Saturday, November 10, 2012

Joanne Randall quoted in Recent article

Recent article from NHEconomy.com

NH WOMEN IN BUSINESSES

Building the Network

The Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute has projected that “Women small business owners will create 5 to 5.5 million new jobs across the U.S. By 2018, transforming the workplace of tomorrow into a far more inclusive, horizontally managed environment.”

In New Hampshire, women business owners are already making significant contributions to the state’s economy, thanks in part to a supportive business environment.

Leslie Sturgeon, founder of Women Inspiring Women (www.wiwnh.com), the state’s largest organization promoting women’s empowerment, networking and personal and professional development, started to support women in business when she was 22. “The biggest pluses of doing business in New Hampshire are the support and resources that are available here. People are so very helpful. Whether I needed assistance, information, or a referral, no one’s ever said no when I’ve asked for help,” she says.

In the four years after Sturgeon launched Women Inspiring Women in May 2007, the organization had grown to more than 250 members with 1,000 followers on Facebook, and four times that number on her mailing list. More than 2,000 people had attended the organization’s events. “I’ve seen lots of women start following their passion and dreams-and so much of that is about relationship building, which can begin at events,” says Sturgeon.

In October 2010 and November 2011, Sturgeon partnered with the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development and Public Service of New Hampshire to present the New Hampshire Conference for Women. According to Sturgeon, the conferences-which included five educational sessions, an exhibitor expo and networking-“were filled with inspiration, education and transformation, as well as fun surprises, exhibitors, door prizes and great networking.”

Joanne Randall, host of local radio show, “NH Women In Business,” (www.nhwomeninbusiness.com) sees networking as key to the development of entrepreneurs. “When the economy is down, personal communication and networking become more important. Entrepreneurs- or those just thinking about starting a business-need to network to develop a support system. The purpose isn’t to sell to the other people you network with. Instead, the people you’ve connected with become your board of directors, your resource network, and even your sales force. People want others to succeed-and to feel that they contributed to that success-and they’re willing to help without the expectation of a return.” The third annual conference is planned for fall 2012.

One of the state’s leading women in business, Dr. Deborah Osgood, is an expert in entrepreneurial education and development, and co-founder and CEO of Knowledge Institute, based in Exeter. Osgood’s Institute offers small business educational initiatives that serve millions of entrepreneurs on a monthly basis through on- and off-line resource and referral networks. Osgood says, “What distinguishes New Hampshire is the accessibility of decision-makers and programs tailored to supporting venture startup and growth. There are very powerful networks here to support entrepreneurs, and programs, like those offered by the Division of Economic Development, means that you’re one phone call away from sitting down with someone who can help.”

Women, Osgood says, are typically receptive to networking and collaboration. “Unlike men, women aren’t afraid to ask for directions-a trait that serves them well when honing in on defining their business purpose, target market and profitability objectives. It’s all about working well with and through others.”

The Knowledge Institute, through BUZgate.org, helps small businesses locate free resources and referrals available from the US government and nonprofit small business assistance agencies. Access the NH section at www.buzgate.org/8.0/nh/state_home.html?st=nh

NH networks for women in business:


Business and Professional Women of Greater Nashua www.bpwnashua.com
Monadnock Women’s Network www.monadnockwomen.com
Center for Women's Business Advancement Center at Southern New Hampshire University http://www.cwbanh.com
Seacoast Women’s Network www.seacoastwomensnetwork.org
Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) wrencommunity.org
Trade associations to help women in business in specific industries or career paths:

NH Insurance Women’s League naiw.net/nhiwl.htm
NH Women’s Bar Association www.nhwba.org
NH Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction www.nawicnh.com
National Association of Women Business Owners www.nawbo.org



- Accessorizing the business world, one woman at a time.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Business Coaching

I used to wonder why business people would ever need a business coach. I mean, they're already in business. Why do they need coaching?
The answer to that question has become painfully clear to me in the last six months. It can be extremely difficult to get outside of your own head when you are running your business yourself. Stretching yourself and your business beyond your normal limits can be very uncomfortable, but with the right coach helping you along the way it can be done.
I am using a coach for myself for the first time in my life and even after a few short sessions with him I cannot believe the difference it has made for me and my business.
Leap Year Marketing uses coaching in our consulting process with our clients. It helps to set goals and keep people on track.
I highly recommend a coach. If you would like more information about receiving coaching or my own experience having a coach, please contact me. I would love to share my experience with you.


