« November 2005 | Main | February 2006 »

Jan31
The Prepared Business Owner, Part Two

What is this “grab & go bag” I keep referring to, anyway?  The “grab & go bag” (or the “oh crap bag”, as in “oh crap, we gotta run!” *chuckle*) is a necessity according to most self-reliance and emergency preparedness experts.  You may also hear it referred to as a 72-hour kit, based on the estimate that it will take approximately 72 hours for repair crews and such to get to you in situations like disasters.  Basically, during that first three days, if you’re prepared, it doesn’t matter that you’re alone.  You’ll be ready, because you’ll have 3 days’ worth of water, nutritious, non-perishable foods, at least one change of clothes, a flashlight, hand-crank or battery-powered radio and other essential supplies.  This is the perfect place, of course, to store the electronic copies of your important documents and some cash as well.  Don’t forget, your corporate credit card will do you no good in times of survival.  Cash or an item that can be bartered…that’s what will get you through.

Continue Reading
Jan31
The Prepared Business Owner, Part One
Is your business prepared should you face a natural disaster or even a simple lengthy power outage?  As I compose this entry, I am working on a laptop on battery power.  Working from home has its perks, but it also... Continue Reading
Jan30
Virtually Free Publicity: Contests, Part Two
So how else does sponsoring a contest benefit your branding efforts and provide you with virtually free publicity?  The exposure doesn't stop when the contest winner is chosen and notified that their prize is on the way.  If the contest... Continue Reading
Virtually Free Publicity: Contests, Part One
This afternoon I was discussing branding and publicity with a colleague who is creating advertising packages for her company.  As we discussed the value of the packages she plans to offer, the thought occurred to me that too few small-... Continue Reading
Resources for Writers, Part Two
In addition to the book titles I've already mentioned, it's important to get to know your field through periodicals and online resources.  I enjoy the various types of magazines available to writers, but I've only chosen to subscribe to a... Continue Reading
Resources for Writers, Part One
Several of my writing pals have asked me what resources I recommend for folks who are just starting out and are still in the "I think I can" stage.  I've got a whole stack of books and periodicals I enjoy,... Continue Reading
Tune in to the "Today" Show and Meet George!
Many congratulations are going around the Know More Media Network already...and it's only Monday!  First of all, George Parker of AdHurl is going to be on NBC's "Today" Show this Wednesday, 1 February!  Dan Smith has blogged the news and you... Continue Reading
Jan29
Want to BE a Mentor?
After all this talk about how useful a mentor can be for a mentee, it is important that we touch on how helpful the relationship can be to the mentor himself (or herself).  Successful individuals from all walks of life... Continue Reading
Choosing Your Mentor: Who Do You Need?
Once you've created a list of your wants and needs, make a list of all the people you know in the business world that a) you respect and admire b) you trust already or would trust with any business plans... Continue Reading
Choosing Your Mentor: What Do You Want?
Once you've decided that the time is right for you to find a mentor to help you along your business journey, you'll want to sit down and think about what you want, need, and expect from your mentor.  Do you... Continue Reading
Mentors: Payment and Confidentiality
In a recent comment, Jessica asked two excellent questions about establishing a relationship with a business mentor.  She asks:   1.       "...What is the general amount one should expect to allocate to hiring a mentor? ..."   2.       "...Are... Continue Reading
Organize Your Home Office
I've frequently heard people say you can't use what you can't find.  What good are all those wonderful books, magazine articles, files and other resources for building your business if you can't find them and take advantage of what they... Continue Reading
Jan27
Mentors: Do YOU Need One?
I agree wholeheartedly with Scott Allen over at About.com on this one.  If you are an entrepreneur, the answer is undoubtedly YES, you need a mentor!  Everyone needs a trusted advisor who has a wealth of knowledge they are willing to share. ... Continue Reading
No Business is an Island
Did you know that even if you're a sole proprietor, you're not alone in the business world?  Okay, so you already knew you've got me here for ya *grin* but you've also got millions of other small businesses wandering around... Continue Reading
Say What? Glossaries of Business Terms
As you know, continuing your education is vital to your success as a small business owner.  Whether you are still in the planning stages for your very first entrepreneurial endeavor or are changing gears after years (or decades) in one... Continue Reading
On the Road Again...to Amsterdam?
Watch out, travel writers!  The power bloggers may be hot on your trail when it comes to scooping up comp trips and airfare.  According to Shanktar Gupta over at MediaPost, the Netherlands Board of Tourism is partnering with BlogAds to... Continue Reading
Jan26
What's Your (Business) Plan?
Whether you're just starting out or have decided it's time to revitalize your business (or change paths and create a new one), it's important to have a plan of attack.  While I fully realize some of you are much more... Continue Reading
"Hey, Hey, What's Goin' On?"
Sorry about that, I've got that song stuck in my head!  What's going on with your small business this year?  Can you believe we're already almost to the end of January?  Kind of flying by for me, personally. There's a... Continue Reading
Jan25
Want Free Publicity? Get Involved!
We've briefly covered how joining the local Chamber of Commerce can help you get started on the creation of a local professional network.  Getting involved with your CoC, whether at a local, county or state level, is an excellent way of... Continue Reading
