Posted by Beverly on
July 8, 2008
Meet Featured Diva Pat Montgomery
What challenges are you facing as a woman in business during the downturn in the economy?
I am facing challenges that many businesses are right now, whether they are women or not. Our customers cannot get funding for projects, therefore there is nothing for me to consultant on right now. So we trying to expand our horizons and move into some new markets.
What advice would you offer to others who are facing similar challenges?
Don’t give up. Even if you have to do something else for a while to pay the bills, don’t give up on your dream. Explore new markets for your services or products. Redouble your marketing efforts, especially in ways that are cost effective, such as social networking. Realize that these dips never last and then for a while everything zooms back up—be ready for the zoom.
Do you recommend change at midlife? Why or why not? And in what areas?
Absolutely if that is what is best for you. If you are happy and fulfilled, don’t make any changes just for change sake. But if something is missing, now is the time to find the answer. The kids are grown or at least not babies, so your responsibilities are less there. You probably have a little savings to tide you over. So take a chance. In midlife I met my husband, changed careers, wrote a book, started blogging and twittering, and started doing to radio talk show. It is great. I love my life now!
If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?
Health for me and my family
Joy in all of our hearts
World peace—just kidding. I watched Miss Congeniality last night. Prosperity with honor would be my third.
Tell us three things about you that makes you great at what you do in your business.
The people we associate with
Positive outlook
Concern for doing the right thing all the time.
How can someone get in touch with you?
My website: parentsrulewithpat.com
Posted by Beverly on
June 24, 2008
Meet Featured Diva Heidi Richards Mooney
What is the name of your business and a description of what you do?
Redhead Marketing, Inc. I am a social media, internet marketing and blog consultant/designer.
How much has your business direction changed in the past five years and why?
Quite a bit. I used to teach offline marketing and leadership principles and now primarily consult in online media. The change has ocurred out of a need, my need to stay relevant and my clients needs to stay current withthe changing technology. That and I have a great passion for it.
What advice do you have for women who are trying to grow their businesses?
Consistency, Commitment and and uncompromising attitude are imperative in today’s marketplace. Be willing to give up control, for that is when you gain total control. Don’t be afraid to let others you lead make mistakes. And read Michael Gerber’s books “The E-myth and E-myth Revisted.”
Capitalize on social media. So many people get on the bandwagon after the wagon has left town. Better to be at the forefront of the social commerce movement than left behind in a different kind of “cloud.” Find the right media for YOUR business. FB, LinkedIn and Twitter are the top 3 but there is also mobile commerce, location based mobile marketing and so many others. Not one is a one-size fits all. Several of my clients are on FB but a vast majority are finding better, more qualified customers and clients on LinkedIn these days. Learn how to maximize your presense on whichever sites you choose.
What do you know now that you wished you knew 10 years ago as it relates to business?
Definitely not to be afraid of Technology. 10 years ago I let my staff and daughters do it all for me. I felt I didn’t have the time nor the desire to learn it. People like Heidi Caswell made it so easy for me to understand and learn that once the Tech Bug bit, I was infected for life! I happily spend 5-6 hours online working on client projects and writing. In fact, being a writer it was only natural for me to learn about blogging. And I love showing people that its not that hard to do. And for those who don’t want to do it, I can do it for them. I have hired Heidi to help with the design of my clients’ sites and then I work to optimize them for the search engines, etc.
If I knew then, what I know now, I’d also own at least 2,000 domain names. They can be gold! I have sold a few for a modest amount and now am building sites to grow a following and sell. Similar to the concept of buying land and developing, I am evolving into a virtual land developer :) of sorts and recommend those interested do the same.
How can someone get in contact with you? The best way is via email heidi@wecai.org or phone 954-625-6606
Posted by Beverly on
June 24, 2008
Meet Featured Diva Debbie Zipp
What goals did you set for 2010?
• To make more time for exercise, taking care of myself and zoning out.
• Try to find another avenue using my skills to make money. As much as I love and take pride in the business I created as the 2nd transition in my life it hasn’t achieved the financial goals I set for myself. Of course one’s work has to be about more than money but situations change. I think it is time to consider a 3rd transition in my life for gaining the financial income I need. It is not something an entrepreneur can force but I need to be actively engaged in that goal and keep my heart and my mind open to all possibilities in order to find the right path for me now.
• Simplify simplify simplify.
Are you carrying over any New Years Resolutions from 2009 into 2010?
• Of course the exercise and taking care of oneself thing.
• Encourage and help my husband to stop smoking in a constructive way. I consider that a gift to myself if he is able to do it.
