Browse published articles attributed to Jaynine Howard, with full-archive search.
Miss Savanna is my very friendly blue pit-bull. She normally lies on the floor beside my desk or she can be found looking out the window. Miss Savanna delights in occasionally chasing a cat. But, she also lets those same cats rub up against her and occasionally snuggle up with her on her bed.
Are you like a butterfly? Starting one task and then before it is completed you are flying off to start another task? Is your mind buzzing with new ideas and projects? Yet, you have a pile of unfinished projects? We all the love the feeling we get when we get a new idea or inspiration. However, when was the last time you felt satisfaction in bringing a project to fruition? My five tips below will provide you the feeling of satisfaction of bringing a project to fruition. 1. Know Yourself. What time of day do you perform at your best? Are you a morning person? Are you a night owl?
Time to Bury the Fax Machine and Ditch Your Fax Number Do you still spend money on a monthly fax service? Do you still own a fax machine? When was the last time you sent a fax? When was the last time you received a fax? I admit I was still paying $9.99 a month for my fax service until recently. Throughout the years, I have sporadically sent faxes. In 2015, I sent maybe four faxes. I don't recall receiving any. If you are still paying for a fax service I suggest you look at the alte atives. I ditched my fax costs and I suggest you do too. Free Fax Services from computerr
Branding your business is a necessary step in growing your business. Business owners need to take an occasional look at how or what they and their employees are wearing. Branding is also how you carry yourself, your presence. My five tips for branding your business with your personal appearance and presence will help you grow your business as you present the image that attracts customers that will buy from you.
Fear and anxiety can sabotage you when you least expect it. You may not even realize that fear and anxiety are holding you back. You think you want something but then you don’t pursue it. You find yourself making excuses on why you are not finishing the task or project. We can sit all day long at our computers and tweak a website, sales copy, or proposal for a client but never actually complete the task. We say we are not finished with it because it is not perfect. We make excuses on why it isn’t finished.
Retreat! Does the word remind you of an old black and white movie where the bad guys wearing black hats turn their horses around and retreats from battle? As a business owner the word “retreat” does not mean backing down from a fight or running away from a battle. When business owners hear the word “retreat” they should envision relaxing and getting away from their business. Then they can focus on building their business and taking it to the next level. Seven Reasons for Business Owners to Retreat:
Alumni football games and the winter holidays are fast approaching and many people are traveling home to visit with classmates, family and friends in the next few months. If you are job hunting, these people are a source of referrals for job leads. You will want to have a contact card ready to share. This is not the time to write your information down on a scrap of paper and hope it is saved. A contact card is very similar to a business card. It shows you are a professional and are serious about promoting yourself. Listed below are the key elements you will want to be sure is on your card.r
What do you do after you make a sale? Do you follow up with your clients or customers to ensure they received the product? Do you follow up to ensure they were satisfied? How do you know he or she is a happy consumer? Business Owners – you must follow up. Following up is part of your customer service strategy.
Delegating tasks are one thing many business owners just don't do. Some people may say that business owners do not delegate because they are stubborn and want to do everything themselves. As a business coach, the excuses I have heard are "I don't have the money." Or "it takes longer to train someone tha I can do it myself." These are excuses. Business owners do not delegate takes because they do not realize the benefits to the business. When business owners begin to build their teams with virtual assistants, part-time employees or 1099 contractors they will see their business grow.
When Did You Stop Singing? It is time to open your mouth and be heard. There are three types of people singing at church. There are those that open the hymnal and move their lips, but no noise comes out of their mouth. There are those that sing beautifully and those that can’t carry a tune but belt out the tune at the top of their lungs. Which one are you? If you are the person that moves their lips but doesn’t sing reflect back and think about when did you stop singing and why? Did you stop singing because someone told you that you couldn’t carry a tune?
How do you become a successful business owner? You must become the master of your craft. This means you learn to outsource the things that someone else can do better or faster than you so you can focus on what you enjoy doing. This just makes good business sense.
As a Christian business owner do you have people constantly expecting you to give away your services for free? Do people give you a sob story about why they can’t pay and expect you to give them a break? Do they call you a passive aggressive Christian hypocrite if you send out a late payment reminder? It can be hard balancing wanting to help people and not giving away your services for free. Remember, as a business owner you are in business to make a profit. You must protect your personal and business credit score.
