Starting a business is such an exciting time.  Everything is new – you are preparing to embark on a fabulous journey!  Once you decide to start your biz – one of the first things you may work on is establishing your logo.

Your logo is you – your brand – a representation of you.

Logo’s of large successful companies are recognizable to all. Target – Nike – and Mac – you see their symbol alone – and you know exactly what brand it is.

Brand = the identity of a specific product, service, or business. A brand can take many forms, including a name, sign, symbol, color combination or slogan. (from wikipedia)

There are so many ways you can go with your company logo. Name and icon, name only, name done decoratively. Take time to think about what your business will stand for, provide, serve or offer.  Is your business serious, relaxed, fun, shabby chic, elegant, modern, bold, etc…?

Color – take a look at some color wheels and meanings of color – look through some art magazines – what colors inspire you.  A great online resource for color is www.colorlovers.com – they even offer color pallets to look at.  Take a look at the book Color:

How about an Icon – is it unique, is it timeless, is it meaningful to your company?  What does the icon mean in general?  The Designing Effective Communications, Creating Contexts For Clairity and Meaning book is a great refference tool.  Be sure not to pick an icon just because you like it – it needs to have a purpose. 

Getting your logo made – of course if you are not restricted by budget there are many graphic artists.  However, if you are just starting out and budget conscience, there are several options available to help you create a logo. However, remember that a pretty picture a brand doesn’t make. Your logo-brand should encapsulate who and what – clarity, consistency and mission count.

Whatever your budget is – here are a few things to consider when creating and purchasing a logo.

You will want the purchase to include a high res. (high resolution) file – at the minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch).  At 300 dpi your logo is suitable for printing – at 72 dpi it is only appropriate for web viewing.

You’ve seen it before a local flyer or newspaper with a local business printing an ad for their services – and their logo is pixilated (very fuzzy/dotted).  This is because the ad was not created using a logo at 300 dpi. 

If available from your designer or logo company ask for the original file (in the software that it was made it) – even if you don’t have that software you never know what types of printing/web projects in the future you may need them for.  The designer may charge extra for this – but that is okay – just make sure that is an option so you aren’t roped into always having to go back to the designer to get something done. 

If the designer doesn’t offer that – at the minimum get it in an EPS (encapsulated post script) format – as this will allow you to resize it to any size – even billboard size without affecting the resolution of the logo. 

Also get your logo in a .png (portable network graphics) file with a transparent background.  This will enable you to “float” your logo on top of a background on your website or solid background. 

Other things to find out about your design – what is your font type? And your HEX (hexadecimal) color number. 

When choosing your logo be sure to stay away from common fonts – try to use something unique.  Many fonts can be found online – some even for free!

Does your company’s name turn into an acronym that is not first-class?  Like System Analysis & Programming = SAP, Blue Mountain = B.M. – you get the point. 

Then when you’ve narrowed it down to two or three designs – get some constructive feedback– ask a family member or a friend to provide a first impression – jot down the first few adjectives they mention.  They may bring an interesting perspective to the project.  

Overall take the time to “invest” in creating a logo – don’t rush – shop around – ask around – see a logo of a small business you like?  Ask them where they got it.  Be happy & confident in you logo –  your brand – your business.

 Wendy – Helping your small business Make It Happen!

Your online presence is more important than ever.  Facebook, Twitter and Blog presence is a must for any growing business. 

If your company has a social media presence – be sure they are all linked together. Link your facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blog accounts together.  Just be sure not to use the same post on each networking site, as if you have followers that follow you in different areas, you don’t want them to get the same message everywhere.   

FACEBOOK

Types of posts to make on social networks:

• Tips
• Specials
• What’s new with your business
• Your thoughts on an issue in your line of business
• Showcase of your work
• Referring other businesses you work with

Community Coffeeon facebook is a great example of different ways to communicate with the public. 

If you have a facebook fan page – they have badges to put on your website and blog that will link people to your facebook page. 

Connect with clients on facebook and twitter – say Happy Birthday, congratulations, happy graduation, or just to touch base and say hi.

Don’t be shy – ask you clients and fans on your facebook page to recommend your page to their friends.

Connect with facebook fan pages of similar type businesses as yours.  See what types of social media they are participating in and network with them. 

No matter how big or small your business is – facebook is a great place to have a presence – what are you waiting for?  Here is the link to create your own facebook fan page:  www.facebook.com/pages/create.php

BLOGS

Don’t have a blog yet?  Check out www.wordpress.com  for free blogs, or if you want to self host a blog (get your own .com) use www.wordpress.org   they have so many templates to customize the look you are going for. 

If you have a blog – register it at www.networkedblogs.com and www.technorati.com there are others out there – but these are the two big ones to get listed on – it will help your blog get found!

Import your blog onto your facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/notes.php#!/editnotes.php?import   Now you will have a log of your blog posts on your facebook fan page and your personal page in the notes section!

