Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Your brand
Is not just
your logo
Karen L. Dortschy
November is
the time for
empowerment
and self-mastery
Marcie Williams-Browing
Social
Remembering
The old and
creating the new
Angela Key
Media
Strategist
BARDI TOTO
From the publisher Mimi Zelman
Dear Readers,
“
made it with having this in place.
”
this year and Lastly, thank you to all our readers! I am asking you all
what didn’t to put the word out how great a read we are and also
forward the magazine to your friends and business
associates.
Mimi
2
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COntents
Features
18 26 30 35
Cover Story Professional Priorities Food
Bardi Toto Spotlight Button Holiday Snackspiration
Margo Lord Mary Elizabeth Murphy
Departments
Management
6 Personal FOrecast 24
Robyn Crigger
Marcie Williams-Browing
Communication
8 Marketing 32
Janet Anderson
Karen L. Dortschy
Inspirational
12 Young entrepeneur 36
Angela Key
Kimberly Hughes
Legal issues
16
Mitzi Kincaid
3
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® ®
NOV. 3-7:
CLASSIC
WED-SAT: 9 AM - 5 PM | SUN: 10 AM - 4 PM
W
ays That Employers Can about the lower salary ranges, especially
Compensate Beyond if they have good experience and skills
Salaries to offer. So how do employers and good
Many employers are still holding a employees come to terms with this
tight rope on their salaries – either lower salary practice?
continuing the freeze on salaries or
developing a new, reduced salary Bridging the gap
scale. It is understandable since the As I told one human resources
public and businesses are still NOT manager recently, companies need
spending money. to get creative in helping to bridge
the difference in previous pay scales
However, as an employer, compared to current pay scales. Many
providing some valued small businesses that need to increase
benefits can help their customer bases can be good
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OI Partners Inc. – Compass
to retain your targets for joint benefits.
Career Management “good employees”.
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motivated employees to get creative in
tend to stay.
helping to bridge the
When employers are talking to job difference in previous
search candidates, they are discovering pay scales compared to
that the candidates are concerned
current pay scales.
6
®
Employers are
encouraged to select
benefits that can most employees would use and value, it
reduce the stress for can definitely be a “win-win” situation.
employees’ busy lives. Employers are encouraged to select
benefits that can reduce the stress
for employees’ busy lives. What perks
For instance, an employer, who was would you value? Maybe a grocery chain
seeking other ways to compensate might consider a discount program
his/her employees, built a relationship for a company of a larger number of
with a dry cleaner business. The employees. What about a car repair
dry cleaner offered to give these facility, who might come and pick up
employees a small discount and even cars needing work? You should begin
come to the business on an agreed checking with useful companies, who
schedule to pick up and drop off could be a big help to your employees.
their employees’ dry cleaning. This The more business you could send to
was a nice benefit for the employees, a vendor/company, the better the deal
and helped the dry cleaner to you can probably arrange.
increase business. A win-win for both
companies AND employees.
If employers seek out “perks”
Another company is having their that most employees would use
employees’ cars washed every other and value, it can definitely be a
week as a perk. That company asked
a car washer to come to their facility “win-win” situation.
every other week and wash the cars
for a cheaper rate. The cost to the Employees still need a fair salary, but
employer is the use of their water, and at least some of these ideas may help
the employees receive a less expensive to retain your better employees.
car wash while working. A nice and
unique benefit to those employees.
How to Create
Address Labels..For
Your Holiday Mailings
Now you can get those cards and letters out on time!
L
ast month I explained The magic of Mail Merge
the process of creating a Microsoft Office Word has a wonder-
database in Excel. Now I ful feature called Mail Merge, which
am going to use that list to create combines pieces of information from
labels. Great timing for snail- a list-such as First Name, Last Name,
mail holiday cards. This truly is Address-with a document that would
a learning article. We’re going to print labels. A main document is cre-
walk through the process together. ated that contains the placement
And the best part… once and codes representing the pieces of
it’s done you’ll have it information. A list is then ‘connected’
for all future holiday to this main document. Once these are
E INFO card mailings. created, a third document is created by
MOR
ng
Anderson PC Traini
ing .com
www.anderso np ctrain You would like to send
980.428.2066
personalized messag-
es during the holidays.
But the process of writ-
Microsoft Office
ing addresses on envelopes Word has a wonderful
may be slowing you down… maybe feature called
to the point of not being able to write
the note at all. Mail Merge.
8
®
merging the first two, making a docu-
ment you can print. In our case, we
will be printing labels. First, buy your labels. Avery
brand is probably the easiest
We’re going to use Mail Merge wizard,
which is available in both Word 2003 ones to use with Word.
and 2007.
