Nessa's Notes

I've Moved

2010-11-05T17:20:00.000-04:00

I've moved my blogging over to my main website. I hope you'll join me at www.vanessasdesk.com/nessas-notes

Day 23 - Make A Wish

2009-12-08T12:53:00.000-05:00

We're up to number 23 in the 30 days of blogging, and although I have missed some days this has still been the best thing that could ever happen to this journal.

Prompt 23 is an especially fun one; make a wish!

When I was a teenager and going through some difficulties, my school couselor would often ask me what I would wish for if I had the proverbial three wishes. Back then it all seemed so simple. I would always answer that I only needed one wish: for everybody in the world to have all they needed and be happy. In my mind then, that meant that everybody would have all their wishes granted!

I suppose that now I should have a more practical view of real life. And in some ways that earlier wish seems simplistic and unrealistic. There are some people who never have "enough" and some who refuse to be happy. So as I grew older my wishes stayed generally the same became more specific.

My wish is that everyone could be well nourished and healthy. That no one would ever have to face the trials of inadequate shelter or ridicule because of physical style or circumstances. That everyone would experience the joy that comes from knowing and fulfilling a purpose. That we could all give and receive absolute and unconditional love.

Yeah, I know it's a lot to ask. But at the same time, it's really not so much: it's not like I'm wishing for the impossible. I believe that these things are possible....

Day 21 - Changes

2009-12-07T12:12:00.002-05:00

Number 21 in the 30 days of blogging is to notice what's changing as we post during this project.

Other than the obvious change of making more posts, I wasn't sure if anything had changed. I find that it's definitely easier to post when there is a set topic or question to answer. And thinking about some of the prompts has given me ideas about how to include a broader range of subjects within my theme.

This can only mean good things for my business and my mission.

Thanks Susan!

Day 20 - Memories

2009-12-06T11:36:00.002-05:00

I missed a few days in the 30 days of blogging, but the nice thing about this project is that it's so easy to jump back in. :)

Prompt 20 is to share a childhood memory.

When thinking about what would make a good recollection to share here, I reminded myself that the topic of this blog is wealth creation. That led to thoughts of Carolina Florist, the business my grandparents owned.

"The Shop" as we called it was one of my favorite places to be and there are so many fond memories to recall.

Grandpa's whispery whistle as he worked, creating his beautiful arrangements
Grandma V teaching me how to update customer files when payments came in
Watering and dusting the potted plants and "dish gardens" kept in the window displays
Making endless boquets and corsages for Mother's day, and hundreds of palm crosses for Easter
The elation when after countless tries, I finally learned to make a bow-ribbon pompom

It was a good place and a good way to learn about business and money and independence. I wish I had recognized at the time just how extraordinary it was.

Day 17 - Who Is Here

2009-12-01T08:17:00.003-05:00

Prompt 17 in 30 days of blogging is to visit one of the other participants and tell something about her.

I picked Heidi Caswell, who I first met on the Ryze network. I have long admired Heidi for her sense of balance in raising a large family and running a successful business at the same time.

Connect Simply is the name of her website, and a philosophy that many would do well to take to heart. She gets to the point and tells it without trying to make things more complicated than they need to be. How refreshing!

Day 15 - Music

2009-11-30T07:13:00.010-05:00

We're halfway through the 30 days of blogging - time flies when you're having fun. :)

Topic 15, music, is an especially good subject, and one of my favorite things. Friends know one of my personal mantras: "books and music are essential to life". Just recently I discovered how important music really is not just as background to life, but to my business.

Recently I've noticed that writing has become more difficult; it's harder to begin, harder to find topics, harder to achieve that flow. Since coming to take care of and live with my dad, I had assumed that my much altered living situation was the culprit.

But when I visited for a couple of days with an old friend a few months ago, I remembered something. I always used to write with music playing but that hasn't been the case here.

Sitting alone at my friend's kitchen table sipping a drink and with his stereo on, I wrote more in an afternoon that I had in 3 months. I'm positive that being able to relax with some music was the reason.

There is no particular link I can give as my selections are fairly inclusive; I don't care for heavy metal and I'm partial to old soul, but I like almost everything - from country to classical.

What music inspires you?

Day 14 - Support Your Cause

2009-11-28T22:57:00.007-05:00

Day 14 in the 30 days of blogging provides an especially important prompt for me.

The "cause" I support most is not a a single charity or organization; I am passionate about the plight of the homeless.

A while back, I decided to do a project to contribute to the cause. I wrote about it in this blog here. Even before this current economic crisis that has caused so many families to lose their homes, there were always marginalized people in our society. People who through no fault of their own have less than what is needed to survive. This is not right.