Digial Biz Card

If you are on Twitter – be sure to get a Digital Biz Card from www.twtbizcard.com  – so cool and free!

What types of Social Media activities do you find helpful for your business?

-Make It Happen – specializing  in small business marketing to help you stand out in a crowd!  www.makeithappen.biz

Is your life the same old – same old? 

Do you need to be reminded to get out of your comfort zone?  Take a look!  I attended a Get Motivated seminar – with speakers such as Terry Bradshaw, Rudy Giuliani, Zig Ziglar, Gen. Colin Powell, Tamara Lowe and Laura Bush!  What an inspiring and motivating day that was!  Each speaker had some excellent points about getting the best out of yourself and I want to share a few of their pointers with you. 

Terry Bradshaw

Terry Bradshaw – NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback 

 Terry Bradshaw’s speech was full of humor and I totally agree on his tips.   He said, “Have a good time while you’re alive – smile & laugh.  Be thankful to be alive.  Practice being happy!”  I never thought of it that way – needing to practice being happy.  But what great advice, as it is so easy to get stuck in a bad-mood rut, but if we practice being happy I bet it’s a lot easier to get out of – or even stay out of that rut! 

Rudy Guilanni

Rudy Giuliani – America’s Mayor 

Everyone was so excited when Rudy Giuliani came on stage!  He had some very encouraging words to say, “You need to have relentless preparation, as if you are always getting ready for the big performance.”  For his tips about working with others he said, “It’s not a weakness to ask for help.”    And my favorite quote of his that day he said, “Funerals are more important [than weddings or parties], you’ve got be there for others when things go wrong.”   I love that, as it is not always about being there in the good times for people, but to be there for them when they are down also. 

Laura Bush

 Wendy & Derek  meeting Former First Lady Laura Bush 

I was so excited when Laura Bush came over and shook hands with my husband and I!  She is such an inspiration, so graceful and elegant.  She spoke a lot about the 8 years she spent in the White House and that time during American history.  She has a strong passion for literacy.  And she encouraged us to “Live in the moment” no matter what is going on.  Regarding some bad press her family received in the White House she said, “It didn’t get to me – I know who I am!”   Well said! 

Tamara Lowe 

Tamara Lowe – Author of “Get Motivated” 

Tamara Lowe is a true rags to riches success story!  Tamara is my cousin, but I am not gossiping about her – as what I am saying is in her ”Get Motivated” book and she spoke about it on stage.  She is a former drug addict and dropout who completely turned her life around!  Here are just some of the people she has worked with: Six United States Presidents, including George W. Bush,  British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, George Foreman, Billy Graham, and Mother Teresa.   Her message is about knowing yourself, she said, “You are wired to be inspired.  Excuses are inexcusable!”   She also said, “Don’t worry about what people think about you – it’s only between you and God.”   That is a great tip, as so many times we do worry about what others think – and that can only hinder us! 

During her presentation she called for a volunteer.  This was not something I knew about beforehand, but I jumped up to do it! 

Tamara Lowe & Wendy Marcello (photo: Parker Young) 

I am so glad I did – it was so exhilarating being up there!!

Gen. Colin Powell

Gen. Colin Powell, Soldier-Statesman 

Again the crowd went crazy to see Gen. Colin Powell arrive!  His speech was very inspirational for leaders – as he is a phenomenal leader!  As much as he enjoyed his Secretary of State position in the White House he said, “I keep my eyes looking out the front windshield.”  Not looking back, but being present and moving forward!  He encouraged businesses to “Put leaders in the best environment to get the job done.  Inspire your people and they will do anything you ask of them.” 

Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar – America’s #1 Motivator 

Since 1970 Zig Ziglar has been motivating us all!  He is a true inspiration and has endless quotes of how to motivate yourself.   He has written tons of books over the years and just released “Embrace the Struggle” after an accident he had at home.  In a few days he will be turning 83 years old, and he’s still got it – that amazing Ziglar motivation.  During his presentation he said, “Learn something new everyday to help you.  Be a constant student.”  And one of my most favorite quotes of his, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”  Amen to that – if you help others – others will help you!   Going to Get Motivated was fantastic!  The seminar travels around the country with these and other amazing speakers.  You can see it on the faces of the attendees – they are so excited to be there and truly do feel motivated from attending the seminar!   So business men, college students, working moms and homemakers – if you are in a rut – get out of your comfort zone.  Find something to shake you up, and get yourself out there – what are you waiting for?

- Wendy

Article originally posted on www.domesticsucces.com

Every morning or evening, as the case may be, take a note pad and jot down the things you NEED to get done during the day, then the things you want to get done. It may seem like the things you want may outnumber the things you need. Well I use a (wait for it) THREE step process or key if you will. I look at my list and say to myself “Health, Peace and Prosperity” in that order.  It’s quite simple, you see. If you don’t have Health (physical or mental) you haven’t anything and you won’t really have Peace.  You can have Prosperity but what’s the point if you don’t have the others. 

