Business with Enchanted Lisa

Show Me Local

2011-11-14T15:17:00.001-06:00

Free advertisement for your business. Link to Google or any site you want.

RECESSION: Starting over

2009-07-16T14:43:00.006-05:00

With all the recent layoffs and people being forced to take pay cuts, I've decided to write this article. The recession has hit hard and people think it will be over soon. Well, I do not think so.

If you are a victim of a layoff or taking a cut in pay, do not give up. There is a reason why this has happened to you. I consider it a new beginning. A time for a change. A positive change in your life.

It will take time and work but just think about something you have always wanted to do. Open a business or make a career change. There are ways to do this but you need to take the initiative to do them. Research and talk to others. Go to the job center and ask for help.

Before you do this create a plan, know what it is that you want to do. Knowing will help you get what you want. This is America, where dreams come true. Put your heart and soul in it. Set your goal and do not give up on it.

There are resources, grants and loans but you need to search for them. You will be that high achiever once again. With a little work you will become more successful than before.

Tips on creating a promotional ad that works

2009-06-05T10:08:00.009-05:00

Is your business slow due to the economy? If you said yes,than start creating a promotional ad that will increase your sales.

In creating a promotional ad, you want to include a brief description about your business, name of business, motto, contact information and the promotion.

Two keys that can play a significant role in attracting customers is the business name and your "motto". If you do not have a business motto than here are some ideas. Choose a short phrase that contains 3-6 words that describes your way of business. For example, "designed for you", "customized installations" or "the Mommy of Day Cares". Choose a motto that will grab the customer's attention. Believe it or not, a good motto can sell itself. Hopefully, these examples will help you choose your motto.

Your next step is to focus on a theme for your ad. Will your ad have a seasonal, holiday or first time customer theme? In other words, are you placing the ad with the season or holiday in mind to lure customers or to attract new customers? Here are some ideas for your theme. "Spring means Clean" save 20% on your next window cleaning. "Install your pool now" and save $75.00. "Place your holiday order for Christmas" and save $20.00

*When creating your ad try to include something about your company that will give you an advantage over your competitors. You could include years of experience, years in business or weekend hours.

When deciding on the type of discount or special, keep in mind that you could have a large response to your ad. Make sure you are making a profit and have enough employees to cover any extra work.

List contact information. Name, business phone, cell phone and, or email address.

Do you want customers to give you a code from the ad? This can help with record keeping and tracking sales.

Decide on location. Do you want to place your ad locally or target a new area?

Running time of ad. Run your ad for a week or two. This will allow you to change your ad or location if the ad is not doing well.

Do not get discouraged if the ad has a low response because advertisement is about trial and error. Just keep taking a different approach until your ad becomes a success. Success leads to increased sales and growth for your business.

How to recover after losing your job or business

2009-05-30T12:28:00.002-05:00

The recession has caused many of us problems. Some have lost a job and others have closed a business. If you fall into one of these categories then keep reading.

After loosing a job or business it is easy to feel depressed or disgusted. But you need to look at it as an opportunity to improve your career. When one door closes another will open. All you need to do is open it. This means keep your options opened. All is not lost. Think about taking a new direction. Did you like or dislike your old job? Is there something else you would rather be doing? For example, have you always wanted to open your own business? Pursue a career in writing or Nursing?

Well, here is your chance to move in a new direction. Do some research about your interests. Find out what it will take to start your small business or new career. Whatever it is, get involved in it and be confident.

Business owners put time and money into their dreams. So seeing it disappear can be very hard to deal with. I know because I've been there. But you can recover from this. Never give up if this is what you want to do. Take a new approach to your business idea.

As an experienced business owner you can develop a new business plan. You now know what areas of your business are strong or weak. So you can make adjustments to strengthen those weak areas. When you know what caused your business to fail, you can make the necessary changes to avoid the same problems.

Take a break, rethink, plan and do what you want. Be confident and look forward to tomorrow.

Businesses going green

2009-05-28T21:10:00.007-05:00

Are you thinking of taking your business in a green direction? If so, here is some terminology that you should know and some ways to start going green.

Global warming is the gradual increase in global temperatures caused by the emission of gases that trap the sun's heat in the earth's atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane and nitrous oxide.

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment, measured in units of carbon dioxide.

To begin your campaign for going green you should start with recycling. A recycling program for glass bottles, plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

An energy efficiency program such as sensors or timers to control lighting. Programmable thermostats with motion detectors used to control heating and air conditioning.

Try to purchase recycled and recyclable products. Use biodegradable products. Before you buy something, ask yourself. Where was this product made and what is it made of?

You may not be able to go green all the way but you are showing that your business cares about the environment. Inform your clients of your environmental practices because a business that cares about the environment will attract like minded businesses.

Daily Business tips

2009-05-26T09:05:00.004-05:00

These 10 tips can help you no matter what business your in. Most are commonsense but we tend to forget them. So, here they are. Have a great day.

1.) Communicate more effectively.
2.) Listen and pay attention to the person that is speaking to you.
3.) Follow up with your customers and employees.
4.) Think before you make that decision.
5.) Set a date for that meeting.
6.) Get those reviews done.
7.) Have you thanked your employee today? (Job well done.)
8.) What have you done for your customers lately?
9.) Stop and take a break.
10) Have an idea? Write it down before you forget.

How to be a successful manager

2009-05-21T21:46:00.002-05:00

A manager is a leader and a role model for others to follow. Being a good leader or role model is important to being a successful manager. As a manager you need to set rules and stick to them. Be consistent with discipline without causing your employee embarrassment. We can't allow our employees to walk all over us but we need to remember that everyone makes mistakes. So be compassionate and understanding.

A strong manager is one who will provide a path toward excellence. To provide that path you need to take an abstract concept and turn it into a practical action. All this is based on communication. Lack of leadership is caused by lack of communication. In order to clarify your company's values and rules to employees you need to communicate effectively.

In order for employees to know what is expected of them they need to understand their responsibilities. So managers need to clearly define all responsibilities and expectations of each position.

To be a successful manager you need to constantly reinforce your expectations. A great way to do this is to have monthly meetings where you can discuss progress or a decline in workmanship. You can set new guidelines and give constructive criticism. Meetings should be a place for the manager and the employees to discuss any problems or issues that have effected the company and or employees.

Managers should give positive feedback when it is due. Give regular performance reviews and follow up with employees to be sure they understand their review.

Finally, to be a great leader you need to set a good example for your employees to follow. This pertains to your personal behavior on and off the job. Employees won't go all in if they don't trust the top guy. To get top performance from your employees you must be a good leader.