Heather Floyd is the owner of Floyd Innovations LLC where she offers website development, custom database applications and other technology solutions for businesses and organizations.

I enjoy the problem solving involved in designing technology solutions for companies and independent professionals. I find that having my own company allows me to service my clients fully, including educating them about what they are getting - whether a custom software application or a new website. I like to empower my clients, which is not a high priority for some technology companies. I've had the pleasure of servicing clients since 1999.

Every business and freelancing professional can benefit from having a website. But many, especially when just starting up, find the up-front costs of a professional site daunting. Right now, I am implementing a new service for clients who are looking to get a true professional website for a lower up-front cost which is ready to grow with the company. I'm very excited about being able to enable more businesses to get to the next level.

I never thought I would go into programming or web design when I was in college at NYU studying comparative religion, feminist spirituality, and mythology! But a campus job introduced me to Access databases and I had the opportunity to manage a website and listserv for the Womyn's Center @ NYU. The rest is history.

I love living in New York City. Currently my fiancé and I live in East Harlem and spend a lot of time enjoying everything the city has to offer, including theatre, the parks, and all the neighborhoods. I also love to cook and we belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. We also are involved with All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church.

It is a challenge when working from my home office, since the opportunity to work is always there, but I keep a flexible schedule and if I work late one day, I might quit early the next. To keep healthy, I listen to my body, which might require sleeping a bit more one morning or getting out to run errands during the day. I also spend a fair amount of time in the kitchen, which is creative and fulfilling in a way that is different from my work, plus has the added health benefit of nutritious home-cooked meals.

I love the flexibility and freedom of being an entrepreneur. I can explore different ideas and interests and integrate my work into my life. Also, since I'm not constrained by any "company policy" or bureaucracy, I can always be improving the operations of my business for better efficiency and effectiveness - something that I've found very difficult to do when working as an employee for large companies.

If you are interested in going into software or website development, gather experience wherever you can. At first this might mean some pro bono work or charging a lot less than you'd like to, but you will gain such valuable experience and referrals - not to mention building up your portfolio.

My website is http://www.FloydInnovations.com, and there are details there about the new low start-up cost website service I am offering. I also have an informational website and free eCourse about creative DIY marketing at http://www.IndyMarketing.info.

Labels: wild we member of the month

© 2007 By Steve Glines
Creative Director, Industrial Myth and Magic

Viral marketing is the latest magic marketing bullet that promises to transform a sow's ear into a silk purse, a dud into a winner. It's the dream of every marketer to create a marketing environment that is self-perpetuating and inexpensive, a viral marketing campaign. There are companies that will go out and hire hordes of teenage girls to shill some new product in the hope that it will take off through simple word of mouth. "Oh Buffy, look at my new toy, squeal, squeal." Campaigns like this rarely work for teenage centric products and not at all for industrial or commercial goods.

Viral marketing does work! Here's how to do it:

1. A good story: You need a compelling story. Without a good story there is nothing to repeat.


2. A web site: You need an attractive, easy to load and navigate web site that's been optimized for search engines. People use the web the way we once used the yellow pages. If it doesn't show up on the web it might as well not exist. Right now Google is the only search engine that counts.


3. Drive them to your web site: You need to drive people to your web site; you need to give them a reason to go there.




• Articles: Magazines and newspapers (both on and offline) pay writers very little so the quality of independent articles (even in major newspapers) is very low. The majority of quality articles (especially in trade journals) are "planted" by writers hired to make a point. Make sure you're one of them and make sure that your web site's URL is mentioned so that that Google's web crawling robots find the reference.


• Press releases: Targeted articles are expensive and time consuming. An easier way (and more effective from a web crawler's perspective) is the press release. A press release serves the same purpose as a ghost written story and can be broadcast to many outlets. Remember what we said about newspapers and magazines, they exist to sell advertising not pay writers yet it's the writing that attracts the readers that advertisers crave. When the media need content to carry advertising (no one is going to willingly go to a page with nothing but ads on it) they turn to the pool of press releases. If yours is written well there is a good chance it will be reproduced as written.




