Posted in Marketing for Janes, Success Tips for Jane, Trends Impacting Entrepreneurs 04.27.11 at 10:49 am by Michele DeKinder-Smith
by Star Ladin
We live in a world saturated with visual overload. In fact, studies have shown that each of us is exposed to an average of 3,000 advertisements daily from the different media we encounter. Yet often business owners who are experts in their respective fields are baffled when creating and implementing a brand. This feeling is not reserved just for new business owners, as even the savviest entrepreneurs also encounter brand confusion.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed when it comes to brand strategy and brand design, starting with the basics is a good place to clear away the confusion and shed some insight.
For this exercise, we are assuming that you have clarity on what your business does, the goods or services you provide to your audience and that there is a desire for what you do. What goes hand-in-hand with the process of business strategy is a brand identity that complements and makes your business shine in the most clear and favorable light.
You know the saying, “An image tells a thousand words.” A business logo is like that. It is the workhorse that champions your business and is one of the most important assets of your brand. This is why companies trademark, copyright and go to great lengths to protect these important assets of their company and their visual identity.
When you think of brands like Apple, Zappos, McDonald’s, Starbucks or the 76 gasoline station, you can immediately visualize their branding. These successful brands are all a representation of the business they do coupled with a great visual identity. Because of their brand clarity and design, they are consistently top of mind for their target audiences and beyond.
A well-designed logo harnesses the power of how our brains work. When an image is consistently partnered with a company, product or service, they are more firmly established in our memories and even become very top of mind.
Everyone who is a business owner should secure this valuable bit of real estate. A logo is one of the first impressions people have with your brand, and it carries within it the visual spirit of your brand. It is an indispensable part of your business identity package.
Coupling your logo with a tag line that expresses and gives meaning to work you do further strengthens your message and the clarity of your offering.
Beyond the Logo
Here are a few other important parts of your brand that in combination with your logo create your Brand DNA. This sets down the rules of the who, what, where, when and how your visual image is meant to be used.
Brand Name: A lot of businesses include multiple brands within their structure. It is a good idea to separate the brand identity of each. For example, Johnson & Johnson has many brands in its business, ranging from home and healthcare to medical supplies and diagnostic equipment. Each of these, including Tylenol, Splenda, BandAid and many more, has a unique logo, as well as variations for different situations in which the brand name is used.
Tagline: Know when and how to use this statement in different scenarios
Consistency: As important as brand identity is, a logo can’t do all of the work alone. To get the most out of your brand, here are sage words from Guy Kawasaki, former Apple evangelist and Entrepreneur magazine columnist, which will propel you faster to success: “Be steady as you go and what you say you must deliver. If you do this then you are already headed in the right direction. A recognizable logo is more an outcome of a success rather than the cause of the success.”
Choice of fonts: This is aside from the logo. Your Brand DNA should include guidelines for not only the size and style of your fonts, but also for all communications, e-mail, documents, etc., and for how and when to use these fonts so all people who might be using your brand images are well informed of your standards.
Images: This is the application of how the design illustration, photos, resolution or quality are to be used in your brand and when these images are used.
Personality: If your brand were a person, how would you describe its personality? Happy, fun-loving, respectful, controlled, serious, conservative, dry or eccentric? When it comes to image, it takes only one swift flash of that image to communicate volumes — just as when we make a split judgment about people when we see what they are wearing. It is the same for the brand image and tone or feel of the personality portrayed. Be sure to align the personality of your business with yourself and the products or services you provide.
Brand Voice: An important part of Brand DNA is to be sure that your brand is expressed in the voice that it is meant to be.
Brand Champion: As a business owner you may wear many hats including CEO, marketer, trash collector and secretary. Being the Brand Champion is your main role in your business — after all, you should be the most passionate fan of your business. Being a champion is important these days because people are watching you. The above elements are all part of being consistent with your brand and being the champion for it.
Better design always makes more money. Look at a well-designed home — it always sells faster. In the car trade, an automobile that is beautifully designed and engineered demands respect and more money. Look around and ask yourself if this is true for you. By developing a brand identity that matches your business, you will gain exposure, memorability, clarity and great success.