I then move the items around on my list, adding and subtracting based on this process. Choose things that add value to your life and that of loved ones. Park the things that take away from it. I put the list in my pocket and refer it during the day scratching items off.  Remember, this is just for the day. You can do the week but keep it simple otherwise you’ll waste your time planning instead of doing.

Here’s another way to look at it, can you remember what you did yesterday, a week ago, and a year ago? I don’t mean big stuff like birthdays, trips, births, etc. I mean what you spent your time on during the day? Now think of this, a human lives to be about 78 years on average. That’s about 28,500 days give or take. Now take your age and multiply (yes math) it by 365. Don’t forget subtracting for sleep estimated at 9400 days.  Wow big deal, I know how old I am in days.  That’s not the point. The question is how many days left do you have and how are you going to spend them?  

I’m not trying to be a downer but the point is made that we don’t know, so Live for Today! Do the things and spend the time with the people that matter most to you and remember them.  Don’t get caught up in the noise of modern life, and remember to breathe. 

We all have had times when a loved one, friend or boss has had something they felt compelled to share, and I don’t mean some skeleton they’d been hiding.  I’m talking about criticism aka feedback aka learning experience aka because they care. Whatever the lead-in may be, many people React with emotions when they need to ACT on facts. This is easier said than done you say, but with a little preparation you can work to become a master.

Unless for a formal work review, criticism is never on your schedule it’s always when the other person is ready and you’re not. The easiest way to deal with this is don’t reject it, embrace it, and welcome the feedback. Example; your friend or boss calls you over and wants to discuss something with you that you may or may not be aware of. Once they set the stage with key words like; I’m concerned; I’ve noticed; there’s a perception; there’s something I’ve been meaning to say, our gut reaction is to tense up and prepare for the defense. Don’t.  Instead take it as an early warning for an opportunity to express yourself in a meaningful way with undivided attention.

LISTEN FIRST, and take a note or two, unless asked a specific question, let the other person get it off their chest. TAKE PAUSE to reflect on what they said and make sure you understand there point and meaning. Just because you’re talking to each other doesn’t mean you’re communicating. Try not to interrupt! Wait your turn and ASK QUESTIONS and for SPECIFIC EXAMPLES as the case may be. In a constructive way turn your defensive reaction into positive action. No one ever said feedback has to be a one-way street. To get the ball rolling on your end try saying the following. “Let me first start by saying I appreciate your candor and thank you for bringing this to my attention.” If you’re really caught off guard you may try, “I really want to get to the bottom of this, I’d like to think about what you said and come back with some meaningful thoughts.”

Depending on the issue at hand you may handle it in a variety of ways but by holding fast to these steps you will soon understand the genesis of the topic and be able to categorize it into three main actions. One – the feedback is true, relevant and needs to be addressed, Two – the feedback may not be entirely fact based and further discussion and/or investigation is warranted, Three – the feedback is unsubstantiated and a clear action plan cannot be formed. The third may seem like a non-action but doing nothing is an action in itself.  Be sure to memorialize your interaction in a note to yourself while it’s fresh in your mind. This can be helpful for later reflection and recall.

Now without knowing the situation or issue, it is impossible to coach to infinite scenarios. However the basis is the same, be a good listener and try and understand what the other person is trying to express; take time to reflect on what was said; ask questions and get examples if necessary; and above all when in doubt don’t pout. Walking away from the conversation with an open mind and positive attitude is your best defense. You can always come back in a day or two to clarify the issues and work collaboratively on solutions.

Whether in your career or in your business there are times when you may feel invincible and you have the world right where you want it. But do you? 

So where am I going with this. I feel as though I should delve into choices and consequences but will save that for a latter time. For now, allow me to borrow a page from the Nations Mayor Rudy Giuliani  former NY mayor during the September 11, 2001 massacre.  

In short when the message came to Rudy he didn’t have a plan for that event and no one had even thought it could happen, but none the less it was ON and he had to make it happen.  Luckily for NY and Rudy, since he was in office in tandem with running the city and reducing street crime he had gotten with key team members to plan for disaster events. I.e. hurricanes, fires, bomb threats, demonstrations, etc. They tried to think of all kinds of things that could happen and planned around them with steps to take. Well this paid off in spades. The reason why, was because although they didn’t have a plan for planes flying into buildings they had elements of other plans they were able to quickly piece together to form a New plan to handle the unknown threat and what was needed to be done now.   

The point is when anything becomes routine or ordinary watch out for the extraordinary. We all know too well that all things change for good and bad so be prepared, ask questions (ask why five times), keep learning, and most of all don’t try to do it alone.  In your career and business from time to time you should prepare a S.W.O.T. analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats).

As my mom always said two heads are better than one. Form teams and focus groups to work on small projects. This will not only aid in contingency planning and bring in new thoughts and ideas, but also develop team building and relationships so when it hits the fan and it will, you have people you can trust and that trust you to lead them through…