Business owners, wives, and moms often find themselves short on time and energy. They are busy juggling a myriad of tasks. Remember, it only takes someone 15 seconds to sum you up and form an opinion. Whether right or wrong that is what happens. No one likes to be around a whiney person or someone who looks a mess. In order to reclaim YOU so you stop sabotaging your efforts- you must adopt the three L's:
Do you ever notice that sometimes your employees behave like children? Have you ever taken the time to get to know your employees? Which ones are first born, middle children, and babies of the family? Was our employee raised by two parents, one parent, or grandparents? Research has shown that we do bring our family life to work with us. The roles we had in our family when growing up follow us to our jobs. Yes, even you as the boss bring your childhood family role to the workplace. Five Common Family Roles that Come to Work:
As a small business owner and business coach I am always on the lookout for unique ways to stand out from the crowd and be remembered. Earlier in the year, I recommended three resources that allowed the user to put their hand written signature in their emails, on their website, or other marketing materials. We all have seen them and they look unique and professional. It also shows off the person’s unique personality. It appeals to the reader.
Well, I finally did it. A few months ago I upgraded my cell phone and finally got with the times. I fought upgrading my phone due to the cost of a new phone. I waited until my contract needed renewing so I could get a discount. As we celebrate Independence Day and think about the Declaration of Independence which gives us the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I realize my 4G Galaxy cell phone ensures every day is Independence Day. I have been liberated from having to carry my laptop, Ereader, Flip, camera, GPS and visiting the bank to make a deposit.
We all hit that brick wall at times where we are no longer jumping out of bed each morning excited to start our day. When you find yourself lying in bed dreading to get up and start your day you know it is time to do some self-reflection and find out what is zapping your energy. Retreat from Your Business and Self Reflectr
Our Declaration of Independence gives us the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. My cell phone ensures every day is Independence Day. I have been liberated from having to carry my laptop, Ereader, camera, and a GPS. I don’t have to visit the bank to make a deposit. I am able to leave the client files home. I pursue happiness without so many gadgets. Fewer gadgets equal less stress. Some of my favorite free apps that ensure everyday is Independence Day so that I can continue my pursuit of happiness are below.
I’ve noticed lots of buzz around ADA Compliant websites, have you? Technological advances make using a computer and working, browsing, and shopping online assessable to everyone regardless of their disability. You do not want to risk losing a customer because he or she cannot navigate or view your website. You also do not want to risk getting a hefty fine for not being ADA compliant. Below you will find exerts from various articles I’ve read to help you understand this new topic circulating. New legal landscape is taking shape
Is procrastination holding you back from turning your dreams into reality? I often hear people tell me what they want to do. However, rarely do I see them do anything to make that dream a reality. What I do see is that person’s idea for a business now belongs to someone else. When you snooze, you lose. If you have a great idea for a product or business, I encourage you to stop procrastinating and take action.
Seasonal Affective Disorder combined with small business owners’ slow time of the year is a deadly cocktail. Most regions in the United States just turned their clock back one hour. However, many of you are still leaving for work in the dark and getting home when it is dark. You work all day inside an office with artificial light and sometimes artificial people. When you get home you are exhausted and don’t want to work on your business. Does this sound familiar? It may also be your slow season, which gives you no perceived reason to turn on your computer.
Do you live a neat and orderly life? Do you function better in chaos? Some people will say they work better when surrounded by piles of papers or stacks of books. But do they really? I don’t think so. Mess breeds stress. Have you recently had to pay late fees because you forgot to pay a bill on time? Have you shown up late for an appointment because you could not find your keys or had to stop and find a belt, shoe or sock? Lack of organization and office procedures is detrimental to the small business owner, businessman and businesswoman, parent and student.
It was my pleasure to have Bill Rasmussen, the founder of ESPN as guest on The Coach is in. The topic came up regarding how to find a support system if your environment does not contain a group of people who supports your ideas. Bill’s response was “We have the freedom within us to be the first person in our support group or support system.” Wow, that is so very true. But at times it is easier said than done. My five tips below will help you when you are having one of those days. Coach Jaynine’s Five Tips to Motivate YOU!
