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Today’s post is one that should invoke some thinking about your business and your life in general. Are you passionate about something?  Perhaps it is something that you truly believe in.  Why not put that passion to work?

Many will confuse passion for emotion and that is far from factual. Unfortunately being emotional has a negative connotation in today’s society.  Many will associate emotions with weakness and that is definitely the last thing we want in our business.  However, passion is much more powerful.  When you are passionate about what you do and what you have to offer it will show.  It will show in your posture, your attitude and your entire being.

Take a look at some sports figures.  You can definitely tell the ones that are passionate about the sport and their accomplishments where others are involved for completely different reasons.  How about the speaker on stage?  Can you tell the difference between a passionate one and one that is simply up there to speak?  When you are passionate you are willing to yell about it from the roof tops. When you apply the same passion to your work, it is truly visible.  Some may get involved in a company because they must and not necessarily because they are passionate about their position.

My question to you is this: what are you passionate about? Is it something that you can apply to your business? These are very important questions and ones you must consider.  When you are truly passionate about your work or your service it will show.  Can you imagine jumping out of bed every morning excited about your business?  That is what passion creates.

We can truly love something but not be passionate about that same thing. Let’s not mistake emotion for passion.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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If you provide services online or perhaps have products to sell online, learning about search engines is very important to your business.  However, it can be very confusing determining what search engine is the best. It is my hopes that this article will help ease some of your confusion.

Finding out which search engine is best greatly depends on your needs and the information you already have at the time of searching.  There are a number of different search engines, both general and specialized, and each has their own advantages and disadvantages.

For example, if you have a general search question that only needs a few words to define it, one of the best choices is Google®.  If however, you have a more specific, factual question, Google® might not be the best choice.  If you wanted to know exactly how many lemons to use in making a 9 inch lemon custard pie, a search on Google® may return everything from the best lemon custard recipe to the evolution of the lemon tree.

If you’re pressed for time, and you just need a specific piece of information, use search engines that are designed specifically to answer just what you ask.  Search engines such as www.answers.com, or www.Factbites.com are designed to focus on questions.  Unlike general search engines, which are designed to choose a few keywords, and give you many results, these search engines are designed to focus on the phrases that you provide.

Another choice is to use meta-search engines.  These search engines provide a wealth of links and websites, since they take information from multiple search engines. Two examples are www.monster.com and www.simplyhired.com.

These sites take potential jobs from many different search engines and filter them based on your desired location.

As you can see, the best search engine for your use depends on what you’re looking for, and how you want to go about finding it. By realizing the different choices available, and what they can be used for, you can make the best choice for your business needs.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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Don’t misunderstand what I’m about to share with you. My personal life is very important as it should be to you as well, however it is also important to find the separation between your personal and business lives.  It is important in a business sense but also important for your health.

Think back to when and if you worked outside of the home.  If you worked outside of the home before making the transition to working at home your life may have been very monotonous.  Every day consisted of the same routine, get up, go to work, try to make it through the day and rushing home to try to get some quality time with your family. The separation you placed between your personal life and your work allowed you to recharge your batteries and try again the next day.

It is just as important to keep that separation in place when you own your own business. Devoting too much time to the business, and not enough time to recharging your batteries can be a dangerous to both your health and your relationships. One of the reasons why people start their own business is to be able to set their own hours; why sacrifice that goal, simply to make a few more dollars?

There is a very good business reason for separating your personal and business lives. There is a point of diminishing return if you spend too much time on one area of your life. Anyone can grow tired of a task, even if it is something that they love. Once that tiredness sets in, mistakes can be made. If you want your business to be known for quality, sometimes stepping away, and spending some personal time is a great idea.  Take time for you, recharge and enjoy some family time.  Then and only then will you have the energy and passion needed to succeed in your own business.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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Today – I had a come-apart! (that’s Carrie-speak for a melt-down of sorts.)

I take Baby Barefoot to my parents sometimes for a ‘Fri-date.’ I love that they are so close and she really enjoys the special time with them (since the other 7 grandchildren are busy on Friday mornings!)

When I was moving the carseat to my dad’s car…I couldn’t get it detached. I had never moved THIS particular seat and was really frustrated. I was in tears at my ’stupidity’ by the time I called my husband to help me.

As he tried to explain over the phone (patiently), I became more frustrated and of course this was the “dumbest design, ridiculous that it’s so hard, piece of junk” carseat ever made. (I know you’re laughing…I was NOT).

I was almost hysterical. Seriously. I even said ‘I am an intelligent, educated woman. I run several businesses and this should NOT be so hard!!!’

After a few more minutes of step-by-step instructions…Mr. B talked me through it and I was successful. When I put the seat IN my dad’s car…I was able to talk him through it too so that he didn’t get frustrated.

