Monday, March 24, 2014

New Entrepreneurs!


 
                                         I just love meeting with new entrepreneurs to discuss their business.

It’s exciting to meet that new idea or new business that provides different services.  It’s interesting to learn what excites others and what challenges they face on a daily basis.  After speaking with hundreds of entrepreneurs I find two common concerns.

Lack of Capital – Many people have great ideas, connections and provide a great service but, need more capital. I understand it takes money to make money but, how can you make money when you have no money.  My advice is always “work with what you have.”   Focus on the things that make you money now before you start working on other plans or want to expand your services.  Plan your next investment before you spend any money.   Create a list of all the things you want for your business and then prioritize them in the order of what will bring you revenue today.

Example 1:  If you only have $100 to spend for your business and are deciding between ordering business cards or running a newspaper ad, order the business cards.  The business cards are more important because you can reach more people with a direct approach.  Join different networking groups; most of them are free and simply talk to people about your services.

Example 2: If you need a website but don’t have the $500 to create it find alternatives like a Facebook page that also provides social media exposure and allows you to reach more people organically.  Many people don’t take action because they are too busy focused on what they don’t have instead of working with the resources they do have.

Lack of People – This is a very common concern for many business owners.  We all want more people. Many times new entrepreneurs want to build their business themselves since it’s their baby and a lot of times don’t have the money to pay for expert advice.  My life changed when I realized I wasn’t able to do it all by myself.  I needed help and so I hired on a few volunteers and others that were on a commission only basis before I was able to put people on payroll.  Don’t ever forget that every big successful business was a startup at one point.

There are many painful steps involved in developing a business but, it’s only temporary.  Many people focus all their energy on graphics, website designs, creating forms and doing other technical stuff.  Your time should be invested wisely like in building relationships with potential clients, marketing your products and attending events to bring in more business.  I always say “a conversation with someone about your business is more effective in creating revenue than spending time on building a website.”    You can do it!  Don’t give up!
 
This is GOALYGO!
 
Yanira ALY Nazario :0)~

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Hello! This is BEBO...




Hello Everyone,

This is Bebo.  My mom is GOALYGO and I’ve been in my new home for 30 days.  Let me share with you how awesome my life is and how much I enjoy this new home. I finally learned how to go up and down the stairs.  I also learned how to jump on the couch and cry non-stop every time my mom takes a shower. I just want to be with her all the time but she takes long showers and I get so bored.  I found a new toy called toilet paper that keeps me busy when I’m bored and just want to play.  My mom doesn’t understand how much I love it and how much I want her to spend time with me. She says I snore sometimes when I’m sleeping.

My mom buys me a lot of puppy toys and other cool stuff but my favorite toys are her feet and toilet paper.  I bite her nails, feet, legs, hands, hair and I just love playing with her. My mom is different because she doesn’t have a TV so I usually see her reading and writing on something that looks like a computer.  I think it’s called a laptop. Sometimes I just want her to stop working so I take her mouse and walk all over her lap to interrupt her.   It makes me laugh and I enjoy getting her attention.  I love her too because when I go outside she gives me yummy treats.

I noticed that my mom, GOALYGO, isn’t around all the time because she drops me off at Momma Jojo’s house for babysitting.  I love Momma Jojo’s house because I play with Bowser and get to sleep in a big bed with him. He’s my brother and I miss him at times.  I hear my mom travels and works long hours.  I love it when my mom picks me up because when I see her I get so excited and happy. We live in a big house and to make sure people know this is my house I bark when I hear noises or when we get visitors.  When I’m home and my mom is working late, I get upset because she keeps the lights on when I’m trying to sleep. 

I finally met my grandparents recently and they are so cool.  They have a big yard that I love to run around in.  My mom has a few friends that come over to visit and play games and to be honest I only like a few of them.  There are some that I’m still trying to welcome into our home and that’s why sometimes I don’t leave my mom’s lap.  I met these cool girls named Daisy and Norma that I really like and this baby girl Julianna. They were a lot of fun to be around and super nice with us.

There are times when I know I misbehave but, I always find a way for my mom to forgive me. My mom left me inside my crate one day because she couldn’t take me with her and so I sat there bored.  Momma GOALYGO left the light on and some music playing but I didn’t care about the radio because I found a way to open the cage and get out.  I ended up chewing up my mom’s book, shoes, toilet paper, bed sheets, business cards, chair and spilled water all over the floor.   All of a sudden I heard my mom’s car pull up and I quickly looked for a place to hide.  I didn’t have much time so I decided to hide under her pillows.  I heard her scream my name several times and didn’t realize that my ears were sticking out from under the pillows.  Uh-oh….she found me.

I continue to find ways to entertain myself but, at the same time learn the rules of my new home. I am learning to go outside and come right back when my mom’s calls me.  Sometimes I hide under her car just to let her know that I’m not ready to go back inside.  It’s fun to watch her chase me around and try to catch me.  I enjoy my new home and love my new mom.  I love the comfort of snuggling up to her neck when it’s time for bed.
Hope to see everyone soon!
BEBO Lucas Willis
GOALYGO's dog

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

What's my Special SPIRIT?


                                                This is something special not everyone has….

What is the spirit of the entrepreneur? On Monday, I woke up around 6:00am to start getting ready for work.  I was doing my make-up and realized I was actually excited about going into the office.  I couldn’t wait to get out the door and on the road.  For a second, I thought that was weird since the world hates Mondays but, then I realized not everyone has the spirit of the entrepreneur.  To be able to walk into an office with no directions, no expectations, no guidance, and no accountability other than the one that you set for yourself is the powerful spirit of the entrepreneur. You don’t know how; you just know that you must.

This spirit is so special because it comes from within and flows through your body, mind and heart. The power to create ideas, develop strategies and implement solutions. You don’t know how things happen but you continue to provide a service. Your heart beats differently when you hear the word “business.” You walk faster because this spirit guides you to move forward and opens the door to new opportunities. The entrepreneur spirit talks to your heart and fuels you with passion for your new business venture.  It’s a powerful force and when you find yourself facing challenges, you spring into action and take control.  You learn to manage even when your brain tells you to walk away.

Many people can’t relate because they weren’t born with the entrepreneur spirit. They may like the idea of a business and the possibility but, it’s just not in them.  When you talk to a fellow entrepreneur it’s like speaking a different language because you both understand how the business world works. Many people get excited about an idea but, very few take action and carry it on to completion.  Only the spirit of the entrepreneur can move your heart to reach the ultimate goal.  Your steps are stronger, your determination speaks loud and your success has no limits.

I encourage you to look within yourself to discover if you have the spirit of the entrepreneur.

This is GOALYGO!

Yanira ALY Nazario :0)~