• To continue fighting for my son’s health returning to normal and to find ways to encourage him to adapt his life if that is not possible so he can be productive and lead a fulfilling life despite his illness.
Do you have any unfinished business carried over from 2009?
There are a few film projects that I didn’t get done but a new project came along that I felt passionate about to take the place of those. Creatively and artistically I usually get the things done I want to get done because the passion is there and I’m pretty driven.
If so, what is it and how do you plan to handle it? If not, what advice do you give to others when it comes to completing tasks?
Passion is the key and keeping your eye on the ball or the bigger picture. There is a lot of unappealing grunt work that goes along with any business which can impede your progress but you have to be patient and endure to get that stuff done so you can proceed to the task that speaks to your heart which is the end reward. I try to keep that in mind when accomplishing a task. However, if the big task or “ball” is not motivating or fails to arouse passion it is very difficult for me to finish unless there is a big consequence to not finishing.
When someone does business with you what are some things you hope they take away from the experience?
I hope they feel inspired and confident. I want them to feel energized and take away concrete ideas to move them forward.
Where can we connect with you? Website(s)? Blog(s) email address
http://www.inthetrenchesproductions.com/
http://tomatoesinthetrenches.homestead.com/index.html
http://twitter.com/ITTProductions
Facebook
email: dzipp@macconnect.com
Posted by on
June 24, 2008
Meet Featured Diva Rosie Horner
Platinum Diva Member
Tell us about you and your business
Keynote Speaker and Communications and Customer Service Trainer.
Presentation skills and blogging coach.
What goals have you set for the New Year?
Increased focus on 4 A’s
Affiliate Marketing
Article Marketing
Adwords
Adsense
Increase the number and types of Teleseminars
Do you have any unfinished business carried over from 2008? If so, what is it and how do you plan to handle it? If not, what advice do you give to others when it comes to completing tasks?
I did not complete inventory of products that need to be enhanced. My advice is to work with a plan when you sit down at the computer. Also, keep an accomplishment journal. Record, each night, what you accomplished. For me I need to record achievements completed related to internet marketing.
When someone does business with you what are some things you hope they take away from the experience?
Empowerment! A confident knowledge that they can present better or blog like the best. I strive to connect people to their potential, passion and purpose.
How can we learn more about you?
http://www.rosiehorner.com
http://www.bloggingforboomers.com
http://www.rosiesblogclass.wordpress.com
http://www.rosiesboomerreview.com
http://www.pointsforpresenters.com
http://www.raptapact.com
Posted by Beverly on
June 24, 2008
Meet Featured Diva Linda Alexander
What is the name of your business and a description of what you do?
I’m an independent author, editor, copywriter, & contract writer. I write under the name of Linda Alexander (nonfiction), &
in 2012, plan to put out Louisiana-based fiction under the pseudonym, Melonee Prevost. I primarily write biographies of well-known entertainment figures (as Linda Alexander). My most recent book, published November 2011, is A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story. Jack was one of the stars of TV’s Maverick.
How much has your business direction changed in the past five years and why?
I’ve certainly become more focused, & aware of what’s important, what should receive immediate attention & what I should let go of based on my career direction. I’ve received a number of requests to write biographical book-length material on contract … a lucrative direction. That’s probably the biggest surprise—a new direction. I have to balance that, though, with my entertainment writing which is my first love.
What advice do you have for women who are trying to grow their businesses?
Follow your heart, not necessarily the money trail. Why? If you truly love what you’re doing & that is evident in your work … the money will follow in short order.
What do you know now that you wished you knew 10 years ago as it relates to business?
There is a winning combination which helps grow any business venture … confidence and focus. When I utilize the two qualities together, there is nothing I can’t do. Ten years ago, I was learning focus but had nowhere near the confidence I needed to not only succeed but excel.
How can someone get in touch with you?
I can be reached via e-mail at peachy2@prodigy.net or linda@lindajalexander.net, through my websites: http://www.lindajalexander.net and http://www.authorsden.com/lindajalexander, or through my press agent, William Scherer at william@mbstia.com or by calling William at 240-529-6240.
Posted by Beverly on
May 17, 2008
Meet Featured Diva Betty Lynch
What goals did you set for 2010?
My goals for the new year is to become healthier. I have started working with a lady who is trained in herbs and have started taking my healthcare back in my own hands. Exercising is also on the agenda.
I am also starting a plan for promoting my cookbook.
Are you carrying over any New Years Resolutions from 2009 into 2010?
No.
