Using the Color White to Inspire Your Business Actions Today
Inspiration for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
Soon we will be entrenched in snowy days when the Lake Effect Snow machine starts working and the view out the window looks like the most perfect Norman Rockwell painting. When that happens you might find yourself inspired by the clean white atmosphere of drifting snowflakes, snow laden branches and a cloudy white sky to reminisce and softly dream forward.
Did you know that before Isaac Newton, most scientists believed that white was the fundamental color of light? It wasn’t until Newton passed a white light through a prism, breaking it up into its composite colors, and then using a second prism to reassemble them that he discovered it value. It’s interesting that white – although it appears to be colorless by vision – is really made up of all the colors of the rainbow.
The color white is also the color most often associated with innocence, perfection, the good, purity, cleanliness, and beginnings. Sometimes the beauty of an all white day can remind you that you can grab a blank, white sheet of paper or time to reflect, renew and realize the colors of a new future.
Mid-December can be a time of both busyness and quietness. We rush around finalizing end of the year sales, preparing paperwork for our taxes, signing holiday cards for clients, attending social functions and yet tucked within the hoopla is quiet time to contemplate colorful changes we want to create for ourselves.
Today’s post is to inspire you if you feel you are ready for changes to your future, to take out a white, blank sheet of paper and start jotting, journaling and dreaming. Use pockets of quiet time in the hustle of this season to think about your three best moments of the year and also the 3 hardest lessons of the year. Create a way to capitalize on the positive experiences and to change the hard ones so they don’t happen again; and at the same time dream of change – fresh, clean white change.
In any moment of time, we can create a blank slate and start again. Use the beauty of the fresh falling snow, the snow laden tree branches and the colorless sky to remind you there is always a way to add vibrant color to your life and business.
“It’s a Wonderful Business Life”
Inspiration for women entrepreneurs, female business owners and small businesses
A man stands near a burned out truck as Veterans and activists march to Backwater Bridge just outside of the Oceti Sakowin camp during a snow fall as “water protectors” continue to demonstrate against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline adjacent to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, U.S., December 5, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Snow was flying inside the television screen looking just like a picturesque shakable snow globe. People dressed in heavy fur coats, rawhide gloves and large wooly hats stood with poles in their hands rejoicing. They had endured a brutal winter storm to protect their Indian land in North Dakota. People rallied beside them. Some Veteran groups joined them in the frozen tundra of the US plains to show support. There was a warm community of people standing together in the coldest conditions.
The scene made me flash back to a knock on my door one summer day from a Fuller Brush man who shopped door to door to sell his products to my family and others. I remember being amazed as a child that someone came to us – to our house – to sell and support our buying habits. We didn’t have to go to him. This old form of shopping seems obsolete now since consumers can turn on their computer to shop without a sales person. But I remember greeting him happily to see what he brought for us to buy.
I think in today’s times, in the “me” generation, we expect for people to come out to support us, buy from us, or stand up for beliefs we have together. What happened to us going to people to ask for their business, to meet them, to support their wishes and beliefs? Community can be found over the Internet but you know as well as I do that community is found when you are standing side by side with someone or asking someone over a cup of coffee for their business. A deep, meaningful community comes from personal interaction not over a wire.
I worried a couple years ago having less attendance at events after people became happy enough to network or learn from home behind a computer screen. I wondered if human interactions and live events would still be attended if people stopped wanting to mingling in person. Yet at every event I’ve held in the past six months, although the crowds have been slightly smaller, the interaction of women meeting each other and staying longer is evident. Being an active community member matters.
Today’s #WednesdayWisdom is to remind you that as easy as technology makes you feel to be part of a vital community, being somewhere in person is imperative to feeling alive and participating in a meaningful experience. This holiday season think about knocking on the door of a couple of your most important customers, like the Fuller Brush Company did, to surprise them with something nice. Go out and join a community event to feel alive and connected. Pick up the phone and just call clients to thank them. Handwrite a message or deliver a blessing that makes a difference.
This weekend instead of watching “It’s a Wonderful Life,” I’m going to Seneca Falls to join my 261Fearless Boston Marathon friend Katie to run together in the “It’s a Wonderful Run” with others to raise money for scholarships. Join a community and be active with them and you will feel more alive and make your life more wonderful.
There Is No Such Thing as Bad Publicity
The theory “There’s no such thing as bad publicity” means if the public is talking about you and the comments are negative, it is still good because your name is on the top of people’s minds, keeping you relevant in the marketplace of a million businesses. For the most part, a woman entrepreneur, public official or popular community member can’t depend on getting good press coverage for bad things for too long because the press moves on to the next hot topic.
