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4 Pillars of a Civil Society by @SBSLEducSoltns

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The ‘Holidays’ …

 

… offer entrepreneurs a renewed opportunity to serve, solve, & be civil, especially in hyper competitive industries.

 

With this mindset, we can ask ourselves a key question:

 

How can business owners strengthen the pillars of our civil society?

 

Please think & then brainstorm ways to turn thoughts into energy; consider this post both informative AND actionable.

 

Defining civil society

This topic echoes last month’s post, many definitions exist, leaving us with another question to ponder that’s also well worth our time. Which to pick?

 

Here’s my chosen one.

 

Yet, if you settle on another, there isn’t a ‘wrong’ answer; your choice is likely tied to your unique perspective, lens, and/or life experiences.

 

Civil societies, in the 19th century, often included a ‘sister’ term, a component, [a] mutual aid society …

 

[they] prefigure most functions of the modern state. They’re at least as old as armies, but their mission is life, not death. For millennia, people have banded together to provide each other with health care, pensions, … and livelihoods. They have also leveraged their numbers to elicit some of these same benefits from those other two institutions, business and the government. Mutual aid extends the bonds of kinship and makes individuals into citizens.

― Anya Kamenetz

 

1st pillar :  The Family   

The holidays & families often are rightfully intertwined: so, too, the first pillar of civil society is emblazoned with the word ‘family’ & it’s an earned label.

 

Maybe you’re a family business? Nearby where I live, the Conway Center is a terrific resource for them & the other businesses who seek to serve this demographic. Quite likely, there are ‘like’ organizations elsewhere in America, as family businesses are very common.

 

Perhaps some/all of your clients/customers are families?

 

No matter how we look at it, it’s rather challenging to separate family from civil society, and a civil society from entrepreneurship.

 

2nd pillar : Non Profits ( inc. social enterprise )  

As the 19th century transitioned into the 20th, mutual aid societies began to fade; previously thriving organizations were often overshadowed as America became more centralized, corporatized, & urbanized.

 

We’ve now begun (  this post offers backgrounder ) turning back, with a modern flair, to where we once were as a civil society. Rough edges & burrs on the saddle of the Gig (Sharing/Youpreneur) Economy can, without question, be ‘buffed’ by devolving & delegating societal challenges & thorny problems to non profit institutions, especially social enterprises.

 

What’s a social enterprise? As stated in this annual report, they’re ‘easy to understand’ & more necessary to renewing our nation than many might realize.

 

3rd pillar : Faith institutions 

Faith in the entrepreneurial ‘square’, our common culture, let alone civil society, often stirs up emotions & thorny debates.

 

To avoid needless arguments, I humbly encourage everyone to consider multiple definitions:

Perhaps you’ll pick ‘faith’ as defined by the venerable Napoleon Hill in his masterwork, ‘Think & Grow Rich’ , or maybe you’ll instead lean into a Judeo-Christian foundational definition, as espoused by organizations like Truth At Work.

 

No matter your decision, this pillar’s densely strong, earning its place as one of the key four; it props up each & every business owner at some point(s) in her journey from ideating a business, to launch/startup phase, thru ebb & flood tides, linear or exponential growth,  & further ahead into an as of yet unknown future.

 

How so? Faith oft times can act as the antithesis of fear; it can buttress your failures & keep you anchored to your purpose & mission.

 

4th & final pillar:  Entrepreneurs

And now, the spotlight shines brightly on Y-o-u:  The business founder/owner, the entrepreneur.

 

If by now it wasn’t crystal clear, it now will be: Entrepreneurship, in all its forms/types , is absolutely a pillar.

 

You’ve likely seen/heard statistics about small businesses’ vast importance to our nation’s vitality.

Or, maybe you’ve encouraged someone to start their own business at some point: maybe a family member?; neighbor?; a past co-worker?; or as a mentor for a future graduate or recent alumna from your alma mater?

 

Action(s) as common as keeping your business viable, including delegating task(s) to someone like Karissa , or expanding your product line, are each useful in ensuring that this fourth pillar will always be foundational for generations of Americans in the 2020’s & well beyond.

 

Further context to the first question

The first three pillars have boundless potential: leveraging 1, 2, or all 3 can enable your business(es) to morph from a pure ‘S’ [ self employed ]; to at least a hybrid ‘ S/B’, or even a straight ‘B’.  It’s the latter state where you’ve reached the nirvana of time freedom; you’re definitely working “on” & NOT “in” your venture, thereby freeing the owner to participate more actively in civil society.

 

Profiles Worth Following

NapHill.org

Social Ventures

Truth@Work

DSC

Sivers

YEA USA

Conway Center

 

Please invest further…

… in your thinking.

You’ve read & trustfully sensed the heart, soul, & spirit of this created content; now, will you commit to dig into this curated content from other valuable resources?

 

Civil Society

Mutual Aid Societies & the Gig Economy

Social Capital Primer

Root

B2C v B2B 

Working “ON” & not “IN” a Business

 

In short

  • The holidays offer a chance to reflect
  • Civil society: Quotable quote & definition[s]
  • First two:  Family & Non profits
  • Second 2 : Faith & Entrepreneurs
  • Further context
  • Follow these Social profiles
  • As always, take action: curated content from add’t resources

 

Thank YOU for reading!