As I was driving away and realizing how ’shaken’ I was by such a little thing…it dawned on me…until we’ve DONE it – until we’ve EXPERIENCED it (correctly) – until we’ve been SHOWN or LEARNED the right way….we often question our capability, our intelligence or in some case…we even question the validity of the: equipment, software, business model, product line, etc.

Have you been there?

Now you know I have!

Maybe you are wondering if ‘this business stuff’ is really for you?
Maybe you feel stupid because you ‘can’t figure it all out’.
Maybe you think ___________ is a flawed model or product because you haven’t gotten it to ‘work’ for you.
Whatever that is YOU are feeling…know that often, getting step-by-step instructions from someone with experience can make all of the difference.

I saw the same phenomenon this past week when we took the kids roller-skating!! They needed either the wall or a hand-to-hold when they were ‘wobbly.’

Having a mentor. A coach. A power partner. A course. — These things can help you breathe more easily and realize…Hey!!! You are pretty dadgum smart after all!! (now patience…that’s a quality I canNOT help you with

And remember I promised to share the 5 ‘Rings’ of a Champion!! Be watching your inbox daily. These will be short videos and written lessons so you can watch OR read. (your choice)

I’m so proud to be in your space!

P.S. If you are BRAND new in business or just now THINKING about starting a business…I have just 7 copies LEFT of my Barefoot Basic Business Blueprint course. We are revamping the course format and with that, the pricing will jump. So – if you are still in ’searching’ mode – go check this out!

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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As any veteran business owner will tell you, the success or failure of your venture depends greatly on reaching the right customers at the right time. As a new business owner, you know that your market budget will not allow you to waste your money on reaching your target market. If you’re looking for a few helpful hints on finding your ideal customers, you’ve come to the right place.

One of the first things that you have to think about when determining your target audience is  about your product or service and how it can be used. Do you offer administrative services to the overworked business professional? Or perhaps you offer quality wood and paint to the weekend home renovator. By understanding  what you offer, you can start to determine the audience that would be interested in your product.

Once you know what you have to offer, and how it can be used, the next step is to go out and see where you product is needed. Small business owners often overlook this simple act but it is one of the most helpful steps in determining your target market. For example, the business owner that sells quality wood products could easily overlook the growing market among furniture repair shops for his wood if he didn’t take the time to visit a few marketplaces and talk to people on the street.

Finally, it is important to make sure your target market is large enough to be effective, but small enough to be manageable. For example, a virtual administrative assistant can offer services to everyone from a business owner to an online church, but her services might not be a good fit for a company requiring hours of physical labor.

Do you know who your target market is?  Hopefully these few simple tips have made you think and narrow down your focus as well as determining the perfect fit for your product or service.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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So you’ve decided to start your own online business, and use the power of the World Wide Web to bring success to your venture. But wait, it can be a little more involved than opening up your shop online and mentally willing your potential customers to stop on by. The Internet is a very large place, and a savvy business owner needs to make sure that their potential clients can find them. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the use of Search Engine Optimization, or SEO for short.

In a nutshell, SEO is a way to encourage the various Internet search engines to list your website or online business within the first few pages of the search results. This can be done in a number of ways, including meta-tags, keywords, and back-linking to name a few. Places like Google ® or Bing ® use complex formulas to search out for websites that contain information that the internet viewer has searched for, in the hopes of providing the best, most relevant results for their needs.

By using these simple principles of SEO, you can easily accomplish something that many online businesses pay consultants hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to do on their behalf.

So if you realize how search engines operate, you can understand why the SEO process can be a major influence on your business. By choosing the right keywords, or the right meta-tags, for example, you can make sure that your website and your business is ranked near the top of the search results. The higher you are ranked, the easier you are to find.

And as any business owner will testify, being found by your customer is the first step to making the sale.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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Quite often we get very involved with our business whether it’s online or offline that we neglect the ones around us.  I’m not talking about your family and friends, although they are very important, I am referring to your staff.  Now, you’re probably thinking to yourself, ‘I don’t really have a staff’ and that may be the case.  But I am not simply referring to full-time staff, but to the folks who have helped you.

If you have an online business, you may have outsourced some projects that you were not familiar with or simply did not have the time to devote to.  Although you may have paid the outsource folks, showing a sense of gratitude is always appreciated.  Many times a simple email, letting them know that you appreciate them and all they do is gratitude enough.  Perhaps you have a virtual assistant that helps you with scheduling, phone calls, emails, and more; a word of encouragement helps them get through the day and lets them know that you care.

Don’t think that you must wait until the holidays to gift those that help you in your business.  Sometimes a surprise card in the mail, yes the actual mail or a special treat delivered to their door will make a huge difference.  This practice is not new, but is one that has unfortunately been forgotten.  Take out a pad and pen and write down the names of the folks that help you daily.  They can simply be ones that give you words of encouragement or those that help you with projects and help keep your business running smoothly.  Think of ways that you can show them that you care.  As I mentioned above it can be as simple as an email, acknowledgment online, perhaps if you are both in the same social networks groups, a card, a gift card or a sweet treat.  Let your imaginations sore.