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Posted in A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur, Fun stuff, Jane Dough, Jane Thoughts, Meet a Jane, Success Tips for Jane, Which Jane Are You? 04.26.11 at 1:30 am by Michele DeKinder-Smith
Alma Steger is the owner of Alma & Co. – a jewelry company that offers affordable boutique style fashion jewelry through in home parties. When asked why she started her business, Alma shares: “My husband and I wanted to start a family and I wanted the freedom to be there for our future children. I wanted to build a career and still be able to volunteer – I wanted it all! I knew that working a 9-to-5 job wasn’t going to cut it anymore. I became obsessed with creating a home-based career that I could share with other women who also wanted to achieve their dreams of having a balanced family life, while keeping their professional identity and being able to contribute economically to their household.”
Alma continues: “When I was growing up my mom was part of a nationwide direct-selling company. I remember going with her to some of their conventions and how she would carry my siblings around as she delivered product and attended home parties. She was able to raise her children and bring additional income to our home. So, it hit me: I’d like a modern opportunity with all the traditional benefits of the direct sales industry combined with the technology of today. No reinventing the wheel but instead building a better tire.”
Alma reflects on how and why she chose jewelry: “I brainstormed about the right product and almost immediately jewelry came to mind. Jewelry is an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe – we just love jewelry! It’s a wonderful expression of personal style and it gives a woman the opportunity to be creative just by accessorizing an outfit. On the business side, it’s somewhat ‘consumable’ so it encourages repeat business. It just made perfect sense!”
Alma’s favorite part about running her business involves helping others: “I love knowing I have a positive impact on people’s lives by giving them the ability to become entrepreneurs with our modern home-based business platform. I love the opportunity to create a legacy for our children and I really enjoy getting to know amazing women who are living life in their own terms by creating a balanced family life, giving back to a cause and making money along the way. Really, what’s not to love?”
After taking the free Which Jane Are You? assessment at www.JaneOutoftheBox.com, Alma discovered that she is a Jane Dough. Alma’s response spoke to how driven she is to succeed in her business: “I’m passionate about my vision for this business and the endless possibilities it offers women consumers as well as fellow entrepreneurs. I’m working really hard to create direct sales history with Alma & Co.”
We asked Alma about challenges she has faced in her business. Alma shared a response about growth and change as a business develops: “I was pregnant during the launching phase of the company (though I still consider our business in the launching phase, since we’re expanding throughout the United States). That was definitely an interesting time, experiencing so many new things both in my personal and professional life.”
“I manage stress quite well but I’m a perfectionist and that brings some challenges too. Also, I’m very inquisitive so I tend to get distracted easily. To overcome that, I work on keeping my focus by reminding myself of the goals and sticking to the priorities.”
Alma has some sage advice to share with other Janes: “Listen to your customers and your team (if you have one). I want to know exactly what the customer’s experience is and I’m obsessed with improving it every day.”
“The same is true on the business side: partner-up. Even though I started this company on my own (with my dear husband’s support), I needed the right partners to make it grow. We’re still building our core team – people with the right talents, passion and drive. Surround yourself by big dreamers and positive people.”
Finally: “Stick with it. When I started my first company, someone told me ‘overnight success takes years.’ Starting a business requires a lot of hard work and patience. Don’t listen to the ones saying it won’t work. It will, as long as you keep focus in your goal, improving, and working smarter.”
You can learn more about Alma and her growing company by visiting http://www.myalmaco.com/.
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Posted in A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur, Fun stuff, Jane Thoughts, Marketing for Janes, Success Tips for Jane 04.21.11 at 8:55 am by Michele DeKinder-Smith
By Ali Craig
We all enjoy working and spending time with people who are authentic. By showing up as authentically, these individuals give us permission to be ourselves as well. But did you realize that one key to presenting yourself authentically is to take care to present an authentic personal style? When you put thought and purpose into how you dress, others will be better able to see who you really are. Personal style isn’t vanity – it’s a key element of our non-verbal communication.
