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Build Your Own Brand and Be Your Own Boss: Tips To Go From Just Thinking About Entrepreneurship To Just Doing It

September 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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Build Your Own Brand and Be Your Own Boss: Tips To Go From Just Thinking About Entrepreneurship To Just Doing It

by Frederika Angus

Wealth. Excitement. Opportunity. Family. Change. Freedom. Control.

There are a variety of reasons why business owners take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship including those on list above. While those general reasons will get you started, it takes more than inspiration, desire and hope to build a brand that you are passionate about and sparks lasting loyalty from your customers and brands.

Branding when done right will help you be found, be heard and be profitable. As you begin to build and grow your business brand and work for yourself, keep these tips in mind.

1. To thine own self be true – Ok so I didn’t originally pen this one but in order to build a business and brand that attracts your ideal client, nothing is more important than being yourself. As I work with different clients on bringing their professional and business brands online, we often take a look at what others are doing in the marketplace to determine their online business model, product offering, marketing message and the overall brand experience. The goal in this activity is not to replicate, duplicate or even imitate what similar brands are doing. It helps to further refine what they like and do not like. Every brand has its own DNA and as you create the business and life of your dreams remember to #BeBrandYou. Be authentic, be unique and remember be true to who you are.

2. Branding what you know helps your business grow – Simply put expertise sells. If you’re looking to start a business that will create a lasting legacy for generations to come, it’s best you start with what you know. If you don’t have a clue about baking, starting a business coaching other bakers is a recipe (pun intended) for instant failure and disappointment. It’s also faulty to believe that just because someone else you like and respect is doing something that you will be able to get the same results that they have. You can have the same ability and know how but if it isn’t your highest level of mastery you’ll find yourself frustrated. It isn’t important that your brand master everything. Start small, use what you know, and grow from there.

3. Even the strongest person needs support – Visionary entrepreneurs have dreams that seem to be bigger than life itself. As a mom of 4, I can tell you with all certainty that while you can carry a baby alone, delivering that baby is not something that you want to do alone. You want a team of people ready to help and support you. The same is true of your business “baby.” Get your support team around you that includes, mentors, graphic designers, legal counsel, accountants, web developers and assistants. While you can do much of the work on your own, having support allows your brand to go so much further.

I had the opportunity and honor to sit down with an awesome Virtual Assistant coach, Tiffany Parson and discuss how I got started in business and work from the comfort of my home daily. This interview really is the insider look at how I went from employee to entrepreneur as I build a brand and enjoy being my own boss. Included are tips on how to get started, tools I use in my business daily and exactly what you need to get your business started online. I invite you to listen to the interview NOW! 

Be sure to let me know over on my Facebook page what you learned from the interview!

Talk to you soon!

Frederika Angus

Filed Under: Branding, Entrepreneurship Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Building Your Small Business, Networking and Having Enough Time to Spend With Your Family. Is It Possible?

January 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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Building Your Small Business, Networking and Having Enough Time to Spend With Your Family. Is It Possible?

by Frederika Angus

When you decided to go into business, your goal was probably to generate an income, a substantial income. Now it wasn’t all about the money, but the lifestyle that the additional money could provide for you. This business was supposed to be a bridge between the life you currently have and the one you dream about. You know, the life where you live comfortably without the stress of bills, are free to dictate how you spend your time instead of being told, and enjoy doing fulfilling work and serving your clients.

I wholeheartedly believe that entrepreneurship is a great vehicle to make all of those things happen. As an entrepreneur, I can also tell you that all of those things don’t happen if you don’t make enough money in your business to eliminate the need for a full or part-time job. One of the best ways to put money in the bank is to have a large enough funnel of prospective ideal clients.

Networking to expand your brand and reach of influence is a very smart way to to gain new customers. Unfortunately, the way networking is typically done does not produce a very good ROI, or return on your (time) investment.

I received a great question from a client requesting tips on how to add networking to an already full plate. What is a busy entrepreneur that loves time with their family, has an additional job and is even going to school to better their skills for their clients to do?

Really there are only two options (since we know not networking means no new work coming in). Either you decide to network live or online. Let me explain.

