Entrepreneur in Action – Sarah Santacroce | Swiss Social Media Specialist

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Brian Loebig

Sarah SantacroceI don’t recall the first time I learned about Sarah Santacroce, but it is likely that I discovered her from one of her incredibly useful “Savvy Biz Blog” articles. I have also attended several of her webinars, the most recent one titled “Why You’re Not Getting the Most Out of Linkedin.” Sarah is a Swiss National with a lovely accent; a California free spirit and engenders a generous and genuine ‘other-focused’ approach to business. I am delighted that she has agreed to participate in this latest Entrepreneur in Action article series and I look forward to her next webinar and e-book!

1. Career influences

Entrepreneurship runs in my dad’s side of the family. My grandma was a very strong woman, who besides raising 3 kids on her own, ran a very popular restaurant. Later she also invested in real estate and made a good living out of it. My father took after her and also has been running his own consulting firm for over 20 years. Being my dad’s first born daughter I think I might have inherited the ‘entrepreneurial gene’ 😉

2. Biggest career success

Instead of bragging about my biggest success, I’d like to share that sometimes it’s the small successes that make all the difference. Yesterday a webinar attendee told me she got a prospect immediately after implementing the LinkedIn tips I recommended. That’s a small success! Or when my VIP group participants figured out how to use Google Hangouts! Another small achievement. As entrepreneurs we tend to always strive for the big things, but sometimes it’s just as important to look back and see what we have already achieved!

3. Recent lessons learned

I had to learn (the hard way) that as a business owner you need to be able to say ‘no’. Especially in the early years, you think you need to accept any kind of business that comes your way. Since I work with solopreneurs quite often, many of them were trying to offer me ‘service-exchanges’: “you help me with Social Media and I give you a foot massage.”  “Thanks, but no thanks.” I learned that sometimes you need to just say ‘no’, even if that means you won’t get the business.

4. What inspires and motivates

What motivates me is the fact that by doing what I love, I help other people doing what they love.

5. Share a leadership story

About two years ago I started a LinkedIn group I called ‘Simple Small Business Solutions’. It grew to about 200 members very fast, but then slowed down. A year later, it was still at that same level, and there were barely any discussions and interactions. Who’s fault was it? Mine of course. I didn’t lead by example and neglected the group. So I decided to close the group again and sent everyone an e-mail, explaining my reasoning & apologizing for my poor management. Having learned from my mistakes, I opened another group 3 weeks ago, which I fully commit to manage properly this time 😉 Sometimes as a leader, you need to admit to your mistakes – and learn from them.

6. Your Top Two

  • Surround yourself with positive people. Negativity is contagious. Surround yourself with positive, smart people. They will help you find your true potential.
  • Be yourself In order to stand out from the noise, you need to be unique. You can only be unique, if you are yourself. Use your story, your uniqueness and make it into your brand.

7. About Sarah

Sarah is a certified Social Media, Internet Marketing & Virtual Event specialist. She helps small business owners and individual entrepreneurs to find their place in today’s online world, find their way through the Social Media Jungle and become more visible online. Sarah is a Swiss national, but thinks with a global mind.

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Entrepreneur in Action – Marlee Ward | Chief Radical Entrepreneur

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Brian Loebig

Marlee WardAs an entrepreneur myself, Marlee Ward quickly became someone I followed for inspiration, online strategies and faith & business perspectives. She is a master of building personal brands and has expert level experience across a wide range of technology mediums. It was my true pleasure to invite her for this Entrepreneur in Action interview and I am sure she will be someone you will want to follow as well!

1. Career influences

My grandfather. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and my grandfather was an incredible entrepreneur. He started a business when he returned home from being in the war (in the 40’s) by selling work gloves. He went door-to-door selling work gloves until he had enough income to expand his product line. He built that endeavor into a multi-million dollar personal protective wear company now run by my aunt. In him I saw determination, confidence, and a whole lot of hustle.