First, buy your labels. Avery brand is brand new one? Since we started with
probably the easiest ones to use with a fresh document, there is no need
Word. The number on the front of the to change anything there. When you
label you buy is the number you use choose a label type, Word will change
to choose the Word template used for your layout to reflect the labels. Click
your labels. Word simply formats your on the link that says label options that
document to space your information to is located in the middle of the task
properly print out labels. pane. This will open a dialog box ask-
ing you WHICH label you want. Change
Clicking your way the type to Avery and then choose
through the process the number that corresponds with the
Now to the process. I will use Word number on the front of your labels.
2007 for this example, but the 2003
version is similar. Now you should see the gridlines of the
table created that match your labels.
Open/create a new blank document Click next at the bottom to Select
in Word. On the MAILINGS tab, in Recipients. At the top of that pane you
the Start Mail Merge group, click on can choose from Use an Existing List
the Start Mail Merge button. On that (which we have), Use your Outlook Con-
menu, choose step-by-step Mail Merge tacts, or create your new list on the fly.
Wizard. To the right of the screen a This last choice creates a list in a Word
task pane will appear and step you table. We want the Use an Existing List
through. The first of six steps asks you because we have created a list in Excel.
what type of merge you want. Click Choose the Browse link to tell Word
on the radio dial button next to labels. where the list is. Choose the folder and
Click on the next link on the bottom name of the file you named in Excel
to continue. that contains your list. If necessary you
may need to choose the sheet name if
The next step has two questions for there are multiple sheets.
you. First, do you want to use the
document you have in front of you or a From the dialog box, you can sort, filter,
9
®
modify the list how you need it prior toIn the middle of the task pane, choose the
merging the info. At any point you can Address Block link. This will begin a short
return to this list the edit recipients.process of evaluating if your fields (pieces
Choose Next at the bottom to Arrange of info) are talking the same language. To
Your Labels. the right you will see a sample of a label.
If you don’t see the first name, last name,
street address, city, state and zip code as
a sample it may mean that your fields are
Sounds complicated but remember not named the same as Word’s. If you see
a computer is STUPID!! You have missing info, click on Match Fields button
to tell it everything little thing. on the bottom right hand area. There you
can click on the down arrow for each field
to tell Word where the correct informa-
tion is. For example, you may have named
This is the part where you are going to tell the street address, simply address. Word
Word what information you want on the names it Address1. Next to Address1,
labels and where they are to be placed. If you would click on the down arrow and
your cursor is not already there, click in choose Address so that the info in YOUR
the first ‘label’. list under Address would be matched with
TM
10
®
After you have done this, all you have RETIREMENT WORKSHOPS
Provides ERISA 404C requirements
to do for next year, is update your Excel Unbiased financial education, valued by employees.
spreadsheet with new names and ad- OUTPLACEMENT: We remain Experts in this
Remembering the
Old and Creating the New
I
n a world that is rapidly chang- The gumdrop tree
ing, there is something very Here’s an example: Growing up, we
secure and sacred in the prac- always travelled to my grandparent’s
tice of traditions. Whether they are house on Thanksgiving and Christmas,
personal traditions, religious tradi- about an hour away. It was a big deal at
tions or family traditions. Christmas because we would have to
leave all of our new toys, picking only
Think back to your childhood. What ONE thing to take. What a problem for
things stand out in your mind that a small child. As we would approach
really made an impact on you? What the driveway, we were always excited
traditions did your family share that because we knew the gumdrop tree
you have continued? Family would have bloomed. The gumdrop
traditions can create tree was a tree in the front of my
a legacy and bond grandparent’s house with some small
MORE INFO
Premier Resources between generations stickers, just perfect to hold a single,
The Foru m @ Balla ntyn e of families. As families small, sugary gumdrop. The young
Commons
704.543.9200 age, some traditions children were always in awe of the fact
Fax: 704.543.0029
Angela@premierresources.biz
have a tendency to
fall by the wayside.
People move on or Family traditions
they might rather do
can create a legacy
something else. Perhaps it’s
time to renovate some of those
and bond between
old traditions. generations of families.
12
®
that this gumdrop tree always bloomed at to embarrass, but dates were brought
the PERFECT time. nevertheless. If they returned the next
year, it was a good sign.
As one of many grandchildren, it was
important to be one of the first ones to Fun after the feasting
arrive to be able to pick the best colors. After the exchange of gifts and everyone
The Christmas Tree was cut from their was still too full to do anything, out
woods. Not a traditional Christmas Tree
shape, mind you, but one that was HUGE
and had lots of lights and always touched
the ceiling.
