The Perfect Gift

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas giving extra thought and focus to the true meaning of Christmas. God so rich in grace and mercy gave us the most precious and perfect gift in His son Jesus Christ.

What Is In A Name

Selecting the right business name is crucial to getting positive attention and remaining memorable. While big businesses have the resources to ensure the success of their name, small businesses running on much smaller budgets need to be more careful in the selection of a name since a poor choice can greatly reduce your chances of getting a referral if people simply cannot remember what your business is called.

There are several businesses similar to yours so you need to find a name that will stick in the minds of your contacts as well as convey your intended image. It is also important to keep your name before potential and current clients so that you are not easily forgotten.

In order to re-enforce your name and ensure that you are on top of the name game here are some tips.

• Don’t pick a misleading name. For example calling your virtual assistance business “Office Architects” will greatly confuse prospective clients about what you do if they were reading your listing in the yellow pages.
• It should distinguish you from the competition.
• Ensure that it is easy to pronounce and remember.
• Easy to spell. Having a name with an unusual or complicated spelling while being unique, has the drawback of not being found in business listing. A graphic design business called "Imajeenation" may not be easily found by in a business listing.
• Consider using your own name. If you have an uncommon name and you are well known and respected, this option works well. Because of your reputation, your business gets instant recognition, as such, is easily remembered.

5 Areas I Want to Work on This Week

Prayer

My prayer life has suffered immensely recently due to distractions resulting from family issues, moving homes and a host of other things. I realize that I am nothing without God and I need to tune in to His Spirit in order to get a grip and deal with all that is before me. We really should never get too busy not to pray. By His grace I want to work on getting back on track and spending more time in prayer as well as in the Bible.

Emotions

I need to stop reacting to everything I experience with an outburst of some kind of emotion or the other and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. I have been under a lot of pressure lately and I know that the Lord would never give me more than I can bear.

Authenticity

I used to have an approval addiction but thank God that I have been set free to live my life to the fullest according to His purpose and not that of any other.

Focus

I am working on clarifying my personal objectives (you may call it decluttering of objectives) and determining what I ought to be focusing more time on. I want to accomplish what I am here on earth to do.

Kiddy Time

My time just laughing and having fun with my kids has dwindled due to all that I have had going on and I certainly miss reading to them, telling funny stories and conducting experiments.

It is interesting that the last four points are all tied to the first, prayer. Its plain to see that things are a little out of whack because my prayer life is not where it should be. We really are nothing without God.

What Mary & Joseph Knew About Parenting

I absolutely love the book What Mary & Joseph Knew About Parenting by Rick Osborne. It is a guide offering biblical insight into parenting, advice for raising Godly kids as well as practical tips for handling situations.  The chapters are short (approx. 3 to 5 pages each). Chapters include:

• Giving your child a purpose driven life.
• Teaching your child how to get along with others.
• Helping your child get to know God.
• Teaching your children to be wise.
• Peer proofing.
• Trusting God when parenting hurts.

 A must read for every parent; you will read it over and over again.

FYI: I am not selling or advertising this book. It is simply a great read and I am keen to share.

What Are You Asking For?

On second thought, perhaps I should have titled this post “What are you not asking for?” A lot of us go through life hoping for much yet asking for nothing. We have high expectations yet refuse to initiate contact. Some ask amiss; You want a mansion but are praying for a bungalow.

God knows we have needs even before we ask but why do we refuse to ask? Do you think He is incapable? Do you think you would be bothering the Creator of all things or disrupting His already full schedule?

The bible tells us to “ask that we might receive”.

Go the Extra Mile

In the current economic climate, maintaining a competitive edge is essential to the success of businesses. Why should people spend their hard earned money on your product or your service and not the next guys? Not only do consumers have far more options with price wars amongst businesses owners but letting go of their money means they have to be convinced of the value doing business with you brings.

Having a good product or service with a catchy name just isn’t enough. Having an exceptional product and creating a good customer experience will set you apart.

Protect Your Most Valuable Business Asset

I previously refused to commit any post to the current economic climate, for the simple reason that everywhere I turned there was a headline about the gloom and doom of the recession and what it brings with it. Where does a Christian business woman draw strength in these times?

As a child of the Most High I refuse to give up! I am well aware of the economic climate but I refuse to accept a downturn in business as my lot. In spite of the recession, there are businesses out there thriving and experiencing growth. New businesses are still being started and established.

I encourage you to in this time keep your focus on God, no one who puts their hope in him will be pu to shame (Psalm25:3). Do not neglect time with Him in prayer and bible study. By spending time with God you are building and protecting your most valuable business asset, you. Maintain your focus on your source trusting Him to keep you and your business and see you through. You will find encouragement, direction, favour, provision and inspiration. When your mind is going in the right direction everything else will be impacted, including your employees, agents and clients.

You must begin strengthening and protecting yourself by taking time with God.