The question for the average woman business owner who would love to get media attention to increase sales and customers is how to get press if they aren’t doing anything extraordinary to garner attention. Some experts say the best strategy for securing excellent press coverage is about doing something unique, participating in a national headline topic, producing a revolutionary new service or rising to the top of consumer’s mind. Remember if you are doing something innovative or relevant you have to share it in the form of a press release or contacting the media. They won’t know about you unless you reach out to them. Many are looking for sources for stories.
Right after the 2016 election results came out, I sent a press release to local media, some of who had national media reporters, about my women’s organization plans to march on DC peacefully to be seen and heard by the new administration. After the article was posted online it received close to 700 comments, not all of them positive. My mother called me to say, “I hope you aren’t getting any flack about your actions and company. I reminded her my feminist approach to life came from her and not to worry.” But since the appearance of the article online and then in Sunday’s big newspaper, I’ve had more affirming comments and women joining our trip than bad ones.
I was raised to believe in what I stand for – to be kind, generous, intelligent, and proactive. I don’t believe I was put on earth to keep my feelings to myself or to be too scared to not stick up for who I represent which has been women entrepreneurs the past 30 years. If making my voice heard, taking some negative comments from time to time and standing firm in my business brand then I’ll consider that spotlight as a “positive” news experience.
We still have room on our second bus of women going from Syracuse to Washington DC on January 20-21, 2017. Go to this link for details and to register http://vagabondtourandtravel.com/cny-march-on-washington.
Finding Female Kinship at Barnes and Noble
Inspiration and wisdom for women, young women and feminists
Earlier today a reporter posted an online article about the fact I was taking two busloads of women to the Women’s March on Washington, DC on January 21, 2017 to stand shoulder to shoulder and toe to toe with hopefully a million other women making sure the new administration did not forget about women’s rights like pay inequality and our right to choose about our body. As soon as the article came online it was filled with really tough comments about me, the event and our mission. I never doubted having the article placed, but I needed to get away from the computer to soak in some inspiration.
I headed to Barnes and Nobel to be in peace without a computer. I decided to look for a couple Women’s Rights books and words from some foremothers to cheer me up and sustain me. As I was starting to search, a bright 20 year old woman came up to me to ask if I needed help. In typical form, I couldn’t just say “I’m looking for a book on Women’s Rights,” I had to tell her the whole online article issue and my need to find words to sustain me.
Immediately she said, “I love Women’s Rights” and I have the perfect book for you. She proceeded to hand me “The Feminist Fight Club” by Jessica Bennett and said I think you’ll love this. Without looking through the book, I took it and said “Thank you I trust your opinion.” I proceeded to tell her about our plan to walk on Washington and she said she would love to attend. I gave her my business card and told her I wanted her to join us. We both went off smiling having met each other in an unexpected time and place but realizing we were soul sisters in feminism. I made sure to also pick up the book “Feminism Unfinished” to give me more historical perspectives on the American Women’s Movements.
My defeated spirit spurred by some men’s comments to the article changed when this one woman lifted me up with simple but compassionate words and actions. It is a reason I love women and have worked so hard to support them. We get each other. We support each other. We want to be better together. That is the reason I am marching on Washington DC because women deserve every single equal ounce of rights and justice in this world. We are amazing people with extraordinary abilities to support and help each other and the world. We can and will make it different.
Thank you to my 20 year old Barnes and Noble friend for the unexpected gift of warmth, friendship and hope. I do hope she joins me to march in Washington on January 21st. I’m sure we will be arm and arm together and shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other positive women.
Women Entrepreneurs – Is Today Just Good Ole Wednesday or Not?
Business inspiration, wisdom and advice for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
Today is good ole “Wednesday” not Cyber Monday or Giving Tuesday but just another day in the work week or is it? Most likely this is the third post you received from me this week and the reason isn’t because I want to flood your inbox but rather because I love and participate in as many marketing opportunities as I can as a small business owner if it benefits my clients or my business. Creative marketing is a key to success. This I know for a fact.
When the idea of Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday crept into the marketplace like hallmark cards, Grandparents Day and Take Your Daughter to Work Day, it was novel with little traction. Just like starting a company by the third year these post-Black Friday holidays because popular. Yesterday I received requests from ten non-for-profits asking for a donation. These “holiday” marketing programs worked and more people and organizations have gotten on board using them including me. It is hard to apologize for using creative marketing when you know it can help others and yourself.
