business insight | Words For Hire

5 Tips to Spice Up Your Business

October 8, 2008 by Karen Swim

Image by Oberazzi via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

Growing up my mom was big on seasonal meals. We ate fruits and veggies in season, often from our own garden. Summer was a season of lightness, where crisp cool fruits and vegetables took center stage. Fall was the beginning of foods that warmed your body and comforted your heart. Steaming bowls of chili, soups and stews accompanied by fresh homemade cornbread. Even now I can close my eyes and smell the rich aromas of mom’s stew, all of the tasty vegetables combining in a savory combination of love and goodness.

The pattern of business also follows seasonal shifts. In summer, we tend to lighten the load as we make time for play. We put off complex projects that are not essential and opt for a more casual pace. The arrival of September signals a change, time to get back to work. We may find that we are ready to add new textures and tastes to our own business stew. We may expand with new products or services or delve into new avenues of marketing. We mix it up and in so doing we create a richer, more flavorful dish. Below are a few ingredients that you can add to your spice shelf. Add one or two or try them all to create your own tasty selection.

Face to face marketing. We have become so spoiled by the ease and efficiency of web marketing that we often forget that we can still use some of the traditional methods. Go to a local networking meeting, visit your chamber of commerce or set up appointments with local businesses who need your services. In these trying economic times, a little face time can be just the reassurance a potential customer needs to buy.

Add new media. Enrich your business with new forms of content delivery such as video, audio, photos or animation. Record a series of podcasts with tips in your area of expertise. You can upload them to iTunes and add them to your website. Use video to share information and tips and post it on YouTube, Hulu or your own website. If you like Powerpoint, prepare a presentation and upload it to Slideshare. You can even have your own radio or TV program using sites such as BlogTalkRadio and UStream TV.

Grab a partner. Work with someone in your area of expertise to create a joint offering, or partner with someone that offers complemntary services. Partnerships can help you to create deeper client engagements by expanding your portfolio of services. It can also help all involved to share the load of creating, testing and breaking through to a new space. For example, Writers can team up with photographers, marekting agencies, videographers, SEO consultants, graphic designers, printers and more. Think outside the box.

Teach, coach, consult. You can add another layer to your business by teaching rather than doing. Develop self directed e-courses or on demand webinars, add coaching and consulting to your service offerings. All of these services are fairly easy to add to your portfolio and have the potential to expand your client base and revenue stream.

Step into the Spotlight. Pump up your marketing and increase your visibility with interviews. Radio, tv, newspapers and magazines are all within your reach. Join HARO (Help a Reporter Out) for free and you will receive three emails per day chock full of leads of people seeking experts. I have countless friends who have been featured in stories as a result of HARO, including friend and colleague, Trish Lambert. If you need publicity tips, Jeff Crilley, Joan Stewart and Sanyika Calloway Boyce have excellent resources to get you started.

Great cooks are not afraid to experiment with textures and flavors, and neither should you. Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little, as you may be surprised with the dish you create!

We would love to hear from you. Do you have any spices to add to the list? Any sources to recommend? Let’s share our knowledge as we all grow and succeed together. Add your comments in the comment box or wherever you happen to read this message. 😉

Remember that if you need a little help with your marketing strategy you can always give me a call!

3 Reasons Why Purpose is Essential in Business

October 2, 2008 by Karen Swim

Image by a VeCeS Veo… via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

I received an email newsletter and video from BrandU this week. In the video, Kim Castle shared a story about a Native American Long Dance ceremony and tied the lessons she learned to being an entrepreneur. I was struck by a comment she made regarding purpose and its role in the entrepreneurial mindset. Kim noted that the leader of the ceremony was “on purpose.” She had a tangible vision and determination. She was not asking the market what they wanted or how they wanted to be marketed to, but followed her purpose. The result? People flock to the ceremonies and they continue to grow nearly two decades later.

We are bombarded with messages that tell us the how, why, should and must of business. Much of the information is solid but blindly applying it can be deadly to your spirit and your business. Here are 3 reasons why Purpose is essential in business (and life!):

The court of public opinion is sometimes wrong. If you ask people what they want and how they want it, they may give you what they want but not necessarily what they need. Let’s face it we’re all pretty good at Monday Morning quarterbacking but so often we would not follow our own advice! Results don’t always come the easy way. When you have a clear and definitive purpose you are able to put feedback, suggestions and opinions in the right context.

Purpose breeds consistency. A clear determination to live “on purpose” provides a steadfast inner compass that will help you maintain consistency in action and results. When you are clear on your “why I do this” it will guide you in your day to day business activities. You will not take shortcuts, or compromise your standards. People can count on you to do what you say over and over. In business and life, your reputation is everything.

Purpose gives you a solid foundation. I have been acutely aware of this recently. Many are reacting to the economic climate with depression and desperation. Admittedly, it is challenging to filter out the negative information and soldier on, even tougher on a slippery foundation. However, when you are assured and committed to your purpose you can stand on that rock solid foundation. Your purpose will keep you grounded in good and bad times. Your plans, decisions and actions will not be driven by temporary conditions but your purpose. The storms may rage all around you but purpose is your lighthouse.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, employee, blogger or stay at home parent, life requires you to have strength of character. Without it you risk being tossed to and fro by the whims of life. Purpose keeps you connected with your internal compass, vision and values. It will not prevent you from ever making mistakes (I can personally validate this fact!) but will provide an objective standard to get you back on track when you blow it.

