Here We Are...with Luci

The WOMB Feature Blooms: Introducing "Woman On a Mission in Business"

Here We Are is looking for women who are taking charge, making strides, and living their lives out loud by using their businesses to prosper and help others.

As Here We Are grows, our mission to help busy women make their lives better, brighter, and easier, continues to bloom. We are proud to introduce our new quarterly feature, WOMB, Woman On a Mission in Business.

Don't be a shrinking violet, you don't have to run a multimillion dollar international corporation or be Mother Teresa (and I mean that in the best of ways), but you must have a mission. The splintering of media into a multitude of avenues means every bit of exposure and attention counts these days. If the seeds of your passion are already planted, then the WOMB guidelines will be easy for you to follow.

HWA wants to help you blossom by focusing on your products, services, or knowledge, and the passion that drives your mission. It is our way of helping you run the world. We want to know about you, learn from you, and share your message.

Here are the basic WOMB guidelines (for more details on how to apply, please see the entire WOMB guidelines):

1. You must be a Woman who owns her own business (sorry fellows, this one is for the gals only).

2. You must have an active business website, i.e., "coming soon, under construction, etc." sites are not eligible.

3. There is no limit to the types of businesses which can apply, but a mission must exist. If you don't know what I mean by this, you don't have a mission.

4. Your business can be a start-up, small, mid, or large size one; not-for-profit is fine, too.

5. You and your company can be anywhere in the world, but all communications must be done in English via email.

6. If you are new to HWA, please be a flower in our garden by becoming a HWA email subscriber and friend/fan the HWA page on FB.

The "announcements section" of the January: A New Page article promo'd the upcoming WOMB spotlight. The internet is a great way to draw attention to your mission. Yesterday,   blogger, Bill Van Loan, surprised us by showcasing this coming feature on his blog with very kind words and much appreciated link-love. Thank you, Bill! 

NOTE: The first quarterly 2010 WOMB company has been selected and will be featured soon. We are currently looking for the second, third, and fourth quarter WOMBs.

Let HWA sprinkle a little water on your garden as you grow and put down roots!

Face To Face Meetings: Are You Seeing AND Being Seen?

Are you experiencing less attentiveness and manners during a face to face meeting? Do you leave feeling like the time could have been more productive? It seems that the more we connect on-line, the less we are connecting in person, both literally and figuratively. It might be time to brush up on a few tried and true techniques to help maximize your up close and personal business opportunities. 

Examine my recent guest post, Eye Contact: Optimizing The I To Eye Connection. There has been quite a bit of activity over this post at the Indie Business Blog, my gracious host for this article. You can't change the behavior of others, but you can increase the potential to make a connection with awareness and a bit of practice.

Are you recognizing a difference in people's face-to-face business etiquette? Are social media, wireless activity, and today's fast paced lifestyle contributing factors? Does it make you want to shout, "Put down the Blackberry and look at me," when in a meeting?

Eye it up and tell us how you see it.

Email Etiquette: Give Good Message

We all know that moment at the computer when the decision to press "send" makes you stop and think...hmmmm. Is what I wrote clear? Did I write too much? Not enough? Does it "sound" rude? How much time is too long to reply? These and other common issues can be easily addressed with a few rules of email etiquette. Hitting "send" knowing you've been clear in your message can be as simple as the press of a button.

1. Say "Please and Thank you" - There is never a valid reason for bad manners. Even though it is an electronic message, you are still touching people with your words. This is an opportunity to impart goodwill and pleasantries with little effort.

2. Spelling Counts - Always spell-check. 'Nuff said.

3. The Proof is in The Pudding - Or in this case, the meaning. Take the time to read and re-read your message. Often you will find grammatical errors, use of an incorrect word, and unfinished ideas. Our brains work faster than we can type.

4. Don't "Drunk" Email - Stay off the computer after the after-dinner-drinks or else you might send the wrong message, literally and figuratively.

5. All Caps = Yelling! - No one likes to be yelled at in any form. An occasional word or two for emphasis is okay, but be sure it fits the meaning.