So what about today “Good Ole Wednesday,” what are you going to do today to creatively market your business? Do you have any ideas? Were you inspired by Monday and Tuesday’s marketing programs? Most of us don’t believe we are creative enough to come up with our own marketing plans or ideas but we do if we spend some time thinking and planning. The Women TIES “Wednesday Wisdom” was created in May 2005 to bring inspiration to the lives of women entrepreneurs. Now 11 years later women love and count on it. You can create the same programs, events and ideas to bring branding, attention and information to your followers.
Today I want you to think about 3 ideas to create a new and lasting brand idea, program, event, marketing holiday, original communication piece or more by yourself or with others. Sometimes collaboration is a great way to start something big. Take a peek at the Internet for ideas. Look at Hallmark holidays. Think of what other businesses have done that you like. Test the waters and then be consistent and you might find you create the next better “Wednesday” for your customers.
Giving Tuesday Reason and Request
Special Giving Tuesday Message
Celebrating its fifth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. It is proof that social media has had a positive impact on the world as we know it. Giving Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. It kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year.
This is the first time in my 22 year entrepreneurial career that I am personally participating in #GivingTuesday. I typically market events, memberships and my company Women TIES to get more women to buy from each other and create a stronger financial buying circle for women; but today is special, because today is Giving Tuesday and I need your financial support.Instead of my written word to explain why I need your assistance, I taped a video message for you to listen to with an open heart – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdKVm_Pyp-g
I know you will receive many giving requests today and all causes have purpose and significance. I can’t say the organization I am raising money for is more deserving than any other, but I ask you to consider donating so I can help raise money for 261 Fearless.Org and to run in the 2017 Boston Marathon with legendary Kathrine Switzer who will celebrate her 50th Anniversary of being the first woman to officially register and run that race. I will bring women entrepreneur’s dreams with me to this “feminist moment” as I line up at the start of the Boston Marathon line with Kathrine so we can all cross the finish line together.
To make a donation to my Boston Marathon Run and 261Fearless.org, go to this link.
I can’t run without your financial and emotional support. I promise you the donation is going to a very worthy cause about “women supporting women” in life and running. I remain committed to you and women everywhere. Thank you for your generosity today.
Creating Your Own Cyber Monday Special
Cyber Monday Marketing Tips for Small Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs
As I entered my office on a foggy Monday in Central New York, I decided to create a simple Cyber Monday special and market them to my customers and the public. I love running a business where I have the ability to create a positive, brighter atmosphere for myself and my constituents quickly. I also love the ability to establish marketing specials and use social media to broadcast them.
In case you didn’t know, Cyber Monday was created as a marketing strategy the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. The term “Cyber Monday” was created by marketing companies to persuade people to shop online. The term made its debut on November 28, 2005 and it’s quickly become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year.
Today’s blog post offer simple tips on how to create and market a Cyber Monday Special today even if you haven’t thought about doing it until this moment. I hope these easy suggestions help you:
* Review the list of your business services or product offerings. Decide which you’d like to post as a special – maybe one of your most popular ones or perhaps one you’d like to have more customers consuming.
* Create the “offering” by deciding on a certain percentage discount off the regular price or giving 2 items away for the price of 1. You could also offer a bonus product or service if someone buys from you today.
* Market the Cyber Monday Special on your social media sites – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, your blog, etc. and share it with your friends and hopefully theirs.
* Market your Cyber Monday Special through a personal email blast to your current customers making sure they are aware of the deal.
* Most importantly, follow through on what you offer by: making sure you grant the discount, billing properly or mailing the bonus item immediately. You want to be honest, fast and successful in delivering what you market on Cyber Monday.
If you are waking up today not knowing what kind of marketing you should be doing, take my advice and bring some light into your business by creating and marketing a cool Cyber Monday Special for the customers you love and the new people you want to attract to your company.
NOTE: If you are a woman entrepreneur (women only) interested in my company’s Cyber Monday membership deal, simply visit http://www.womenties.com/join.cfm and join at the premium level and receive 3 months membership for free to your annual membership. It’s that easy! We’d love to have you brighten up our growing New York State organization too.
In Every Season, Let’s Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving inspiration and wisdom for women and women entrepreneurs
“There is something in every season, in every day, to celebrate with Thanksgiving,” is the quote by Gloria Gaither on my daily inspirational calendar this morning. As I glance out beyond my computer screen to the beautiful view out my large window that invites the indoors inside with me as I work, I am mindful of what Thanksgiving means to me as a woman entrepreneur within the morning’s quote and shimmering light.
