On the flip side, the 2nd quarter of the year is coming to a close as summer hits, and parents in business are no different than anyone else.  We want our momentum to keep going into the 3rd quarter without interruptions.  I definitely do.

In my opinion, summer and business growth and productivity do not need to work against each other.  In fact, greater productivity can lead to greater enjoyment of summer.

I have a sneaky suspicion the busier I am, the more I achieve and fit in to my day.

Think about it - When you have large chunks of time that are unaccounted for…What do you do?  My guess is daydream, play with apps, doodle, waste time, or grab a coffee.

When we are busy and have a really full schedule, we actually fit more in because we are diligent about scheduling.  We make time for each task and responsibility, hopefully blocking out time for our families and fitness and sleep. We map out our days out of NECESSITY, so we can cross everything off not leaving a spare minute to doodle.

A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of hearing Samantha Ettus speak about work family balance on a panel for Hot Topics for Moms in Business. Samantha imparted us with one tiny little tidbit that stuck in my mind because it is the way I live.  “Run your life like train schedule.” Samantha dramatically changed her entire family’s schedule so both she and her husband could run their businesses and spend time with their children.

Operating on that schedule allows Samantha to fit in everything that she and her husband prioritize.  This is how I live year-round, but especially in summer.  During summer, most of us have the benfit of warm weather and longer days, which lets us squeeze in an early morning run or evening walk for ice cream with all of other responsibilities sandwiched in the middle.

I hope each and everyone of you enjoys your holiday weekend, and as it comes to a close set some goals for your summer.  Outlining both business and family goals are important.  Then, take a look at your schedule week by week and draft up a timeline for those goals.  Insert tasks in your calendar along with time to enjoy your kids, dogs and the summer weather.

Reach out to friends and other parents in your neighborhood to arrange a childcare swap, carpools, or information on local kids’ programs.  Go over plans with your spouse and partner and put it all in the schedule!

I am training for a half-marathon, and I think the discipline used in my training can be applied to business.  I have a plan mapped out with goals I want to hit and how much I need to run, stretch and rest/reinvigorate to get to my goal.  The same goes for business.  I know where I want to go, which includes how many nights I need to work to get there and how I can take the weekends off to replenish myself and my family.

I would love for you to share your top summer goal with me and how you have scheduled to make it happen!  Keeping one another accountable is always helpful!

Here is to an amazing summer for you and me both.  I hope your business rises like the heat (Don’t forget to cool off with an ice-cream).

For more on ’summer tricks of the trade for moms and dads’…read here.

Rachel

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As entrepreneurs, I’m sure many of you can relate to the “digital leash.” We get so wrapped up being available to customers, employees and associates, and responding at the speed of light, that’s it’s easy to forget about life priorities. Well, if you disconnect for a short time, guess what can happen?

•    You’ll actually get some rest.

Just by reading an e-mail, you can instantly be whisked back into a stressful, work-mode. Without having to check online messages and voicemail, you can actually let your mind go and completely stop thinking about work!

•    You’ll think of creative, business ideas.

When you are not reminded about all of your work responsibilities, you can think about other things and take in new surroundings. With this inspiring process, your train of thought may bring you back to work ideas and you’ll think of creative, new solutions that can help you run a better business.

•    You’ll discover it’s time for a change.

If you are taking a break from your digital connections, you may realize you are overwhelmed, exhausted and really need a change. If you can’t stand the thought of going back to your usual work activities after your “digital disconnection,” this may be a sign that it’s time to set new goals and pursue other, life dreams.

What will happen when you unplug?

Are you stressed out about work and your daily grind? Well, the Memorial Holiday is this weekend. What a perfect time to “unplug” from all of your digital products and enjoy some time off!

Spend time with positive people, visit new places and unwind. You’ll give your mind and body a break from your usual, work routine. And who knows? During that time, you may come up with some new ideas that will revive your love for your work or even develop goals for new, life dreams.

Take a break already and let me know how it goes!

For more information on running a smoother business while increasing online awareness, please contact me below or check out my free tips and information at www.rembrandtwrites.com.

