Networking = Dating for Business

The first Wednesday of the month is a busy day for me, but I love it! I have blogged about Networking Wednesdays (London Small Business Centre) before; referencing the new people I've met or the ones I've reconnected with. For the last few consecutive months, there has been a record crowd so that's always fun!

There were a couple of people there I was delighted to reconnect with. It was a new event to some. Little did I know I would be heeding my own advice (and getting back to basics) later on in the evening at the second event I attended: the London Geek Dinner and Tweetup; a brand new experience for me.

New social settings are always a little unnerving, no matter how confident you are or what reason you have for going. Networking for business doesn't need to be any different than when you're looking for a date. You are, after all, looking to create a new relationship.

Sometimes we fumble for words to use or decide to not participate in the opportunity despite being there in person. Here are some questions I keep in my back pocket when I find a lull in the conversation. By the time I get to the fifth one and it just seems like I'm firing questions, and there really isn't any connection, I recognize it's time to move on to meet someone else.

For those of you who can relate to the dating scene, here are some translations for you.

"What's your sign" = "What business are you in?"
"Where do you work" = "How do people find you?"
"Do you come here often?" = "Where else do you promote what you do?"
and the more personal: "May I buy you a drink?" = "Tell me what motivates you to do what you do."

Finally, when it's time to move around...

"...so how 'bout those {insert sport's team}" = "Let me introduce you to..."

When networking, I absorb as much information as possible...which is why I'm pretty whupped when it's over.

My motivation is quite simply this: "What do you do, and how can you help any of the people I have ever met or will ever meet?" You see, I love connecting people. Finding new ways, products and services that can make this world a better place (one person at a time) is very rewarding for me. And thus, I love networking.

So next time you've pumped yourself up to get out and network, don't forget to participate and be clear and articulate about what you have to offer.

Nimbly,
JCM

Have I Met You Recently?

Just because you network online, doesn't mean you shouldn't network face to face. I mentioned the three different ways to network in an earlier post and actually put my own theory into action this week with three different networking events...almost!

The Small Business Centre hosts Networking Wednesday on the 1st Wednesday of every month. Friends and entrepreneurs gathered at TrisanOne and were warmly welcomed by Lorraine Landgren. The room was abuzz with eager entrepreneurs to check in with old and new acquaintances alike.

Members of the EClub always enjoy meeting up there while representing the club. Greeters Jayme Cousins (In House Logic) and Cathy Brown-Swanton (The Studio Wellness Clinic) were pros at ushering in attendees by having a secret password...something about the flying distance of a swallow...or colour. Which side of the door do you think I chose? Adam Malamis (Similam Media) gave a small presentation about our EClub and why he decided to join.

I met some new faces and businesses too! Dan Renwick of Network Solutions introduced himself and an established company (a Div. of VBM Incorporated) I hadn't known existed in the computer sector of the city. It has been right under our noses all along! On the same theme, Dan Wright is full of enthusiasm about his new company: Prowire Solutions. Adam and I both agreed he has a great business card and he can hook you up for music, video, and surveillance. I was particularly delighted when Cathy Obright (a Business & Personal Coach) from Brighten Your Future Coaching came up and requested a card in anticipation of her client looking for admin support. Thanks Cathy! Next I met Renny Thomson a travel consultant for YYZ Travel Group. We talked travel with Adam and how sometimes you really only want a one-way ticket.

Before Networking Wednesday wrapped up I was determined to wish my EClub fellow, Sean Sweeney of Fortress Data Vaulting the utmost of luck for the upcoming Venture Prize London competition. I'm cheering for you Sean!

And here's a twist; where online meets offline. James Rivers, Titan Marketing Strategies (@jamesrivers on Twitter) said as soon as he came to the door I needn't introduce myself because he already knew who I was. I knew who he was too! It was great (and always is) to meet someone you've been chatting with online. The kind of chatter (or twitting) one does with Twitter is very casual (yet professional depending on who you follow and choose to converse with) so we didn't need to make small talk. That's so neat! Not only is he developing a fabulous Twitter program package, James has a great marketing mind with all kinds of tech savvy. I was delighted to shake his hand.

This is the perfect seguay to the next event I was to attend that night: London Tweetup and Geek Dinner. In between events though I decided one was probably enough for the day and in looking at the mirror, decided to visit a friend under the weather instead. I will make it to the next thought. Promise!