Are you clear on your purpose? Have you ever compromised your purpose out of fear or public pressure? What were the results? The mic is on and it’s your turn. Share your insights, comments and experiences. It’s fun to discuss and learn. 🙂

Truth or Madness Monday

September 22, 2008 by Karen Swim

Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim or was it?

Disclaimer: All characters are fictional and in no way based on any persons living or dead. Any resemblance to any person is completely unintentional. Please only read if you have had sufficient amounts of coffee or tea and your funny bone is in good working condition.

Once upon a time in a far away land people learned that, the earth was flat and it was good. With a digital connection, innovative entrepreneurs could create global networks with the click of a mouse. No longer confined to domestic borders, start-up companies became overnight international sensations. It was the digital age and life was good.

In this era of prosperity, there arose a group more powerful than all the others in the land. They were the Extraordinarians and they were known throughout the interwebs. They were best selling authors, speakers and consultants. Hundreds of thousands stood in digital lines trying to get their attention hoping for a return tweet or response to a comment in the vastness of the interwebs. The Extraordinarians did not care about celebrity for they loved their craft. They continued to study, discover, analyze and share their knowledge.

The Extraodinarians were good but soon a new group arose that lusted after their power, and they were called the Charlatans. The Charlatans modeled themselves after the Extraordinarians. They mirrored their language and style even as they deceived the people about their knowledge. They looked and sounded like the Extraordinarians and for many years no one knew of their deception. The Charlatans led the people to the Parting Place with their magic flutes that played no sound. They drew big signs with pretty colors and the people were transfixed as they danced to the Parting Place. Word spread and everyone believed, for how could so many be wrong.

At the Parting Place the Charlatans traded brightly colored boxes of air for currency from every nation. The followers oohed and aahed about their purchase and declared it as The Answer. Everyone believed because how could so many people be wrong. The Charlatans made boxes of every size and even gave away free bonuses and as word spread the valley filled with people eager to buy air.

Across the Valley another group arose and they were known as the Anti-arians. The Anti’s scowled and frowned and believed nothing they heard. They were opposed to everything and believed in nothing. The Anti’s debated the color of the sky and whether it really should be called the sky. They condemned everyone for it was their nature to live in opposition. Word of their movement spread and their ranks swelled. The Anti’s soon created anti-air in opposition to the Charlatans. Yet they did not move as one for everyone was opposed to everyone and for every anti product, there was an opposing anti, and the people were confused.

Chaos soon ruled the land and a cosmic explosion ripped through the interwebs. The circuits were destroyed and mankind was left without digital giants. The people emerged from their dark holes and explored the world around them. They asked questions as they explored and began to form opinions that were all their own. Independent, free thought ruled the land and it was good.

So dear readers, truth or madness? You decide. 🙂 Please share your comments in the box below. All are welcome to join the conversation. You do not need a blog or website to comment, simply enter your name. If you are a new commenter your comment will not be immediately visible but don’t worry it will post. If you like this post please tell a friend. Thanks!

Flat Earth? Really?

How I Made the A-List with Little to No Fanfare

July 14, 2008 by Karen Swim

Written by Karen D. Swim

Pink Tiara

My hard work has earned me a spot on the A-list. Yes, it is true I have crossed that hallowed ground and now stand on the other side of the velvet rope. Only, this A-list is not for those dodging paparazzi or blogerrati. You will not see this list published on Media Bistro or the Huffington Post. In fact, this A-list only matters to a small group of people and for me the only ones that count.

Last week famed blogger, Jason Calcanis announced his retirement from blogging. Other A-list bloggers discussed the retirement and engaged in debates about the disintegration of the A-list. Is it still relevant in our all access world? Was Jason’s retirement a cheap ploy to market an “elite” new service? These and other questions swirled among the blogosphere in a blazing fury.

In the midst of all the activity, I celebrated my quiet rise to A-list status. How did I get there? By being a business that “is a joy to work with,” a networker that “connects people to really good people,” a friend that “supports and encourages,” and a family member “that helps a lot of people seeking nothing in return.” (Now before you think I have turned into a bona fide egomaniac, these are honest to goodness true quotes from people.)

My A-list has nothing to do with traffic stats, subscribers, or the size of my bank account, but is dependent on how I treat others. That dear readers is far more important than being crowned with a fleeting label. My A-list celebrity puts me firmly out of the spotlight and shines the light on the impact of my actions upon others, and that includes you dear readers.

Each time I hear that I have made you smile, or touched on an issue that is important to you it is as thrilling as a mention in the New York Times.

Don’t get me wrong, the other A-list has value. I learn from the trailblazers, the thought leaders and the industry experts. However, many of these people are true givers, not enamored with their status. Liz Strauss is an excellent example of someone who is the A of A-listers but is on a mission to embrace the world. She continues to be at the forefront because she has maintained a passion and purpose to take others along on the journey.

One day I may ascend to A-list status (If Oprah calls I will not turn her down). However, whether I make the A-list or the D-list the most important thing will be touching the lives of others and making a difference even if that difference is simply doing a job and doing it well.

What about you, what does the A-list mean to you? Are there any A-listers that serve as mentors? Let’s chat it up here in the comments on Twitter or hey even by email. Wherever and however you want to talk, I’m listening!

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