It doesn't make any sense to me that in a world of such plenty there are those who have so little. I wish to help as many as possible to find ways to better their situation. I wish to serve both those who are on the edge and those who are in it.

This mission is the main reason that my business still exsists.

This blog and my project are only two of the ways I try to accomplish that mission. I sincerely hope that others will join me, and that I will be blessed with ways to join other efforts.

I'm looking forward to hearing about others' passionate causes and how we can all support worthwhile causes.

Number 13 - Strengths

2009-11-28T09:43:00.005-05:00

All the cooking and feasting seems to have put me a day behind in this adventure. But that's ok, I'll catch up. After all, it's a journey - not a race. :)

Prompt 13 in 30 days of blogging is to write about strengths and what brings joy.

This is an important topic that everyone should explore occasionally. The two subjects are closely connected since we usually like to do those things we do well, and we tend to do well that which we like.

I believe that I have three main strengths:

The first is something that I have always loved; reading and writing. Books have been my friends since before I can remember. (A trait I inherited from my English teacher/librarian mother) And I have a good ear for languages.

The next would be that I am a caretaker. In addition to being a mom and foster parent, I've been an emergency medic, a doula and a group home manager for disabled adults and children. Helping support people as they develop towards their personal or business goals just comes naturally to me.

Finally, I enjoy making things. I don't consider myself especially creative and will never produce any great art, but I enjoy knitting and crochet, cooking, putting puzzles together, and building websites.

I'm very blessed that my business, Vanessa's Desk lets me combine all of these things.

Day 12 - An Art Connection

2009-11-27T14:36:00.004-05:00

Prompt number 12 in the 30 days of blogging is to find a work of art that supports your blog.

This isn't a work of art but a graphic I used on a booklet I wrote. It's a graph of a profit chart. I think it's representative of my work not just for the obvious business meaning, but for the larger illustration of progress. Any kind of progress.

There are ups and downs in any challenge we take on; that's why it's useful to occasionally take a look at the big picture, so you can see the direction things are going. Progress is a wonderful concept.

Day 11 - Goals

2009-11-25T13:42:00.003-05:00

Post #11 in the 30 days of blogging project is about blogging goals.

This is a simple one for me. The goal for Nessa's Notes is to support my main website Vanessa's Desk. My business is all about removing the confusion and frustrations involved in setting up and marketing a small business; letting folks know they don't have to do it all, and they don't have to do it alone.

My blog isn't as good as it could be - yet - but it is changing, for the better.

Day 10 - A Dream

2009-11-24T18:54:00.004-05:00

We're now one third of the way through the 30 days of blogging. This has been such a great experience for me that I'm already thinking about 'what happens next'. I'm wondering what I'll do after the thirty days are over.

Today's topic is to remember a dream and talk about it's significance. One thing I've always had is a rich dream life - both awake and asleep. Here is one:

I dream about collective as well as individual wealth, which is the main reason for this blog. I don't mean wealth as in a gazillion dollars; that type is illusory at best and when gained suddenly usually doesn't last. Although a certain variable amount of transferable currency is necessary that doesn't always have to mean money.

I've written about this in this blog and elsewhere but for now suffice it to say that the wealth I dream about means everyone has enough, and just a little more to share with others. In this ideal (dream) world many of our societal ills would vanish simply because so much suffering is caused by two things: the 'have-nots' trying to have, and the 'haves' trying to have more.

Think about it. Suppose everybody had Enough. Enough food and shelter and good health and respect and power and purpose. That would eliminate most, if not all, of the crime and pain and despair.

Ok, so this is an ideal world, a fantasy. A dream.

PS. A new dream? Find a way to keep this project (my own blog and the mutual support) going.

Day 9 - A List

2009-11-23T12:50:00.002-05:00

Prompt number 9 in the 30 days of blogging adventure is to make a list of 3 people who support me in my blogging efforts.

First on the list has to be the creator of this 30 days project Susan Loughrin. Susan is a wonderfully caring and creative artist and brilliant photographer who I "met" on the Ryze network. This 30 days of blogging project has made it so easy to post regular entries - a habit I hope to keep.

The other two spots must go to Bea Kunz and Debbie Dreyer. These ladies share a generous spirit and always have good advice to share. They lead by example; providing the template for honesty and balance in their writings and businesses. We've never met in person but these are my sisters. :)

I owe a huge Thank You to all three of these talented women.

Day 7 - A Question

2009-11-21T15:22:00.003-05:00

Yep, I missed another day but that's OK. Participating in the 30 days of blogging has been a wonderful boost - to my blog, my habits and my perceptions of why and what I want to accomplish.

