3 Self-Descriptive Words That Make Yourself Look Stupid!

One important part of networking is being able to describe yourself within a minute or less. But, describing yourself is an art. If you say too little about yourself- you appear weak and not confident. If you say too much- you're a jerk. I know the secret to making a great first impression and I'm not afraid to share it with you.

There are three words you don't want to use-ever- when talking about yourself. What are they? Well, they are more than simple words- they are how you use the words. Keep reading.....

#1. Taking credit for your obligations. Any word or series of words that describes yourself doing something that you're suppose to be doing is wrong. For example, 'I'm a great parent' or 'I'm a manager who likes to respond to problems'. No one wants to hear you praise yourself for doing what you are suppose to do. Stay away from this ego trap.

#2. Innovative. Just saying that your innovative shows that you're not. Not everyone has to be innovative. This term drives me, and others, crazy because it is a cop-out phrase. Think about it... 'My name is Mark and I'm an innovator'. Really? Unless you've impacted the way I live-you're not an innovator. On the flip side, if someone uses this term to describe who they are to you- call him or her on it. Ask them how they are an innovator and watch them get stuck!

#3. Unique. This term is so generic. Describing yourself or your business as 'unique' is a turnoff. How about coming up with ways to show why you or your company is better than your competition? Try it, it will work for you at your next marketing event!

Self-descriptions are hard. Don't take credit for your obligations and don't use the words innovative or unique at your next marketing event and you will have more success- I promise!

Until next time,

Twyla

Who Says You NEED to Work Hard?

Ever see someone working so hard that he or she is delirious? You don't need to work hard to get many things done. In fact, you shouldn't be over working yourself to the point where you're burnt out. There has to be balance between your work life and your personal life.

To prevent work burnout do the following things:

1. Don't check your email first thing in the morning. Everyone does this and it is wrong. Email doesn't stop- it's like the mail. Imagine how stressed you would be if the mail man kept showing up to your house every few minutes with bills and credit card statements and tasks! Email works the same way, only it is connected to your hip every where you go thanks to smartphones. Only check your email at 11am, 3pm and again at 7pm. This will help you collect and organize your email tasks and leave you less stressed throughout the day. You can set your iPhone and other smartphones to run updates at this time, too.

2. Only call meetings for decisions. People tend to have meetings for everything these days. What a waste of time! Spend more time doing and less time planning. Only call or go to meetings when decisions are being made. If a meeting is setup with you as the invitee- ask if it is a decision making meeting. If it is a strategy meeting- skip it. They can find you in your office, via phone or via email.

3. Keep a running list of all items to discuss with your associates and do so all at once. It is very easy to send this list via email, text, etc. You don't have to have a meeting. Send a list via email with 'Items needed' (or alike) and accompany each item with a due date and a brief explanation of the task. Calender yourself to check up on each task one day after the due date. You don't need to micromanage your staff and become stressed out or overworked as a result. This running list keeps them accountable for their responsibilities AND you have written proof of your expectations.

Happy Monday!

Twyla

Gossip- When to Fire Friends.

Here's the thing, I'm not all business. Ok, 90% of me is a business woman- the other 10%? Well, that's just a woman. I wanted to talk about how to cut friends out of your life. It is a hard subject. I know what you're thinking; "Twyla, what does this have to do with business?" Well, everything!

If you can't cut negative or self-serving friends out of your life, how are you going to run a company? How will you make it as an executive? How will you survive in the world. You don't have to be liked all of the time. And, I got news for you, even when people are smiling to your face- you're not going to be liked all of the time!

If you have a friend who plays Devil's Advocate more than the role of a friend- it is time to move on. Why? Well, these are people who love to argue and oppose you. Their nature isn't to be supportive, it is to be opposing. You want some feedback - not just a tidal wave of negativity.

You also want to remove the 'inside scoopers' form your group. If they know what is going on is a secret and they still share it with you.... you'r secrets aren't safe with them! Drop them like a hot potato before your news is all over the place. People who have the inside scoop are great. People who have to constantly share it? Well, that is called being a gossip!

Finally, the people who have emotional erectile dysfunction. What's that? Yep, not literal erectile dysfunction- but people who fail to get it up and get on with it- referring to their dreams of course. If you have a friend who is constantly planning his or her next business move or love affair or vacation or trip to the grocery store and it NEVER, EVER happens- that person has emotional dysfunction and is feeding off of your energy (well, draining you of it) without making progress in the world. Ditch him or her and find friends who play on the same team as you- remember? The Go-Getters!

Well, that is it for this week. See you on Monday!

Twyla

5 Questions to Answer Before You Start A Business!

As I guide others with business ownership, I've noticed a trend. There are five questions every prospect business owner needs to ask him or herself. These questions can help you discover if you truly should move forward with a business idea or investment, or signal if you're about to make a major mistake!