Bright and early the next morning, I packed up my children and arrived for the 7:00 a.m. Summit Referral Network meeting. I was substituting for Nancy Kirwin of Townsend Mutual Insurance, a woman of integrity, compassion with a sense of humour! There was an intimate group that morning with Brenda Feenstra (Feenstra Interior Design) at the helm, Ann Leeson (Investment Planning Council of Canada) , Winn Barnett, Independent Mary Kay Director, Wayne Mann (Entrepreneur's Source), Ken Davison (MedIt) and Ryan Yeo (Blackfriar's Beauty Salon). During breakfast we heard aboud each other's business, discussed their fun night that night, and I got to soap box about Twitter and Social Media. Winn had some great items ready for purchase just in time for Valentine's Day too.

Thank you to everyone I met and discussed various things with over those two days. It was great to reconnect with some faces I haven't seen in a while and reassuring there were many more people to learn from.

Being an online networker has it's advantages; scope for one. As comfortable as it is to dialogue in various social media forums, you should still make a direct human effort to talk with the people you encounter. It's an acid test since there is no backspace or delete key on the telephone or in person.

Nimbly,
JCM

Where's your heart? Where's your Business?

Apparently, more than ever, people are wanting to connect with each other.

Apparently, technology is facilitating the connection.

Apparently, we're still doing business with people.

Apparently, money isn't greasing all customer wheels.

I had a wonderful, direct, conversation yesterday with Lewis Green, author of How to Grow a Business by Putting People First yesterday afternoon. Mr. Green believes in heart for both customer and company and gives those listening or reading a formula to keep things realistic.

In our discussion, we both agreed that if there is no relationship, or personal tie all we were talking about was products and services (widgets) and our decision making would be price based. If we have experienced something, created a relationship, trusted information, or received a referral, it was about "the next sale" and then price was not the major factor, the company was. (Company being either a business entity or the people surrounding the transaction)

This is not new. The question for me is how do I support businesses in realtionship (not a typo);

1. understanding the effect relationship building can have on their business
2. give them something relate-able from micro-business, small business, big business
3. assist them in overcoming the "what's the cost" concern.

Larger companies are hesitant to expose their heart (with the exception of the few mentioned in Mr. Green's book). Just as they are reluctant to rev-up the engines of social media. Smaller companies or micro-companies have the ability to turn quicker, adjust, accommodate feedback, without need to accumulate approvals from various departments. They just don't have the resources (people, time, money) to do it.

Here we are, back at the beginning. So where does Real and Relationship meet for my customers? There are no quick and easy answers or blanket solutions. What's your mix of heart and business; what's your Realtionship Status?

Nimbly,
JCM

Anything Come to Mind?

Welcome 2009! Along with a renewed commitment to this blog and my techno-life, I wish to expand my world again. It hasn't hurt me yet and in all the reading I've been doing a common theme jumped out at me. People. I have been developing social contacts online and appreciate all I have learned with them. There are a few people I'd like to connect with face to face though.

This is not saying I wouldn't love to meet the people I have met online. I would be delighted to have coffee/lunch/tea with any of you! It's time to stretch a little again, beyond my comfort zone, and think about successful people I'd like to have lunch with and do it.

Since we sometimes don't realize the limitations we put on ourselves, I'm thinking you may be able to suggest people I should meet. So here are some guidelines:

1. An entrepreneurial mom who figured out how to raise kids and a business and not loose too much sanity in the process.
   
2. A celebrity: If we're going to think big let's make it Queen Latifa...or John Cusak.
   
3. I want to develop friendship with someone in the Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut.
4. Meet three social media gurus: 1 who runs a small business, 1 who takes the corporate perspective and 1 who does it for personal reasons.
   
5. A spiritual leader of a totally different faith.

The second place I'd like to stretch is in geography. Here's a little disclosure: I haven't been very far. So here's a list of places (in no particular order) I think I'd like to go. If anyone can help create an amazing time on a very limited budget I'd be happy to consider it!

1. Canadian Maritimes - to smell the Atlantic, feel the spray & connect with the Maritime spirit.
   
2. Boston - don't know why, just want to go.
   
3. New York - immerse in the culture, experience the pace, & get all sassy! (May need my sisters with me for that!)
   
4. San Franscico - again don't know why, just want to go.
   
5. The most beautiful rolling field of green and wild flowers.

If someone or details come to mind as you read this post, please forward an email or website address. I trust in getting the information I need as I need it so don't hold back!

Thank you for your support in my development; both in business and personally we will all grow this year!

