Category Archives: How to build your business

Malla’s tips on how to build and kickstart your business

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3 game changing tips if you want to start your business next year

I heard some amazing start-up business ideas this year.  So, if you are ready to start your business next year, consider these tips as you prepare.

Because starting a business is like my favorite Facebook status – It’s complicated.

And rather than share the traditional checklist like:

  • Consider your legal structure
  • Order business cards and secure your domain name
  • Create an elevator pitch

I wanted to dive into the oft-neglected steps.  These are the things that can trip up entrepreneurs if you don’t plan for them.  I’ve heard all types of stories in my business plan classes this year. And I’ve taken notes when listening to successful entrepreneurs share their stories.

So take heed and start your business on a high note!  Read below:

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Black Friday: How to recover if didn’t get the results you wanted

First Time Black Friday blues

Did you offer a Black Friday promotion and get less than lackluster results?  Perhaps it was your first time and you are totally disappointed that no one purchased.  Or you have tried Black Friday sales before but are still not seeing the numbers you want.

Let’s take a deep dive.  After receiving way too many Black Friday/Shop Small Biz Saturday/Cyber Monday emails, I noticed a few trends.  Also I gained a few insights from my own promotions.

So let’s not suffer in silence.  Let’s review some possibilities about what might be going on behind the scenes.

Especially if you are a newbie or an early adopter to selling online.

So watch the video or read the three bullets below.  Because we need to lower your alcohol bills this weekend

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It’s so easy to avoid marketing when you have contracts flowing in

Tips for marketing when you are exhausted

I’ve delivered 10 speaking events in 17 days. Yup. I’m brain dead. Mentally and emotionally drained. Even if there is a sense of joy because audiences were transformed.

So, how do you market your business when you are tired?

  • When the stack of business cards is stacked high?
  • When your follow-up list is long?
  • When you are out of ideas that you can post on social media?
  • When there are a ton of articles that you need to read?

And the third cup of coffee ain’t kicking in….

It’s easy to neglect marketing when the contracts and clients are flowing. But, if you ignore it, you’ll look up in a few months and be back in the famine part of the “feast and famine” cash flow crunch.

So I’ll share a few tips that will keep you moving forward when you reach this zone. It’s quite a dangerous place. It’s easy to get comfortable cashing checks and transferring online funds. But if you don’t pay attention, you’ll be scrambling to find clients at “one time only discounted” rates.

So here is how you can get started when you are tired:

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3 tools to build your business when you are feeling overwhelmed

Take small steps rather than no steps

3 tools to build your business when you are feeling overwhelmed

I was watching one of my social media feeds recently.  Folks were expressing their sorrow  with the natural disasters in Puerto Rico.  And their frustration about the Virgin Islands and areas which didn’t get much coverage.

I felt their pain.

But I’m an entrepreneur.  We take action when we see problems.  So I got off social media.  Gathered some supplies.  Found a drop off center. And kept listening to the media for other ways I could help.

I’m not trying to brag here.  I share this story because I want you to be inspired to take action.

Rather than complaining about how things should be or feeling overwhelmed, take action.  Do something.  Take small steps that fit into your wallet and your calendar.

I’m not sure if my supplies will end up in the hands of those who need it the most.  Or if bigger problems will change.

But I know if I sit around and complain, nothing will get done.  So I’d rather take my chances and take action.  A small step towards a solution.

Need help figuring this out for your business?  Here are some simple ways to get started:

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What women really need to know about starting a business

And, no it's not the business plan

 

Are you a female and want to start a business? Or grow your service based business to earn some serious cash flow?
 
I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz about the increasing number of women entrepreneurs. I’m happy when ANYONE starts a business. But I have a special place in my heart for any female who takes the plunge.
 
But, there is a big factor that people are NOT talking about. Women are starting businesses but they are often not….
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Why summer is a great time to tackle this business goal

With a drink in your hand

But you need to get clear first on what you want to focus on. And that's usually impossible while you are doing your day to day hustle.The AC is pumping.  The drinks are chilling.  And every supermarket is pushing charcoal and grills as you enter.  Yup.  It’s summer summer summer time.
 
I used to live for this time of year.  Even when I had my busiest client seasons.  (Yes, I was crazy enough to develop youth entrepreneurship programs.  Which meant my summers and evenings were always over-scheduled).  I loved this time of year because, people tend to slow down.  Breathe more.  Relax.  Which leads to creation and new ideas.
 
And for my entrepreneurs, this is a GREAT thing.  Because you have time to tackle this big business goal.  One that will make a HUGE difference for the second half of your year.

What ONE goal do you need to focus on ?

 

Now before you start screaming that I’m adding more work to your plate, consider this:
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Listen to what your clients want like your life depends on it

Because your business DOES

Because your business can earn more when you do this

 

How often do you listen deeply to your clients?

  • Putting your personal agenda secondary
  • Taking your business and financial goals off the table
  • Where you listen to your people like it’s the first time you have ever worked with a client
  • And you are open to hearing the unfiltered truth

Let’s keep it real.  It’s HARD.  Because we have agendas.  Bills to pay.  Financial goals to reach.

But it’s a valuable practice that can help you start nailing MORE  financial goals.

Check out an “aha” I had recently.  I listened to attendees at a workshop I delivered.  And it really opened my eyes to how best to serve them.    

 

If you are a one person business owner, you’ve probably had this occurrence. A business/professional issue. A personal issue. Something that causes you to get into a funk – aka you don’t want to get out of bed and your energy is totally lacking. You have no creativity.

I’ll share two tips for how you can embrace the funk…without letting it destroy your business.

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Why I’m not bothered that we didn’t create vision boards at my recent workshop

If you want more than fancy doodads and trips, you'll look for these deeper visioning and goal setting opportunities. Y’all I hosted a vision board workshop. And we didn’t even get to the part where you create the board.  But, I couldn’t be happier!  LOL

Why this insanity you ask???

Because visions boards are about much more than pasting pretty pictures.  It is more than cutting fancy ads about the doodads you want or places you want to travel.

  • It’s about tapping into your core dreams.
  • Uncovering possibilities that you have buried.
  • And drafting a plan to bring this ideas to life.

Without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.

Because here is something many entrepreneurial leaders know about goal setting and dreams:

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Be the CEO of your business and do a vision board

When I first heard about vision boards, I thought they were for people who believed unicorn poop is magical and money trees do really grow. I was too busy sweating in the trenchesWhen I first heard about vision boards, I thought they were for people who believed unicorn poop is magical and money trees do really grow.   I was too busy sweating in the trenches.

  • Focusing on SWOT analysis and keeping the damn lights on
  • Finding new customers and keeping them happy
  • And my all time favorite, return on investment. Or as I like to think about it – will my blood, sweat, and tears today pay off tomorrow?

I didn’t have no stinkin’ time to be pasting pictures on a posterboard. I was building a business!

Until I realized recently how vision boards REALLY work.