The Business World’s Best-Kept Secrets: Some of the best business resources are left ignored and untapped
Working in the midst of other MOMeos on a daily basis, I am surrounded by some of the most creative people in business today.
Constantly in awe of their resourcefulness and out-of-the-box thinking, I was surprised to find how few are familiar with some of the best business resources available. Perhaps we’re making things harder than they need to be, or maybe these resources simply aren’t talked about enough.
Whatever the reason, some of the easiest and most accessible tools for business building are going unnoticed and untapped. Luckily, that need not be the case any longer. The following are four areas to find the business resources and tools to help businesses profit and grow.
Universities and colleges
Students offer a continual supply of new blood. Forging relationships with department heads at local colleges and universities can prove invaluable for small, medium and large businesses alike. That goes double for entrepreneurs who take the old standard of being low on both revenue and time to new extremes.
By becoming a part of the curriculum in classes such as International Business & Logistics and Marketing & Public Relations, you have access to passionate, enthusiastic students each semester. For school credit, they can perform business analysis, design marketing campaigns, and keep your business on the cutting edge for little to no revenue.
Students are hungry to learn first-hand. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of their enthusiasm.
Government and non-profit organizations
Although perceived by some during his campaign as out of touch with small business owners, President Barack Obama’s administration wasted no time drumming up plans to support entrepreneurs. MOMeos should be on the lookout for new business incubators – programs intended to accelerate entrepreneurial opportunities and foster growth in start-up companies.
Usually non-profit organizations (NPOs) backed by government funds, these incubators are a main focus of the new plan for small business growth in America. Since they’re often attached to universities, they’re also another reason to connect with local colleges. With a wide variety of structures available, there is an incubator to fit almost any start-up.
Offering grants, education, office space, administrative support and more, a well-matched incubator can truly be almost one-stop shops for business success. In fact, incubators like these are credited for encouraging Silicon Valley’s booming growth. Plus, the unique focus incubators place on entrepreneurial success gives MOMeos an edge in their utilization.
One such NPO dedicated to the education of entrepreneurs and small business owners is SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Association, SCORE has 11,200 volunteers and 370 offices nationwide.
They offer mentoring both online and in-person, low-cost workshops, informative how-to articles, even business templates. The mentoring is doled out by the organization’s volunteers – working and retired executives and entrepreneurs with years of experience and wisdom to share.
Local associations
In a global economy, it’s far too easy to lose sight of local associations – they can make all the difference.
From the Mall Association where our brick-and-mortar stores are located, to the casual monthly breakfast group founded and run by other local entrepreneurs, membership is worthwhile. Even if your initial participation is limited to social interaction, these associations offer an in-person support network otherwise hard to come by –filled with other forward-thinking business people.
Added to the value the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local Chambers of Commerce offer, local associations are often an integral contributor to lasting success. Accreditation with the BBB can aid in establishing credentials and legitimacy for small and startup businesses.
Online associations
Equally as important as local associations are online groups. They offer feedback and support day, night and every hour in between.
Twitter and Facebook have taken the social networking world by storm, but online resources for professionals don’t end there. Some communities like ideablob are geared specifically for entrepreneurs and inventors. They offer space not only to connect with like-minded people, but financial incentives to do so.
In fact, the user-submitted idea voted best by the community each month is awarded $10,000 by the community’s sponsor, Advanta.
No matter the stage of growth your business is at, utilizing every tool available is always good advice – especially those specifically designed to support entrepreneurs.
Vacation Destinations: MOMeo’s Top 2010 Family Vacations
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Hanalei Beach, Kauai, Hawaii– A two-mile long beach circling the Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore, Hanalei Beach boasts pristine white sands and crystal-clear water that supports almost any recreation visitors could desire. |
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Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia– Accessible by ferry, Cumberland Island National Seashore offers both warm, sunny beach and rugged wilderness with wildlife abound. |
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Lancaster County, Pennsylvania– Lancaster County’s horse and buggy-lined roads are well-known in pictures and publications from coast to coast. Here you’ll find Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, ripe with theatrical entertainment and home cooking. |
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New York City– The Big Apple lives up to its name for vacationers. Boasting some of the best shopping and entertainment for kids and adults of all ages, it’s also home to one of the United States’ most famous parks. |
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The ranches of Montana and Wyoming– Dozens of dude and working ranches dot the mountain-lined countryside of Montana and Wyoming. They offer families a chance to literally work through their relaxation. Of course, the hearty ranch fare and nightly campfires are noteworthy features of the experience, too. |
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Shipshewana, Indiana– Like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Shipshewana, Indiana is surrounded by a deeply-rooted Amish population – but its claim to fame is its sprawling flea market and thrice-weekly auctions. Shipshewana is truly an antique shopper’s paradise. |
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Washington, D.C.– From National Monuments and the Library of Congress, to some of the best zoos and aquariums in the world, Washington D.C. is family-friendly, educational and easily accessible. |
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Montreal, Quebec– Beautifully maintained buildings, some of the oldest outside Europe, draw visitors to Montreal year after year. The sprawling botanical gardens also attract crowds. |
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Mammoth Cave, Kentucky– In south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is dedicated to preserving some 367 miles of caves – the world’s longest known cave system. Tours take families deep into the system where they can explore the maze from within. |
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Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia– Located on the western coast of Vancouver Island, the Pacific Rim National Park experience is well worth the trip. Aside from its rugged coastline, cozy inns and proximity to hot springs, the area’s whale watching – best done during March – is a highlight. |
MOMeo’s Top 2010 Family Vacations
Holiday decorations have been packed away, resolutions made – and for some already broken – as the New Year wears on, so does the need for personal renewal.
