Shirley Frazier

How do Business Cards Elevate Your Success?

2009-09-10T11:52:00.003-05:00

Buying new business cards gets me very excited about the possibilities for making new connections.

My goal, when placing an order, is to distribute my cards to a minimum of 10 new contacts each week. That's what I've been achieving since I ordered new cards due to an update in the SoloBusinessMarketing site's logo and mailing address.

Business card creation and distribution tips are found on the Solo Business Marketing Web site, and on the site's Facebook fan page, a healthy discussion is underway about business card blunders.

I encourage you to read the article and become a SoloBusinessMarketing.com fan so you can join the lively discussions.

At the rate of distribution, my current business cards are set to be re-printed by year's end, and the rate of return in business is estimated to be 15 percent over last year's sales.

What's your goal when ordering new business cards to promote your products and services?

Get Help, Even if You Cannot Afford It

2009-04-22T13:45:00.000-05:00

You can view the words business growth as a phrase or as an integral part of your plan to succeed beyond your current agenda.

It's okay not to grow, to stay small and compact, with your hands on the controls at all times. I've seen and heard business experts say that growth is crucial for every firm, but I believe that some entrepreneurs are truly comfortable with their success and are best left to stay the size that works for them.

There was a point in my business where finding outside help was vital. I found myself wishing and hoping to start projects my clients desperately wanted. Who was I to keep such material on hold? That's when I decided it was time to hire help.

A review of my finances made me a bit nervous. There was money, but how much would I need to hire an assistant? Would the person work in my office or be virtual? What type of work would they do, and what was the going rate for support personnel?

I had a lot of work to do and didn't know where to turn. Thankfully, a good friend was working with an assistant who still had time in her schedule to work with me. Telling my friend about my need simplified the search, but you may not have the same easy time locating someone.

Here are three tips to find help and stay within your budget, even if your budget is zero.

1. Do like me, and ask friends if they are working with someone or know of a reliable person who's local and willing to perform several hours of support work each week.

2. Ask a relative (mom, child, aunt, etc.) to lend a hand with easy tasks, such as postcard labeling, sorting, or computer input. In exchange for money, cook the helper a special dinner, take them to a movie, or choose another fun activity they prefer. You'll get experience in becoming a good boss, and the helper will get something nice in return.

3. Find help through a freelance help Web site. You describe the project, the contracted length of time, and set the budget. I bet you'll get lots of bids from people interested in providing support.

Stay small in business, or grow as large as you want with in-office help or virtual support. In either case, move forward in the direction that makes you happy.

Why Vacations Benefit Your Work and Life

2009-03-24T15:36:00.002-05:00

We entrepreneurs work ourselves to the bone.

Think about it: you awake every morning to a full agenda of completing this and overseeing that, finishing your mission (and maybe missing some objectives) hours after the sun sets.

You rarely leave the office, except for food and bathroom breaks, and you even treat those two essentials as though they strain your workday.

Does that scenario seem vaguely familiar? It once did for me, too, until I decided to change my daily routine, adding numerous vacations to my schedule every year without fail.

Taking time away from the office increases your physical health and clears your mind so that you can capitalize on opportunities you may not have considered in the past.

Vacations are easily added to your regimen. Think on these terms:

Three days off, including the weekend
Afternoon relaxation periods
An entire day at a spa
Extended holiday breaks (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day)
Make something up (employees do this every day, and unlike you, they have a boss)

Look at your summer calendar. Does it include vacations? If not, begin to map out your getaway plans.

You'll realize, by year's end, the positive difference down time makes in your business.

Money-Saving Tips for Christmas and Beyond

2008-11-07T21:05:00.005-05:00

Since attending several wealth-building conferences, I've been saving money each day so that I don't go into debt buying holiday gifts and saving for vacations.

By saving a little every day you instantly having enough to buy all of the toys, clothing, jewelry, and gift cards on your gift-giving list.

I'm not talking about putting away hundreds of dollars each day. Just a little bit makes the buying process less stressful. Isn't that what the holidays represent?

You'll find lots of my money-saving tips at MoneyCashIncome.com, where I share how to make and save money to build your wealth.

I used to joke with my husband that we'll be recycling cans during our retirement. Now that I'm practicing money strategies early in my life, I know that recycling won't be part of the plan, and I hope the same for you.

Visit and bookmark MoneyCashIncome.com so that you benefit from my experience.

To your success,

Are You Ready for a Web Site Makeover?