6. Don't Get Mad, Get Even - Like drunk emailing, this is a dangerous state of mind to be in while at the computer. No matter how angry you are, walk away, take a deep breath and plan out what must be addressed after you cool off. Then write it in draft form and re-read it the next day. If, and only if, you would be okay with it being published on the cover of the New York Times, hit send...otherwise, wait another day and revise, edit, or delete it. Let time be your cool-headed friend.

7. K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simply Succinct. Get to the point. When re-reading, edit out any "extra" info that is unnecessary or off-topic. People are busy, so streamline your message. If there are many issues or a list to address, then "number" or bullet point them so they are obvious to the reader. 

8. The Clock Is Ticking - Set a "reply time quota" for yourself to return emails. Be realistic. If you know that it takes you a few days to respond to non-urgent emails, that is fine. But stay on a program so people get a sense of your schedule. If an email slips through the cracks and weeks go by, then apologize at the opening and move on with the message - no one has time for excuses.

9. Privacy Is A State of Mind - It would be reassuring if everything we wrote on the Internet had implied privacy and confidentiality. It doesn't. Operate as if everything is, or could become, public knowledge. Using this approach will save you and your recipients from potential problems if sensitive information is ever disclosed.

10. The Permanent Record - It now really does exist. Every stroke of the keys that is sent is permanent. When in doubt, police your own content for any probable cause of trouble. Plus, use rules 1 - 9 to help avoid a message that might come back to haunt you.

Try these rules on your next email message. Make your online experience easier, safer, and clearer. With a little etiquette, you can give good message each time you hit "send."

Head Shots: Not Just For Actors Anymore

Social Networking Site Photos: How To Make Your "Profile Picture" Go From Blank To Beautiful

In our visually oriented society, it is more true than ever that a picture is worth a thousand words. The Internet is the new permanent record, so make your record the best it can be. A professional head shot is a tool you can use again and again on the Internet and in the "real world."

Anyone who has ever joined an Internet group or social networking site understands the moment of selecting a profile picture. You might think to yourself, "Should I go with a casual one taken at Uncle Pete's house last summer? What about that fun photo out on the boat with the wind in my hair? Maybe my college graduation picture still looks like me?" (Ahem, maybe NOT!)

While we write on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Digg, and numerous other sites that request a picture, it is the visual of each person that further connects us to each other. Think about how and what your "connection picture" is telling others about you.

Ask yourself, "When was the last time I sat for a professional picture?" If your answer is "at the Sears family photo-day extravaganza in 1979," it has been too long and you probably could use a clear, up-to-date picture. It is also helpful to have a favicon, i.e., favorite icon, of your image for web use; however, let's just focus on an image of the real you for now.

After years of commercial print modeling and acting, I have learned, by trial and error, about the process of taking a good picture. Because I needed a new photo for the web and Here We Are media, I went through this whole process again this winter. So if you are in need of a professional photo for the web, your workplace ID, press releases, or resume applications, here are some steps to help you prepare in a snap, flash past any anxiety, and develop a confident new profile picture.

BEFORE The Shoot

1. Find the "Right" Photographer: Sounds simple enough, but the right one for you can be hard to find. Besides considering cost, availability, and location, you must also consider personality. Is this someone with whom you feel comfortable or do they give you the creeps? This element is probably the most important aspect because if you aren't comfortable in a room with the photographer, you most definitely will not be comfortable when they peer through a lens at you.

Ask if he/she will come to you. Digital photography makes this option a much easier task than it used to be, although there may be an up-charge for this service. It never hurts to inquire.

If you see a picture of someone you know and it is a good representation of them, find out who shot it. This is an easy way to begin narrowing down the selection. Always ask to see their portfolio - make sure they show you one with "people" subjects, not still-life or products.

Discuss backdrops, settings, and lighting with the photographer before your shoot day. Look at the selection, and agree on your objectives for the photo. This will help with the overall feel of the picture. 

2. Mirror Mirror on The Wall: Take a good hard look. Is this the hair, face, teeth, you want staring back at you from your photo? If so, great, you are set. Most of us are not that lucky. Time to have an honest evaluation and take action. It is good to prepare at least two months in advance before the shoot date.

