It is National "Revise your work schedule month" and we are doing our best to help you do just that.  Our newsletter is changing - again - to give you more of what you want and to help you do what matters most.

Over the last 4 years - we have all become more stressed by the lack of time and even more inundated by information.  But we are not always getting the information that matters.  E-mail especially can be a real time waster. 

I have been keeping track of the best read newsletters - and noted the responses.  And so in our newsletters - we are getting rid of some information and ramping up on the information that impacts and inspires you every day.  Please continue to keep me informed of what you want to read!

This week:

• Disgruntled drivers become unhappy campers (Leading by example)
• How they did it. (Last week's newsletter motivated members to action!)
• The trend toward social responsibility.
• E-Security - What can you believe anymore? (we are offering members a free workshop -small fee for non-members)
• Networking not working? (A valid comment - and no we won't try to convince you otherwise!)

Have an abundant week!

Mandie and the Roaring Women Team

There are no bad days - in fact days in themselves are not bad. There are only 24 hours of pure potential.  However - it all depends on how you look at things.  Circumstances in the world around us - often adversely affect our ability to do business.  The question really is - do these circumstances control us - or do we take action and turn these circumstances into opportunities?

Tara Debruin, one of our members, launched a new initiative - Ladies Choice Autocare.  It has received rave reviews and plenty of media attention. It looked like the auto shop was going to be an instant sensation!  But there was a fly in the ointment that might have ruined an otherwise fantastic initiative.  ( and could still do so).

Construction in front of their business has brought traffic to a standstill in what is traditionally their busiest season.  Disgruntled drivers have become unhappy campers in hot vehicles on a two lane construction zone.  Many times it now takes 30 minutes to travel a distance that normally takes 5 minutes. To bring a car to the show - once a 10 minute trip has now turned into a 45 minute job.  As a result business is like traffic there - at a standstill.  But Tara, after a few frantic days decided to turn this problem into an opportunity.

Cars that are sitting in traffic - are sitting idle in front of her business.  What a marketing opportunity this is!  Tara began by adding plenty of flowers to the front of the auto shop.  (something nice to look at) Then she realized this was a chance to meet and greet people in cars - her target market.  She is using her mobile sign and changing it twice  daily (with funny quotes) for the go to work crowd - and the come home crowd.  It gives them something to smile at.  She will be handing out coffee, water and flyers to those stuck in traffic. Tara will be making lemonade out of lemons so to speak.  I know her strategy will work - because her attitude is one that says:

"If you cannot find the circumstances you want - create the circumstances yourself."  This has not been the first of many things that have happened in the last year to Tara and her company - but in every instance I have watched her create from what seemed to be an unfortunate set of events into a perfect opportunity - I know her business will succeed.   Tara is truly leading by example. 

Are you looking for opportunities in the problems that present themselves to you? Send us your story about how you created the circumstances you needed - or how you will do exactly that!

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Last week we asked you what you could do to increase your business - 'Right Now".  We had some great responses! Small Changes every day can make a big difference!

"I was gonna check e-mail and then make supper. I read your letter and took a half hour and re-entered some e-mail addresses and sent a customer e-mail. Thanks for the push in the right direction!" - Sandy Schaloske

"I'm needing a business plan made up to open up a yoga studio. I recognize now that I need help doing this and so I have contacted someone to help me get the ball rolling!  Thank you for helping me move forward!" Janice

"I regularly make a plan weekly to do something to move my business forward.  This month I have spoken at two career days  - Grades 7 and 8 - and I met three high profile media people at these events. I have contacted all three and am now in the media database as the person to come to when coaching stories arise..... " Janet Auty Carlisle

What have you done this week to move your business forward?  Let us know!

TO DO THIS WEEK: Stop what you are doing every day at 10:15 and ask yourself - "Is what I am doing right now going to result in more sales, income or business growth that will affect me in the next 30 days?

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What in the world does this mean?  I am not sure it is a strategy that is front and centre in most business plans - or taught as a marketing strategy at schools of business, but it is a growing practice in many successful businesses.

Social responsibility is something many businesses are starting to practice for several reasons. 

• It shows their clients and customers they care about the world around them and for that reason can build customer loyalty.
• It builds community around common causes (again building customer loyalty)
• It is good citizenship (which is just plain 'right' and builds customer loyalty.)

Recently I sat through a presentation by a business owner in a forum of his peers - on Global Warming.  His business has nothing to do with making products to combat global warming - but he personally is interested in combating it - and has brought this on board as a cause he supports in his business.  He is not doing it for marketing purposes - but he will draw customers of like mind to him - who will join his ventures and support his business because they believe in what he is doing.

