The power of a hand-written note... (TSF)

Call me old fashioned but…



The power of a hand-written note or personalized card should not be underestimated.
In this “E” age (electronic voicemail, E-tickets, and E-mail) we, as a society are becoming more detached and less personal with friends, family and co-workers.

While the “E” world does have its advantages - it can be faster, more efficient and a time saver in many circumstances. I caution you not to forsake the written word.
While it might be easier to shoot a quick email off to a consultant on your team who needs recognition for a job well done - a hand written postcard makes a much more powerful statement. Think about it. More than 50% of all Americans still say that getting their mail is the high point in their day. Sad but true, especially when you take a look at your most recent mailbox goodies. At our house, it was an advertisement for the local cable provider, a grocery store sale flier, three bills, and a couple of bank statements. Whoop-dee-doo!

On the rare occasion that there is a hand addressed envelope in the pile - THAT gets my immediate attention. I assure you, your consultants and your customers feel the same way.
Sending a fun, colorful, handwritten recognition postcard to a team consultant is sure to earn you a spot on the refrigerator for her whole family to see…(after all, when was the last time anyone gave her a compliment for the swell job she did of cleaning the kitchen?!) AND spouses SHOULD see when their mate is doing a great job - an email just won't do!

Your hostesses and customers, probably have mailboxes bearing the same, boring, mail as the rest of us. How much more likely will they be to remember YOU if you send them a personally written thank you note?

So, keep postage and stationery close at hand. It's the old fashioned a little slower than email but I challenge you to try it for the next couple of months. Jotting a quick note after getting off the phone with a consultant or customer and popping it in the mail is a habit that you want to get into. Yes, postage is going up in price while email is, basically, free - but a 41 cent stamp and the cost of some stationery or postcards is a miniscule investment that will pay you back tenfold.

Hive Member Spotlight - Sue Giskaas - Great Falls, MT

Well, golly, I can't help but feel welcome. I am married, for 24 years now, we have two boys, Matt 23, and Eric, 22. My husband is full time with the Montana Air National Guard, and so are both our boys. I organize three craft shows during the year. I volunteer with the 120th Family Readiness Group, it's an organization that helps our military families stay connected and find help when needed.

I have been self-employed for 23 years now, I have done many things and sometimes had two and three businesses going at one time. I live in Great Falls, Montana, but am originally an Air Force brat. I have moved often in my life but consider Texas my original home and Montana my first home.

My birthday is September 19, and I am 45 years old (but still feel like I'm 18). I am a type 1 diabetic which has only made me stronger, more thankful, and more eager to life to the fullest, I have done a lot of things in my life and plan to do a whole lot more. UB caught my eye because it sounded like a good business venture. I had just heard a friend say she has been searching for years for her "signature scent", and I thought it might be time to try something new and totally fun for a change.

I haven't really talked to my friends and family about this yet, but I can guarantee they will be behind me. When I took the personality test I was 25 % leafy, 25% woodsy and then a real mix of everything else, and yes I think I agree with the results for the most part.

I'm not sure where I would see myself in a year in this company. I would like to get it going first and then start setting realistic goals for myself. First a monthly goal, then maybe a six month plan, then we'll take a look at a year. I think the one personality trait that I have that will help me succeed in this business is the fact that I am a self-starter.

I can work at home and really work for 8 hours, then shut the door and go home (or upstairs). I have a good business sense, I take the time to educate myself in areas I may be weak, and I know for a fact I don't have all the answers.

I'm excited to be joining the team and I look forward to working with everyone. I have attached a picture of my whole family since without them, I'm not me! This picture was taken when we were awarded the National Military Family Award, I'm very proud of all my guys.
Thanks for all the welcomes, this is going to be a great ride!

Shawna's Fun Question:

If you were a "candy" what would you be?

Well, let's see, the candy would probably be the Atomic Fireball, not only my favorite candy but fits my personality too.

Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.

Loving What You Do

Today was a wonderful morning. I have been having a rough weekend with issues from my ex-husband and the regular drama that can ensue there and I woke up to find that 2 Hive Members have their own blogs! You are all such an incredible inspriration and resource for me!

I have added them to my Navigation on the right but a huge shout out to Tracy and Avis for investing in their business! Today's homework is to read Avis' great post on Loving What You Do: http://ubbuzz.blogspot.com/2007/06/importance-of-loving-what-you-do.html

Finding your Urban Botanic treasure...