4. Advertise: Finally, to reinforce the message and the story it does pay to advertise. Advertising is most effective when it's used as a way of reinforcing an existing message, when the reader (or viewer) is expected to already know the story.

Once you have a web site the most effective thing to do is send out lots of press releases. The chances are that multiple "news services" will pick up your press release and that Google will scan your press release multiple times within a day or two. Each time it scans a press release it will register your web site. A good portion of Google's page rank system is based on how many times your site is referenced by other unrelated sites. A well-written press release might well show up in hundreds of sources, that's hundreds of Google references to your web site.

Anatomy of a Press Release

Is it news? If you do a Google search on the phrase "anatomy of a press release" you'll be told over and over "make sure it's really newsworthy." Good, that discourages your competition from sending out press releases. Pay no attention to that. You'd be surprised what can be made newsworthy. The annual arrival of spring is not news but the emergence of the first crocus of the season is and could be used to your advantage. Indeed the emergence of the first crocus could be the occasion of several press releases. For example, you announce that you are going to have some event contingent upon the emergence of the first crocus. Then you announce a contest for spotting the first crocus, then you announce (with pictures) the first crocus, then you announce the results of the event contingent the emergence of the first crocus. There is no such thing as a slow news day in the mind of a good publicist.

So you obviously need "news" in a press release or there is no reason for anyone to carry your press release but the "news" portion of your press release is really irrelevant except to the harried editor who needs filler to wrap paying ads around. What's important is the viral payload.

Crafting the payload

If news is the vehicle for getting your story into the media then the payload is what you really want repeated. Since you are in control of the story, this payload should reflect the story as you wish it to be told and retold. Before writing the payload, before writing press releases clarify what your goals are. Is the goal to sell a product or service, or the company or even an executive within the company? The story, the payload should have the following elements:

1. The name, the buzzword, the hook, the logo that can be used to trigger a memory later on through advertising, word of mouth or planted stories.


2. A story that separates you from your competition. It doesn't have to be much but it does have to be there. This is what you want people to remember and the simpler the better.


3. A way to get in touch with you and (most importantly) a pointer to your web site. This is what Google will see and use to point back to your web site. This is what you want Google's web crawler to see.

The story you convey in your payload should reflect the end point of your marketing campaign. If you're a little one man (or woman) shop that plans to become a Gigantic Humongous Corporation (GHC), then write your payload from the perspective of the Chairman of the Board of GHC. Using the hook of "news" you want to repeat the payload as often as you can. Repeat it over and over again and eventually it will become "fact". Everyone will know the story of Gigantic Humongous Corporation because they have seen it over and over again. That's how you create a viral marketing campaign, that's how you create an industrial myth and that's magic.

Industrial Myth & Magic is a cooperative amalgam of poets, playwrights, novelists, freelance journalists and a frustrated assortment of fine and commercial artists who make it a point of thinking outside the box. At Industrial Myth & Magic it's our mission to tell an intriguing story that will resonate with your customers and draw them to you, your company and your products. It's not good enough to build a better mousetrap you need a more compelling story. You need a story that will be told and retold. It's everything. It's an industrial myth and that's magic. www.industrialmyth.com

Labels: marketing, viral marketing

There are many ways to be innovative with your marketing, no matter what field you are in. In this article, I'm going to show you 7 ways to release your inhibitions and begin thinking more creatively. I will also give you some exercises to enhance your creativity. Ready?

1. Common Problem and Its Solution

PA common problem that people have is the inability to think outside of the box or their everyday frame of mind. One of my favorite websites that tackles this is http://www.creativethink.com/. This site will give you a fresh perspective on old ideas, or even help generate new ones.



Take your marketing strategy and try to objectively examine it. Start by looking at what works. Is anything working in your favor? If so, why does it work? Then reserve it. What doesn't work and why? What are three possible solutions to fix each problem? By answering these questions honestly, you have begun the creative process.

