The question is, can I be rich and still have a small intimate business that I am comfortable with leading and directing? The average small business owner adores the intimacy of their little company and oftentimes their dedicated customers do too.

But there is money to be made, and in efforts to increase profits many businesses equate that with growth. But is growth (in the traditional sense) always our friend? Companies can literally grow in size with more employees, more buildings and more overhead expenses. But this is not the only way, and to some it’s not even the best way. If you are prepared to think outside the box, then here are three key smart ideas for any savvy small business owner:

1. NICHE IT OUT. For many of you, if you have heard it once, then you’ve heard it one-thousand times. And here it is again: Don’t try to be a jack of all trades. Choose your focus and work that niche to life. Just be sure to choose an area that is small enough for you to be the big fish and large enough to support your success. In other words, if you sale travel, then consider focusing on luxury or trips to Jerusalem or family vacations, and then become the quintessential expert at it. Every entrepreneur has to figure out what makes them different and your niche helps to distinguish you from the crowd.

2. OUTSOURCING. If there’s one trap that the typical small business owner falls into, then it’s trying to do it all yourself. But in the spirit of niching consider focusing your energy on what you and your core team do best and then outsource the rest. And before your mind jumps to The 4 Hour Workweek and your new Indian assistant half-a-world away, consider local manufacturers too, as well as marketing and consulting firms, printing companies that you can get your hands on if something goes wrong. And if you are more adventurous, then there are a world of resources just waiting for you including that Indian assistant half-a-world away. Help is a good thing. We recently started outsourcing some of our printing at the church and it is a time and money saver.

3. TECHNOLOGY. Your number one money saving and time saving tool will easily be the technology that you choose to use. You can hand address 200 hundred envelopes or you can print labels and save time and hand cramps. You can keep a Rolodex (you know like the 80s) or you can keep them in your Blackberry and sync them to your laptop. You can track your clients manually or you can use a smart database to make it easier, faster and more thorough. These suggestions are not new, but sometimes we just need a reminder and a nudge. And yes, technology comes with a learning curve, but after you do learn how to use your new tool, it adds color, freedom and time to your business life.

Just remember to do your homework and then dive in with both eyes open, but dive in.

If you haven’t had enough of this kind of “office talk” then check out Mina Kimes’ article from the November 2008 issue of Fortune Small Business. She highlights how four smart entrepreneurs increased their profit margins, dramatically, while remaining small in size. And for your convenience, it is available online: When Less Means More by Mina Kimes.

-Ms. J-

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I tell you, some of us are entering into the computer age slowly, only as our job security or children’s homework assignments force us into it. For some the cost kept us at bay. For others if we had extra money, we needed to spend it on more basic things like food, shelter, clothing, and our kids extracurricular activities (because we want our babies to live their dreams). But as computer prices have dropped and the information age continues to barrel forward, a computer is one of the basic needs in a home. If you are thinking of getting one and money is a serious obstacle, then consider two things:

1. BUNDLES. $500.00 can go a long way these days. Consider an entry level computer, that will let you do the basics (I call it light duty): search the internet, read and write emails, type a letter, and do your budget. Walmart, Staples and Dell.com often offer bundled packages–sets that include the computer (which is the brain and heart of the whole thing), the monitor (which is the screen, you know the face of your computer), and your keyboard & mouse (which come standard on most computers) all in one. Usually it is a decent product for a decent price. And if you are coming from no computer at all or an extremely slow one, then you will absolutely love it.

My mother bought one of these bundles from a local office supply store, and we still use it for light duty at the church to this day. Just keep in mind that the computer is the hardware and you still need some software upgrades. Most everybody (seriously) uses Microsoft Office (MS Office) on the job and at school. It is a software package that includes

a. Microsoft Word (MS Word) for word processing (typing letters and essays).

b. Microsoft Excel (MS Excel) for crunching numbers and creating budgets

c. Microsoft Powerpoint (Powerpoint) for creating digital and professional looking presentations on your computer.

d. Microsoft Outlook (Outlook) for keeping up with phone numbers and addresses. Outlook is basically a computerized address book.

