January 1st, 2008
HomeBizNotes.com
(For the final week of the b5 Business Channel’s “Apprentice” type challenge, we’ve been asked to consider “Why do you blog?” Four blogs remain in the challenge…Accounting Solver, Home Biz Notes, Successful Blog, and Greener Assets.)
“Blogging! What’s that?” friends ask. They appear to think it’s some fantasy world and wonder if perhaps I’ve grown two heads.They peer closely and think, “It’s still Mary, but she’s off on some new adventure! Not climbing mountains or exploring geocaches. But definitely doing something different.”
I try to explain that blogging has opened up a new world for me with friends around the globe. The confines of self, community and country expand to reveal a fascinating existence.
Here at b5 media and Home Biz Notes, I can combine a love of writing with business, share insights from my own experiences, offer information and encouragment to business entrepreneurs, as well as learn from other bloggers. We’re challenged to dig deeper! Do better! We realize that as bloggers we’re professionals in our selected fields…even though we may be writing at the computer from our home office in our jammies.
When we can write about a woman publishing, in her barn, a magazine that expands into international circulation… relate a simple story about a country grocer, who inspired others by her dedication…dispell business myths…provide resources…then receive comments like, “You helped me SO much,” I know I’m in the right place.
At b5media with its international focus, we reach readers around the world and even may co-blog with someone on the opposite side of the globe to present varying aspects of a topic, as Yvonne Russell and I do here at Home Biz Notes.
Where else could all of this happen? Only while blogging at b5media! And Home Biz Notes!!
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(Incidentally, judging in this final round depends on Home Biz Notes readers. A percentage of the decision is based on the number of comments we receive. If you’ve enjoyed following this challenge and like what’s been written over the weeks, do leave a comment and let us know. You’re part of the decision!)
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Tags:b5media b5media+Business+Channel bloggers blogging Business+Apprentice+Contest Home+business
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 7 comments
December 25th, 2007
As we approach Week #7 in the “apprentice” b5 Business Channel challenge, we’re to find for Kay, our prototype business owner, one post that will help her, inspire her, encourage her when she’s too busy to wade through the volumes of information on the web.
Kay, Enjoy the Journey of Your Home Business . When you’re frustrated, hurried, facing the balancing act between business and family, remember why you’re doing this…and discover joy in the journey. Look at your accomplishments and activities each day, no matter how small; enjoy and celebrate those along the way. This will make it easier to overcome obstacles and reach your ultimate goal.
(This is something I have to remind myself about periodically, as I mention in the the linked post above, Enjoy the Journey of Your Home Business.)
Tags:b5media b5media+Business+Channel Business+Apprentice+Contest Home+business home+business+celebrations home+business+challenges home+business+owners
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
December 21st, 2007
The Home Biz Notes post, My Mother, The Country Grocer, won this round of the b5 Business Channel’s “Apprentice” type challenge, an ongoing 8-week contest, with a different version each week. This week we were to tell the prototype business owner, Kay, a success story.
I chose to relate the story of my mom, who influenced many people throughout her years as a country grocer, and hoped this would inspire Kay and others. As I wrote about Mother, I realized (as I said in one of my comments at the post):
I think we all can find inspiring stories within our families. I hope, with this story, I encourage others to look at their lives and the people they know. Someone, somewhere has inspired them in a way they may not realize at first.
Runner-up in this week’s contest was Biz Chicks Rule with the post, What Keeps Me Going When I Need Inspiration. This is their second week in a row, either coming in first or as a runner-up!
What inspiring stories do you have among your family and friends that encourage you? Let us know about them!
Tags:b5media+Business+Channel Biz+Chicks+Rule Home+biz+notes Home+business home+business+success+stories home+business+success+tips success+story
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 4 comments
December 11th, 2007
Wrapping It Up! That’s the topic for our b5 Business Channel December Theme Day. This could be presented in a variety of ways so we have many Business bloggers who’ve written some very interesting and informative posts for you as you wrap up your year and plan for 2008. Or you may be wrapping up gifts for your customers/clients. Let’s see what we’ve got for you…as we open the wrappings!
Over at Startup Spark, Shannon Cherry’s wondering if you’ll be giving a gift to your customers this season. According to a recent survey, fewer small business owners are going to be Santa this year.
