Small Biz Forward Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today Small Biz Forward Small Biz Forward Small Biz Forward Small Biz Forward THE PLACE WHERE BUSI THE PLACE WHERE BUSI THE PLACE WHERE BUSI THE PLACE WHERE BUSINESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO CONNECT, COLLABORATE CONNECT, COLLABORATE CONNECT, COLLABORATE CONNECT, COLLABORATE AND SUCCEED AND SUCCEED AND SUCCEED AND SUCCEED Vol. 20. N0. 12 December
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Small Biz Forward
Exploring the Entrepreneurial World of TodayExploring the Entrepreneurial World of TodayExploring the Entrepreneurial World of TodayExploring the Entrepreneurial World of Today
Small Biz ForwardSmall Biz ForwardSmall Biz ForwardSmall Biz Forward
THE PLACE WHERE BUSITHE PLACE WHERE BUSITHE PLACE WHERE BUSITHE PLACE WHERE BUSINESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO NESSES COME TO
CONNECT, COLLABORATECONNECT, COLLABORATECONNECT, COLLABORATECONNECT, COLLABORATE AND SUCCEEDAND SUCCEEDAND SUCCEEDAND SUCCEED
Vol. 20. N0. 12 December
2 Small Biz Forward
Ed Becher, (Ret.) US Marine and
Former Chief Instructor, US Dept. of
State, Uniformed Branch, Diploma#c
Security Service. Owner, The
Bodyguard Academy, Sturgis,
Michigan. He can be reached at: h-p://
centerforprotec#on.com
Nancy Becher, Passionate
about suppor#ng “mom and pop”
businesses, Nancy is the Chief
Everything Officer of Business
Success Unlimited, an educa#onal
training program and success
mentor for entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is
the author of many short ar#cles and published pieces in
various magazines and online. An entrepreneur since age
12, she is known for her knowledge of running small
businesses and caring about the people she works with.
h-p://success4biz.biz is where she’s found!
Adam Fleming, President of Epic Life
Studios since 2008, Adam Fleming is a
Cer#fied Leadership Coach and Coach
Trainer. Adam has coached business
owners in many aspects of growth, with
a focus on personal calling and balance;
and business focus on marke#ng, spe
cifically inten#onal growth by referral.
Adam has been a BNI member since 2011 and currently
serves his chapter of that organiza#on as Educa#onal
Coordinator, teaching members to network effec#vely.
Barbara Nicastro is a problem
solver, strategist and business execu
#ve highly experienced in analysis of
complex document or factual situa
#ons. Uses a pragma#c business ap
proach to prevent or resolve issues.
Extensive leadership, public speaking,
nego#a#on, media and mo#va#onal training experi
ence. You can reach Barb at www.linkedin.com/in/
bnicastro
Contributing Writers
Cindy Cohen is a registered nurse with 35
years of experience from the bedside to CEO
of a hospital. Cohen is recognized as an ac
complished author, wellness expert, and cor
porate wellness leader. You can find Cindy
www.D.com/CindyCohenRN,
www.Linkedin.com/in/CindyCohen,
Jason Barr, founder of Valen#ne
Web Services. We don't just build web
sites; we deliver fullyop#mized cam
paigns centered around your important
business objec#ves to put the Web to
work for you! Located in South Bend, IN. He’s there for
all your website needs. Contact him at: h-p://
facebook.com/jason.barr.sb
3 Small Biz Forward
Sherry Lynn Simoes works with
Small and Home-Based Entrepreneurs to
build a thriving business through the right
marke�ng methods as well as website
design, blog training & design and social
media training and management. She
runs two networking groups (Women of Today and Business
Builders Interna�onal) and provides free training to members
each month on a different aspect of marke�ng their business.
Sherry Lynn can be found at: h,p://facebook.com/
sherry.simoes
Gail Turluck is the President of
Connec�ve Marke�ng of Richland,
Michigan. Connec�ve Marke�ng offers
communica�ons services including
wri�ng, e-newsle,ers, newsle,ers, web
site content, edi�ng, proofreading, and
more. She can be reached at
gail@connec�vemarke�ngllc.com.
