Talking with Your Employees About Selling Your Business

The NFIB - - National Federation of Independent Business has tools you can use to grow a successful business. Consider the benefits of joining, and by all means, check out their web site to learn more.

When you make the decision to sell or close your business, you may have the tendency to want to share the details with your employees early on. After all, they have been there for you and you do care about their futures and the relationships you've developed over time with them.  But before you say too much too soon, read the article in the link below:

http://www.nfib.com/article/how-to-tell-employees-you-sold-your-business-bizhelp-68051/

I hope you find this information useful as you move forward.

Judy Crockett
Interactive Marketing & Communication

Becoming Financially Fearless

In a recent article, I shared one habit my husband and I use when making a spending decision. That habit was among ten included in a recent article at learnvest.com titled "10 Habits of Financially Fearless People Across the County."

Read about these ten habits in the link below. I hope you enjoy - as well as learn something you can use.

http://www.learnvest.com/2015/01/habits-of-financially-secure-people/2/

Good luck!

Judy Crockett

First Time Home Buyers

I recently contributed to an article regarding First Time Home Buyers. My experience comes from being a licensed real estate agent and Realtor in Michigan during which time I earned a Residential Specialist designation. I have purchased several homes and I have sold a couple homes FSBO - - For Sale By Owner.

What I have learned is that many people, especially first-time buyers, come to the table not realizing the options they have in financing and negotiating the deal. Too often, buyers make decisions afraid that if they explore options, they might loose the deal. Before you get involved in buying - or selling - a home, learn strategies that will help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family... before you are so emotionally involved in the deal that you don't get your best deal.

Check out the article:

http://blogs.mckissock.com/real-estate/2015/01/29/6-things-know-first-time-home-buyers/?fb_ref=Default

Interest rates are still so low - - and homes in many regions are still so affordable. Get smart. Then go out and get your best deal.

Judy Crockett

Get Control Over Your Inventory.

If you own a retail establishment, you know the importance of managing your inventory. Check out some of my tips in the Winter 2015 edition of Craft Business Insider on pages 14-17.

Let me know your thoughts.

http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=238937&p=14

Judy Crockett

Is There Value is Writing Press Releases?

I have had several inquires recently questioning the value of sending press releases to the media. Is there value? Absolutely! Let me share a few reasons for incorporating carefully crafted press releases into your marketing mix:

1) I use press releases with all of my clients. While not everyone, especially the Y-Gen, read newspapers...there is still a huge segment of the population that do get information from printed and online news.

2) People talk. While my daughter may not read the paper, I do. And if I learn of something of interest to her going on through a press release, I will share it with her.

3) Press releases run/air for free. Why not take advantage of reaching a portion of your market for  free? Keep in mind they are free...and as such, you have no control over when, where, or if they run or air.

 

4) Press releases often trigger an interview or story from the media wanting to know more about the issue or event covered in the press release. If you are sending press releases regularly to the media, you are positioning yourself as the expert and they will come to you when they need information.

5) Press releases can get picked up and used and discussed in social media arenas that DO reach others.

I can think of plenty of valuable reasons to use carefully crafted press releases...so go ahead and take advantage of the opportunity.

Judy Crockett is a retail management consultant and owner of Manistee, Michigan- based Interactive Marketing & Communication. She can be reached at crockettjudy@gmail.com. Her blog is www.womensnetwork.blogspot.com. 

The Y-Generation and How They Impact Your Workplace

The Matures, Baby Boomers, X-Generation, and now Y-Generation. Every generation has a name and we have all learned about the characteristics of each particular generation.  But for the first time in history, employees of all four generations are working side by side in many work environments. Both employers and employees are dealing with the challenges faced in a multi-generational workplace.

I have been devouring Jason Dorsey's book, Y-Size Your Business to gain a better understanding of the newest generation competing for jobs along side all of us. Late for work, always plugged in, and approaching every day with a sense of entitlement seems all to unprofessional; yet this is the next generation and like it or not, they are competing with us for jobs. As employers, we will most certainly have to hire them. If you stick around the workforce long enough, you may eventually be working for a Y.