- Accessorizing the business world, one woman at a time.

Location:Black Hall Rd,Epsom,United States

Monday, November 5, 2012

Election Blues

What will I do with my time after tomorrow?
Actually, I will be doing the same things I do everyday.
This election, as important as it is, will be over and we can go back to watching ads about e-trade and Progressive Insurance.



Did we learn anything about any candidate, really, from thus round of political advertising? You can tell the character o
f a candidate by their ads. Not what they are saying about the other candidate, but the way they present their message. I learned that I don't agree on either candidate completely on social issues. But if people are unemployed, social issues need to come second. Feeding your kids ranks above most social issues. When basic needs are met then we can start discussing social issues.
Deal? So let's get everyone back to work and off public assistance and then we can debate everything else. See you at the polls!


- Accessorizing the business world, one woman at a time.

Location:Towle Pasture Dr,Epsom,United States

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Mother of Invention

Coming up with brand new ideas usually doesn't happen when you are trying. It happens when you need it to happen.

On Friday I came up with a
marketing concept that was literally forming in my mind the same time it was coming out of my mouth while selling it to a potential client. Their reaction was positive, so I immediately went home and wrote it out. It will be the cornerstone of my business from now on. I would not have come up with it if I were sitting down trying to come up with something.

The most important thing to remember is to keep moving, even when you are not sure the direction. Sometimes the answer lies in the journey, and would have been missed if the trip was planned in advance.

- Accessorizing the business world, one woman at a time.

Location:Towle Pasture Dr,Epsom,United States

Thursday, September 6, 2012


Social Media posting tips from Leap Year Marketing

If you are one of the brave people who take on your own Social Media, congratulations! Not a task for the faint of heart. Putting your self out there can be a little intimidating (which can stop people from doing it) and finding the time can be challenging (which is why some people hire someone like me). So on your next venture to find relatable and relative content, here are some tips for you. Someone shared this with me once (I think it may have been Chuck Sink from www.chucksinklink.com). In any case, it is good advice and I am happy to share what I know works.

Remember that your posts should be one of three kinds:
1) informational
2) entertaining
3) what's in it for me (offer)

Generally speaking, any posts are fine, but too much of one kind loses its effectiveness. Look for a funny but appropriate cartoon about your product or service, quotes about character or leadership, or websites that are good sources of articles about your industry that are OK to share that might talk in more layman's terms about your industry and maybe not so technical. Remember that spending money is an emotional transaction, so try to appeal to people's sense of responsibility in their purchase or possibly their fear of not acting on the sale (without scaring them to death!). "This offer is only good until midnight!" "Insurance is your way of telling your family you love them." "Your responsibility is to your customers. Our responsibility is to you."

People want to do the right thing most of the time, so make it easy for them to fulfill their duty by telling them how easy it is to set up an appointment or move forward. If consultation is free, tell them that too. Most people do not want to have to deal with the technical aspects of their business, things like insurance or marketing, so remind them that it is better for them to partner with someone who specializes in handling it rather than doing it themselves. They will get better results and probably pay less when an experienced professional is looking out for their best interests.

This advice is good for all Marketing, but if you are handling your Social Media yourself, and you are not a Marketer, these guidelines will help gather your thoughts and produce good content for Social Media posts.

If  you have more questions or need some guidance for your Marketing, give us a call. 724-603-LEAP
Joanne Randall
Leap Year Marketing

Saturday, August 25, 2012

My mom would have been proud of me today. Our softball team won the Championship Tournament this afternoon.Yes, I know it was a Church league. Yes, I know it was slow pitch. However, this 44-year-old recently-injured player pitched two games in the heat and we came out on top. Bet your bippie I kept the game ball.
We had such a good team this year. Many women showed up each week to play (we are required to have two playing each game) and our regulars really had a great reason.
When my mom died a few years ago, many (almost all) of her friends showed up to the wake in their softball uniforms. I should explain that. She had been in high school at the time Title IX passed, allowing girls to play in league sports. So she was one of the first to sign up. Many years later, she started a women's softball league in her retirement community, The Villages, in Florida. She even took that team to the Senior Olympics! Most importantly, to me, she was my first softball coach in 4th grade.
So even though today was Church league slow pitch, I am pretty happy to be continuing the tradition of kicking butt in softball. Did I mention my daughter was on the team this year? The tradition continues.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