Kelly Rock is the Director
of Opera�ons for Four Flags
Chamber of Commerce in
Niles, MI. If there’s anything
you want to know about Niles,
or about the business commu-
nity in the city or surrounding areas, Kelly is the one
Specializing in insurance for individuals, small businesses
and the unique opportuni�es of American Veterans
8175 Creekside Dr Suite 200
Portage, Michigan 49024 Toll Free: (800) 578-1609
4 Small Biz Forward
The holidays are here…YIKES. There’s too much to do and just
not enough hours in the day. We have work, ge%ng ready for
family and friends (not to men(on Santa Claus), and all the
rounds of par(es that go on this (me of year. How can we do it
all? The answer is, we can’t. That is, and s(ll enjoy ourselves
while ge%ng business done in (me and with good quality. So,
my sugges(on is to get a nice cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate,
sit down with pen and paper, and write down everything (and I
do mean EVERYTHING) that you want to do this month. Time
management is a BIG part of what needs to be done here. Look
at your list and then start crossing off things that can wait or
aren’t as important; checking things that are MUSTS; and
ques(on marks by things that can be fit in if (me allows.
When you have your (meline down on paper, you can start to
breathe a bit more easily, saying “I think I can do this!” and the
panic starts to subside. I know it does for me, at least. It is okay
to “just say no” to some things, and yes to others. People
understand, and really don’t expect everyone they invite to their
par(es to show up. It’s just that they feel that they have to invite
everyone, but we all understand that it’s not always possible to
do everything.
The lesson here is that it’s important to take (me to enjoy
yourself along the way so that when the new year rolls around,
you’re ready to start off with a BANG!
Happy holidays to everyone, and please enjoy yourselves and
stay safe!
Nancy and everyone at Business Success Unlimited/Celebrate
Business Publishing.
Office to Office — Editor’s
Note
December 2013
Celebrating the success of
entrepreneurs everywhere.
Editor:
Nancy Becher
Advertising and feature inquiries send to:Advertising and feature inquiries send to:Advertising and feature inquiries send to:Advertising and feature inquiries send to:
South Bend, IN 46660 www.Facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans
Karen – 574-344-8895
B2B Get Together Holiday Bash B2B Get Together Holiday Bash B2B Get Together Holiday Bash B2B Get Together Holiday Bash –––– ItItItIt’’’’s A Networking Partys A Networking Partys A Networking Partys A Networking Party
Thursday, December 5, 6:15Thursday, December 5, 6:15Thursday, December 5, 6:15Thursday, December 5, 6:15----8:00pm (Open Networking starts at 5:30)8:00pm (Open Networking starts at 5:30)8:00pm (Open Networking starts at 5:30)8:00pm (Open Networking starts at 5:30)
(Loca-on: Sprenger Health Care Center, Elm Road Campus, 60257 Bodnar Blvd., Mishawaka, IN)(Loca-on: Sprenger Health Care Center, Elm Road Campus, 60257 Bodnar Blvd., Mishawaka, IN)(Loca-on: Sprenger Health Care Center, Elm Road Campus, 60257 Bodnar Blvd., Mishawaka, IN)(Loca-on: Sprenger Health Care Center, Elm Road Campus, 60257 Bodnar Blvd., Mishawaka, IN)
This B2B Get Together is a Holiday Networking Party with an awesome twist and we think the very best way to net-
work successfully. It’s a sponsored event with complimentary wine, non-alcoholic beverages, yummy appetizers and
will be held at the beautiful Sprenger Healthcare Center, Mishawaka. Open Networking at the bar, 5:30-6:15 and then
Business Introductions and “Live Networking De-constructed” starts at 6:15pm. All businesses are introduced. Bring
your business cards, brochures, samples. Just $10 to participate (complimentary wine and appetizers). RSVP please on
B2B Get Together/B2B Get Together/B2B Get Together/B2B Get Together/””””Live Networking DeLive Networking DeLive Networking DeLive Networking De----constructedconstructedconstructedconstructed””””
Friday, January 10, 2014 Friday, January 10, 2014 Friday, January 10, 2014 Friday, January 10, 2014 –––– 9:309:309:309:30----11:30am11:30am11:30am11:30am
Thursday, March 20, 2014 Thursday, March 20, 2014 Thursday, March 20, 2014 Thursday, March 20, 2014 –––– 4:004:004:004:00----9:00pm9:00pm9:00pm9:00pm
(Saint Mary(Saint Mary(Saint Mary(Saint Mary’’’’s Campus s Campus s Campus s Campus –––– Gillespie Center, South Bend, IN)Gillespie Center, South Bend, IN)Gillespie Center, South Bend, IN)Gillespie Center, South Bend, IN)
Best Expo of the year! One of a kind event with our unique “Everyone Shops Experience”! Networking at its best and
auction fun with local charities too. Sponsors, 40 Vendors, “A Minute Wins It’ Challenges, Great Prizes & Surprises.