Hair: If you have been meaning to get rid of the ponytail or grow out the bob, then this is the time (this may require a few extra months). Talk to a professional stylist about a good look for you. Don't forget to ask about color - gray hair never makes anyone look young - the Silver Foxes of the world look sophisticated, if this isn't you, get thee to a colorist (or find a box at the supermarket and wash those grays right out of your hair.)

Face: I have 3 words for you about looking good in a photo. Skin, Skin, Skin! Age doesn't matter if your skin is acne free, moisturized, and glowing. You will shine no matter if you have crows feet or close-set eyes. Without good skin, you are sunk because makeup works best on good skin and retouching can't add that certain something that comes from within. This glow is only reflected by healthy, hydrated skin.

Chubby cheeks an issue? It may be time to drop five or ten pounds. This can only make you feel better when you see the photos. Losing a few pounds is a photographic benefit because anything round appears rounder in photos - not sure why, but it does. Be proactive and leave the bagel at the bakery.

Teeth: Try to get them as white as you can without people calling you "choppers." There are plenty of over the counter whiteners that can do the trick at a low price point. Start a while before your shoot date to get the maximum whitening result.

DURING The Shoot

3. What To Wear: Begin this step by deciding what not to wear. Focus on what will show waist up (in most cases, head and shoulders only will end up in the picture but be prepared). No crazy prints, bold stripes, zigzags, company insignias (unless it's your own company), checks, or over-the-top jewelry EVER. These just don't work because they take the spotlight away from you and while they are memorable, it is not what you want people to remember. 

Bring a number of changes. Be sure to include a few pieces with texture, various necklines, a suit (if appropriate), and several colors that look good on you AND that you feel good wearing. If a yellow blouse makes you appear sallow but the texture and neckline are perfect, pass on it and keep looking. Simple is best, fit is important, be sure it is clothing you would choose to wear out and about.

A warm smile and bright eyes with a plain top, blouse, or shirt speaks volumes. It's about you, not the outfit.

4. Makeup: Everyone needs some in pictures. If you can do your own, make sure it is up to date and correctly applied. If you need help in this department, find a makeup artist but be sure to stress that you want to look like yourself, just better, not an ad campaign for a makeup line. Most photographers have a few makeup artists they can recommend. Again, ask to see a portfolio. Tip: Hire them to do your makeup before the shoot for another event and see how you like the results. 

5. Hair: If the makeup person also does hair, this is a bonus; otherwise, get your hair done, not cut, the day of the shoot. Remember, you have been preparing...get a cut a few weeks before and you won't look like you got your hair cut to take the picture. It will appear more natural, like it will be when you meet people.

6: Face The Camera: Look into the lens and smile (do take some non-smiling shots, too). Act confident and happy to be there; do this and you will see a difference in the photos. If you are nervous or scared, the pictures will show this negative energy.

You have done all the preparation necessary; your hair looks great, your makeup sparkles, your teeth are white - take a deep breath and relax. Trick: If your face is tightening up and you are faking a smile, look away from the camera, close your eyes, and whistle big exaggerated whistles. This will help relax the facial muscles.

Trust the photographer when they tell you to lower your chin or tilt your head. Move slowly for them as they give you adjustments. Think about looking "pretty, handsome, glowing, etc." and you will...the camera can read your energy. It sounds kooky, but it is true.

AFTER The Shoot

7. First Glance: Don't freak out. No one likes to see themselves in pictures. Look for the ones that show your energy and personality. These are usually the best pictures. Just because one might show a bigger smile, if it lacks energy, pass on it. Try to narrow it down to 3 or 4; then narrow it down to 2. Look for pictures with 2 different tops, one smiling, one serious, etc. This is all you will probably need. 

8. Touch Ups: While this is commonplace, be sure the end result looks like you when you walk into a room. Yes, your hair is perfect in the picture, but the overall image should reflect who you are. Don't make the mistake of asking for so much airbrushing, touch up, Photoshop that when you pop up at a party, people think you took the picture 20 years ago. This defeats the whole purpose. 

Good luck, have fun, and remember to enjoy the experience...you are capturing a moment you will never have again. Make the most of this time, be happy to be there, and you will be proud to fill in your blank profile picture with your beautiful new photo!