Did you know that non-verbal communication comprises 93% of our communication? Only 7% is the words we choose – the rest comes down to the way we look, our body language, and our tone of voice.
Intentionally developing a personal style isn’t about wearing the latest fashion trends; it’s about reflecting who you truly are so that your message is communicated more clearly and authentically. No one should ever be a walking “fashion brand billboard,” but it’s easy to fall into that trap when you have no idea how to find your true style. The great news is, finding your true style isn’t as hard as you think. It is actually located in the DNA of your soul.
Your Soul StyleSM is actually your innate, unpolluted, sense of who you are and what you are called to do with your life. When you tap into your Soul Style,SM figuring out what to wear to reflect your authentic self isn’t hard or time consuming – it becomes fun!
There are actually four main Soul StylesSM but we are all our own unique combinations, expressed in our own unique manners. Just like with our DNA, no two Soul StyleSM are ever alike. It’s important to also realize that while this article is about using your Soul StyleSM to identify your personal style, your dress, your Soul StyleSM deals with all aspects of style, including: interior design, graphics, colors, arrangement, organization, anything that has an esthetic edge to it.
So how do you determine your Soul StyleSM? Here is a brief quiz. Keep track of your responses as you answer to discover your Soul StyleSM at the end of the quiz.
1. In an ideal world, where money, size, weather, and life were not a factor, what would you wear to go run errands?
a) The most awesome pair of jeans with high heels or a killer pair of boots, t shirt, fitted leather jacket, and bold accessories either through your one-of-a-kind jewelry and or a bold colored handbag.
b) Khaki pants or shorts, dollar store flip flops, and some t-shirt you have had for years.
c) A pair of classic pants with a button down shirt. Your only accessories are a skinny belt at your waist and your classic go to handbag that is still in pristine condition even though you have had it for years.
d) A ruffle filled skirt with a bright floral pattern on it, paired with a simple t-shirt and bright pink cardigan sweater. Accessories include an antique broach from your great-grandmothers and a handbag that could carry everything you, your family, and the people next to you could ever want.
2. What best describes your favorite colors/combination of colors:
a) Black, white, grey, navy- no bold patterns
b) Soft pastel and bright colors- floral patterns
c) Bold shades of colors like red, purple, black- all combined to create striking color combinations. Loves pattern too!
d) Neutral colors in various shades of brown or muted colors found in the forest. Doesn’t care about patterns or colors too much.
3. In an ideal world, where money, size, weather, and life were not a factor, what would you wear everyday to go to your IDEAL job:
a) The cleanest item I own which is most likely a pair of pants that are still in “ok” condition and a polo shirt.
b) A classic business skirt suit in navy with a white silk shirt, low kitten heel pumps, and a string of pearls.
c) A long flowing skirt with a watercolor pattern with a ruffled blouse and a charm bracelet that you have had since high school.
d) A sleek black European cut suit with edgy metal detailing. Perfectly accessorized with bold jewelry and the tallest pair of heels that you have ever seen.
4. When it comes to accessories (handbags, shoes, jewelry) you like:
a) Classic simple and tailored pieces that look like they are of the finest quality. Like a great pearl necklace.
b) Bold, unique, one-of-a kind pieces that no one else would dare to wear.
c) Accessories…? Yeah, I don’t do accessories.
d) Vintage looking pieces or items that I have been given from my family and friends. Whatever I wear has meaning to me and brings me happiness by wearing it.
5. When you get dressed you want your look to:
a) Make a statement.
b) Reflect your no-nonsense side.
c) Make people feel open and comfortable around you.
d) Fully cover you. Getting dressed is something that just must be done.