2. Biggest career success

Leaving my work as a lawyer, odd as it may sound. It was such a difficult choice, but I would not have the fulfillment that I do if I hadn’t walked away. I consider that a big win. The runner up would be turning my first business endeavor profitable in two months (at the height of a recession). It just goes to show when you can solve specific problems for specific people the money will be there.

3. Recent lessons learned

Woo. This is a tough one. Most recently, I learned a big spiritual lesson that involved my business. That is, keep first things first. Being so passionate about my business it’s easy to let it control my life. I got really out of balance. Rather than keeping my eyes on my Creator, I became too focused on the gifts He provides. It led to a very dry and difficult spiritual place, which eventually started to wreck havoc on my health and productivity. You have to keep your priorities straight.

4. What inspires and motivates

What inspires me is what is possible. Our lives have a ripple effect on all things around us. When you do good work in the world you create a ripple of blessing around you. You never know who you’ll touch or how you’ll have an impact, and that inspires me. As for motivation, I’m most motivated by being able to practically meet the needs of others. This drives my desire to be a highly profitable entrepreneur. I know the more I make, the more I can give, and that is the key motivating factor in my pursuit of business success.

5. Share a leadership story (brief 100 word or less)

When you’re an eager entrepreneur it’s easy to want to say, “yes,” all of the time. But not every opportunity is the right opportunity for you. One thing I had to lead myself to do was say no to business opportunities and client engagements that were not going to be good for me or my business. On multiple occasions I turned clients away because I knew we would not be a good fit for one another. While I could have helped them reach their goal, I knew the experience would not be enriching for either party. These are things you must be very clear on as you lead your company forward so that you can stay true to your own vision.

6. Your Top Two

  1. Never give up.
  2. Go back to number one.

7. About Marlee

I’m Marlee Ward, Chief Radical Entrepreneur (aka CRE), marketing strategist, and speaker.

I help coaches, authors, speakers and professional service providers create irresistible marketing messages, powerful marketing strategies, and digital products so they can earn an abundant income sharing their God-given gifts, knowledge, experience and expertise with the people they are meant to serve.

Get free marketing training and connect with me at:
http://marleeward.com
http://twitter.com/marleeward
http://facebook.com/businesswithmarlee

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How to Setup Google Plus Authorship for Better SEO

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Brian Loebig

google authorship seoGoogle Plus Authorship enables writers, authors, bloggers and even guest bloggers to digitally claim their online content. It also makes Google search engine results appear with ones profile image next to the web page or article. Linking your online content to a personal Google Plus account will help increase your credibility and will likely boost your search engine rankings as well. Clicks to search results that have an author thumbnail will undoubtedly generate higher click through rates which will in turn influence search engine rankings. Matt McGee, Editor in Chief of Search Engine Land, described one of the hidden benefits of Google Authorship as increased links that appear when a Google Author verified site is visited. Since the process to setup Google Plus Authorship is relatively simple and cost neutral it is definitely a recommended and worthy exercise for businesses taking their SEO strategy to the next level.

Step 1: Create a Google + Personal Account if you don’t already have one. This is different than a Google + Local page which appears on Google Maps.

Step 2: Add a link to the blog and/or website you author in the ‘About’ section of your Google + Personal profile. Add the sites in the Links > ‘Contributor To’ section. Link to the “about me” section of the linked blog/website. If you don’t have an “about me” page make one!  Or, at a minimum link to an article or web page where your bio, profile photo and contact information appears.

Step 3: In the bio section of the website or blog, create a link to your Google + Personal page using the following steps. For blogs, the bio section may be the “gravatar” profile which appears at the bottom of all posts:

    1. Create a text or image link to your Google+ profile from your webpage (in the html view):
    2. Replace [profile_url] with the your Google+ profile URL. Be sure to remove the brackets [] as well!

Text link example:

<a href="[profile_url]?rel=author">Visit my Google Plus profile</a>

Image link example:

<a href="[profile_url]?rel=author"><img src="http://yourwebsite.com/yourimage.jpg"></a>
  • NOTE: Your link must contain the ?rel=author parameter. If it’s missing, Google won’t be able to associate your content with your Google+ profile.

