When business turns personal: What are these guys thinking?

OK, in a blog that is dedicated to women entrepreneurs, this topic is LONG overdue. Women, does this sound familiar?

You meet a prospect who happens to be male. Now, I'm talking about meeting in a business setting....a networking event, a trade show, an office meeting, a seminar, etc. (If you meet this "male prospect" in a bar, you've only yourself to blame!!)

At any rate, you and the prospect talk shop and he acts interested in your professional product or service. You agree to meet. Only when you get together for that meeting, it strangely feels like a date instead of a business meeting. And sure enough, you discover that he's not really interested in your PROFESSIONAL products and services so much as your PERSONAL ones.

WHAT? Since when is this ACCEPTABLE?

Now, I understand that in sales, you must build relationships. And sometimes, you build relationships with members of the opposite sex. And sometimes people can take things the wrong way. I get all that. (Which is why it's SO important to always walk with integrity. The last thing any woman entrepreneur wants is to have a tarnished reputation.)

But what I'm talking about is the old Bait and Switch. Where the man pretends he's going to bring you business (which he knows you won't say no to) only to get you in a setting where he can then hit on you.

Now I'm not saying this happens alot...but it does happen from time to time. And I know I'm not the only one...many of my professional female friends have had this very same thing happen. And from what I can tell, status, looks, and style of dress have nothing to do with it. (In other words, I don't think we're "asking for it" at all.)

If you are a woman reading this blog, BEWARE of such behavior.

If you are a man, and you do this...STOP IT. It's NOT ok. And even if you don't actually do this, make sure you aren't giving the IMPRESSION of doing this.

For one thing, I'm out networking because I have a mortgage payment, a car payment, and two children to provide for. I don't need to waste an hour or more of my time meeting with you if you have no intention of bringing me business.

And women, how can you avoid having this happen to you? Again, it goes back to integrity. And try not to talk about your personal life (especially your love life) too much. Sometimes it comes up, of course. After all, there's bonding and repore to be done.

I'm not really saying I have the answer to this issue....I'm just saying that it's a business practice that I watch happen that really gets under my skin.

Any thoughts or suggestions on this topic? Women, how do you handle yourselves to avoid such things?

To Whom Were You Referring?

Referrals. With them, you are a success. Without them, you might as well hang up your entrepreneur's hat and go back to Corporate America.

So why is it that so many entrepreneurs don't understand the true value and meaning behind referrals? Or how to give and receive effective referrals? It's important enough that I thought I'd take a couple of minutes of your time to visit the topic.

If you want to give and receive effective referrals, the first thing you need to do is get out of the "I don't want to interfere" mindset. If you are stuck there, then you need to realize that people WANT you to interfere. I'd give anything (well...almost anything) to have someone, ANYONE, give me the name of a good yard maintenance company. Do you have any idea how often I complain about the fact that I can't find a good one? (Well, maybe you do if you've ever heard me get on the topic). I've been a single parent living in the same general area for the past 3 1/2 years. I've tried so many yard maintenance people, it's not even funny. And they are all either too expensive, too unreliable, or both. PLEASE...interfere here! If you know of any good landscapers in the NE Phoenix area, I want to know!

People need to be led to other people. So don't hesitate. REFER!

Meanwhile, I'd personally like to give more referrals. So please...just ask! If you are in need of a professional service or product but don't know where to turn, let me know! Financial planners, insurance agents, lenders, car mechanics, doctors, the list goes on and on.

Also, did you realize that I'm connected to a network of real estate agents all over the US and Canada? Even Dubai! So if you're in need of a Realtor anywhere, just ask me. I can make sure you have one that's going to be able to handle your real estate needs...it's better than taking your chances by just calling an ad in the paper!

Anyway, where referrals are concerned, there's so much more to say! But I'll leave that for another time. For now, just get in the habit of asking the people you trust "Do you know someone who..."