#7 is to Ask A Question. Being told to ask a question naturally makes you wonder what it is that you want or need to know.

So, remembering my purpose for this blog and thinking about the assignment, here's my question: How do you define wealth, and does that definition sometimes seem to contradict itself?

For example, everyone has heard the adage "don't put all your eggs in one basket", and most business "coaches" and internet "gurus" talk about multiple streams of income.

One of the more popular pieces of advice is to create and sell e-books based on your main business offering, articles and other content. I think this is a great idea and I'm working on several of my own. But the how and why matters fully as much as the what.

Do you think it's right to sell a 60 or 70 page collection of previously published articles for three or four hundred dollars? I suppose if your only objective and definition of wealth is to get as much as you can any way you can, then it might not matter how you do it.

I don't believe that the ends justify the means; rather I believe that the means define the possible ends. Method and process are important.

What do YOU think?

Day 5 - Write a List

2009-11-19T18:23:00.005-05:00

Day 5 of this exercise sounded simple at first: make a list. Of ten things that are important to me.

My first thought was if I could narrow it down to only 10. So, I started thinking about what is truly important to me. According to my friend Mr. Webster, important means: marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence : valuable in content or relationship.

Significant worth. Valuable content. Relationship. My next thought was if there were 10 things that were worthy of such a list.

1. God and Them.
2. My children, steps, their friends, my neices, Godchildren, granddaughter, and all those wonderful folks who call me Mama-V or Auntie-V.
3. Books, words, reading, libraries, literacy and books
4. Pictures, letters to and from and special memories of number 2
5. Music
6. Friends. The ones who have fun with and make fun of me. The ones who come and go, and come back again. And especially the ones who love me and show me the way.
7. Grace
8. Beauty

I think that's enough. This is gratitude. This is love.

Number 4 - A photo

2009-11-18T19:10:00.006-05:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words - and photographs can speak especially loud. A photograph captures a moment in time, for all time. And yet, a photo can still be open to interpretation.

First, I started to post a few photos of my kids and granddaughter (as they are the subjects of most of my favorite photos). I have several of those posted around the web. And I'm trying to stay in the neighborhood of what this blog is supposed to be about: entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

But I believe children and family are the most important reasons for entrepreneurship and wealth creation. I'm not trying to ramble here, but there are times when bouncing thoughts around really is the best way to find your own truth. :)

My grandfather was illiterate. He could read and write his name, but that was about it. As one of the oldest of (I think) 15, it had to be that way back then. But he raised 7 children who all graduated high school - and at least two who loved books and reading. (One of those was my mother.)

So yes, these two pictures are very important to me and the history of my family. Grand-daddy has 13 great-grands. 5 are high school grads. 4 are pursuing higher education. And all but the two youngest (ages 4 and 5) can, and do, read.

Day # 3 - Visiting

2009-11-17T16:20:00.002-05:00

Ok, I got a late start and missed number 2 - but this is a process, right?

Day 3 is visiting. This should be easy since I have a huge folder in my bookmarks for the sites of contacts, clients and associates.

First up was a visit to my friend and mentor Laura Wheeler. Her blog Frumpy Hausfrau never fails to teach, and is usually entertaining too. Here and here are two of her recent posts that I think are especially helpful.

Next, I felt slightly ashamed to discover that several folks that I don't visit nearly often enough are no longer there. Could I have done more to help and support them? This is definitely a wake-up call to put more time in the schedule to support those that deserve it.

Finally, I landed at the blog of Mocha Dad. This guy is so inspirational - simply for the image he projects. When the media would have you believe that so few black men are taking responsiblity for their families, here is a man who motivates through example. As he talks the issues of day to day life with a wife and three kids, you feel the joy and pride that he takes in his family.

Thank you Susan, for reminding me that visits are an important part of my week.

Number 1 is Gratitude

2009-11-17T00:46:00.004-05:00

This is day #1 in Susan Loughrin's 30 Days of Blogging. I promise to try and keep up. :)

#1 - Gratitude

There have been so many blessings in my life that it's hard to choose just one to write about. But since that is the assignment, I will.

Bea Kunz has been more than just a client, and more than just a friend. When I'm down she encourages me. When I'm up she rejoices with and for me. And she manages to do this for everybody.

Generous is the best way to describe Bea. Not only does she grow and sell the most divine seasonings and teas, but she shares her knowledge and advice with any and all who ask.

I am thankful for many people in my life. I must remember to express that more often.