Spotlight: Jennifer Nordin

Jennifer Nordin is a massage and aromatherapy practitioner and the owner of At Peace, a Christian wellness studio for women in Hudson, Wisconsin. With close to a decade in the healing arts, she mentors and educates people on the benefits of pure therapeutic essential oils through her blog Oils for Wellness. Aromatic medicine is her passion, compelling her to invest hundreds of hours training with Young Living Essential Oils and The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education. She is currently working toward her Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner certification through the R.J Buckle Associates program for health care professionals.

CBW: What made you decide to go into business?
JN: I had a strong desire to be a blessing to the lives of others in a personal way through my profession. Herbs and natural remedies have been a part of my life since a young age, so when I discovered aromatherapy, it captured my interest and continues to fascinate me. Massage and aromatherapy appealed to me because it wasn't just a business, but also could be an active expression of my faith as a Christ-follower by ministering with hands on care and compassion.

CBW: How long have you been in business?
JN: I started very part time in 2000, mostly giving friends and family massage therapy and sharing the benefits of essential oils here and there whenever I had the opportunity. My family owned and operated a housecleaning service at that time, so I was committed to a full schedule and didn't have much time to pursue my endeavors in the healing arts. In 2003, I rented my first studio space and began to build clientele. I took a few years off to get married and then take an extended maternity leave. My blog was born in July of 2008 and propelled me back into another passion, writing! It has been very fulfilling to combine all of the things I greatly enjoy-educating, essential oils, writing, and business networking!

CBW: Do you have any lessons to share from your start-up days?
JN: Be charitable in business, but don't run your business like a charity. I had to learn to value my time and expertise and not be too quick to give products or services away for free if I thought I may get a "no" from a client or customer.

CBW: What key services or products do you offer to your clients?
JN: Private aromatherapy consultation, educational ezine, workshops, aromatherapy business building/product training, home spa parties, and on site seated massage for workplace and events. In my wellness studio, I also offer integrative massage services which combines Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Acupressure techniques. My specialty is the Raindrop Technique which incorporates 8 essential oils, hot towels, and heated stones into a deeply therapeutic 60 or 90 minute session. Each essential oil performs a specific therapeutic action in the body, such as supporting the immune system, enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting bone, ligament, and muscle health.

CBW: Completing your Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner certification will undoubtedly enhance the services you provide, can we expect new dimensions to your business anytime soon?
JN: Having a clinical certification (CCAP) would definitely would give me credentials to teach community health classes at area hospitals. I also would like to take the exam to be a Registered Aromatherapist (RA). Both of these certifications may enable me to teach at community colleges and healthcare facilities. My long term vision is to provide aromatherapy consulting for healthcare professionals in an effort to educate them on integrating essential oils with the care at their facilities. I am trusting God to provide the money needed to complete these certification programs, as it does not seem financially possible according to our budget at this time. This is my current lesson in faith. Believe me, I am very excited and eager to see those letters appear after my name!

CBW: From where or whom do you get support and encouragement?
JN: Prayer and God's Word are the most powerful support and encouragement resources in my life. I am blessed with a supportive husband and a few authentic friends who cheer me on.

CBW: Do you have a favourite scripture or one that you find particularly uplifting?
JN: 2 Corinthians 2:14 "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." As an aromatherapy practitioner, this verse has special meaning for me. It helps me keep the question in my mind--am I spreading the aroma of Christ by how I am living, serving, speaking today? It also gives me encouragement that we will always triumph and overcome when we are IN CHRIST.

CBW: How do you stay focused?
JN: By trusting in the purpose, plan, and timing God has for me and my business. I focus on running the race well with His strength (instead of my own). This enables me to avoid getting bogged down by my own shortcomings and stumbling.

CBW: How do you balance running your business with being a wife and mum?
JN: I am learning to prioritize what needs to be done each day so I am not consumed by my To Do list! I work three evenings a week at my studio, then on the computer during nap time and often at night after my son goes to bed. Weekends are usually designated for just family, friends, and church time unless I have an occasional class or event on a Saturday. My husband cares for our son when I am at the studio so I am blessed to be able to enjoy my little guy all day and work a few hours at night knowing that he is having fun with daddy.

CBW: What do you find most challenging about being a business owner?
JN: Having patience when things don't seem to be progressing like I hope they would!

CBW: What 3 nuggets of wisdom would you offer to someone just starting out?
JN: Be passionate about your purpose and love what you are doing. Trust God and surrender your plans to His guidance. In all of your efforts, strive for the words "Well done, good and faithful servant" above all promotions, accolades, achievements, and monetary gain.

Please visit Jen’s website to learn more about her services. Her blog is highly recommended as it is filled with lots of (no cost) information and inspiration.

Fight Like a Girl

Calling All Christian Business Women

Are you a Christian woman? Do you run or aspire to run your own business? Calling all Christian ladies (single, married, young or old). I would love to hear from you, learn about your experiences or read your comments? What would you like to see hear?

Don't forget to take advantage of the no cost listing on my directory page.