Now that you have taken the quiz, let’s score it:
Question #1: A=Dynamic, B=Natural, C=Traditional, D=Compassionate
Question #2: A=Traditional, B=Compassionate, C=Dynamic, D=Natural
Question #3: A=Natural, B=Traditional, C=Compassionate, D= Dynamic
Question #4: A=Traditional, B=Dynamic, C=Natural, D=Compassionate
Question #5: A= Dynamic, B=Traditional, C= Compassionate, D=Natural
You may be a purist who answered all the questions similarly, or you may have a few answers in several categories. No matter how you scored, you are completely unique in the way you would ideally express yourself. Below is a brief summary of each of the pure versions of the Soul StyleSM personality traits:
Dynamic
One-of-a-Kind
Bold color, High contrast
Creative Combinations
Makes a Statement
Memorable Look
Trend Maker
Fashionista
Unique and Original
Natural
Minimalist in Fashion
Colors of Nature; Browns, Greens, etc
Not Necessarily Concerned about Style
Function, Function, Function
Natural Fibers
Simple
Uncomplicated Style
Relaxed Fit, Relaxed Style
Traditional
Classic Lines
Quality, Quality, Quality
Timeless Style
Colors: Black, Navy, White, Grey
Sophisticated
Attention to Detail
Structure
Lasts Forever
Compassionate
Feminine Details; flowers, ruffles etc
Soft and Bright Colors
Handbag: Lots of Storage to Carry Items for Others
Reminds Them of Their Loved Ones
Unintimidating
Practical
“Sweet” look
Now that you know more about your Soul StyleSM use it to shape what you wear. For extra help from me, come to See Jane Succeed: LIVE! where I’ll be sharing more information about how to shape your personal style so it reflects your authentic self. See you there!
Alison Hamner Craig is a noted author, speaker, consultant and coach who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Jobing.com and can be seen regularly on CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox affiliates around the country. For more information about Alison go to www.3impressions.com.
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Posted in A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur, Jane Dough, Jane Thoughts, Meet a Jane, Success Tips for Jane, Which Jane Are You? 04.19.11 at 1:30 am by Michele DeKinder-Smith
Misha Neidorfler is the owner (along with her husband, Jeff) of Morsels Bite-Sized Bakery + Espresso Bar in Traverse City, Michigan. Morsels is a full service coffee, tea and bite-sized baked goods store. The shop also offers breakfast and lunch items “to go”, catering, and they ship their goodies across the country via online ordering.
We asked Misha why she started her business: “There were several reasons why we started our business. The biggest reason was that I wanted to move our family closer to our extended family and my husband and I needed to do some kind of work when we got there! We talked about various ideas. The bakery allowed my husband and I to work together, which was one of our goals.”
“Secondly, the idea for a bite-sized bakery seemed too good not to try. It seems that we are always having these great ideas that we end up seeing two or three years later, and we didn’t want to let this one get away. The bite-sized bakery idea was the most fun to think about and ultimately came together in about an hour! We had the name, the concept, and the guts of the brand figured out. It was about a year from the time we had the initial idea to when the store was open (that included moving our entire household to another state). The bakery opened in April 2008.”
“Lastly, after being in the corporate world of architecture and design where layoffs were starting to become common, I wanted to be in charge of my family’s future. Owning my business has allowed me to live closer to my family, enjoy professional freedom, and bring an idea that I’m passionate about to fruition.”
When asked what the most rewarding part of running her business is Misha offered this insight: “I love the confidence I have found from owning my own business. I love being able to control all the aspects of the business and deciding what direction I want to take the company. I enjoy the creativity involved with coming up with new products, marketing ideas, procedures, and more. I also relish the flexibility that being the owner allows me with my family’s schedule.
After taking the free Which Jane Are You? assessment at www.JaneOutoftheBox.com, Misha discovered that she is a Jane Dough. Misha concurs: “I agree that I probably work more hours in the week than I should in order to have balance between my work and family lives. But, working so much doesn’t make me unhappy because I really love what I do. And I think it’s been beneficial in growing my business because I’m very committed to the time and attention it takes to be successful.”
“I think it is just how my personality works – I like to be busy, challenged, and have a to-do list. I don’t sit down much and I get antsy when I have to sit still for too long! In my family life, I see Jane Dough showing up much the way it does at the store. I keep everyone organized, plan out meals for the week, and plan our social and cultural family events.”