This package can come with additional software in it as well, but what I listed above are the basics. The version for professionals can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 depending on the kind you choose. But, if you buy a $500 computer, then that has just doubled your price, and stressed you out. Fortunately, they created a version for families that usually sells for $150 or so and it can come with the license approval to use it on up to three computers in your home. And that’s a good deal. We have used in for personal use, our home based businesses and start-ups for years. It gets your foot in the door, so you can quit bootlegging their software from your girlfriend at work (I know what desperate feels like and it is still wrong), and begin to participate in the information age–legally.

2. OTHER PEOPLE’S JUNK. My sister has been doing this for years. She goes to these computer salvage stores, where they take old computers, parts and/or trade ins and rebuilds them to resell to the public. It is not a fancy place, and you usually buy each part individually but you can find great deals (again to get your foot in the door). The computer she uses now was a $300 purchase for just the computer (the brain and heart) no monitor. She uses it to surf the internet, create and maintain her website, and type out the lyrics to her songs. She has another one that she uses to create her music and work on her cd. It cost her about $500.00. Lots of people have fancy studios, more up to date products. And don’t get me wrong, she will eventually have that too, but you need to get started. This little inexpensive tip has allowed her to make music for years now. I’m glad that she’s savvy, because we (family, friends & church members) get the benefit of singing her songs, now.

These little tips should help you get up and going and bring your family with you. Of course, if you have a thousand dollars to spend, then we can amp it up a little. Check back for a follow up post on what to look for when you are purchasing. Computers can be complicated, but the questions you ask in order to get what you need can be real basic . . .

-J Warner-

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Are you on the right roller coaster? It doesn’t matter what kind of business idea that you come up with or that you become a part of, you need to make sure that you choose the right ride for you. You are in for some work, ‘painful effort,’ as King Solomon puts it, and you need to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that it’s worth it.

Whether your grassroots project is artistic in nature, service based and/or profit-driven, here are seven questions that will help you focus your heart and your resources (the same seven questions that ! asked myself as I was trying to discover the right entrepreneurial work for me):

The First Question is an issue of Creativity: Do you have an idea? If the answer is yes, then move on to the next question, so that you can test it to see if this idea is right for you. Why am I saying this? Because I have a plethora of new ideas daily, but only certain ones are perfect for me at this time in my life. Some, I will implement later (I write those down and save them), others would be perfect for somebody else’s dream, not mine (I save those too). Make sure that you know the difference between what really drives you and what doesn’t. Let’s go on to the next question . . .

The Second Question is an issue of Passion. Are you driven by this idea? If the answer is ‘No,’ then you need to go back to the first question and find an idea (or let it find you) that drives you and captures your full attention. Look at your talents and your favorite things to do. If you can merge the two, then you may be on to something. But it needs to be a problem that you can solve for people. A good gauge is this, solving this problem simply makes you happy in a deep place. Seeing it unsolved probably angers you when the average person only feels indifference about it. Businesses at their core solve problems: I need a new car, I go to the car lot. I need a tune up, I go to the service place. I need a good car cleaning, I go to Champs Car Cleaning Service. You see what I mean? Businesses solve problems. I need some fun, I go to the concert of a favorite artist and dinner with some friends or a poetry spot. Businesses can solve all kinds of problems, you just need to find the one that you want to and that you know how to solve–or at least be willing to learn how to solve it better than anyone else.

The Third Question is an issue of Focus. Are you willing to shift all available time and resources to making this idea a reality? I don’t mean to quit eating or to forget to feed the children or you barely have time to kiss your wife or you can’t even give your friends a decent greeting. But I do mean this, what are willing to give up? I gave up the Television. I watch my favorite shows a couple of evenings a week for an hour each. I figure they’re already living their dreams, I need to put some time into making sure that I live mine too. Besides the television, there is something else that you can give up which takes us to the fourth question . . .

The Fourth Question is an issue of Time. What days and time can you consistently devote to your idea? And before you remind me of how busy you are (and I do understand that), hear me out. Will you discipline yourself to efficiently give up your time? Even if you don’t have a lot of it to give, consistency will pay off. If all you can find is two hours on Saturday morning to work on your business, then disappear into the library or the coffee shop to do just that. And then do what you said you where going to do, “Work on your business for two solid FOCUSED hours (no interruptions, no exceptions).” A hint: choose the same times each week, then it will become such a habit that you will feel out of place if you are not “working on your business between the hours of 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturdays.” Now that we have the time issue on the table, we might as well get to the question that has a tendency to scare us the most . . .