Until Next Time,

Jacki

The Value of Rewards and Recognition

In your career as an entrepreneur, one thing that tends to go away is reaching for rewards and recognition. Back when I was in sales for a title company, I was first and foremost driven by the desire for bigger commissions. But sometimes, those monthly sales awards were a big motivator.

In SendOutCards, I am an independent distributor. However, SOC isn't a one-woman show. Quite the opposite. We currently have around 40,000 distributors in US and Canada...of which maybe 5% actually work it as a full time career.

SO...my point is...SOC offers contests that allow rewards and recognition. This is HUGE for me. I need that added motivator at times.

The last contest was for a cruise to the Bahamas. And I'm really happy to say that I was on that boat! I just returned from a fantastic trip where I met some truly wonderful people, gained alot of insight for my business, and had the chance to see a part of the world I never had before.

So my question to you, one entrepreneur to another, is what are you doing to reward yourself? Maybe you are truly a one-woman show, and so there is no one out there offering you a cruise, a sales award, or otherwise. So what additional reward and recognition are you allowing yourself?

Don't get so lost in the daily grind that you forget to give yourself those added motivators. Reward yourself with a day at the spa when you land your top-targeted account. Or send out a newsletter to your sphere of influence when you hit a milestone in your business. I'd love to hear other ideas on this.

We have to hold each other accountable, and lift each other up. Don't get lost out there, adrift at sea all alone. Remember that there is an entire community of others in the same boat. You just have to reach out to them!

Until Next Time,

Jacki

Jacki's Hero of the Day

My sister. Thanks for your support Joey.

I guess she's been reading my blog. She never said anything, so I had no idea. But she sent me a book today on women entrepreneurs. It arrived from Amazon.com, with a little note saying she believed in me.

Thanks for being one of the key women that I know supports me, and is there for me always.

So for anyone reading this right now, take a second to think of someone who relies on your support. Have you reached out to that person lately? If not, don't delay. This is a prompting that you need to pay attention to. Reach out to them in an unexpected way, just like my big sister Joanne did. It means all the difference in the world.

Until Next Time,

Jacki

Business Start up course in Scottsdale

For any of the entrepreneurs reading this site, I thought I'd let you know about a course that Scottsdale Community College in partnership with the SBA (Small Business Administration) puts on. If you are just starting up a business, still in the planning stages, or are finding that starting a business isn't all you thought it would be, this course may be for you. Enjoy!
**********************************************************************************

March 6 "Should I Start A Business?" Offered by Maricopa Community Colleges Small Business Development Center
& Scottsdale Community College Business Institute

If you...
Are thinking about starting a business...
Looking for marketing research for your new business...
Need help in writing a business plan for your new business...

You will learn about:
How to start a business . What it takes to be an entrepreneur
Feasibility study and Market Research. Business structure options
Business finance options . Marketing strategies
How to access the SBDC for additional assistance & other sources of help

March 6, 2008 4-6 p.m.
Scottsdale Community College Business Institute
14350 N. 87th St., Suite 185, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Loop 101 Raintree exit, west to 87th Street, south two blocks

There is a $10 fee for the seminar and materials
Cash or check, payable to MCCD SBDC, will be collected at the door. Call (480) 784-0590 to register.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
MCCD SBDC, 2400 N. Central Avenue, Suite 104
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Phone: (480) 784-0590 Fax: (602) 230-7989
www.MaricopaSBDC.com
*********************************************************************

Until Next Time,

Jacki

What are you saying with your voice?

You have a strong ability to influence other people's decisions. If you didn't, you wouldn't be an effective entrepreneur. Everyday you come across people that you will have to be able to influence a decision in your favor. If you're successful in this consistently, you are successful in business. If you fail at this consistently, you will go out of business. Welcome to the world of Self-Employment.

But what else are you accomplishing with your voice? I don't mean voice as in the sound of your voice. We're not talking karaoke here.

What I mean is: are you using your powers for good?