Live Auction Fun! Great Networking! Fun for you and your
friends and good for your business too! Come shop with us!
$15 at the Door (and you get $10 back in Michiana Bucks to
spend at the event). More info, call Karen 574.344.8895.
9 Small Biz Forward
Note from Rebecca Maalouf, professional makeup artist and
small business owner:
Why Updates Matter: Every fall, we pull the same looks out of our closet. We apply our (one time) favorite lipstick, and we
face our days... firmly stuck in a rut. When was the last time you stepped outside of your comfort
zone to consider something new? Take that baby step forward today. Call me. I'll show you how to find
the best look while respecting your personal style.
Call 574-243-1730
Ask for a "Best Look" lesson with Rebecca.
$40. 45 minutes.
Bring in or mention this note, and it's fully redeemable in product - so you have nothing to lose.
Camellia Cosmetics * 7220 Heritage Square Drive * Granger IN
www.camelliacosmetics.com
10 Small Biz Forward
11 Small Biz Forward
Ready or not, 2014 is almost here. A new year offers
up a fresh start, and we usually take advantage by
devising plans for the months ahead, making resolutions
to eat better, get more exercise, learn a new language or
spend more time with the kids.
Hopefully you have already spent time
contemplating your resolutions for 2014. Setting goals
for the new year is not something to be taken lightly but
too often we don’t spend enough time thinking about it.
To increase the chances of reaching your goals, we’ve
broken down a few simple steps to pave the path to
success, whether it is at home or the office.
One is enough.One is enough.One is enough.One is enough. Taking on too much can have the
opposite effect by overwhelming your brain with too
many objectives, resulting in a feeling of hopelessness.
Spend some time brainstorming and then narrow your
focus to the most important goal. Quality definitely
outweighs quantity in this situation.
Be realistic.Be realistic.Be realistic.Be realistic. Goal setting is a process and ensuring
your objectives are realistic is important. An ambiguous
goal is more difficult to reach than one that is concrete,
so take the time to get specific and iron out a practical
implementation plan. Examine if you have time to work
toward your target – if it doesn’t seem attainable, re-
examine your objective.
Make it a habit.Make it a habit.Make it a habit.Make it a habit. Many people focus on kicking bad
habits every January. Instead think about your
resolutions as a way to introduce good habits into your
life. If you`ve pledged to increase your productivity this
year, consider habits you can adopt to make it happen.
Don`t do it alone.Don`t do it alone.Don`t do it alone.Don`t do it alone. Bringing others into the fold will
help hold you accountable and keep you committed to
your long-term vision. Your friends, family and co-
workers all have an important role to play and may even
be able to assist you in reaching your goal more quickly
and calling you out if you drop the ball.
Revisit your resolutions.Revisit your resolutions.Revisit your resolutions.Revisit your resolutions. There are very few things in
our lives that are truly static and your New Year’s
resolution isn’t one of them. If you are finding yourself
slipping back into your old ways, or not making much
progress in your intended direction, don’t be afraid to go
back to the drawing board.
What happens in the end if you miss your mark? For
some people, failing to reach a goal can be emotionally
devastating. Others can turn that failure into something
much more positive. Research shows those who maintain
a sense of humour and don’t take themselves too
seriously rebound best and accepting things outside your
control can help you move on to bigger and brighter
things.
So sit down, sharpen your pencil and think about the
one big move you would like to make this year while
you’ve still got 12 months to make it happen.
by Jerry Sarno, Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants
12 Small Biz Forward
How to Use Story to
Energize Your
Marketing. By Jason Barr, Valentine Web Design
13 Small Biz Forward
This isn’t why you started your own business.
Sure, sales are ok and you’re getting by. Your
customers are happy for the most part. You’ve even got
a few great testimonials that remind you of why you
started doing this, but it’s a long way from what you
envisioned back when you first began.
Back then, you lost sleep over the idea that grew
into your company. You were so excited about helping
your customers, you couldn’t wait to get started! You
dreamed of making people happy, but the reality is
much more mundane.
What happened? And more importantly, what can
be done to capture that old enthusiasm and
communicate it to your customers?