The Fifth Question is an issue of Cash-Flow (that’s right, money). What is the financial cost to turn your idea into a reality? Notice that I didn’t ask you, could you afford to whatever your dream is ? That’s not the issue. You need to know real cost, and not guestimations. Speculating will make a coward overestimate and run or an over zealot underestimate and dive into quick-sand without a life line. Count the cost and be fearless while you do it. It cost you nothing to ask questions and to create a budget, and you will gain insight, skill and focus while you do it. Knowing real cost helps you to develop a real plan and to focus your faith. Which brings us to the next question . . .

The Sixth Question is an issue of Tools, Materials & Equipment. What equipment do you need in order to create the idea? This answer needs to have two parts, your high-end version of the materials you may need and their prices, then you need a scaled down, more budget conscious version. Why both? Study the best first, understand its cost, so that when it’s time to purchase you will know a bargain when you see it and you will know and be able to quickly identify quality in the less expensive versions when you see it as well. Get over your fears, start the research, set the budget. Besides don’t count yourself out, with a little negotiating and a-lot of favor, you just may get your first choice. So get ready to win. But before you take off, there is one more question . . .

The Seventh Question is an issue of TEAM. Is there a way for people to help you? Will you let them? In a world of do-it-yourselfers, we are slow to ask for help. But long term success and freedom requires team work. You will have to become crystal clear about your goals and get organized, but that will just make you and your business better. For ideas about who you may need on your team, check out an earlier post, Five People You Need On Your TEAM: Don’t Be An IDAIT, You NEED Help!

For those of you who are looking to build a true business that runs even when you are on vacation, in the beginning you still need to be there in order to nurse the first steps of your company and establish the system that will allow it to run without you.

We’ll, talk about systems in another post. But keep in mind that even if you are not trying to replace yourself, systems will allow you to focus on the part of the business that you excel at. Then the team that you build, and the system that drives them, will do the rest. A great book that addresses this subject is E-Myth Revisited, Why Most Small Business Don’t Work & What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber.

I hope these seven questions help you, the way they help to stay focus me. In a nutshell, do the work to live the dream that you truly want to live. Don’t settle.

-Ms. J-

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I’m no computer, internet or virus expert but, in light of my computer woes I have been reminded of two and discovered another way to protect my PC for FREE. The people who told me about it are computer experts. In fact, one is the guy who built my PC. Thought you might want to know about it:

Spybot-Search & Destroy

What is it? Spybot-Search & Destroy is a Safer-Networking software product. The company is located in Ireland. In their own words, “Spybot – Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven’t intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been “hijacked” (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don’t see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there’s no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.” It is available in multiple languages so you can suggest it to all your friends. It has also been reviewed by PC World, PC Magazine and has been ranked #24 on PC World’s top 50 Tech Products of All Time. And for you Norton users, it is compatible (I haven’t had any problems) There are other products out there, but I use Spybot Search & Destroy. Let’s see what else is free . . .

Ad-Aware SE

What is it? Ad-ware SE is created by Lavasoft. The company is located in Sweden and their vision in their own words is “that all individuals, regardless of economic status or geographic location, should have the power to protect their privacy and security. Our free anti-spyware product, Ad-Aware SE Personal, gives you that security, providing advanced protection against harmful spyware that secretly attaches itself and takes control of your home computer. After using Ad-Aware, annoying pop-up ads, hijacked homepages and sluggish computer performance will be things of the past. And you can rest easy knowing that your personal information like bank details, passwords and credit card account numbers will be safe from sneaky spyware and hackers.” I run Ad-Aware FREE and Spybot S&E, mainly because my computer guy told me too, but I figure one will catch what the other misses. I like it because it works for me. But there’s is one more free item to discuss before I go . . .

