handbook to Having it All! (release date: August 2010).

I also have an up-and-coming golf clothing line for women called Grace & Game Golf, www.graceandgame.com. This is my baby and it is really taking off! Our line will be in some of the top clubs and shops in Scottsdale this fall, and we are expanding nationally in the coming months! If you want to check out my line, go see our Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/graceandgame

What does being a woman in business online mean to you and what is your favorite thing about it?

I love the freedom being online gives me, and the unlimited potential it provides.  This is really powerful for one big reason:  Obviously, we have been weathering an extremely difficult time in this country in recent years.  So many people are struggling today, and jobs and income is hard to come by.  At the same time, it seems like the soul is really gone from mainstream corporate America, and we have evolved into a society where people have left their humanity and moral compass at the door, and the entire focus of business as usual is the bottom line, at all costs.  But I’m also seeing a movement – a grassroots movement of women entrepreneurs launching businesses rooted in the idea of authenticity, connection and conscious capitalism and this gets me excited and energized.  Frankly, it gets me hopeful about our future.

It is such an incredible time to be in business for yourself – the internet and social media really has levelled the playing field for all of us and has really changed the game in the business world.   It is so thrilling to see so many women entrepreneurs finding their voice and pursuing passion and wealth on their own terms.  The internet makes that possible.

Who or has been your greatest mentor and how have they impacted your success?

I’ve had a few through the years who have changed my life and the course of my career. The first is my father, Mel Eaves, who is a very successful lawyer and brilliant businessman. He always encouraged me to seek excellence in all I did, and he was a great role model for that. I remember the pep talk he gave me when he was driving me to law school: always be prepared…be over-prepared. It is such simple advice, but it has helped me excel and provide value in every situation I encounter professionally.

My next mentor was Richard Yarmuth, my boss at a boutique litigation firm I worked for in the late 90s. Richard believed in me and gave me a lot of independence and responsibility. It spurred me on to do excellent work for him and our clients, and it gave me confidence as a young lawyer. I’ll always be grateful for his faith in me and the opportunities he gave me to learn how to not just be a great lawyer, but how to run a business.

My most recent mentor is Ali Brown. Ali is a wildly successful internet entrepreneur, first known as the Ezine Queen. She is building an inspiring and benevolent empire to help women entrepreneurs, and she is a brilliant business woman. As a lawyer, the world of internet and permission marketing was totally foreign to me. Through Ali, I’ve learned how to get my message out and how to begin building my own platform to help as many women entrepreneurs as possible. She has blown down the barriers and has forged a path for the rest of us. She is also incredibly real, generous and genuinely wants others to succeed and shine. Her character and business savvy keeps me inspired and reaching for my best and highest potential.

What is the one achievement are you most proud of as an entrepreneur so far and why?

The thing I am most proud of is the act of mustering up my courage to walk away from the traditional practice of law to follow my heart’s calling:  to help other women entrepreneurs build businesses that will succeed and thrive and that will also support their ideal lives.  Years in Corporate America left me frustrated, exhausted, and torn between who I really was at my core and what I was expected to be in order to get ahead in the mainstream corporate world.  I knew there was a better way, a way that embraced and supported all the parts of who I was.  I knew that if I could find the courage to seek that path, then I could show other women the way there also.  I am most proud of the fact that I began to take one step at a time toward that goal, and today I am living proof that that better way exists and is attainable for everyone.

What does “authentic in business” mean to you and why is it important?

Being authentic is critical. It is critical to your success in today’s world of relationship-marketing, and it is critical to your own happiness and fulfillment as a human being. If you are in line with your authentic self, what you do will feel natural and will flow from you without “effort.” You will still have to work hard, but it will bring you joy, keep you energized and will inspire others, creating a ripple-effect. Being authentic is a required element of a truly successful business and life. Building a business or a life on an activity that isn’t authentic is like building a house on shifting sand. It can’t stand over time. The only way to longevity and real fulfillment is through being true to who you are are your core.

What is your favorite & most effective marketing strategy that you use to grow your business?

Honestly, there is no replacement for building genuine connections and friendships. Many online business owners are tempted to hide behind their computers and rely only on social media or email to get the word out about what they have to offer the world. You may have some success by doing that, but you will never reach your full potential that way. The new world of business is based on the true fundamentals of business: ethics, integrity and relationships. Things that must be built over time and with loving care. If you focus your energies in true connections, you will be amazed at what naturally happens to your business. Your friends and colleagues will come out of the woodwork to promote and support your business, and opportunities you couldn’t even dream of will materialize. Get out from behind that computer, go out into the real world, be authentic, real, approachable (even if you are scared!), and see what magic begins to happen for you. THen, use your online efforts to solidify and maintain those great connections. When you have real connections, people will look forward to your online activities and you will get exponentially better results for your business.