14
Traditions are a
wonderful way
of establishing a childhood and family traditions that warm
connection with your heart, you might take some of those
and re-create them for your own family and
your past, present loved ones. In a world where everything
and future. seems to be expensive, creating and
sharing your traditions are free and the
benefits are many. Perhaps you might
has taken it’s place. I can only hope that want to build on old traditions or create
this new home created for the care of brand new ones. Either way, I believe that
children in need will provide for them so strong family’s share so many things and
many things that it did for us and that that traditions are a wonderful way of
perhaps at Thanksgiving or Christmas, the establishing a connection with your past,
gumdrop tree will bloom again. present and future.
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15
®
Legal issues Mitzi Kincaid, Attorney at Law
Independent Contractors
or Employees?
Employers need to know the rules
W
hen starting a Three Factors for
business, forms, Classifying a New Hire
taxes and other So how do you know how to classify
paperwork can be intimidating, a new hire as an employee or
especially when it comes independent contractor? The IRS has
to employees. established twenty factors business
owners should use when classifying
Many small business owners choose new hires based on three categories:
to hire independent contractors
instead of hiring part time or full time Control: Does the employer control or
employees to avoid paying taxes and have the right to control what the worker
filing forms with state and federal does and how the worker does his or
government. This is a big trap her job?
for the unwary. Financial: Are the business aspects
MORE INFO of the worker’s job controlled by
ocia tes, LLC
Kin caid and Ass The Internal Revenue Service the employer? (these include things
301 McCullough Dr. 4th Floor
Charlotte, NC 28262 (IRS) has specific guidelines
(866)-435-5971 on hiring contractors versus
employees to keep business
owners from avoiding paying To classify a new hire
payroll taxes like Federal and State
Unemployment Insurance and Social
as an independent
Security Insurance. contractor or employee,
choose employee.
16
®
like how and when the worker is paid,
whether expenses are reimbursed and Many small business owners choose to
who provides tools/supplies, etc.) Type hire independent contractors instead of
of Relationship/ benefits provided: hiring part time or full time employees
Are there written contracts or employee
type benefits (i.e. pension plan,
to avoid paying taxes and filing forms
insurance, vacation pay, etc.)? Will with state and federal government
the relationship continue and is the work
performed a key aspect of the business? contractors depends on the facts as
applied to the IRS factors in each case.
Business owners must weigh all
factors when determining whether a The general rule is that an individual
worker is an employee or independent is an independent contractor if you,
contractor. Some factors may indicate the person for whom the services are
that the worker is an employee, while performed, have the right to control
other factors indicate that the worker or direct only the result of the work
is an independent contractor. There is and not the means and methods of
no “magic” or set number of factors accomplishing the result.
that “makes” the worker an employee
or an independent contractor, and no Business owners who classify an
one factor stands alone in making this employee as an independent contractor
determination. Also, factors which are and have no reasonable basis for doing
relevant in one situation may not be so may be held liable for employment
relevant in another. The keys are to look taxes for that worker and could be
at the entire relationship, consider the subject to penalties and interest.
degree or extent of the right to direct
and control, and finally, to document Contact a Pro
each of the factors used in coming Classifying new hires is a tricky
up with the determination at the time process and I would always suggest
of hire. contacting a business attorney who is
knowledgeable in human resources and
The IRS Decides IRS worker classifications. I would
People such as lawyers, contractors, also suggest being conservative and
subcontractors and auctioneers who when you are in doubt about whether
follow an independent trade, business, to classify a new hire as an
or profession in which they offer their independent contractor or employee,
services to the public, are generally choose employee.
not employees. However, whether such For more information please visit
people are employees or independent www.irs.gov
17
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Bardi
Toto:Social
18
Media Maven
by Mimi Zelman
sandb x
S O L U T I O N S
SM
identifying with you when you start
talking about yourself, and they wanted
to get to know me more.” According
to Toto, her first You Tube channel had
Contact us at 704.201.3354
or Info@InYourSandbox.com
over 950,000 views. “Due to a personal
circumstance,” says Toto, “I had to take
InYourSandbox.com
it down, but it was very powerful.”
