I’m not like  most business gurus.  You know that by now.  I think differently.  Feeling happy and confident in your business is the success measure that I treasure. It’s equally as important as being profitable.

The whole ‘end of the year planning’ thing is stressful for many of us solo entrepreneurs.  We have to look back and then look ahead to the future. Awkward.

Read too many plan for 2012 articles and  you could easily come away feeling sad about what happened (or didn’t) this year, overwhelmed by what needs to be done and fearful of how to effectively change things for next year. Brutal.

I totally sympathize.  After all, I run a small business, too.  And, I’m still haunted by all those hours wasted in planning during my corporate life.  The process stinks.  However- planning is absolutely necessary if you’d like to succeed.

Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.   Period.

Make a plan

I walk my talk, as the saying goes. I’m doing my 2012 planning now.  So, I started thinking about reframing the idea of business planning from something that, frankly, ties my stomach in knots to something that feels simple &  hopeful to me.

Because there is copious amounts of information about business planning already available I’m not going to talk about how to do that.  You just have to google and read articles until you find one that resonates with you.

I read and liked  this post by Syndi Craig-Hart which offered some very specific action steps to help you set goals for next year.

Syndi lists 3 steps for creating a strategic marketing plan, otherwise known as your big picture:

• Evaluate last year.  Ok, this is tough, especially if you didn’t write your goals down or had too many or they changed as the year progressed.  I say evaluate from a more friendly perspective.  Remember the childhood game where someone hides an item and you find it while people yell directions like colder, warm, piping hot?   How about we use that scale?    Who doesn’t want to be warmer?  LOL  Personally, I’d say that my 2011 started off a little chilly but I got lots warmer towards goal of finding the right knowledge topics to serve you.

Has your year been cold, warm, getting hot, piping hot in 2011?

• Fill in gaps.  That doesn’t mean do every new marketing gimmick that comes along.  It means pick a couple of marketing ideas, make sure they’re connected and support each other (i.e. like social media and blogging support each other), then do them consistently.  My guess is that you’re probably doing a little online and a little offline to reach your market.  That’s great because you need both channels.  When one isn’t working, the other one will be.  Use a calendar to schedule in your daily tasks.  (Successful entrepreneurs with 6 figure businesses routinely spend up to 2 hours a day increasing exposure and awareness. You could start with 30 minutes.)

Which of your daily marketing tasks makes you happiest?

• Write down your plan with help.  This is the yucky part.  Something cruel happens to great ideas once they go from my brain to paper.  So, it’s useful to have someone help you capture your plan on paper and turn it into a step-by-step action bible.  Studies suggest that writing down goals makes you 80% more likely to achieve them.  Cool, huh?  Luckily, there’s a wealth of great wedding professionals to help you. Check out awesome wedding marketing folks like Natalie Bradley, Kathy DalPra, Christine Dyer or Stephanie and Jeff Padovani.   Want a different planning approach to creating a money map- try Syndi.

Who is gonna help you dominate in 2012?

Comment below to answer one or all of these questions.

I’m rebellious.  I love to zig when everyone else zags.  That’s why I’m sending out my Thanksgiving thanks now in December.

Really, you’re my gift this and every holiday season.  I should take every opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate you for being part of my tribe. You’re the reason I’m excited to get to my computer each morning.  I can’t wait to find ways to be a great sherpa and make your journey to success and financial freedom less bumpy.  (It’s never smooth)

Here’s a big hug to say thanks for reading the blog, writing comments, liking on Facebook, sending me those lovely emails about your growth. If it weren’t for your notes which come at exactly the right time, this blog might not exist. (mensches need love, too lol)

Thanks as well for letting me know when you want something different or things are broken.  I recognize the trust you place in me and consider it sacred.  Know that your happiness is very important to me.

Where are we going next?

I’m also a seeker.  What does that mean?  I love to find the next great thing and share it.  And, I’m finding some pretty cool stuff lately.  But much of it is not specifically wedding focused.  After much thought, and quite a few comments of ‘this works for any business’, I’ve decided to expand my topics and offerings.

Yes, you run a wedding business but really it’s a business first.  There’s lots to learn from other biz folks and new perspectives.  I’ve found great solutions to marketing and people issues in the strangest of places (like the Navy).

Next year I aim to broaden our horizons.  You’ll find more content on running a business, interesting articles and more guest interviews.  I’m hella thrilled about this new direction and hope you will be too.  Gimme your thoughts in the comments, will ya?