Step 4: Test the setup using Google’s structured data testing tool: http://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/richsnippets. Test with a link to one of the blog articles or pages where you added the Google Plus Author link.

Step 5: Be patient as Google connects your Google Plus Authorship profile to your pages. Google says it can take from a couple weeks to a couple months for Google to begin displaying your pages with the authorship icon. However, in my experience I have seen the Google authorship icon show up in as little as 3 days for some of my clients and my own authorship became live in a little over two weeks.

Step 6: Benefit from the increase visibility and exposure you will have from Google Authorship!

Google + Authorized content is easily recognizable in search engine results from the appearance of the profile image next to the search result link, e.g.

google authorship example

Google also sends out a one-time “Welcome to Google Authorship” notification email about a week after authorship has been established. Here is the email I received one week after my own authorship profile went live:

google authorship confirmation email

Check out other good articles on Google Authorship:

1. Google Confirms Hidden Benefit of Authorship
http://searchengineland.com/google-confirms-hidden-benefit-of-authorship-134526

2. Ten Reasons You Should Claim Your Google Authorship
http://www.copyblogger.com/claim-google-authorship/

Browse my other articles on Search Engine Optimization.

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Using Press Releases for Better SEO

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Brian Loebig

Press Release for Better SEOProfessionally written press releases is a 2013 SEO best practice since it creates quality backlinks to a website as well as providing quality content for Google and Bing search engines to index. Good press release services create a permanent keyword friendly URL. Here are some examples from PRweb.com and PRNewsWire.com.

Check out the URL’s on these press releases…MAJOR SEO Friendly!

  1. http://www.prweb.com/releases/usedfurniture/installation/prweb10372101.htm
  2. http://www.prweb.com/releases/phoenixville/plumbing/prweb10372059.htm
  3. http://www.prweb.com/releases/robinrenee/mantramusic/prweb10368512.htm
  4. http://www.prweb.com/releases/dcbuttdoctor/plasticsurgery/prweb10157978.htm
  5. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/10-seo-tips-to-adapt-to-google-penguin-update-by-miklinseo-190206181.html

The PR Newswire VP of Social media agrees. Check out Sarah Skerik’s article on SEO Trends for 2013 that was published in January 2013.

Using press releases to get the word out on your business and services is NOT a silver bullet however. Having and SEO optimized website, an active social media and blog writing strategy as well as a quality back-link development plan are all key components to generating the visibility and web traffic that lead to Internet business leads.

Check out other articles on SEO…

Need help writing and distributing a press release? Contact me for rates and information.

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Entrepreneur in Action | Tim Horn, Virginia Hypnosis Consultant

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Brian Loebig

Tim Horn HypnotherapistTim Horn was introduced to me by the owner of the Lotus Wellness Center, Uma Beepat, a short time ago. Word of mouth referrals are the best! Tim is the owner and sole proprietor of Hypnoconsult.com, a hypnosis consulting service in Northern Virginia. I was immediately struck by Tim’s unique sense of humor. In fact, I never laughed so much during a client coaching session as I did the last time we met! Tim’s easy ability to connect on a very fundamental level with people is probably one of the key’s to his entrepreneurial success. Just watching one of is hypnosis demonstration YouTube videos puts me in a relaxed state of mind. I enjoyed this interview immensely especially since I have the experience of getting to know the very caring man behind the message.

1. Career influences

My greatest career influences are Leo Buscaglia and Jerry Kein.  Leo Buscaglia spoke of living your life with passion and letting that love consume you.  I do what I love and that is a reward in itself.  Jerry Kein started out as a hypnotist and teacher and has built a wonderful career, made friends and changed his part of the world.

2. Biggest career success

My biggest career success was receiving a letter from a client who had been referred to me by a psychologist telling me they had thought of ending their life before I worked with them.  That person has gone on and lived a great life in the few years since.   There are others, but that one person and her comments reiterated for me why I am a hypnotist.

3. Recent lessons learned

If you are only interested in money to have money, you will never find joy. If you are only interested in yourself, you will never find fulfillment.  If you are interested in helping others and making your part of the world a better place, happiness is a natural result.