Build Your Small Biz: Professional Associations
Just about all of us have figured out that joining the local Chamber of Commerce can be beneficial for the small- or home-based business owner.  After all, where's the first place you should start creating your network of colleagues?  Locally. ... Continue Reading
Jan24
More for the Small Biz Bookshelf
As promised, here are the other two titles I found today that are of interest to the small- or home-based business owner. Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes and Stay Out... Continue Reading
Phil Dusenberry's Insights and, um, Accidents
It's official: Today was Tuesday.  Okay, so you already knew that.  But you know, sometimes when you work from home, it's a little easy to lose track.  As I mentioned last week, Tuesday is "library day" for me and the... Continue Reading
Jan23
Office Supplies on a Shoestring
Trying to pull together your office on a budget?  Most of us, whether home-based or in a leased space, would rather invest our funds in the necessities of the business than into a single fancy wingback for the sitting area. ... Continue Reading
Jan20
Taxes and the Small Business
Yes, folks, it's that time of year again.  Tax time is on the way.  (Stop running away...you can't hide.  Sorry.  Nice try though!)  It's almost the end of January, which means that some of you are just beginning to pull... Continue Reading
Are You Marketing Like a "Guerrilla"?
Where are you getting your tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to marketing your products or services?  Large or small, every business needs a business plan, to include a marketing plan.  Some of my favorite resources are... Continue Reading
New Program for Multi-Level Marketers
Are you an independent businessperson working as a sales consultant for a company like Tupperware, Avon, etc?  If so, keep an eye on IMN's new e-mail tool, called "Party Pulse".  My colleague Anissa DeGrasse caught my eye today when she... Continue Reading
Writing is a Business Too!
When I was significantly younger (I won't admit how long ago, so don't ask), I knew I wanted to be a writer.  What I didn't know at the time was what that really entailed.  Even as a youngster I was... Continue Reading
Jan19
Government Resources for Small Businesses
One of the most important investments you can make in your company is to invest in your own continuing education.  As you've seen from just the few resources I've already suggested for your perusal, there's a lot to choose from. ... Continue Reading
Women in Business: Thinking "Pink"
What else did I enjoy (or not) about the December.January 2006 edition of PINK Magazine?  Read on: "Woman's Work" (pg. 37) featured B-52 bomber pilot Capt. Andrea Jensen.  Maybe it's because I'm an Army brat, living in a predominantly military... Continue Reading
Women in Business: PINK Magazine
In response to my recent post about resources for women in business, Jessica over at TheHomeCast pointed me toward MediaPostPublications' "Magazine Rack" entry about PINK Magazine.  As I mentioned in my reply to Jessica, I both agree and disagree with reviewer... Continue Reading
Jan18
Businesses to Percolate On...
Some of you visit SmallBizMentor because you're already operating a small- or home-based business...others are in the planning stages (or even just mulling over the concept).  One thing we all have in common is that entrepreneurial spirit that makes us... Continue Reading
Jan17
Do-It-Yourself Legal for Small Businesses?
As a business owner I'm sure you know the importance of establishing a schedule.  One of my own priorities as a work-at-home mom is to create pockets throughout the day and the week where I can not only spend time with... Continue Reading
Jan16
Resources for Women in Business
The marketplace for business resources is huge and full of options and niche opportunities.  As the number of women creating or in control positions in business has grown, so too has the number of organizations and resources made available... Continue Reading
Into e-Books?
Whether you're a writer or a bookseller, you'll be interested to know that Sony recently unveiled their new e-book reader at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.  According to Publishers Weekly, the new reader weighs in at just over... Continue Reading
Better Health for Small Business Owners?
As we just discussed, owning your own business can actually be quite good for your bottom line.  The most obvious asset is being in control of your company's assets, of course.  One of the easily forgotten benefits (perks?) of being... Continue Reading
Home (Office) Economics
Are you still in the investigation stage when it comes to creating your small- or home-based business?  While the advantages to being your own boss are many, one of the "pros" of the situation seems to surprise a lot of... Continue Reading
Jan14
Green Your Business for 2006
Did you create resolutions for 2006?  How are you doing so far?  I won't admit to making it very far on my own personal resolutions, but one of my professional ones was to get my office in order!  This is... Continue Reading
Jan13
Writing and The Web, Part Two
So we've already discussed why freelance writers should consider creating a website just like any small- or home-based business operator would.  But the questions went deeper than just "should I?  Why should I?"  Eleanor also asked for low cost ways... Continue Reading
Jan11
Writing and the Web, Part One
Welcome back to Small Biz Mentor!  I'm thrilled to see that our dialog has already begun.  Eleanor has asked some great questions regarding marketing for freelance writers, but I believe the answers apply to any business these days.  Let's take... Continue Reading
Jan10
Welcome to SmallBizMentor.com!
I'm your hostess, Melonie K. Murray.  I was going to introduce myself as the "hostess with the mostest", but that would be corny and we all know that folks who run small- and home-based businesses are never corny.  Right?  Well...we'll... Continue Reading