____________________________________________

Mompreneurs Educating Kids by @SBSLEducSoltns

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So, you’re a mom with a business …  

… & you want them to understand your why . 

 

Aspirations

 

You’re already the CEO, COO, & CFO of your household. Yet, you desire to create a legacy, being remembered as more than just a mom-preneur who provides a product/s, service/s, or specialized knowledge to the marketplace.

So you resume the role of primary educator; you’re on a mission to educate your kids on why you don’t have to go to “work” like their friends’ moms do.

Yet, the school that you’ve entrusted to prepare them for adulthood isn’t cutting it when it comes to discussing business principles & your value system; so, what should you do?

 

Values & principles 

 

How would you answer?

“What values and principles led you to become a mom-preneur?”

 

  • Autonomy ( I like to make my own hours, pick my own clients )

  • Mastery ( my prior experience in “Y” industry is enough to be confident in my abilities )

  • Purpose ( I am driven to be a difference maker on “Z” ; I am ‘called’ to serve “X” )

  • Maximizer ( I’m not paid enough by a 3rd party to do all that my family wants  )

  • Independent ( my personality & social style align with owning a business )

  • Quality time ( I needed to spend more hours w/ family )

 

Family Culture 

As someone who embraces entrepreneurship & leadership/professional development, you might be familiar with the late Peter Drucker’s attributed quote about culture.

Having defined culture, you can better explain your decision to be an entrepreneur as not only best for yourself, but one made in the best interests of the family; including your child(ren) will enable them to buy in 

Congratulations!! You’ve taken a huge step in ensuring that they will better understand if a client calls on you at an inopportune time or if you have to adjust the family’s budget due to ups & downs in your income.

 

Family Vision

Many entrepreneurs choose to start a business based on where they see themselves going after leaving the nest of an employer = a wise step!

While Stephen R. Covey has passed, the shadow left by his legacy is so large, he’ll always be remembered for his 8 habits

 

Of them, Habit 2 [ ‘Begin with the End in Mind’ ] is foundational.

 

“Covey says that all things are created twice: first, the mental conceptualization & visualization and a second physical, actual creation.

Becoming your own creator means to plan & visualize what you’re going to do and what you’re setting out to accomplish & then go out and creating it.”

 

Apply this truth to your household; then answer these Success Law questions …

 

Why are you in business?

Do you have multiple income streams?

What dreams have you put on the shelf due to a previous decision to trade time for money from an employer?

 

Insightful Infographic 

 

How mompreneurs balance …

–  h/t to @99designs for this –

 

Visuals tell more of a story than words alone, so your impressions gleaned after studying this one will further aid in self-educating your kids.

 

School falls Short

I often advise mompreneurs of this fact; it’s a somewhat inconvenient truth:

When you send you kid(s) to a conventional school, private (secular or faith based), or public (default option), the curricula, testing, mindset, & counseling offered for ‘careers’ almost always fails to include entrepreneurship.

 

Fill in the [Swiss Cheese] Holes

Think of a “C.A.R” when it comes to addressing the above …

 

C = Complement

 

Find mentor(s), online curricula, &/or teach your kids from your own experience about business to parallel what schooling doesn’t include.

 

A = Add on

 

If your kids are in their late teens & about to/or have graduated from HS, please discuss all 12 options besides college with them.

Or, if you truly want her to get a degree, ask pointed questions of the university re: if they teach about the “E” pathway

 

Bypass the holes; find or carve a clear path

The final letter in the acronym is a bypass …

 

R = Replace

 

Creating an end-around to conventional school can be done through a co-op w/ other parents ( your own school startup ) , or personalizing your kid(s) education by home schooling.

Both of these offer far more flex to include business concepts rarely, if ever, taught in default classrooms.

 

Dealing with Doubters

 

As Rocky passionately shared, the world [of entrepreneurship] certainly isn’t all ‘sunshine & rainbows’ …

… so for those fellow moms in your neighborhood who still “go to work” for a paycheck, for a spouse who isn’t quite on board with your business, or maybe you haven’t yet ‘closed the deal’ with your kid/s …

What do you do to quell cynics & critics?

There are many answers; I’d first encourage you, as someone who has built thousands of business relationships, to be the best version of yourself.

Simplistic? Yes, however, true leadership isn’t complex; it begins w/self.  Remind yourself of this by reading the inscription on the tomb of the Bishop at Westminster Abbey.

 

Suggested Follows 

 

The MomPreneur

 

majestapatterson

 

Mompreneurs in Heels

 

Mompreneur Show

 

Inspiring Mompreneurs

 

Top 40 Mompreneurs

 

In the pursuit of knowledge 

I encourage you to review the additional resources below. A blog of this length leaves the door slightly ajar; please empower yourself to kick it wide open!

 

10 Mompreneurs Who Are Crushing It

 

Mompreneur Magazine

 

The 25 Best Business Ideas …

 

Mompreneur $

 

10 Inspiring Tips …

 

Mompreneur Media

 

In short

  • Moms with businesses & kids are trailblazers
  • Your values & principles
  • Culture into Vision
  • School needs supplements …
  • … or choose a parallel path
  • Staying the course
  • Add’t resources for you, Mrs. Mom-Preneur

 

Thank YOU for reading!