I played a game once called red black. When the game was over I learned that I had been quitting things in my life when they became difficult. The game taught me to not be afraid of success and to work through those difficulties. At first it was easy to see some of the smaller difficulties that I had been allowing to stop me from moving forward. As those difficulties disappeared, however, I  found that difficulties were still there and looked differently than before. 

Sometimes they catch me offguard and I am not prepared. I find myself sometimes feeling like I want to quit. But I know it is just those old programs coming to the surface. There may come a day when I decide to quit. But today is not that day. Tomorrow looks pretty good too.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Notes from the Field: Leap Year Marketing

Notes from the Field: Leap Year Marketing

I often get asked, "How much does it cost to build a website?" Here is a very good general rule of thumb. The cost of a website is directly proportional to the amount of time it takes to build it. The amount of time it takes to build a website, is directly proportional to the amount of functionality a business owner wants or needs in the website. If you need a simple, basic, but attractive and functional website, you will not pay as much as someone who needs, for example e-commerce, videos, and many other dynamic characteristics.

Other costs to consider are, purchase of URL name, hosting, and general managementof the website. A good website person can offer any or all of these services as part of a website package.

Websites have replaced the Yellow Pages and customers expect a credible businessto have an online address, or website. I am happy to consult with that small business owner, who needs some advice about what functionalities he or she may want and need in their website. Our packages are flexible and affordable. We also refer larger clients to other website companies if the functionality is beyond our level of expertise. But don't take my word for it. Shop around and ask a lot of questions. There are some bad eggs in the carton, so to speak, so make sure you check up on your website company's reputation and history.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

How Much Should I Pay (If Anything) for SEO?


I get SEO guys calling me all the time.

Here is the deal. As a business owner you have to decide how much money one new paying customer brings in for you on average. This will be your gauge to compare value of SEO, advertising, or any marketing expense, including the cost of hiring someone like me. If you feel the expense has or will bring in enough paying customers times the value of  new paying customer, then do it. OR if utilizing a marketing program, like Leap Year Marketing, saves you time and/or money because you are not trying to do it yourself and can now focus on income-producing activities, then it is worth it. If it isn't saving you time or money in this fashion, then you shouldn't be using it.

With that said, SEO is very effective, but only if your business is something people search for. If you are and you have competition, then SEO is a good idea (this is most people). If people are already finding you or there is limited demand (and therefore not a lot of searching going on) then don't pay for it. SEO can be expensive, but you need to compare it to the value of a new paying client. 

SEO will drive people to your website, so make sure the site is something worth looking at where willing people can make purchases or find the information they need to make the next move toward purchases. 

If you have questions about SEO, websites, or Marketing Strategy, contact us at Leap Year Marketing, 724-603-LEAP, or joanne@leapyearmarketing.com.


Monday, July 2, 2012


For decades, small businesses have had to scratch and claw their way to be even a little competitive with their larger counterparts. Countless contracts have been lost to competitors due to marketing proposals that were less than stellar. Most small businesses never even got the chance to submit proposals. Even if they were the best fit for the client.

Those days are gone. Thanks to numerous effective social media networks, small businesses can market themselves against the best of them. Platforms such as Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter allow business owners to communicate with current and potential clients, and create a sense of community around their business. The little guy can now build on the “buy local” trend by highlighting (read: capitalize on) the fact that they are small and local. For once, it is working for them instead of against them!

Two of the most attractive features about most social media networks are cost and control; two things near and dear to the hearts of small business. The major (and most, if not all of the smaller) networks are free. Free to start, free to use, free to share, free, free, free. In addition, the Administrator of the networks for the business has 100% control over the content posted and interaction in and around the content. It is easy to set up notifications on email or smart phone to alert if there is activity on the account. Some businesses choose to limit or eliminate the option for others to post on their business pages.