His mentor queried him on the wisdom of this.  I pointed out that studies are showing this type of social responsibility to be a fantastic way to build communities of like minded and committed individuals who become loyal to you and your business.  In short - it's right - and it works!

Another form of social responsibility comes from a member Denise Williams.  She has recently hired an employee with a disability - and is making changes in their workplace environment to enable this person to work in a position for which they are qualified for - but that they had never considered before. By using voice recognition software - she is enabling a new employee to take a position that they would never have considered because of poor mobility. In the past she has also purchased oversized screens for the visually impaired long before it was popular.  This is her way of building a socially responsible company.

Are you committed to social issues - or supporting a community initiative?  Let us know if you are. 

This week decide what social responsibility means to you and step forward to take your place.  Really - it is not only right - it is great Karma! 

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A recent article in the National Post prompted me to re-visit this subject again.  (You can read the article here)  It never ceases to amaze me how resourceful these internet thieves and con artists can be - and it makes me wonder if they might have successful legitimate businesses if they only used their resourcefulness for building good businesses.

Keeping yourself, your computer and your information safe and secure requires that you pay attention.  It is no wonder that businesses that build trust recruit loyal followers.  Here are some basic things that you need to know:

• No reputable company will ever ask you for credit card information or passwords via internet email
• Notifications of account problems that come via email will be followed up by phone calls directly to you and allow you the ability to confirm their identity.
• Just because an email looks 'official' and has a company logo on it - does not mean it is secure.  These kinds of emails are easy to build.  (Even I can do it)
• Web sites that require you enter secure information should have 'https' as the url address.  In addition a small lock symbol in the bottom right indicates this is a secure site.

Mark May 22nd on your calendar.  We are offering a 45 minute workshop for members at no charge (small fee for non-members) on internet and email security.  You will be sent login and telephone information after you register.

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I have heard it time and again.  "I don't go to networking events because it doesn't work for me"  And for the most part I see and understand why.  People often do not propoerly network at networking meetings. They go to get business instead of build their network.

I have repeatedly asked myself why I would spend $45 to attend a meeting and admittedly receive a great meal - and maybe even hear a good speaker but would my business really benefit?  However, just by attending a meeting I recognize that the following things happen:

• I get to meet new people (sometimes)
• I show others - yes, I am still in business (hmm... this is important)
• I can announce new services (are you constantly offering new things?)
• I can build trust by offering free information (there are enough scams out there - are you building trust?)

I realize many people do not consider these aforementioned benefits to networking.  I know I have personally heard people ask "Is Suzie still in business?  I have not seen or heard from her lately"  (Suzie gave up networking becuase she did not immediately see a financial benefit)

But let me let you peek into the results of successful networking. The following has happened recenty as a result of netoworking efforts at our chapter in Edmonton:

"One of the ladies I deal with who does my logo embroidery talked to another manufacturer about me and the company called and asked for a quote and then booked me for some service: result $3,000 in sales"

"I lost my assistant and I was going crazy doing all the work myself. A lady I met networking heard of my dilemma and mentioned it to another woman she knew who was able to connect me to an employee - immediately"

"I use several members regularly for needs I have from massage to spices.   I like the personal service and the quality of the things I have bought from people I have met through networking - and it feels good to support each other" (result: multiple new sales and referrals)

"I decided to try a member's product and was amazed - and so I decided to buy more and also referred her.  As a result this member has tried my product and now is also my customer." (Result: growth in sales for both)

"I was an associate member - but upgraded.  When I did, my picture and profile was up on the site and was searchable.   As a result - a lady from BC looking for someone with my product - found me.  The lady loved my story - and contacted me.  As a result this lady joined my company as a result of talking to me and finding me on the RW site". (result: a new person in her business and lots of new sales)

Networking is all about building relationships. (Relationships that will help you in the future) Our meetings give you the opportunity to meet others and make connections.  But the business you get is a direct result of what you give and how you help others.

None of these women received business from the first, the second or the third meeting.  But they built relationships that they relied upon later for referrals and assistance.  And the results of their networking has paid off. 

Are you willing to invest 3 meetings ( 9 hours and $150.00) to get and stay connected to the people who will refer you and buy your product?  In the end - it really does not seem that expensive, does it?  The ladies I mentioned above think their money and efforts were well invested. 

To make networking work for you - you must see value in referring others and prcatice it regularly.

Tell us how your networking efforts have paid off for you.

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