If you decide you will do in-person networking events, be selective. I value spending time with my family and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Every event that presents itself for networking is not necessarily the event for me. Select events where you know that the people in attendance are of high quality. These are the people that are not at events because they want to be seen or they have nothing else to do. Be mindful to associate and network with people who may know your ideal client or even potentially be your ideal client.

Also understand that at networking events you are the representative for the brand. Yes, especially at live networking events, you are branding via your business cards and your overall appearance and attitude. Because of the corporate clients that I attract, I understood the importance of being memorable in a very cookie cutter industry. My cards are intentionally not like most. It has a flair and quality that reflects me and allows me to standout days and even weeks after meeting someone. Just this past week I happened to run into a person from a past business function and he identified me first by my business card which reminded him I was unique in the marketplace and that we should talk further.

Learn how to network online from your couch and even while you sleep!  You have enough going on in your life that you don’t need “one more thing to do.” Networking usually takes time away from the things or the people that you would prefer to spend your time with. If you are not already making good use of the technology that is available, start today. Connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to help expand your online network. Developing relationships on these platforms is a good way to also expand your brand where your ideal clients hang out without being intrusive.

If your networking purpose is to generate new leads and prospective customers, there are strategic methods, systems and tools that you can use that will work for you even while you aren’t working your business. Weigh your return on investment. Would you rather spend 2 hours talking to a person in hopes that you will be able to schedule a meeting that might one day lead to a customer? Or would your 2 hours be better spent with friends, family, or even doing what you love and taking care of yourself while your lead generation is handled for you?

Over the next few weeks, we will further discuss how to build your brand online in such a strategic way that you are actively adding new prospects to your network because they are already looking for you. I’m looking forward to sharing these innovative strategies and techniques that will take your business to the next level.

In the meantime, be sure to post any comments or questions you have below.

Talk to you soon!

Filed Under: Branding, Entrepreneurship, Social Media Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Questions To Ask A Business Coach? Let Me Hear From You!

January 17, 2012 by 1 Comment
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Questions To Ask A Business Coach? Let Me Hear From You!

By Frederika Angus

The value of business coaches and mentors in my business has been enormous. They have helped me get out of my own way in several instances, answered questions as to how to price and position products and services in the marketplace and even helped me stay on top of my game by adding an extra level of accountability.
 
It would not have been possible to reach my first $100,000 in revenue, within the first 8 months of my company as a solopreneur, without the expertise of those who are succeeding in business and willing to share their wisdom.
 
I value each of you and I want to be certain to serve you all in the best way possible as you start, build and grow your businesses and organizations. 
 
I am honored to bring the past 11 years of experience I have from developing strategies, techniques and solutions for recognized corporate clients such as, DaimlerChrysler, Accenture, Allstate, Bank of America and Wells Fargo. I have worked with them to improve their business processes, enhance their marketing, cohesively brand their online presence, save and make them money.
 
Now, I’m bringing that knowledge to you.
 

Although my schedule is very limited to answer questions on an individual basis, I would like to hear from you!

If you had the opportunity to ask a business coach or a mentor, anything that would help move you and your business forward, what would you want to know more about?

Is it social media marketing?

Branding techniques for any budget?

The best software or tools to help you better manage your time?

Are you looking to learn how to add residual income into your business?

Take some time and ask me a question in the comments below.

No question is to small or for that case too big. The only stupid questions are those that aren’t asked. Your question may be the one that will help many others.

If there are areas where you are struggling in your business or need to gain clarity, ask a business coach.

Post your question now!

I’m looking forward to it.

Talk to you soon!

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship

Books Every Small Business Owner Should Read

January 5, 2012 by 4 Comments
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Books Every Small Business Owner Should Read

by Frederika Angus

The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything – Guy Kawasaki

A no-nonsense approach to business start-up. Guy really breaks down the best approach to starting a business and what stops people from starting one. Sometimes the thought of starting a business seems so complex. This book will simplify business concepts. He does write from the perspective of one that has started up technology companies nevertheless, there are lessons for anyone looking to start a business in any industry. Learn how to stop thinking so much about starting and move to actually starting with this manual. He interjects humor and has tons of practical application to guide you from the starting block to actual movement.