On the topic of business challenges, Misha had very useful information to share with us: “There are two things that jump to my mind when I think of challenges. The first is the balance of working IN the business vs. working ON the business. As a young company still working to establish our brand, it’s important for me to be in the store every day. I am the face of Morsels and our customers expect to interact with me or at least see that I’m in the store. At the same time, in order to grow the business, many other responsibilities take me away from the store, but are equally as important – the website, social media, marketing, special events, promotions, meetings, business and networking groups. I continue to find it challenging to find enough time away from the store each week to work ON the business.”
“To manage this I’ve worked out a schedule where I am not at the store one day during the business week. That gives me time to schedule meetings, make phone calls, and do paperwork that requires no interruptions. I am SO productive on those days! I also take Sundays off to be with my family and usually end up sneaking in a little work then too.”
“I also have formed a business support group that we call “Business Anonymous”. It is a group for business owners who have been entrepreneurs for 1-7 years. We meet once a month and also have a Facebook group where we discuss issues, successes, ideas and offer each other support.”
“The second challenge is one that I imagine many women business owners struggle with – the balance between managing the business and managing the family. Since my husband and I work together and parent together, we have to be sure to have great communication. We meet once a week to talk about upcoming events for the store, new flavors, finances, and more. It is easy to become overwhelmed when trying to meet everyone’s needs – the customers, staff, children, spouse – so I try to schedule in time for myself to do things that are good for my soul. I read every night, cook dinner, organize our house, keep a garden, and do projects with our children. Building in alone time is very important for my success on both fronts.”
Misha’s advice for other Janes? “Keep your mind on the positive. Take it one day at a time and don’t try to solve every problem today. Surround yourself with people who will help you and be your champion. Don’t think of problems as limitations, just as needing a different solution. Make time for yourself and your family and then let the business go from your mind so you can be present and enjoy the time off.”
You can learn more about Misha and her yummy business by visiting www.morselsbakery.com.
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Posted in A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur, Contests for Women Entrepreneurs, Events, Fun stuff, Jane Thoughts, Success Tips for Jane, Trends Impacting Entrepreneurs 04.14.11 at 8:45 am by Michele DeKinder-Smith
As you know, my team and I are working very hard on the details for See Jane Succeed: LIVE! which will take place in just over 4 weeks on May 13-14. In the spirit of giving (a theme that is very near and dear to me this year), we will be awarding scholarships for deserving women entrepreneurs in honor of the formation of our new non-profit organization — the Foundation for the Advancement of Female Entrepreneurs. If selected, your scholarship will include a complimentary Business Essentials ticket to See Jane Succeed: LIVE! on May 13th & 14th in Chicago, IL where you’ll get:
- Access to 12 amazing experts in critical aspects of business and entrepreneurial life
- Abundant networking opportunities, including our personalized recommendations for who you should connect with
- A customized agenda to make sure you get the most out of the experience
To apply for a scholarship simply send us an email to: info@janeoutofthebox.com and tell us WHY you absolutely need the ticket to come and HOW you will use the opportunity to propel you forward in your business or your life. Send us 200 words or less, please!
This scholarship opportunity ends on 4/22, so please act quickly! I’d love to see you in Chicago and personally work with you on your journey.
Michele
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Posted in Jane Thoughts, Success Tips for Jane 04.13.11 at 1:36 pm by Michele DeKinder-Smith
By Dr. Patty Ann Tublin
There are some key relationship tools you absolutely must know if you are going to have the fulfilling and balanced life you deserve – one where your profits skyrocket – where what feels like the “always fighting” with your partner stops and your intimacy grows strong and your interpersonal relationships thrive!
Whether you are making millions of dollars in your entrepreneurial business or struggling to make a profit, if you are in a relationship with a significant other you know what a difference it makes to the growth of your business if your partner is “on your side” or bucking your efforts every step of the way to build your business.
Maybe the arguing about your business takes the form of fighting about how much money you put into your business – or how much money you want to put in your business. Or perhaps your partner is constantly criticizing the amount of time and effort you put into your entrepreneurial efforts – without seeing any real results (translation: “you are not making any money”).
