What are some affordable ways to promote your home business?

Promoting your business should always be part of your business plan when you start your home business. Effective promotions go a long way to mapping out your success.

What will make you stand apart from your competition?

Promoting your business does not have to be costly, there are several affordable ways to do this.

Attach a business card or flyer to every piece of paper that you send out, even bill payments. When you send out emails have a business card style signature. Email interesting articles relating to your business to all your contacts and ask them to share with their contacts, do the same for them. It shows you took an interest.

Do you or your children belong to any sports, music, and dance groups? This is a perfect time to present your business while waiting for the children’s lessons to be over. Use the buddy system where you partner with someone else in a home business and when they send out their flyers/brochures, have them include yours and you do the same for them. This will give you more visibility.

If you use the internet, there are many free advertising sites where you can promote your business and post information and specials daily if you wish.

Do small inexpensive giveaways as a way of keeping your name in front of your potential client.

Have you ever thought of doing a presentation at a community centre or another inexpensive location and inviting everyone you know to attend? You could do a joint presentation with another person in the same or complementary business as you and promote the details well in advance and send out reminders, right up to the day of the event.

Posting your business on your vehicle can drive more business your way.

Join networking groups, often people in networking groups help and refer each other and many have a policy where only one person from each profession or business can join. Many of them are free or very inexpensive to join or attend.

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How To Manage The Stresses of Working In Business

Stress and anxiety are very common when you work in business. As a result, here is a list of techniques that a business person can use to help manage their daily stresses and anxieties.

Sometimes, we get stressed when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

When facing a current or upcoming task at your job that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one at a time. Completing these smaller tasks will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example, you are afraid that if you do not get that job promotion then you will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you, however your thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of jobs available and just because you don’t get this job promotion doesn’t mean that you will never get one.

Remember that no one can predict the future with one hundred percent certainty. Even if the thing that you feared does happen there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to your advantage. For instance, you are at your place of work and you miss the deadline for a project you have been working on for the last few months. Everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your boss comes to your office and tells you that the deadline is extended and that he forgot to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes everything.

In dealing with your anxieties at your  job, learn to take it one day at a time. While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that cannot be anticipated and can affect the results of any situation. Get all of the facts of the situation and use them to your advantage.  The more control you have over your stresses and anxieties, the better off you will be in the long run.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem.  By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Managing your fears and anxieties takes practice.  The more you practice, the better you will become.

Biography:

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com.

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Managing The Anxieties Of Making Business Decisions

It can be stressful when you have to make important decisions regarding your business and career. We all want to make the right decisions and this can create a lot of anxiety. As a result, here are some suggestions on how to manage the stresses of making the right decisions.

First, get all of the facts and necessary information to make the right decision. Find out the necessary facts of the situation and study all relevant information. This is important because you do not want to miss critical information that could make a difference in your decision.

Think about what you want and consider the possible outcomes of your decision. Each decision will lead to new opportunities. Consider the possible opportunities and go from there. Spend some time just thinking about what is it that you want.

Get advice from your friends. It is important to consider other viewpoints other than your own. Ask your friends and relatives on what they think that you should do. These people know you and they can give you additional insights that you may be overlooking.

Take a deep breath to help relax in making your decisions. If you still feel stressed, then get some fresh air or do something fun to help relax. You will feel better and gain a fresh perspective on your current situation. This will make it easier to make the right decision.

Remember that you make decisions all the time. It would not be the end of the world if you made the wrong decision. You can always re-evaluate your situation and do something different. Do not put a lot of pressure on just one decision. You will have other opportunities to correct the situation.

Remember that making a business decision is not a life or death situation. If you make the wrong decision then the next step is to learn from your mistakes and go from there. Learn what you did right and learn what you did wrong. The key is not get so worked up that you do not know what to do. Be patient and eventually you will be able to make the right business decision. Do not let your fears get the best of you.

The decision making process does not have to be stressful. Consider all of the facts and your interest when making a decision. This should help reduce your anxieties in making those important choices.

BIOGRAPHY:

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

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Home-schooling children does not mean you alone must teach

Q: I have been homeschooling my children and now I want to start a business from home but I am not sure I will have time to do both, any ideas?

A: There are many different ways to educate children at home (as opposed to sending them to school) which will also give you the time to work on building your business.

First of all, plan lessons ahead of time. Once the lessons are planned the children can follow them on their own if you are busy, or with another adult to supervise (like grandma or an older sibling).

Secondly, take advantage of other home-school families. There are wonderful opportunities to join in with other homeschooling families for drop ins, classes and field trips. Take turns chaperoning events so that you have some time without teaching and so do they!

Lastly, take advantage of community organizations that will supplement your children’s education as well as offer them a chance to learn from others. Nature camps, community centre classes, music lessons, sports teams and youth organizations like Scouting and Guiding.

Just because you are homeschooling your children does not mean that you alone must do the teaching!

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ROSE: Rally on Self Empowerment

ROSE Rally On Self EmpowermentReclaim Your Power ~ Awaken the Senses ~ Move Past the Pain

FRIDAY JUNE 22ND, 2012
BEST WESTERN ROYAL BROCK HOTEL &
CONFERENCE CENTRE, 716 GORDON ST., GUELPH ON
519-837-0507 TO GET YOUR TICKETS!
EARLY BIRD $100 ~ REGULAR $125 ~ (+HST)

A Power Packed Day for Women!

What others are saying . . . 