____________________________________________

Education … School(ing) … & Degree Signaling by @SBSLEducSoltns

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Dissecting the Differences

 

 

Remember ‘synonyms’ & ‘antonyms’?

 

Let’s revisit 2 words from our common past in a primary (‘K’-’5’) classroom.

Our teachers very likely taught us that a synonym’s definition = this ; whereas, an antonym’s = this.

Many graduates would admit, being authentic & unguarded, that much of what they learned while seated in a neat row of desks rarely, or maybe occasionally, applies to their professional lives post graduation.

This post’ll put these 2 terms in an entrepreneurial context; be advised that your assumptions, mindset, or experiences could be challenged head on, or perhaps, be confirmed.

 

Whichever it is for you, I appreciate your open mind all the same.

 

What might ‘education’ , ‘school(ing)’ & ‘degree signaling’ have in common?

Before dissecting the differences, we’ll talk a bit about what binds these three unlike concepts together.

 

  • They’re all often lumped together by companies who hire using conventional ‘HR’ practices
  • Over time, each one split off from the other two, in theory & in practice
  • Each have a purpose in the eyes of [a] stakeholder group/s

 

Let’s take each at face value individually. As you read, ask yourself: How might I envision, strategize, & apply each to my business?

 

Education = ‘educare’

 

Becoming deeply educated can absolutely result w/o hard evidence in the form of ‘POC’ (proof/s of credential/s).

 

Great education defies structure because it is always (always!) individualized, personalized, interactive, nimble, responsive and inspired.

– O. DeMille

 

Does this quote sum up your own experience inside of a school’s classroom?  If not, why? Ask big, open ended questions to net the very best long term value.

A self directed, customized path exists for most any citizen who looks for it.  Have you?  Do you encourage your staff to be lifelong learners?

 

Some education options to thoughtfully consider as a new startup, an existing business seeking to scale up, or if you’re looking to further diverse your income streams with a 2nd ( or 4th 🙂 ) venture:

 

  • 1:1 mentorship
  • Digital badging ( a form of ‘hot unbundling’ )
  • Apprenticeships
  • Extern/intern -ships
  • Digital nomadic / Gig economy

 

School(ing) = ‘skhole’

Going to school does not automatically imply that one is educated, nor should anyone jump to conclusions & suggest that all schools fail to educate. It’s not that clear cut, nor is it a ‘public v. private’ dichotomy, either:  There are above average, even great public, the same as exemplary private ones, from border to border, & sea to sea.

 

In this powerful essay, the late John Taylor Gatto opined:

 

Schools were designed by Horace Mann and Barnas Sears & W.R. Harper of the University of Chicago and Edward Thorndike of Columbia Teachers College and others to be instruments for the scientific management of a mass population.

 

Think this over:  As a business professional in the late 2010’s, does this sound anything like being educated?

Keeping squarely in mind that ‘skhole’ ‘s etymology clearly shows a word that no longer equates to educare, the root of education.

 

Huh? What’s ‘degree signaling” ?  

As America transitioned from a wartime footing ( mid 1940’s ), the economy morphed from one focused heavily on blue collar industry to one where white collars were the in demand choices.

 

As …

Factories = Products = blue collar industrial age

 

So … ( oft times )

Offices = Services = white collar industrial age

 

The ‘Organization Man’  was in the driver’s seat; it was a supremely influential read.

And the GI Bill offered taxpayer monies to returning vets to encourage careers in a service industry, often in a large office managed by a large corporation.

 

Year by year, decade by decade, by the late 80’s- early 90’s, a ‘college for all’ mentality sunk into many facets of our society, discouraging entrepreneurship (‘E’ pathway), the trades ( CTE/Career & Technical Education, primarily available thru community colleges ) , & other viable options

 

Thus, degree signaling was birthed …

If you had ‘POP’ ( proof of paper ) in hand, plus a resume / cover letter, you were more likely to be hired by a company, given a title, salary, & cubicle, & asked to play your often invisible role in the delivery of a service to the marketplace.

Yet, creative disruptors such as Praxis put forth for rational discussion that there IS a different way.

 

It’s up to you, with your open entrepreneurial mind, to decide if you’re willing to hire/promote, &/or make choices that are, ahem, ‘educated’, or driven solely by nostalgia.

 

Suggested Podcasts

 

How to Start a Startup

School Sucks Project

Modern Learners

 

Keep on learning, dear readers

 

As always, it’s a pleasure to provide additional resources to move you further along the journey.

 

School vs. Education. Where are we now?

Why the College Degree Is a Signal …

 

Mindvalley U

Stop Stealing Dreams

This is the sequel to ‘Stop Stealing Dreams’

 

30 Best Education Podcasts

Series: School is Optional

 

In short

 

  • Revisiting definitions: synonym & antonym
  • What these 3 terms share in common
  • Defining education more sharply
  • Schooling is its own concept.
  • Degree signaling?!
  • Podcast suggestions
  • Add’t resources

 

Thank YOU for reading!

______________________________

How to Use Your Signature Story to Get Ideal Clients

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signature storyby Christine Kane

When I teach students how to get more clients using your signature story, I get pushback. The idea of revealing the bare truth about ourselves is something that solo business owners struggle with. After all, aren’t we supposed to be experts in the know?

