It doesn't matter what you do, it matters why you do it. -- Simon Sinek Soon after I redesigned our logo focusing on the 3 circles, I bought my next audiobook for my mobile library, "Start With Why," by Simon Sinek. In his book, Simon describes The Golden Circle, What, How, Why. The Why is the inner circle, the How is the middle and the What is the outer circle. The concept is based on the belief that people believe why you do it, not what you do. You work from the inside out, … [Read more...]
Your Logo Should Change as Your Business Changes
Your logo should change as your business changes throughout time. As change happens, update, refresh and redesign your logo. If you look at a brand's history, you will notice subtle changes throughout the years, especially for major brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, IBM, Lego, etc. There are many reasons to update and redesign a logo including refreshing the look to be more current and no longer outdated, change in direction or mission, merging with another company, etc. Back in 1999, we decided … [Read more...]
Building a Database, a Case Study
Follow along as I help Donna Long from Nebraska build a FileMaker Pro database system to run her small organic farm operation. I thought this project would be a great case study on what’s involved in developing software using FileMaker Pro. I plan to provide guidance and help Donna get started building her database. Together we are going to follow the steps necessary to build a database system. The case study, Getting Down and Dirty - Part 1, is published on my Everything FileMaker site, … [Read more...]
Be a Polished Professional
By Tina Arnold, M.A. Melinda, my former college roommate, came to visit last week. To celebrate, we spent a full day shopping, browsing and, truth be told, enjoying forbidden foods. We had pastries for breakfast, we ordered nachos for lunch, and we capped the afternoon with the ultimate treat: hot fudge sundaes. For eight hours, we blissfully ignored the healthful eating habits we’d worked so hard to develop after we graduated from college. At the frozen yogurt counter, it was I who took … [Read more...]
The Importance of Good Credit
by Kimberly Lebron When an individual applies for credit, either personally or to guarantee a loan, the lending institution will evaluate that person’s credit history. This is done by pulling a credit bureau report. A credit report is a snapshot of your credit history and will determine if a lender will extend credit based on your past performance. The credit reports also calculates a credit score using factors such as promptness in paying bills, total available credit, amount owed on … [Read more...]
Businesses need to get the word out
By Betty vonLiebermann It has always been important for business owners, large and small, to get the word out about their business. The importance of visibility is crucial for the success of any profit or non-profit organization. One of my mentors once said to me, “You can provide the most wonderful service and you can do great things, but if nobody knows about it, it’s a moot point.” Those words have stayed with me over the years, and those very words were my introduction to “The … [Read more...]
TOP TEN Proven Ways To Promote Your Small Business
By Betty vonLiebermann Believe in Yourself & Remember you are Always On Duty Be prepared with 30 second commercial Take advantage of Print & Broadcast Media Opportunities Network: Attend Networking Functions as Often As Possible Speaking Engagements Press Release: Who? What? Where? When? Why? & How? Have Pet Organizations & Chair Events Write Articles: Set Yourself Up As The Expert In Your Field Ask For Referrals: Word of Mouth Is The Best Form of … [Read more...]
Learn to Write Clearly and Concisely for Business
By Tina Arnold, M.A. Do you remember having to write 3-5-page papers when you were in junior high? When you became a high school student, your teachers probably asked you to write 10-15-page papers. By the time you were in college, your professors required 20-page, 30-page, or even 100-page papers! If you were like most academic writers, you learned to write long, elaborate sentences as you struggled to meet minimum page requirements. The more words you could string together, the better your … [Read more...]
Coaching Works!
by Carole Jacoby, M.Ed., M.S. Give up the struggle! Imagine a relationship where the total focus is on you, on what you want in your life and work, and on what will help you achieve it. The coaching relationship is like that. It’s unique. Coaching is like having your own personal navigator for the journey you are on; someone who will help you find your way as well as stay on course. Imagine someone listening, not only to your words, but also to the tone, the nuances of your voice, your … [Read more...]
Business Banking
by Kimberly Lebron The Commercial Banking Department at the Savings Bank of Danbury is contacted regularly from prospective customers looking for information. Some frequently asked questions include “What do I need to apply for a commercial loan?”, “How do I go about applying for a commercial loan?”, and “What are your rates for a commercial loan/mortgage?” If it is your first time applying for a business loan, you should contact a couple of commercial lenders from different banks. … [Read more...]