Miki Saxon, at Leadership Turn, gives us an idea of what leaders do as they wrap up and plan.
Wrapping it up, just in time for Christmas, means “Choosing the Right PMO Vision” series for Bob Turek, at Project Management 411. Bob has put together a package of his posts on a series he did in November.
Here at Home Biz Notes, Yvonne Russell and I have wrapped up some of our readers’ comments to share with you. They so often give additional insight into the information we provide.
Darlene McDaniel, at Interview Chatter, says… the whip cream and cherry on top will be represented by all the things you do to strengthen yourself and prepare yourself for the next job search. It will come. Whether you want it to or not. We live in a generation of constant turnover, buyouts, layoffs, promotion and demotion. So enjoy the ice cream, but add the whip cream and cherry and enjoy the ride!
Rachel Clarke, from Behind the Buzz, takes a look at 12 ” must haves” if you are doing a social media Christmas.
Made mistakes in your personal finances this year? Now is the time to do a personal finance year-in-review. Miranda Marquit, at Yielding Wealth, points out how to turn your mistakes of this year into a plan for next year.
Eric Eggertson, of Common Sense PR, writes about companies that wrap their brands with random acts of kindness.
Jean Murray, of Small Business Boomers, has four parts to her post about wrapping up as you approach the end of the year.
Wrapping Up a December Tax Saving List for Your Business
Wrapping Up, Part II, Revisit Your Brand
Wrapping Up Part III, Getting Your Finances in Order
Wrapping Up Part IV, Check Your Business Website
Celine Roque, of Pimp Your Work, lists seven tips on how to wrap up a meeting effectively.
Wrapping up your holiday spending? I know the last thing on your mind is more spending… Be sure that you understand the implications of the gift tax. Kelly Erb of Taxgirl spells out who pays and who doesn’t in her post.
Anne Wayman, blogger at The Golden Pencil, offers five great suggestions for wrapping up your freelance writing year.
Sean Kelly says, “FranchisePick.Com wraps up 2007 with a list of the controversial and volatile posts that drew the most reader comments in 2007. See what all the screaming is about at Franchise Pick’s Most Volatile Posts of 2007: A Wrap-Up”
What tips do you have to share about “wrapping it up” at your business?
Tags:b5media b5media+Business+Channel theme+day
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By Yvonne Russell -- 4 comments
December 10th, 2007
Throughout the year, our readers have visited and added their comments to the various topics we’ve presented. It’s always enjoyable to learn what you’re thinking and have you share with us.
So we’re “wrapping up” with some comments here at Home Biz Notes.
1. Celebrate Universal Children’s Day in Your Business
Bridget Wright at Biz Chicks Rule shared with us
For Children’s Universal Day, I’ll be going to my son’s school on Monday and sharing the meaning of Thanksgiving with them. Showing them how other cultures celebrate, what they do, the different foods they eat and what the holiday means to their culture. I’m hoping that there will be an awareness raised about other cultures and being sensitive to the say they do things and how they celebrate holidays.
2. Home Biz Owners - Join the Carnival
Darlene McDaniel urges bloggers to join carnivals.
One of the ways I have gotten Interview Chatter in the mix on the blogosphere was to participate in carnivals. I would get very creative if the theme was not in my niche. There are creative ways to work a blog post so that you can submit to almost any carnival out there!!
(Incidentally Darlene hosted a carnival earlier this month, The December Career & Job Advice Blog Carnival.)
3. Add Your Vote - What Difference Would A Million Dollars Make To Your Home Business? We had a number of comments for this poll.
Anne Wayman of The Golden Pencil said
I picked “I’m outta here…” but that’s not exactly true… I certainly wouldn’t hire staff unless it was virtual… no storefront for me, nor buying out competition… I’d focus more on my own writing and product development and less on writing for clients.
Sharon Hurley Hall of Get Paid to Write Online
I chose ‘expand my home business’ but in fact, what I would do is work on my own projects and cherry pick the client projects I wanted. Good question - and one I was discussing just a day ago. :)
Violette Severin of Hand Quilting
I would expand my business, buying a top of the line long arm quilting machine. I would also move to another home so that I could have 1 or 2 rooms dedicated to the business.