My students ask me:

How vulnerable should I be?

How much should prospects know about my story, my “why?”

In other words:

If I share this stuff, will I still be seen as professional?

One of my signature stories happened ages ago. The setting was a freezing cold room with cinderblock walls in New York City’s East Village. I laid between the threadbare sheets, questioning my existence, pondering a degree in accounting.

You’d think I was primed and ready for a Spielberg-like spiritual breakthrough involving some angels. Or, at the very least, a spaceship.

But what happened instead?

A cockroach walked across my face.

(Yes, this really happened.)

Now, why on earth would I share this story?

Because it was a breakthrough moment for me. Plus, it shows that you can Uplevel your life or business regardless of the circumstances that surround you. Or crawl on you. (Plus, it’s pretty hysterical to me now.)

I constantly hear from students of the Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program that the “cockroach” story was what made them decide to sign up to work with me!

So, when it comes to your story, here’s the million-dollar truth:

You must tell your story.

It doesn’t have to include cockroaches.

But it does need to open your prospect’s heart and give meaning to WHY you do what you do.

As a solo business owner, your signature story builds trust and creates a memorable brand. It positions you.

There are three reasons for this:

1 – People remember stories.

Your prospect might not remember the first thing you said with your facts, features or data…

…but tell her about the time you got laid off the same day as your husband and that’s what propelled both of you to start a business?

THAT is what she will remember.

That’s because stories are visceral.

Stories are universal. They connect with our hearts.

solo entrepreneur story

2 – People need connection.

More than ever, we’re all seeking deeper connection beyond just a “thumbs up” button. (Though we still like those too!)

When it comes to your marketing materials, always think in terms of connection with your prospects and clients. And make sure you learn how to use your signature story as a part of your marketing. Your signature story builds trust. It tells your prospect that you’re real. It tells her that you “get” her.

3 – The C-V Cocktail.

“C-V” stands for Credibility-Vulnerability.

Let’s start with Credibility.

Knowing how to position yourself is crucial in your marketing.

I teach what I call the “CREATE Formula” for positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field. The very first letter stands for Credibility.

Your credibility speaks to your prospect’s head. This, of course, means your results, numbers, certifications, publications, sales, speaking dates, etc. Your credibility is a part of what attracts people to work with you.

But it’s only ONE PART of our little marketing cocktail. The other part is vulnerability.

Vulnerability speaks to the heart.

 

Both head and heart matter to your clients.

So, when it comes to your work in the world – whether you’re trying to get customers, clients, readers or patients – your story, your vulnerability has to be a piece of the puzzle.

Now, I’m not asking you to share about the time you drank too much at your cousin’s wedding and fell down the stairs and yacked all over her shoes.

Nor am I telling you to post on Facebook that you’re totally miserable today and you just forked your way through three plates of mac and cheese. (We all have bad days. But there are some things that do not serve to build your business!)

I am, however, proposing that you get very clear about the turning point in your life that started you on the path to doing what you’re doing right now.

So, here are some questions to get you started creating your story:

What were the circumstances in your “before” scene?
What was your struggle, your low-point?
What was the turning point?
What happened after that?
What made you do the work you’re doing?

When I teach students how to get more clients using your signature story, I get pushback. The idea of revealing the bare truth about ourselves is something that solo business owners struggle with. After all, aren’t we supposed to be experts in the know?

My students ask me:

How vulnerable should I be?

How much should prospects know about my story, my “why?”

In other words:

If I share this stuff, will I still be seen as professional?

One of my signature stories happened ages ago. The setting was a freezing cold room with cinderblock walls in New York City’s East Village. I laid between the threadbare sheets, questioning my existence, pondering a degree in accounting.
You’d think I was primed and ready for a Spielberg-like spiritual breakthrough involving some angels. Or, at the very least, a spaceship.

But what happened instead?

A cockroach walked across my face.

(Yes, this really happened.)

Now, why on earth would I share this story?

Because it was a breakthrough moment for me. Plus, it shows that you can Uplevel your life or business regardless of the circumstances that surround you. Or crawl on you. (Plus, it’s pretty hysterical to me now.)

I constantly hear from students of the Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program that the “cockroach” story was what made them decide to sign up to work with me!

So, when it comes to your story, here’s the million-dollar truth:

You must tell your story.

It doesn’t have to include cockroaches.

But it does need to open your prospect’s heart and give meaning to WHY you do what you do.

As a solo business owner, your signature story builds trust and creates a memorable brand. It positions you.

There are three reasons for this:

1 – People remember stories.

Your prospect might not remember the first thing you said with your facts, features or data…

…but tell her about the time you got laid off the same day as your husband and that’s what propelled both of you to start a business?

THAT is what she will remember.

That’s because stories are visceral.

Stories are universal. They connect with our hearts.

– See more at: http://christinekane.com/how-to-use-your-signature-story-to-get-ideal-clients/?inf_contact_key=7d7dcc1a1b737999e66da14aca531fa274fd55d6fda5420c31402a460ed7ee81#sthash.xOgKKBna.dpuf

When I teach students how to get more clients using your signature story, I get pushback. The idea of revealing the bare truth about ourselves is something that solo business owners struggle with. After all, aren’t we supposed to be experts in the know?