4. What inspires and motivates

People and ideas inspire me.   When I see adults and people with physical, emotional and mental challenges living their lives with joy, I remember what Lincoln said, “A person is about as happy and they make up their mind to be.”  My wife and I support Special Olympics because of a friend named Janet.  She has overcome so much and will always inspire me.

5. Share a leadership story

The folk artist Harry Chapin created a foundation to fight world hunger while he was alive.  For every two concerts he played, all the profits from one would go to his cause.  He was interviewed once about how he lived his life and he spoke about his grandfather.  His grandfather had been an artist who supported many controversial causes.  There were times he knew he would lose a battle, but he wanted to know he had done what was right so he could sleep the sleep of the just.  I aspire to that everyday even when I know I might lose.

6. Your Top Two

Life is a choice between Fear and Love.  If you have a passion for what you do and serve others, you will succeed.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”  Take control of your own life and live it.

7. About Tim Horn

My hypnosis business is small enough that I can design my programs for individual clients.  This personal hands-on approach has served me well.  Ultimately, I do not succeed until my clients do. It is up to them to take control of their lives and I am more than glad to help them do just that.

I have weekend and evening hours so my clients do not need to take off from work.
At my heart I am a teacher and the best teachers strive to make their students better than themselves.  I teach two hypnosis certification classes a year and am a faculty member for the National Guild of Hypnotists.

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Entrepreneur in Action | Tracy Hess, Zone2BTone CEO and Fitness Expert

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Brian Loebig

Tracy Hess, ZoneTBTone.comTracy Hess was introduced to me through a Philadelphia marketing colleague, Robert Dorfman. She needed her collection of YouTube videos exported for her new website project, Zone2BTone.com. Getting to know Tracy over the last couple of years through her video interviews of local fitness facilities and an occasional marketing call has motivated my own fitness interests and routine. I know that she has inspired many people through her work that she hasn’t even met. Tracy’s determination, work ethic and energetic personality is infectious and will continue to drive her entrepreneurial success. I look forward to her next video interview and will gladly promote her efforts in my own network of connections. Tracy is truly an ‘Entrepreneur in Action!’

1. Career influences

The person that has continually influenced me is top R&B Rock artist, Tina Turner. Throughout all the physical and mental abuse, Tina found away to recreate her career as an artist and made her comeback to the stage stronger then ever. She truly marketed herself as a role model to all women who has given up after domestic abuse. She is truly my influence.

2. Biggest career success

My biggest successes would be:

  • Earning a spot with the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders
  • Producing my very 1st series of workout videos Bodysizzleworkout vol. 1 & 2
  • Winning my pro card in Nabba Organization in Womens Bodybuilding
  • Coaching my daughters H.S. Cheerleading team to winning there 1st ever victory; The District 1 Championships
  • Creating my latest successful fitness website Zone2btone.com.

3. Recent lessons learned

As sad as it may be you can’t trust anyone. You have to be limited on the information you share with others. Your dream or idea can be someone else’s.

4. What inspires and motivates

Helping people reach their individual goals this is so inspiring to me as a Fitness expert & Trainer to see my clients change there way of life forever being healthier & happier. 🙂

5. Share a leadership story

Back in 2010 I created a 12-week class for young overweight teenage girls and boys that have been bullied in schools leaving them with low self esteem. In this class, I taught these youngsters how to take negative words and turn them into positive energy. I educated them about how to take charge of there lives by being more active through exercise programs, sports and making healthier choices with there foods. After the 12-week course, 80% of my students had decreased body weight, became top honored athletes in the H.S. programs and have a high level of self-esteem. I was awarded a leadership award from my fitness facility. How cool is that!

6. Your Top Two

My advice to entrepreneurs is to never procrastinate in their business. If you have a dream, make everyday count in achieving it. Remember, someone else may have the same dream and will achieve it before you; “Time is of the essence.”

