Search Results for: blog authenticity for your home business

Diversity Can Be a Real Advantage in Your Home Business

I realized the other day when I was chatting with a couple of other people who also own home-based businesses that we were all very different people–in terms of age, gender, and other demographics, we definitely didn’t fit any particular “mold” for a typical home business owner. I don’t think a single one of us looked like any of those glossy, smiley, business folk you see in magazines and book jackets. But, then the fact that we were so diverse seemed like a real wonder–I couldn’t help but think that diversity and differences can be a genuine advantage in a … Continue reading →

A Little Vulnerability Can Be Good For Your Business

I have learned over the years that while toughness can be a good thing, and there is definitely a time and place in the world of business for a steely disposition, vulnerability can be good too. I’m not talking about the crying at business meetings that I wrote about a few days ago, but really more about being ourselves and showing a genuine, tender side. This is how relationships are built. Think back over your own relationships with bosses, coworkers, and colleagues–chances are the ones you came to trust the most, enjoy working with, and the ones with whom you … Continue reading →

Authenticity for Your Home Business

Keeping things authentic for your home-based business is a more “official” way of saying that you are keeping things real–authenticity means that you are trustworthy, reliable and operating in a genuine and above-board way. Nothing inspires customer loyalty like knowing that you are genuine and authentic (and that your products or services are genuine and authentic too). Authenticity is one of those positives that , when incorporated into your business efforts, can pay off in terms of customer trust and loyalty. There is a reason words and phrases like “all natural,” “genuine” and “completely real” are used so often in … Continue reading →

Time for Taxes and Theft

So, it is definitely tax time. We are all getting our paperwork, making appointments with accountants, setting up the software. While taxes are no fun for us, they can be a gold mine for identity thieves. The information on your tax forms is highly valuable to the unscrupulous. These forms contain so much personal financial information; they should almost be carried in an armored vehicle. Therefore, it is critical you guard this information well. Things to watch out for include: 1. The cheap and fast large-scale tax preparer setup. These are often set up around this time in high traffic … Continue reading →

Do You Want People to Think You Are Professional or Approachable?

As owners of small, home-based businesses we have plenty of choices to make about just exactly what sort of business operation we want to have, and we can influence and shape our business reputation as well. One of the choices we can make is whether or not we want to put forward a professional face, or we want to be more homey and approachable (or we can even try to do a little bit of both)… There are definitely benefits to both approaches—some customers and clients are really looking for a polished, professional business, while others may want something a … Continue reading →

“Not Available In Any Store”

Have you ever heard “not available in any store” as a marketing ploy? Chances are you have been watching television or listening to the radio and were urged to place an order for something that you were told could not be purchased anywhere else. While it may seem a little hokey, this can actually be a marketing approach for your home business efforts too… Unless you are a distributor and you really do place your products in stores, your products and services are probably available exclusively through you. This can be an interesting angle to take with your marketing since … Continue reading →

Make Extra Money on the Side

In reality, the two main ways to have more cash to spend is to cut expenses or make more income. Do either one of these, and you will see more flow to your bottom line. A lot of my previous blog entries have been about cutting expenses, today I want to talk about adding to your income. Many of you are privy to a goldmine waiting, all based on your current skills and expertise. One way to add some additional income, without much investment, is through freelance work or consulting. We all have skills, education, and job experience. No matter … Continue reading →