1. Where am I getting my money from?

Money is key. You need money to make money. If you don't have enough money to sustain your business expenses for a year, pay employees, pay yourself, and have money for emergencies - you're not ready and setting yourself up for failure.

2. Where will my business be located? Again, money. Are you leasing business space based on how nice an office is or how useful an office is? There is a difference. Overspending on rental space is a common mistake. We all want a luxury address but you can grow into one- you don't need it right away.

3. Who is my competition. This seems obvious but you need to research local and online competition and then make a plan.

4. Will I need insurance? Yes, different businesses require different types of insurance- sometimes multiple insurances. Finda business mentor (yes, you can hire me) and make sure you are fully insured before you open doors.

5. What happens to me if I don't make it? This isn't thinking negative, this is having a plan in place just in case. You need to ask yourself this question and create a plan in case you have to face this scenario.

Twyla

Going Out of Business

Shutting down a business doesn't mean you're a failure. Hey, you had the guts to try. Businesses have to close for many reasons. When you decide to close a business you want to make sure you take the following key steps.

1. Plan your exit. Basically, think business plan but for closing your company. Make sure you have a protocol to handle each situation that may happen.

2. Visit the website for the IRS. Depending on how you have your current business classified, shutting the doors may not be the only step needed to end the business relationship with the government. LLCs and corporations have to file specific documents. The IRS offers a free checklist to help you.

3. Maintain your records. Don't close shop and burn your records. You still may need them. Keep all your files locked away for at least three years.

If you need advice on how to close a business or if you should close a business note that I'm available as a resource. There is a fee but mention this blog for a special rate.

Twyla

Negotiating with Clients

If you are in a service based industry then knowing how to negotiate will be your best asset. You are going to go through stages of negotiating with new clients, negotiating renewals, and then knowing how to cut a client off. While negotiating with new clients is going to be different from negotiating a renewal service contract- they both require the same tactics.

What are these tactics? Keep reading.

1. Say no to discount requests at the 11th hour. If a client can't afford your services after you went through meetings, contracts, built in signing incentives, etc. then you don't want this client. 11th hour discount requests are a way for the client to double check that they are getting the best rate possible. If you move forward with this request it can actually be a deal breaker. Stand your ground. If the client really doesn't sign because you didn't give a deep discount at the very last minuet then count your blessings because that client had ill intentions and no money.

2. Don't stretch out meetings and don't agree to stretched out meetings. If a client contacts you for a proposal now and then replies with a "let's discuss this next month" then don't negotiate any further. Someday is not a day of the week. A week to review and negotiate a contract is plenty of time to get a ball rolling. If a client requests more time, he or she is trying to use your bid to obtain another contracted. Don't allow stretched out meetings and long delays to become a negotiating tactic.

3. Don't agree to fulfill an unreasonable request to obtain the contract. You will be setting yourself up for failure. Instead, negotiate a discount based on the unreasonable request. For example, tell the prospect client you can't fulfill the request and why. And then offer a small discount so the client can hire another contractor to fulfill the request.

Negotiating can be stressful. Remember these tactics and DO NOT cave. If clients can't pay or have unreasonable requests, don't count them as clients. Move on.

Twyla

When to Fire A Client....

We've touched on this subject before, but today I want to explore why you should fire a client. Now, I know the loss of income can hurt. In fact, it will hurt. But, a bad client can also be hurtful to your brand. So, here is when and why you should fire a client.

1. The Carrot Dangle. If you have a client that sends you small contracts with the promise of larger contracts- beware! If you have a potential client who asks you on two, or more occasions for detailed proposals without a commitment or counteroffer- the potential client is picking your brain and hiring a competitor. Clients who are not greatful of your services, promise larger contracts if you take lesser amounts of money now, or those who constantly need bids without every accepting an offer shouldn't be your clients. Don't get caught up in chasing the carrot. Go where there is real money and move on.

2. Be willing to say no. In fact, learn to say no. If you can't say no when a client is being unreasonable, then you're being bullied by the client. You don't want to be bullied. Dump the client and move on.

3. Clients who don't pay aren't clients. If you have a client who is on a payment schedule and this client is always late or behind- dump him or her and seek legal action. Clients who can't keep up with their payments are not your clients-in fact, they're problems. You shouldn't be working for free. It is a business, remember! So, if you have a client who is always late with a payment or behind - say see you later and find a client who is financially responsible!

Being in business is hard. And, it sucks when you have to let go of potential money because clients are leading you on, not paying on time, or becoming too demanding. In the long run, ditching these clients now will save you a huge headache in the long run.

Happy Monday!

Twyla