You can use your voice in many different ways.

• Support a charity that is close to your heart, and let others know about it. It can be as simple as including the charity's logo on all your communications, to actively seeking other's to support your cause as well.


• Be vocal about things that matter to you. People respect you, remember? So talk about things that matter. This doesn't have to be about charity. It can be as volatile a subject as religion or politics, or as demure a subject as the importance of spending time with family.


• REFER. This isn't a blog about referring, but I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about it. When you have a high level of regard from OTHERS, use your voice to refer business to other people that YOU have a high level of regard for. Make sense? For example, I wouldn't let the people in my network have to rely on the yellow pages to find a car mechanic. I would refer them to mine. He's above board, honest, ethical, and puts his customers first...the same way I do business. I have surrounded myself with others that I hold in high regard, and can refer at anytime....I'll be writing a separate blog on referring later!


• Let others know about a good book, movie, or TV show that left you feeling like a better person. For example, as a woman entrepreneur, I'd refer you to a book called "Secrets of the Six Figure Woman" by Barbara Stanny. It is a must-read.


• Become involved with organizations that are aligned with your values. Find like minded people. It helps you stay true to who you are and what you stand for. For instance, I attend North Ridge Community Church in Cave Creek, AZ. The people I find there help me stay on track with my belief system. (Like being a good person, staying focused on putting God first, things like that.) So are you a Christian? Find a good church. Are you Jewish? Attend a good synagogue. You see where I'm going. But not just with religion...activities, social groups, etc.

I believe we have a responsibility to use our voice to make this world a better place. And the more people you have that know and respect you, the stronger that responsibility becomes.

The most effective way to accomplish great things with the voice given to you? Just live what you know to be the truth. Whether or not people agree with you or take your recommendations, it doesn't matter. We don't try to change others, and we certainly aren't trying to control them. But others should know who you are and what you stand for, that's all.

And to think, this blog all came about because I have a friend who is a lead singer for the band Unlisted. I went and saw him perform yesterday, and was so impressed, I thought I should tell others. That's using my voice...to help him along his path to success. (Although look at the picture...I also got to use my voice in other ways...thanks Brian!) Want to see Brian Jennings and his band Unlisted. Let me know, and I'll tell you where they're playing next!

Until Next Time,
Jacki

Starbucks: A small business owner's best friend

Starbucks. Expensive coffee, or cheap office space? You be the judge.

I would say at least 85% of my one-on-one business meetings are held at one of the many Starbucks in my area. In fact, I am sitting in one right now. I'm early for an appointment, and thought this would be an ideal blog topic. I think Starbucks might be responsible for most entrepreneurial ventures in the past decade getting off the ground.

Ok...my appointment is here. I'll come back to this shortly.

I'm back. Thanks for waiting patiently for me to finish this blog (although if you are just now reading the blog for the first time, you just waited an entire 1/100th of a second. But I digress.)

So today I had two Starbucks meetings back-to-back. I had an appointment that lasted from 1:30-3:15. Then another that went from 4:00-5:00. Wow. I was one seriously caffeinated girl. Could that be the reason that I'm up blogging at 1:00 in the morning right now? Naaah. This time of night is the only time I know I can focus without the phone ringing, emails pouring in, kids needing me, etc. (Which, don't get me wrong....all three of the aforementioned things are wonderful things in my life! But we all need some time to focus.)

At any rate, back to my point. Starbucks. I can't imagine trying to start up (or maintain for that matter) any small business venture without this terrific icon of the 21st century as a co-conspirator to my success. I know that it wasn't too long ago that home based businesses actually met their clients...get this...in their home. **Gasp!**

Now we have an overpriced coffee house on every street corner in urban and suburban America where, for approximately $4, we can conduct our business. A neutral trading ground where both the person selling and the person buying feel they are on equal ground. Also a place that provides safety. I can't imagine I'd have been as anxious to meet with strangers if I had to bring them to my home in order to do business. (Not to mention the added business start-up fee of a housekeeper in that case. Geez)

If you are an entrepreneur, or in sales of any kind for that matter, than I'm sure you stand united with me in thanking Starbucks for the role they play in your business. Is there anywhere else (other than a Starbucks competitor) that you go to for client meetings? I'm always looking for a great alternative....especially since I practically dumped my entire Venti Latte into my potential client's lap today, thanks to all the caffeine coursing through my system.