Nimbly,
JCM

Who's in Your Team "Hoorah?"

Have you ever set lofty goals? I hope you have and even more so, I hope you exceeded them. So, how did you do it? Was you drive and determination enough or did you need to access others strengths to get where you wanted to be?

Now that you have experienced the cycle of goal setting and reaching the goal, were you able to assess what you experienced and what you did? If you have an entrepreneurial spirit you will undoubtedly wonder how you will do it better in the next round. We all try (some better than others) to do it all ourselves. What would success look like if you leveraged the strengths of others? Depending on what you value, it could look like this:

1. You could reach your goal with a sane mind and enough energy to celebrate; although a little less in the bank account once you factor in support services.
   
   
2. You can have a huge bank account and one last "hoorah, I made it" just before you pass out of exhaustion or illness...all on your own.

I am biased as you know. We are in business doing something we love and believe in. So what happens when it becomes distorted and almost unrecognizable as we strain and stretch? It's not so pretty anymore and we begin to avoid the work we felt we could move mountains with.

Even if there is one task you wish someone else would do for you; concentrate for a few moments everyday that a person with exceptional skills in that area will come to you. Think about how you would like the work done, how it will improve your operations including what it will cost. Don't be surprised if someone does come along for the price or barter you were looking for.

Two things will happen. First, you will have someone else to consider when you are providing the service/product you do. This will expand your thinking for your business. It will also make you accountable to this person on a smaller scale; but laying ground work for others. Secondly, you will be so impressed you manifested this person it will motivate you to manifest more...and you'll have time and energy for this since you no longer have to grudgingly consider the task anymore. Your energy is no longer being drained from you.

Creating a team does not have to mean new departments and office suites. A small change can make a big difference. In this world of contract work and increasing micro business, keeping an attitude of abundance and sharing the pie will not only give you a growing company but flexibility to meet some extraordinary people with exceptional talents.

Who's on your team? Time for a group HOORAH!

Nimbly,
JCM

No Ho-Hums at Home only Drive and Passion

How many of you have experienced this: "You work at home, how nice for you to do what you want?"

When will the myth of "work and play whenever you want to" wear off and the truth be known to those who don't work from home?

Let me clarify for intrapreneurs (whom aren't the target for this blog so feel free to share it outside of the small business circle).

• Working at home does mean I can do whatever I want; just as much as it can be reality for you too. It does not mean that I can wait for any service or product longer than others (like in a bank line, or doctor's office).
  
  
• Working at home is handy. Yes indeed it cuts back on greenhouse gases from my car, can be a handy tax right off, and reduces the need to make a healthy lunch before the start of the work day. It also means, I have to walk by my desk any other time I'm not behind it and see what's waiting for my return. Included in this availability is the possibility of customers dropping in because they figured I'd be at home (read: the need to have things tidy at all times).
  

Entrepreneurship is not for sissies. It takes mental focus, determination and commitment to a balanced life beyond what is happening at a desk. Not just a little work here, and a little work there. To keep this positive, here are the advantages in my perspective:

1. Ability to move quickly: Be Nimble without the need for approvals, departmental meetings etc. They happen, it's just easier to make a decision with only one person (albeit with split personalities some days) or a team of remote staff.
   
   
2. Get the work done and then play...guilt free. If there isn't enough play; it's your own fault! If there isn't enough work to warrant the play, then maybe you're in the wrong business. If there is too much work to play then you need to delegate and then play! Simple.
   
   
3. Networking as a entrepreneur is different. One can't help but want to network and talk shop and learn how you can do business with others or do things better. Sometimes, as an intrapreneur, your passion while networking might not match who you are networking for.
   
   
4. Access to the entire universe of talent! You get to choose who works with you and whom you work with! Barring the mailman, you get to hand-pick your support team.
   
   
5. Leveraging technology has to be the most significant advantage in today's business world compared to 10 years ago. Think of the progress we have made in the method and speed we can do business. This point delivers the previous ones for without technology none of this would be possible for many of us (VA's in particular).

In closing I suggest instead of "oh, how nice that you can work from home" people give us a little praise for accomplishing all we do. After all, it's not just being able to get the kids off the bus and provide healthy meals to the family. (I wonder if that would actually happen if I worked for someone else!) Ask what drives us to do the business we do; you may just be surprised how passionate our answer is!

Nimbly,
JCM

Three Components to Networking...What's Your Mix?

Good morning and good week to you all!