Sean D’Souza of Psycho Tactics recommends
It depends how you get the million dollars.If you built it up step by step, year by year, you won’t notice you have a million dollars (in fact you’ll see it as ‘just a million dollars.’)
The key isn’t whether you get a million dollars or not, but the method to get there. Because if you indeed were able to make a million, then ten million is just a step away.
I actually think ‘getting a million’ dollars would be a disadvantage in many ways. Edging yourself up steadily is probably a better way to go about it.
4. Working Successfully As A Home Business Team was another post that received comments.
Laura Spencer at Work from Home Momma says:
Great post on teamwork and home businesses. I think most people think that when they start a home business they must do it alone. Your post shows that is not the case.
As I go through the comments in our blog, I realize our readers have great insights to contribute, whether they agree with us or not. Sometimes we use these comments as springboards for additional posts. However, I think it’s fun to do a round-up of these occasionally.
Who knows, you may find your post here sometime!
(We’re thinking of making Readers’ Comments a regular feature.)
Tags:b5media+Business+Channel home+based+business Home+business theme+day
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 9 comments
November 30th, 2007
Kay’s problem for week #4 involves her business expanding too rapidly for her to fill her Christmas orders. (Kay has started a business producing chef’s aprons and hats for children.)
What’s she to do to solve this challenge, which actually is a good one to have?
Rachel Clarke, at Behind the Buzz, hosts our entry this week. If you’re following Kay, our prototype business owner, and her challenges, check out When a Business Gets Successful. Find out how Kay can solve her problem and fill all her orders before Christmas.
You may find you have some of these situations in your business and will benefit from the advice given to Kay.
Posts about Kay’s challenges in the b5Media Business Channel “Apprentice” type contest:
Week #1 - Starting a Business on a Limited Budget
Week #2 - If You Handle “Made in China” Items in Your Home Business
Week #3 - Top 5 Interview Tips
(If you’d like to vote for our Home Biz Notes blog, visit Taxgirl for the poll in the right sidebar. Here you indicate the blog you think should win this “Apprentice” type challenge.)
Tags:advertising b5media+Business+Channel Behing+the+Buzz home+based+business Home+business home+business+challenges
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 1 comment
November 27th, 2007
The “apprentice” type competition, at b5Media’s Business Channel, goes into it’s 4th week as we follow Kay through the trials and triumphs of launching a buisness producing and selling chef’s hats and aprons for youngsters. Yvonne Russell and Mary Emma Allen of Home Biz Notes have been contributing their ideas to their team, the Pros.
If you want to give a vote in Home Biz Notes’ favor, go to Taxgirl, where our Channel Editor has a poll. You can vote for the bloggers/blog you think should win this competition.
Some Related Posts:
You’re Fired
b5Media Apprentice Competition
5 Top Tips for Newspaper Interviews
Home Biz Notes Hosts Winning “Apprentice” Post
If You Handle “Made in China” Items in Your Home Business
Sample Press Release for Possible Lead Problem
Tags:b5media+Business+Channel business+apprentice+contest home+business+promotion home+based+business Home+business
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 2 comments
November 20th, 2007
Kevin, at Buzz Networker, hosted the Business Channel’s November Theme Day, based on the topic, Traditions. Various Business Channel bloggers participated, giving their take on this theme. Check out what they have to share.
The Home Biz Notes post, Reflections on Traditions & Your Home Business, gives you ideas for participating in holiday traditions in your community and establishing new ones in your business.
Do you have any traditions during the holiday season that you carry out at your business? Or do you tend to move away from the usual ones and develop something new?
Tags:b5media b5media+Business+Channel theme+day
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 0 comments
November 16th, 2007
The PROS have been announced the winners in Week#2 of the Business “Apprentice” contest. The post, If You Handle “Made in China” Items in Your Home Business, with the accompanying sample press release, Get the Lead Out of Toys Day, (posted at Home Biz Notes) were the winning entries.
You’ll find this news of interest, if you’re following this “Apprentice” type contest, which continues through December. Even if you’re not specifically interested in the contest, you’ll discover a great deal of information you could apply to your small or home business.
See the ACES entry at: Greener Assets in the post, Facing the Lead Dilemma in Your Small Business.