Karen Phelps never ceases to amaze me. When she has time to blog it's always worth the read. See for yourself today!

http://karenphelps.net/index.php/what-do-pirates-of-the-caribbean-and-direct-sellers-have-in-common

Don't forget to work on finding your hidden treasures...

Love ya Hive!

Turn Peronal Expenses into Business Deductions in your Urban Botanic business

Most small business owners have heard that they're supposed to get special tax breaks. The problem is, they don't know what they are or how to go about claiming them. Not surprisingly, the IRS doesn't go out of its way to spell it out for you when you go to file your income taxes!


There is a general rule in tax law that says all "ordinary and necessary" business expenses are deductible. I'll spare you the details about the arguments over this phrase, but suffice it to say that it basically means that in order to be deductible, an expense must be a legitimate expense that pertains to your business.


So what personal expenses do you have that could legitimately pertain to your business? Well, let's take an easy one: Subscriptions. Do you subscribe to your local newspaper? Can you deduct it? Well, do you need to keep up on your competitors' advertisements in the paper? Do you need to keep abreast of the job market via the classified ads to make you more effective at hiring and compensating employees? Any other reason you might need to read your local paper? If so, you can deduct it. Same with your local business journal, The Wall Street Journal, and various industry and trade publications.

Next is clothing. The IRS says any clothes suitable for wearing outside of work are not deductible as a "uniform." So a pair of blue jeans, or even a business suit is not generally deductible. But if your company name is printed on your shirt, jacket or other clothing, that item becomes deductible.

If you have kids, I don't have to tell you how expensive they are. Well, how would you like to deduct their allowance? The cost of their clothes? Heck, even the cost of their college education? If your kids work in your business, you can pay them reasonable compensation for doing so. So when Johnny needs a new pair of jeans and a leather jacket, put him to work! You give him a paycheck, he buys the clothes, and you've just turned a personal expense into a business deduction. The same can be said for building a college fund. If your children work for you, you can pay them and put the money in the bank for college costs. Note that even if your children are young, you can pay them to appear in an advertisement or brochure promoting your business.

Please note that the IRS will scrutinize payments to family members, so you must make sure you dot your i's and cross your t's. Make sure the kids actually work for you, that their pay is reasonable, and that you keep track of their hours, pay any payroll taxes due and treat them like any other employee.

Even your vacations may be partially deductible. Try arranging a trip around a business seminar in the location of your choice. There are usually plenty to choose from. Only the expenses for the time actually at the seminar will be deductible, but so will the airfare, many of the meals and much of your hotel costs. If your wife and kids work in the business and there is a legitimate reason for them to attend the seminar, their costs may be deductible as well. Keep in mind there are limitations on this technique, so check with a tax advisor before making your plans.

These are a few ideas that could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of your business. If you think about other expenses in your life, I'll bet you can come up with even more. Remember to consult a qualified tax advisor before implementing any of these ideas, be reasonable, and always make sure the expenses are legitimate. You have every right to arrange your affairs so as to result in the lowest tax you are legally required to pay. Just don't cross over the line of common sense and reasonableness.

About the Author:
Thomas Norton, CPA is the St. Louis based founder and owner of Thomas Norton & Company, LLC. Tom specializes in small business taxes and accounting, and is available to speak to your group on various small business and tax topics. For more information and to subscribe to his free monthly email newsletter that gives timely tax and financial advice, go to thomasnortoncpa.com/newsletter.shtml

Tradeshows And Networking Is The Lifeblood Of Industry

First of all - today is Lauri Hetzer's 30th bday so a big shout out to her! Lauri you are an incredible leader, a great example and a true friend! We wish you the best day money can and can't buy!

Staying on the cutting edge of your industry is important to all business leaders. Having access to the latest technologies and innovations allows you to stay at the front of your field.
Many events are held each year by professional organizations in an attempt to bring together the main players of a particular industry and allow them to exchange ideas and build relationships. These events include conferences, trade shows, and informative lectures.

Trade shows are among the most common ways for people that are interested in networking. They generally take place in large venues where businesses are given their own space and allowed to set up booths and advertise.

