Get your Business Buzz Back

You know what it's like when you just can't find the energy to keep moving forwards, and your business ideas just sit there looking at you.

I can't always find the time to read, but my iPod now has several books and podcasts that have surprised me. Even if you think that you are immune from motivational or self development courses - try some of these, you might find your energy levels increasing.

My new best listen is one I stumbled across really. Success Mastery Academy by Brian Tracy is a US business/life development expert. I have avoided the whole life coach/business coach idea till now, and was prepared to be underwhelmed by cliche and whoops and whistles.

However, I downloaded it and started to listen - in fact I listened to part 2 first by accident, and I am glad I did. This is a live recording of a two day course for sales people I think - BUT the principles that Brian discusses over the two days are very relevant to anyone looking for a real kick up the backside.... and practical ways to change your life and business for the better. Read on here.....

Have a look at the website, I have only listened to two of his books so far, but he has such a great style, I will buy more without a doubt.

Brian Tracy Home Page

You can also find the Success Mastery Academy on Audible.co.uk, and this has been a wonderful resource. I have a subscription for about £14 per month, I got a free iPod shuffle when I joined and I have 2 credits per month - which I spend on audiobooks of all kinds.

(Incidentally the Brian Tracy book, which is about 10 hours long, is usually £53.99, and I got it for 1 credit)

Get two free downloads at Audible.co.uk - Click here and enter the Claim Code: I5QS491O

Some of the best in my Audible library:

The Big Moo: Stop Trying to Be Perfect and Start Being Remarkable (Unabridged) From Seth Godin - A collection of entertaining short essays with insight and inspiration from smart entrepreneurs. Easy to listen to, and very amusing in places.

Millionaire Upgrade (Unabridged) by Richard Parkes Cordock. This is written as a novel, but with the author describing a conversation he was lucky enough to fall into, on a long flight. The book is based on advice he got on that day, which was the inspiration for his hugely successful series the Millionaire MBA Business Mentoring Programme. The short contributions at the end of the book, from real life entrepreneurs, are valuable little nuggets too.

This one, about the life and career of former FBI agent Candice Delong is just a really good listen..

Happy Listening...

Diana

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Information overload....

There is too much information..really. Websites, e-books, videos, books, CD's, podcasts, forums, blogs (!)...good grief you could spend months reading, before you actually pluck up the courage to get to the doing. If you are running a business, or thinking of starting one, you can find all the 'technical' information you need, without moving from behind your PC.

This blog aims to feature different sorts of businesses, and their challenges - and invite readers to fill in the 'but in real life' gaps...

If you can share some wisdom, please comment appropriately. The idea is not to say 'this is my business, this is where you can find me' - but more to offer helpful insight and encouragement. (However feel free to add your web address and email at the end of your contribution.)

We will look at a different type of business, how to start up, and current issues. We would love to feature women in the sector and their insight, and resources relevant to that particular business. If you have something to add to a section, let me know, I can add on.

Retail - Running a shop is still a top choice for women, and now there are fantastic opportunities online.

Safe to say that, despite the gathering economic clouds, there will always be an optimistic band of women planning and dreaming of their own retail empire. Not to mention those already in the thick of it, some doing brilliantly, some struggling to understand their customers - and suffering the financial consequences.

What is the secret? Mary Queen of Shops, a BBC programme, has been great. Delving into the shops she visits, Mary has highlighted some fundamental flaws in planning, and buying, but the programme has also shown us the passion and drive to improve by the featured retailers. Catch it on the BBC iPlayer if you missed it, or You Tube has some good clips also.

One of the great resources I have used over the past couple of years is Scavenger. This marvellous website features over 800 reports and guides to help you research a business idea, start up and run a new business.



Read more here....

The reports contain information it would take you hours and possibly weeks to research and gather yourself. Take a look:

Some of the top 100 selling reports include:

A Business Plan - A Guide to Writing Business Information Factsheet April 2007 Price: £3.99
Coffee Shop Business Opportunity Profile January 2006 Price: £5.99
Children's Day Nursery Business Opportunity Profile August 2006 Price: £5.99
Recruitment Agency Business Opportunity Profile May 2008 Price: £5.99
Children's Indoor Play Area Business Opportunity Profile December 2006 Price: £5.99
Smoothie and Juice Bar Business Opportunity Profile February 2008 Price: £5.99
Researching a Market for Business Start Ups - An Introduction to Business Information Factsheet June 2008 Price: £3.99
Business from Home - A Guide to Running a Business Information Factsheet March 2007 Price: £3.99
Delicatessen Business Opportunity Profile July 2007 Price: £5.99
Marketing Plan - A Guide to Developing a Business Information Factsheet May 2006 Price: £3.99

What are your tips for a profitable retail operation? Have you made your online shop successful? Let us know, comment below.

Diana

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I should be social networking...where to start??

My task this week is to try and negotiate the maze of social networking sites, and try and work out how they can help me.
Being co-director of a web design company, you might think I was already fully briefed with all the relevant info I need....but no.

Since we started (1999), we have seen many phases of online development - and experience has taught me that it pays to watch and learn first, and then jump in after the initial hype. Once upon a time, everyone wanted Flash websites with gyrating pop ups..

So, a certain amount of caution, and to be frank, lack of time to research, has meant now I need to catch up fast. Our clients are keen to make the most of Facebook, Myspace, You Tube and whatever other websites their kids are telling them about, so I will dive in and see how we can interact with exisiting clients, and attract new ones.

While I am at it, I will be looking for ways I can generate new income, and maybe develop a whole new business at the same time! Watch this space.

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