Big Changes Ahead

The biggest change is to the blog.  It’s simplified.   It’s gone from 3+ posts to once a week now.  I like a leaner inbox and thought you might too.  The newsletter is also changing.  Along with my ‘best of’ articles, you’ll get a peek at the best tools, software, etc for running a solo shop or working online.  It’s also the only place I’ll share my personal resources and recommendations.  So, if you want to work smarter, not harder be sure to be on my mailing list.

The revised version of Hassle Free Contracts System is coming out, despite all the obstacles, this January.  I turned the book into an easy ecourse that you can complete at your leisure. With the templates and samples it really is perfect for new entrepreneurs and so darned affordable, too.  Of course, tribe members will get the first look and special goodies when it’s released.  You guys rock!

Like you, I wonder about what’s in store for next year.  Sure, there’s plenty of business trends to follow.  However, I’ve decided to follow my motto- your biz is yours; do what works for you- and change things up.

My one-to-one coaching practice is ending so I can  focus completely on creating educational products.  I’m developing my version of  ‘Cliff Notes’ (you know, those little summaries everyone used to get through books like the Iliad or Crime and Punishment) for entrepreneurs because sometimes you don’t want to ask on a forum.  I’m offering bit-sized, but robust knowledge on how to do things like:

• Negotiate with yourself
• Negotiate on price or services
• Say no to working with a client
• Say no to scope creep
• Work well with family or friends
• Help an indecisive client
• Talk about pricing
• Share your dissatisfaction
• Deal effectively with customer service reps

If there’s a situation or conversation that should be on this list, please either shoot me an email or leave it in the comments- thanks!

Let’s Meet Up

There’ll be more chances for me to meet you personally, not just virtually, next year.  Nothing better than throwing a hug on a web friend IRL.  So I’m doing more in-person and virtual speaking.  I hope you’ll join me live at the regional AfWPI conference in January.   I’m also slated to speak for my local ABC chapter sometime in early 2012.  (More details later).

And, if you have a local networking group that wants a virtual speaker, I’m your gal.  This works great to boost registrations for an event or as a fundraiser. Drop me a note if you’re interested.

Alrighty.  Thanks for being the caring, skillful, creative professional you are!

Wishing you and yours the best holiday season ever! Warmly Dina

UPDATE: It’s almost like the Universe paged her because right after I completed last week’s post, I heard from Carla. An email popped into my inbox that read, ‘I’m back’.

Long story short, I got to put all the communication and conflict skills and mindsets I teach into practice. Her child fell ill, which caused her to be away from her business. Here’s where things get interesting.

Although Carla had a backup system in place, something I’m gonna talk about next, it failed. She fsiled to include me in her automated client system Because I wasn’t included (I was a special case), her assistant didn’t know to notify me of the issue or keep me informed. Totally understandable human error but it points out some flaws in thinking and systems I want to shed some light on.

PLAN A,B and C

But first, let’s talk back up plan. Do you have one? Have you actually tested it? When was the last time you did? You’ve got to have a plan when YOU are essentially the business. Your clients depend on you. Now, I know I don’t have to say that but sometimes I feel like I do because of the magical thinking. More on that. Back to the plan.

A contingency or back up plan is a must for responsible business owners. Especially when your business involves a milestone event like a wedding. Happily, it’s not hard to create one. You can do it in three easy steps.

1. Create standard operating procedures- what has to get done on a daily, weekly, monthly basis and how. Write it out as if you were giving it to your assistant. ( you probably need an assistant btw) Should you have an emergency, this plan is what your ‘go to team’ will work from. Be specific-spell things out. Be sure to say when you must be involved or consulted. Realize and accept that your team will do it’s best but it won’t be exactly like you do it.
2. Pick a team- choose 1 or 2 people you’d feel comfortable having represent you & your business. This is kinda like asking someone to be a godparent-taking on an extra responsibility out of love.

   Be sure your team understands what they’re getting into and can commit to the responsibility. (Probably not a close family member because if there is trouble you’ll need them for a different type of support. I was terribly running my hubs biz but a great patient advocate for him after emergency back surgery. )

3. Communicate the plan- Tell your new clients first thing. Tell current clients. It’s very reassuring to know and increases trust between you Also, leave the written plan (yeah, it should be written) somewhere easy to find. Then, tell your team & spouse where that is.
4. Test it! Things that work on paper don’t always work in real life. Do a day long dry run just to iron out any kinks.