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When I first started my business, every conference that I attended dropped me into an environment of all new people because business was a brand new field for me.  Getting on a plane or in a car to attend a conference near or far with several hundred people that I never met before has made me a bit of a warrior in the area.

In fact, now when I choose a conference, I look for ones that will allow me to meet new people and partake of different information.  What can I say?  I am a renegade.

As I was leaving last week, a colleague asked me if I was ready to head off to a destination that I never went to before with people that I did not know.  My response was ‘Absolutely.’  Don’t get me wrong, I felt some jitters, but mostly I was excited.

You see, going to meet new people at an unknown conference or environment is not only daring and bold, but also savvy.  The business world is a big, wide open space, and with all the virtual opportunities, it is easy to get lost in a sea of avatars.  I love networking online and chatting on Twitter as much as the next person, but those transactions must translate into REAL LIFE for them to really push forward.

It is so easy to hide behind our laptops and tablets with a false sense that we are connecting with lots of people, and often, online connections are amazing.  However, in order to make greater partnerships, referral networks, and lasting relationships, some of these connections must become IRL (In Real Life). Although, we spread our avatars all over the internet, it really is crucial to put an actual face with a name.

Although it is imperative to keep current relationships fresh and ongoing, it is also imperative to make new ones.  My goal for this year was to choose one brand-spanking new conference to attend in comparison to last year when they were all new.  I had to reserve some time and money to attend one or two that I loved from last year in order to both pay it forward and stay in touch IRL with contacts.

Last week was the NEW one.  The conference where I knew nobody and had no idea what to expect.  What started out as a nerve wracking experience proved to be both fruitful and fun.

Of course, I had my survival tips ready.

(Attending a New) Conference Survival Tactics:

1. Smile.  Look happy.  Whether you are nervous, scared or feel like you are going to be sick, put a happy face on because it makes you way more approachable.
2. Forget Avatars. You see that picture by my name here?  Guarantee you that in person, I look nothing like it.  Don’t memorize avatars and think you will recognize anyone.
3. Don’t Prequalify. Leave judgement at home.  The most unassuming person may be your best contact or the one person that you are just dying meet, may prove to be a dud.  In other words, meet and greet as many people as you can!  Move around the room, change seats or tables, and introduce yourself to as many people as possible.
4. Be ready to conduct business. Really.  Bring extra business cards, notepads, pens, laptop/tablets/chargers, and even any legal documents as in non-disclosures if they apply.
5. Takes notes. After meeting someone, make a few notes on their card or in a  notebook so you are prepared for a little conversation when following up.

Yes, you must follow up with the contacts that you meet and make an effort to move the relationship forward.

I would love to hear about your adventures of heading to conferences…

To read more about the simple, yet practical advice I heard on work life balance, read here.

Rachel

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Whether you’re looking to connect with another entrepreneur or just trying to make a new friend, here are three tips on how to get more connected and network like a pro:

1. Share some value

One of the more important rules in building great relationships is sharing some value with your connections.

For example, when you talk to a guy like Carlos Miceli you’ll hardly ever end the conversation without him asking you, “What’s your biggest problem at the moment?” First, this tactic gets you to open up about what you think is really hurting you (personally) or your business from moving forward. Then after Carlos has listened to what your problem really is because you explicitly said it, he offers several possible solutions or methods to finding the right solution to your problems. In mimicking this tactic, while you might not necessarily be qualified to directly help someone solve their problem, the person you’re connecting with will be more than happy you listened and shared a few interesting ways they can approach the issue at hand so they’re no longer running into brick walls.

Another killer way to spread some goodwill is by simply introducing two great, likeminded people you know to each other. If you are absolutely certain they’ll get along and can, at the very least, have a meaningful intellectual exchange, then you’ll win points in both of their books for helping them find a new and awesome friend.