20
®
Show don’t tell Says Toto, “I told someone, If you’re
It was at this point that Toto decided not on facebook you’re not in business,
to leave the nursing profession and which sounds very harsh, and in fact,
become a full time online social media somebody got upset with me for saying
strategist. Since that time she has that. But the point I’m trying to make
developed something she calls The is to say ‘Hello! Wake up!’ Stop wasting
Social Media Profit System. Toto, not your money on print, stop wasting your
one to mince words, explains directly money on billboards.”
why she started the system. “I got so
sick of people telling people what to do Nix the “I can’t” phrase
and not showing them how to do it.” Toto talks about how she wants to
Toto says her system shows them how. empower women entrepreneurs. She
stresses how important it is to take the “I
Her Social Media Profit System, explains can’t” out of our vocabulary. She sees a
Toto, consists of three DVDs in which lot of women afraid to learn about social
she shows you, step-by-step, how to media. “It’s because a lot of us were
utilize social media. There is also a raised that this is a man’s world and that
40-page guide included that explains men were supposed to be successful
what social media is, why you need it for and not women in their businesses.” But
your business and how your business things are changing, says Toto. “Women
can benefit from social media. In the are saying, ‘How dare you tell us that we
back of the guide, there is an area can’t do something!’”
called The Roadmap to Social Media
for your business. Toto describes it as
a business plan where people can write
“I told someone, If you’re not on
down information about their business
to help them see how social media can
facebook you’re not in business,
help their company. In addition, Toto which sounds very harsh”.
conducts weekly webinars that provide
tips on social media.
For Toto, the take away her clients
get in using social media is what it is
all about. One of her clients here in
Charlotte, James Weymann, owner of
“Hello! Wake up!’ Stop Silver Fox Limos, has seen dramatic
changes in his business in just a short
wasting your money on time. Toto is pleased that things are
print, stop wasting your going well. “We are only two months
money on billboards.” into this, and he’s been sold out every
21
®
weekend since we started on facebook. It’s all up to you
His business turned around 360 degrees.” If you know little or nothing about the
Internet, Toto’s videos and webinars
There’s another reason Toto is excited can be helpful in getting you started.
about visiting Charlotte. She admits Toto cautions, however, that “I can
that she loves NASCAR. She has provide the tools, but people have to
even done the Richard Petty Driving make the choice what they do with
Experience and enjoyed every minute it. If you get out there and do it, it
of it. Describing herself as a free spirit, will happen, but if you don’t do it,
she mentions that she has also gone nothing’s going to happen. But you just
skydiving and believes that if you can can’t give it a day. It’s about building
jump out of a plane at 13,000 feet, you relationships.” She says that some
can do just about anything! people think they are going to get
rich quick, and though she says that’s
possible, “it’s all in the way you do it,
and how you do it.”
“Don’t complain, that there’s
an economy problem. Do Toto’s goal is simple. She says she wants
something about it. You know, to get your business out there “like a good
get out there; don’t be afraid. sore thumb.” Some people don’t think I
have a life,” she says, laughing, “but I love
what I do. I’m very very passionate about
Despite her love for social media, helping other businesses.”
Toto’s life clearly centers around her
two sons, 12 and 16. It hasn’t been Her strongest
easy being a single mom running her advice to those
own business. She says she’s been just starting out
offered many opportunities for speaking in social media MORE INFO
engagements and has had to turn is to not be Bardi Toto
520-867-2530
them down because of her kids. But afraid. States www.barditoto.com
barditoto@yahoo.com
she doesn’t let that bother her. She Toto, “Don’t
knows there will be time for that later. complain, that
“I have the two best kids in the world. there’s an
They inspire me.” And it looks like she economy problem.
inspires them, too. Her older son says Do something about it.
that he wants to run his own business You know, get out there; don’t be afraid.
someday, just like his mom does, and Because people need you, they need to
he doesn’t want to have to work for see your business and hear what you
anyone else. have to say.”
22
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Feast of a
Different Sort
Those who know me well will agree: I am “culinarily impaired.”
Translation: I can’t cook. In fact, all I can make with
success is microwave popcorn and reservations.
“
In like manner, those of us who have an insatiable
hunger to grow in character and vision can’t do it alone.
We need help in cooking up the characteristics we desire.
Kim Jackson, Chief Creative Make time this month to read an inspiring
Officer of KIMmunicator, LLC, autobiography. Flip through the pages of this magazine
enjoys weaving words in to with “new eyes.”There’s a bounty to be had!
inventive presentations for
diverse audiences. Contact her
The holiday season guarantees traditional meals will
at Kim@Kimmunicator.com
abound, but to enjoy a feast of a different sort, make
yourself fully aware of the delectable offerings just within
your reach.