Dorsey spells out some useful tools and strategies for understanding this next generation of employees/employers. Check out his web site and his books if you want to learn more.

http://jasondorsey.com/

And good luck...as soon as you figure out The Ys...the I-Generation will be entering the work force!

Judy Crockett
Interactive Marketing & Communication

Make Your Sales Soar in 2015

You've gone high tech. You've unwrapped, plugged in, charged uploaded, and anti-virused all your new electronic gadgets, software and hardware. Good for you!
Now - unplug and give your sales a boost in 2015. Here are three tips to make your sales soar:
1) Remain customer focused. Forget about what YOU have to SELL and think about what the CUSTOMER NEEDS. If you focus on solving their problems, you will become a trusted key player in their business and they will buy from you ... long term.
2) Exceed expectations. Deliver early, better and more than your customer expects. Do it every time. And do it with cheerfulness. Be your customer's bright spot in the day.
3) While we live in a high tech world, never forget you are still dealing with individuals, not machines. There is a live, busy, overworked often underpaid person with real-life issues on the receiving end of your emails and texts. When possible incorporate face-to-face meetings and live phone conversations into your relationships with current and potential clients. Building this type of relationship will bring long lasting business your way.

Judy Crockett is a retail management consultant and owner of Manistee, Michigan-based Interactive Marketing and Communication. Her blog is www.womensnetwork.blogspot.com. She can be reached at crockettjudy@gmail.com.

Managing Your Inventory in the New Year

While most of us challenge ourselves to loosing weight in the new year, small retail businesses face a challenge of their own: reducing inventory. Whether it is dated, seasonal, returned, or simply overstock, inventory will weigh a retailer down if not properly managed.

Get a handle on your inventory early in the first quarter to free up space and cash, allowing a "fresh new you" to spring forth. 

Clean up your sales floor, take down holiday decorations, and create attractive displays with the merchandise you currently have in stock. Freshen price tags as well if necessary so items do not look like they have been hanging around unwanted through the year and numerous markdowns. Make them look new and exciting again.

Have a mid January shopping spree event and invite current and new customers in for special treats, games, prizes, and discounts. Make it a festive event. Be creative. Give your customers a reason to come out in the cold to enjoy your business.

Take substantial markdowns now and get that stock sold. Check the basement, storeroom, cabinets, and boxes tucked away to find stray and forgotten inventory. Convert it to cash to finance your spring buying trip.

You, your staff, and your customers want your store to be fresh and exciting. Start today. Don't let the dark days of winter cause your business to go into a winter slump. A little investment now will bring financial rewards to your business.

Want to know more? Just ask. As a retail management consultant, I would love to share my expertise with you to help you grow your business in 2015.

Have a prosperous and joyous New Year!

21 Day Meditation Experience

I am looking forward to being part of yet another 21  Day meditation experience led by Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfry: Energy of Attraction.

These two warm, caring people have collaborated on numerous meditation experiences that have been enjoyed by many around the world, including myself. There is something beautiful about waking up each morning and starting the day by listening and participating in a powerful, uplifting message.

I encourage you to give it a try. Day 1 The Nature of Desire.  My life moves forward through desire.

Www.chopracentermeditation.com.
chopracentermeditation.com

Enjoy.
Judy

Maximizing Holiday Sales: "The Five Cs"

The final quarter of the year is typically a fantastic time for small retailers to tap into consumer spending and end the year with a profit. Savvy retails know how to train their sales staff to maximize holiday sales.

As a retail management consultant, I often work with clients during fourth quarter to take advantage of spending growth. Here are five "MUST DOs" your on-the-floor sales staff should learn:

1) CONTACT:   Make eye contact with every person who comes into your store. It sounds like a no-brainer...but how many times have YOU gone into a business and no one even acknowledges your presence.  Even if you are busy with another customer, take just a second to make eye contact and say hello when someone walks in your front door.