2. Never play favorites

One rule to networking (this is mostly applicable if you’re chatting with several people at once) is never investing everything into a conversation with just one person. For one, that makes you look desperate, and two, it’s a bit rude to fail to engage everyone that’s a part of the conversation as well. If you’re at a networking event, sipping a glass of wine, talking with your startup idol when two other fan boys come along, don’t ignore the newcomers. Instead, invite them in and play gracious host to the discussion. Make sure you’re a bit social with everyone, otherwise if you center your focus on one person and almost become possessive, you will come off reeking of desperation. Plus, your startup idol will certainly take note if you can successfully manage a great conversation with every participant without isolating anyone.

3. Hint first, ask later

It’s in everyone’s nature to want to help someone when it’s entirely in their capacity to do so. But when you ask someone for a favor, it comes off differently than if they had made the offer first.

For example, let’s say you’re traveling to a new city, and you’re chatting with a friend who you already know they know someone in the city you’re going to visit, you can give them the opportunity to help you without you even asking by saying, “I’m really excited for my trip next week to XYZ place. I hope I can connect with some awesome people while I’m out there too.” This suggestive way of getting help often works better than directly asking a friend for help, because if they offer help, it’s out of the kindness of their own heart, rather than because you asked for it. But of course, if your friend just doesn’t get the hint, feel free to follow up with, “By the way, do you know anyone I can meet?”

What are your best tips for networking like a pro?

Danny Wong is the co-founder of Blank Label and a Communications student at Bentley University.

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The article sites a Lithium Social Media study in which they found ‘Because of social media, [one is] more likely to try new things based on friends’ suggestions’ to be 80 percent.  The article also quotes one of the founders of Blogher, Lisa Stone, as saying ‘there’s no one a woman trusts more for advice, recommendations…than another woman in her circle.’

Major brands like T.J. Maxx, Toyota, and P&G consistently work with bloggers, specifically mom bloggers, to help promote their products, overall mission, and get the word out on everything new concerning their brand.

How does this concern you, as small business owners?

In a big way.  Although earlier I mentioned large, big-box brands embracing the benefit of working with bloggers, many start-ups find the leg-up that they need right in their own virtual backyard with bloggers.  In fact, I find that a large number of bloggers hold a soft spot for new and upcoming start-ups and tend to like to work with them.

Basically, blogs are driving consumers.  I paint with a broad brush when I say that, but the general gist is that there are a number of very successful blogs that are founded on the premise of hard work and good ethics that are stirring the marketplace.  Receiving an endorsement, review, and/or mention by these blogs allows your brand to reach a widespread audience (who simply put - view these blogs as their friend next door).

Being featured in blogs is becoming increasingly more coveted and a part of many companies’ P.R. plan.

So, how do you do it?  How do you approach a blogger?

I will start with this - Bloggers work hard.  Many hours go into producing a high end post.  There is more time associated with promoting the post.  For many bloggers, blogging is a big part of their income (they deserve to make money, too - for their efforts and work).

With this being said, the first step in approaching a blogger is being respectful of their work, time, and business (which you want to be promoting your business).  Make sure you are prepared with a finished website and readily available information on your brand.

Second, please be sure to actually READ the blogger’s blog.  Get to know the flavor of the blog, the writer’s style, and think about how your brand or product would fit.  If you do not think it is a good fit, move on.

Next pitch yourself in a clear and concise manner that let’s the blogger realize that you read their blog, know their name, and want to value (compensate) them for their time.

Finally, know that a large blogger cannot respond to every request that he/she receives.  Follow-up in a week or so if you do not hear back.

If you are a skeptic, ask your friends how they look for a new product or service.  Chances are they either follow a few blogs on the subject or google a blog or two when looking to make a purchase.

Feel free to visit me at http://backngroovemom.com if you have any questions.

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This week has taken nothing short of velcro-ing myself to my desk to finish the tasks at hand.  Every time I am out driving, I see loads of happy people walking, jogging, biking, and taking a quick break in their day to catch some fresh air.  The smiling is infectious.

While smiling, exercising, and sheer utter joy may all be side effects of summeritus, so is canceling appointments and not following through on commitments.  As with most things, there is a good and bad side to summeritus.