My students ask me:

How vulnerable should I be?

How much should prospects know about my story, my “why?”

In other words:

If I share this stuff, will I still be seen as professional?

One of my signature stories happened ages ago. The setting was a freezing cold room with cinderblock walls in New York City’s East Village. I laid between the threadbare sheets, questioning my existence, pondering a degree in accounting.
You’d think I was primed and ready for a Spielberg-like spiritual breakthrough involving some angels. Or, at the very least, a spaceship.

But what happened instead?

A cockroach walked across my face.

(Yes, this really happened.)

Now, why on earth would I share this story?

Because it was a breakthrough moment for me. Plus, it shows that you can Uplevel your life or business regardless of the circumstances that surround you. Or crawl on you. (Plus, it’s pretty hysterical to me now.)

I constantly hear from students of the Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program that the “cockroach” story was what made them decide to sign up to work with me!

So, when it comes to your story, here’s the million-dollar truth:

You must tell your story.

It doesn’t have to include cockroaches.

But it does need to open your prospect’s heart and give meaning to WHY you do what you do.

As a solo business owner, your signature story builds trust and creates a memorable brand. It positions you.

There are three reasons for this:

1 – People remember stories.

Your prospect might not remember the first thing you said with your facts, features or data…

…but tell her about the time you got laid off the same day as your husband and that’s what propelled both of you to start a business?

THAT is what she will remember.

That’s because stories are visceral.

Stories are universal. They connect with our hearts.

– See more at: http://christinekane.com/how-to-use-your-signature-story-to-get-ideal-clients/?inf_contact_key=7d7dcc1a1b737999e66da14aca531fa274fd55d6fda5420c31402a460ed7ee81#sthash.xOgKKBna.dpuf

—————————————————————–

Christine Kane is the Mentor to People Who are Changing the World. She helps women and men Uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly Uplevel You eZine goes out to over 32,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a FREE subscription at http://christinekane.com.

Should You Brand Your Business?

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by Christine Kaneshould you brand your business

It’s inevitable.

Whether I’m hosting an “Ask Anything” call for business owners, or giving a talk to a group of entrepreneurs, or meeting a small business owner at a local party…

…someone always asks this question:

“Should I brand my business?”

By the end of this article, I’ll share my answer.

But first…if this is your question, I’d like ask YOU something first…

What are you avoiding?

Here’s why I ask:

Many, if not most, of the people who ask if they should brand their business are using the idea of branding their business to avoid the fact that right now, they simply need to go to that networking event, send out a note to their referrals, write some emails for their next marketing campaign, do that follow up phone call, or even get their first client…

…and in the mind of the oh-so-creative-and-distractible entrepreneur, all of those things feel less exciting than the idea of a kicky new logo.

Admit it.  The tedious stuff is just so … tedious.  So “branding your business” becomes another bright shiny way to convince yourself that you can’t possibly do the tedious stuff until you have a matchy-matchy website or a tagline to die for.

So let’s say you’re good with all of the above. Clients are beating down your door. Business is thriving. And you really do want to think about branding.  Great.

Here are three things you should know about branding your business:

1 – Branding your business is not about your “look.”

Many people think that branding is about a new logo and some hip new colors on your website.

Branding is NOT about your look. It’s not about your color scheme or your cool mark or even your tagline.   If you just want a logo, then you can just go to 99Designs and getting something fast and inexpensive.

When you do it right, branding is every bit as intense and deep as the first three modules of my Uplevel Your Business™ Program.

It’s a deep exploration of your ideal client, of yourself, and what you do and why you do it.  It will connect you with your WHY, with your message, with your point-of-view. It will force you to face your scattered, covered and smothered product line that confuses everyone.

When I went through a branding process, it took months to work through, and months more to begin implementing it.  It continues to be an on-going task for my team.  There was a soulful quality to it that demanded I face some hard issues and let go of some of the splatteredness I had unknowingly created as I built this business.

So, are you ready for this level of focus?  Or do you need to do some of your own clarity work before you invest a heap of cash hoping someone else will just “do it for you?”

2 – Branding (or re-branding) your business is an investment.

Look.  You want to invest some money on this. You want to work with someone who knows how to do it.  Depending on your revenues, that can be expensive. And it will be a waste of money if your business isn’t ready to get a return on that investment over the coming years.

The business highways and by-ways are littered with branding expenses that never got a return because the business changed, the entrepreneur went in a different direction, the ideal client wasn’t right, the branding process was too hasty or was started too early on in the business’s growth.  Give this some consideration.

3 – Everything is branding. Take some simple steps on your own first.

Here’s what’s great about marketing (when you do it authentically and with service):

You can ‘brand’ yourself without spending a dime.

Three places to start:

  •     Positioning

Positioning is clarity about all aspects of your service, credibility, results, offer, client, message, solutions and perspective.  This is contained in every touchpoint of your marketing.

  •     Point of View

Your point of view is your unique voice and your message. Make sure it shines through in every single thing your prospect reads or hears or sees about you.