Remember they will feel more appreciated and you will feel a tremendous sense of gratitude.  Believe me, it works!

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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Internet Marketing is not as difficult as some may imagine.  I know what you’re thinking, but I’d like to you continue reading so you understand what is meant by that statement.  When beginning or continuing any business you must realize that it takes work.  Sure, some businesses require more work than others, but we can all agree that you must work for your success.  With that said, understand that internet marketing is not any different.  If someone tells you that you can make 6 figures in 30 days, run and don’t look back!

Internet marketing is different from an offline business but in some ways it is still the same.  It requires hard work, diligence, focus and a vivid imagination.  You must be willing to put all and every effort you can imagine to succeed but the results are worth it.

Let’s break down the word, internet marketing and notice that marketing is the main word.  Yes, internet is important but marketing is where you will find your success.  With an offline business you may market with business cards, advertisements, word of mouth, seminars, workshops and the list can go on.  The difference with internet marketing is that you can reach many, many people with your marketing efforts.  Some ways to market effectively are the following:

Article marketing – this has to be one of the easiest ways to market and the best part is that it can be ultimately free.  Sharing information that is relevant to your business is essential.  In order to market effectively with this method you must be consistent and make your articles interesting and useful.  Providing information that is relevant to your client or customer base will increase your popularity and will instantly expert status.  It is important to have your articles read, so be sure to submit to directories, and share on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to name a few.

Video marketing – one of my favorite ways to market to my audience.   Your audience can see you, hear you and connect with you instantly when you incorporate videos into your marketing plan.  Try to keep your videos short but impactful; you don’t want to bore your audience and that will happen if your videos tend to drag on and on.  Just as your articles, your videos must share pertinent information that relates to your market and business.

Once you have mastered the above simple methods you can branch out and add newsletters, teleseminars, webinars and off line meetings.  It is important to remember that as in any business, marketing involves your involvement and your persistence.  You can not merely set up a website and expect your target market to find you.  If by chance they do locate your site, be sure to have information that will attract them and keep them coming.  You can be successful at internet marketing with a little sweat and tears, all is possible.

Tags: Marketing, Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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As you read that title you are probably asking yourself the same thing.  How is it possible to only work, work, work and not have down time?  Well, I’m here to tell you that there is no such thing.  We must, and I repeat we MUST make time for ourselves and our families.  Most importantly you must schedule ‘down-time’ for you.

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is the lack of scheduling time for themselves.  It is understood that you are building a business that requires many hours.  However, without down-time you will be spiraling downward very quickly.  Time is needed to let your mind relax as well as your body.  In order to successfully accomplish this incredible feat you should keep a schedule.  Yes, you’ve heard it all before but have you actually applied what you have heard?

Many times we are our own worse critics which of course is only detrimental to our health, our relationships and not to mention our business.  Consider this your pep talk and your reminder that you MUST take time to refocus, reanalyze and simply refreshen your mind.  In order to do this and be successful you must schedule the down-time as well.  As silly as it sounds we can get very occupied with our agendas and neglect to make time for the most important people in our lives.

One of the main purposes folks start their own business is for financial freedom, and success  as well as the ability to spend more time with their loved ones.  So, let’s not forget the later, our loved ones and you will indeed succeed.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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Do you have a support system for your business?  It is important to have people that are either in the same field or have the same goals as a support system.

It is never easy to begin a business but if you are alone it is much more difficult.  It doesn’t have to be difficult however, because there are many have come before you or may be experiencing the same issues that can help you.  One of the major components in my business is a support group or as some others may refer to as a mastermind group.  Such groups are great to bounce ideas of each other and of course to learn from.  Why would you spend your hard earned money on a particular product or service without researching it first?  Having a support group makes that research time quicker.  Chances are the people in your group may have used the services you require and can recommend a reliable source.

As in everything in life, relationships included, a support system is vital to its success.  Your business is not any different!  To succeed in your business it is important to be surrounded by people who will support your decisions and believe in your mission and goals.  Nothing is more difficult that trying to achieve success all alone.  If you look at the  individuals that you look up to in your niche or market you will also find a group of like minded individuals.  You will quickly notice that in any business, in any field, a like group of individuals, be it a support group or a mastermind group is essential.

Seek out such individuals today!  It is true that you will not necessarily agree or see eye to eye with each and every individual but that should not deter you from finding a group that will.  You will notice once you have a group that is willing to help and support you, that it will make your life easier and your goals more attainable.  Don’t do it alone.

Tags: Tips by Carrie Wilkerson
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