Give To Get

2009-10-25T11:46:00.001-04:00

One thing about me - other than my near obsession with helping folks pull themselves out from the bottom of the financial heap - is that I enjoy playing games. Most of my online "biographies" note that fact. Cards, board games, puzzles; it doesn't matter. I just like friendly competition.

There's an online game I play from time to time. In this particular game you get points by making the best hand according to a sliding scale. But the only way to make a good hand is by cooperating and trading with other players.

Some players will only trade for higher points. It usually takes them a longer time to assemble a good score.

Then there are other players who seem to always give away the best pieces they get to other players in order to help them make good scores. You might think this would keep them at the lower scores for themselves.

But that's not the case. I've tried it myself, both in the game and in business. When I enter the game giving and helping others, I get more.

I admit that some days when I play the game I quickly get in a "bad mood" when other players try to gobble up my higher scoring pieces without even introducing themselves to the group or attempting to help anyone else. On those occasions it sometimes takes me a few rounds to remember the best way to play.

Other times, I come into the game giving away "good" pieces right away. Because I remember that the best way to play is to help however I can before asking for help.

Do unto others...

The best way to say it, remember it and do it is: "The best way to get what you want is to help others get what they want."

Help Me Help Others

2009-10-07T23:10:00.002-04:00

Thinking about wealth creation often leads me to also think about poverty, especially the extreme poverty that causes many to become homeless. There was a time after my divorce when I didn’t have my own place, and though we weren’t “out on the streets”, we were technically homeless. So I empathize with people who are going through that particular situation.

One thing that I believe is that everyone must give. I think not being able to give is one of the worse aspects of poverty. Of course, this is something of a universal concept, expressed differently in various philosophies and belief systems. Some refer to the golden rule. Some call it the law of attraction or reciprocity.

Whatever you want to call it, the principal is simple: you’ve got to give to receive. My pastor often says “you’ve got to be a blessing in order to get a blessing”. One of my clients is always talking about planting money so he can find some.

For me, I believe in tithing and I also provide a significant amount of free services to business owners struggling to start up a profitable venture with limited resources. But I’ve always wished I was able to do more.

So I decided to do a service project. For the rest of this year I am going to donate 40% of proceeds from my e-book sales to help the homeless. I’m updating several of my business related volumes and creating a few new ones just for this purpose. The first of these is up now at www.vanessasdesk.com/ebooks.html. Please stop by and make a purchase.

And please leave a comment. I’d like to know about other business owners who have tried something like this. Have you ever created a product or service so that you can raise funds for a special cause or charity? How did you go about it? Was it successful?

PR's Do Work

2009-05-26T09:10:00.002-04:00

I got the line "PR's Do Work" from a client who is also a dear friend. This is the caption she used to share her success when she was featured in a newspaper article.

About three weeks ago I got a call from a reporter for one of the local TV stations. She wanted to do a news story about using Twitter for business.

She said that when she did a search for local businesses on Twitter, my name came up first. So I agreed to talk with her. The story aired three times - on the 10pm news, the late night repeat, and on the early morning edition the next day.

I have helped a few clients in the past with publicity, but those were print media. The results were always fairly good, but never spectacular or overwhelming.

That is how I'd have to describe what has happened for me in the time since the story appeared. I started getting emails that night and after the peice appeared again in the morning, my phone started ringing.

I was surprised that so many people were not only paying attention, but made the effort to contact me - even weeks after. It's been a terrific experience. I've made many new contacts and gained several new clients.

Give it a try!

Wealth Creation Tip: Where Does Money Come From?

2009-04-15T11:24:00.000-04:00

The answer to this question is the third concept to understand. No matter what the income source is, all money is made by selling something. This is true even with investments. You buy stock and wait for the price to increase. Or you buy a house and make improvements to increase its value.

This is also true of income from a job. You are selling the company your time and skills. When you make deposits to a savings account you are selling the use of your money and are paid interest. Even non-profit organizations and charities must sell. They sell the idea of helping others to the people and companies who contribute to their cause.

Think of yourself and your financial goals like a business. Businesses do not make any money until they make a sale. And their sales (income) must be greater than their expenses in order to make a profit (wealth). It is the same for you. To increase your wealth, you must find ways to decrease expenses, increase income or, the best solution - do both!

This post is taken from my upcoming e-book "Poor Folks Guide to Wealth Creation" which will be available soon on Vanessa's Desk.

Wealth Creation Tip: The Two Types of Saving

2009-03-15T11:07:00.003-04:00

There are two kinds of savings. The first involves accumulating money and storing it - setting it aside to allow it to grow in value. This is what you are doing when you make regular deposits into a savings or money market account or when you buy and hold savings bonds. The importance of saving cannot be stressed too much. It is critical that you develop the habit of saving regularly if you are going to improve your financial situation.