A family vacation – whether taken on a warm, sunny beach or in the halls of one of North America’s most interesting museums – is one of the best ways to achieve just that. For many MOMeos, finding the perfect destination is just another chore on the already overwhelming to-do list.
This year we have made it as simple as 1, 2, 3. Decide which type of vacation suits your family best, choose from our list of top destinations and pack your bags – relaxation awaits.
Surf, Sand and Seafood
The beaches of North America are as varied as her coastlines. From the heat, sun and fine white sands of Hawaii’s best beaches to the wild, hike-worthy beaches of the Pacific Northwest and south, the seashore offers something to every type of family. For some, that means soaking up some rays, or relaxing among grassy dunes, or beachcombing for treasures.
A Slower Pace
For families looking to step back in both time and pace, Amish Country, Pennsylvania and the not-so-wild west of Montana and 
Wyoming are excellent choices.
The quaint inns of Amish country and the simple, charming dude ranches of the west offer rest of a different kind. Cozy up around a campfire, saddle up and work cattle or indulge in good Amish cooking and entertaining theater.
Either way, enjoy a momentary break from the fast-paced world. Immerse yourself in a slower, simpler time. One when work was still hard, but deadlines perhaps a little less rigid.
Shop Until You Drop
For shopaholics, there’s no better vacation than one spent around some of the continent’s best shops.
The shiny storefronts of the Big Apple, Chicago and Hollywood will remain, but it’s possible to find a more family-friendly shop-mosphere. Check out the quirky independent districts of San Francisco and Toronto, but the flea markets in Shipshewana, Indiana may just reign supreme.
A Winter Wonderland
For some, “vacation” means escaping snow and ice. For others with the right gear (and attitude) the white stuff is reason to
celebrate.
Strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and trek across any one of many winter wonderlands. Hit Colorado’s slopes in skis, snowboards and tubes as a family for faster-paced fun.
The Great Outdoors
Mother Nature has given us much to admire. Redwood forests, a Grand Canyon, and the vast wilderness that spans much of Canada and Alaska.
In 2010, why not consider admiring her works from within? Mammoth Cave – and many others – located in Kentucky, offers a glimpse at Nature’s underbelly.
Fun in Learning
Do you love learning as a family? Can’t justify a school-free week for the kids just after the holiday season? Combine family fun 
and learning by visiting one of North America’s most history-rich cities.
Consider Washington, D.C. ripe with national monuments and museums. Its only rival? Montreal, Quebec, one of the most beautiful and history-rich old towns outside Europe.
No matter the destination or itinerary, the key to a successful vacation is enjoying time with family. Takea technology break, soak in your surroundings and engage wholly in whatever you choose.
Winter woes?
Diana Prichard
Paula Begoun isn’t afraid of Jack Frost – she knows how to keep him at bay.
Author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Begoun is a 25-year veteran of the beauty industry. Taking on the endless barrage of marketing ploys and scare tactics facing women daily, Begoun has repeatedly made appearances on national television to help women make sense of their skin’s needs.
In a report on her site, BeautyPedia.com, Begoun says during cold winter months everything changes:
“Substances in skin that would normally keep water content normalized are depleted and the skin’s lipid (oil/emollient) capacity isn’t enough to provide protection.”
What does that mean? Bad skin. With this in mind, we went searching.
Cleanse
Within the foundation of any good skincare regimen is a quality cleanser. In winter the requirements go beyond just the deep, thorough cleansing of the pores; however a good winter cleanser must also be gentle.
Burt’s Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream offers just such a package. Manufactured by long-standing Burt’s Bees, this cleanser leaves the face cool and refreshed. In addition to its namesake ingredients, it features both aloe vera and echinacea and is truly “all bark, no bite.”
Moisturize
Dry skin is the bane of any woman’s winter existence. For best results moisturize liberally, often and all over.