You ArenYou ArenYou ArenYou Aren’’’’t Telling Your Story Effectivelyt Telling Your Story Effectivelyt Telling Your Story Effectivelyt Telling Your Story Effectively
Your original idea is still good, and you’ve done
your homework as far as homing in on your target
market, forming a strong value proposition, and
incorporating customer feedback into your operations.
You’re a wiz on the operations end. What’s missing is
telling the story about your business, the very thing that
had you up all night with anticipation. You remember,
right? Those dreams of grateful customers thanking
you? Each one of those visions is a powerful resource.
Storytelling isn’t just something for kids to do at
campouts; it’s a powerful method of engagement.
Narrative is deeply ingrained in the human psyche, and
we enthusiastically respond to good ones.
Why We Often Do Business BackwardsWhy We Often Do Business BackwardsWhy We Often Do Business BackwardsWhy We Often Do Business Backwards
Business owners love data. We love it because it
tells us what we’re doing right and wrong, and often
helps us do better. Data is very, very important. But it
can also become a fixation that leads us to crowd out
the more emotionally satisfying aspects of marketing.
Data doesn’t drive customers to identify with your
brand, and numbers don’t make them buy. When you
concentrate on these kinds of information and don’t
first engage with a strong brand narrative, you miss a
vital way to build your bottom line.
How to Tell a Story That Will Power Up Your BrandHow to Tell a Story That Will Power Up Your BrandHow to Tell a Story That Will Power Up Your BrandHow to Tell a Story That Will Power Up Your Brand
Fortunately, you’ve already come a long way
toward storytelling your brand if you’ve done due
diligence to things like your ideal customer profile and
elevator pitch. In a sense, your elevator pitch is actually
a story in miniature, and your customer profile
describes the hero of your narrative.
That’s right, your customer is the hero of your
brand’s story, not you. Surprised? Don’t be. After all,
your customers are the ones who make it possible for
you to do what you do. The customer is the hero,
because in a good story the hero always emerges
transformed. You are the agent of transformationagent of transformationagent of transformationagent of transformation.
A strong narrative answers three questions: who,
why, and how. “Who” is your ideal customer profile.
You should know your target market intimately. You
should know their fears, hopes, dreams, motivations,
and problems. “Why” is the problem they have that
your product or service will solve. But it’s not just
about fixing what’s wrong for them; it’s about creating
meaningful resolution to the drama of their situation
that brings about a need need need need for what you do. “How”
presents the action they need to take so you can create a
satisfying climax to the drama. Who leads to why, and
resolution is found in how.
Arthur draws the sword from the stone and
becomes king. Luke Skywalker embraces the Force and
saves the galaxy. A customer encounters your company
and finds a way to move past her dilemma, stronger and
wiser.
By casting your target customer as the hero and
establishing your brand as the solution to his pressing
need, you begin crafting a potent marketing story that
will draw in new prospects, increase their satisfaction,
and give new life to your business.
Jason Barr is a Digital Media Consultant, creating powerful
inbound marketing solutions to help nonprofits and social
enterprises increase reach, revenue, and effectiveness in
Time to give your business a boost, refresh your own focus for
success and join in the fun of a unique networking experience.
Lots of fun and a great way to connect with other businesses.
Open Networking time 9:00-9:30 and then Business
Introductions and “live Networking De-constructed” starts at
9:30. All businesses are introduced. Bring your business cards,
brochures, samples. Just $5 to participate.
16 Small Biz Forward
Creating an Ad Campaign By Sherry Lynn Simoes, Women of Today
Creating an Ad Campaign is an art. The 2 most
important points you should remember are:
1 – Always include a CALL TO ACTION
2 – Tie EVERYTHING you do together!
THE PURPOSETHE PURPOSETHE PURPOSETHE PURPOSE
The first step when creating an Ad Campaign is to think
of the purpose.
What do you want people to do when they see your
ad? Do you want them to visit your website? Do you want
them to call you, email you or to purchase something?
YOUR TARGET MARKETYOUR TARGET MARKETYOUR TARGET MARKETYOUR TARGET MARKET
Who are you trying to reach with this campaign?
Sometimes you will have more than one target market.
Try to focus on one of them for a campaign. You do not
want to try and reach everyone as you will not be able to
come up with the ad copy that will speak to them.
Is your target market your existing customers or new
ones?