"Pay yourself first." This means setting aside a regular amount out of every paycheck before you pay any other bills. Now obviously this is difficult to do if you are struggling every month just to pay your regular household bills.

But with planning, discipline and some extra effort, it is possible. You may have to begin with a smaller percentage, or you may have to start with every other check. You can even start with $10 (or $5 or even $1 and the change in your pocket) in a jar or envelope. Label it with a goal or dream that you'd like to save up for, and then add some change every week, or even every day but don't touch the money until you have added enough to open a savings account. The most important thing is to start right away and to be consistent.

The second kind of saving actually involves spending. Everybody has seen commercials that promise huge 'savings' on virtually any kind of product or service you can imagine. This kind of saving actually means spending less than you would have if you made a purchase at a different time or place. This is what you are doing when you use coupons and rebates, buy bulk items at reduced prices or shop at sales or second hand stores. There are literally hundreds of ways to save money and reduce expenses.

Both types of saving are very important tools to use in your quest to improve your finances. You can begin right away to get more out of what you already have by being more effective and efficient in the way you use the resources that you have.

This post is taken from my upcoming e-book "Poor Folks Guide to Wealth Creation" which will be available soon on Vanessa's Desk.

Bowling and Business

2009-02-15T00:15:00.000-05:00

This post is an article written by my friend Debbie Barth of NC Women's Network. Debbie would like you to visit http://www.sharethecause.com/healthline

Life Lesson: My Bowling Epiphany

Who knew going bowling could teach me another life lesson!

My husband bowls once a month with some of his co-workers, and suggested recently that I should go with him to meet them, and also to visit with those that I already knew. It was the day of the event that he let me know that I would also be bowling. Now, most know that I am an avid football fan. However, few know that I don't bowl...nada...zilch....forget about it.

Being the trooper I am (ok, actually I knew I could use this to my advantage later), I stepped up to the challenge.

While we played three games, my "focus" will remain on the first game; which, the day after, has been deemed "the highlight of the evening".

Needless to say, by the middle of the first game it was evident that I would be helping the team to increase their handicap. After a couple of gutter balls, I managed to settle down and take out a few pins. I was determined to block out the loving, forgiving eyes of my teammates, and focus on getting the ball straight down the middle of the lane. I stepped up to the line, started to walk forward, concentrating solely on my ball in hand and the arrows on the floor. I was one with the ball. I was one with the arrows. I knew the minute I let the ball go, that it was going straight down the middle. It was a perfect strike ball It was a beautiful sight to behold. I instantly spun around to face my teammates, expecting applause and a few "you got it going on girlfriend!", but instead was met with the look of astonishment and shock on their faces. Paul, my husband, had his hands up on his head and a wide-eyed look of disbelief. I swung back around and realized that the pin-setter was still down.

The ball struck the pin-setter with a very loud BANG....and then started rolling (still perfectly in the middle) back towards me before stopping. One of the bowling alley attendents had to retrieve the ball since it stopped about half-way. She told Paul that he owed the bowling alley a new pin-setter, but fortunately this was just her sick sense of humor.

So what is the life lesson in this story that I referred to in the beginning? No it really isn't that I should turn in my bowling shoes, and not be allowed within a five mile radius of a bowling lane.

The lesson that I learned is that I was so focused on holding the ball correctly and matching up with the arrows, that I didn't take the time to literally look around and see what was in front of me.

In this case, the pin-setter was down and not moving. What could have been a glorious moment (although brief) of victory and celebration, turned into...well in this case...what is now being described as the "highlight of the evening".

And this lesson transcends into my personal and professional life as well. My suggestion...my life lesson I want to share with you, is simply this.
It's good to focus...you need to focus. But don't focus on a few details so intensely, that you forget to look around and see what's clearly in front of you before proceeding. It really could be the difference in how you score.

Profiles Everywhere

2009-02-06T11:52:00.002-05:00

Ryze is my favorite networking site.

Yes, everyone is crazy about Twitter, and I do enjoy and profit from it. I also use LinkedIn, Biznik, Black Planet and Front Porch Folks, as well as several others from time to time.

Recently I heard a Ryze forum leader comment that she wondered why anyone is still on Ryze since Twitter is "where the action is". In fact, several prominent folks have either downgraded or canceled their membership and participation seems to be slacking off.

A few weeks ago I met a guy who told me he belongs to 89 different networking sites. Personally I think that's a bit excessive - who has that kind of time? But using only one or two sites doesn't seem to make much sense either.

Especially when you consider that each site is just a bit different.

