Kathie Nelson, LLC

What ‘do-it-yourself’ tasks should you do yourself?

Do it Yourself (Tools)

I saw this article and it resonated with me.  Have you heard the term DIY recession?  Neither had I.  It really fits. 

What ‘do-it-yourself’ tasks should you do yourself?
Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) – by Nancy Juetten Staff Writer

Media reports suggest that the do-it-yourself (DIY) recession is gathering speed. Folks are walking their own dogs, cleaning their own homes, and cooking their own meals. And the DIY trend is having an impact on the day-to-day duties of the small-business owner.  More of this article at the Puget Sound Business Journal.  

This article is only a sample of the gems of wisdom Nancy freely distributes at her Publici-Tea^TM events.  Get the real skinny on getting seen, noticed, recognized as an expert in your own backyard and beyond.   

Register now for the upcoming event on June 15^th from 9am – 4pm in Portland.  Not only does this value packed event run only $297 but includes the test drive of the “Bye-Bye Boring Bio’s” toolkit (valued at $57) and an offer to include your assistant for only $197.  Register below today!
 
Publici-Tea^TM   June 12th from 9am-4pm 
Space is limited.  RSVP soon! Register here!
Where: Kells Irish Pub, Downtown Portland

What is the cost of lost opportunity while you wait for a catalyst to move you forward? 

Sponsored by: Connectworks and The Savvy Collaborative 

Take Charge – Create Your Own Opportunities

Find Inspiration

Times like these are tough.  We are living in an unusual period of time.  On one hand we have government bailouts, business failures, and massive layoffs.  On the other, we have business growth, new ventures starting successfully and some industry segments flourishing.  

In recent conversations I’ve been asking folks about how they feel in general and specifically about their opportunities in this marketplace.  What I am hearing is people are feeling conflicted.  The sense of the future unknown (combined with the personality style of the individual) is a contributing factor to a more conservative approach to anything associated with risk.  

My observation is that becoming more conservative is a subtle form of withdrawal.  I see people withdrawing from customer contact for fear of what they might hear, to withdrawal from opportunities because the future is uncertain.  As an entrepreneur and leader, it’s up to us take control of our fear, step up, and find ways to inspire ourselves and others.   

One of my inspirations is a middle aged Mennonite Pacificist with a 4th grade education who found opportunity in crisis pursuing his passion during another difficult time in our history.  He experienced multiple business failures. He sold the one successful venture he had (caramels) to stay true to his dream of finding a formula to make an affordable chocolate for the general public. 

Milton Hershey’s pursuit of tasty treats encouraged a nation during very difficult times.  Our soldiers carried Hershey Bars in their rations in both World Wars. During the depression in the 30’s he continued to introduce new affordable treats to cheer us when times were bad.  The Hershey Empire was built while he was between the age of 40-80 and many continue to benefit from his legacy today.  More about Milton Hershey here.

What about you?  What’s your dream?   Do what it takes to find inspiration, support, and fresh perspective.  If you have someone or something that inspires you, please share with us. 

We are all in this together.  Keep moving forward!

Essential Elements to Grow, Prosper, and Connect

Get Smart About Time

OK…I am going to let you peek behind the curtain here. Even with all the time I’ve invested, I am (like you) trying to figure out how to stay on top of social media and still get everything done.

Twitter: Twitip offers 13 Twitter Tips for Beginners This includes everything from how to set up your Twitter account to how to be useful on Twitter.

Blogs: Google Reader offers a great no cost solution for busy people allowing us to aggregate our favorite blogs all in one place. It is easy to set up. No more saying, “I don’t have time to keep up on this essential information resource.”

Reputation/Topic Monitor: Google Alerts is an excellent way to have information on topics of interest (including yourself) sent directly to your inbox. If you are not tracking your own name, start today!

Get Connected to Money

One of the things I love about networking is some of the incredible people you meet. I met Betsy Talbot, Everywoman’s Business Coach from Seattle, WA in Dallas, TX last Fall (read more in “Who You Hang Out with Matters” post) and have become acquainted with her work over the last few months.

One of the things I love about Betsy’s blog, website, and communication style is the way she articulates the fundamentals in ways that truly serve those of us who are “busy people”. Like her recent blog on budgeting. Here is a quick excerpt and link to her tools.