Until Next Time,

Jacki

Pulling Weeds

I have two daughters, ages 9 and 6. The nine year old sure has her mom's entrepreneurial spirit! She decided she wanted to make money, but didn't know how. Without any help from me, she came up with an idea. She was going to pull weeds for the neighbors for $5.

How did she come up with this? She went outside, saw that many of our neighbors had lots of weeds in their front yard, (it's that time of year here in Phoenix) and decided that this would be her new business. So she did what every entrepreneur does:

• She identified a need
• She came up with a solution
• She determined that she was capable of providing the solution
• She determined what she would charge for her service

She needed a few supplies (gardening gloves and a garbage bag). She came to me. Of course, as her mother, I decided she was a good risk, and lent her the start up fee she needed (approximately $4). I then asked her how she would advertise her service.

"I'll just ring their doorbell and tell them what I'm doing."

Hmmm. There's a Back-To-Basics lesson to be learned here. Just let your potential customers know what you are doing. Interesting concept. I, for one, often get caught up in making sure my entire marketing campaign is thought through, in place, and ready to go before I get out there.

However, when I started up my SendOutCards business, I knew that I didn't have time for all of that. I just needed to get out there and let people know about this great online service that lets you create real greeting cards on the computer, and then just click send. Then SendOutCards will print, stuff, stamp, and mail the cards for you. That's all there was to it. So I set up presentations and started making phone calls. I joined a networking group. I just told people. Some were interested, some weren't. But I just kept telling people. And it's been working.

I'm glad my daughter reminded me of how basic sales can be sometimes.

So she went door to door, her little sister in tow, and started letting the neighbors know what she was doing. The first day out, she was rejected by every single person she talked to. I felt bad for her, knowing how bad she wanted this to succeed. And so I thought this would discourage her and end her weed-pulling career.

To her credit, and my delight, she got out there again the next day she had off of school. And started asking different neighbors. This time, she had success at the first house she went to. And when she was done pulling that person's weeds, she moved on to the next house. Again...success! She would've gone on to a third house, but pulling weeds is tough work.

And so my little 9-year-old entrepreneur reminded me that persistence pays off. And right now, I really needed that reminder.

Until Next Time,

Jacki

Tax Season

I met with my CPA this morning. Ahhh....it's that time of year.

For any of you reading this that have ever stepped foot in my office, you might already realize that I am not the most organized person on Earth. (Big understatement, you may be thinking!) So today I went into my CPA very proud of myself. I had a 7-pocket folder. Each folder had it's own little section (SendOutCards, Real Estate, tax forms, receipts, personal expenses, etc). I figured I had all my bases covered.

Hey, for an unorganized person, I was doing good! But she gave me some great tips to stay organized for next year. As simple as an excel spreadsheet, and what columns I want to track. She suggested I have separate spreadsheets for my SendOutCards business and for my real estate business. She even gave me an assignment to fill the spreadsheet out every month. For me, this simple advice is exactly the thing I needed.

I have Quicken, I have Microsoft Money, I have other assorted organizational software just hanging out on my computer waiting for the proverbial rainy day when I will decide to devote some time to learning how to use them. The problem is, every time I open them up, I am overwhelmed. And time is a precious commodity. I can't waste it on something like this. So my paperwork just piles up waiting for me to figure out how to organize it.

So my hero of the day is my accountant!