Why am I so passionate about backup? A sneeze changed my life. In the wee hours of the morning my hubs sneezed and ruptured two herniated discs in his back. I rushed him to the hospital in excruciating pain.

The doctor told me if he didn’t get to surgery in the next hour he’d be paralyzed because his nerves had been crushed. He’d already lost sensation in his legs.

Happily, the successful surgery began a two year recovery during which my brave guy relearned how to walk. However, his business was in critical condition. He lost his biggest client who feared more trouble. Why? No backup plan. Eventually he regained their trust but why risk that.

Magical Thinking

I’m very interested in all types of thinking. I’ve learned to think about issues and ideas in different ways as an attorney and again as a mediator, and yet again as a corporate executive. How we think is as important as the thoughts themselves. That’s why I stress positive thinking so much.

Something I saw a lot of as a mediator was magical thinking. It’s actually less like thinking and more like a wish. As in, if this hasn’t happened yet, [I wish] it won’t happen.

I’m reminded of this because Carla had a backup plan. I don’t think she ever tested it, and it broke the first time out. She mentioned me that in many years she’s run her business no one has ever asked for a refund. She said that as if it were proof of her good customer service skills. Maybe. There’s no causal link between the two. It’s likely she’s right but it’s not certain that no client was ever dissatisfied. I spoke up but how many just walked away after a misunderstanding frustrated?

How many people do you know who stop to give a poor service provider feedback directly- not on a forum, yelp or some other rating site?

Just because the person didn’t express the complaint to you doesn’t mean she didn’t have one.

Just because you haven’t had an unexpected problem or emergency, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for one.

Just because you haven’t had a client complaint doesn’t mean your systems are smooth or helpful. (something i hear wedding pros say alot)

Hassle Free Business

All this is takes time and effort to do, I know. You’re already busy creating marvelous weddings. But it’s worth considering. Taking these steps to protect your clients, and ultimately yourself, is one step closer to a stress-less business.

What’s your back up plan and how do you share it?

This is a true story.  I wish it wasn’t.  But it’s a cautionary lesson for me as a purchaser and as an entrepreneur that can help you, too.

Hiring Help

After revising my course I wanted to have it looking good.  So I searched for a VA who could do ebook layouts.  I interviewed Carla and she passed with flying colors.  We got along great, and she was able to tolerate my delays with grace.  We were within days of having the final copy of the layout and design complete.  Then it happened.  Carla disappeared.  For real.

She sent me an email asking for a small delay, which was fine since I’d had a few, citing a family emergency.  Then, nothing. Nada.  I didn’t hear from her on that day or the next.  I called.  No answer. More than two weeks later, I got nothing.  No files. No explanation. No refund from Carla.

Trust but Verify

This whole incident freaks me out to be honest.  This is only the second time in years of online biz that I’ve been stiffed.  I’m still ok with working with folks online.  And, you should be, too.  You absolutely cant do everything alone.

I have no idea what happened on Carla’s end, which is maddening, of course.  I do know what I did, though.  Things went sideways because I forgot to ask one thing:

What happens if you can’t perform?

Hey, I’m human.  I get caught up in the ‘pheew, problem solved’ feeling of relief, too.  That’s when I should have asked about her backup plan.  I knew she was a solopro, which means she has a life that might interrupt her business.  I know that from personal experience.  My hubs sneezed one night, blew two discs in his back and started us on a two year road to recovery.   He fared well.  His business, and mine to a lesser degree, took a hit.   We both learned the value of back up.  To have a plan for the unexpected.

But, it didn’t really occur to me to make sure other solopros had one.  And, to see how it would impact me.  You bet you bottom dollar I won’t get stuck in that trap again. A funny, yet direct question like, ‘So, what happens if you get hit by a falling piano?’ will be firmly inserted in my interview checklist.  I suggest you add something like it to yours, if you work with other solopros.

If I’m out the money I paid, I’ll consider it an inexpensive lesson to remember to practice what I preach: ask more questions!

What does this mean to you?

As a consumer, be prepared for adversity or obstacles by asking the tough questions.  What happens if…. It might feel like you’re being a ‘debbie downer’ but isn’t it better to be confident the person/business can perform?

Use payment that has its  own dispute resolution process.  I’ll be going to Paypal for a refund since the vendor isn’t responding.