2) COMPLIMENT: Say something NICE to the person coming in. "I love your jacket." "What a cute baby!" This simple statement can make your customer feel good about being around you and in your store. Be genuine. If your comment becomes routine your customer will know it.

3) COURTESY:  Offer to do something nice for your customer. It only takes a moment. "Can I tuck your packages behind the counter?" "Would you like to leave your coat on this chair?" If you are a jewelry store..."Can I clean your beautiful rings?  No Charge." Now I feel like I am going to be in your store for a bit, comfortably, and I can take time to browse and shop in a warm, inviting environment.  As a retailer, you, at this point, have spent no money to make your customer feel special and appreciated.

4) CONVERSATION:  Ask the customer how you might help them. Ask what brought them into your store. And this is a good time to point out any specials or new products you have in the store.

5) CLOSE: Close the deal. Sell something. Ask for the sale. You have heard it all. This is where your cash register will ring.  Be sure to give your customer your full attention when you are taking their money. Let them know how much you appreciate their business. And now give them a reason to come back.  "We have a new collection of those coming in next week."  "Here is a coupon for a discount when you come back." "Take this sample with you and if you like it, pick some up next time you are here."

These things seem like they should be second nature to anyone working directly with customers in a retail store, but they all too often are not. Train your staff now for holiday shoppers and reap the rewards long into 2015.

Judy Crockett
Retail Management Consultant
Interactive Marketing & Communication

Four Agencies Funded by 100 Women Who Care Manistee County

100 Women Who Care Manistee County raised $20,000 in four short, simple and effective one hour meetings during 2014 - - the first year the care group was organized. Four local agencies were awarded funding: Manistee Community Kitchen; SNAG Spay/Neuter Program; Matthew 25:35 Food Pantry; and most recently, Project Read Northwest.

Women who attended the meetings submitted the names of agencies to be funded. Through a process that included a random drawing the three agency presentation at each of the four quarterly meetings, the agencies were selected.

Beyond the charitable giving aspect of the Manistee County care group, the women learned more about the important work - -much of it volunteer work - going on the region as the agencies made their pitches for funding.

"The work being accomplished by volunteers in Manistee County is incredible," said Judy Crockett, owner of Manistee, Michigan-based Interactive Marketing & Communication and co-founder of the local care group. "We were all impressed by every pitch we heard. Every agency was deserving of funding."

The first year of the care group was nothing short of successful. Membership forms for 2015 are available now at womensnetworkmanistee.com and the group looks forward to growing their membership to a full 100 or more members.

100 Women Who Care Manistee County

Imagine the Power of 100 - - Imagine the Power of 100 Women Who Care in Manistee County...

              Imagine the Power of 100 Women Who Care, who gather together for one hour four times per year and contribute $100 each to support a deserving nonprofit organization in Manistee County. That’s the concept two area women were sharing when we formed a unique, planned-giving, fundraising care group.

            “The process is simple,” said Co-founder Judy Crockett. “In one hour, with 100 women involved, we can raise $10,000 for a local, deserving agency in Manistee County. Imagine the impact when we do that four times a year!”

            Members nominate an agency when they arrive at the meeting. Three agency names are drawn at random. Three members pitch the agencies. Members vote for one agency. The votes are counted and the agency receiving the most votes, is awarded the funds raised that evening.

            “It is a powerful concept,” said Jennie Marie Naffie, cofounder of the newly-formed Manistee County group. “I have been part of Women Who Care in Muskegon for nearly three years--since its inception. It is powerful--the first time I was there I cried because all I could think of was my mom Bette Naffie. She would have so loved this concept--it is organized, simple, and truly makes a difference. I challenge women in Manistee to show a powerful first meeting.”