Networking

Trade shows are a great way to meet people in the same field where a healthy exchange of ideas and methods can take place. This type of forum brings together people from different regions of the country that typically would not encounter one another.
These meetings can provide great insight into the main focus of an industry. Observing research trends and corporate interests can be a vital tool in discerning where the market is heading.
Meeting others in the same field or a related one allows businesses to develop mutually beneficial relationships. These associations can be the key to finding a cheaper supplier in the future or meeting new clients.

In addition to encountering new people, trade shows can provide the optimal opportunity to build on current relations. A client that left on good terms might be won back or a top-notch employee can be enticed away from a current position at a rival company.
The possibilities for networking are as endless as the options that arise with good connections. Making effective business contacts can be the difference between success and failure in the world of business.

Education

A popular feature in many trade shows is a series of lectures. These talks are designed to keep everyone as up-to-date as possible on developments, trends, and new technologies.
If there is a problem plaguing the field, it might be addressed during one of these lectures and a discussion group would usually follow to try to determine the best course of action.
The possibility for education is a large draw for trade shows. Knowledge is the most important aspect of running a business. Being aware of how to manage a company and having the resources to compare it to the way other companies are being run is a valuable tool that can help successfully shape a business.

New Clients

Trade shows are not just open to people in the industry. Potential customers frequently attend trade shows in search of products and services. A trade show put on by members of the hospitality industry would be a great destination for some one planning a trip or an event planner. They provide many opportunities for a potential customer to ask questions and learn more about what is being offered.

Many companies who set up booths at trade shows offer special rates to attract new clients. These discounts make it possible for them to recruit new business and establish a much larger client base.

Showing Off

The interest that a trade show draws can be instrumental in marketing new products and services. This provides a businessman with the opportunity to see what the competition has developed and what they are offering.

Knowing what is being offered by the competition can provide insight into a company's inner-workings. Having this information can help you develop your business in the right direction to properly compete against them.

Trade show can be a valuable resource for customers that are shopping around. When a company is set up in a booth next to others, they can really stand out as the best available option.

People are attracted to shows that offer demonstrations. When preparing for an event or searching for a product, having many options and ideas to compare can make planning and decision making much easier.

Final Thoughts

Trade shows are a great way to interact with others in the field and get to know your competition. Properly displaying your products and services can make you appealing to new clients.

There are many ways to network and make mutually beneficial connections. Trade shows are a great way to meet people that may be helpful to you in all aspects of your business. It is also very possible to build lasting relationships whom you would not mind spending some of your free time.

About the Author:
Rose Bevington worked for the Chamber Of Commerce & helped with their trade show presentations, before becoming a professional writer. (impact-displays.com) Impact Trade Show Displays has 20 years experience, with professional custom graphics development and large-format print production staff available to help you. They develop state-of-the-art pop up displays, fabric displays, panel displays, truss systems and more for their trade show and storefront clients around the world: impact-displays.com/Truss_Systems.php

TSF on a View from the other side Part 2

Today's `view' came when my husband and I walked through a local Mother's Day craft fair at one of our neighborhood shopping areas. Among the twenty or so booths displaying everything from hand made jewelry to items of clothing - there was a home party consultant displaying her products. This particular company sells consumable items that I use regularly in my home and so I stopped for several minutes to take a closer look. The owner of the booth was seated behind her table in a lawn chair, chatting with the vendor seated next to her.

Despite the fact that I stood at her booth for several minutes, she never made eye contact, greeted me or stopped her monologue even long enough to take a breath. Unfortunately, I was unable to ascertain whether she had products on hand to purchase or even to figure out what might be new this season just by looking at her display. Eventually I just wandered off, feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Booth situations are a wonderful way to expand your customer base. They help you to advertise your business and meet people beyond your own personal circle of family and friends. I am relatively certain that this was the goal of the consultant whose booth I visited last weekend. And indeed, she had all of the right ingredients - a tasteful display featuring enough, but not too many products, a clipboard with information cards, wonderful weather and many customers wandering by. What was missing was the consultant. Her booth, as lovely as it was, might as well have been unattended. As a fellow salesperson, I think she wanted her body language to say, “I don't want to be pushy.” However, to a potential customer, her body language said, “Leave me alone, I'm too busy and can't be bothered to talk with you right now.”
And so, because that day I was wearing my customer and not my consultant `hat', unfortunately the sale and a new contact was lost for this consultant.

- Just a view from the other side for your consideration.