AVAST! Anti-Virus Program

What is it? AVAST! is created by ALWIL Software a.s. The company is located in Prague. In their own words, “avast! 4 Home Edition is a full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use. Both of these conditions should be met! Our company offers the Home Edition free of charge, since, in our opinion, it is possible to avoid global virus spreading by efficient prevention; however, many users are not able to or do not want to pay for antivirus software.” I will be testing this one out in the near future. In the meantime for those of you looking for a free solution, it is worth a try. It was referred by another computer guy, he uses all three items on this post to secure his home. The public reviews are extremely strong on one site with 10,000 people giving it 4.5 stars out of 5. Anyway, it’s your call, but at least you know about it, and ‘knowing is half the battle’ (GI Joe, for those of you who were into action cartoons as a kid).

Keep in mind, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If I had kept my anti-virus, spyware and ad-ware protection software up to date, it may have saved me some pain (you know emotional anguish:-(), time, and money. FYI they were all out of date by 8 months to 2 years.

And just in case you were wondering (like I was), Ad-Ware and AVAST make their money by selling upgraded versions of their free products. Spybot Search & Destroy takes donations. None of the programs pressure you about the upgrades nor the donation but they are there.

If you decide not to go with these suggestions, be sure that you download from a reputable site or download based on the suggestion of a reputable source. I’m cautious because the Trojan virus that I downloaded pretend to be a Spyware software. You can read about it in My Computer Caught a Virus! Trojan.KillAV.  Remember, the people who create computer viruses do it religiously like a favorite hobby or a full time job. Be wise, so that we can spend more time doing what we love, rather then undoing some “bug” that has invaded our computer life.

Hope this helps.
-Ms. J-

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Well, my PC caught a virus! A Trojan virus to be specific designed to make my computer vulnerable so that it could be infected with something worse and possibly steal my personal information, irritate my life and kill my Internet freedom (by making me paranoid). My little PC was down for the count for two days, because I quit using it until the virus was removed. How did I know it was sick? Well, it was series of relatively subtle changes . . .
It all began with a security alert disguised to look like it was from Windows. The alert said,

_____________________________________

1. Every fifteen minutes the message from above popped up. It was irritating to say the least, but it also increased the probability of me accidentally clicking yes, when I meant to click no. And yes would have probably meant that the virus would fully download.
2. It high jacked my initial web page. In other words, when I click on Internet explorer instead of opening to the website that I chose (my blog of course), www.gospelnerve.com, it opened to Google.
3. It restricted my access to the properties on my computer. Meaning, when I went into properties to change my screen saver and the like, it blocked my access (on my own computer no doubt, and if I’m not in charge here then where am I in charge)
4. It blocked my access to antivirus websites (which I was searching for in order to destroy this virus and restore my Internet life to normal)

So, how did I fix the problem? I ran Norton Antivirus which identified it by the name-Trojan.KillAV. This Trojan virus’ entire purpose is to block your antivirus software and leave your computer vulnerable for all manners of ‘diseases’. Well, Norton only ‘partially resolved’ the problem (in their own words). And since I am no expert in this area, I called in professional help (for $100, cheaper than replacing the entire computer) who walked me through the process of removing the virus. It was everywhere, but the technician who helped me said it could have been much worse had I clicked yes to the dialogue box that kept popping up.

Lesson learned, “no unsolicited, random, ‘free’ downloads, because it could be a trap.”

FYI: There are FREE, reliable downloads that can Help you protect your computer. Feel Free to read about it in 3 FREE Ways to Protect Your PC from a Computer Virus. Did I say they are FREE? In the meantime, don’t panic, continue to build your business, and don’t be a victim by learning how to protect your computer (I’m committed now!).
-Ms. J-

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You had a brilliant idea that inspired you so much, you got off the couch in the evenings and started writing that book. Now you burn the candles at both ends, trying to finish your book and build a dream, but as quiet as its kept, it’s harder than you realized. Our publishing ideas and small business dreams (writers are in business) vary like the fingers prints on our hands. Nevertheless, we can agree on some things:

• Writing for public consumption is work.
• Starting a small business is work;
• By the time we realize that we truly need help, we care about it too much to just quit;
• Oftentimes, great help comes with a great price tag

But we need help and we know we need it. So, how do we get it–at least in the beginning? Turn to the government!? Why not? Chances are you paid taxes into this system, why not benefit from it?  Besides, any training that supports small businesses, ultimately supports the community.  Your success creates wealth for you and the team of independent contractors and/or employee(s) that support that dream.  So, it’s good business to help small businesses and that includes writers in business.