The list of issues couples fight about when there is a female entrepreneur business owner in the household is, in fact, endless. To say that all this fighting hurts the growth of your business and the happiness in your relationship is an understatement. It zaps precious time and energy out of your business and promotes resentment toward your partner.
So what’s a female entrepreneur to do with a business they love and a partner they love – BUT one who doesn’t support her entrepreneurial efforts? Read below for some easy and effective relationship tools to help you grow your business and your relationship all at the same time.
Commitment – Like everything else we do, it all begins with the commitment we bring to it. But before we can expect our partner to commit their support to our business, we must look at the level of commitment we bring to it. The commitment we have to our business is only as strong and as solid as the commitment we have to ourselves. That’s right. Are you committed to the belief and desire that you deserve to be successful in not just your business but in all endeavors you undertake? Or do you secretly sabotage yourself by not really believing in yourself, your dreams or your business?
Take a long hard look in the mirror and be certain that the image reflected back at you radiates a significant level of commitment to the belief in yourself and your business. Your partner will be able to commit to your business ONLY to the extent that you are capable of committing to your business –and yourself.
Boundaries – Create and maintain appropriate space boundaries. Many entrepreneurial women who work at home have not set up an appropriate work space within their home. Their home “office” has actually become their “office where their home is”. Work papers and projects-in-the-works are scattered throughout every room in the house; at times even the bathroom may act as a makeshift office! Create a space specifically designated for your work area inside your home and work only within the confines of this designated area.
Keeping this work space boundary sacrosanct, your partner will no longer feel as if your business has taken over not only the physical space of your home, but your emotional life as well.
Time Management – One of the wonderful characteristics about being an entrepreneur is the ability to determine the hours we work. One of the not-so-wonderful-characteristics about being an entrepreneur is the ability to determine the hours we work. No – you did not just read that wrong. Because we can determine our own work schedule – our time management ability often takes a hit. Many of us fall prey to the trap of “fitting in” our work between the kids, running errands, cleaning up, preparing meals, etc. This is a sure fire way to throw your business and your relationships into disarray – because truth be told, after all the other responsibilities are taken care of, chances are you end up working during the time you originally planned on spending with your significant other – or friends.
To avoid time mismanagement that steals precious hours away from the limited time you have for your relationship, set up a work schedule – and perform only work-related activities during those hours. Do not get suckered into taking that cell phone call from your friend, doing the laundry, driving the kids around town, etc. Work during the designated time you set aside for work – and then be with the people you enjoy and love outside work hours. Don’t worry about work when you are not working – it will still be there when you get back to it – I promise!
Using the relationship tools of looking at the level of commitment you bring to yourself and your business, creating appropriate work space within your home and scheduling (and honoring!) a specific time for work will get you well on your way to having a successful profitable business and happy interpersonal relationships.
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Posted in Jane Dough, Meet a Jane at 6:32 am by Michele DeKinder-Smith
Betty Hayden is the owner of Hayden Consulting. Betty works with dentists and chiropractors in the areas of practice management and marketing. Betty first considered starting her own business while working in a dental administrative position for several years and watching how much money doctors would throw away on ineffective consultants: “It was frustrating watching the staff in the dental office go right back to doing things the way they always had done them. I knew that I could make a lasting difference by teaching doctors and their team members how to develop effective systems for their business.” Betty has always believed that it is most effective for dentists and chiropractors or their management team to create systems to run the offices and then train staff to run the systems. Since dentists and chiropractors generally don’t thrive in this administrative management area, Betty provides a valuable service for her clients.
We asked Betty what the most rewarding part of running her business is and she told us that it’s a combination of being able to spend quality time with her loving husband and two small children and also helping dentists & chiropractors grow their businesses into a success: “After almost 20 years in the administrative support “trenches” I knew what worked and what didn’t. I had so many great practice management & marketing ideas and wanted to share them with other offices. Helping my clients create systems based on the administrative work I have done in office environments just like these allows me to do this.”