« November 2005 | Main | February 2006 »

Advertise

Atlanta Locksmith - servicing small businesses in Atlanta.
Advertise Here

recent comments

    sponsored ads



    subscribe


    Prefer Email?
    Subscribe below-

    Enter your Email:


    Powered by FeedBlitz What's this?

    Current News

    Support This Blog

    blogroll


    Blognoggle

    business social media

    Use these fast growing business social media sites to promote your business, feature your products, spotlight your business leaders, create links, and drive traffic back to your company site, all for free!

    BIZZlogos - Add your logo - free link to your site
    BIZZphotos - Add photos of your products and people
    BIZZprofiles - Submit your profile and build your online visibility
    BIZZspotlight - Spotlight your business with free links
    BIZZvideos - Videos about businesses, products and business people.
    BIZZbites - "Digg" for Business - Submit your articles and posts

    Know More Media - Small Business / Home Based Business

    know more media network

    View Network Map

    Network Feed List (OPML)

    Know More Media Network
    Feed


    we support unitus

    PRWeb

    Influencer



    SmallBizMentor is a member of the Know More Media network of business related blogs.

    Here are some current headlines from some of our business publications:

    ProductivityGoal

    CallCenterScript

    AdHurl

    TheBizofKnowledge

    LandingTheDeal

    CustomersAreAlways

    HealthCareVox

    BrainBasedBusiness

    TheInsurancePolicy

    MarketingBlurb