Who Is On Your Counsel?

I'm sure you have people in your life that you look up to or take knowledge from their experience...but have you ever thought seriously about what they might advise you to do in any given situation? I have. I was introduced to this idea by Napoleon Hill in his book Think and Grow Rich. He suggests that you create a panel of experts, dead or alive, that you know enough about to surmise what they might do or advise you to do in a given situation. I love this! The idea not only gives you an opportunity to research and learn about other's who have succeeded, but it changes the way you think about your current situation or dilemma.

Do you have imaginary counsel that you can talk to about what you want, what you could do, or just share your happy thoughts with? If not, maybe you can think about who you would put in your mind to have on your team. I have Napoleon Hill, Oprah, Jack Canfield, and more on my team in my mind. I ask my question and imagine what any one of my team would advise me to do. It really creates a different line of thinking when you are looking for clarity or answers. Let me know what you think of this idea! Have a great week and make something special happen!

There's Always Something To Do!

You might think that with a seasonal product, once the weather heats up, there's not much to do. NOT SO!

We have a trade show in September that we have no display for. We have magazines to promote to, and it may already be too late. I'm still gonna send the samples though, because you just never know. We have companies that have expressed an interest and asked us to send a sample even though it's too late for this fall. I have to pull together the data for a press kit and we still need good pictures of the final product, on the hang tag for web sales (ours and retailers). We need to figure out how people can "size" our gloves for their little ones hands and inmplement that into the web site. We are revamping the look of our web site so there attention needed there and I haven't even touched on the administrative stuff (bookkeeping, updating the database, inventory, etc.).

Just when you think you can settle in and take a break, think again! There's always something to do! What are the things you found to do that you didn't expect would take so much time?

Entrepreneurial Generosity

Entrepreneurs are some of the most generous people. In the last year I've met many people who are bringing products to market or running their own businesses. The one thing that seems to be true with all of them is that they want to share what they do. They share their knowledge, their expertise, their network of friends and associates, and their products. Part of the desire to share comes from wanting people to know and love what they do. The other factor is the pride they feel in their product and/or service.

I understand this because I find that I want to give away gloves to anyone who helps me that has small children. I don't have very many pair to sell this first season, let alone give away, but I sure want to! I want people to know what Dave and I created and that our product will solve their problem. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with each mile stone. I know I can't give away as many pair of gloves as I'd like to...yet! But the day will come when I can donate, give back, and share our product with everyone we want! Smiling!

Build Your Database From Number One

When you start your journey in business, any business, it's imperative that you have a place to manage your contacts.

As you meet people, the first few you meet you may get a business card or have their name written on a piece of paper somewhere. Before you know it, you'll have ten, twelve, twenty, and more. It's so much harder to go back, find all those cards, remember the details, and get that information utilized effectively if you have to do it months down the line. Buy a good contact management software (I use ACT!), and start making those entries with good notes from contact number one.

Building a great contact list is the foundation for running a solid business. It starts as a list of business contacts, builds to be treasured relationships, and will grow to be a golden Rolodex. If you don't have a contact management system, make one or buy one, but make it happen. In my opinion, it's your most critical tool!