All week, I have been hearing, ‘I am sorry, I cannot meet you now’ and ‘I apologize, I did not get to _______’….Come on!  I was not born yesterday.  I am looking out my window dreamily, too.  I am fantasizing about a long walk and frozen yogurt just like you.

This is all a result of over-committing, a lesson that I frequently learn the hard way.  Saying no to committees and meetings and lunch dates and additional tasks is hard to do.  This is especially the case when the person asking is a friend, treasured colleague, and/or someone we are dying to do business with in the future.

However, saying yes and not following through is even worse than over-committing, which is what always gets me in trouble.  I cannot do the no follow through thing, so I end up totally stressed.  I have had to teach myself the hard way to only commit to what I am going to see through until it is finished.

It is like the meeting that I fought to get to last winter in the middle of a snowstorm on a snow day from school.  I had a few back up plans in place in oder to make this happen because I was thoroughly committed.  Otherwise, canceling would have been way to easy.

Let’s use this early summeritus season to learn some lessons about committing:

1. Do not commit to something if you do not see yourself being able to finish it even on the most magical weather day of the year.
2. Set a hard limit for how many meetings, event, committees you want to do in a week, month.
3. It is better to say No upfront rather than excuse yourself after you have already said Yes, so be certain that it is something really can commit to (rain, snow, or sunshine).

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First impressions are considered crucial, if not critical in both life and business. Whenever, one meets someone new in biz or anywhere for that matter, one (hopefully) checks his/her breath, looks for food in their teeth, and puts his/her best foot forward. There are basic rules of socialization.

Case in point:  At an out-of-town meeting last week, the first thing I grabbed were some Altoids Breath Mints, and I noticed the person I met with was chewing some minty gum.

In a day and age of instant access to information (via that little thing called the Internet), first impressions in business often derive through websites. That is why your website and its copy have to be up to snuff.  Your website has to be easy to navigate, read, and find what one is searching for in both a fast and simple way.

Blogging is especially critical because it allows potential customers to get a feel for one’s company/business.  Website copy and blogging serve as a first impression, so proofread! (Do not leave that piece of spinach in between your teeth!)

Install a dictionary and thesaurus app on your phone to check spelling and word meanings, subscribe to Grammarly.com to proofread, use your publisher’s spellcheck, and make certain to read your writing before publishing.  Just this week, I looked at a marketing company’s website and there was a glaring misuse of the word complimentary when the meaning of the sentence required complementary. Obviously, an enormous turn off.

Read, proofread, and read again. Possibly, have a friend or colleague read?  One never gets a second chance to make a first impression.

To meet me for the first or second time, come on over to Back’nGrooveMom.

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At first, blogging and finding your writing voice can be hard at points, but it is crucial.  Whether you write for your own blog on your site and/or publish guest posts, blogging helps grow your pipeline, it promotes your business, and creates curiosity in YOUR own brand.

The first step is accepting the invitation to the party and actually show up to blog!

After that, here are 5 easy ways to Mind Your Manners while Blogging that will help you avoid being the outcast of the party.

1. BYOV - Bring Your Own Voice. Insert your own unique voice into the post.  Essentially, a blog is a communication from you, a flavor of who you are, a chance to know you.  If you act like someone else, it is cheating.  Bring Your Own Voice to the post, and let yourself shine through.  Let the readers hear what you sound like in life.
2. Make sure everyone leaves with a party favor. Provide tips or tricks that help or teach.  Whether it be a list or woven into the body of your blog, give your readers something to take with them.  We all love goodie bags, so allow your readers to part ways feeling happy and satisfied.
3. No one likes a cash bar. When you invite someone to your party, I mean to read your blog, they are your guest.  Avoid selling them something while they are getting to know you.  Make a good impression and show off your knowledge and personality, and after a few times the sale will find you.
4. Get a new pick-up line. Use fresh copy and unique content when posting and/or guest posting.  Just as hearing the same pick-up line over and over is awful, reusing content is dull.  Look to current events and life experiences to inspire fun, new ways to weave a message into a post.
5. Capture your crowd. You would not plan the same party for a First Holy Communion as you would for Mardi Gras, so when guest posting get to know the platform first.  Get a feel for the crowd, and plan your post accordingly.  Take a look at the readers/comments on a site and read some of the current material to understand the market.