Some, like twitter are more entertaining with quick bits of information flying around. Some, like Ryze are more in depth with room for fully exploring and connecting.

It all depends on your objectives, your style and how much time you want to put into your networking.

If you visit my about page, you'll see some of the places I hang out. I hope you'll look me up.

For My Eyes Only?

2009-01-21T08:49:00.002-05:00

I recently realized I was doing a ridiculous thing by not publicizing my blog. It's quite silly, but I've been waiting until I got it right. But it'll never be "right" so I may as well quit erasing entries and let someone have a look. Otherwise, what's the point?

In my imagination I'm witty and clever. I can always come up with lots of useful and interesting things to write about. And I'm not shy about letting the world read my every word.

But in reality, I haven't been writing regularly because I fear no one will read it. Or maybe because I fear someone will read it.

There is no place for fear. I already know that my writing is fabulous because my clients tell me so.

So, this is my public declaration. I will post. And I will leave the posts posted.

Confessions of a Twitter Newbie

2009-01-14T23:43:00.001-05:00

So I joined twitter a couple of months ago. It took a while to get the hang of it, but now it's rather fun. And it's all anyone can see to talk about - online or off.

There really are interesting things happening in the twittersphere. In the past couple of weeks I have witnessed two marriage proposals and laughed at countless witty blog posts.

I've also gotten plenty of article ideas, learned a time-saving tip for my business operations and found a new client. All in spare moments when I pop in to check on the tweethearts.

All very pleasant, entertaining or useful, right?

Not quite.

The endless debates about the possibilities of twitter and the character of those who use it are becoming a bit dull. Some swear it's the best thing that ever happened to their businesses. Others claim you have to be a complete narcissist with severe ADD to participate in it.

As with any public forum, you find a complete range of personalities, cultures, assumptions and behaviors. I've seen it all, from self proclaimed experts to major sucking up to uncalled for personal attacks.

Including a woman who joked about killing her child. That caused quite a stir, especially after she publicly berated the people who tried to help her.

Frankly, I think twitter is just like any other tool. Fun for some, frustrating for others. Some people, those who are good at such things, will get a lot out of it - business or personal or both. Some won't see the potential and some just won't like it. And some will try it then slowly lose interest.

And like most other things on this side of life, what goes in is what comes out.

A Kiss - Keeping Service Simple

2009-01-08T15:14:00.003-05:00

Good customer service is not a difficult art to master. A few simple basics should be the starting philosophy of every business.

1. If you want my business, you have to make it worth my while. Show me the value and don't try to fool me with worthless junk or expensive "upgrades".

2. You are not doing me a favor by taking my money, just as I don't shop to do you a favor. So keep your bad mood and nasty attitude to yourself. And tell your employees to do the same.

3. I am not invisible. In fact, it's very easy to see me standing right here, waiting for you to finish your private conversation and serve your customer - who just happens to be me. Didn't your boss (or your mother) ever tell you how rude that is?

4. If you have a store, make sure it's clean and pleasant. If you provide a service, make sure you're clean and pleasant. If you sell a product, package it in a way that's clean and pleasant.

5. Don't argue with me. You cannot win because I'm the customer and I don't like being treated that way. Even if you could win, you still lose my business.

6. If you make a mistake, admit it. Don't blame the computer or the employees, and definitely don't try to blame me. I'll forgive you if you're nice about it; if you do a good job fixing the situation I'll probably reccomend you to others.

7. Keep your promises. Do what you claim and get it done on time.

*Bonus* If you find ways to regularly give a little extra service, you'll have a loyal customer for life.

Do Unto Me

2009-01-02T07:59:00.002-05:00

Why is it so difficult to take our own advice, to do for ourselves what we do so often and so easily for others?

I have spent much of the past twenty years helping people start and grow their small businesses, yet my own seems to have suffered through an endless cycle of surges and stalls.

Both of my sons had moderate physical limitations as they were growing up so taking care of them was often challenging: I spent so much time at the hospital that many of the employees thought I worked there too! In addition to being a therapeutic foster parent for several disabled children, I was also a neighborhood mom, often sheltering and feeding a half dozen or more kids every weekend.

Meanwhile, now that the kids are all grown and gone, it seems harder and harder everyday to take good care of myself with proper eating habits, rest and exercise.

So, even though I don't do "resolutions" I have made a decision and a commitment to do unto myself more of what I do for others. For 2009 I'm revving up my own marketing plan and making it stick.

It works for all my clients, and it'll work for me too!

