Why You May Not Be Getting Referrals You Expect
Are you getting the referrals you need or expect for your business? If not, you should ask yourself why. It may not be obvious at first, but it becomes clear. Some questions to consider are, how are you different from your competition? Do you offer or do things that your competition does not do? Are you truly connecting with your customer or merely just trying to make a sale.
I have learned over the years, that you have to be unique and stand out to your customer. It is not enough just to make the sale and go on to finding your next customer. You want to retain existig customers. Some things that can make you unique, include; truly staying in contact with your customer, send them friendly emails periodically, offer incentives, etc.
So, try some of these things with your existing customers and see what happens. I’m sure the referrals will start to pour in. Check out the video below for more info on this topic! If you cannot see the video, just click on link above to go directly to the site.
Sphere: Related ContentThe Top 10 Conferences for Female Entrepreneurs
Women’s role in business is constantly evolving and growing. More women are gaining the confidence necessary to step out on their own and start a business. In fact, it is estimated that about 30% of all small business in the United States are owned by women. However, as with any new venture, there are bumps and bruises along the way. These 10 conferences are great places to learn more about succeeding as a female entrepreneur. You will be able to meet other successful women, expand your network, and sit in on workshops relating to topics that interest you.
1. 2010 Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony: This is an excellent choice for female entrepreneurs who desire to speak with some of the top entrepreneurs with the fastest-growing businesses in the country. Along with workshops and highly successful speakers, participants will be able to attend a formal dinner and awards ceremony and have a chance to gain some important networking contacts.
2. 2010 WBO National Business Conference: This event is for women entrepreneurs who want to make solid business connections and learn how to expand their business. It will be held in Napa, California from September 30th to October 1st.
3. 24th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference: This is the oldest conference in the nation with a focus on women in business. Event participants can take advantage of workshops, including how to start your own business, an awards ceremony, a question-and-answer with experts, and several opportunities to network. The conference will be held in Chicago on September 22, 2010.
4. 8th Annual Woman’s Business Conference: Hosted in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on April 21, 2011, attendees of this event can participate in counseling for their businesses and great networking chances. There will also be roundtable discussions according to field of business, speakers, and an exhibitor area.
5. eWomenNetwork International Conference & Business Expo: Lasting four days in July 2011 in Dallas, Texas, this event is the largest entrepreneurial woman’s fair held in North America. Features include a free business counseling session, a huge party with lots of chocolate, and a host of speakers. Workshop topics include social media, websites and search engine optimization, affiliate techniques, sales and marketing, and personal empowerment.
6. Futuralia KC 2011: Futuralia will be a meeting point for international business owners and entrepreneurs to connect. This is the perfect event for women who are interested in buying international products for their business or looking to expose their own products to a global market.
7. Northern Virginia Women’s Business Conference: Attendees to this conference can choose from seminars on branding, goal setting, and social media. The keynote speaker is Carolyn Kepcher, who worked as the Executive Vice President in the Trump Organization. The conference is located in Lansdowne, Virginia and will be held on November 19, 2010.
8. USASBE 2011 Conference: This conference is based on educating according to research done on entrepreneurial best practices. Though not for women exclusively, last year’s conference had several workshops relating to female entrepreneurs. Check back soon to view 2011′s program.
9. Woman Entrepreneur’s Inspire Conference: Presented by Oklahoma State University, this conference includes workshops and talks held on a variety of topics. There are also awards given for small business of the year, high growth venture of the year, and distinguished woman entrepreneur of the year. The next conference will be held on April 5, 2011.
10. Women in Business National Conference and Business Fair: This three-day event was attended by over 3,000 professional women in 2010, with big numbers expected in 2011 as well. 2010′s workshops included a roundtable discussion by billionaires and going green, and keynote speakers included popular author Suzy Welch and Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts.
Jasmine Stephenson is a guest blogger for My Dog ate my Blog and a writer on getting a bachelor’s degree for Guide to Online Schools.
Sphere: Related ContentSOLD OUT – Top Secret WP-Plugin Just Released – 200% Bigger List!