  •     Testimonials

One of my Uplevel Your Business students just posted on Facebook that she got two new clients because of the testimonials that she revised based on the UYB training. The new clients told her they “related” to her prior happy customers.  That feeling of “relate-ability” is what branding claims to create. You can create it by thinking about these simple elements like client success stories and how they position your results.

So, should you BRAND your business?

Sure, at some point, you should brand your business.

But first, have all the clients you need, make sure your marketing and messaging is as clear as you can get it on your own. Then, hire the finest branding expert you can and see it as a long-term investment.
– See more here.

It’s inevitable.

Whether I’m hosting an “Ask Anything” call for business owners, or giving a talk to a group of entrepreneurs, or meeting a small business owner at a local party…

…someone always asks this question:

“Should I brand my business?”

By the end of this article, I’ll share my answer.

But first…if this is your question, I’d like ask YOU something first…

What are you avoiding?

Here’s why I ask:

Many, if not most, of the people who ask if they should brand their business are using the idea of branding their business to avoid the fact that right now, they simply need to go to that networking event, send out a note to their referrals, write some emails for their next marketing campaign, do that follow up phone call, or even get their first client…

…and in the mind of the oh-so-creative-and-distractible entrepreneur, all of those things feel less exciting than the idea of a kicky new logo.

Admit it.  The tedious stuff is just so … tedious.  So “branding your business” becomes another bright shiny way to convince yourself that you can’t possibly do the tedious stuff until you have a matchy-matchy website or a tagline to die for.

So let’s say you’re good with all of the above. Clients are beating down your door. Business is thriving. And you really do want to think about branding.  Great.

Here are three things you should know about branding your business:

1 – Branding your business is not about your “look.”

Many people think that branding is about a new logo and some hip new colors on your website.

Branding is NOT about your look. It’s not about your color scheme or your cool mark or even your tagline.   If you just want a logo, then you can just go to 99Designs and getting something fast and inexpensive.

When you do it right, branding is every bit as intense and deep as the first three modules of my Uplevel Your Business™ Program.

It’s a deep exploration of your ideal client, of yourself, and what you do and why you do it.  It will connect you with your WHY, with your message, with your point-of-view. It will force you to face your scattered, covered and smothered product line that confuses everyone.

When I went through a branding process, it took months to work through, and months more to begin implementing it.  It continues to be an on-going task for my team.  There was a soulful quality to it that demanded I face some hard issues and let go of some of the splatteredness I had unknowingly created as I built this business.

So, are you ready for this level of focus?  Or do you need to do some of your own clarity work before you invest a heap of cash hoping someone else will just “do it for you?”

2 – Branding (or re-branding) your business is an investment.

Look.  You want to invest some money on this. You want to work with someone who knows how to do it.  Depending on your revenues, that can be expensive. And it will be a waste of money if your business isn’t ready to get a return on that investment over the coming years.

The business highways and by-ways are littered with branding expenses that never got a return because the business changed, the entrepreneur went in a different direction, the ideal client wasn’t right, the branding process was too hasty or was started too early on in the business’s growth.  Give this some consideration.

3 – Everything is branding. Take some simple steps on your own first.

Here’s what’s great about marketing (when you do it authentically and with service):

You can ‘brand’ yourself without spending a dime.

Three places to start:

  • Positioning

Positioning is clarity about all aspects of your service, credibility, results, offer, client, message, solutions and perspective.  This is contained in every touchpoint of your marketing.

  • Point of View

Your point of view is your unique voice and your message. Make sure it shines through in every single thing your prospect reads or hears or sees about you.

  • Testimonials

One of my Uplevel Your Business students just posted on Facebook that she got two new clients because of the testimonials that she revised based on the UYB training. The new clients told her they “related” to her prior happy customers.  That feeling of “relate-ability” is what branding claims to create. You can create it by thinking about these simple elements like client success stories and how they position your results.

So, should you BRAND your business?

Sure, at some point, you should brand your business.

But first, have all the clients you need, make sure your marketing and messaging is as clear as you can get it on your own. Then, hire the finest branding expert you can and see it as a long-term investment.

– See more at: http://christinekane.com/should-you-brand-your-business/?inf_contact_key=69e51a58afd8284848c1973caff8631dc9b6b71c31bf3774b7e6be0944593caa#sthash.vX4lJ4KN.dpuf

It’s inevitable.

Whether I’m hosting an “Ask Anything” call for business owners, or giving a talk to a group of entrepreneurs, or meeting a small business owner at a local party…

…someone always asks this question:

“Should I brand my business?”

By the end of this article, I’ll share my answer.

But first…if this is your question, I’d like ask YOU something first…

What are you avoiding?

Here’s why I ask:

Many, if not most, of the people who ask if they should brand their business are using the idea of branding their business to avoid the fact that right now, they simply need to go to that networking event, send out a note to their referrals, write some emails for their next marketing campaign, do that follow up phone call, or even get their first client…

…and in the mind of the oh-so-creative-and-distractible entrepreneur, all of those things feel less exciting than the idea of a kicky new logo.

Admit it.  The tedious stuff is just so … tedious.  So “branding your business” becomes another bright shiny way to convince yourself that you can’t possibly do the tedious stuff until you have a matchy-matchy website or a tagline to die for.

So let’s say you’re good with all of the above. Clients are beating down your door. Business is thriving. And you really do want to think about branding.  Great.