You have three choices: You can work these networks yourself. You can hire your cousin’s sister-in-law’s new boyfriend who is in college to do it. Or you can hire a professional to manage the networks for you at a reasonable cost. Notice you do not have the choice to NOT do it.

850 million people on Facebook are not a fad. The train is leaving, time to get on board.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

366 Days

The most difficult thing one has to face when working for oneself, is the daily, sometimes, hourly, emotional roller coaster ride that is self-employment. One moment might be spent rejoicing in the freedom of not having a structured schedule, and the next spent going through the checkbook, realizing there is approximately $5 left for the week. And it is only Tuesday. Or doing a victory dance because a client is thrilled with the work that was just produced, only to receive a phone call a few minutes later that you lost an account for what appears to be no reason at all.

There have been times in my first full year of self-employment that I considered changing direction, even taking a job to help pay the bills because nothing was coming in. But my husband repeatedly has said he would not want me to go back to work for someone else. He's right. I don't think I could do it.

People told me it would take a year to just figure out what I am doing. I didn't believe them but they were right. They also said I wouldn't make any real money for five years. God, I hope they are wrong on that one.


This May, I celebrate one year of full-time self-employment. It is not for the faint of heart for sure. An incredible support system has kept me in the game. Many mistakes and bad decisions have been made. I have also done a few things right. Like ask for help when I needed it.

Thank you everyone who has been there in front, behind, or beside me this past year. I thank God every day for my family and friends, because when things are tough, it only takes one person to say, "I believe in you".

Friday, May 4, 2012


When you have marketing materials made for your business, such as business cards and brochures, I expect that they are branded in a similar way; the same logo, same color scheme, same photo of you.
So why wouldn’t you also brand your social media? The answer is: you should be branding it to match everything else. As social media become more mainstream venues of marketing, people expect everything to be branded the same. Your Facebook, Twitter, and Blog should quickly and easily represent your image in the same visual manner all your other marketing does. If it does not, customers may be confused, wondering if they are looking at your information or someone else’s information. When everything transitions from media to media smoothly, it gives a professional look to potential customers. Social media is not going away, so pull your head out of the sand and let’s get moving.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Secret to Success? It is for me.

Why would a sleep-deprived mom-apreneur get up at the crack of dawn, namely 5:00 am? I mean honestly, we all know the benefits of a good night's sleep; resistance to illness, decreased chances of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, better brain function and mental health, yadda, yadda, yadda. I get it. Sleeping in can feel good, especially when you are not rushed and have no plans. Believe it or not, I don't really get to enjoy that experience. Once in a while the stars align and the kids sleep until 7am and we have nowhere to go before 10am. My REM sleep goes beserk and I have terrible dreams about my kids being kidnapped or lost in a crowd. I know, right?

So sleeping in isn't all it is cracked up to be. At least for me. I will be old one day and can sleep all I want. For now, I get up most days at 5:00 am. On purpose. I used to exercise, but the treadmill wakes everyone up, defeating the purpose. Now, instead, I make coffee, turn on my laptop, and work. Am I crazy? No. I get about two hours of normal work done in about an hour. I am fresh, rested (as rested as I am going to be), and distraction-free. That is, of course, until a little man in Spiderman pajamas comes down the hall with his new ambulance he earned from going potty 12 times. Then it's time to cuddle in front of the wood stove. Love being up early.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Not sure if you had a chance to listen in to Friday's show but during Jim Olson's interview (http://nhwomeninbusiness.podbean.com) between 12-1pm, I committed to run a half marathon in the Fall. In case you don't really know me personally, there is much more to this statement than meets the eye.

I have always said I wanted to run a marathon. I think it goes back to when I was really young, my very unhealthy dad lost over 100 pounds by dieting and running. He became one of those people who ran in races throughout the race season. His commitment to running came from the fact that it probably saved his life. It also took his life. When my dad was 56, he had knee surgery and contracted a staph infection. Later that year, while in recovery from the surgery, he began running again, and he had a heart attack which lead to his death a few days later. I am pretty sure his body was not fully recovered from the infection and caused the attack. My dad was truly my hero and I miss him terribly, even almost 20 years later.