And, finally, be understanding  but not a pushover.  It amazes me how many people immediately assume the worse when there’s a glitch. Poop happens people!  If you want understanding, you gotta give to get.  On the other hand, it’s ok to be clear about what you want to see happen to fix whatever is wrong.  I as

Next Monday, let’s talk about what it means to you as a business person and an update to the story.

PS HEY, THIS IS THE FIRST DAY!! for Social Media Black Belt, the very informative video series Christine Dyer developed.  I know how to better attract and manage Facebook leads thanks to the series. If you want to attract more leads and referrals on Facebook and Twitter- I can’t recommend this series highly enough. Grab your copy now

HAPPY, HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

As you read this I’m sitting on a beautiful Mexican beach contemplating the joys of being 50!  Yep, we’re chilling at the gorgeous Hotel Cinco Sentidos, cliff-side with an amazing bay view.   When I booked this trip a year ago, I had know idea we’d be living in California.   Or, in a new house.  Life is full of wonderful surprises, isn’t it?    I’m  celebrating all my blessings, especially the recent ones. Like,

•  moving cross country from Boston to Oakland safely and loving it!
•  finding my dream home Vivian with two weeks of moving
• purchasing Vivian in a speedy & glass-smooth short sale (after beating out 2 cash offers-this still floors me)
• beginning renovations on my bday (well, the day before)
• launching two new blogs
•  the usual ones, my dear hubs , fab friends and the best kiddos alive

I’m so happy I need a rest from smiling, not that I’m complaining.  I am the most grateful woman in the world, and surely, one of the happiest.

Wishing you the same!   Come back next Monday and I’ll tell ya about the disturbing yet thought-provoking experience I had recently.

Warmly, Dina

PS  Today is launch day for Social Media Black Belt, the very informative video series Christine Dyer developed.  I learned a ton, and you will, too.  If you’re tired of feeling lame about your social media efforts or want to know definitively what you’re doing is working- I can’t recommend this series highly enough. Grab your copy now

You’re an amazingly creative wedding professional.  So when your best friend (close cousin, college roomie) asks you to plan her perfect wedding day you say yes!  You’re excited to plan the event of the century that you’ve talked about so many times.  It’s gonna be great.  Right? Maybe…

As exciting as it can is to be part of the wedding celebration, you have to be prepared for the less-than-wonderful bits.  You know what I mean.  Weddings are  churning with highly charged emotions and unspoken expectations.   Of course everyone is happy, but there are moments of grief, loss, betrayal, frustration, and sadness in there, too.

Add in the quirkiness of a long friendship and a pressure for everything to be perfect and you have the makings of T-R-O-U-B-L-E  But you can nip that in the bud if you’re willing to do a little extra work.  And, honestly, there are the things you should talk with every bride about, not just your BFF.  You have to create a plan so that you and your friend-bride happily stay best friends.

How do you do that?  I’m gonna share my tactics with you and everyone else during my teleseminar, Plan Your BFFs Wedding without Going Crazy     Working with people you love is one of the greatest joys of being an entrepreneur.  And, making it work is easier than you might imagine.  Your client already knows, likes, and trusts you!

Debbie Tobias Quain of the Wedding Business Guide is interviewing me on Wednesday, Oct. 26  at 5pm  PT/  8pm ET  We had a fun prep call and really got into talking about what makes makes this situation so awkward and how to get past that so you can have a memorable experience (And by that, I mean memorable in a good way )

You should join us for this live teleseminar  if you:

• are eager to learn to confidently handle this client dynamic
• want to brush up on your expectation-setting  and negotiating skills
• worry about how to balance your friendship with your professional side
• need solutions for when things go wrong

(members of the Wedding Business Guide community will have access to the replay)

Of course, I’m curious.  Would you plan your best friend’s wedding?  Your sister?  Any relative or friend?  Share your experiences with us.

Today is my two month anniversary of becoming a California girl! Woo hoo! I hella heart Oakland.

You probably know about our move to Oakland- my life long dream and smartest thing I ever did.  The weather and lifestyle are wonderful. Every day  I wake up and see the palm trees then grin and say ‘I live in California! ( Yes, I am goofy.)

I moved here to make my life happier and live my dreams, something I highly recommend.  I got what I wanted and so much more that’s totally unexpected.

