If you need advice on this type of situation, contact True North Business Consulting.

The Integrative Business Program℠ consists of a number of courses that run for a length of -6 weeks each. Weekly online sessions are 1 hour in length and each course is taught by an expert in the topic.

Courses start in September. Sign up today for a free introductory webinar on Tuesday, August 30th- Jumpstart Your Business: Top Ten Things You Need to Know! Sign up for the free webinar at http://www.integrativebusinessstudies.com/jumpstart

The Institute of Integrative Business Studies℠, where holistic health and business practices meet, is sponsored by the Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Association of Massachusetts and The National Institute of Whole Health.

More information at http://www.integrativebusinessstudies.com or
Contact: inquire@integrativebusinessstudies.com

Look before you step:
In Florida I stepped on a stinging bee/wasp. To this day I have no idea what insect family it was in, but I was enjoying the beach and the next thing I know my foot is on fire. An emergency room visit, an IV course of antibiotics along with having the stinger still in my foot for 12 days later is a reminder that you have to asses risk before going into a venture, and to have a plan in case something happens. In project management it is called Risk Management; there should always be a Plan B.

You have to think about marketing all the time:
Tennessee was having unusually hot, humid weather for June. In Nashville with my friends we went to Broadway. If you have never been to Nashville, this is where you can find country music being played. I was tired and decided to go back to the hotel, and a friend said she was ready to go back too. We walked and she pointed out a minor celebrity. She wanted to continue walking, but I wanted to go up to him. I pulled her with me, and we ended up having a fifteen minute conversation where he tried to convince us to join a Facebook campaign. It taught me that every conversation is a marketing opportunity, which is why True North always thinks about the marketing element when providing legal coaching.

Negotiate properly
In Ireland I forgot the key step in negotiations-sometimes a cultural translator is needed. I have been to Europe before, and considered Ireland a European country where they happen to speak English with an accent. No need to speak a foreign language. First, I did not always understand when people were speaking to me, and then I assumed that I could haggle and get a discount. In Ireland, the price set is the price set. Lesson learned. True North provides negotiation services, preparing you to enter your negotiations so that they are win/win.

Take the time to comment and there will be reply!

Creating a marketing campaign can be daunting. Most of your focus is on your advertising and what your website will look like. These are important facets—you want to create a brand. But how do you know how to design your promotions if you are unclear on your target audience?

The first step before looking at price, product, place and promotion is to do some marketing research. You need to collect information to see how and what you should offer, along with knowing how much to charge and where to have your business.

There are some great online tools that can be used. Most social media products, like Facebook have surveying tools. When you can connect personally to people to survey this is primary research.

However, sometimes you are not going to get enough information. For example, you may want to know about the income level in the area where you want to place your business. You may also want to know how many businesses similar to yours are in an area. This is important in regards to saturation of a market. Where are you going to get this information?

First, I recommend utilizing the information at census.gov. It is free and will tell you how many people live in the area, plus their median income. This will let you know if people can afford your services in the area. Secondly, use google.com to research other similar businesses. Google will even place them on a map so you can see where your competition is and if you should move to that area.

With this first step completed you can now make business decisions with a knowledge base and familiarity with your market.

Both women and men entrepreneurs are welcome at this special Business Development Event.

Business owners and entrepreneurs who attend will learn tools and systems needed to give new life to your business – or to build on your current success. If you are just starting a business, you will learn a direction and structure for growth.

All who attend will benefit from this informative, inspirational workshop and our business networking. In addition, we are launching Strategic Connection Groups for better business contacts in the following areas and markets:

* Architecture, construction, design and related fields.
* Catering, Restaurants, Food and related products and services.
* M2W – “Marketing to Women” with sub-groups in professional services and products and personal services and products.
* B2B – Marketing, Sales, and other services or products sold to corporations.

The featured speaker has the magic touch for recharging your batteries, building momentum and helping you stay focused on the results that matter most. Shelly Berman-Rubera is an award-winning entrepreneur, small business coach and President of SBR – Small Business Results. Shelly is a Certified Small Business Coach, Emotional Intelligence Leader, Lifestyle Management Consultant and Founder of four businesses.

Pre-registration is required, and the fee is only $25.00. Discounts available for companies sending four or more employees (email or call for details)
Information and Registration
Please forward this invitation to others who share your goal for better business results and stronger business connections.

I know you get a LOT of email – thank you for your attention to this invitation.

Please contact me with any questions or if you have difficulty registering. I look forward to seeing you on May 17.

Warm Regards,

Marie Warner
Warner Networking Events
marie.warner@warnernetworking.com
(617)721-4650

Networking is an essential social and career development skill, however not everyone is comfortable walking into a room filled with strangers. In fact, those extroverts who seem to “work a room” effortlessly are typically prepared with a plan of action beforehand. They may research the group days ahead of the event, look at a list of attendees, seek out the membership representative, ask for an introduction in advance or even bring a colleague or friend along.

But what if your style is not so exuberant? Can an introvert still network like a seasoned pro? According to Devora Zack who offers tips to connect with others in large groups, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Creating business opportunities can be a compelling enough reason to get out there and it is an assumption that everyone else has the innate ability to do so with ease. She breaks it down into a three part process:

• Pause: Introverts are often good listeners and planners. Use those skills to prepare, thinking through responses and setting goals in advance. Practice asking short questions. “What brought you here tonight” is always a safe ice breaker.
• Process: Instead of seeing the WHOLE room, focus on a few particular people. Use those listening skills to learn more about your new acquaintances. You will be memorable as a non- self promoter. Remember to follow-up.
• Pace: Introverts typically renew their energy alone. Focus on one activity and take a break. Retreat so that you can recharge and repeat the process.