Do you have any unfinished business carried over from 2009? If so, what is it and how do you plan to handle it? If not, what advice do you give to others when it comes to completing tasks?
Write out your weekly tasks so that you know what you have accomplished and what still needs to be done. I keep this list in my Blackberry and check them off when complete. This year I was already working on 2010 goals/tasks in 2009.
When someone does business with you what are some things you hope they take away from the experience?
I hope that my customers know that I am sincere in wanting to help them make a difference in their life.
Where can we connect with you? Website(s)? Blog(s) email address
Betty Lynch
http://www.mycountrykitchen.com
blynch1490@gmail.com
Author – “Back to the Table with My Country Kitchen” http://www.mycountrykitchen.com
Featured Contributor to Boomer Living http://www.boomer-living.com
L’Bri Pure n’ Natural – http://www.bettyl.lbrionline.com
Posted by Beverly on
May 17, 2008
Meet Featured Diva Debra Shiveley Welch
What is the name of your business and a description of what you do?
Saga Books
I am editor and partner in the publishing house Saga Books where we continue to offer traditional publishing. We have expanded our catalog to include most genres and are now working on a full-blown promotions strategy with Master Koda Productions to aid our authors in the marketing of their works.
In addition, I am an award-winning author of four books: A Very Special Child, a children’s book that explains adoption in a spiritual way, Jesus Gandhi Oma Mae Adams, a murder mystery co-authored with Linda Lee Greene, Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher, a memoir and Cedar Woman, a novel about a woman of the Lakota Sioux who opens the first high-end Native American restaurant in Central Ohio.
How much has your business direction changed in the past five years and why?
Rather than change, the direction has expanded. From a traditionally published author I have now moved into the publishing world on the other side of the process. It’s exciting, sometimes grueling, but always satisfying. I live for the moment when I call a new author and say, “Yes! We’ll take your manuscript.” The inevitable whoop at the other end of the line makes my day!
I am carrying on with my writing and plan to continue my path of dabbling in different genres. My readers have asked for a sequel to Cedar Woman and so Ista Numpa will be my first romance, followed by Heads Are Gonna Roll, a thriller and Christopher’s Family Table, a cookbook.
What advice do you have for women who are trying to grow their businesses?
Put in the time. Keep thinking of new ways to promote. More importantly – have fun!
What do you know now that you wished you knew 10 years ago as it relates to business?
I have owned my own business before and didn’t enjoy it very much. Doing what I do now is so satisfying that I wish I’d started a long time ago. So choose a business that you know will fulfill you and allow you to use your talents to their utmost.
DebraSWelch@aol.com and my web site addresses are: http://www.DebraShiveleyWelch.net; http://www.SagaBooks.net/ http://www.SagaEBooks.com
Posted by on
May 17, 2008
Meet Featured Diva Deb Stevens
What plans do you have for the summer months as it relates to your business?
This year I’m looking forward to meeting more people involved with networking thanks to a new venture!
What recommendations can you offer to women to keep them motivated during the summer?
Think ‘fresh’! Summer here in Sydney is always quite hot, and with so many new fundraising events to follow I need to remain cool, calm & collected. Stay relaxed without overloading your schedule/s. Consider using the hot summer days/nights to YOUR advantage by finding ‘balance’. Work should be enjoyable, not a task you dread!
What advice do you have for fellow businesswomen who want to understand how to make social media work for them?
Search what suits! My schedule allows me plenty of time ‘online’, and I’ve used this time to research suitable social networks, often those suggested by friends, or through a quick GOOGLE search. Be clear on what your needs are, this will help to narrow down the different networks available. Create a Blog, join a group, attend any social gathering where you are able to meet like-minded people and promote your business/ideas! Advertising any events ‘online’ while inviting the public to view what you have to offer is crucial if you want to be noticed! Keep it simple but keep it going!
What’s your favorite social media site and why?
Twitter has become my main focus-unlike Myspace or Facebook, Twitter offers the fast-paced style of tool required to keep up with my advertising! With an increasing list of applications, Twitter provides me with various ideas & gadgets which are useful for my personal sites/blogs.
Are there any new projects you’re working on that you’d like the general public to know about?
I recently linked up with a medical research unit; GO research fund, and hoping this will open many new doors while assisting my ‘awareness’ campaign for ovarian cancer.
6) How can someone get in touch with you?
You can locate me at Twitter, now running 2 accounts: http://twitter.com/chook
http://twitter.com/freesiafile while my ‘landing page’ is open for comments: http://chookfiles.wordpress.com
Email: dannestevens@gmail.com
My main website: http://www.deliberatelydebbie.com