New  Home

What you might not know is that very shortly after we arrived I found my dream home!  The hubs and I are in the process of purchasing and renovating a lovely 1935 Cape Cod fixer we named Vivian.  She’s a gorgeous girl (amazing view!) who met up with an unsavory developer who sadly robbed her of her charms.  We aim to rescue her!

Interestingly enough, as I prepare for the renovation I get to observe small business at work.  The way people court clients, communicate or don’t, how they share tough news.  Fascinating.

New Blog

You’re welcome to follow along with my renovating/business lessons and adventures when I launch my new blog, dina loves {design}, in a few weeks.   Anyone who knows me knows I love decorating and cooking.  So I thought let’s talk about that.

It’s already been a wild yet informative ride and we don’t quite own the house yet.  I’ll be talking about working with your lender, sourcing for a renovation, working with a contractor, sharing picture of Viv before and after.  The emotions of remodeling.  And, hopefully, lots of cool products and gadgets.  I love gadgets.

Generally showing off  Vivian like the proud house mom I’m about to become.   I’m convinced Vivian is the right house for us and we’re the right ones to make her into a home again.

My goal: 1)  take the mystery out of doing an amazing 203k loan renovation: on budget, on time, still sane and happily married 2) immerse myself in all things home and food and share with you!  Right now, you can find me on Pinterest, my other addiction besides Houzz.

New Direction

Making such a huge change in my life opened me up to  all kinds of new thoughts.  Sounds cliche to say, but true- sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. (Which have you been looking at?)

Taking a step back I realized that the knowledge and wisdom I share here on Positively Wed for wedding entrepreneurs should be shared with more women small business owners.  People told me that before but I just couldn’t hear it until I got here.

So over the next few months, I’ll invite you to join me over at HassleFreeContracts.com where a bunch of like-minded women entrepreneurs will be learning how to kick butt & take names in a good way and run a business that empowers you to do your best work with the best clients.

New Hope

I was reading a post by Marlee Ward today on why this is the best time for women entrepreneurs.  She reminds me (and you) that even though we face struggles now, this is an uniquely great time to be a small business owner.  Using our creativity and innovations we have the capacity to reach and help so many more people than ever before.  Yes, you.

Your wedding business may seem local or regional but you have the power- thanks to the internet- to impact brides around the world.  You can build a global business. Or be a Thought Leader on a local level.  It’s all good.  Just use  your superpowers for good, not evil.

 Change the way you look at things and you change the things you look at.  Wayne Dyer

Yep, it’s true. The wonderful folks of the EPIC Summit invited yours truly do present the kick-out webinar tonight at 5 pm CT/ 8 pm ET. I’m talking about a pretty common topic- entrepreneurship- from a very different perspective.

My question to you is: you’re running a business, yes, but are you truly an entrepreneur? Getting that answer wrong practically dooms your wedding business. Join in and decide for yourself tonight.

Register here and you’ll get a big discount off your EPIC conference registration!

See ya tonight!

It’s like winning an Oscar, except it doesn’t ruin your career.  I’m talking about being named to the Alltop list.  Guy Kawasaki, guru of all things startup, pulls together the cream of the crop of online content on his site, Alltop.

Alltop is fun.  Great to browse, there are a ton of very high quality interesting blogs to follow.  I’m honored that Alltop selected Positive Wed to be among the very best wedding sites on the web!

Yup, right up there with Always a Blogmaid, my girl Dana of Broke-Ass Bride and my design idol, Jung of Fete.  Rarified air, indeed.

I am so blessed and wish the same for you.  Have a wonderful weekend.

LaShanah Tov!

I’m a big fan of destination weddings.  Hubs and I cruised to Grand Cayman then got married before a small group of family and friends on a lovely stretch of beach.  (actually beachside, but that’s a whole different story).  It was magical to feel so relaxed and happy at my own event.

You already know I’m a big fan of Terri Altergott, who is the founder of Extraordinary Destination Weddings.  Man, she is one creative person.  While I was busy telling you how she created her own network of international wedding planners, she was busy creating a brand new way to network.  More to come on this beauty, for sure.

But for now, Terri tells me she’s got room in her wonderful team for a few exceptional destination wedding planners.  Highly innovative, highly ethical, completely dedicated collaborators  apply here!

PS.  I highly recommend that you take  a peek at the videos Jeff and Stephanie Padovani are sharing.  Two more wedding folks that I admire, they’re really cracked the code for making selling efficient and easy.