After a much deserved techno-break over the last few days, I want to talk about your network. There are a few different ways to build your business and life before you need to call on anyone. (see Harvey MacKay's book, Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty).

I bet when Harvey first wrote that book, social media probably didn't exist. He notes in the later pages of the book about email and how to keep in touch with people. So here is my take on the three components of networking essential to a thriving business.

1. Local Networking
   You've got to get out and meet people face to face. It's a litmus test. Can you communicate, live, with someone, where you can't hit the backspace key and reformulate what you're pitching? Can you present yourself with all the right subliminal clues making what you're all about congruent with everything you say, do or sell?
   
   
2. Social Networking
   Reach into the wide world of information and people. Can you relay your personality and commitment in 140 characters? Probably not in one shot but you must do so in multiple times. That's the key. Give sound bytes of what you're all about more than once. This network will also feed the local network if you do it right. As someone who assists, this is a critical fountain of information that I can feed to my local, non-friended or followed, network.
   
   
3. Research Networking
   It was suggested that listening was the first step in embarking Twitter and it's very true. There is nothing wrong with checking out the scene before you jump in. I couldn't help it since it was obvious to me I should be swimming there. Here's the thing: It applies to any kind of networking. Before you commit to either of the above, check it out and see what is applicable to you. There's nothing wrong in telling people what your intention is. If you are researching for information, please state that upfront. Most people are happy to share their experience. It will be up to you to decipher the quality of the information you get. This will also speak volumes about the kind of person you are.

In any kind of networking it's important to listen first, then talk. No one wants to be pitched right after "hello" so don't do it. I believe Mr. Godin was the guy who stated we're out of the "information age" and into the "recommendation age" and we should all keep that in mind as we sell our wares. I think Mr. Mackay would agree.

Regardless, you must network to live. It's up to you what combination you create for yourself. Just remember; what you do in one, you do in the other.

Nimbly,
JCM

Remember.

Today is Remembrance Day and I am drawn to the honouring and support to those in my community.

I can recall in primary school (in northern Ontario), trekking to the local cenotaph with my class. It was cold and snowing and I didn't know why we were doing this. As happy as I was to be out of the classroom, I'm sure the excitement was waning with each step.

When the silence fell, I watched the veterans and I distinctly remember their faces in solemnity. Some with tears...then I could sympathize. They weren't cold. They weren't wishing they were somewhere else. They were there to help us remember and appreciate, collectively, what we have and so were we.

There was a time when I didn't honour Remembrance Day. Then my children came and I felt responsible in teaching them the importance of respect and thinking beyond themselves. We went together; the only family there with children. They were well behaved and understood the need to be quiet. I wish I would have had a camera when my little boy went up to a decorated veteran and said thank you...and his sister followed. A few tears formed among us. They have a sense of appreciation and I'm proud of them.

So what does this have to do with the business of administration?

There is greater strength when we all remember the path, the tribulations and finally celebrate together in jubilation. A common goal, motivated team members and determination can change the world.

Is your corp a corps accomplishing great things with collaborative effort? Or, are you a standalone soldier?

Nimbly in appreciation,
JCM

(net)Working at William's on Wonderland Wednesday

Wow! (Okay, I'll quit with the W's.)

Indeed a great networking session last night at William's for November's Networking Wednesday sponsored by London's Small Business Centre.

There were plenty of new faces and everyone was eager to talk and introduce themselves which is great energy to be within. Despite the crowded food and coffee table (thank you Williams!) we managed to learn about each other's businesses. I got to talk about my progress in Social Marketing and was able to give examples to most about how a virtual assistant could increase their effectiveness and rocket them to their goals.

Members of the E-Club were there (Josee (IMG Group), Dino (Red Box Computers), Adam (Simalam Media) et moi. I think we were successful in attracting some new recruits. (Note: next meeting November 19th, 7:00 a.m. Timbers) Above all, I enjoyed catching up with Barb Stahlke (Bookkeeping Services), and brief hello to Julie Munday (Sole Decisions). Sean Sweeney (Fortress Data Vaulting), Adam (as above) and Dino (as above) talked geek for a bit and it was obvious they knew what they were talking about...which was great since someone should know about that stuff! I'm happy to refer people to them for that reason.

I learned about a few new businesses too. Steve Andrusiak, CEO of Story Village was one of the first people I met and have since enjoyed the stories he is relaying about our community. Alison Empey of Sizing Matters also introduced herself and she has a knack for knickers and such. Brian from Corvus Data Solutions is off to great start and networked himself very well! Saving the best for last, Wayne Mann (Entrepreneur's Source), a business coach gave me a great simile to consider. "A business is a vehicle." So my interpretation includes the "journey is key", and "a business needs a destination" and "some vehicles do a little traiblazing."