Related Posts: Great Advice for Home Business Startups
Starting a Business on a Limited Budget
Bring in the Dough: Yielding Wealth in Your Own Business
b5media Business Apprentice Updates
(Incidentally…if you’re wondering about the chef’s hat above…the prototype business featured in this “apprentice” contest involves a startup selling chef’s hats and aprons for children.)
Tags:b5media b5media+Business+Channel Business+Apprentice+Contest home+based+business Home+business small+business
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 1 comment
November 15th, 2007
In our “Apprentice” type friendly competition on the b5 Business Channel, we’re following Kay as she sets up her business selling aprons and chefs hats for children. Last week, we posted, Starting a Business on a Limited Budget at Startup Spark, information on how to use $500 for her promotion. (This also gave some great marketing tips for any start up business.)
This week:
Kay just found out that the novelty buttons that she sews onto her children’s aprons and chef’s hats are manufactured by the same company in China that has been associated with selling toys coated with lead paint. She has received confirmation from the distributor that the buttons have been re-tested and do not contain any lead. The buttons are, however, clearly marked “Made in China.” Kay DOES NOT have the budget to remove the buttons and replace them with new buttons. With just six weeks to go before Christmas, she is worried about the potential hit to her sales if parents worry that there is lead on her buttons.
Half of her friends have encouraged her to go public about buttons and re-assure her potential customers that there the buttons are okay. The other half tell her not to mention the buttons at all because it will cause more problems for her than it would help.
What do you say? In other words, how proactive should you be when things go wrong in your business?
The solution: Leading a campaign for lead free toys and products, as well as promoting hers as lead free could gain her positive PR.
Here’s how:
Get the Facts on Paper
*Do some research. Each state and country has its own laws about such issues, so whether Kay has a brick and mortar store will affect how she deals with this. Also, since the distributor is from another country, you have to consider the laws of that country. Check all of this with a legal expert first before proceeding.
*Get the proper paperwork from legal experts, the distributors, and relevant government departments (like http://www.cpsc.gov/) that the products have been tested as safe and lead-free. Independent laboratories can also conduct research, such as Consumer Reports (http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/lead/)
If she has all of the necessary paperwork, she can proceed.
Update the Product
*She should add an attractive, readily seen tag that proudly proclaims “Tested Child Safe For Your Peace of Mind.” This tag doesn’t have to specifically be in the buttons. The tag may be written in two formats: one for authorities (with all the legalese) - and one for the customers, if they wish to seek more information. This way, she can cover both the concerned customers and the legal aspects.
*Another option: add a leaflet inside the packaging explaining her policy for child safe toys, and that she has confirmed the safety of these buttons with the distributor. (including excerpts from the legal documents and paperwork from the government agencies and the distributor).
Get the Word Out
*Hold a press conference, with the manufacturer (or the US rep) and announce that the product is safe.
*Send Out a Press Release announcing the products’ safety as well. Begin all marketing messages with a “Worried about lead paint?” type of question, then show that she is lead free and happy to share the certification.
*Find reporters doing stories on the recall issue - and show how a proactive business owner checks and double checks. Do interviews, PSAs, about the importance of lead check-ups for healthy children. Including tips for parents on how to look for lead-free certification.
*Host a Get the Lead Out of Toys Day, which includes tips from her and other experts; as well as a special Get the Lead Out of Toys Sale. She could not only feature her products, but other items the manufacturer has developed as well. She can even go hand in hand with other lead-free toy manufacturers in promoting each other’s products on this promo day. (See Kay’s Press Release on this.)
*As this is a topical issue especially with Christmas toy shopping, there may even be scope for a newspaper article and/or You Tube Video highlighting her approach and that she prides herself on stocking only child safe items, taking the peace of mind and safety angle for parents. She can do this by using some lead test kits and take a video of her testing her products and coming up with “lead-free” results. This may even attract new customers.
Since it is a kid’s chef products business, she could use the word “recipe” or similar to get her message across e.g. “Kay’s Recipe For Child Safe Toys” .What would you do if you were faced with this problem? Do you have any suggestions? Do you happen to be stocking “Made in China” items that you’re in a quandry about?
Related post: Great Advice for Home Business Startups
Tags:b5media+Business+Channel home+based+business Home+business home+business+competion home+business+PR home+business+promotion
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By Mary Emma Allen -- 16 comments
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