Give and Take

2008-12-24T15:47:00.003-05:00

It's been said that it's better to give than to receive. And although everybody enjoys getting presents, most people understand and believe this is true. That's why one of the worse things about financial poverty is not being able to give.

But not being able to receive freely is another effect. A person tends to feel guilty about taking if they think they can't recriprocate. But accepting is also allowing someone else to give.

So, sometimes it good to give the gift of receiving.

My Favorite Client

2008-11-09T19:01:00.009-05:00

My favorite client is a lovely, spunky and confident woman. She is established in her business; she knows what she wants and what she needs. She has decided what she will and can do, and she gets help (that would be me) with everything else.

Every business owner should have a "favorite" customer. No, not so you can actually "play favorites", but so that you have a model for your ideal client.

It doesn't matter whether this person actually exists in reality. He or she should exist in your imagination, and in your marketing plan. You should be able to see, hear and understand her. You should know his likes and dislikes, his values and his needs.

Why? Because your business should be designed around your ideal client. You want to know who they are so you can talk directly to them. You want to be able to attract them, and let them know that you and your business have what they want and need.

Customer Service - The Lost Secret

2008-10-21T23:09:00.005-04:00

I admit that I often think of my business in a simple way. I believe that it's better to keep most things simple and uncomplicated. Less complexity = less chance for chaos and confusion.

And much less chance for hurt feelings and missed opportunities.

So I sometimes have trouble understanding why most big buginesses (and many small ones) just don't seem to get it. Can someone please tell me what is so difficult about using "the right words" and treating people "the right way"?

Mama taught you the keys to business success long ago: Play fair. Help out when you can. Mind your manners. Always do your best. Admit it and apologize when you're wrong. When you make a mistake, correct it.

See how simple it it?

The Promises and Pitfalls of Social/Business Networking

2008-10-05T19:11:00.005-04:00

"Networking" is the business buzzword these days.

So many folks want and try to do it, even when they aren't quite sure what it is or how to do it. It comes very naturally for some, and others have to work at it dilligently. This should be no surprise - all of life's talents and activities are like that. No one is good at everything.

Now I am by no means an expert when it comes to social skills - business networking included. But I am good with my relationships. Few they may be but quality has always been better than quantity. And relationships are the point and purpose of networking.

In my personal life, this means I'm fiercely loyal, loving and protective. (I am a Leo after all.) In my business, it means I make an effort to get to know my clients as people and not just as accounts.

Of course not every relationship has to turn into a close friendship. (That's just a bonus.) But relationship marketing means just that - FORM RELATIONSHIPS.

If you want to know more, read my latest newsletter, and while you're there sign up. :)

Keep Dreaming,
Nessa

Change Is A Necessary Thing

2008-10-01T14:43:00.000-04:00

Sometimes a change is necessary. It's ok to change your mind when you find that your original plan isn't working right. It's ok to change when you learn something new.

So, I'm changing the focus of this blog. Obviously, it's been a while since I posted because what I thought I wanted to do wasn't really what I needed to do. With that in mind I've decided to give it another shot.

I'll talk about what's really important (to me anyway). I'll try to provide helpful and/or entertaining information. And I'll let you get to know me with the hope that I can learn about you.

After all, learning is the most important thing any of us ever do. When we stop learning and growing, we begin to die.

This will still be about business because that's one of my passions. And it will most definitely still be about wealth creation, because that's something everybody needs. No, I'm not just talking about making loads of money - although of course that is one definition.

Money can be a good and useful tool, and in a perfect world nobody would suffer from the lack of enough to meet basic needs. But money is not the only measure of wealth. Call me naive, idealistic or even unrealistic.

I know, from observation and experience, that there are many ways to measure wealth. And that's what I'm gonna talk about. Make no mistake: Because I have been a money-poor black woman, dollars will play a big part in the conversation; how to get more $$ and what to do with them when you have them.

It is my hope both to teach some and to learn some. When we work together and help each other, anything is possible!

Prosperity, success and many blessings,
Nessa

"The Right Words - The Right Way"
http://www.vanessasdesk.com/

The Freedom To Dream

2008-07-04T16:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Independence Day. Happy Fourth of July!

What better way to celebrate than to free your dreams? Dreams and dreamers are the beginning of everything. It takes a plan to achieve a goal, but it takes a dream to create a goal.

Dare to imagine your best life. Write it down - in detail. Review it regularly, make it a part of you. Your dreams will not only define your goals, they will provide the passion, energy and enthusiasm to help you reach those goals.

Now go celebrate. Watch some fireworks and get inspired. Never give up your dreams!

PS. When you dream of your own business, visit me at http://www.vanessasdesk.com to help you start right and grow big.