Remember:  Don’t accept every invitation to guest post so that you are worn out and cannot be the life of your own party!

For more on the sights, sounds, and tastes of blogging, read here.

Have fun Blogging!

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Recently, I outgrew my alcove.  That coupled with my kids’ growing need for a computer-friendly space for homework and dare I say it, my need to set boundaries at home between work and family life forced the move.

It was determined that my headquarters would take over a 2nd floor room that basically remained unused.

Transitions are often hard for many people, especially when it involves leaving a space they are comfortable working.  My old space was all carved out and had a fabulous built in desk area and a lot of shelves and I was used to it!  My new space was barren.  I needed a desk and some seating and shelves and a bookcase and a phone line to start…

Additionally, moving my home office meant that I had to go through the PARAMOUNT stack of papers on my old desk.  I can assure you that this was a task that I had put off for many weeks.

I am proud to say that I did it, bought a desk, got the phone working, and fabulous new seating if you happen to want to stop by.

Here are 5 TIPS that made setting up my new home office go much more smoothly:

1. When deciding on furniture, put FUNCTION first. Originally, I picked a desk based on looks until I realized that it offered me very little actual work space.  I ended up choosing a desk that really allows me to spread out.
2. Put aside a block of time to set up your office. It is too hard to work in an office that is not ready to be worked in, so mark your calendar off for a few hours and prep your work space.
3. Consult with an expert. I often try the DIY route, and end up needing help anyways which costs me TIME.  I decided to spend a tiny amount of money up front with an ‘organization’ person.  Honestly, the whole project took 3 hours with the help, and my paperwork was cleaned up, office set up and ready to go, and rather than buying new shelves we discovered shelves that I had in the basement that worked perfectly.  By lunch, I was back to work.
4. Having a door makes a BIG difference. Although my alcove was private, it was missing a physical door.  After only 1 week with a door on my home office, I cannot believe the HUGE difference it makes.  When it is family time, I shut the door and leave work in there.  It was too tempting to brisk by the alcove and check emails and messages.
5. Keeping paperwork behind closed doors is a major luxury. With the help of my ‘organization’ expert, I transformed a closet into my filing area with shelves and a filing cabinet.  Having a door to close allows me to leave my office looking fresh and neat for meetings and video calls.  If you can do it, I say go for it!

For more on the actual move and the before and after photos, you can visit here.

Here is to BIG productivity and success in my new space and yours…

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Lately, I have been putting my money where my mouth is and getting out and networking.  It has been both fun and rewarding for me.  I met a few key business people and engaged on a number of consulting projects as a result of live networking.  I am not saying that a few of these budding relationships did not sprout on social media, but they did take meeting in person to bloom.

You see social media is like the match.com of networking.  Nothing can happen if you just keep looking at profiles online, you must get out there an meet.

So I say to you…Get out and Network!  Find ONE event in your area that you can attend and take the plunge.

However, avoid a few dating, I mean networking pitfalls.

1. Do not expect to go back to ‘your place’ later. Bring what you need to the event.  Make sure to have business cards and any other promotional items about your business with you because this is your chance to connect.  Save an office visit for the 2nd or 3rd date.
2. Stay clear - headed. Many evening networking events happen over happy hour or cocktails.  Be smart and stay on top of your game with a clear head.  Beer Goggles can be just as BAD when involved in business decisions.
3. Remember to follow up in or around 3 days. No reason to rush right home and write an email or add all your new contacts to your newsletter (remember that should be opt-in), but do make a point to connect with a few key people that you met within a few days.  You still want the meeting to be fresh in their mind.  A quick email works great!

Here is to you finding the connection of your dreams. Happy Networking.

Rachel http://backngroovemom.com

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