THE CALL TO ACTIONTHE CALL TO ACTIONTHE CALL TO ACTIONTHE CALL TO ACTION
Once you know the purpose you want to come up
with a creative way to get them to do this. This is called
your Call to Action. You really need to think deep and
outside the box about this. Simply saying Call today is
not a strong call to action. Call today to receive a
Complimentary, No Obligation Information Package is
better.
17 Small Biz Forward
YOU MUST HAVE A STRONG CALL YOU MUST HAVE A STRONG CALL YOU MUST HAVE A STRONG CALL YOU MUST HAVE A STRONG CALL
TO ACTION OR YOU ARE WASTING TO ACTION OR YOU ARE WASTING TO ACTION OR YOU ARE WASTING TO ACTION OR YOU ARE WASTING
TIME AND MONEY!TIME AND MONEY!TIME AND MONEY!TIME AND MONEY!
YOUR SALES COPY
I see many campaigns that are missing a crucial
component such as a phone number, email or website. In
almost all campaigns you want people to be able to reach
you in a method that is convenient for them.
Components depending on your target market and
purpose could include:
•A contact method
•Phone number
•Email
•Website
•Physical Address
•Important details
•Disclaimer if it is a contest or promotion
Bullet Points
Remember not to pack your ad with so much
information that people will not read it. Keep it short and
sweet and to the point. Do not include a novel or no one
is going to read it!
YOUR MARKETING METHODS
The step is to figure out what marketing methods are
going to reach your target market.
Think of it this way: Where does your target market
hang out? Do they shop online? Do they read the
newspaper or certain magazines? Do they use the old
fashion phone book or look listings up online? Do they
like physical mail?
Whatever you do remember that people need to see
something more than once most times before they act.
Never run one ad in a publication. It is better to run a
smaller ad more times than one time!
CHOOSE YOUR PROMOTION DATES
Do not leave something open ended. When do you
want you campaign to run from and to?
Keep in mind when your marketing methods “Hit the
Street”. When do the publications actually get delivered?
You need to make sure you give people more than a day
to act – but not too long or they will not have the urgency
to act.
TIE EVERYTHING TOGETHER
Everything you do during your campaign time must
be tied together! Get your promotion out there in as many
ways as you can! Running an ad in a newspaper alone is
not enough!
•Blog about it and point them to the campaign
•Include it in your newsletter – remember to include
a link if it is online
•Talk about it on Facebook
18 Small Biz Forward
ItItItIt’’’’s working for me, Its working for me, Its working for me, Its working for me, It’’’’ll work for you ll work for you ll work for you ll work for you
tootootootoo!
Kim Green @ hKp://
www.kimgreen.nerium.net
•Make sure any ads you run include it
•Put an ad on your own website or put on your main
page during the campaign time
•Tweet It
•Google+
•LinkedIn
•Talk about it at networking meetings – include it in
your 30 Second Intro
•Post articles online
•Do Cross Promotions
•Ask People to Share It – you may want to have an
incentive for them to do so
Email it personally to your most important contacts
one at a time is a strong method as it is an email “just for
them”
HAVE A SOLID MARKETING PLAN
Each marketing method you use should be included
in this plan. Remember not to do these things just once.
Create a plan for each method.
An ad campaign can get you a flood of business IF
YOU DO IT RIGHT!!
Remember… ask for help from an expert or get a
second opinion from someone you know and trust.
Always have someone proofread and give you their
feedback. Would they act if they saw it?
Have fun and Be Creative!
Sherry Lynn
19 Small Biz Forward
YBNF Tip: Value Your Favorites
Value Your Facebook Favorites.Value Your Facebook Favorites.Value Your Facebook Favorites.Value Your Facebook Favorites. Did you know that when another business page Did you know that when another business page Did you know that when another business page Did you know that when another business page ““““likeslikeslikeslikes” ” ” ” your your your your
page, your page appears as a favorite on their page?page, your page appears as a favorite on their page?page, your page appears as a favorite on their page?page, your page appears as a favorite on their page? Do you know who has made your page a Do you know who has made your page a Do you know who has made your page a Do you know who has made your page a
favorite and how to nurture that relationship?favorite and how to nurture that relationship?favorite and how to nurture that relationship?favorite and how to nurture that relationship? You can connect with the You can connect with the You can connect with the You can connect with the businesses that have
made your page a favorite by logging into your business page, going to your "LIKEs" and
clicking on the "see all" drop down. You will be able to choose individual people who like your
page (your fans) or businesses that like your page (your favorites). Be sure to "LIKE their
business page when logged into your own business page so you can make them a favorite on
sleep...what next? Nearly 1/3 of Americans now have
Metabolic Syndrome. What’s that you ask? If you
would’ve asked me 30 years ago about Metabolic
Syndrome I couldn’t have answered, because there was no
such condition. You may not know you have it. Those of
you with a big belly (abdominal obesity), exploding body
weight (body mass index), high blood pressure, your
cholesterol is too high (low HDL cholesterol) and have
high blood sugar (pre-diabetic) it’s you. What happened?