How do you stay off of (or minimize the extremes of) the proverbial “cashflow rollercoaster”?

The only way to stay off that rollercoaster is to make marketing a daily priority. Even when you have a full roster of clients or a steady stream of customers, keep marketing to maintain that. It really is that simple.

What’s your best advice about how to achieve work-life-self balance?

I think the first step toward balance is taking the time to dig deep and really know yourself. This goes back to the idea of authenticity. You have to know what your strengths are, your desires, your happy place, etc… If you create a business rooted in who you really are, balance will be much easier and you won’t feel such a strong demarkation between “work” and “life.” Your business should be set up to support your life, and not the other way around. If you take the time to know what your ideal life is, then you can take your expertise -your niche -and craft a business model in a deliberate and careful way to create and support that ideal life. Launching a business without doing that work will get you in trouble because your life will likely have to give way to keep your business going. And if your business isn’t based in authenticity, it will be a struggle all around.

Once you have a business crafted to support your ideal life, then you have to make a commitment to structure your days and weeks around the things that keep you healthy, happy and energized. For me, it is walking away from my business activities at the end of the day to be with my daughter, taking time to work out, and taking time each week to ride and care for my horses (my happy place). You have to be proactive and deliberate in your planning so that you can carefully carve out time for the things that matter, and then you have to guard them as carefully as you would a work appointment.

What is your favorite technology that supports your online business and why? (i.e. how does it support you?)

I hate to admit that I have an unhealthy relationship with my iPhone. :-) But it really makes my life so much easier. I can be completely mobile, and still access the apps that help me run my business from anywhere. In addition to that, I rely heavily on Basecamp to keep my business and team organized, Word Press for my websites, 1ShoppingCart and Aweber to manage my email lists, communications and online transactions, MobileMe to manage email and my calendar without having to connect my phone to my actual computer, and You Send It to send large files (which I do often). I couldn’t function without any of these. If you want a list of my favorite apps, just ask! :-)

What is your best productivity tip? i.e. how can our readers get more of the right things done quickly and with less struggle?

One word: Delegation. This again goes back to the idea of knowing yourself and your strengths. You should be spending 80-85% of your time on what you do best and what comes easily for you. If your business is set up correctly, you are going to make money off of what you do best, so it makes sense that you should be spending most of your time on that activity. The first thing to delegate is what you hate doing (the thing you dread or put off because you dislike it so much). You will be surprised how little money it takes to delegate to a great Virtual Assistant or Bookkeeper. And the time you save on those activities will give you more energy for what you do well, which will turn into more revenue. Think of delegating as an investment in your business. It isn’t a “cost” because you will see the money again and likely two, three or four-fold. Sir Richard Branson from the Virgin Group just wrote an article about this for American Express Open Forum. He is one of the smartest entrepreneurs I know, and he says that delegation is key to his success. Just do it.

What has been your biggest breakthrough, mindset shift or top lesson learned so far?

My biggest breakthrough happened a few years ago when I realized that I absolutely had to begin living and working in a way that was in alignment with my true self. I discovered then and am living proof now that being in alignment with your true self is the only path to real success, real happiness and is the only way to eliminate the painful “struggle” I felt daily in my efforts to juggle my traditional career and life. Now, I love what I do, my work is “effortless,” I feel fulfilled, I have a purpose and I know I am becoming the role model that I always wanted to be for my daughter.

Remember to claim your Birthday Gift Bag!

It’s bursting with 30 EXCLUSIVE GIFTS (not available free anywhere else) hand selected by our team of experts for success-driven women like you!

Jessica has contributed “Website Legalities:  Using Testimonials and Affiliate Links on Your Website” (A $57 value and remember this is just 1 of the 30 gifts you get in this gift bag valued over $1300)

Pssst… Once you have registered for your gift bag you’ll be directed to a SECRET PAGE where you’ll discover a MEGA secret we’ve been keeping. You’re really got to see it to believe it!

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How Does She Do It? Blog Series – Today’s Featured Woman in Business Online is Nika Stewart, The Laptop Mom

September 11, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

It’s our birthday but YOU get the gifts! In addition to the FREE Virtual Birthday Gift Bag available during the month of September (did you get yours yet?) you will enjoy a new How Does She Do It? Interview every day on the blog:

Today’s How Does She Do It? Mentor is Nika Stewart, The Laptop Mom

http://www.facebook.com/LaptopMom

http://twitter.com/nikastewart

How long have you been in business online? 5 years

Tell us about your business and the #1 benefit your clients get from working with you: I show moms how to create a rewarding, profitable business… during naptime, by leveraging their time, creating passive income, and sharing their message in a big way online.  I LOVE working with women who have an entrepreneurial spirit.  My clients are inspired and motivated to think in new ways so that they get more done in less time.  They are able to run a fulfilling business without sacrificing ANY family priorities.