Most people had moved on and I bid the gentlemen I was talking with a good evening. Sean jumped on his high performance c-rocket and riped into the night...far more exciting than the rest of us in our grocery-getter mini-vans!

Nimbly,
JCM

Where do you fit in?

Get online! Get a blog! Anyone can do it!

While these may be true, you really want to put your best foot forward in creating each layer of your business. There's a lot to learn for sure!

Here's a great link to a Hubspot article you should read...before you get started.

Before You Start Blogging, Ask Yourself These 10 Questions

It made me consider what I was doing as well. Somethings I felt good about and other I had to rethink and redirect. Here's where I'm at:

1. Primary target: People looking to network their business and stuff that will help them develop their businesses and their overall learning.
2. Secondary target: Businesses looking for approachable assistance in learning new product and technological waves from a newbie perspective.
3. Key information needs are: Bites of information, interpretation of application, and affordability.
4. Other blogs: Building a list or reputable, consistent and leading edge information.
5. Definitely leaving comments and remarks as I go. It's important to give people feedback and create the trail.
6. Key words: assistance, assistant, virtual, help, learning, resource, technology, nimble, versatile, contributing, aware, creative, professional, respectful, grateful, attitude...just to name a few
7. Only doing this one partly. Time to set up some other alerts!
8. So far so good!
9. Ultimate goal: To create an integrated web presence.
10. Both!

I welcome anyone's opinion or encouragement regarding where I can improve and continue to develop. Oh, and by the way, anyone can do it; if they really want to...it's just better if there is no crying when someone cuts into your onion.

Nimbly,
JCM

Write right; right now!

Since the beginning, one of my mentors, Susan Regier has encouraged me to write articles. Networking Today has kindly published each of them and I thought I should post links here for those of you interested in some of my thoughts on entrepreneurship among others.

I thank you Sue for all of your guidance and encouragement.

Knock, Knock…Opportunities Calling

Not So Social Networking

Networking for Work

Taking Networking to a Different Level

Your Business…Your Baby

Be a Substitute

For those of you who haven't already, get writing. Ask your mentors for ideas or interview them and get posting either in your blogs, or in full fledged articles. Consider Networking Today as a place to exhibit your expertise. I have and I am better for it.

Nimbly yours,
JCM

What Alexandra K. Brown Has to Say about VA's

Thank you to Alexandria K. Brown (CEO of Alexandria Brown International Inc., a company devoted to empowering women around the world with the tools to live the freedom-based lives of their dreams) for sharing her experience with VA's. See her article below....


"Why Are You Doing Everything Yourself?"
By Alexandria Brown

One problem I often see with solo entrepreneurs is that their businesses aren't growing because they're simply not making enough time to do it!

It's not that they don't understand the value of those efforts, or they don't WANT to make the time. It's that they're simply trying to do too much by themselves. They're so busy running their business that they're not working ON their business.

Are You Spending All Your Time on the Little Stuff?

Owning your own business requires wearing a lot of hats. But it seems that when many people leave their jobs to "go solo," they think they must work completely solo as well. They insist on doing everything themselves -- even tasks they know darn well they're not good at.

They try in vain to design their own Web sites and brochures, write their own sales copy, process their own orders, manage their own mailing list, personally respond to every customer call and e-mail, ship their own products, and more. Pretty soon they're running around like that proverbial headless chicken.

What eventually happens is their love for their work -- the reason they started their own business in the first place -- drowns in a flood of administrative trivia. Suddenly one morning they wake up feeling burnt out and without that positive, creative energy they used to have.

When this happened to me a few years ago, I was lucky to learn about virtual assistants (VAs). VAs are freelancers who take care of all that "busy work" for entrepreneurs like us. Because VAs are independent themselves, they work on an as-needed basis from their own homes or offices, saving you the cost and hassle of hiring a regular office assistant.

I now have six VAs -- Liz, who lives in Boston, Julie, who lives in Iowa, and a few others scattered all over the country. And I can't live without them!

What Could YOU Delegate to a VA?

During next week, keep a log of all your activities. Then sit down and review it. Decide which activities are truly ones that only you can do and which you can delegate.