A lot of poor food choices, no exercise, not enough sleep
and too much stress that’s what! This means 1/3 of you
are already sick and the rest of us are looking forward to
the possibility of developing diabetes, heart disease, and/
or stroke. Just because you don’t have any of these
symptoms you’re in the clear. Not a chance. For example
heart disease doesn’t start with chest pain; it starts with
that first French fry!
Bad health is bad for businessBad health is bad for businessBad health is bad for businessBad health is bad for business
The price of everything is going up and we as a
population are getting sicker; a costly combination. With
all these challenges it’s critical to include the wellness of
your employees as a top priority for your business.
Encouraging your employees to make healthy choices and
take responsibility to improve their health is not enough
anymore.
The time has come for companies and organizations to
be the leader, show their employees / members the way
and give them the tools to become healthy it’s the only
way to survive this tough economy. You lead by setting
the pace, being the example and providing a supportive
work environment to get healthy in.
Bad health affects every size business
and it’ll cost you big time. If you’re an
entrepreneur you are your business. Even
one day of missed work can cost you big.
How many days of work can you miss due to
illness before you close up shop? The “baby boomers” are
the largest segment of the working population. You and
the people you work with are all getting older and sicker.
With the rising costs of medical care, prescription
medications, and insurance this is seriously cutting into
the profit margins of your company to such an extent
many companies are reducing their staff to reduce these
costs. Companies are literally going out of business
because of their medical expenses.
Bad health is bad for youBad health is bad for youBad health is bad for youBad health is bad for you
Poor health is frustrating, tiring and emotionally
draining on you and on your family relationships.
Sickness will cost you with a lower paycheck, not able to
get things done on time, and missing too much work.
You’ll be spending money on doctor visits, medications,
diagnostic testing, procedures and emergency room visits.
If your health is not a priority your sickness will be.
When you’re sick, trying to get better can become a full-
time expensive and exhausting job. Think about whom
you know who has heart disease, cancer or diabetes. It’s
all consuming. Isn’t it?
28 Small Biz Forward
Good health is good for you and good for your Good health is good for you and good for your Good health is good for you and good for your Good health is good for you and good for your
businessbusinessbusinessbusiness
Sometimes we forget every company is made up of
individuals. By providing support, information, and
education, the health and wellness of each individual is
improved over the long run resulting in a permanent
lifestyle change. Each person is unique in their desire to
become healthy, the way they embrace change and when
the time is right for them. Healthy and well is what we
become, not what happens to us.
Being healthy feels good, fuels you with
energy, helps you focus, and makes you
happy. You wake up refreshed, ready to
go and prepared for what the day has in
store for you. As a result of good health
you get to grow your business, keep your job, possibly
make more money, feel great about what you do and
where you work! When you’re financially fit, enjoy a
healthy, active body and have a healthy attitude what can’t
you do? You’re on top of the world!
Every employer, organization and association of every Every employer, organization and association of every Every employer, organization and association of every Every employer, organization and association of every
size are impactedsize are impactedsize are impactedsize are impacted
Every size employer, organization and association; big
and small is impacted by the number of sick and healthy
people connected to their workplace. In an economy
where resources are tight, it’s important to know that
creating a healthy life is a top priority and not as hard,
complicated or expensive as you may be thinking. All you
need is a caring expert to guide you, point you in the right
direction, and is willing to listen to the uniqueness of your
work environment. Becoming healthy and well doesn’t
have to be a big fancy program with all the bells and
whistles. Becoming healthy for you and your company
does require commitment and a plan to guarantee the
health of your organization. The road to better health is
paved with information, education, a consistent message,
and a supportive works place all working towards creating
a culture of wellness.