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Sphere: Related ContentFinding Your Mentor
Ever considered having a mentor to assist you in moving forward in your business? If not, you may want to seek out a mentor. Someone who is doing what you want to do. You will want to look around to find your mentor. If you find someone to mentor you, just ask them to spend some time with you each week. In doing so, the hope is that you will learn what you need to become successful.
Check out the video below for more info on finding a mentor.
Sphere: Related ContentTen Inspirational Quotes By African American Women
When you look for inspiration, where do you turn? I have found the greatest inspiration comes from viewing the lives of those who have walked in our shoes. Because it is those who can truly understand us. It is those who can show us the way. So, as we as women persevere to move forward in life, why not turn back and gain inspiration from other African American women who have stood for what they believed in, fought for their rights, and succeeded despite all odds.
Here are ten quotes from African American women throughout history that I have compiled to challenge, motivate and inspire us:
I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other.
Harriet Tubman – An abolitionist, humanitarian and Union spy during the American Civil War
It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.
Maya Angelou – An autobiographer and poet
If women want any rights more than they’s got, why don’t they just take them, and not be talking about it.
Sojourner Truth – An abolitionist and women’s rights activist
I’m not wise, but the beginning of wisdom is there; it’s like relaxing into – and an acceptance of – things.
Tina Turner – A singer and actress whose career has spanned more than 50 years
I knew someone had to take the first step and I made up my mind not to move.
Rosa Parks – A civil rights activist
For I am my mother’s daughter, and the drums of Africa still beat in my heart. They will not let me rest while there is a single Negro boy or girl without a chance to prove his worth.
Mary McLeod Bethune – An educator, civil rights leader and advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt
We look into mirrors but we only see the effects of our times on us — not our effects on others.
Pearl Bailey – An actress and singer
I’ve been poor and I’ve been rich, and rich is better.
Bessie Smith – A blues singer
The times may have changed, but the people are still the same. We’re still looking for love, and that will always be our struggle as human beings.
Halle Berry – An actress, fashion model and beauty queen
There is one thing you have got to learn about our movement. Three people are better than no people.
Fannie Lou Hamer – A voting rights activist and civil rights leader
Author Bio: Cathryn Johnson is a freelance writer. She is currently a resident writer for Online Nursing Schools, which researches areas of nursing education, online nursing programs, and healthcare. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, theater and having fun in the sun.
Sphere: Related ContentThe Newbies University Makes Money On-line
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This opportunity offers a step-by-step coaching program that guides and shows you how to start from scratch in creating a profitable online business. Below I have provided a video for your review of the Newbies University.
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Sphere: Related ContentGoogle Adsense for Newbies
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The Road To Success Is Not Straight
Have you ever wanted to do something in your life but for some reason never did? It’s never to late to fulfill your dreams and aspirations. Never give up on the things you want to do – at least try. Trying never hurt anyone.
You see, life is what you make it. You have to believe in what it is you want to accomplish in this life. When you believe, there is nothing that can stop you.
This video provides some quotes by some popular people to get you on the ROAD to fulfilling your personal and/or business dreams.
Learn the Secret To Small Business Success Here!
Sphere: Related ContentSelf-Branding: How Being a Niche Expert Can Boost Your Business
Most people don’t consider themselves a “brand”, per se. You may offer a product or service, but your name isn’t a brand…is it? It can be, and it should be. Think about what you expect from a brand name, for example General Mills, Levi’s, or Apple. These companies offer quality products, great customer service, and social responsibility. Customers choose them because they are the best at what they do, and they provide what others do not; name recognition and a proven track record. This should be the overwhelming goal of any business, even if it only bears your own name.
So if you are just starting on your journey to successful entrepreneurship, you face some unique challenges when it comes to personal branding. To start, you cannot choose a category that is too broad. If you go into furniture sales, for example, you are up against established brands like Living Spaces and IKEA (not to mention eBay and Craig’s List). Do you think anyone is looking for Joe Schmoe’s Furniture Emporium (your mom doesn’t count)? No. And the problem is not the product, it’s the scope. Furniture is a huge, multi-billion dollar industry. If you specialize in something like Adirondack or nude-wood furniture, in other words, make a niche, you have a much better chance of attracting targeted clientele and actually building up a business.