2. Imagine

One of my favorite exercises (which I learned in an acting class) is to imagine that you are an object. In this case, imagine you are your product (which in my case isn't that hard, because I am my business). Visualization is a helpful tool in recognizing what needs improvement. What are your attributes? What do you need to look better? What do you need to work more efficiently? Is there something that just doesn't feel right? Make a list of these questions and similar ones, and then answer them. By answering these questions, you will begin to identify with your product, which in turn will help you make it more marketable.

3. Idea Time

To get started on generating ideas, the best way is to just start writing them down. I recommend that you try not to focus on the end result. In this way you'll be more open to whatever stems from your brainstorming.



This is called "free association." Take a word that has to do with your business; it can be the name of your business, the market you are entering, etc., and put it at the top of a piece of paper. Then without thinking, start writing the words that pop into your mind. No matter how ridiculous they seem to you, write them down. It can be anything. There are no wrong answers to this exercise, and this exercise can only be successful if you really write down everything you think of.

Once you're done, take a look at what you wrote down. Can any of these abstract notions become part of your marketing strategy? Could they become a whole new angle?

4. Simplify

People have a tendency to make things more complicated than they need to be. Look at your current marketing plan: Can it be simplified? I"m a firm believer in the saying "Keep it simple." Narrowing the focus of your marketing strategy will often yield positive results.

5. Change

Change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Use change to your advantage and help make your marketing plan stronger. How is your demographic changing? Can you move with that change in order to continue to accommodate them? How is society changing? Are there changes that could expand your audience with just a slight tweak of your marketing angle?

6. Resources

There are many places to research marketing; you just have to start thinking outside the box. One of my favorite things to do is flip through the phone book. There is so much to be said for the Yellow Pages. Just open up the book and start exploring the angles. Can you collaborate with any of these businesses? If so, then how? What are their marketing strategies? Who are they marketing to? Examining other successful businesses, and even fostering relationships with them, will help you on your way.

7. Collaborations

This brings me to my last point: Collaboration is your best friend in business. If you are a new business owner, then you need to try and reach a larger audience. Why not kill two birds with one stone and collaborate with someone who already has a large following or clientele? By doing so, you can cut your work in half.



Who will benefit most from your product? This is a good question to keep in mind when looking for collaborators. It's particularly true if you're trying to approach an established business. Remember that they will have their own interests at heart, so they'll want to know how you can help them. A friend of mine used to send postcards to bars that said, "I want to help you sell liquor." Of course his band got the gig! So instead of thinking of ways for you to benefit from others, start thinking of ways they can benefit from you: you're sure to have success.

Where to begin?

No matter what, you have to begin somewhere; otherwise you won't begin at all. Though it does matter where you start, what is most important is THAT you start. Start small if you're nervous about getting your feet wet, but once you start, remember -- you can never stop. This is your business; this is you. And your life and financial future could be counting on it.

About the Author: Ja-Naé is a professional opera singer, as well as, the president/founder of Wild Women Entrepreneurs (Wild WE). Wild WE is an international community that helps extraordinary women achieve their full potential in business and in life. Wild WE has 45 chapters in 6 countries and a radio show. For more information, go to www.thewildwe.com

Labels: marketing

Good Wines under $10.00 dollars

We all do it. We all have those bottles of wine that are around $30.00 sitting in our basements and wine racks, that we just never seem to open. It is just never the right occasion. We don't want to open a good bottle with pizza or Chinese food, or even if we make a homemade meal, because it just never seems appropriate. Well, what if you could open a good bottle, that was inexpensive enough, that there would be no guilt opening it up mid-week. Impossible?

Who says you can't have a good wine for under $10.00? Granted you generally get what you pay for, but the wines below are bursting with value at a very low price. These wines are perfect for the every day and make a good addition to a potluck or dinner party, due to their versatility. Each of these wines is meant to be drunk young and have been engineered to be best if drunk right now. So, grab a few of these bottles and enjoy.