Anyone who owns a business or works in oneAnyone who owns a business or works in oneAnyone who owns a business or works in oneAnyone who owns a business or works in one
Your day is filled to the brim trying to balance your
home and work life. There’s hardly any time to think
about your health or wellness, much less do anything
about improving it. Every day you are bombarded by
mixed messages of what’s healthy, the latest cure or magic
pill. Today it’s more confusing than ever to know what’s
really healthy and even more important, what strategies
actually work. I’m often asked, “Is this good or bad for
me?” Instead of thinking what is good or bad for me, think
about how the choices you make are a continuum
wellness; healthy, healthier and healthiest.
The healthier choices you make, the healthier your
life. That’s what you want right? A healthy life.
Finding your way can be confusing. It’s important find
a health and wellness consultant or health coach to help
you get informed, educated and
guide you down that rocky road to
better health without costing you a
ton of money. A wellness
consultant helps you find the right
pieces of the wellness puzzle to put together that is just
right for your group.
You, those you live and work with deserve good
health. After all good health is good for your business,
you, your family and our communities.
Your partner in health,
Cindy Cohen is a registered nurse with 35 years of experience from the bedside to CEO of a hospital. Cohen is recognized as an accomplished author, wellness expert, and corporate wellness leader. As a health coach and wellness consultant, Cohen is the guiding force behind the C2 Your Health team in helping others find their way to improved personal and business wellness. C2 Your Health LLC, through the corporate wellness division Health-E 4 Life Worksite Wellness, assisted industry leaders with certification and was awarded the 2009 - 11 Indiana Small Business Wellness Tax Credit. C2 Your Health LLC also promotes the annual Expo for Women bring wellness to the community. Cohen has written a number of books, the latest 2012 Prevention Benefits Healthy Employee Costs Less (Amazon.com), and 2013 What’s on Your Plate a Simple Guide to Healthy Cooking (Amazon.com)
Cohen speaks on a local and national level about personal health, corporate wellness, and business leadership. Her expertise helped build an award winning franchise as a Qualified National Marketing Director for the Juice Plus+ Corporation winning the Top 10 in the category for developing new business. Other awards include the 2000 Temple Beth El Woman of the Year, the 2009 nomination for WSBT & Enrichment Strategies "Success Story of the Year", the 2010 -11 Annual Social Media Summit nomination for the Up and Coming Business Award, and the 2012 Wellness Council of America Faculty Status. You can find Cindy @ www.fb.com/CindyCohenRN, www.Linkedin.com/in/CindyCohen, www.CindyCohenRN.com
29 Small Biz Forward
Beginning of year resolutions are often recipes for
disaster for many reasons. That first glow of holiday
celebrations prompts a person to reach for the stars and
to assume that all is possible. The result is often
disappointment and a sense of falling behind rather than
progressing towards ones goals. When you’re deciding
how to define 2014, take a deep breath in a quiet room
and mull over the following.
What DO you really want? Will that short term goal
take you away from other, more important ones? Is no
goal at all always a bad thing? Sometimes, it’s best to
maintain the status quo for a bit rather than feel forced to
act.
Is what you want really achievable? What are your
business needs and can they be achieved in a reasonable
manner?
What will that change you want to implement
REALLY cost you . . .or your company? Are you, your
family, your employees and their families willing or able
to achieve that goal you want to set and still have a
balanced, rewarding life? Too often, executives and
owners forget the impact their decisions have on others
in their life circle.
How dependent are your new goals upon outside
forces? Many companies are just now beginning to
recover from disaster that was 2008. The lesson learned
from that experience should be that nothing is certain
and unexpected domestic or international forces may
impact your industry or future in ways you cannot
predict. While not a call to do nothing, it does behoove
us all to not commit so deeply that a serious change in
circumstances will cripple the company.
How do you want to live your life? That old saw of
no tombstone ever saying “I should have spent more
time at work” is true. With age comes wisdom, but also
a sense of how quickly time passes and how choices that
seemed crucial ten years ago are now, in hindsight,
hardly worth thinking about. Once again, it’s the desire
to provide balance and joy in your life and the lives that
you and your business touch that should be your ultimate
resolution for the new year.
30 Small Biz Forward
I start this holiday season with a great sense of thanks to all who have touched my life this past year. My business
and personal goals for 2014 are simple: to do more good than harm, to treat my clients as I wish to be treated, to keep
a balance between work, community giving and fun, to live healthy, and one other long-shot goal: to (hopefully) find
out that I’m going to be a grandmom!!! Happy Holidays to all and to all a good year!
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The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the
needs of Businesses and the Community. For further information on