Social Networking: How The Net Tangles Up The Workplace

Click here to listen to the "Social Networking" episode at Here We Are Radio.

Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, "texting", emails, and other social networking sites are tangling up the workplace for employers. If you have employees or are thinking of hiring personnel, you need to know how to navigate this sticky web. Here We Are Radio Guest, Christopher M. Farella, Esq., helps us navigate this complex and exploding area of the law.

You can listen from this page by clicking on the link at the top ("Click here") or visit the Here We Are Show page at Blog Talk Radio. Whatever the topic, you will come away with valuable information that you can easily implement into your busy life! Thanks for joining us and remember to leave your questions or comments.

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Watch for and tune in to our upcoming radio show in September, "Much To Do About Divorce -- Positioning Yourself Before You Ask or Are Asked." Our guest, matrimonial attorney, Judith A. Hartz, Esq., will fill us in on what to do and what not to do before or after the difficult decision to divorce is made.

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{This legal information is being presented by Here We Are as a service to its readers and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not meant to substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed attorney in your state. You should neither act nor rely on any of the information without first consulting a lawyer who will apply the current laws to your specific circumstance or situation.}

Mind Map: Driving The Road To Success

March 2009 Indie Beauty Tag Party

Feeling caught in a maze of ideas and "things to do" for a big project or venture? Not sure which way to turn? A Mind Map can lead you in a clear direction.

The Tag Party subject for March is to share a "how to" on any subject. After much thought about what I might be able to share with you, dear Readers, I realized that my successful "projects" have one thing in common, a Mind Map. Ease on down the road with me for a fun and FREE way to approach a big objective, a giant sized project, or a desired venture that you have already begun or might be thinking about starting.

Wait! Don't drive off the exit ramp because you don't have time to add something new to your daily commute...By cruising through these steps, your Mind Map will keep you on the road to success!

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNIN'...

Neutral: The Parts Department

• Pencils, pens, colored markers (if you have some), a highlighter pen.
• Paper - the larger, the better (a sketch pad works well). Or use my super-fancy equipment trick-- tape together four 8.5 x 11 inch plain sheets of paper.
• Your MIND -- make sure your imagination button is turned up to High.
• An uninterrupted block of time (30-45 minutes max) in a comfortable chair.
• A hot cup of tea or coffee to keep the pistons pumping.

First Gear: A Mind Map IS

A way to put a lot of information together in a collective, but separated, format to help you see "the big picture." Look at it as an outline that will drive you from Point A to Point Z via necessary routes while you also stop to explore various off-the-beaten paths.

Second Gear: A Mind Map IS NOT

A list of everyday "to-do's," a diary, a vision board, or a "wish list" of things you would like to have happen to you. There are probably more examples, but you get the idea.

NOTE: There are many ways one can do a Mind Map, and after doing a few of them, you will find your own best technique. This exercise is a way to put rubber on the road to start driving toward your destination. Don't be surprised by very elaborate or detailed examples you'll find on the web; these will make you crash into a ditch before you start. That being said, let's shift into third.

HEAD OUT ON THE HIGHWAY...

Third Gear: Driving Straight

Step on it Stan! (FYI: Stan is my imaginary chauffeur.) Sit down in your comfy seat with your imagination cranking, take the pen in hand, write down your destination in the middle of the paper. Your destination is your objective, project name, or venture; it is the one thing you want to make happen or achieve. For example, it could be to launch a website, plan your wedding, or get a new job.

LOOKIN' FOR ADVENTURE...

Fourth Gear: Turning Right

To reach your destination, you need to take a complex route and simplify the required ideas, tasks, and chores. This first simplification step is the body of your Mind Map (no pun intended).

Working outward from your center "destination," let your mind spit out the BIGGER ideas, tasks, chores, people you know, technology you can use or need, places to visit, required reading, classes and seminars to attend, and anything else pertinent to your project. Draw lines connecting the center to each of your listed categories. Don't worry if you have two or twenty, write down as many as you can think of -- there is no limit. 

When you are satisfied that you have listed all of the potential categories, be happy, you have completed the first simplification step. You have just created the major highways, bridges, and tunnels that will lead you to your destination.

AND WHATEVER COMES OUR WAY...