Here are three things you should know about branding your business:

1 – Branding your business is not about your “look.”

Many people think that branding is about a new logo and some hip new colors on your website.

Branding is NOT about your look. It’s not about your color scheme or your cool mark or even your tagline.   If you just want a logo, then you can just go to 99Designs and getting something fast and inexpensive.

When you do it right, branding is every bit as intense and deep as the first three modules of my Uplevel Your Business™ Program.

It’s a deep exploration of your ideal client, of yourself, and what you do and why you do it.  It will connect you with your WHY, with your message, with your point-of-view. It will force you to face your scattered, covered and smothered product line that confuses everyone.

When I went through a branding process, it took months to work through, and months more to begin implementing it.  It continues to be an on-going task for my team.  There was a soulful quality to it that demanded I face some hard issues and let go of some of the splatteredness I had unknowingly created as I built this business.

So, are you ready for this level of focus?  Or do you need to do some of your own clarity work before you invest a heap of cash hoping someone else will just “do it for you?”

2 – Branding (or re-branding) your business is an investment.

Look.  You want to invest some money on this. You want to work with someone who knows how to do it.  Depending on your revenues, that can be expensive. And it will be a waste of money if your business isn’t ready to get a return on that investment over the coming years.

The business highways and by-ways are littered with branding expenses that never got a return because the business changed, the entrepreneur went in a different direction, the ideal client wasn’t right, the branding process was too hasty or was started too early on in the business’s growth.  Give this some consideration.

3 – Everything is branding. Take some simple steps on your own first.

Here’s what’s great about marketing (when you do it authentically and with service):

You can ‘brand’ yourself without spending a dime.

Three places to start:

  • Positioning

Positioning is clarity about all aspects of your service, credibility, results, offer, client, message, solutions and perspective.  This is contained in every touchpoint of your marketing.

  • Point of View

Your point of view is your unique voice and your message. Make sure it shines through in every single thing your prospect reads or hears or sees about you.

  • Testimonials

One of my Uplevel Your Business students just posted on Facebook that she got two new clients because of the testimonials that she revised based on the UYB training. The new clients told her they “related” to her prior happy customers.  That feeling of “relate-ability” is what branding claims to create. You can create it by thinking about these simple elements like client success stories and how they position your results.

So, should you BRAND your business?

Sure, at some point, you should brand your business.

But first, have all the clients you need, make sure your marketing and messaging is as clear as you can get it on your own. Then, hire the finest branding expert you can and see it as a long-term investment.

– See more at: http://christinekane.com/should-you-brand-your-business/?inf_contact_key=69e51a58afd8284848c1973caff8631dc9b6b71c31bf3774b7e6be0944593caa#sthash.vX4lJ4KN.dpuf

It’s inevitable.

Whether I’m hosting an “Ask Anything” call for business owners, or giving a talk to a group of entrepreneurs, or meeting a small business owner at a local party…

…someone always asks this question:

“Should I brand my business?”

By the end of this article, I’ll share my answer.

But first…if this is your question, I’d like ask YOU something first…

What are you avoiding?

Here’s why I ask:

Many, if not most, of the people who ask if they should brand their business are using the idea of branding their business to avoid the fact that right now, they simply need to go to that networking event, send out a note to their referrals, write some emails for their next marketing campaign, do that follow up phone call, or even get their first client…

…and in the mind of the oh-so-creative-and-distractible entrepreneur, all of those things feel less exciting than the idea of a kicky new logo.

Admit it.  The tedious stuff is just so … tedious.  So “branding your business” becomes another bright shiny way to convince yourself that you can’t possibly do the tedious stuff until you have a matchy-matchy website or a tagline to die for.

So let’s say you’re good with all of the above. Clients are beating down your door. Business is thriving. And you really do want to think about branding.  Great.

Here are three things you should know about branding your business:

1 – Branding your business is not about your “look.”

Many people think that branding is about a new logo and some hip new colors on your website.

Branding is NOT about your look. It’s not about your color scheme or your cool mark or even your tagline.   If you just want a logo, then you can just go to 99Designs and getting something fast and inexpensive.

When you do it right, branding is every bit as intense and deep as the first three modules of my Uplevel Your Business™ Program.

It’s a deep exploration of your ideal client, of yourself, and what you do and why you do it.  It will connect you with your WHY, with your message, with your point-of-view. It will force you to face your scattered, covered and smothered product line that confuses everyone.

When I went through a branding process, it took months to work through, and months more to begin implementing it.  It continues to be an on-going task for my team.  There was a soulful quality to it that demanded I face some hard issues and let go of some of the splatteredness I had unknowingly created as I built this business.

So, are you ready for this level of focus?  Or do you need to do some of your own clarity work before you invest a heap of cash hoping someone else will just “do it for you?”

2 – Branding (or re-branding) your business is an investment.

Look.  You want to invest some money on this. You want to work with someone who knows how to do it.  Depending on your revenues, that can be expensive. And it will be a waste of money if your business isn’t ready to get a return on that investment over the coming years.

The business highways and by-ways are littered with branding expenses that never got a return because the business changed, the entrepreneur went in a different direction, the ideal client wasn’t right, the branding process was too hasty or was started too early on in the business’s growth.  Give this some consideration.