7. About Tracy

Tracy Hess is the CEO of Zone2BTone; your gateway to a healthy lifestyle. The website features elite health, fitness, and beauty professionals in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Zone2BTone offers consumers a chance to get an exclusive inside look at these featured small businesses. We also give business owners the opportunity to communicate their passion and philosophies to the consumer more efficiently than a print advertisement. Additionally, Zoned2BToned offers free nutrition tips, recipes, fitness workouts and bodybuilding, fitness show coverage much more! Stay Healthy and Fit with Zoned2bToned

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Entrepreneur in Action | Alonzo Kelly – Small Biz CEO and Blog Talk Radio Host

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Brian Loebig

Alonzo KellyAlonzo Kelly is the CEO of the Kelly Leadership Group. We both graduated from the same high school seminary in Northern Wisconsin, but he was a few years behind me. I recently became connected to him through his weekly Blog Talk Radio show, Leadership; The Way I See It. I am continually impressed by Alonzo’s work ethic and total positive regard for others. He lives the values that he shares on his popular radio show and I benefit each Monday by tuning in and often participating in the discussion. Alonzo’s enthusiasm is infectious and his years of experience in finance, non-profit, human resources and healthcare consulting provides a deep well of knowledge that he generously shares. Meet a classmate, friend and future colleague; Alonzo Kelly.

Career influences

My mom, Catherine Kelly. I have an award she received that recognizes her over 30 years of service at a grocery chain in Michigan. She stood on her feet for over 30 years as a cashier to make it possible for me to go to college. She was unwilling to negotiate with the power of education and said that no matter what, you do whatever you have for the attainment of education. It is indeed the only key you’ll need for your future.

The Black Wall Street (Greenwood, Oklahoma). It was the mecca for the entrepreneurial spirit of African Americans in the 1920’s. Though it would be burned down in one of the worst race riots in American History, it taught me that when you build a community of forward thinking leaders, who relied on nothing more than hard work and a commitment to community, you can accomplish anything in spite of the hurdles that get in the way.

Biggest Career Success

Taking everything I had been taught in school and the experiences I had working in various leadership roles, to help a group of homeless men polish their resumes, improve their interviewing skills, and get a job!

Recent Lessons Learned

Book value and market value do not mean the same thing and they do not produce the same desired results. Many businesses focus on accounting profits (book value) and celebrate a small bump in sales. The successful businesses however focus on creating value for their customers and clients. They understand accounting profits will come when you focus on the client first and themselves second. My business has increased 10 fold since I embraced this lesson

Brief Story

Recently I partnered with a client to transition from a task leader to a team leader. The most difficult part of getting a promotion is managing the multiple expectations that come with the new role. With new jobs come new expectations of yourself, your peer group, your previous team, your new team, your organization, and your customers/clients. Intentionally focusing on these expectations accelerates the transition process and ensures success. This is why I love coaching!

What Inspires

  • Give yourself permission to be AMAZING!
  • Give yourself permission to be HUMBLE!

About Alonzo

Alonzo Kelly is the President of Kelly Leadership Group, LLC which is a premier provider of executive coaching and leadership development services. His professional background includes a Senior VP role with Wells Fargo Funds Management Group, and other senior leadership roles in Pediatric Healthcare, Long Term Care, and the Nonprofit arena. His credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and three master’s degrees including Public Administration, Human Resources & Labor Relations, and Business Administration. He is currently completing his PhD in Public Service Leadership. Feel free to make a connection!

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Top Directories and Social Media Sites for Small Business

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Brian Loebig

top review and social sitesMany small business owners ask me for a quick list of the top social media sites they should consider for promoting their business. Since managing social media sites for them is more of a time commitment than a financial investment, they are interested in the best “click of the clock” so to speak.

My first piece of advice is to have them discover where their customers appear online and then follow them there! If they don’t know, they can find out by simply asking their current customers. Discovering where their top competitors are appearing on the web is another great source of information. As a quick starting point I recommend exploring these top social sites, local directories, and review sites for expanding a small business online presence.

Top social media sites for many businesses: These social media sites were selected due to the sheer number of people using them as well as the unique opportunities each present. Facebook allows a business to remain top of mind to customer who are connected to it, Google + helps with SEO, Linkedin provides professional networking and a good personal business image, Twitter also provides good SEO as well as lead generation and customer connections, Foursquare helps expand your physical store’s reach.