Fifth Gear: Turning Left

The second simplification step can be a bumpier road; slow down and take your time. A Mind Map has no roads blocked by judgments, impossibility, or improbability.

Don't stop to focus on the destination, stay on the highways, bridges, and tunnels moving OUTWARD from your destination. This may seem counter-intuitive, but you are on your way!

Working in no particular order, begin by listing the SMALLER ideas, tasks, chores, etc., that fall under each specific category that you created in the first simplification step. Write down all the things that are needed to fulfill that particular category, be specific and detailed.

Shift into neutral and let your engine spin freely as you write everything down. Go crazy with this part, you were born to be wild. Keep going...There is more to get out of your head even if it doesn't seem organized, logical, or possible. The only requirement is to fill each category with everything that you can think of doing. When you circle back to the same items over and over, you are done with this step. Reward yourself and stop to add some air in your tires...You have just created the bridle paths, roads, cul-de-sacs, avenues, boulevards, rivers, and streams of the map.

You can also think of each of the items in the second step as the tires on an 18 wheel truck (the truck cab, storage container, and load are the bigger categories from the first step). Each tire spins separately, but all 18 have to work together to carry the truck down the major highways, over the bridges, and through the tunnels to reach its ultimate destination. If one tire isn't filled with air the rest suffer making the trip more difficult...So fill them up!

YEAH DARLIN' GO MAKE IT HAPPEN...

Reverse: Reading The Map

Now that everything is on the paper, look at it. This is your road map to success. At this fork in the road, you will now work from the outside toward the center. If you'd like, use your colored markers to associate similar ideas, tasks, and chores under your categories. Use whatever color coding works for you. It is helpful to code by the easiest items to the more difficult ones, then code by the items you can do first, second, third, etc.

Pin up the Mind Map where you can see it every day. Put the pedal to the metal and allocate time to work on your destination by completing the items one by one. Don't be discouraged by the amount listed on your Mind Map. A complete Mind Map often contains items that take time to work up to and finish. As you roll along, you might find that some items become unnecessary or new ones pop up. Keep steering toward the center.

At this point, there is no exact or correct direction except to continue working on the items you wrote down in the second step. Let them be your guide to which way you turn next. Do each item and as you eliminate them you will eventually end up back at a bigger category.

You will pick up speed as you arrive at each of the bigger categories, use your highlighter to check them off when you get there. Soon, you will be checking all of them off...When that happens, you have arrived!! You have driven yourself to your destination. Congratulations!

I hope this "how to" helps you create your own Mind Map to drive you to your destination with success. 

Every road trip needs some inspirational music and right now, I'm betting you need some inspiration for your ride.

Back Into Drive: Next Stop

Truck on over and check out Donna Maria Coles Johnson's own "How To" at Indie Business. Can't wait to learn something new!

Ten Websites To Help You Grow Your Business

Are you thinking of starting your own business? Already have a business but could use some websites tips that will make your work easier? The following are 10 of my favorite, easy to use websites that help me grow and maintain my businesses, Holly Woods 'N Vines, Botanical Lifestyle Enhancers (a natural bath, body, and home product co.) and LUCIMAC Productions (the co. that brings you Here We Are).

You may recognize some of these sites; I hope you will explore the others:

1. Typepad: If it wasn't for Typepad, you would not be reading this blog entry. It is an easy to use platform with lots of bells and whistles. There is a bit of a learning curve, but after a few tries, you quickly get the hang of it.

2. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: How do you have a business without a name? You can start a business without applying for a trademark; but this topic is better explored early. Don't spend money, time, and resources only to find out later that there is a similar business using your name. This link gives you all the info you need to know before you select a name, and then what to do with it if you want to apply for a Trademark.

NOTE: Listen for our upcoming Here We Are Radio Show, we will be discussing, "What's Your Name?...Picking a Business Name & What To Do With It Next." No worries, we will post the air date on Here We Are.

3. Chrisg: The blogging guru, Chris Garrett, teaches all things blog related. If you are at all interested in starting or improving a blog for your business, learn from the master.