For example, here are some of the tasks I delegate to my VAs:
* Responding to customer e-mails and phone calls
* Scheduling business and personal appointments and interviews
* Bookkeeping: invoicing clients, receiving and paying bills, reconciling bank statements, tracking expenses and tax records, working with my accountant (This was my favorite to delegate!)
* Internet research and fact checking
* Planning my travel for speaking engagements and seminars
* Maintaining my e-zine and customer mailing lists
* Managing my e-zine ad sales
* Handling registrations for my teleclasses/workshops
* Maintaining my Web site (copy edits, additions)
* Creating sales reports
* Shipping customer orders and shipping products to anywhere I'm speaking.
* Submitting my articles to other publishers and article sites
* Placing ads in publications and at Web sites.
* Formatting e-books, creating PDF files, and sending out for printing.
* Designing PowerPoint presentations

And I don't stop there. My VAs have also been happy to help me with personal stuff like researching vacations, shopping around for car insurance, and reminding me of birthdays and other important dates. Thanks to these amazing gals, I save my time and energy only for my "genius work."

Worried You Don't Have the Budget?

The good news is you're not hiring your VA full time. A VA only charges you for the hours she actually works. Although VA rates may be more than you'd pay an administrative employee (usually $30-50 per hour), you don't have the added expenses of employee benefits, office space, and equipment. You're also getting someone who has years of experience, who loves what she does, who already has her own desk, chair, computer, software, fax, phone, stapler, and pens, and who's ready to leap in and start work as soon as you are.

Keep in mind that having a VA will IMMENSELY free up your time to focus on the stuff that matters: marketing and growing your business, developing bold new product ideas and income streams, and servicing your larger clients. You'll think much bigger and will have much more creative energy. I guarantee it!

Look for a VA That Matches Your Needs

If you're looking for a long-term partner who is committed to helping you succeed (and I was), look for someone who's graduated from a VA training program such as AssistU. Another resource is the International Virtual Assistants Association.

Don't wait until it's too late! Most people put off hiring a VA until they "hit the wall." Things like overdue bills, a messy office, late projects, and unreturned phone calls add up until their business almost collapses.

Take action NOW and at least learn more about getting some help. It will be a big relief, I promise!

If you'd like some guidance in getting started, I also highly recommend my friend Melanie Benson Strick's Virtual Team Building Secrets program.

© 2003-2008 Alexandria Brown International Inc.

Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown publishes the award-winning 'Highlights on Marketing & Success' weekly ezine with 30,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.AlexandriaBrown.com

Membership Incentives

Membership has it's privileges according to a well known credit card company and I would agree. However, the majority of the privileges still exists even after you've stop paying your dues if you really want it to.

The biggest advantage to membership is right there within the word. The members are your network and hopefully during your member-ship you create a relation-ship. Just because the ship or boat you were on together no longer drives what you are doing, the member and relation may very well still be there and available to you.

I invite you to become members somewhere. Cultivate a few relationships with a new group of people...you just never know where the relation may be!

Nimbly yours,
Jennifer

So, what do you know?

It has been said many times: we don't know what we don't know. True. I suggest that we don't know what we do know too. Confused? Let me explain. If you were to write a book (or ebook for today's world) what would it be about? Let me guess: you don't know! You see, not only do we not know many things (because let's face it, no one has it all figured out) but we often don't realize our knowledge can set us apart...all the way to the bank.

In an effort grow my business, I have been reading and listening to a lot of internet marketing seminars and gathering information on how to use this beauty of a creation called the internet. There are some common denominators in each and I'm going to write an ebook about it. Just kidding; that has already been done (probably a couple of times). Seriously though, ebooks are a way to present information and experience that people don't have for themselves. We all have different experiences, motivations and perspectives on "how to" do something. However, the average business person doesn't think they know enough of anything to write an ebook about it. Surprising given we're all supposed to be experts in our fields; but a lot of us haven't put our belief out there for the world to buy.

The problem is we think most of our knowledge is common; it's just that we put in more effort or give it more importance. The computer repair guy sometimes doesn't realize his perspective isn't common. "Surely, by now everybody knows that don't they" or "there's no trick to what I do, I just do it" are simplicities often overlooked. Truth is though, if there was no trick, there would be no business.

Think about what sets your business apart. Jot down a few notes. Before you know it, you will know what your ebook could be about and that's one thing you can cross off your list of things you don't know!


P.S. Just so you don't think I'm a slouch full of hot air, check back to see my new ebook: The Nimble Assistant in your Desk coming soon!

Nimbly,
JCM