Link to me by copying and pasting the code at the bottom of this page.

Boost your business in 2009

The current economic environment makes people just want to pack it all up, throw their arms in the air and give up. As children of The Most High, let us walk in faith trusting in God’s word, standing on His promises. Apart from prayer (that’s a given) here are a few things to give your business a boost:

Talk to your customers
Find out what they like about your service more importantly find out what they would like you to improve on. Are there additional services that you could provide? Encourage them to talk to you by being accessible and approachable. Ensure that you offer them various ways of contacting you if/when they choose to.

Say thank you

Reward Referrals
Encourage people to send you referrals by offering incentives for recommendations. And as much possible, acknowledge the source of each referral by saying thank you.

Provide Added Value
Educate your clients about new and existing services. Customize your product or services if applicable.

Recycle
Reduce unnecessary spending by re-using office stationery.

Form Partnerships
Join forces with complimentary businesses as this allows for cross referrals. Forming an alliance with a similar business with a different specialty could increase your chances of winning projects as it enables you to tap into diverse skill and resource reservoir.

More coming soon….

Business Women's Symposium

Don't miss the 2009 Business Women's Symposium, visit http://www.bwsym.com/ for more details.

Thank you

I have learnt the true value of expressing ones heart felt thanks. Everyone wants to be appreciated, acknowledged and valued; it really is an innate attribute of mankind. On the receiving end, a show of appreciation makes us feel all gooey, and for some reason we are even swept with a renewed feeling of wanting to repeat the cause of thanks or completely going overboard with acts of kindness.

In your business, particularly in your marketing efforts, take the time to thank people who have been supportive, provided you with invaluable information, referred a new client or simply taken the garbage out for you, just so that there was one less thing for you to concern yourself with.

That being said I'd like to thank everyone that stops by to read my posts here. To all that drop me emails with questions and little words of encouragement. And of course all those who have recommended this blog to their friends.

Spotlight: Sandra Hersey

Sandra Hersey is a Christian Life Coach for Women, Author, Motivational Speaker, and the Founder of G.I.R.L.S (Girls Inspiring Real Life Success). Sandra believes that everyone has a purpose in life and should pursue it with passion. As a life coach and minister Sandra’s primary focus is helping women discover their gifts, strengths and inner power, and to lead more successful lives.

CBW: Why did you decide to start your business?
SH: I really was already "coaching" women even before I started my Life Coaching for Women business. I had already been mentoring women, and as a minister I knew that I could help women in all areas of their lives. So my Life Coaching for Women began.

CBW: How would you describe your ideal client?
SH: My ideal client is any woman who wants change in her life, whether it be change in her body, change in her relationships, change in their careers, or change in their spiritual lives.

CBW: What advice would you give someone going through change (business, family, relationship etc)?
SH: No one likes change; change is hard. However, change can be very rewarding if we learn to see the good in what is happening. Everything that is bad can have some good in it. There are life lessons in everything. Change no matter how difficult is good!

CBW: How important is getting the right support when going through change or entering a different phase?
SH: Support is essential! Whether that support is a loved one, or a professional. As we go through changes in our lives, we need a support system in place to keep us on track and to spur us on through the "scary stuff."

CBW: Do you have any tips on how one can discover their life's purpose?
SH: Discovering one's life purpose is one thing that both as a minister and a life coach I can help with. I believe we all have a purpose in life. We just need help in being steered in the right direction to find what our purpose is. For me helping women is my passion and therefore, my purpose.

CBW: What do you consider a challenge to being your own boss?
SH: I have been my own boss for over 25 years. I have owned several businesses both with my husband and by myself. Challenges come every day. It is important to look at those challenges from every angle to get a grasp of what is really happening; then take action. Discipline is very important when being your own boss, especially if you are working from a home office as I do.

CBW: What words of wisdom would you offer someone just starting out in business?
SH: Perseverance! Learn it and live by it. Hard work brings about rewards. When things don't happen like you expect, persevere.

Please visit Sandra’s website and blog to learn more about her.

Write the Vision

In trying to move our businesses and personal lives forward, it is important to not only set goals but to put pen to paper and write them down. It makes us accountable to God, ourselves and possibly others and serves as the yard stick by which we can measure our achievements. Writing your plans and goals is an evidence of your commitment towards your goal. Taking the time to write them down takes some soul searching and possibly research; it should be a well thought out process that causes us to define what we are aiming for and critically determine the resources required to get us there.

Praise the Lord, 2009 is here! I stopped making new year resolutions years ago, instead I critically and prayerfully look at things I want to change or achieve in my life at intervals and when/where necessary set a goal.

Irrespective of whether you are for or against new year resolution, take this time to critically assess your business and determine what it is you want to improve on or change and set some defined goals for yourself. When you’re done writing, keep it where you can read and reflect on it every day. This will serve as your motivation, give you some focus and be a constant reminder that you are on your way to bigger and better things.

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” - Habakkuk 2:2 (King James Version)

Wish you success, favour and joy!