Writers are creative by nature, they are artists but if you plan to share your work with others, then you will eventually become a small business owner.   That being said, there are three services designed for small businesses, so be sure to take advantage of them.  The truth is many small businesses ignore these services.  Plus, I know that it’s un-orthodoxed advice for writers, but the goal is to develop your business mind even as you develop your craft.

1.  The SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA).

MISSION: to be your small business resource by providing programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed at your small business dreams

STRUCTURE: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government, counsels and protects the interests of small businesses.  In their own words, “we recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace.”

SERVICES:

1. SBDC services (discussed below) are administered through the SBA
2. Online resources covering marketing, business planning, staffing, etc.
3. Access to other services online and in your area that you may not be aware of
4. The SBA website is priceless, so be sure to check it out.

BENEFITS to WRITERS:  Since serious writers are in business, then we need a plan, a marketing strategy, a way to manage the people that help us and so much more.  You can’t learn everything at once.  The SBA website is the perfect place to begin with some free online classes and materials.  Anytime there is a new area of my business that I need to learn–like marketing or managing a team–I go to their site and review some of their material to get me started.  Then, I move on other more targeted and paid sources.  One of those resources are the classes at the SBDC.

2. The SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC).

MISSION: to provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners.

STRUCTURE: In their own words they “offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily accessible branch locations.” The program is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments and is an integral component of Entrepreneurial Development’s network of training and counseling services.

SERVICES:

1. training and educational programs,
2. advisory services and counseling,
3. publications filled with information,
4. financial programs and contract assistance,
5. The agency also offers specialized programs for women business owners, minorities, veterans, international trade and rural development.

BENEFITS to WRITERS: The live classes cost but it’s affordable, and because it’s a class there is a degree of accountability to help you show back up from week to week.  They offer both one time classes or series.  I like the series because you move forward with a group and can learn from others.  Another beneficial element is the free one on one counseling (it books up though, so schedule your appointment a couple of months ahead of time).  In these sessions I discovered the business models that just doesn’t work for my personality.  I also discovered that I could build a small business around writing.  It’s no quick fix, you have to do the work but if you do it, your business mind will emerge.  And with that kind of thing I believe that you could become a creative power house–I’m just saying, it has been done before (so why not you?).

3. Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE).

MISSION: to be “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” They consider themselves to be America’s premier source of free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs.

STRUCTURE: Technically, they are not a government program.  They are Resource Partners with the SBA. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. They have 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.

SERVICES:

1. Counseling from experts in your field of interest. This is available online as well as in person. You write your questions and the expert responds back to you. You can also have free face to face counseling. Just find the website of the SCORE program in the city closest to you.
2. Workshops & Seminars at reasonable prices. For example, you could take a two hour course on writing a mini business plan at Cobb Galeria in Atlanta for $20 person. Their classes are always taught by experts.
3. Conferences offered at reasonable prices. Conferences give you the chance to shut the world out (for a few hours) and focus on your small business training.

BENEFITS to WRITERS:  It depends on the experts that are available. If you cannot find a writer in business, then look for a marketer or PR person.  Every business needs marketing, including writers.  Learn and apply it to your small business model.  If you find the right person, someone that you click with, they just may get a kick out of your process and help more than you can imagine.  Remember, your goal is to learn from their years of experience, then apply it to your business.

My COMPLAINT About All 3 Services:

These three services make it easier to develop a new problem–OVERwhelm.  Then offer a lot of stuff.  To help with this, consider the final tips below:

1. With the SBDC seek out the specific classes (some have nominal fees) that you need as well as one on one consulting (which is free).  If you are in need of a loan, they are experts at teaching you how to create a business plan that will probably get funding.  It is unusual, however, for writers to get funding this way, but if you structure your business correctly it could work for you.  FYI: As a writer in business, I wasn’t looking for money, I was looking for small business training.
2. With the SBA be advised that you are benefiting from this program when you using the SBDC or acquiring a loan. However, they also have an overwhelming amount of quality online courses that you can take plus downloadable booklets on varying subjects from business plan to marketing that you can print off for free.
3. With SCORE focus on getting the advice from the volunteer professionals. Post your questions, be kind and persistent. You will get an answer. You can also search their database for counsel based on field or region.