The First Secret To Creating Wealth

2008-06-27T15:36:00.000-04:00

There are many ways to become wealthy. Some methods are complex, and some are rather simple; but none are easy. All require good planning, a certain amount of risk, and a lot of determination.

This all depends, of course, on exactly what your definition of "wealthy" is. To some folks wealthy will always mean having a certain amount of money - having $XX in the account. To others, being wealthy means having enough to share or having peace of mind or any of the other hundreds of definitions that there are.

For our purpose here, let's agree that wealthy means having money. Maybe for you that means enough so that you don't have to worry. Or maybe it means enough to share. It could be that you want to be secure enough to know you'll never run out.

It doesn't really matter because we've already determined that it takes at least some money to achieve any dream.

So where does that money come from? Obviously, there are dozens of sources and hundreds of possible steps and variations on those sources and steps. The many processes involved in the art and skill of making a lot of money can be amazingly intricate and complex. But the basics are actually quite simple.

This is a brief interruption for a required disclaimer since I have no desire to be sued by someone who has a problem and wants to blame me. This is not the last time you will see this message.
(Note: I am not a financial planner, accountant, broker, analyst or any other kind of certified financial or legal advisor. The information given is my opinion and is based solely on my own personal research and observations. I am not giving financial advice, and strongly recommend that you always consult a qualified professional in matters of money management.)

And now - back to the discussion.

Identify dreams and goals
Create income
Live on less than that income
Save religiously
Protect yourself
Invest wisely
Increase income
Increase investments

The list looks so simple. Simple, but not always easy. That's the first secret.

So here you have the next several weeks worth of subjects. I hope you'll join me and make this a true discussion. I'm anxious to read your comments.

Vanessa
The Right Words - The Right Way
www.VanessasDesk.com

Pleasure, Control and Security

2008-06-14T12:36:00.000-04:00

These are the things most people really mean when they say they want wealth. We all know that money itself is only useful because of the things it can do.

So, have you ever thought about why you want it and what you want it to do for you?

Money can buy a certain amount of security. The security to know that you'll have enough food and the mortgage will be paid, living in a safer neighborhood and being able to plan for college or retirement are the kinds of security that money can buy. Having enough money can certainly buy you a lot of control in your life; the kind of control that poor folks aren't allowed even in their homes. Imagine being told when you could or couldn't have visitors and how long they can stay, or how many people can sleep in each bedroom, when you can do laundry and how much water you can use.

There are millions of things in the world that cannot be controled. But there are many, many things that can. The amount of money you have determines what they are and how many you get.

And of course, everyone knows the connection between money and pleasure - no explanation required.

It all depends on what you value and care about and what you want. Wealth (more money) is simply a tool that allows you to plan for the future, deal with the unexpected and live the kind of life you want. Once you define those things, you can start building real wealth in a way that's meaningful to you.

What Is Wealth?

2008-06-02T13:53:00.000-04:00

Does that seem like a silly question? Maybe it is, but have you ever considered your attitudes about money? When and how did you learn about budgeting, financing and other money matters?

Whether you have none or more than you can count, your opinions about money were probably formed early in life. And it most likely doesn't have much to do with how much money you had, unless you were extremely rich or poor.

I grew up in the south in the 60's. My parents were students at A&T at the time of the sit-ins and demonstrations. The schools were still segregated when I started. In spite of these things, I knew early that economic status was a much larger and more frequent cause of discrimination that either race or gender. I believe it was true then - since economics was the reason for most institutional racism. And it is even more true today.

My being black and female may or may not have influenced the treatment I've received at banks, real estate agencies, and medical offices. I believe that it did. But your financial status definitely has an immediate effect on how you will be perceived and treated. It even decides whether or not you will be allowed to have the things you and your family need to live.

So, other than money, what is wealth? I have many definitions and I'll share some from time to time as we talk about building wealth. After all, you have to know what you're looking for before you can find it.

A Begining

2008-05-25T21:37:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure exactly what this blog is going to be yet, but there are a couple of reasons and a story connected to it.

I'll be perfectly honest and admit that one of my reasons is business related. Blogging is a good way to let folks get to know you, and that's good for business because you can't understand and trust what you don't know.

But business isn't the main reason for this venture. Since I was very young I've always wondered about the reasons why some people have and others don't. And I've wondered about why people treat each other the way they sometimes do. I have theories, and I'll bet you do too.

So, my main reason for starting this is to explore and learn. I want to hear your ideas and opinions. I'll try to be regular, and I hope not boring; I'll be honest and sometimes opinionated, but never intentionally hurtful or offensive.

I hope we can share. I hope we can make a difference.