“Your dynamic energy electrified the room. I was not the only one moved by your empowering walk, and your empowering talk.” Dawn Waffle, Bancroft, ON

“Darlene’s passion, warmth and sincerity are a natural bridge that connects her with her listeners.”  Rev. Dorothy Blandford, White Rock, B.C.

Participants at this event will receive the tools necessary to transform their life to be their best, and do their best. After a day at ROSE  you’ll be able to use your true power to create a balanced mind, body, and spirit.

Darlene DeStefano

Darlene DeStefano

Dr. Darlene DeStefano, Ph.D. in Pastoral Counselling Psychology, is an energizing, engaging and highly charged motivational speaker. She is a renowned intuitive who uses her powerful gift to help others to heal, move forward in life and become empowered. Darlene speaks from the heart to encourage and motivate her listeners to rise to the challenge to be their best, and do their best! Darlene has been a keynote speaker and facilitator at hundreds of seminars, workshops and conferences. She has the unique ability to make a profound and positive impact on the lives of others.

Purchase tickets visit here. Be sure to mention that you found out about this event on Powerful Women Magazine’s website.

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Simply Brilliant Marketing

A great opportunity came across my desk the other day and I thought you’d like to hear about it.

This really is Simply Brilliant!

A friend of mine, Carol Glover from FireHorse Consulting has created a “clear up the confusion about marketing” course called Simply Brilliant Marketing . . . it’s a 6-week intensive course designed to get you on track and in action FAST. . . and speaking of fast – it starts May 17th!

If you’re ready to make more money and keep more of it in your OWN pocket, I think this course could be for you.

If you are interested, read the Simply Brilliant Flyer and contact her with any questions – or click here to sign up.

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Connecting Women, Inspiring Futures – The 2012 International Women’s Day

The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre hosted an evening of learning and exploring
advances in the field of Augmented Reality in Interactive Digital Display.

Helen Papagiannis, keynote speaker, Womens event at Quarry Integrated Communications Headquarters in St. JacobsSt. Jacobs: On March 8th, 2012 from 5:30pm – 9:00pm at Quarry Integrated Communications Headquarters in St. Jacobs, the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre celebrated International Women’s Day 2012 with an evening of “Connecting Women, Inspiring Futures.” Sponsored by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, Ontario MEDI and local partnership with Quarry Integrated Communications, UW REAP Felt Lab and Mad Hatter and featuring keynote speaker Helen Papagiannis.

Womens event at Quarry Integrated Communications Headquarters in St. JacobsHelen is a PhD candidate in the field of Communications and Culture at York University, specializing in Augmented Reality, technology in practice. The event started with appetizers and refreshments, a tour of Felt Lab, our keynote speaker – Helen Papagiannis and closed with socializing, idea sharing and discussions.

Augmented Reality (AR) is phenomenal and it’s no longer coming; it’s here. Helen Papagiannis, renounced AR expert demonstrates this emerging technology having the ability change the way we see and interact with the real world. AR was once considered the realm of computer science, in recent years it has begun to expand into visual and interactive arts, cinema, and entertainment; we’ve also seen an explosion in marketing and advertising. This opens doors to women in technology seeking careers and
business opportunities.

Chris Farrell, Manager of Waterloo Region Small Business Centre says “The answer resides in getting this technology into the hands of creative individuals who collaborate, play and make ideas a reality. This evening has provided a tremendous opportunity for women in technology, artists and techies who are seeking careers and business opportunities.”

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12th Annual “Spotlight on Small Business”

Kitchener, Ontario – February 29th, 2012 – The Waterloo Regional Small Business Centre presents its 12th annual “Spotlight on Small Business” Bridges to Better Business event on Tuesday March 6th, 2012 from 2pm – 7pm at The Tannery in Kitchener.

This event features opportunities for small business owners to learn how to engage their consumers with their brand using online tools and effective writing techniques.

The day will begin with a one hour workshop “Engagement Marketing” where participants will learn a marketing strategy that engages the consumer to develop a relationship with your brand. The second hour will be “Writing Great Content: E-Newsletters”, focusing on how to write content that will increase readership and create demand. Enjoy a light dinner and networking before celebrating the Entrepreneur Awards. Finish the evening with a “fire-side” chat featuring three start-up companies who will share their tips and experience, moderated by Daiene Vernile.

Learn from experienced entrepreneurs; Natalie MacNeil, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, She Takes on the World Inc. is an Emmy award-winning media producer and leader in the entrepreneur world, Michael Litt, Founder of Vidyard, a small KW start-up company that has quickly grown and attracted investors such as YouTube and Michelle Romanow Founder of buytopia.ca, an online company that provides users with limited offers at exclusive prices.

Interested in registering go to www.waterlooregionsmallbusiness.com or call 519-741-2604.

The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre encourages and contributes to the enterprising spirit and economic development of the Waterloo Region by assisting entrepreneurs with the development of their new or existing businesses.

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Risking huge financial loss

As a small business owner, understanding Health Benefits and Disability Protection for your home business can save you from financial disaster. You probably assume you have disability insurance covered under your partner’s company benefit plan. However, this is not so.


At this time, only your partner has disability insurance through his/her employer. You are covered for drugs, extended health coverage, and possibly dental coverage as long as your partner has the company benefit plan. Continue reading

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Why hire immigrants

Women in North America have come a long way to be where they are today. Our workplaces are legislated to provide equal opportunity. Our education and experience has meaning and provides opportunity to succeed and grow within our careers.

This is not necessarily so for women who emigrate here from other countries. Why? Because there are no universal standards for education, experience and skill levels.  Continue reading

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