How you use each program depends on how you learn.  That’s it and that’s all, now go write and handle your business–I believe in your dream, but like any small business, you have to work it .

-Ms. J-

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I grew up thinking that I could do it all.  And I realized that I could not be my own lawyer, my own doctor, my own “whatever,” then I went into a panic because I was afraid that I could not trust people to keep their word.  In reality we need a team.  We can put systems in place to protect our interest but we need a team.

I learned this the hard way: The “I Do It Alone” TEAM, IDIAT for short, consists of only one member, YOU. While I can imagine how great you must be–I used to be that great myself–consider getting HELP!  Our long term success is connected to how well we can build and maintain the right team, because we cannot do it all by ourselves.  In the long run, we simply need help from all kinds of people.   Leadership at its core tests our ability to pull the best out of people. Below is a list of at least 5 kinds of people that you’ll probably need on your team.

1. INVESTORS. This is a team of financially sound people, companies or foundations who can provide you with capital as you build your business as a writer. Investors could be people who put money into your dream and expect to be repaid upon success or they could be grants that you have applied for and that believe in your project who never expect repayment (available primarily to non-profits). Ultimately, the people who help you pursue your dream are investing in you.  Invest in them by protecting the relationship.
2. TEACHERS & COACHES. Education is a constant. Your teachers may be from a local class taught by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or the author of a book (E-Myth Revisited is a great read for entrepreneurs) or an online course (the Small Business Administration (SBA) has more to offer than Cereal Boxes at the Grocery Store, take your pick. Most of it is FREE). How ever you choose to do it, Be Quick to Learn, because ignorance will make a fool out of you.
3. EMPLOYEES. This is possibly the most important team that you will build. They are a direct reflection of your company. They are the face that the community will see. It is your job to shape the team that represents you. Choose wisely and learn to lead well. Remember, you have teachers and coaches on your team, seek out the ones with the type of leadership skills that you need and learn. At this point you may not have any employees. And if you are the typical entrepreneur, you have mentally resigned yourself to do all the work forever until your kids grow up and take over a business that they have never showed any interest in. However, if you picked up E-Myth Revisited (and I know that I just mentioned it) and read it or listen to it (audio books are wonderful), then you are well on your way to building something that will last, whether your children come aboard or not. Besides, they may fall in love what you’ve created, if it leaves them with the freedom to live a balanced life, their dreams and yours.
4. ADVISORS. You wage your war with a multitude of counselors. This is a team of specialist assembled by you who will help you move the company forward. These are people that you trust in their area of expertise. You will seek advice and knowledge from them; then armed with information; you’ll be qualified to make a more intelligent decision as you build your business. Advisers cost, usually with hourly rates, find out what they are before you need them. There is, however, more than one way to peal and apple. Consider forming an Advisory Board of highly skilled people who you respect. People that don’t mind if you pick their brain in their area of focus. SCORE is also option. It is a great place to find retired experts, and if they are members of SCORE, they are prepared to advise or mentor at no cost to you. Speaking of mentors . . .
5. MENTORS. This is the person(s) who has been where you want to go. You may have multiple mentors for different areas of your life or just one for a season who will take the time to pour into you, but you have to learn how to be mentored in order to maintain this relationship and reap the benefit. Mentors owe you nothing. It is your job to recognize what is inside of them and respond to it by making yourself available to learn from them. If they are teaching, be there. If they need help (odd jobs) in an area that you are good it, then offer your services for free (you want more than just a check from them, you want access, you want to learn).

Choose your members for ability and character. Identify and learn their weaknesses, so that you consciously inherit the best in them and leave the worst on the table. And be advised, it takes different skills to build a relationship with each member on the list. A great source for studying this as well as other powerful information needed for business success is the Think It, Learn It, Do It program by Robert Kiyosaki.

-Ms. J-

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Gone are the days when the artist could blindly trust his life and career to “the machine” for direction. We are required to be both artist and business minded today. From the page to the boardroom and back again, if our careers are going to reflect our character and style, we are going to have to become real leaders.

Leadership, that’s a word that seems to confuse. It’s not this overbearing, high minded, professional weapon that we use against the people who could help us reach our dreams.

The heart beat of leadership is service . . .

-Ms. J-

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