You’re my gift

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