Investing your marketing dollars in operating a booth at a Business Expo or Trade Show can be expensive. It is not something you do on a whim. You must have a strategy to stand out from the crowd. My three tips below will help you brand your business while at your next trade show or business expo.
As a small business proprietor there are times where I need to call on my higher power. While out running the other morning the song by Carrie Underwood – Jesus Take the Wheel played twice in a row. It played at a time I was brainstorming about my upcoming business meeting. It made realize I just needed to stop worrying and let Jesus take the wheel. The song title has become my new mantra.
As small business owner do you allow your employees to date each other? Have you ever stopped to consider the pitfalls or legal issues that can arise by allowing an office romance? What guidelines you should have in place? Today many people are working longer hours while building their careers. I often hear there is not time to get out and meet people. Statistics show that a large percent of people do date their coworkers. However, let’s discuss the pitfall of the office romance from the view of the employer or business owner. Pitfalls/Liability to the Business Ownerr
As a business owner, I have had a presence on Facebook and other social networking sites for almost three years. Social media is a great way to market your business. But, it is also a great way to network with other business owners. In the past two years, I have been asked to speak to various Mompreneur Groups, College Student Groups, Chamber of Commerce events and Women Business Owner Groups. I have been also been the guest on various online radio shows discussing my ebooks and teaching my ecourses.
As a small business owner you must protect your brand. Everything you say, do or send affects your brand image. Then, there are the unspoken things that contribute to your brand image. Your interior furnishings can make or break your brand too. My five tips will help you strengthen your brand by taking an honest look at your interior décor. My five tips for branding your business with your interior décor.
Seasonal Affective Disorder combined with small business owners’ slow time of the year is a deadly cocktail. Most regions in the United States just turned their clock back one hour. However, many of you are still leaving for work in the dark and getting home when it is dark. You work all day inside an office with artificial light and sometimes artificial people. When you get home you are exhausted and don’t want to work on your business. Does this sound familiar? It may also be your slow season, which gives you no perceived reason to turn on your computer.
Small business owners must choose their words carefully when describing what they do. The consumer or customer associates a skill level and product value when he or she hears certain words. Words enable the listener or reader to draw a picture in his or her mind based on his or her life experiences. When a small business owner is developing his presence online or offline through social media, marketing, or public appearances the word he or she uses to describe his or her profession will result in his or her earning potential.
Living a fruitful life requires you deal with the pits at one time or another. Life isn't easy. No one ever said it was. However, we often get stuck and fall into a stooper that can lead to clinical depression if left unchecked. What stops you from leading a fruitful life? Is it the hard work that is needed to see results? Is it the economic expense or the investment of your time?
I see people soliciting requests on Facebook for interns for the summer. One business announced they had openings for 24 interns. Really – your business truly needs 24 interns? How is it possibly running now without those billets filled? Do you have staff who can realistically manage 24 interns? Let's talk about an internship. What They Are Notr
Corporate Social Responsibility is defined as “the obligation of organizations to take an active part in improving society” (Muchinsky & Culbertson, 2016, p. 268). You are probably familiar with Tom shoes and that when you buy a pair of Toms they donate a brand new pair to someone in need. As their company has grown and offered other products to the consumer so has their giving program. In addition to shoes, they now donate eyewear, exams, and surgeries as well as fresh water where needed. What does your business do to help others in need?
February 20-26 is Build a Better Trade Show Image Week. This is a week for small business owners and corporate marketing professionals to get ready for business expos and tradeshows. Trade shows and business expos are a great way to get your business seen. However, if you do no prepare you run the risk of compromising your brand.
Time management is one of those terms that often makes people cringe. No one wants to be held accountable for how they spent their waking hours. However, when you don’t practice time management you often can’t account for what you did throughout the day. As a business owner how do judge a busy day from a not so busy day? Do you rely just on the revenue brought in each day? As a small business owner there a few ways you pay your employees and the way you supervise or manage their time is different for each one.