            “We have all been part of long, fund-raising events that are often costly, time-consuming, and a wear on volunteers,” said Crockett. “And when it is over, the results often are hardly worth the time and effort. This group will make a huge impact in one hour with little effort and no expense.”

            The first meeting took place on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at The Bungalow Inn on US 31 South of Manistee. The meeting started promptly at 5:30 pm and ended at 6:30 pm, however women were encouraged to come a bit early to get settled, and invited to stay afterwards for continued networking and fellowship. Women came prepared to write a check for $100 to the selected agency.

“All women were invited to attend the first meeting to give it a try without having to make a commitment”, said Naffie. “Additional meetings were held in April July and October. I love Manistee and all the people there who care about the community. I am amazed by the positive changes but know the nonprofits need help. Here is an objective, fair and great way to make a difference.”

            More information as well as a membership form is available online on Face Book  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Womens-Network/199507366741631 or send an email to womensnetworkmanistee@gmail.com

netWork Luncheon May 15 - Woman and Investments

·       Luncheon  -  Investment Planning 101

Every woman should have her own financial investment plan.

Panel of experts answer your questions to help get you started.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013        11:45 am – 1:15 pm

Bungalow Inn, Manistee              $15 payable at the door

R.S.V.P.     womensnetworkmanistee @gmail.com

Panel Includes:

Moderator Karen Zimmerman, H & R Block Manistee

Mary Sturdevant, State Farm Insurance Manistee

Chris Bousson, Northwestern Bank

Tom Krahe, Krahe & Associates Financial Services

Please plan to attend this informative networking luncheon.


 

A "Time Out" Space in Your Home

"Go sit in the corner!"  We have all said it to our kids at one time or another -- or our parents have said it to us. We might even have a rug in the corner for the dog to get a time out. Time outs usually take place in a corner tucked away from others and with limited distraction. The corner actually is a settling place of calmness to get back on track.

I have a corner in my home that I set up just for myself. While our house is small, I was still able to create a space that is my happy place - a place where I can sit comfortably without distraction to read, think, or simply be.


In my corner, I have a rocking chair, a comfy old family heirloom. I have a small table and lamp, a candle, a comforter and a little pillow. At my feet is a beautiful Irish Claddagh woven rug -  a gift from a dear friend. When you create your space, you might choose to tuck in a small vase of flowers, your favorite books, or add soft music.

In my corner of the world, I can look outside if I want, talk on the phone, read, write, meditate, or simply rest. I have created an environment that is peaceful, calming, clean. When I look around the area, I see pictures and objects that make me feel happy and good.

Take time to make a happy place in your home when you can take a "time out" free of distraction to resettle yourself when life gets a bit crazy. Parents have relied on this practice as a way of adjusting behavior for years. It worked for you as a child; it will work for you as an adult - - maybe even better.

Go enjoy your happy place.

Creating Healthy Habits Through Self-Awareness

Have you even done something and afterward realized that you hardly remember doing it?  Mindless eating is common. We've all have had the experience of mindless driving: arriving someplace and not remembering a portion of the trip. I have had days that I look back and hardly remember what I did that day - - or how I even felt during the day. We get into the habit of doing things, of going through the motions, with no consciousness or self-awareness.

In a meditation, Deepak Chopra invites his students to "create healthy habits through self-awareness." Ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?"  What a great question! So often we do things, feel things, eat things, simply out of habit. Just think about ways you might do thing differently, think or feel differently in a situation, if you took a moment just to ask yourself that simple question: "Why am I doing this?" or "Why do I feel this way?"

Simply being aware of a habit we have, or aware of a feeling that we harbour, we have the ability to change the behavior or thought if we have the desire to do so.

As well, maybe we started doing something, created a habit, for a very positive purpose: talking a daily walk, reading a positive daily message, eating a particular food, doing a daily good deed. Even good habits can become mindless. I invite you to take a minute and ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" to reaffirm and enjoy the positive impact of your good habits, thoughts and actions as well.