  1. Facebook
  2. Google +
  3. Linkedin
  4. Twitter
  5. Foursquare (for physical storefront businesses)

Top review sites: These review sites are widely used and should be strongly considered by all business. A Google + Local listing also allows your business to appear on Google Maps. Angie’s List for some businesses is an excellent referral source. Yelp is very popular and also has a social networking approach to reviews that can greatly help an proactive business.

  1. Google + Local
  2. Angie’s List
  3. Yelp
  4. Epinions

Industry specific review sites: Most industries have a review site dedicated to the specific businesses that it represents. Dealer Rater is a prime example. Find the top review sites for your business and get listed.

  1. DealerRater.com and Edmunds.com
  2. HealthGrades.com
  3. Zagats.com
  4. TripAdvisor.com

Top review sites that are also local directories: Review sites are widespread and it is critical to know if you are already being reviewed on them. If your business is already being reviewed, “claim” your business on those sites first and optimize the listing.

  1. YahooLocal
  2. CitySearch
  3. InsiderPages.com
  4. Manta

Top Blog Sites: A business blog is a different kind of social media and should be considered by businesses of all types for the major impact in can have on search engine rankings as a result of regular, quality content being published. (See SEO Trends for 2013)

  1. WordPress.com
  2. Blogger.com
  3. Blog.com

Top Social Bookmarking Sites: These sites are great for cross posting and promoting blog articles and new web pages.

  1. Delicious.com
  2. Digg.com
  3. Reddit.com
  4. StumbleUpon.com

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Entrepreneur in Action | Kathi Kruse, Automotive Social Media Marketing Guru

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Brian Loebig

Kathi KruseWhen I began working as a web and social media manager for Mooers Volvo in Richmond in 2010, Kathi Kruse quickly became a primary source for dealership digital best practice! Kathi is well know across the country as a social media marketing expert and is sought after for regional and national conferences. Her approach to word of mouth marketing in this digital age is a wake up call to many dealerships who struggle with implementing and managing social media. Her numerous calls to action in ebooks, blog articles and webinars are invaluable even beyond the automotive industry. It is my great pleasure to present her leadership ideas since she is truly an “Entrepreneur in Action”!

1. Career influences

Cal Worthington and Morrie Sage were my biggest influencers when I managed car dealerships. They were both awesome car men and both were genius in automotive marketing and advertising. They could sell cars like nobody else.

2. Biggest career success

Publishing my first book, “Automotive Social Business.” (Amazon.com link)

3. Recent lessons learned

I’ve learned that “everyone” is not my client. I belonged to BNI (Business Network Intl) and learned to narrow down who my customer really is. We have to align in perspectives, values and commitment. The more you define yourself, your brand and define your customer, the less time you spend on non-productive events.

4. What inspires and motivates

For inspiration I always make a daily ritual of consuming content that will inspire me. Blogs, podcasts, TV, meetups. I stay open to people and situations that I can learn from.
For motivation: I have a daily yoga and meditation practice. Some days I make it to class (2 hrs) and some days I spend only 20 minutes. It’s a way for me to recharge, rejuvenate my soul. That ensures I stay positive and motivated to handle whatever comes my way.

5. Share a leadership story

I’ve been a leader all my life. I never knew any other way, actually. I’ve had many, many traumatic experiences in my life including surviving the Northridge earthquake, the death of my husband, countless times of being fired and/or quitting horrible jobs working for tyrants and heart-breaking ends to relationships. Through all of it, even though I didn’t think I’d make it this last time, I have persevered. I just kept moving forward, even though it was like moving through mud.

 6. Your Top Two

Embrace fear. Become comfortable with the absolute most worst thing that could happen. At some point, you realize it’s all an illusion and you’re able to let go. The strength is in the surrender, the letting go.

Fail often. Many think the road to success is a straight line. It’s not. There are many failures that come between you and success. Fail as much as possible. Become comfortable with it and you’ll achieve much more than you ever dreamed.