I have battled injuries and my weight for years. Read: I have battled myself. And now it is over. I have a true intention of running and finishing this half marathon. I will start healthy and finish healthy. And I am going to run this particular race in memory of my dad, who died on November 3, 1993. Love you, Dad.

Every race after that is dedicated to my kids, because they deserve the best mom they can get. The kind of mom who doesn't give up on herself. And I won't because now I have help. Thanks, Jim.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

I Love Statistics!

This week the 2012 Social Media Marketing Industry Report was released by Social Media Examiner. Here are some important facts gleaned from the report. All statistics are based on replies from marketers, who by the way is you if you are a small business.


According to the survey, the number-one benefit of social media marketing is generating more business exposure, followed by increasing traffic.


The top five social media networks/tools used by marketers are Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn, blogs and YouTube, in that order. All of the other social media tools paled in comparison to these top five.


A significant 59% of marketers are using social media for 6 hours or more hours a week, and 33% for 11 or more hours weekly. It's interesting to note that nearly 15% of marketers spend more than 20 hours each week on social media.


Social media outsourcing underutilized: Only 30% of businesses are outsourcing some portion of their social media marketing.


Leap Year Marketing works with small businesses to invest the time in Social Media necessary for their business and industry to get the exposure and increased traffic they would like to see. If you need help, consider outsourcing this part of your business. It is becoming as important as hiring a CPA or Attorney. Really.

Joanne Randall
Leap Year Marketing
Let this be YOUR year!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Don't Panic!


According to Manta Connect, Social Media is a great way to market your business for little or no money. But it's not something you can set up and walk away from. You have to invest time in order to see rewards. It's important to engage with your followers regularly and to be consistent with your interactions. The more you do this, the more likely you are to sell your products and services. Don't have the time? Don't panic! Spend the money to hire a manager for your page. It's not expensive and it's totally worth it.

Social Media is an inexpensive, easy way for businesses of any size to promote a sense of community around their product or service. A strong sense of community leads to loyalty. And loyalty leads to repeat business. And who couldn't use more of that?

Get help establishing your business page and managing it if you can't or don't want to. It's not a big deal, unless you don't do it. Then you can panic.

Monday, March 26, 2012

The NEW Facebook: Are You Ready?


On March 30th Facebook will automatically be changing all business Facebook pages to a newer format known as Timeline. You may be familiar with it from your personal page. There are many similarities but the changes are dramatic enough that people are already calling me about it asking for help. Facebook is allowing Page Administrators to preview the new look or to go ahead and change over their pages early.

I am holding two workshops in April, on the 5th and 12th, at 6:30pm at the Summit Health facility in Concord, called Introduction to Facebook for Business, Real Help in Real Time. During these workshops I will cover the basics, but also focus on the new format.

Please keep me in mind when you need help with your pages. Most questions are easy to answer and it is simply a matter of where to find something that has been moved to a new location on the page.

Guest Host Lisa Wilber "On Being the Host"


When Joanne e-mailed me a few weeks ago asking whether I would be interested and available for guest hosting on her radio show "New Hampshire Women In Business" I couldn't help but think of Les Brown and how he had waited for his opportunity to be on the radio and how one day it came. (if you haven't heard Les' story, search "Les Brown rock radio" on YouTube - it's awesome!) I didn't have to wait for the host to fall off the wagon, she only had a schedule conflict! Of course, I cleared my schedule and said YES! I had been interviewed on radio a number of times in the past, but I knew hosting would require a new set of skills and I was ready for the challenge. Although Joanne didn't ask me to, I wanted to line up my own guests so I could experience what her job is really like. I decided to devote the first hour to my love (Direct Sales) and the second hour would be a guest from another industry. When I began calling New Hampshire direct sellers that I knew I was surprised how many of them did not think this type of exposure would be good for their business! Many of them did no marketing what so ever so they did not realize how important it was. I quickly realized that I needed to focus on people I knew in direct sales in New Hampshire that I already saw were marketing themselves, because they would immediately realize what a great boost radio exposure can bring. My first hour line up brought Joanne Johnson with Discovery Toys and Kerriclaire Hodson from Athena's Home Novelties. Because I know that our industry is not taken as seriously as most, I also asked industry giants Nicki Keohohou from the Direct Selling Women's Alliance (DSWA) and Keeper from www.DirectSellingLive.com to call in during the second first half of the show to share testimonials about our industry and profession.