2008-04-09T14:53:00.003-05:00

In the late 1990s, when many of us were just arriving on the Web, there were few templates to create attractive Web sites. We made due with what was available, and that was acceptable for visitors.

Today, there are hundreds, if not thousands of attractive templates available to revamp your site.

I chose a content management system to redo ShirleyFrazier.com, my official site. It's a step above a simple Web site, combining articles, news, a blog, and additional pages for feature content.

Is it time for you to create a new, online space for customers? At first it may seem to be a daunting task. But consider the positives. An update:

1. Revives a drab space, similar to a new coat of paint.
2. Encourages visitors to stay longer to look around to explore.
3. Creates a reason to connect with past and current clients, telling them about the change.

Consider a Web site update. A new exterior will revive your sales and site traffic.

This Week's Ideas and Inspiration

2008-03-28T10:37:00.004-05:00

There's lots to learn all over the Internet, but good things also happen offline.

Yesterday, I went to my local library and borrowed five books that will increase my knowledge about Skype, business travel, marketing, and other topics. Visit your library soon to see what's in store for you.

This week I blogged about:

Are you a teleseminar junkie? Many experts are touting their programs through telephone seminars, but don't let these events take over your calendar. I explain how to temper teleseminars with getting the work done.

Lunch is on everyone's menu. How about turning your lunch into a productive client meeting? Here's where I encourage you to invite clients to join you for a lunch and learn.

Ready to create your first brochure? It's an important marketing tool that's needed as part of your sales program. I'll start a series on brochure creation next week. Find out more about it here.

To your success,

How to Get Ready for a Great New Year

2007-12-17T14:07:00.000-05:00

Traveling to speak at events, consulting with clients, and general business activities keep me very busy. Now that the year is coming to a close, I'm asking myself several questions.

Which activities do I enjoy most?
Which projects provide me with the lion's share of revenue?
Which parts of business are no longer worth my time?

With a calendar in hand, I'm looking over my 2008 agenda, preparing to increase the activities that bring me prosperity and joy and decrease or get rid of the agendas that are cumbersome or make me cringe when I think about them.

Are these same types of activities on your agenda?

Here's hoping that the New Year brings you positive opportunities and outlets to make your dreams a reality.

Most Tasks are Simple, Not Difficult

2007-07-26T11:47:00.000-05:00

One question that I'm frequently asked by individuals starting businesses is, "How do I register my business?" Most people believe the process is complex when it fact it's very easy.

This morning I traveled to my county clerk's office. That's the place, no matter where you live in the U.S., where business registration forms are kept. The clerk's assistant asked me to write the business name on paper. She researched the name to make sure it's not being used by another party. Then she asked me to complete a one-page form. That took me two minutes.

The assistant checked the form, notarized it, accepted my payment, and gave me the paperwork that shows the newly-registered business name. It was a quick, easy, and painless process.

I believe that we make things difficult in our minds before we begin the process. However, if you have a "piece of cake" attitude, you'll find that most tasks are simple to accomplish.

That's the type of thinking that gives you more time to enjoy life. I'm all for that.

Packing Tips for Business Travelers

2007-06-12T23:16:00.000-05:00

There was once a time when I traveled by airplane with a heavy load. I'd add gift basket items in my large suitcase and place my clothes in a smaller one. I think back and still can't believe what I went through.

My load is much lighter thanks to my decision to ship items ahead of time. In addition, travel's not what it used to be. Ask any business traveler. It's a necessity more than fun.

Instead of four bags, I now carry two, and they both come onboard the plane with me so that I bypass the luggage merry-go-round and go straight to my transportation. Here's what keeps my load light for an average 3-4 day trip.

1. Two pairs of pants and tops that match each other are all that's required for most trips.

2. I bring workout clothes to exercise at hotel facilities. When rolled, the clothes fit inside of my sneakers. It's a great use of space.

3. Large-sized toiletries fit in a sleeve with pre-designated pockets which I place in an upright position in the smaller bag. The toiletries required for inspection are placed in the FAA-approved plastic bag, which is kept in an outer luggage pocket for easy reach.

4. All electronics are added to the smaller carry-on case.

5. Jewelry is placed in a pouch within the smaller bag and worn after passing through the detector. No more taking it off while trying to watch my shoes, bags, ticket, and passport.

If something doesn't fit into either piece of luggage, it stays at home or in the office.