Enjoy each moment of the day!

Judy

Staying home and reconnecting with my community and friends has been weighing on my mind more and more. It is no wonder I am ready to unpack and reclaim my home.

Since October 2007, we have logged more miles than most, beached from coast to coast, and experienced life in many of our 50 United States.

We spent nearly a couple weeks driving the coast of Ireland in 2007, exploring the coastline, visiting golf courses, eating in local pubs, climbing castles and rocks, staying in B&Bs along the way.

Since then, work has taken us to Ohio, Virginia, Massachusetts, Denver, Michigan, Illinois, and Florida. Work has allowed us to spend considerable blocks of time in various areas, often 6-8 weeks, giving us time to enjoy local flavor, see areas of interest, try new foods, visit like a tourist and act like a local.

We did a music tour stopping in Cleveland, Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans. We walked their downtowns, stopped in local bars to hear music, and toured The Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Graceland, Cleveland Music Hall and so much more.

We spent a couple weeks in Golf Port, Mississippi at a mission to help with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. Touring the region, talking with locals, witnessing the destruction, reconstruction, and the many helping hands that continue today to provide assistance to a region and people deeply impacted by this storm, was a life-changing experience for us.

We did an east coast road trip for work and pleasure that included a drive through Canada stopping at Niagara Falls - -it has come a long way since my last trip through. We visited numerous beaches and sites including Cape Cod, Coast Guard Beach. We visited the many homes of authors in Concord, Mass.  And we hiked around Walden Pond. We walked the 3.5 mile National Recreation Trail Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island along the coast and magnificent mansions. We even took in a Red Sox gamed at Fenway Park.

This past fall, we truly logged miles when we first visited our new grandson in sunny California and walked along Malibu Beach where we witnessed a whale blowing off the coast. Back in Michigan a few weeks later we walked the southern coast of Lake Superior and hiked Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with friends. Then we were off to the east coast of Florida for work. Before heading back to Michigan, we drove to Key West completing a truly coast-to-coast-to-coast fall trek.

2013 has started off much the same way as other recent years. First enjoying a winters walk on Michigan's beautiful west coast here at home, but then packing up again for Chicago's northshore area and work on the other coast of Lake Michigan.

Home once again, and back on my own beach, I look forward to settling in, reconnecting to life here, and enjoying my own bed for awhile.

But just for a short while...did I mention Jamaica in April?

A Walk on the Beach

While Spring is showing no sign of return in Manistee, I am still drawn to long beach walks even as ice still lingers along the shore and the north wind still pounds waves high on the coastline. I wrap up a little tighter and pull a wool hat lower down over my head, and tug on a pair of comfy rubber Boggs to keep my feet warm before heading out. And as always, I tuck a plastic bag into my pocket.

Searching out shards of colored beach glass and hunting Petoskey stones keeps me occupied on these long beach walks. My head is down (today to help keep the wind out of my eyes) as I search the sandy shore for beach treasures.  The froze sand crunches under my feet. I can feel the spray from the waves on my exposed face. Today was a good day. My plastic bag was tested. I have a decent amount of new found glass and stone to add to my collection.

Beach walking is also my time to think, to center myself, and to simply be. I am able to collect my thoughts and think through scenarios. And an hour on the beach does wonders for the soul as well as the heart. The crisp air will stay with me long after the walk ends.

I never want to take for granted the beauty, the serenity, the peacefulness, and majesty that is here on the coast of Lake Michigan here in my own backyard in Manistee, Michigan. While we have traveled extensively and enjoyed many beaches and coastlines, truly none compare to the sugar sand shoreline here...no matter the season. Our beaches here are pure. I hope we have the sense to protect them and keep them that way.

Get outside and talk a walk.

Carol Atkins Passes On

We received word that our dear friend and leader in the women's movement passed away On Saturday, March 16, 2013 in Ohio. Carol was a tiny woman with a booming voice - a voice of equality for all. During her time in Manistee, when I met her, she was an activist, author, playwright, poet, community leader, and strong supporter of the Women's netWork.