3 – Everything is branding. Take some simple steps on your own first.

Here’s what’s great about marketing (when you do it authentically and with service):

You can ‘brand’ yourself without spending a dime.

Three places to start:

  • Positioning

Positioning is clarity about all aspects of your service, credibility, results, offer, client, message, solutions and perspective.  This is contained in every touchpoint of your marketing.

  • Point of View

Your point of view is your unique voice and your message. Make sure it shines through in every single thing your prospect reads or hears or sees about you.

  • Testimonials

One of my Uplevel Your Business students just posted on Facebook that she got two new clients because of the testimonials that she revised based on the UYB training. The new clients told her they “related” to her prior happy customers.  That feeling of “relate-ability” is what branding claims to create. You can create it by thinking about these simple elements like client success stories and how they position your results.

So, should you BRAND your business?

Sure, at some point, you should brand your business.

But first, have all the clients you need, make sure your marketing and messaging is as clear as you can get it on your own. Then, hire the finest branding expert you can and see it as a long-term investment.

– See more at: http://christinekane.com/should-you-brand-your-business/?inf_contact_key=69e51a58afd8284848c1973caff8631dc9b6b71c31bf3774b7e6be0944593caa#sthash.vX4lJ4KN.dpuf

It’s inevitable.

Whether I’m hosting an “Ask Anything” call for business owners, or giving a talk to a group of entrepreneurs, or meeting a small business owner at a local party…

…someone always asks this question:

“Should I brand my business?”

By the end of this article, I’ll share my answer.

But first…if this is your question, I’d like ask YOU something first…

What are you avoiding?

Here’s why I ask:

Many, if not most, of the people who ask if they should brand their business are using the idea of branding their business to avoid the fact that right now, they simply need to go to that networking event, send out a note to their referrals, write some emails for their next marketing campaign, do that follow up phone call, or even get their first client…

…and in the mind of the oh-so-creative-and-distractible entrepreneur, all of those things feel less exciting than the idea of a kicky new logo.

Admit it.  The tedious stuff is just so … tedious.  So “branding your business” becomes another bright shiny way to convince yourself that you can’t possibly do the tedious stuff until you have a matchy-matchy website or a tagline to die for.

So let’s say you’re good with all of the above. Clients are beating down your door. Business is thriving. And you really do want to think about branding.  Great.

Here are three things you should know about branding your business:

1 – Branding your business is not about your “look.”

Many people think that branding is about a new logo and some hip new colors on your website.

Branding is NOT about your look. It’s not about your color scheme or your cool mark or even your tagline.   If you just want a logo, then you can just go to 99Designs and getting something fast and inexpensive.

When you do it right, branding is every bit as intense and deep as the first three modules of my Uplevel Your Business™ Program.

It’s a deep exploration of your ideal client, of yourself, and what you do and why you do it.  It will connect you with your WHY, with your message, with your point-of-view. It will force you to face your scattered, covered and smothered product line that confuses everyone.

When I went through a branding process, it took months to work through, and months more to begin implementing it.  It continues to be an on-going task for my team.  There was a soulful quality to it that demanded I face some hard issues and let go of some of the splatteredness I had unknowingly created as I built this business.

So, are you ready for this level of focus?  Or do you need to do some of your own clarity work before you invest a heap of cash hoping someone else will just “do it for you?”

2 – Branding (or re-branding) your business is an investment.

Look.  You want to invest some money on this. You want to work with someone who knows how to do it.  Depending on your revenues, that can be expensive. And it will be a waste of money if your business isn’t ready to get a return on that investment over the coming years.

The business highways and by-ways are littered with branding expenses that never got a return because the business changed, the entrepreneur went in a different direction, the ideal client wasn’t right, the branding process was too hasty or was started too early on in the business’s growth.  Give this some consideration.

3 – Everything is branding. Take some simple steps on your own first.

Here’s what’s great about marketing (when you do it authentically and with service):

You can ‘brand’ yourself without spending a dime.

Three places to start:

  • Positioning

Positioning is clarity about all aspects of your service, credibility, results, offer, client, message, solutions and perspective.  This is contained in every touchpoint of your marketing.

  • Point of View

Your point of view is your unique voice and your message. Make sure it shines through in every single thing your prospect reads or hears or sees about you.

  • Testimonials

One of my Uplevel Your Business students just posted on Facebook that she got two new clients because of the testimonials that she revised based on the UYB training. The new clients told her they “related” to her prior happy customers.  That feeling of “relate-ability” is what branding claims to create. You can create it by thinking about these simple elements like client success stories and how they position your results.

So, should you BRAND your business?

Sure, at some point, you should brand your business.

But first, have all the clients you need, make sure your marketing and messaging is as clear as you can get it on your own. Then, hire the finest branding expert you can and see it as a long-term investment.

– See more at: http://christinekane.com/should-you-brand-your-business/?inf_contact_key=69e51a58afd8284848c1973caff8631dc9b6b71c31bf3774b7e6be0944593caa#sthash.vX4lJ4KN.dpuf

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Christine Kane is the Mentor to People Who are Changing the World. She helps women and men Uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly Uplevel You eZine goes out to over 32,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a FREE subscription at http://christinekane.com.