After taking the free Which Jane Are You? assessment at www.JaneOutoftheBox.com, Betty discovered that she is a Jane Dough. Betty feels that her vision for creating a business that focuses on process improvement in dental and chiropractic practices paired with her ability to systematically execute process improvement and marketing plans for her clients are all part of her Jane Dough-ness: “Being determined to put the necessary time and effort into growing my business has brought great satisfaction to myself as well as my clients. If I’m enjoying success that means I’m achieving my business goal of helping others to have successful businesses of their own. Being able to help a dental or chiropractic team create an office experience that not only their patients enjoy visiting but one where they actually enjoy coming to work every day, now that is truly rewarding.”
We asked Betty if she has encountered any challenges as a business owner and she had this to share: “A challenge for me has been finding that balance between work & home, especially because my business is home-based. I enjoy doing what I do, so it’s easy for time to get away from me. A good schedule is very important for my success.”
Betty had some heartfelt advice for other Janes: “If your business and or product is something you truly believe in, don’t give up. Work hard, but remember that it’s important to maintain a balance between your work and your personal life.”
You can learn more about Betty and her consulting business by visiting www.haydenconsultingsuccess.com.
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Posted in Jane Thoughts, Success Tips for Jane 04.08.11 at 8:55 am by Michele DeKinder-Smith
This week’s article comes from another one of Jane’s Experts, Carmen Coker. Carmen will participate at See Jane Succeed: LIVE! on the Create Your Ideal Life Panel, where she will provide advice and answer questions about how to get (and stay!) organized. I met Carmen a few years ago in a mastermind group and was incredibly impressed with her. Carmen understands what it takes to bring organization to our lives and our businesses, all the while providing sound advice that works for real women! She herself stays organized while running three businesses, and she is a powerhouse of productivity. At the same time, however, Carmen advocates that you don’t have to be perfect to be organized – a truly important message for us busy entrepreneurs who already have so much on our plates! Read on for thoughts from Carmen about simplification … breathe in her advice, then take on her simplicity challenge!
S.I.M.P.L.I.F.Y
It’s something which we all aspire to do. But it’s one of those things that is often easier said than done, especially in today’s fast-paced world.
Not only do we have to deal with the outside factors that the world throws at us, we also have to deal with inside factors as well – namely, ourselves.
In general, human beings are inclined to over-do everything. We over-commit, over-schedule, over-analyze, over-achieve, and over-complicate (just to name a few). And all of these, in turn, lead to over-whelm.
So herein lies the million dollar question: how do you live simply?
And the answer: make conscious choices to do so.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, founding director of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness, once explained his philosophy on simplicity as “…seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more.”
Hmmmm…let’s rewind and read that one more time.
- SEEING LESS so I can SEE MORE.
- DOING LESS so I can DO MORE.
- ACQUIRING LESS so I can HAVE MORE.
Let me ask you – do you tend to complicate your life and your work by seeing more, doing more, and acquiring more than necessary?
If so, your challenge for this week (and hopefully for long-term as well) is to simplify something.
- If you’re tempted to buy something, think twice. Is this item going to truly add value to your life?
- If you’re tempted to do something, think twice. Is this task essential to your personal or career goals?
- If you’re tempted to look at something, think twice. Is this visual going to distract your focus and productivity?
From this point on…when you are tempted, err on the side of simplicity! Making conscious choices to do so will bring positive change into your life in a BIG way.
Carmen Coker is a former U.S. Air Force officer turned professional organizer and productivity expert. She provides organizing resources for small business at www.OrganizedEntrepreneur.com and for home life at www.OrganizeClutterbugs.com.
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Posted in Events, Fun stuff 04.07.11 at 1:27 pm by Michele DeKinder-Smith
Event planning continues and I’m thrilled to say that we are ready to announce our Saturday “Wine & Dine” fun … we’re having a women business owner fashion show! Five lucky Janes will be getting a 30-minute personal consult with the brilliant Allison Hamner Craig, of 3Impressions, Inc. Allison will then shop for a few outfits suitable to your most pressing business attire fashion challenges and you’ll get to model one outfit during our luncheon for all the Janes to learn from and be inspired by!