Bon Appetite!
www.kimmunicator.com
Personal Forecast Marcie Williams-Browning
November is the
Time for Empowerment
and Self-Mastery
O
ver the coming year I will powered to change my world.” It is the
share with you areas of time to look to the future with positive
focus for each month. As thoughts and objective eyes. Some of
you create your plan for success and the areas to consider are listed below.
work that plan these suggestions will The best day in November to write
give you a clear focus for the month. down your desires and wishes is the
5th. This is the day of the new moon
Write down your goals, dreams and as- which is considered the magical day for
pirations and look at them often. Writing wishes to be expressed.
them down brings them into the physical
world and makes them tangible Empowerment
and real. As you consider November is the time to honor the se-
areas to focus your atten- crets of others. It is also the best time
tion this month be sure to be in complete awareness of the
MORE INFO to look at each area needs and motives of others. This is the
is Center
Chrysalis Hypnos
iritBiz.co
www.MindBodySp 32
m from your mental and time for political benefits in the work-
803.493.03
emotional state, your place and our nation. Use your power in
physical well-being, your constructive, healthy ways. Allow your
spiritual needs as well as charisma to shine.
your financial ones.
Change
The color for the month of November This month is all about transforma-
is orange and the theme is “I am em- tion. This is an ideal time to eliminate
24
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old baggage and incorporate change.
Restore and renew through your trans-
November affirmation:
formation and change. In the process
of transformation, forgiveness is on of
I powerfully create my world.
the key actions to include.
Financial Partnerships
This is the time to make changes on
loans, taxes, debts or grants. This is
25
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Professional Spotlight by Kim Hughes
Margo Lord
T
ell us about what brought
you to Charlotte?
Charlotte became home for me
in May 1993. I took a chance on a ca-
reer opportunity to relocate from the
Mid-West and after my first visit here I
was sold!
To find out more, call Karen Hund at 704.907.4376 or visit our website — www.cv-vision.com
29
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Relationships Mary Elizabeth Murphy, Managing Director of S.T.A.R. Resources
Priorities Button
D
ear Mary Elizabeth – I just Dear Frustrated,
turned 50, and have not
always maintained the As we move through life, each of us
healthiest of diets. As a birthday needs to RESET our priorities for any
present to myself, I decided to one of a number of reasons. Aging,
stick to a healthy plan of eating health concerns, changes in economic
and exercise that I’ve modeled circumstance, the birth, graduation,
after a dear friend’s. education and marriage of a child are
just a few examples. And you’re right:
My problem is that I don’t seem to it is difficult to justify these changes
have the discipline to stick to it. A great to ourselves when we are so used to a
example: my friend drinks wheat grass routine set of priorities.
juice, which is very good and healthy.
She poured me a glass the other “Is it worth it?” That’s probably one of
day at my house, and the gri- the most simplistic, misleading and
mace on my face must have often-used phrases in the language and
MORE IN FO been gruesome, because it answers its own question simply by
S.T.A.R. Resources
my husband immediately posing it. In fact, the question may not
704.535.5610
info@starreso urc es. biz said, “Well? Was it worth have even been in your head before you
it?” How do I RESET my were asked. But think about what your
priorities, Mary Elizabeth? husband asked you in the kitchen. Was it
How do I convince myself that worth it? Did the momentary displeasure
it is worth it? you felt at drinking wheat grass juice
outweigh its potential health benefits?
Sincerely, Is the extra cardiovascular endurance
Frustrated in Fitness worth the stitch in your side from run-
30
®
ning two miles? What he was really ter sleep, etc. Then, beside each
asking you was, Is a healthy change in of these new priorities, make a list of
lifestyle worth the momentary discomfort drawbacks and costs associated with
that change causes you? their implementation.
This is a great opportunity to use the Look from one column to another. Which
fourth step in the RESET process: Em- items correspond to your core values?
phasizing your Core Values. Make a list Which of them seem to alien or are for-
of the new priorities you aspire to keep. eign to you? If you are able to make these
There’s no need to list them in order determinations, you will go a long way to-
of importance; simply write down all of wards changing your lifestyle for the bet-
the reasons you want to adapt your new ter without compromising who you are as
lifestyle – better overall health, longer a person. And then, yes, every decision
life, preventing heart disease, renewed you make will have been worth it.
sense of well-being, higher energy, bet- Until next time I remain …
31
®
Marketing Karen L. Dortschy, Sandbox Solutions
Your Brand is
Not Just Your Logo
S
o What is a Brand? What do the products. Nike is a Brand. So are
the following products have Apple, the Gap and the New York Yan-
in common -- Kleenex, Coca- kees. In the case of Apple, they are not
Cola, Band-Aid, Q-Tips, Scotch Tape just a computer manufacturer. Most
and Google? You’re right! They are consumers see Apple as a company
all registered brand names that that promotes innovation, individualism
have become synonymous with the and creativity. That’s their Brand.
actual product. “May I please have
a Kleenex? “Do you have a Band- A Brand is also the consistency – or
Aid for my paper cut?” inconsistency – of how employees
answer the phones, the signatures on
All these products also have everyone’s emails, and even the way
Brand Equity, which includes that you and others in your company
FO customer awareness, fa- introduce yourselves and your busi-
MORE IN ons
oluti
Sandbox S 3354 miliarity, loyalty and pref- ness to a potential client or the person
704.201. ox.com
www.InYour
Sandb erence. What exactly is a behind you on line at the store.