In October, 2008 Carol Atkins was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. I had the honor of introducing her that evening at the awards dinner. Her husband Ned, and daughter Cindy and her family were there with her. I looked back in old computer files, and here is what I read when I introduced Carol that evening:

"If I were writing a paper for school about what I would like to be when I grow up, it would be titled “When I grow up, I want to be Carol Atkins.”

Carol has been a grass roots leader working for women's rights most her adult life...and the stories she tells about those experiences – both good and bad - - - give me and other women she meets, the courage to continue to work toward equality and justice for all people.

When you meet Carol, picture her in 1973 -  35 years ago ---  as she and several other NOW women organized a demonstration at the Little League World Series that drew several hundred activists.  Carol and the others charged onto the field in the middle of an inning and ran around the bases.  Carol told me later - - we made it around the bases 3 times! Little League Baseball was changed forever - a change that eventually would allow nearly five million girls to participate in the world’s largest organized youth sports program.   Talk about impact!  This is just one story I can tell you abut Carol - - but this tells you about her determination, courage, passion, and her vision.

When I was first introduced to Carol, we met over lunch to talk about the possibility of her being a speaker for our Women's netWork luncheon. Her small frame, and soft voice were no match for her fiery eyes and passionate words. I could not help but giggle as she told stories, animated and lively, about working to get equal rights for all people. As she described her adventures, for me it felt like the history pages were being opened and the characters from the past were stepping into the coffee shop. I loved her from that first meeting and take advantage of every opportunity to talk more with her to soak up her energy and determination.

Her message is as loud and clear today as it was then - - and she continues to share her thoughts, ideas, poetry, dreams, and passions with anyone who will listen...and sometimes, even with those who will not.  When Carol Atkins speaks...people listen.  After all, how can you argue with a woman on oxygen.

Please welcome – my friend,  my mentor,   Carol Atkins"

 

...Rest well, my dear friend Carol.

 

 

21-Day Meditation

Early this month, my daughter invited me to participate in the Oprah & Deepak 21-Day Meditation Challenge online. I am so glad I took her up on the invitation. While I was not in a place to commit on day one of the challenge, the program is available online so I simply started a few days later.

It's been a wonderful experience so far and I have just completed day five. One any given "normal" day for me, I wake up with a start with my mind racing about all the things I want to accomplish in the day. I typically have my hands in a few things within an hour of waking up and end up sort of all over the place by noon.

It's amazing how after just a couple of days into this program, I have had calmer mornings and more organized days. I'll write more about that later, but for now, I just invite you to click on the link below, and accept the 21-Day Meditation Challenge from Oprah &  Deepak and enjoy a more productive, settled day.

http://www.chopracentermeditation.com

I'd like to hear from you. I'd like to know how the challenge impacts your day and life.

Enjoy!
Judy

First Lady Seeks to Reignite Flame for President

From a CNN online news story: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/04/politics/michelle-obama-speech/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews If you did not see Michelle Obama deliver her speech last night, you can watch it in full on CNN.com It is amazing what women are doing... The first lady is known as a warm, open woman whose latest favorable numbers in a CNN/ORC International poll hit 65%. Obama campaign officials describe her as the "most popular political figure in America." Just four years ago, she was being portrayed as an Afro-sporting, machine gun-toting, Angela Davis figure fist-bumping her husband in a cartoon on the cover of the New Yorker. She's built her likeable reputation by tackling such issues as childhood obesity with her "Let's Move!" campaign, holding several high-profile events at the White House and appearing in public service announcements to encourage children and their parents to maintain an active lifestyle. She also started a vegetable garden on the grounds of the executive mansion. By Sarah Aarthun and Ashley Killough, CNN updated 11:58 AM EDT, Wed September 5, 2012