How to Set up a Budget - Budgets get a bad name. Most people associate them with being broke or having a spending problem. But budgets are really just coordinating your resources with your expenses. And if you want to design your own lifestyle, you have to get control of your money. So, let’s do it!

“Stepping out of Line” Book Review

I had recent opportunity to meet author Nell Merlino a few months ago when she was in Portland.  After hearing her I was inspired to pick up a couple of her books.  You will find this book a fun read.  Nell’s voice comes through loud and clear.  

I found “Stepping out of Line – Lessons from Women Who Want it Their Way” an easy read on the flight from LA to Hawaii a few weeks ago. I loved the juicy nuggets she serves up. Here are a few:

1. Exercise the favor muscle.  
   Nell’s take on the “pay it forward” principle.
2. Changing systems is easier than you think.  
   Love how she points out our submission to what is…and how easy it is to change it.
3. Imagine our future.
   Nothing happens if not first a dream.  How much time do we spend imagining the future we desire?   
4. The ripple effect. 
   Every one of us effects the other.  When we step out, we create opportunities and provide permission for others.
5. Daily choices make the difference.
    Zinger!  Are we willing to make the choices that daily affect our outcomes?  Start today. 
6. The overall message…what are you waiting for? or better, what am I waiting for? Permission? From who? 
   Great food for thought.  Enough to stimulate me to action. 

This timely message resonated with me. Nell shares that statistically 50% of the women business owners earn less than $50k annually. Wow!

Women, including myself, have a hope, inspiration, or an idea that brings value to the marketplace. Why don’t we pursue it or fully leverage the idea? Or a better question might be, why do we stall out in our pursuit? What is it we don’t know? Nell is committed to connecting us to the knowlege and resources through her Make Mine a Million $ Business. www.makemineamillion.org.

I put this book down inspired and compelled to no longer settle for mediocre in my own business. I am joining the race. How about you?

Networking Conversations that Produce Every Time

I was prompted to offer this teleclass when I heard so many I meet networking complain about coffee date after coffee date…all in the name of networking that weren’t producing any discernable results.   I hate it when I feel like my time is wasted and I know you do too. 

What if your networking conversations produced results every time?  They can! 

Let me start with some Networking 101 reminders.

1.  Networking is not selling.  Networking is connecting for mutual benefit.

2.  Everyone you meet through networking is NOT going to refer you business just because you are you.  I don’ t  mean to burst your bubble but I want you to know the truth.

3.  Networking IS a marketing strategy and tactic.  Marketing is the tactics used to gain visibility, brand awareness, and create opportunities.  

4.  While the act of networking will generate leads for you, if that is all you are focused on you miss the abundance of other opportunities available to you.      

Here are six successful outcomes that can be found in every networking conversation.

1. Prospects.  Not everyone is your prospect.  However through the discovery process (the Art of Key Questions) you can determine if you are talking to one, the level of her need, and the timing of  the next step in the conversation. 
2. Strategic Partners.  These are those service providers or products that complement your own or can be found in your customers rolodex.  Not everyone who could be your partner will be.  Through the discovery process you can determine what you need to know to see if this is someone you want to develop a deeper relationship with or explore joint opportunities.
3. Resources.  These are people or organizations who not only can be a resource for you but your clients and network as well.  Through your discovery process you can determine if they are the caliber and quality to add to your team.
4. Opportunties. These are people or organizations who can connect you to opportunities to foward your goals.  The opportunities might be an invite to one of their other organizations or small groups, speaking or joint venture opportunities.  It is a big world out there.  Connect to people who are connected to opportunites outside your scope.
5. Great people to know.  You will meet people who fall in none of the categories above but nevertheless are incredible people.  They’ve accomplished great things, traveled places you have not and inspire you to be more.   You will want to collect these people.  Your only follow up action may be to drop a note and keep in touch from time to time.     
6. “Opt Outs”.  These people fit none of the above categories for a variety of reasons.  They are too new, unclear about their value proposition, too “me” focused, etc.  Regardless of how well you ask your discovery questions they find a way to “opt out” of your attention all on their own.  Knowing you will need to take no ongoing action with this group is a successful outcome.