Gala Rouge, 2004 Pinot Noir $9.99:

Gala Rouge is a fun Pinot from France. The grapes are harvested in late August/early September in the Languedoc Roussillon (near Bésiers and Carcassonne). The wine is fermented in stainless steel for several weeks and then divided with some of the wine fermenting in steel and some fermenting in oak. The two mixes are then blended together to create a balanced wine with full-bodied fruit and undertones of oak.

Color: Cherry color with garnet-red tints.

Nose: Hints of deep red berry fruits with woody and toasted bread
aromas.

Tasting: Touches of black cherry and blackberry with highlights of oak and
soft tannins. (1)

This versatile wine accompanies most foods with grace and style. Gala Rouge is great as an every day wine, comfortable next to a burger, plate of spaghetti, or your favorite take-out. This wine also makes a good gift or addition to a dinner party.

Gala Rouge is well known for its vintage label and can often be seen in movies, catalogues and advertisements, due to its decorative appeal. The label is inspired by vintage posters that were first seen in France in the 1900's.

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel $9.99:

If you had read the Spring Wines article in the May newsletter, you would know that I have some contempt for the White Zin. Red Zins, particularly an Old Vine Zinfandel is an entirely different proposition. An Old Vine Zin is made from grapes harvested from...old vines. The vines have a very low grape yield due to their age and the grapes are all hand-picked.

Gnarly Head takes its name from the vines themselves. As the vines age, they become unruly, twisting, knotting, and branch off in all directions, looking truly gnarly. Gnarly Head is a late harvest, hand-picked from a mix of 35 to 80+ year old vines, in Lodi California. The wine is made from a blend of 77% zinfandel and 23% Petite Sirah (another phenomenal grape). The grapes are gently pressed, immediately after being picked. The wine is then fermented for 7-9 days in French, American, and Hungarian Oak before being bottled and racked. The quick fermentation concentrates the bold fruit flavors.

Gnarly Head is full of rich flavors including dark berries, plum, pepper and chocolate. This is another wine that is great for the every day and also makes a good gift or potluck addition.

Secret de Campane

Vin de Pays de la Principauté d'Orange $6.99:

The Secret de Campane is made from a blend of Grenache (60%), Old Carignan (30%) and Cinsault (10%). The name of this wine is taken from the Campaniles that have overlooked Provence villages since the 12^th century. I apologize that I was unable to find information on the wines fermentation, nor was I able to find tasting notes.

This interesting blend has less balance than a typical French wine, but at $6.99 it is hard to beat. There is a heavy wine that can be tasted on its own or paired with food. On its own, more of the dark berries and fruit come to the forefront. When paired with food, the acidity and wood is more prominent. This wine paired well with grilled meats and mild cheeses.

To be honest, I picked up this wine for its sentimental value. The wine is harvested from the Principauté d'Orange, a location I visited this past August. This wine comes from a region rich with history and culture. d'Orange is the home of the famous Théàtre antique d'Orange, a Roman theater built early in 1st Century A.D. It is one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world and hosts the summer opera festival Chorégies d'Orange.

Il Bastardo Sangiovese Rosso di Toscana $6.99:

This wine is a strong Italian red with bold dry flavors. The name may seem insulting, and maybe it is. A Bastardo is a mix of Barbera and Barberesco grapes. This wine in particular is a good bargain for the price. This wine is a dark-ruby red, with dark cherry aromas. There is plenty of fruit in this wine but also a strong woody presence and a bit of terror. Il Bustard is a bit rough around the edges, not quite balanced, with some lingering heat. That being said, it is a great match with the traditional Italian food. This wine compliments a hearty red sauce, meatballs and sausage, or a good pizza. The acidic tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil smooth out the wine and bring out the Chianti qualities

And now for some Dessert:



Evenus Zinfandel Port $9.99 (3) :

This is a wonderful port-style wine, using the Zinfandel (red) grape. This wine is made in Paso Robles California and while lacking in complexity, is an easily drinkable, very worthwhile wine. This Port boasts strong, full, raisiny Zinfandel flavors and aromas of blackberry/blueberry syrup. Try this wine on its own or with a complimentary dessert that has lots of spice, like a pumpkin ice cream, dark chocolate, or nut filled confection. The sweetness of this wine can also be paired with savory foods, such as curries, or cous cous dishes.