Brand? Wikipedia describes
a brand as “…a symbolic Your Personal Brand is
embodiment of all the informa- Your Business Brand
tion connected to a product to For small business owners and entrepre-
create a feeling and expectation about neurs, your Personal Brand is directly tied
a company.” Say what? to your Business Brand. That means you
need to present yourself consistently and
Actually, a Brand is the meaning behind credibly in everything you do, in every
the name, behind the logo and behind “touch point” with a client. You should
32
®
be always at-the-ready to professionally
present your business card, even if you’re A brand is the meaning
in the garden center on the weekend and behind the name, behind the
loading your vehicle with mulch. You are
logo and behind the products.
your Business Brand and your Business
Brand is You.
Develop a Relevant,
Memorable Tagline
Another key component of your Brand
is a tagline. Think about what makes a
tagline compelling and relevant – think
of ones like “The Real Thing”, “Built
Ford Tough” or “We bring good things
to life”. You want to create both a
cognitive and emotional (brains and heart)
response when the customer hears or
sees your tagline.
33
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Consistency is the
key word when it
comes to important
Create a Strong Logo
Once you have the foundation of your communications
Brand--a great company name and
tagline-- you need to create a logo that prize or small scholarship to the winning
sets the tone, image and visual focus for student of a company name, logo and/
your business and what it stands for. or tagline.
A strong logo can create a positive image Build Brand Equity Through
for your business and communicate its Even More Consistency
mission or values. A good logo is also Again, consistency is the key word when
easily readable and efficient in how it it comes to important communications
prints on paper, signs, shirts or seen like an info speech, the 30-second mini-
on a computer screen. A powerful logo speech that you use to introduce your-
is simple and uncomplicated with few self at meetings or networking events
colors. Think Nike, Gap and BMW…each or to the neighbor at the community
are just one color. Finally, a strong logo clubhouse. Remember, you are your
needs to work in tandem with the tagline; business’ brand and the company brand
the synergy of the typeface and place- is you. So always be sure that everyone
ment of the tagline is crucial to the logo. in your business, including your spouse
or significant other who may tell others
about your business, speaks consistent-
A strong logo can create ly about your company.
a positive image for your Other communications that need to
business and communicate have consistency in look, feel, and de-
sign include digital brochures, business
its mission or values. cards, note cards, vehicle graphics,
shirts, signs and even the name badges
How do you, as an entrepreneur or you use for networking events.
small business owner, successfully
create all this for your Brand, since Consistency is King…
you probably don’t have the marketing and Queen too!
budget of Coca-Cola or Apple? There Consistency is key to Brand Equity.
are many ways; partnering with a small When you’re consistent, that means
marketing firm that has expertise and powerful communications, which results
experience in branding and identity, in efficiency across all your touch points
or working with online resources that with customers, which means cost sav-
create business logos, or contacting ings and high impact. Everyone wants
the graphic arts department at a lo- that. Now go grab a Coke…um, a soda,
cal community college, and offering a and get started in building your Brand!
34
®
Holiday
Snackspiration When you do head out to celebrate, here are some tips
for how to keep a handle on your party appetite:
O
pen houses and potlucks and shindigs •Snack before you go: Have a protein-rich snack,
– oh my! From the beginning of the such as a handful of nuts, plain yogurt with fruit, or a
holiday season right through the New few crackers with Mini Babybel. Protein helps keep you
Year, it seems there are endless reasons to satisfied while giving you energy to dance just a little
indulge in rich and decadent foods. While it all bit longer.
tastes good going down, it can bring some guilt •Veg out while you’re there: Instead of heading
along with the stretchy pants. straight for the dessert bar or loading up on the cas-
serole, head for the veggie tray. Munching on healthy
Smart snacking is one way to help combat the vegetables first gives your body some much needed
typical holiday binge cycle. Keeping healthy – and nutrients and helps reduce the temptation to pig out
yummy – options on hand makes it easy to satisfy on pastries.
your hunger during the day and help keep you •Think small: If you’re at a buffet, take the smallest
from overeating throughout the holiday season. plate available. People tend to eat whatever’s on their
plate – so if you have a big plate, you’ll eat more. Filling
The Laughing Cow online community came up a small plate (or even a napkin) with healthier selec-
with a bunch of munchable snack ideas that help tions helps control your portions while letting you feel
with holiday snackspiration throughout the holiday like you’re having a feast.
season. Here are five of their favorites: Get more snackspiration – and join the online
community – at www.thelaughingcow.com.