What does being a woman in business online mean to you and what is your favorite thing about it? Being a woman in business online means that there are no limits.  The Internet has leveled the playing field, and I love taking advantage of that.  My favorite thing about running an online business is the freedom and flexibility that I have.  I am truly living my life on MY terms.

Who has been your greatest mentor and how have they impacted your success? I have many mentors and coaches now, but I first learned everything about running an online business from Ali Brown.  The biggest thing I learned from Ali is to make sure that taking care of myself is a priority.  The more I care for myself, the more success I have in business.

What is the one achievement are you most proud of so far and why? I am proud that I grew a 6-figure business while raising an infant.  I didn’t want to sacrifice my complete freedom and flexibility to take care of whatever came up with my daughter, so I developed a business from my laptop.  I don’t need any inventory; I didn’t need daycare; I never have to say no to important events.  I can be the mom I want to be without sacrificing my personal and professional goals, and I can run a successful business without sacrificing any family priorities.

What does “authentic in business” mean to you and why is it important?

Authenticity in business means several things:

- telling the truth about what you offer and what your clients can expect

- being yourself

It is obviously important to tell the truth about what your clients can expect, but there is so much hype in online marketing.  I think that women are attracted to honesty and openness.  We are also attracted to women who are authentically themselves.  That means, as businesswomen, we need to reveal our personalities, and not hide behind an image.

Today, business is all about relationships.  We need to connect and build relationships built on value.  This can only be done if we are authentic.

What is your favorite & most effective marketing strategy that you use to grow your business? The most effective strategy I use to grow my business is consistent contact with my community, and my favorite way to do this (stay in contact and give consistent value) is through weekly ezines.

How do you stay off (or minimize the extremes) of the proverbial cash flow rollercoaster? My business cash flow remains stable because I have several membership programs, where members pay monthly.  I do love to have big product launches and special sales once in a while, but even during months when I am not doing that, the income still comes in on a regular basis.

How do you achieve work-life balance? My best advice is to remember that there is no magic solution. Yes, there are lots of gurus who give you advice on achieving life balance and lifelong happiness, but life happens.  Every day.  If you remain open and flexible, and you remember that life doesn’t always follow OUR desired schedules, we can roll with the punches.

Make sure that you do stick to taking time for yourself – your business, your leisure, your self improvement, your re-charging.  If you do, most other things fall into place.

What is your favorite technology that supports your online business and why? My laptop, my laptop, my laptop.  Because I’ve built a business that requires only my laptop and my knowledge, I can run my business whenever and wherever I choose.  This gives me complete freedom.

I can work from a cafe; I can work in bed; I can work in the waiting room while my daughter takes a gymnastics class.  Clients get what they want, and I live how I want.  I love my Laptop Mom Biz!

What is your best productivity tip? The best tip I ever heard – which helps me get so much done – is “Good enough is good enough.”

Stop being a perfectionist, and get your stuff out there.  Post your article, launch your product, send out your ezine.  Just do it. (Seriously.  Did you do it yet?)

You cannot make improvements if you are standing still.  So get your stuff out there, and then tweak it as you go.  The most successful people implement with SPEED.  They take action.  Not perfect action.  Oftentimes, it is IMPERFECT action.  But they take the most action.

Go take action right now.  (This page will be here when you get back.  I promise.)

What has been your biggest breakthrough, mindset shift or top lesson learned so far? It is hard to pick one biggest lesson learned, but one thing that I love to remind myself and my clients all the time is – we can’t assume that what we know is common knowledge. There are MANY people who would love to know what we know (and are happy to pay for it).
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Remember to claim your Birthday Gift Bag

It’s filled with 30 EXCLUSIVE GIFTS (not available free anywhere else) hand selected by our team of experts for success-driven women like you!

As a matter of fact, Nika has contributed her How to do a telesminar to boost your biz, gain expert status and make money! 90-minute teleclass (A $39 value and remember this is just 1 of the 30 gifts you get in the gift bag. Total value is over $1300

Once you have registered for your gift bag you’ll be directed to a SECRET PAGE where you’ll discover a MEGA secret we’ve been keeping. You’re really got to see it to believe it!

Be sure to share your comments on the blog! What did you like best about Nika’s interview?

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