The secret is knowing what YOU are looking for and asking good questions that intelligently direct the conversation to a mutually beneficial close.   Try to leave as many of your connections with added value as you can!  You might inform them about an upcoming event, an article of interest, another organization they may want to be aware of….believe me, you have incredible information you’ve already collected and can share with little effort. 

Leverage your time and connections!  Networking is not really free…it takes time.  Time = Money. 

Wild West was Won with Heart and Passion – Inspires Business Growth Initiatives for the New Economy

I am convinced that business done with heart and passion is the business that will endure.

I had the opportunity to visit Eastern Oregon last week as a keynote for a local business resource fair. I was WOW’d from the time I drove into town until 24 hours later when I left.

Baker City, Oregon in times far past held it’s claim as the premier social center with the largest population in Oregon. It’s residents are enamored with the beauty of the area and burst with pride at their history. For example, over 100 buildings in the downtown are over 100 years old. After hanging out with them for one day, I was sold!

It was the collaboration of several entities that brought this event into fruition. I believe it is this type of cooperation that will enable us to weather this storm and come out on the other side wiser, better positioned, and cared for in the process.

• Travel with folks going your way. Hang out with positive, forward thinking people. Build your power team. Share the work.
• When trouble comes. Circle the wagons. This is not to deny the recession we are in but rather to accept where we are and do what we can to make a difference in the world.
• Keep moving toward the goal. You will be surprised at the difference in your ability to see bigger and take positive action when you see others finding success and opportunity just by their attitude.

  I want to publicly commend the local players in Baker City who work together to serve their community.
  Gene Stackle, B.E.G.I.N.; Ann MeHaffy, Historic Baker City, Inc.; Andrew Bryan, Baker County Development Corporation; Debi Bainter, Baker County Chamber of Commerce; Jake Jacobs, Small Business Development Center; and Linda Noble, Oregon Employment Department.

Wherever you are, there are resources like these and more! Working together we will get through!

Keep looking forward.

PS There are not many towns where you can visit the local wine bar to meet the reporter who wrote about you in the local paper…where he was the entertainment! Ed Merriman with the Baker City Herald is not only a talented reporter but also musician. Thanks, Ed for all your efforts on our behalf. Ed’s stories stories here and here.

If you ever get to Baker City, the first Friday is the Gallery Crawl. This is a VERY fun way to spend the evening. The Geiser Grand Hotel is a must visit for the restaurant or lodging. Start your day at Mad Matilda’s for coffee and the Earth & Vine for a night cap.

Pursue your Dream and Stimulate the Economy

I had the pleasure of meeting Nell Merlino, founder of Make Mine a Million $ Business® a few weeks ago at a WIFS (Women in Insurance & Financial Services) event in Portland.

Her presentation inspired and reminded me that women (and men) with vision contribute to us all.

First and foremost in sharing their vision, we are inspired to dream along too.  Along with inspiring us they show us how to take action but modeling their own process.

Nell’s inspiration:

1.  There is good news in the world. Small businesses are growing and hiring.  (I know I am investing in sub-contractors and service providers myself to get my websites up to date and implement systems to keep in touch.)

2.  50% of the women in business earn $50k or less annually. I knew this but had forgotten the impact.  Her challenge to the audience:

• If you are making less than you desire, what are you settling for?
• What line are you standing in waiting for permission?
• Do you really want to grow your business?  Really?
• What is missing?  What do you need?

3.  You may have an idea. You may want to be (or already are) in business.  You would love to do more of what you are REALLY good at.  Now is the time to figure out what you want and see your life as part of the bigger picture.

4.  You may think growing your business bigger means more work. This misperception keeps most women’s business small.  The truth is bigger business with the right team means less work for you.  Think about what you REALLY want.  You are the Queen of your Business and Life.

Alice Tang, founder of the local chapter of WIFS, leader and visionary herself, reminded us at the event close the Chinese words for crisis are danger and opportunity.  This accurately describes the current era.  Will you withdraw from danger or embrace opportunity?  Your choice.

Side note about WIFS-Portland - Alice Tang and her leadership team have done an excellent job of creating a culture of strategic partnerships and collaboration.  If you are in a business that serves the financial services industry or in the industry itself, you should check it out!  www.wifsportlandmetro.com