Web of Allies

I recently got the pleasure of working with Gary A York & Associates on a new website for their company. The project was fun to work on and the team of CPA's in the height of their tax season, were a delight to work with and a partner I look forward to building a long term relationship with. I learned a few things in my initial contact with them and though I'd mention them here. One, although the focus was on the website, I learned a lot while working with Gary York and two of his team members-Krista and Laura. Order and a sound approach to website building is wonderful. They let me do what I do best and they interjected where it made sense and in ways that were meaningful to the project. Two, financial planning is important. There are a lot of new information now running around in my head that will take me farther in business, personal and other realms as a result. I learned a lot just from the literature this Sugarhouse, Utah based firm puts out, our meetings and from d...

It does. So much so, in fact, that it's hard to decide where is an appropriate place to start. On a professional level, I've had a lot of really dynamic experiences-from working in a home for the elderly to starting a WISP, a VoIP business opportunity, and a marketing consultation firm. I've learned how to handle massive responsibility, find resources when needed and have worked with people who were willing to pull me aside and generously point out my flaws. On a personal level, I've had existential experiences, some fascinating guides and a multitude of strangers who I've been able to engage on levels that I won't even try to post on this blog. That said, this past few months has provided me with a clarity and a focus that I haven't ever had... It's taken what was really great and made it phenomenal. Let me explain. I've had a lot of work experience because I love to work, to learn and am unafraid of getting my hands dirty or of looking silly. Whil...

It's been one week since the Startup Weekend in Salt Lake and I've had a bit of time to process the event, the outcome and my personal experiences with this phenomenal three day marathon. First, let me say that I heard of this event after complaining that Utah didn't have a lot of entrepreneurial type conferences. I take back some of what I said and have to admit, if a single event were to come to this state in lieu of all others, I'd be okay with Startup Weekend being that event. For those of you not familiar, this is a competition where people pitch ideas, research, plan and execute a group of start up businesses in a three day period. That said, here's more about the event- what I would do differently, some of my favorite aspects and what's happened since last Saturday. If I had it all to do over again, I'd do almost all of it different. I don't know if I've ever felt that way before, but it's true for Startup Weekend. For example, I would ha...

Christmas cards have likely gone out to business contacts, faraway friends and others, but for those close to you whom you haven’t purchased a gift, why not include a delicious dinner or dessert? Not the whole thing, just a recipe! At novelty stores, grocery stores, card shops, there are recipe cards. Cute or witty, plain or serious, get a stack and write out some of your favorite recipes. Put the card in your Christmas card and voila! A great gift to last and last. Don’t have a favorite recipe? Here’s one that went our to some special people this year: (Full Article).....

After helping a close contact set up some social media, I realized that one key to success in marketing online is keeping your efforts on track and in focus. Here is an exerpt from an article I wrote this morning or click to read the whole social media article . Profile names, passwords, and rankings can get jumbled and your efforts may get watered down if you spread yourself too thin. If you are new to online media, it can be intimidating with the plethora of options available. Here is five ways to stay focused and keep your efforts on the right track. 1. Identify your goals. Do you want to create brand awareness or highlight brick and mortar locations? Maybe you want to build value in a dot com or become a social media guru. Regardless of what your goals are, list them, refine them and research the best ways to turn them into a reality. Write them down and keep them handy. Type them out and use them as a screensaver. Set appointments in your phone and get daily reminders...

For the last part of 2011, I suggest on my Facebook page and will duplicate the suggestion here, that you clean out your spaces. From offices to people, from thoughts to visualizations, it's time to clean up anything that stands between you and your goals for the future. 2012 is going to be monumental-where do you want to be? Head into that office space, tackle the filing cabinet and get an orderly system together so that you can be successful and calm while you complete tasls and meet goals. You will feel better and more focused if you know where your working items are and your space will be supportive of you meeting your goals and making it through obstacles. Put up an old fashioned calendar to keep you reminded of important dates and meeting times before they get there. Think of what you will need to succeed and contact anyone you could use for advice and mentoring. Your thoughts will create your reality and if there are any blank spaces or questions, use your social media or ...

I have decided it's time to branch off my social media into the consultative and professional/personal directions that make sense. For my new facebook page, I will be discussing media from traditional to social to guerrilla, relating experiences that can help your business or brand and dig into what the future seems to hold for online. Click over and like my new page to be kept in the loop and get valuable information on how to track and add to your success.