Purple Cow – Seth Godin

This book encourages you to examine what you are doing or not doing to be a leader in your industry. It challenges you to think outside the box, and create extraordinary campaigns, messages and results. We live in a world where ordinary has become invisisble. Business owners or those looking to revolutionize their thinking can benefit from the mindset adjustment that comes from reading this book. To succeed in business products must have high, lasting value, be talked about often and be outstanding. Purple Cow will inspire you to stand out from the crowd.

 

The War of Art – Steven Pressfield

Each of you were made on purpose for a purpose. The War of Art discusses the force of nature that anyone living on purpose has to face and master. Resistance is internal and external and is usually a huge roadblock that prevents people from moving forward. While the author of this book is a writer and typically recommended to those with writer’s block, this book will eliminate the excuses that you use to tell yourself that you can’t do exactly what you are designed to do. Pressfield says, “Our job in this lifetime is to find out who we already are and become it.” This book is great encouragement to pursue your dreams and get started while kicking resistance out of your way.

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie 

Why would an entrepreneur want friends in business? Don’t they say friends and business don’t mix? Being an outstanding businessperson will depend on the relationships you can develop with current and potential customers and clients. This book will teach you how to do just that. Sure there are other books you could read regarding customer service. Thankfully, Carnegie’s classic is bigger than customer service. It really guides small business owners into how to translate people skills into leadership, sales and public relations skills with very practical and easy to implement solutions.

 

Good to Great – Jim Collins

Good To Great is a must read for any entrepreneur or CEO. It reminds every reader that the most effective leaders are humble and that leaders of great companies don’t start with “where” but with “who.” They start by getting the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats. Once you have the right people in the right seats, the journey doesn’t matter, you’ll succeed.

What books have you read that are on your must-read list for current and prospective entrepreneurs? Share them and other comments below.

Talk to you soon!

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Is This the Year You Finally Get Serious About Your Business?

January 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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Is This the Year You Finally Get Serious About Your Business?

by Frederika Angus

It’s the first work day of this new year. We’ve celebrated and wished each other a happy and prosperous year. While we are thinking of all the things we want to accomplish in our lives and through our businesses, I need to have a serious conversation with you.

Is this the year that you will get serious about your business?

I know you have new ideas, vision boards, and strategies you would like to implement. Some of you may even have years of business ventures written down. You’ve put off starting your website. You haven’t opened your business checking account or even gotten a business license. Or maybe you’ve already started a business but you haven’t invested money into marketing and branding. You know there are trainings you need to take and conferences that you can attend that will accelerate your businesses growth but you continue to talk yourself out it.

So what exactly are you waiting on?

I remember when I stepped out of fear and into faith to start my current business. Now, I had done business activities for pay previously. I wasn’t a newbie to business ownership. Only this time, this wasn’t the side job that brought in enough extra money for me to buy shoes. When I started this business consulting and coaching firm, it was for all the marbles. It was time to sink or swim and I was filled with “what ifs.”

I later learned that all those what ifs were intended to keep me from doing exactly what I am designed to do, what I am uniquely prepared for and great at doing, serving businesses and business owners in such a way that moves them from their current state, to their next level.

Steven Pressfield’s book, The War of Art, calls that inner voice that questions if this is the right time, or the right move, if you can afford it or even if you are good enough to even compete, resistance. He says of resistance, “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.”

If that describes how you’ve felt about your business endeavors, if you have the same inner voice, the same fears, CONGRATULATIONS! You are likely on the right track. Maybe you need some additional help to refine the details and design a roadmap but the big picture show that you ARE positioned for forward movement.

Being positioned is a great start now YOU have to step on the gas to actually move and gain momentum. If you are ready to be serious, it is time NOW to kick fear out of the driver’s seat and regain control of building the life you desire through your business. Let’s do it together.

“He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat” ~ Napoleon Bonaparte

Talk to you soon!

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Mistakes Small Business Owners Make With Social Media

December 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Mistakes Small Business Owners Make With Social Media

by Frederika Angus

Social media is an effective way to connect with people quickly, develop new relationships and have nearly instant access to potential customers and business partners alike. While most small businesses understand the importance of using social media as a way to build and expand their brand, there are some critical mistakes that are made than can harm instead of enhance your business.