Have you ever received an email that you couldn’t read? I mean you really couldn’t understand what the person was trying to say? Or did you receive an email but did not open it because the senders name was offensive and you know that no one you know would have an email address that sounded like they were the next up and coming porn star? It is that time of year again when high school and college graduates will be updating their resumes and emailing them to hiring managers. My tips below will ensure that your resume does not get deleted before it is even opened. Five Tips for Email Success
Do you have a strategy for generating leads? You do realize that without leads you will not have new customers. Attracting and generating leads is a necessary component in growing your business. The lead attraction process is not overly complicated. In order to generate leads for your small business you must have a lead attraction strategy. There are five primary steps needed when designing your lead attraction strategy.
The holiday season is not always joyful for those who have lost a loved one. However, military widows can enjoy the holiday season by using my 5 tips below: 1. Reminisce. Nowhere is it said that you must forget your spouse. Quite the opposite is true. You need to acknowledge your feelings. ...
October 10-16 is Build Your Business with Business Cards Week. Business cards are one the most inexpensive ways to promote your business. But, if you go cheap it can also hurt your business. Let’s take this time to review what is on your business card and the quality of the card. Go ahead pull out your business card and let’s take a look at it. My seven tips below will help you maximize your business card so you get the biggest bang for your buck and present you and your business in a positive manner. Seven Tips to Building Your Business with Your Business Card
Location based marketing is a great resource for small business owners. It allows you to reward your loyal customers with prizes, free products, or discounts. It also puts your business on the map. Yes, on the map. When your loyal customers checks in to your business your business will shop up on a map on Facebook. This is great for you the small business owner. People can find your business. But, how does the customer retain or protect his or her privacy and remain safe from unscrupulous people?
I recently had a conversation with several business owners on the purpose of a networking event. We all know that networking events have several purposes. But we came to the conclusion that many people attend networking events with the intent to snatch and grab free information from the other attendees.
Successful business owners make time to attend conferences, tradeshows and retreats. New business owners will often hesitate to spend money on these events saying they cannot afford to attend. As a business coach, I will ask “How can you afford not to?” These events are key to your success.
As a business owner you know you must be seen to attract clients or customers. This does not mean you must have a billboard, balloons hanging on your store front or a person out front of your business holding a sign. There are many no cost and low cost things you can do to increase your visibility. My seven avenues below will help you increase your visibility and drive traffic to your website or squeeze page. Seven Ways to Increase Your Visibility
In this article I identify three more Snatchers and Grabbers that must be stopped.
When you hear the word passion what image comes to mind - steamy romance, love, and candle lit dinners or hand holding? How do YOU define passion? When I think of passio I don’t think of the romance between two people. I think of the romance I have with my life. I wake up each day secure in knowing that I am living life on my terms; doing the things that I am passionate about – living life on my terms. Are you?
Snatchers and Grabbers are the people we meet that pretend they want to do business with us. You must identify who they are and how they operate in order to not give away your intellectual property, services, or products for free. I’ve enjoyed your feedback for my article Stop the Snatchers and Grabbers and for my free ecourse, Stop the Snatchers and Grabbers. The purpose of the free ecourse was to help you design your system so that you stop giving away products and services for free. Below are three more types of Snatchers and Grabbers. Stop these Three Snatchers and Grabbers:
The definition of a Kept Woman has several meanings. Throughout history a Kept Woman has referred to a mistress, housewife or woman who was dependent upon a man for all her financial support. As we fast forward to the year 2011 the definition has not changed greatly.
The holiday season is upon you. This can be a challenging time if you are single. Invitations to parties are flooding your mailbox. Various television channels seem to devote their entire lineup with movies depicting Santa bringing single women their true love. Jewelry stores are airing commercials showing husbands buying wives big shiny objects. Food companies are playing mind games too by showing how much fun it is to bake cookies with children and create enormous feasts for family and friends.
Business owners are in the business to make a profit. As a business owner you must know how much it costs to produce your product or services. This cost includes your time, administrative costs, utilities, marketing and several other items. New business owners often forget to add the hidden time zappers into their fee or price structure. They are also often accosted by others who want them to lower their price or fee. Seasoned business owners may forget to add the cost of inflation into their fees or prices.
Did you know that rules for paying overtime have changed? They changed on May 1st, 2016.