To that end, it would behoove you to brand yourself as an expert. While target marketing is the best way to bring in potential customers, you also need to offer something that your competitors don’t if you want to make the sale, and that is your expert service. Now, you don’t necessarily have to be an expert in order to claim the title, but it sure does help to have relevant degrees, certificates, or experience. However, if you do quality work and can secure endorsements from clients and/or colleagues, you can certainly claim the highest status in your field (just be sure you can follow through on the promise that such an honor entails). You’ll be amazed at what it can do for you.
Branding yourself as an expert cannot only bring you more business, it can catapult you into a whole other realm. You may benefit from increased or better offers from advertisers. You can consider writing a book, lecturing, or doing interviews. You will also, no doubt, expand your business into other areas. If you offer advice on child-rearing, for example, you may be asked to endorse products, set up an affiliate section on your website for sales, expand your brand to include related websites, or even do a weekly podcast. The sky is the limit, so don’t underestimate what being branded as an expert can do for your professional life.
In the long run, the viability of your business will depend on both the products or services you offer, the time and effort you put in, and your willingness to grow. However, being branded as an expert in your niche can give you the boost you need to get your career off the ground and set you apart from the pack. It could mean the difference between sinking and swimming for someone just starting out, so don’t be afraid to use your knowledge and experience to your advantage by branding yourself as an expert.
Thomas Warren is a content writer for GoCollege, one of the oldest and most trusted resources to guide students on how to finance and succeed in college.
Sphere: Related ContentTop 5 Famous African American Entrepreneurs
Guest post by Louise Baker. Louise Baker is a freelance writer who writes about online education and getting an online degree. She most recently ranked the best online colleges.
1. Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay Z, has always been involved with business, 
working as the CEO of Def Jam Recordings and co-founding the Rocawear clothing label. In addition to record sales totaling $150 million, Jay-Z has been busy investing his cash in numerous business ventures, including a chain of upscale sports clubs in major cities and a stake in the New York Nets NBA team valued at $4.5 million. Jay-Z’s net wealth is over $350 million dollars, so it’s no surprise he would afford to give a $5 million engagement ring to Beyonce.
2. Beyonce Knowles
Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z are the ultimate power-couple and have an unbelievable combined net wealth. 
On her own, Beyonce has sold over 100 million records and won ten Grammy awards for her recordings. According to Forbes, Beyonce earned over $87 million in 2009, which is enough to buy 1,224 fully-loaded Cadillac Escalades. In addition to her full-time music career, Beyonce has partnered with her mom Tina Knowles to create a full line of women’s sportswear and footwear sold under the name House of Deréon. Based on income and exposure, Beyonce made number four on the list of Top 100 Celebrities by Forbes magazine..
3. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is most famous for his record as an NBA Champion and All-Star basketball player. However, his company Magic Johnson Enterprises is the real moneymaker. Johnson owns a large network over 160 corporate franchises, including Starbucks, Burger King, Sodexo, 24 Hour Fitness, TGI Friday’s, and AMC Magic Johnson Movie Theaters. It’s estimated that Magic Johnson’s net worth is about $900 million. The related Magic Johnson Foundation works with corporate sponsors to create educational programs, grants, scholarships, and job fairs.
4. George Foreman
George Foreman was an unforgettable heavyweight boxing champion, 
but some would argue his true talent was selling table-top grills. The Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine or the George Foreman Grill as everyone calls it has sold over 100 million units worldwide since 1994. Although the numbers haven’t been publically released, it’s estimated Foreman made over $200 million, including a lump sum payment in 1999 to use the rights to his name. Other celebrities tried to market grills; there was the Jackie Chan Grill and the Carl Lewis Grill, but none of them stuck like the George Foreman Grill.
5. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey has been named the most powerful woman in the world. 
She is the only black female billionaire and the richest African American with a net worth of $2.3 billion. Oprah has made the list of America’s richest people every year since 1995. What started as a small daytime talk show turned into the media empire of Harpo Studios. The Oprah show is shown in 140 countries and has won dozens of Emmy Awards and some of the most prestigious awards in broadcasting. Oprah has also founded the O magazine as well as the women’s cable network Oxygen. In addition to her tireless work, Oprah consistently ranks among the most charitable celebrities.