In the second hour I switched to non-direct sales with a business colleague from my home town: Master Suzanne Couhie from RTH Martial Arts and Wellness. She and her husband are the highest ranking and accomplished Taekwondo masters in all of the United States yet few in our town or state are aware of their accomplishments. I was just sure if more people in our area knew of their school, they would be making that drive to Weare -- especially to have their children train during vacation and summer camps -- with the Masters. Master Couhie was a delight to interview and I walked away thinking "I hope I can leave a life legacy as rich and full as the Couhie's".

The two hour show went by faster than I imagined it would. Mr. George was very helpful assisting me with all of the ins and outs of being on the radio, even when I was kidding him that his show that precedes "New Hampshire Women in Business" should be called "The Man Show". I had a great time, learned a lot and really appreciate the opportunity to flex my on air muscles. My hope is that Joanne found me a good choice for a guest host and that the listeners walked away feeling that they received good value for their investment of their time. I always like to shoot for Win-Win and it would be great if this was a Win-Win for us all and I know it was for me!

Lisa Wilber
www.winnerinyou.com
www.facebook.com/winnerinyou

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Information is POWER! Support local radio!


As you may know, I host a weekly radio program, NH Women In Business, each Friday live from 11-1pm. When I started the show almost 2 and a half years ago, I did it for selfish reasons, to have credibility with my radio sales accounts (I know, right?). Instantly, however, I began to see the power behind radio and it grew into what it is today: a strategic marketing tool that business owners, women and men alike, can use to promote their business or upcoming event. Post production includes follow-up on Facebook with the podcast links and each guest receives a QR Code for the mobile podcast site. This means that they can use the QR Code on all marketing materials, including their appreciation marketing with Send Out Cards, as well as on their website and business Facebook page.

This week I am looking for businesses that would be willing to underwrite this important programming. For the cost of 10 :30 second ads on another radio station, sponsors can have the same ad run 6 times each week during the show and be mentioned numerous times on the return of breaks. They also have an open invitation to be on the show once a month at their convenience. Their website link is added to my website, and of course I tell everyone in the world who they are and how much I love them.

For more information, email me at joanne@leapyearmarketing.com or call 724-603-LEAP

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Business Page "LIKES"


There is a very good reason why businesses should all LIKE business pages of our professional associates. When one business LIKEs another on Facebook, it is considered a professional courtesy. It is what I refer to as a gentle recommendation. It lets other people and businesses know that you recommend the other business from your own business, not just yourself personally. This is just like walking into your client’s office and referring one of your networking group members while you are there. It also reflects your attitude around your business community by showing that you recognize the importance of businesses working together.

So this week, log into your business page as the business (not as yourself personally) and visit pages of businesses that you would recommend. Click the LIKE button to show your support. And while your LIKE button finger is warmed up, if you feel so moved, please visit and LIKE NH Women In Business and Leap Year Marketing.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Happy Birthday to Me!


Thank you to everyone this week for all the birthday wishes. I think the best app Facebook has is the ability to see who’s birthday it is. Facebook is a relationship developer and whether you see a person face to face or not, you can build a level of understanding about people. Watching interactions of words, photos, and stories allows you to comprehend people individually and as a whole. Just dropping a quick hello or happy birthday may not seem like a big deal but it is meaningful to the recipient. I received over 200 messages on Facebook this week and it really gave me a boost. If you want to make a difference to someone this week, take a minute to chat with them, even if it is for just a minute online. If you want to make a difference to a client this week, connect with them on Facebook and allow them to get to know you. Oh yeah, and ask them to like your page.
p.s. Please like my page!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Here is the Deal on Pinterest