4 and 5. Boot Strap Babes: The name says it all. You, too, can Boot Strap your way to success, especially if you follow the advice of the Babes themselves, Donna Maria Coles Johnson and Jamila White. And don't forget the suggested site listed on Here We Are, Indie Business where you will find another list of more great websites to add to your selection. Both blogs are packed with information, resources, and helpful discussions no matter what business you are in or thinking about starting.

6. Indie Biz Chicks: Crissy Heron is the Indie Biz Chick offering up terrific podcasts and entries to help you figure it all out. If you are wondering where to find answers about starting your "dream" business, stop by and click around, you will find them.

7. Twitter: Yes, I recently got on board the crazy train of micro-blogging. It takes a little time and practice to see results, but I have met people I would never have met without Tweeting on Twitter. I strongly suggest sticking to business matters, offering helpful information, RT (= re-tweeting) others Tweets to help get out their message, etc. If you are not sure about it yet, then at least sign up to reserve your business or blog name.

8. Dale and Thomas Popcorn: I mentioned this popcorn before as a fun holiday gift. It is a very responsive company with a great product line that I also use to send thank you gifts to business associates. Sadly, they have discontinued their Pop Club point system, BUT they are still fast at delivery, have never misplaced or sent an incorrect order, PLUS everybody who receives the popcorn likes it. What's not to like about that?

9. Staples: Tried and true office staples, PLUS free delivery for purchases over $50-; coupon specials to save money; large product selection; and great sales. Spend your valuable time building your business instead of walking the aisles looking at paper and ink.

10. American Express: Don't leave home without it...ever. The best credit card for great member benefits on travel, shopping, card protection, expense reports, and on and on and on.

As mentioned in favorite #5: The following blog, run by the Indie Beauty Network Founder and President, Donna Maria Coles Johnson, is also listing her favorite business sites to help you grow your business. We are kicking off a Tag Party for February to share information in a fun and free way to learn how to improve and grow your business.

TAG, YOU ARE IT at the Indie Business Blog!

Check it out and add your own to our list in the comments section. Wishing you much success!!!

Everything Old Is New Again…Checking Up On The Bill After Your Next Check Up

Major credit card companies have Loyalty Point programs, airlines have Frequent Flyer miles, and even grocery stores have Super-Saver cards for regular customers.  Rewarding repeat customers has become a tradition in our consumer driven society. Whether you never leave home without it, or the more you buy, the more you fly, at least you feel like a valued customer. In reality, even though we are just account numbers to a big company, many seem to get the idea that if you appreciate your customers they will come back.  So it is surprising when local services fail miserably when they actually have a personal, face-to-face opportunity to build loyalty.  
 
A funny thing happened on the way to the doctor last week, and I don’t mean “Ha Ha” or that I hit my elbow funny…When I checked in at the front desk, the receptionist pulled out a bill. I asked if this was today’s bill, and she snippily said, “No, it is from your last visit.” I explained that this was the first time I was seeing it, whereupon she basically accused me of lying about not getting the copy that was “in the mail.” After examining the charges and corresponding insurance gibberish, I did owe a difference. But as I was pulling out my wallet something kept bothering me (you know that feeling from your gut that chants, “something’s not right, something’s not right”).

I took a second look and discovered that they were charging me as a NEW patient, when in fact I was a returning or OLD patient.  I stated this fact and explained that the bill was $50- too much, and I was happy to pay the bill less the $50 NEW patient fee.  Not good enough…it seems they have a policy that if you haven’t been to see the doctor in over a year, then you are a NEW patient again and they charge you an extra $50.  HMMM…“So you are penalizing your returning patients for not being sick?” I asked.   

After listening to a lot of empty, nonsensical explanations about their “policy,” I then learned that the doctor went out of town on a conference and wasn’t even there for my appointment.  I took a deep breath, put my wallet back in my purse, got my keys out, and drove home.  It is almost a week and I am still awaiting a call from the office manager to resolve this issue.  

With so many choices available to consumers these days, and in this current economic slump, businesses and service professionals would do well to remember the old adage, “the customer is always right,” institute the belief, “it is easier to keep a regular customer than to get a new one,” and offer the simple phrase, “please come again.”  Next time you open your wallet, treat it like a microscope and examine the quality of recognition, appreciation, and reward for your patronage.