•Mini Babybel (any flavor) and almonds
•Apple and peanut butter
•Non-fat Greek yogurt and berries
•Mini Babybel (any flavor) and an apple
•Baby carrots and hummus
Business Networking
= Waste of Time
This Entrepreneur Has Had Enough of “Me, Me, Me!”
I
got your attention didn’t I? I much; I followed suit to be objective in
am going to admit it; I have my test. After returning to my office,
become a business networking those stack of business cards and
snob. If I wanted business cards, pamphlets stayed on my desk for 6
I would go to any locally owned days – 6 business days. I waited for
restaurant or coffee shop and pick someone to reach out to me and guess
up cards left around by people to what? No one did… No ‘nice to meet
promote their businesses. you’s’, ‘let’s grab coffee’s’, or no ’let’s
connect furthers’.
Why Networking is Blacklisted
Recently, I went to visit a new On the seventh day, I wrote each
networking organization and person a personal email saying it
the attendees were given an was nice to meet them, reminding
inconspicuous test by them of my services and what I do,
me and guess what? and asked how I can help them - who
INFO Everyone failed.
MOREevents
704
s.com
4event I left said networking
www.70 .281.4482
704 vents.com
kim@70
4e event with about 30
business cards and I waited for someone
pamphlets. They were to reach out to me
passed around like wildfire
without a care of who did or
and guess what?
didn’t get the material. I shouldn’t say No one did…
36
®
they need to know, what they are
looking for in business, and what a Educate, connect, and
specific example of a great client is for create a relationship with
them. At the date I write this (roughly
three weeks after the event), I received
those around you about your goals,
two replies: A great connection with ideals, and business practices.
one and an email from another who
noted they were too busy to connect Not business… INCOME. Why are we
with me. successful? I drive home my point of
view of looking at fellow members
It’s All About Helping as an extended sales force: Educate,
I shouldn’t bust on networking; I connect, and create a relationship
am the president of a networking with those around you about your
organization (CLT - Charlotte goals, ideals, and business practices
Leadership Team) but the one thing I - Through those relationships, your
stress to my members is to connect coverage will be that more expansive
with each other and see how we can and clear.
help each other, regardless of how
different our businesses are from A few years back, I was a member
each other. Proudly, CLT, a group of 12 of three networking organizations,
core members, have passed over 200 minus my own, and within a year, I
leads in the last few months and have dropped out of all of them. Why? I
closed over $35,000 in closed income. got beyond sick and tired of people
kim@704Events.com
37
®
Give someone
trying to sell their products to me. Yes,
I do understand that is the point of
enough leads, enough
networking - to grow your business, but connections, or enough
isn’t it more conducive to create and positive remarks.
retain strong relationships with several
business professionals that you can
view as referral partners, rather than trust, your contact information will be
to focus on selling to one person? If passed like dishes on Thanksgiving.
we just bought and sold each other,
we would be broke and know no one I think as business professionals
outside of ourselves. we need to stop this ‘me, me, me’
mentaility and work together. I don’t
Smart Business Networking 101 like to be sold – I like to buy. I want
I am a complete relationship person. to feel comfortable working with
I thrive on trust and helping people someone; I want to enter willingly into
and it is not rare for me to meet with a relationship. I want to be a raving
someone and before I even mention fan and not guilted or pushed into a
what I do, that I am handing out name decision. Do you think I am going to
after name for people to contact to refer someone who is pushy and single-
grow their business. Why? Because minded? Never. BUT, I am going to
it is not always about me and I want refer out someone who is loyal, takes
to be the person that people look the time to know me, shows interest
to when they need ethical business in my business, works to help me
professionals to work with. It takes become as successful as they see unto
me a while to gain trust in referring themselves, and above and beyond
someone and when one gains that all, someone that showcases ethical,
strong, and true business practices.
Into Action
So, let’s start here. If you are willing to
take time out of your day to network
and get a ton of cards – DO something
with them. Connect with the people
you meet. Even if you THINK that they
will do nothing for you; you will be
shocked. How long does it take to make
a quick call to someone you met and
invite them to have coffee? Seconds.
Is a few seconds worth making a sale
38
®
or beginning a relationship that could When one gains that trust,
lead you to a multitude of sales? I would
surely hope so. your contact information will be
passed like dishes on Thanksgiving.
Don’t have time to meet with everyone?
Gosh, who does! What about an email? Charlotte, much less most cities, is
Let the contact know you enjoyed all about who you know. Last time I
meeting with them; remind them of checked, being well connected does not
who you and what you do, and see constitute holding a business card that
what you can do for them. Yes, them. says someone’s name, phone number,
It is like the widely known BNI term, and email address.