I have received many questions from clients and others in the past few weeks about a new application called Pinterest. I tend not to be a fad follower, so it took me a little while to catch on to it myself. Basically, your account starts out as a blank "pinboard". You can search through various categories on the main page and if you see something you like, you can "like" it, or repin it to your own board. You have the option to follow other people you know to see what they are pinning. You can also post your own photos. Sounds pretty basic, so what's the deal?
Here is the deal. When an application like Pinterest takes off like it has, you can bet big bucks that it has commerce applications to it. Why? It is popular, it attracts people (potential customers), and it can be constantly updated. What could a restaurant do with it? Post their menu and specials. What could a photographer do with it? Post a business portrait gallery. What could a car dealership do with it? Post their newest arrivals. Got the idea?
On a personal level, you can use it for just about anything. Getting married? Start your own board for that and bring in ideas you like for colors and themes and honeymoon ideas.You can build a Dream Board of sorts by collecting photos and quotes you like. The list is endless.
I am building my boards as we speak. If you want to check it out, go to my Pinterest Board. Feel free to comment and repin. Call me if you have questions about how you can use Pinterest in your business. 724-603-LEAP

Friday, February 10, 2012


Never in my life would I have considered myself an expert in anything. That's the truth. I've always been very good at a lot of things. I never considered myself good enough at any one thing to be called expert. Recently, number of people I been working with on radio, marketing, and other projects, have been referring me to their friends as an expert. It sounded a little weird so I thought about my own definition of expert. I'm of the opinion that an expert, really, is someone who is not only knowledgeable about their subject, but has the desire to always be a mode of learning, constantly updating their knowledge and refining it in order to be the resource for others on their subject. Because I spend so much time reading articles and app reviews and the like, I sometimes assume that everyone else is also doing that. That is simply not true. Even if I am not an expert in a particular app, for example, I have done research on it to the point where I know what it is how it works, and how it might be used in marketing sense. So according to my own definition, I suppose I am an expert. I'd like to think that the only thing I am an expert in, is being people person. Because that's what really all boils down to anyway. Right?

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Home Away From Home Office


I always knew I would be more productive if I had my own office space. I did not, however, realize how much I was not focused in my home office. I am like in super-speed mode at my desk, whipping through lists and files. Making calls, answering emails, sending quotes, suddenly looking at the clock and saying, "Wow, I forgot to eat lunch!" For the record, that has NEVER happened to me before.
Now that I am settled a bit in my new space, I will be hanging up some photos and other decorations. I will definitely be hanging up the photo of me on the ropes course in California. My kids will be up there too. I have scheduled time to make a vision board, which will hang right in front of my desk. My husband made and hung shelves for me so I have a place for all my business books. I think he secretly hopes to get the shelves in the dining room back, but whatever.
But for right now, the calm, striped white walls (thanks, Kitt!) have been my home away from home office. And it feels pretty good.

Monday, January 9, 2012

New Year New Fear


As the second week of January begins, I find myself in a familiar place. Not a place I enjoy being in, but familiar nonetheless. After a full week of goal setting, planning, budgeting, and the like, I now see the enormous to do list that sits in front of me. Slightly overwhelming. Good thing I don't have to get it all done today.

Most people say that when a person doesn't meet their goals it is because the person is afraid of failure. I submit that the opposite is the case. Because it can take us in completely new and uncharted territory, success can be scary. Every day is new and different and unpredictable. As my friend, Tom Haupt (http://www.tomhaupt.com/)of Klemmer & Associates says, "It makes you feel like you are going to throw up." That, Tom says, is when you know you are out of your comfort zone. That is where success sits and waits.

But why should we be scared? Because sticking our necks out means we have to perform. Anyone can talk a good game, but when the rubber hits the road, we need to perform. Mary Welchell of The Christian Working Woman (http://www.christianworkingwoman.org) once said on her radio broadcast, "Everyone can sound impressive, but after about fifteen minutes you better know something." For some, that can be too much and they drop out of the game. For others it is a chance of a lifetime.

Don't believe me? Do you remember what happened to Drew Bledsoe? New England Patriot Quarterback? That's right! Choke! And who was there on the sidelines waiting, just waiting, for his moment? Tom Brady.

That reminds me. Right now there is some young gun sitting out there waiting for me to go home early or take a random day off so he or she can get off the bench and take away what I have worked hard for. Don't even think about it, kid. I do just fine in the throw-up zone, thank you very much. Game on.