Not having a social media plan

There is a big difference in how you utilize social media personally and how to leverage it’s power to present and provide valuable information to the world. It is important to know what you want to achieve through the use of social media. Without having a plan, it will be more difficult to measure if your efforts are providing your desired results.

Updates that are too personal

Simply put, be personable without being too personal. Avoid talking about relationship troubles or issues with colleagues, or clients. Strive to be a positive source of information and provide valuable information while cultivating relationships. Doing so will develop a culture of followers that will be loyal to your brand and business as they learn more about you as an entrepreneur and how you can serve their needs.

Promoting without participation

Have you ever been at a party talking to someone who believes the best topic of conversation is themselves? Make sure not to do the same on social media. It will be a real turn off to your ideal clients. Social media networks are a wonderful place to give as well as receive. Avoid just talking about your business without engaging your followers by responding.

What other social media errors have you seen businesses make? Share additional mistakes below.

Talk to you soon!

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Get Your Business Ready For The New Year

December 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Get Your Business Ready For The New Year

by Frederika Angus

There are only a few days left until the new year will begin. Set yourself and your small business up for a smooth start with the following tips.

Clean out your email inbox. Delete old emails and junk mail. Unsubscribe from mailings that are no longer adding value to your business. While you are cleaning up your digital mail, be sure to archive the important mail in appropriate folders. If there are emails that you send to your clients that are customizable, be sure to save them for use as templates. This will save you time from having to type the same information repetitively. Also, take the email action items you need to take action on prioritize their completion based on a due date.

Clean your computer file folders. As you are going through the emails, you will likely find email attachments that you’d like to keep handy. Organize your folder structures with descriptive names so they are easily found. If you happen to save documents to your desktop (I know I’m guilty of sometimes doing this), find a folder to place them in or delete them. That will clear the space for your most needed items for the new year.

Clean your desk/office. Doing this in advance of the start of the new year will put you miles ahead of others. It becomes difficult to work effectively when you can’t find a pen or the contract you just printed. Take sometime and file away all your paperwork for the year and get fresh folders (especially for receipts and expenses) started. It’s a great time to also grab a new calendar for the next year so that you can map out your marketing schedule, vacations, conferences and other various activities for you business.

Clean up your website. For those who aren’t technically savvy, it’s easy to hide this task in the junk drawer with the rest of the items. Take a few minutes before the new year starts and review your website as if you were a new customer and also a returning client. Are there improvements that can be made so that potential and current clientele are very clear on what you have to offer? During your site review, ensure that © date is current.

Clean your mind. Review your successes and your challenges during the past year. Learn from them and then release them. Take some time to rest, relax and renew your mind. It’s time to go to your next level and have your best year yet!

Talk to you soon!

 

 

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8 Essential Qualities of Exceptional Entrepreneurs

December 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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8 Essential Qualities of Exceptional Entrepreneurs
by Frederika Angus

 

Success in business is the goal of every small business owner. While there is no magic formula that will guarantee your success, there are essential qualities that exceptional entrepreneurs possess.

1. Integrity – In the simplest of definitions, integrity is about doing the right thing. As an entrepreneur, your customers and clients want you to do what you said you would do, when you said you would do it. Never lie, exaggerate or pretend to be what you are not to get new business. Even if you have to lose money in the short-term, do the right thing everytime and you will build a brand with loyal customers.

2. Generosity – One of my mentors in business truly has one of the most generous hearts. She is leading by example how to share and go above and beyond in giving great value and wisdom to others. Your ability to be generous is directly associated with your mindset. If you fear sharing ideas with others because you don’t want them to “steal” or use them, you are operating in lack mentality. Remember that there is enough business to go around and collaborating with those who may even be competitors can still generate wealth for you.

3. Humility – Have you ever been around someone who is constantly talking about all they have acquired and achieved? Do you enjoy being around those that act that way? Being humble in business, contrary to the belief of some, is not a sign of weakness. It is actually a sign of strength. Only those secure in themselves can lift other’s up without feeling as though they are being diminished. Enjoy and be confident in your accomplishments. Just remember to leave arrogance and ego behind as you grow as an exceptional entrepreneur.