Until Next Time,

Jacki

Entrepreneurs Networking for Change

Have you ever been a part of something bigger than you? Something that started out small and then it morphed into something else? That's happened with a networking group that I'm involved with.

The group recently restructured itself to gain a bigger purpose. Our leadership team felt that we needed a bigger purpose than just growing our businesses. They decided to make our group one that gives back to our community. We are in the process of choosing the charities that we will support, and I have to say...I'm excited about it!

If you live in the Valley of the Sun and are looking for a networking group, contact me right away! We just might have a place for you. You have the opportunity to build your business, network with some of the Valley's GREATEST people, and benefit charitable causes at the same time.

The group has been christened Entrepreneurs Networking for Change. I think that says it all.

If you want to get in on the ground floor of something big, this could be your chance.

Until Next Time,

Jacki

Standing on Shoulders

OK, this is something I struggle with: asking for help. I am too independent for my own good. And I realize that this problem is fairly common with women entrepreneurs. We tend to think that we CAN do it all (which who am I kidding...of COURSE we can!) and we think that we SHOULD do it all (which we all know is ridiculous.) But it's what we do...or am I the only one with this struggle?

I'm starting to get a little bit better at asking for help, but it's not easy. Here's the thing: I only have so much time in my day. So why am I beating myself up to accomplish tasks that I don't HAVE to do? Is this profitable?

And what about the people that actually are the ones doing the helping? I know that the biggest reason I hate to reach out to them is that I don't want to inconvenience anyone. I don't want to ever be THAT girl. You know, the one that people inwardly groan when they see her coming? The one that has people avoiding her phone calls? Yeah...THAT girl. Secretly, this is one of my biggest fears (OK...not so secret now that I've advertised it to all of cyberspace.)

This is on my mind because today I got past myself and actually reached out to someone to ask them a favor. I'm not sure if she was happy to help, or if she was rolling her eyes on the other end of the phone. But I did it anyway. And she did help out, and accomplished something in about 15 minutes that would've taken me all day (not to mention the cost to purchase the PhotoShop software required for this particular task.) And I am truly grateful. Today, I stood on her shoulders for a brief part of my journey to success.

Until Next Time,

Jacki

Who is Jacki Semerau, and why do you care?

So here it is: my blog about being a woman entrepreneur. My journey into entrepreneurship has been a long one. Sometimes fun, sometimes...not so much. But along the way, I've picked up some pretty valuable information. And I am running into new situations every single day. I have no problem admitting that in many cases, I have no idea what to do. But in many other cases, I either DO know how to handle it, or I learn quickly. I figure I'm not unique in that.

So this blog is about me sharing my experiences with you. Sometimes it will be because I am offering advice. And many times, it will be because I'm SEEKING advice from my sister entrepreneurs.

In pondering the all-important question "what should my first entry say", the most logical place to start is by letting you know who I am and why you would care to read my blog. So here goes:

Jacki Semerau is:

• A business woman
• A Strategist
• A SendOutCards Independent Distributor
• A single mom
• A choreographer
• A friend

Jacki Semerau believes:

• In the power of positive thinking
• That I will be successful in any venture I put my mind to
• In the importance of a strong work ethic
• In God
• That you and I are a lot alike and can truly learn from each other

So why read my blog? Why post comments?
Because we have a lot to say! We have a lot to learn! We need each other!
If you and I are going to get ahead in the business world of the 21st Century, we will only be able to accomplish this through supporting each other.
Just a few days ago, I heard Charlie Plumb speak. He is a former Vietnam Vet and POW. He was held prisoner for 6 years in an 8x8 cell. And he credits his survival in large part to the support he received from his fellow prisoners during that 6 year period. (If you're interested in reading a portion of Charlie Plumb's inspirational story, I would highly recommend it!!)
At any rate, I was truly inspired by hearing him speak. And he's right...if we want to survive, we need each other's support. So this blog is meant to be a source of support, from me and for me.
Until Next Time,
Jacki