This article was written by Jessica R. Manganello, Esq. Jessica is an attorney and "wine-nut" with Exemplar Law Partners, LLC at their headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. Exemplar is the first large firm to abandon the billable hour and instead offers fixed prices and customized legal services in the areas of business/corporate law, international law, entertainment and business development. Exemplar also offers a discount to Wild WE members.

All of the wines that are reviewed in this article can be found at Downtown Wine & Spirits in Davis Square, Boston. The store has an incredible selection of wines and beers from all over the world, great service, and reasonable prices. If you stop by the store, direct your questions to Alan the store manager. He is always helpful.

Labels: wines

MomsRising aligned organizations include some of the nation's strongest women's organizations, family advocacy groups, mother's organizations, child advocacy groups, unions, health care organizations, parenting groups, the faith community, and many other organizations which have aligned missions to build a family-friendly America.

The members of MomsRising are moving important motherhood and family issues to the forefront of the country's awareness, and are working to break the logjam that's been holding back family-friendly legislation for decades. MomsRising is doing this by providing grassroots support to leaders and organizations addressing key issues such as paid family leave; flexible work options; after-school programs; healthcare for all kids; excellent childcare; and living wages.

For more information on MomsRising, click
here.

Labels: charity

When on a limited and low cost budget, what do you look for in marketing on the internet? How can I make my advertising dollars bring in the sales?

Robin

Kaboodle Kids

Answer:

Hi Robin,



Thanks for your question. To be honest, I believe in spending as little as possible on marketing. There are so many outlets on the web that can help you with your business. The first place that I advertise on is www.craigslist.org. Craig Newmark has provided a valuable resource to all small business owners. The trick is not to abuse it. Craig and his team are very meticulous about combing the site for spammers (if you post more than one of the same post at once). So, my suggestion is to post every 48 hours. However, make sure that you delete your previous post, to secure that it goes through.



The success of your post will really be determined by how informative, concise, and inticing you make your post. The more professional looking, the better.

Ja-Nae

Labels: marketing

What if every time you entered a room people would say, "Wow, I want what she's having!" Do you think that might generate new clientele for your business? You bet it would! It's called attraction and it is the most powerful tool in your business-growing toolkit. Heck, it's one of the most powerful tools in your life!

I want to be sure to clarify here...they aren't thinking, 'Boy I want what she's selling," they're thinking, "I want what she's having!" You see, we are attracted to at's right, practice not just basic self-care, but "extreme" self-care! In order to get people saying "I'll have what she's having," you have to be living a zesty, yummy life. People don't want what you're having if they see that you aren't having any fun, you're constantly stressed out and you neglect yourself. They already have that. They want your experience of joy, abundance and sometimes even indulgent living. Now that sounds yummy!


How can you indulge yourself today? Perhaps a massage, a candle-lit bath, or an hour of reading that special book you've been meaning to get to.


Look for opportunities each day to bask in at least one activity of extreme self-care and don't be afraid to tell people how you are taking care of your mind, body and spirit in these ways. Not only does it get people saying that they want what you're having (wonderful for business), but it also gives them permission to do the same (your gift to them--bonus).

Are you ready to "kick it up a notch" and get people wanting what you’re having? Are you ready to attract more business, more abundance, more love, and more fun into your existence? It's a simple but challenging formula that you can begin implementing today!

Remember: Practice Extreme Self-Care; Master "Authentic Listening"; and Take a Powerful Risk Everyday. Begin attracting all you want for yourself and more. Be the one that enters the room to a rousing chorus of, "Wow, I'll have what she's having"!