Giver’s Gain – Give someone enough
leads, enough connections, or enough Let’s make a stand Women With Know
positive remarks and they will go out How – A little more WE and less all
of their way to do the same for you. about me.
39
®
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Have you ever given up on your dreams? Kroghie, with Maggie, after a successful duck
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Allowed others to put limits on you? Reached
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edible collection of hunting President at AB Volvo, Stephanie DawkinsAbout
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GuNNIN’ BIrDs
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es readers that life is truly Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney eastern North Carolina. His waterfowl
ometimes it’s best to just enjoy The Carolina Decoy Collectorsfor District 14, New York
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Featuring The Collection of Kroghie Andresen
TASTED
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her offices in Goteborg, Sweden, and Greensboro, North meaningful guide and encouragement
is to educate itsto both women
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Carolina, she led an international team in 19 different interest in decoy collecting. Eva Haller a woman who rose from poverty to power as a union National Bank, now Wachovia, for
SO GOOD
Founder & President,
countries and 180 markets and oversaw more than The Campaign
association usually has meetingsInstitute of America
Communications thirty three years before retiring in 2004.
100,000 employees worldwide. Stephanie is one twice each year which include buy-sell-Philanthropist and activist Senior Vice President for one of the world’s most Though his work had no connection with
of the top African American labor negotiators around swap sessions, educational programs, decoy hunting, he continued to pursue his hobby
the world. displays, and social events. These meetings recognizable international corporations. Part during spare time away from work. While
Prior to her position with Volvo, Stephanie worked “If you truly want to be inspired, then
are aCorporate
great place forCoffee is a must-read.
new collectors to learn Stephanie living in raleigh in 1979, his wife ross,
memoir, part mentorship, Corporate Coffee reveals
in other Fortune 500 companies in both operational knows how to succeed and takes us onmorea vividaboutjourney of emotionally
decoy collecting and meetheart-wrenching,
the bought him his first decoy to decorate
and strategic positioning capacities. She is a certified dealers
true-to-life experiences and struggles toand
thefellow collectors.
top. Her lessons learned and shared the hard-won lessons that enabled Stephanie R. their new den. This started a collection
speaker on an international level. Her specialties include The association
will help women become a champion andcareer
in their its members
and in life!” that has grown into over 1,100 North
in my Heritage
companies, other decoy
Business collecting
and Professional Women’s Foundation Raised in a family that was rich in love, and North Carolina decoys led to a very
Recognized in 2010 by the United States House of associations, carvers guides, waterfowl specialized collection. Kroghie always tried
Representatives and inducted into the Congressional museums and waterfowl festivals. Stephanie built a strong personal and professional to document the history and provenance of
Record for her outstanding work in global business, Buy a copy of Stephanie Dawkins’ book Information
for every about
girlthese entitieswoman
or young is (and, boy and his decoys. The lack of information on many
community service and her affiliations with foundation on the principles of survival she
young man) you know and care about.available for newtheir
It will touch collectors.
lives in a deeply significant way. North Carolina decoys led him to research
BY
international women’s organizations, Stephanie holds a The association established a decoy many previously unidentified carvers as well
by Stephanie R. Dawkins
After reading this book they’ll know if they truly want to achieve greatness, they can!” witnessed while growing up in Kansas City,
seat on board for the Euro-American Woman’s Council collectors “Code of Conduct” which sets as those that are well known. This research
Bob Burg
BILL RYAN
(EWAC), whose mission is to strengthen the status of guidelines for selling or trading decoys and thirty years of collecting decoys have
National bestselling author Kansas. She shares those principles in Corporate
women around the world. She is also a Board of Trustee among its members.
Co-author of TheNew members
Go-Giver andcanGo-Givers Sell More culminated with this book.
member for the Business and Professional Woman’s be assigned an experienced member as a Coffee with humor and down-to-earth wisdom. Kroghie received a B.s. degree in Civil
Stiletto Publishing
Foundation. She is a member of the Swedish-American mentor to help them make their initial Engineering from The Citadel in 1966 and
Chamber of Commerce, National Association of purchases. Decoys may be brought to the She also offers practical steps for people in all an MBA from East Carolina university
African-Americans in Human Resources Management, meetings by the interested public to be in 1971. He and his wife currently reside
Stephanie R. Dawkins
Leadership Award from the World Igbo Congress of
Nigeria. She has been awarded an honorary doctorate lives and take charge of their futures.
for her global initiatives. Published by Andresen Advisory, LLC
Stephanie is married and has two beautiful children.