4. Discipline – Successful entrepreneurs are not those that get lucky or have better fortune than others. They are defined by their consistent commitment to do the things that need to be done. When you work for yourself, it can become easy to push off the least fun tasks until the very last minute. It is impossible to live the dream if you refuse to do the work it takes to make it a reality. Discipline will dictate whether you create effective results.

 

5. Persistence – The most difficult situations and undesirable events I have been through have always been conquered with this motto : “Never, never, never give up!” I use it during a difficult workout and in the midst of naysayers telling me my ideas will never work. Statistics will tell you most small businesses will likely fail within 5 years. The businesses that do succeed all have one thing in common, in spite of downtimes, they never gave up! Learn to be persistent.

6. Focused – To be exceptional in your business pursuits, being able to stay focused is critical. The mind of an entrepreneur is like a playground to a child. There are so many directions that you can steer your business in, sometimes it is hard to decide and stick with that direction. There are two or three things that are more important than everything else that you must take ownership of and focus on. Doing so will take your small business from good to great.

7. Innovative – Creativity is important but being innovative is essential in business. What’s the difference? Being creative speaks to your ability to think or imagine something original. Innovation is implementing or bringing new ideas to the market in the form of services and products. Innovation could be thought of as harnessing the creative energy and moving those great new ideas through a defined set of processes to an ultimately valuable conclusion. Long-term profitability for small businesses will depend on your ability to continuously innovate.

8. Passionate – When you are doing what you love to do and have been made to do, it feels less like work and more like living. Your enthusiasm about your business as an entrepreneur will show up to your clientele and attract customers. Passion will be your fuel on those days where you may reconsider if you’ve made the right choice.

Anything else you think should be included? Feel free to share in the comments.

Talk to you soon!

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Putting the Joy Back Into Your Business

December 5, 2011 by 1 Comment
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Putting the Joy Back Into Your Business

by Frederika Angus

Do you remember how you felt when you first came up with the idea for your business? Do you recall how excited you were to take on this new challenge?

Most business owners start their entrepreneurial journey with a lot of excitement. As you begin to diligently make plans and set up the business that will be the source of freedom and additional streams of income, you are glad to make sacrifices. You know that your dedication and commitment to your business will pay off.

But as the days, months and years go on, sometimes you realize that the thrill is gone. You’re not exactly sure how it happened but the business of running the business starts to weigh you down. Instead of anticipation for the challenge each day brings, you feel a sense of dread.

How can you begin to enjoy your business again?

Having joy in your business is important. Joy becomes fuel for the engine that runs your business. It helps eliminate stalling and allows you to move forward into the plans you’ve made for your business with ease.

Start each day with an attitude of gratitude. You have made a decision to live the life of your choosing as an entrepreneur. You may have the flexibility of work at home daily, or even setting your own hours. Celebrate the freedom that small business ownership brings.

“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.” –Pearl Buck. You are a highly skilled and talented business professional. When you perform and over-deliver to your clients and customers, you are rewarded financially through payment. But even bigger than money, the emails and notes of appreciation will continue to fuel your excellence.

Take time off. If you are really feeling burnt out, you are likely taking on too many of the tasks in business or you are working on delivering and over-delivering on the items you must take care of and never step away from the business. Schedule time daily to take time away from your business tasks. Take a quick walk or do something you enjoy with the people you love. When you return back to work, you’ll feel energized and have the ability to get work done with a positive attitude instead being overwhelmed.

Eliminate the stressors, time consumers and/or the mundane activities. It is easy as a solopreneur to get caught up in taking on many tasks. If the activity is causing stress, takes up you valuable time, or you just dislike doing it, eliminate the task or find a better person to do it. Saving money by doing it all yourself at the cost of your sanity, joy and health is never worth it.

Talk to someone. Share your challenges with your business coach or even a trusted colleague. Sometimes all it takes is a good conversation with someone to shift your perspective back to one of joy.

Talk to you soon!

 

 

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship Tagged With: , , , ,
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