7. About Kathi

Kathi Kruse, Founder/CEO
Kruse Control, Inc.
Social Media Marketing, Coaching and Training.
Website: www.krusecontrolinc.com
email: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com
714.251.6440
Facebook: facebook.com/kathikruse
Twitter: @kathikruse
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krusecontrol

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Entrepreneur in Action | Philip Day, Charlottesville Copywriter

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Brian Loebig

Philip DayThe first thing that you may notice about Philip is his radio quality voice! His warm demeanor and continuous smile will then create an indelible and lasting impression. I have had the pleasure of working with Philip over the years in several capacities including an OJJDP funded youth mentoring program, the American Red Cross and now in his newly created entrepreneurial pursuit, Philip Day Communications. Philip is a true professional and continuously puts the goals of his clients in the forefront of his work. If his business had a one word motto it would be “Integrity.” I was pleased to interview him for this entrepreneur in action series!

1. Career Influences

My dad, Philip Day, was an insurance agent in Roanoke, Virginia. He ran an ethical business that was a welcoming place for clients, staff and visitors. He built his business from the ground up and was a well known and respected businessman. Dad worked hard to make it a success but was never arrogant about it and he always gave credit to God and his staff for all of his accomplishments. Also, my wife, Melody, who started her own voice and piano instruction business, Daysong Studio, in our home. Her dedication to her students and quality of work never cease to amaze me.

Biggest Career Success:

I would say that just taking Philip Day Communications from “theory” to “reality” was a huge success in itself! When I clicked on the website for the first time and saw my brand that we had worked on so diligently for several weeks, I said to myself, “Wow, I have my own business now.” Then, several weeks later I got my first paying job: a blog. Wow, I was on top of the world. I still am as matter-of-fact.

Recent Lessons Learned:

Ask questions. Never try to fulfill the client’s expectations by guessing what they want. They will appreciate your questions. Plus, they are thankful that I have used the information to correctly complete the project. I’m learning better now what to ask and then utilize that information to do quality work. I just get my steno book and pen out and take notes-lots of notes! It has made all the difference.

What Inspires or motivates:

Rod Serling (“Twilight Zone”) was an incredible writer. He inspired me to write when I was a teenager and I keep a pic of him at my desk for inspiration. I also listen to Frank Sinatra while I work. When I slide in a CD (of which I have many in my home office) I can focus. There is something about Ol’ Blue Eyes’ music that gets me into the zone.  Prayer, bicycling and a hot cup of Dark Roast coffee also help!

Leadership Story

Robert Dorfman (Peregrine Associates), my graphic designer and website creator. Robert is an extremely creative person. He is quite patient and asks lots of questions. Thanks to him, I have a brand of which I am very proud. The day my business cards arrived and I breathlessly opened the box to see the beautiful and professional brand he had created was a day I will never forget. Robert sets the standard high when it comes to customer service. He gave my business an identity of which I am quite grateful.

Top Two

Listen to your mentor: I am quite fortunate to have a mentor who is also my friend. He has given me advice on everything from accounting websites to business proposals to phone etiquette. He also sent me my first paying client. I’d hate to think where I’d be now if I had not listened to his generous advice or followed his successful lead. Bottom line: If you have someone who’s willing to mentor you in starting and maintaining your business, listen to them. One day you may even pass their advice on to someone else who may look up to you as a mentor.

Walk away: There are days when we just can’t seem to get it right. We work and work and work and never seem to accomplish what we need to do for the project. When that happens, shut down the computer, hang up the “closed” sign and take a breather. Go run, bike, read, nap, play or shop. Just take an hour or two away to let yourself chill out. Then, return with a fresh mind and get back to work. It never fails for me.

About Philip

Philip Day is the owner and CEO of Philip Day Communications. He provides copywriting, voiceovers, blog writing, Search Engine Optimization and Marketing, newsletter writing and editing and social media strategies to businesses and organizations.

Website: www.PhilipDayCommunications.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhilipDayCommunications
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/philip-day/19/b9a/a31/

Some of his blog writing can be found at these sites:

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