Here's to your success.

© 2007 Angel C. Hale

Angel Hale is the founder of ACCES (Angel's Consulting Coaching and Education Services) and Leading Ladies (Celebrating and Supporting Natural born Leaders). She is a Masterful Life Coach and acclaimed Motivational Speaker. She lost her vision in 1986 but that didn't stop her from creating and living a life that exceeds even her own wildest aspirations!

Angel's engaging style and professional acumen has made her a highly sought Personal Coach and the Keynote Speaker of choice for numerous public and private agencies, groups and organizations. To learn more about Angel and discover what she can bring to your personal /professional life, your organization or your next big event visit: http://www.accessyourpotential.org/ and http://www.leadingladieslounge.com/

Labels: clients, motivating your customers

So your friends are saying:

Wow, you made the jump! Congratulations! So excited for you! You are an inspiration! I am so jealous! You are going to be great!

And your family is saying:

Are you crazy? So many others have failed! You have a family to support! I am concerned for you. You are dreaming!

Of course, we must be talking about you quitting your job to start your own business!

As you start down the path of entrepreneurship, before you start ordering your office furniture and business cards, here are a few questions you should answer about you and your new business:

1. Now, what is your business exactly? If it is a retail store, what are you going to be selling? Will it sell high-end or low-cost items? Who is your target audience? If it is going to a consulting business, what are the areas you will consulting? Technical project management? Quality control? Marketing? Who will be your clients? Individuals? Businesses? What size or type of businesses? The trick is to be not so narrow in focus that you have almost no market and not to be so broad that people do not know what you do.
   


2. Do you know what you need to know? You may be an expert in your field, but are you an expert in starting a business? Educate yourself. Sign up for entrepreneurship or small business classes at your local adult education centers, check out www.cweonline.org for the Massachusetts residents, buy a book, visit your local Small Business Administration or SCORE (retired executives who give free advice to new business owners). In other words, don't just rely on your uncle Joe who owns a plumbing business for all your information.
   


3. Do you know what you don't know? Get expert help. A business attorney will advise you on which legal form of business is best for you and your business – sole proprietorship, general partnership, C Corporation, S Corporation, or Limited Liability Company. A tax advisor will also advise you from a tax perspective which legal form of business is best for you. He/she can also let you know what counts as a business expense, etc. A web site developer can help you design and host your website. A good way to find a good website company is to look at the bottom of websites of small businesses or non-profits that you like. Depending on your business, you may also need to hire a bookkeeper, a marketing consultant, graphic arts, etc. For any areas that you are not an expert and if that area is critical to your business, you must fill in that gap with outside expertise.
   


4. Where are you going to get the money? Develop a good estimate of start up cost as well as how much it will cost to sustain your business for at least one year. Then establish a plan and list out your financing sources. Will it be business credit cards? Your 401K? Home equity loan? SBA loan? Make sure you consult your tax expert for advice on which of these options is best for you and your business.
   


5. Do you have something in writing? Yes, as much as some of you may hate the idea, you must have a business plan and a marketing plan. There are many places to get simple templates for both documents - http://office.microsoft.com and www.sba.gov to name just a couple. Hire a new venture consultant to complete the forms for you if you just cannot do it yourself. Even just an outline of a business plan and marketing plan will be helpful. Not only will banks, your hired experts and even some clients want to see your business in writing, but it is an excellent exercise in fully planning out your business.
   

Lastly and most importantly, commit yourself to your dream fully so that you give it a good fair shake. It is a business after all and not a hobby - equip yourself with information and experts. Talk to people about your business - you will be surprised how much resources and contacts are out there (your business attorney may tell you to have them sign a Confidentially Agreement first!).

You will be well on your way to proving your family wrong and proving your friends right!

Recently, Su K. Joun left her job of 15 years and made the leap to start her own business called MYSU Company, LLC to publish a parenting magazine like no other called Parents for Parents™.

Labels: starting your business