Archive for the ‘Joy's Business Tips’ Category

Smart Women Twitter

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

“Joy, do you Twitter?” When I first heard this question about 8 months ago, I didn’t know if they were talking about my sex life or maybe I’d missed the latest fitness trend that promises to help you lose 10 lbs. in 2 days! I was being interviewed via the phone and during one of the commercial breaks the interviewer asked me this question. twitter-logoI actually had no idea what she was talking about so I replied, “I’m looking into it.”

Later, I asked Lynne, my virtual assistant, what the heck Twitter was and her reply: “Oh, yes Joy, you should be doing that!” In the last 2 weeks, I’ve been asked by women in my Success Circles, private clients and friends about Twitter so that got me thinking: I bet there are a lot of women out there who are wondering what I was wondering about 8 months ago: “What is Twitter and why should I tweet?”

Twitter is an online social networking tool. Still don’t get it? Neither did I—until about 6 months ago. Think of it like this. It’s sort of like an online networking meeting 24 hours a day/7days a week where you can potentially meet new clients for your business.

When I finally took a look at www.Twitter.com at first I could not believe that anyone would waste time recording an answer to a really simple question: “What are you doing?” Yep, that’s right. You log on, answer this really simple question with one challenge: You can only type 140 characters.

I am by no means an expert on Twitter, however I use it now on a regular basis. And guess what? It’s working. I’ve met some amazing women on Twitter. I’ve learned new and interesting things from some of the people I’m following and it’s increasing my business just by answering this one question: “What are you doing?”

Here are four reasons why Smart Women should Twitter:
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Smart Women Get an “Entrepreneurial” Checkup

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

When we get sick, have the flu or some other ailment that we can’t seem to cure on our own, we  go to the doctor for a checkup.  The same is true in our businesses.02-12-09womandoc1

If you feel like your business is not growing the way you had envisioned, maybe it’s time for an “entrepreneurial” checkup.  This week, I’m going to share some simple, easy solutions that you can use to give your business a “checkup” to ensure healthy success.

  1. Join a Mastermind – Recently, my husband Greg was ill and had to be admitted to UCLA Medical Center, which is a teaching hospital.  Students follow the heads of different departments around to visit patients, learn from the experts, and also mastermind together to figure out the best plan of action or solution to follow with each patient.  I facilitate several Mastermind Circles for women and I personally belong to one myself.  They are an excellent way to stay on track with your goals, meet with other people who have a desire to grow their businesses, and get good, quality feedback on your ideas.  You can join a Mastermind or start one of your own.  The key is to have positive people who are committed to possibility thinking and create an environment where everyone feels safe.  Meeting one time per month is ideal.
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Love What You Do!

Friday, November 7th, 2008

On Sunday, we hosted Jenna’s 6th birthday party at Tumbleweed Day Camp, which is a rustic, peaceful camp for children in the canyon above Los Angeles. You feel as if you are out in the wilderness and it’s about a 10 minute drive back to the hustle and bustle of LA. Tumbleweed has this piece of equipment called a “Tumblewheel”, which is something that 4 people can get strapped into and the camp counselors manually turn it around so that your whole body goes around in a circle like a ferris wheel–not a great thing to do before lunch! My good friend and Smart Woman, Cynthia Bouza, and her daughter, joined Jenna and I on this ride! It was a lot of fun and we all enjoyed it.

I also had the opportunity to attend a women’s event where one of the guest speakers was Linda LoRoe, the CEO of Fredericks of Hollywood. Wow–what an amazing woman! She shared a few inspiring tips for Smart Women. Love what you do–have a passion for it, learn to be a better communicator in all areas of your life, and access your core–your authentic self, as often as possible. Always have mentors and coaches in your life. She talked about the importance of quiet time, meditation, and journaling. And… she had her first child in her mid 40’s. I truly enjoyed being in her presence. I invite you to get out into your community and hear other successful women talk about their work and their lives.

Two days ago, Senator Barack Obama became our 44th President of the United States. This is a historical moment in our history. I’m always writing about your “Big Idea.” Here is an individual who had a Big Idea. He was the least likely to win in the beginning. But he believed in his “idea” so firmly, that he was able to persuade others to believe it also and the seeds began to grow. His persistence and consistency paid off this week. The same can happen for you. If you have a Big Idea, I invite you to plant the seed and follow your dream.

In my Gratitude Journal this week, I am thankful for my mentors and coaches. It is through that learning and challenged thinking, that I continue to grow as a woman, wife, mother and entrepreneur.

And if you want to know more about Smart Women Who Give Great Parties, don’t miss my article today!

Be well,

Joy Chudacoff
Certified Professional Coach
Smart Women Smart Solutions
310-454-2005
www.SmartWomenSolutions.com

“Helping women create an extraordinary life.”

Smart Women Love a Good Party!

Friday, November 7th, 2008

Recently, we hosted our daughter Jenna’s 6th birthday party at Tumbleweed Day Camp. Tumbleweed Day Camp is this secure, natural haven above West Los Angeles that makes you feel as if you are out in the wilderness instead of 10 minutes from one of the largest cities in the world. It is a rustic, peaceful camp that offers activities for children. They have well-trained counselors who support children in having outdoor fun. Many parents that attended the party were so surprised to find this little jewel in the community. They had no idea it existed and they had lots of curious questions about how their children could enjoy the benefits of Tumbleweed as well. This got me thinking about how Smart Women know the value of parties and gatherings.

If you are a woman with a Big Idea, product or service, it’s essential that you provide opportunities for the world to know about it. There are many creative ways to promote or introduce your business. Women are natural connectors. You shine at events where you can gather together to support a group or cause. Sometimes, though unintentional, you keep your business a “secret.” You go to events to promote your product or service, however when the moment arrives to spotlight your business, you may feel uncomfortable sharing your Big Idea or dream. Why? Well, self-promotion or the promotion of a product can be uncomfortable for some as it feels like selling and many of us do not like the idea of selling.

In my Women’s Success Circles, we are having a conversation about relationship marketing—building solid relationships that will support their business. This can be done in many ways including networking groups, community service or hosting a party at your office or some other venue. People enjoy a party or social gathering where they can relax and chat with others while learning more about what you do. At my daughter’s party, people were having an enjoyable time and had a lot of curious questions: What activities do they offer at summer camp? How long have your children been attending? What’s the cost? Can you see how this could relate to your own business?
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What Do Smart Women and GM/Chrysler Have in Common?

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

I was reading an article in a national newspaper this morning and the big news was on how General Motors and Chrysler are in talks and possible negotiations to support each other in business.  And why not?  They essentially share the same target market—people who are in the market for a car.

Creating strategic alliances or joint-venture opportunities with other businesses who share the same target market has become a big part of my work with women.  This is such a simple solution to building your business and creating a larger presence in the marketplace for your products and services.

I invite you to think about who you might contact to create your own strategic alliance or joint-venture opportunity to take your business to the next level.  If it’s good enough for General Motors and Chrysler, do you think it could work for you?

Be well,

Joy Chudacoff
Certified Professional Coach
Smart Women Smart Solutions
310-454-2005
www.SmartWomenSolutions.com

“Helping women create an extraordinary life.”