Part of the reason I love Alison’s work is that she is (like all of our See Jane Succeed: LIVE! Experts) – passionately committed to helping women business owners succeed. Her gift is helping you understand your authentic style and use that as the foundation of “owning the room” – being that authentic woman who naturally attracts attention and interest to herself and her business. When you even TALK to Alison, you walk away with a tremendous confidence boost, knowing that regardless of what you look like, you can have I.T. – her formula for making sure that you stand proud and confident, being the authentic and very special woman (and business owner) you are!
Want to have the chance to get “made over” at the See Jane Succeed: LIVE! Saturday lunch? Here are the rules:
1. Get your ticket! You must have a Wine & Dine or Stay & Play ticket to participate
2. Send us your story! Answer the question “Why I should be chosen to get a style consult and new look from Alison” … the better you tell your story, the more interest you’ll garner! Post your story (videos are great, so are pictures) on our Event page on Facebook. If you aren’t a Facebook user, send to us via email at info@janeoutofthebox.com and we’ll post it for you. Other attendees get to chime in, so tell your story well!
3. Agree to meet with Alison via phone for 30 minutes early week of 5/2.
4. Agree to attend your fitting on Thursday night, 5/11 between 6-9pm CT.
5. We’ll pick the winners on 4/29 … so send us your stories! This is one fantastic opportunity, ladies!
Can you tell we’re going to have an amazing time at See Jane Succeed: LIVE!? Come join us; we can’t wait to see you in Chicago!
Michele
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Posted in Jane Dough, Meet a Jane 04.05.11 at 12:05 pm by Michele DeKinder-Smith
Michelle Barr is the owner of Michelle Bar Unlimited. She is a Core Issue Transformation Expert, working with clients as a Coach and Mentor. Michelle is also an Intuitive and Healer; helping clients to live in their extraordinary instead of in what she refers to as “their wounding”.
We asked Michelle why she started her business and she shared that she has always had a passion for helping people – particularly in the area of helping them do what they love and make money at it. She decided to turn her own life into an experiment to model this for others, and this was the basis for her business.
When asked what has been the biggest reward she has experienced as a result of being a business owner, Michelle had this to share: “Now work is not simply something I do. Instead, it’s who I am. I get to do what I love all the time and live the life I desire. I have created a model of personal and business success to show others that if they have a strong desire, they may achieve the same success.”
After taking the free Which Jane Are You? assessment at www.JaneOutoftheBox.com, Michelle discovered that she is a Jane Dough. Michelle was surprised at first to be identified as a Jane Dough. However, she went on to say: “But looking back throughout my life, it makes a lot of sense to me. Jane Dough is a visionary, and that’s me! Growing up I was always coming up with ideas and starting businesses or dreaming about how I could start a business.” While Michelle feels that she struggled with gaining some clarity for a period of time, she channeled her inner Jane Dough and was able to move forward: “Now that I am clear on all that I bring to my business it is thriving like never before.”
Michelle feels that she has been several other Jane Types in the past:
Go Jane Go – “I used to have trouble saying ‘no’ to others and I did things out of obligation or because I felt that nobody else would pick it up and do it if I didn’t. I kept myself very busy, but now I have learned that the gold is in doing what you are best at, and handing over everything else as quickly as possible.”
Tenacity Jane – “This was me during the first two years of building my business. I held so strongly to my big vision and kept at it, no matter what showed up in my life. It paid off.”
“I’ve been a Merry Jane, too, when my priorities were my young children and my home and family life.”
Michelle shared this advice for her fellow (and aspiring) Jane Doughs: ”Determine what it is you want to do with your life and in the world, and commit to yourself to making it happen. You can do work that truly expresses who you are while also thriving financially. Recognize the other Jane types you attract into your life and notice what makes them tick. Then, don’t hold back. Live your true Self and Shine!”
You can learn more about Michelle and her life-changing work by visiting www.yourwholelifeiswaiting.com
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