Running a business can be fraught with challenges.  As the owner, you are focused on getting clients, sales, cash flow, etc.  However, dealing with receipts, financial statements and understanding taxes can be overwhelming. I had a new client recently tell me that she had hired a bookkeeper, but it did not work out.  She told Read more...

We had such a grand time at the “WIC Gives Back” holiday party on December 9, that we’ve decided to continue the celebratory-feels-great-to-give-back-to-our-community feeling by having a virtual food drive! Women in Consulting (WIC) is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties to bring hope, relief, and security to Read more...

If you’ve ever been confused about branding your small business, here’s a simple way to think about it: Branding Is Your Business’s Fashion Statement.

DISABILITY INSURANCE - The insurance that works for you when you can’t. What is disability insurance? Insurance to protect your income should you become disabled through an accident or illness and are unable to earn a living. Why is it so important? Often we take our health for granted. We feel that we have enough Read more...

Abracadabra! What’s the magic way to launch a successful consultancy business? Okay, you already know the answer. There’s no magic, only hard work—and some common-sense guidelines. First, it would help if you have 10 or more years of experience in your field. Aside from technical expertise, you should be able to: Build relationships. Build your Read more...

Energize Your Business for 2011

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  It's time to step back from those busy schedules, clients, emails and businesses to focus on family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday. Of course, this is easier said than done for many consultants and business owners, but important nonetheless. Preparing for Thanksgiving dinner doesn't Read more...

Quick – what do ALL marketing efforts have in common? Many of the expert marketers in our community have great and varied answers to this question, but the bottom line is this:  ANY marketing effort, be it a huge consumer product launch or a short-term consulting gig, needs to appeal to people. And people, as Read more...

If your business has a social media presence, you likely want to grow your following.  Here is a list of ways you can promote your social media properties using your existing channels as well as by cross promoting your properties.  I focused on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn as well as use of a blog, but many Read more...

One of the questions I get most often is some variation of, "I just started my business. Don't I need to create a brand before I can tell anyone about it?" And you'd expect me to say, "Of course. You must run out immediately and design a brand this instant or else!" After all, I'm a brand designer. But, I don't actually believe that. Shocking, isn't it?