Every day I celebrate my independence, intelligence and spirit by opening up my own business doors to a world of opportunity where I can share my knowledge, words and events with a community of amazing. smart and brave women entrepreneurs. I believe every morning for a grateful woman entrepreneur begins with being thankful for the professional path we have chosen – at times not easy or perfect or pleasant – but always rewarding in ways beyond what a corporate position can offer us.
Oh how my life has been positively enhanced by the people I have met, the places I have gone and the group I belong to because I chose to live a life of entrepreneurship. I hope you awake this beautiful new morning with the same feelings.
We have much to celebrate in every season of our business lives – the start of our companies, the growing stages when revenue is finally steady and during expansion when we move beyond thinking small to living large.
We also rejoice when we have come through a rough patch with finances, lost customers, epic fails and times when we have lost our spirit, only to rise again in thanksgiving for the gift of being women business owners. In every season, in every day, we can choose to celebrate our position in life and business.
Today as you prepare to celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving, be mindful of the daily gifts you receive as a woman entrepreneur and what running your own business has brought to your life. If it has been like mine for the past 20 years, it has been a colorful, joyful tapestry of people, places and blessings that have made life rich and worthwhile beyond words.
I wish you and the ones you love a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.
We Need an American Positive Only News Day
Inspiration for women, women entrepreneurs and the media
As I await my two adored sons to arrive for the holiday from New York City, I turned on the news to headlines about tragic school bus accidents, snowstorms and political turmoil. I didn’t need any more angst in my mind since worrying about my sons safe arrival home is taking up enough space, so I turned off the television and turned on my computer.
The first message was from a woman telling me of a generous female donor who wants to pay for the cost of one woman, who can’t afford to travel with us to Washington on January 21st, to join us. The generous offer touched my heart because I have spoken with many women who want to come but can’t afford it. In an instant the contrast of what I witnessed on television to this gift through email lifted my spirits and belief in the people of this world.
The media may paint America as this harsh, cynical, unloving place now but we know if we pay attention to our own communities, families and friends that is not the case. I believe in the good people I serve and surround myself with to be the light that carries me and our America forward. I wish the media could promise for one day to only report good, happy, positive actions of people. We could call it an “American Positive Only News Day” to bring hope back to everyone during this divisive time and Thanksgiving holiday.
So today and over the Thanksgiving, remember to surround yourself with good, loving, caring people who touch your heart and make you want to change the world for the better. We can perform our own “positive media blackout” by being the voice that shares love and compassion with those we love which will hopefully ripple out into our communities and all of America. We need to love first; and then compassion will follow.
A Peaceful, Collective Journey For Women on January 21, 2017
Inspiration and wisdom for women and female entrepreneurs
I purposely positioned my desk and computer to face out a huge window overlooking my front yard, 70’ blue spruce tree, 6 maple trees and a horse farm across the street. I believe work is enhanced when you have beauty to view.
Living in Syracuse, New York means when beautiful Lake Ontario graces us with fun, sun and pink sunsets in the summer, we can expect snow to rage wildily in the winter if the winds are just right. As I looked up at my pine tree, little tiny snowflakes are crashing into each other as if they have no direction.
In an instance the snowflakes resembled how people are reacting after the presidential election. All the emotions, conversations and actions are as frantic as these snowflakes being driven by the harsh wind. If there wasn’t wind to fuel the snowflakes movement, they would peacefully settle down at their own pace to the ground. But instead of floating and settling, they are propelled speedily around bumping into each other.
I have had to defend my feminist voice more recently to people I didn’t expect to although I’ve voiced it for 22 years. The reason is because we are taking two buses of women to Washington DC on January 21, 2017 to be part of the million women landscape in our national’s capital. Our foremothers did it. I will do it and I’m bringing like minded women with me. It is not a sin. It is not a revolt. It is a peaceful reminder that the United States is made up of women – 52% in fact – that need their rights and other human rights not forgotten with the new all male, white administration so far.
Just like a snow pile can’t block the view of a window unless enough of them collect in height and length, the reminder that women’s rights and human rights must be remembered in Washington, will be seen when a million women and their supporters create their own “snow pile” of a million of them together in solidarity in January.
Like the snowflakes, we will float. We will not collide. We want a peaceful journey. We don’t need harsh wind to push us around. We just want to be seen and all land together in one place, in one pile, to show our massive presence.
Women TIES 