Category Archives: Women In Business

Business Planning

14 November, 2012 12:56 pm ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

Business PlanningThe world was a very different place when Soren Kierkegaard made this statement in the early 19th century. Beyond the obvious absence of computers, cellphones, and internet; it was a time before women had the right to start businesses, hold political positions, and build corporate careers.

Yet his famous statement is just as true in our world as it was in his. It is certainly applicable to business planning.

If you are in business, now is the time to start thinking about next year. You have enough data for the current year to recognize trends, evaluate what worked, and measure successes. Understand the year that is ending so you can plan the year to come.

5 questions to get started:

1. Are you on track to meet your revenue targets for the current year? If not, why?

2. Are your expenses on budget for the current year? If not, why?

3. Was the launch of a new product or service a success or a flop? How can you use this information to improve your business next year?

4. What do you have to do more of to meet your goals next year?

5. What do you have to do less of to meet your goals next year?

If you are not sure how to answer some of these questions, seek help for your business planning. It is always valuable to get outside perspective. If you are in a franchise system, talk to your franchisor about what support is available for you. If you are on your own, connect with an experienced advisor like Angela Sutcliffe, Pat Mussieux, or Lara Galloway. There are many options available to help you learn from the past and prepare for the future of your business.

 

Posted in: Entrepreneurship, Women in Business ⋅ Tagged: , , , ,

Networking 101: Stop Grumping, No Clumping, and Open Up

4 October, 2012 11:50 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

Networking 101 is a must-have skill for any business person and entrepreneur. It isn’t taught in schools, so newbies normally feel a little lost. Just last week I chatted with a young lawyer building her practise who told me that her training didn’t include business building or networking. She felt nervous and overwhelmed with the idea of going out and building a network. Sound familiar?

There are many websites and books which detail the finer points of networking for you to finesse your skills. But Networking 101 means the basics, and the basics really come down to 3 rules:

1. Stop Grumping

No one wants to hear you complain about your allergies, your bad night sleep, or that annoying client taking up too much of your time. If you are not feeling positive and upbeat, suck it up and put on your game face. Or stay home. Networking 101

2. No Clumping

Don’t bunch up in a safe group of people you know. Sure – say hello to familiar faces, but  schedule another time to socialize with friends. Networking 101 means meeting new people. I once attended a Chamber event where everyone stood in 2 clumps, grumping and chatting together. Neither clump had any interest in meeting new people or learning about other businesses. What a waste of time.

3. Open up

Be open to meeting new people. Don’t dismiss them because of their company name, industry, or hairstyle. Make eye contact and make a connection, instead of scanning their name badge and making a snap judgement about the person.

Networking 101 is being positive, meeting new people, and being open to opportunities.

 

Posted in: Networking, Women in Business ⋅ Tagged: ,