I'll put my rules to the test as I travel to speaking engagements in Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

Walk First, Then Run

2007-06-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

Many new business owners wish to go from zero to 60 in one day. Their plan is to start a business in the morning and make a wad of cash by day's end.

Wouldn't it be grand if this actually happened? But just think: if that were the norm, there would be so many barriers to entering your chosen business that you'd never get started.

It's wonderful to create a idea in your mind, decide what steps to take to make it a reality, and transfer the plan onto paper before moving forward. That's what smart entrepreneurs learn on the SoloBusinessMarketing.com Web site and blog. It's the blueprint I followed in 1990, and today I'm reaping the rewards of many seeds sown and lessons learned throughout the years.

Remember one thing as you start your journey: nothing turns to gold overnight. It will take perserverance and dedication to create a successful enterprise and lifestyle. Every step will be worthwhile, whether you get lucky or suffer missteps. Both will occur; there's no way around it.

Right now you're at point A, and you can see point B directly in front of you. Walk steadily towards your destination, because if you run, you'll suffer more setbacks than you'll encounter at a manageable pace. Success is waiting for you, and it's worth the effort.

Visit Solo Business Marketing and the Gift Basket Business Web site and blog for more tips on creating a successful business.

Making Gift Baskets is More Than a Hobby

2007-05-29T11:17:00.000-05:00

Since 1990, it's been my honor to be part of the gift basket business. I've watched designers come and go, and I've also witnessed healthy growth in an industry that some consider as a hobby.

Gift baskets are a part-time venture for some, but for many, it's much more than that. When you speak to full-time business owners who earn revenues between $15,000 and $2 million and see the sparkle in their eyes as they talk about their passion, you quickly realize that making gift baskets is a calling.

Not everyone can take a collection of items and turn them into a masterpiece. That's what designers do every day.

I'll be speaking about gift baskets at trade shows throughout the U.S. You'll find the events listed on the classes page at GiftBasketBusiness.com. I hope to see you and learn how you turn your passion into a successful, income-producing lifestyle.

Refresh Your Goals by Starting Again

2007-05-21T09:48:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year did you resolve to get something done, commit to continuing an old plan, or promise yourself to refocus on a personal or professional goal, but during the year found yourself drifting away from what you want to achieve?

It's okay. It happens to everyone. But there's a silver lining. Every day you awake, you're given a new chance to try again, to re-commit, to start over.

Just because successful people are only shown in a positive light doesn't mean they don't renew a plan or goal after a long hiatus.

This happens to me, too. It's been a while since I've updated my business mailing list to encourage individuals to return to my Web sites. It's also been four days since I've exercised. Both types of inactivity are quickly remedied, and I'll do so today.

First, I'll work on my mailing list. There are lots of people to add to it. I'll start with a small group and use a portion of each day to add more names. At the end of the week, I'll have a lot done. The same is true with exercising. I'm worth 30 minutes a day and plan to set aside that much time for me.

What do you wish to achieve, to start anew? Whatever it is, today's a wonderful day to re-commit to something that will make life easier, fulfill your goals, or make you happy. You're worth it.

Take Yourself on a Retreat

2007-05-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

Life can be overwhelming, especially when you excel at doing your very best work personally and professionally.

I believe in giving yourself time off to refresh and re-energize. That's why I'm going south in a few weeks.

I was scheduled to speak at a business conference and had purchased my airline ticket. The conference is postponed. That caused a dilemma: should I stay in the office and keep working, losing out on the airline fee, or should I use the time as a personal retreat? I chose the latter.

This is the first time I'm going away for a dual reason: to brainstorm with myself about business, and to have fun after the morning's work. Many business owners don't take time to do this, and I can understand why. It seems as though you're cheating on yourself when, in fact, getting away is the best thing to do for you and the business's longevity.

I'll determine how to better serve gift basket designers and solo entrepreneurs working in other industries. I'll map my project schedule and get rid of plans that serve no purpose. After that, I'll have fun as I treat myself to a few days in a different atmosphere.

When I return, I'll be ready to move forward, building a better business and personal life. Consider this option for yourself. I know you won't regret it.

The Start of Something Great

2007-05-09T15:07:00.001-05:00

So many friends and family members create wonderful spaces on the Web just like this, and now it's my turn.

I maintain other blogs, such as the Gift Basket Business blog, Solo Business Marketing blog, and Laughing Chow photography tips. Here, I plan to share ideas and inspiration to assist you in creating the successful life you envision.

I'll also tell you what's happening on my other sites and share great information that you can duplicate for fun or profit.