Remember to smile and who knows, you could connect with some interesting people and leave with an expanded network and new business!

©2011 Maureen Weisner

Maureen Weisner, M.Ed., PCC, is president of Women Living on the Edge of Change. We provide one-on-one personal and executive coaching, creating a partnership with our clients as they identify the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together we design, strategize, and implement a structure for the client to work from in achieving her goals and the motivational strategies to support those transitions. We are expert in customizing unique workshops, seminars, and keynotes for groups, focusing on how change impacts our lives from moment to moment and for the long term.

http://www.womenlivingontheedge.com

I always think they should be more specific because they are looking for someone with medical training, not a Phd.

It really is all in the title.

As a business professional you need to be concerned with your credentials. Many professions have licenses.

• Attorneys
• Acupuncturists
• CPA
• Massage Therapist

These licenses usually involve requirements of education and examination. But, there are many professions that do not require licenses or have any requirements. So what is that business person supposed to do?

Associations
Get involved in your local and national organization. Life Coaches have the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Organizers have the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). These organizations are working on creating standards in these industries for coaches and organizers to meet and exceed. Plus there are opportunities to network and share information.

Education
Pursue educational opportunities to certify your actions. There are many online programs where with an investment of time and money you can be recognized as a leader in your profession.

In working with many of my clients this is a topic that comes up frequently and True North helps them understand the need to provide honest and clear wording in all their materials to protect themselves and educate consumers.

Contact True North Business Consulting at 781-729-0481 today and comment below.

Each month True North Business Consulting, LLC presents a different topic to help you in your business.

Recently, I was giving a lecture about the saturation of the marketplace with certain professions. My suggestion was to do some research to see if the market could sustain all the same profession. Are there enough people that want that service?

As much as I try to encourage business owners to branch out to under utilized locals, there are still those that want to stay local. I can understand the need to work, play and live locally. Not only is it good for the environment, but also cutting down on commute times creates less stress.

My suggestion was to reach out to the local competitors. This is important for a few reasons. Predominantly, this is a great way to network. In your profession you may have a focus that is different from your competitors. Because of this, you may want to set up a referral system. This will lead to happy clients for everyone, and a professional atmosphere that clients will appreciate. My friend likens this to when you go to a hairdresser, and the new hairdresser tells you all the things wrong that the old hairdresser did. There is no need for this, especially if the market will support everyone.

Next, competition makes you do better. If your competitor does something differently than you, then evaluate it. It may be something you can improve upon or it may be something that you feel you do better. Either way it makes you stay current, and your business significant.

One step further would be to form a group with your competitors. You could bring about local improvements; perhaps sponsor an intramural sports team. By banding together you help your profession and the community at large.

TrueNorth Business Consulting is available for educational seminars on the topics of marketing, negotiation, mediation and business law. One on one legal coaching is also available for a fee. Group discounts are available.

Each month True North Business Consulting, LLC presents a different topic to help you in your business.

The idea behind holism is that all the parts must be taken into account, not just the whole. In the health and wellness community it is known as alternative medicine, taking into account social, physical, and other components to help those with illnesses. It has been successful, so why not apply the same idea to business?

What this means for businesses is that it is not just about reaching the end goal, but how you get there. All the businesses I work with want to be successful, meaning they want to make money. But, there has to be thought given to all the dimensions.

Marketing
When advertising are their truthful statements being made? And where did the statements come from? So many times people use written information from websites as if it is open to the public. It’s not. Someone wrote that copy and it should be respected. Ask permission, if you want to use their words.

Management
Part of managing a business is the everyday dealings. Those dealings are with clients and with employees. Each should be treated with respect. No one wants to do business with a practice that is not well run.

As employees we spend a lot of time at work. There needs to be benefits, even small ones like sharing a meal. Never take employees fore granted.

Legal
Make sure the contracts are fair to both sides, that all of the ramifications and risks are understood. Too many times one party takes advantage of the other party. Even more so, there is a vindictive nature that seems to come out to destroy each other. I am sure that was not the primary intention of dealings, and all of the ramifications- more than loss of money are not being considered.

A holistic approach to business takes into account the social impact of business decisions, not just for the sake of business. There is an understanding that people are humans, and that there is an end ramification, trying to be holistic will leads to more satisfaction in your business dealings.

If you want more information on this topic or wish to make a consultation appointment, please go to truenorthbusinessconsulting.com

Too good to be true?
My friend wanted a passive income stream, which means making money without actively selling a product or service. A business associate suggested a product line, explained that customers would order online and she would make money. She went to an information session, was sold on the products and signed up without having a lawyer look at the documents.

She sold the products, and then wanted to known when she would be collecting her payments. It was then she was told she would not be paid, but instead received points towards products. It was not a passive income stream she was looking for, but instead a multi level marketing company or MLM.

MLM
Multi level marketing is a system where one business person, the top of the pyramid, receives commissions of their sales and the sales of others they get to sign up under them. It is sometimes referred to a pyramid scheme. This is not to say that they are all illegitimate, they are money makers for some.

What you should look for?
If you want to sell product, you have been approached and are interested, then there are some things you should keep in mind.
• Recognize that you are signing a contract. You may want to have a lawyer review it.
• Is there a penalty if you decide to terminate it?
• Can you easily terminate the contract?
• Next, look at how much money you have to give up front.
• Is the only way for you to make money to find someone else to sell with you so that you gain their commissions?
• Can you just sell the products in your office and do a markup. In this way you are treating the company more as a distributor.

There are opportunities in multi level marketing, but there are also risks. You need to have a good understanding of what it expected for you to make money before signing the contract.

Contact TrueNorth Business Consulting for your legal coaching needs to review your MLM contract.