For the face and neck, SPF is a must. Not only is sunburn still possible in winter, many of the season’s most cherished pastimes increase the risk. Skiing and other winter sports put participants in the direct path of stronger UV rays.
Juice Beauty SPF 20 Medium Mineral Moisturizer contains a mixture of certified organic pomegranate and grape juices for a vitamin- and antioxidant-rich formula. It also provides full-spectrum chemical-free SPF 20 protection, and is tinted to help even skin tone.
Epicuren Zinc Oxide SPF 20 doesn’t just provide protection from the sun. It contains vitamin D, which the National Institute of Health says Americans are increasingly lacking. The formula’s amino acids fight aging while its SPF protects against it by plumping fine lines and wrinkles.
Neutrogena Moisture Wrap Body Lotion is a rich, clinical strength full body moisturizer designed to heal even the driest skin day and night. Available in both fragrance and fragrance-free formulas, it’s a testament that even when trapped beneath heavy sweaters, our bodies deserve luxurious treatment.
Olive Oil doesn’t just taste great. For tough spots like elbows and knees, it reigns supreme. Extra Virgin or otherwise, it packs an antioxidant punch that cannot be rivaled. When massaged gently into the roughest patches of winter skin and left overnight, it softens deep into the layers of even the thickest calluses.
Pucker Up
Cracked, bleeding and sore; lips are often forgotten in the wintertime routine, but this winter can be different. Slick on a coat of beautiful protection, and smile pretty!
The EOS Lip Sphere comes in an appealing package, but what’s inside is even better. The smooth gliding balm is 95 per cent organic, 100 per cent natural, paraben and petroleum-free and available in three flavors. With its vitamin E and antioxidant rich formula it lives up to its moniker, too. EOS stands for the Evolution of Smooth, and that’s exactly how it leaves lips.
B. Kamins Chemist SPF 20 Lip Balm is tried and true. Awarded a Health magazine Healthy Beauty Award in 2005, it contains maple, essential oils and SPF to help hydrate and protects lips even in a harsh winter environment.
Remember the Basics
Lotions and potions can’t do it all. Hydration and protection starts with the basics. Drink plenty of water to hydrate from within. Consider using a humidifier to soften your immediate environment’s effects on your skin. Choose short, warm showers in lieu of long, hot ones that can compromise the skin’s natural protective shield.
Top Christmas-Themed Businesses
Diana Prichard
Even in a down economy, Christmas is big business. In 2007 the U.S. Census reports that $30.5 billion was spent in December alone. While that may sum up holiday sales for most, some companies see red – and green – all year round!
Greetings to You
Friends, family, and coworkers; every year an estimated 1.9 billion cards are sent to destinations around the world wishing all a Merry Christmas. Combine those cards with an increased volume of letters and packages, and the United States Postal Service experiences triple their usual volume of mail around the holiday season.
Deck the Halls
Whether you’re decking the halls, the mantle or just a tree, decorations play a part in every festive home and business on the days leading up to December 25. In fact, Christmas decorations account for millions of dollars in revenue each year. More than 593.8 million went to China, the top importer of decorations, in 2007 alone.
Artificial Christmas Trees
Decorations aren’t the only Christmas market China has cornered. The country is also the top importer of artificial trees. First introduced as we know them today in the 1930s by the Addis Brush Company – a maker of toilet bowl brushes – 2007 imports totaled $66.2 million.
Christmas Tree Farms
The antiquated family pastime of traipsing through the woods to chop down a tree may be passé, but real Christmas trees still outnumber artificial trees. Today, most simply come pre-cut. The National Christmas Tree association reports that more than twice as many real trees were sold in 2008 than were their artificial counterparts. In fact, the real Christmas tree business produced a staggering 1.03 billion dollars for its farmers.
Christmas Superstores
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is a 54 year-old Christmas superstore located in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Its more than 50,000 products are dedicated solely to Christmas; from wreaths to ornaments to garlands. Open 361 days per year, Bronner’s reportedly sees more than two million patrons. Bronner’s is not alone; smaller, but no less dedicated, Christmas shops exist all over the world.
Reindeer Rentals
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer…on farms? According to the Alberta Reindeer Association, reindeer farming is a growing industry in North America. The animals’ integration into existing herds of other species and into existing business models make it difficult to estimate revenue, but one thing is certain: with their low overhead and low maintenance, reindeer are turning a profit for their keepers.
Holiday Organization
Cynthia Townley Ewer, Author of House Works and OrganizedChristmas.com, isn’t exactly a Christmas-only maven, but an entire branch of her work is dedicated to the holiday. Her site aims to help people get and stay organized around the holiday season, but the work doesn’t begin in November and end in January. Ewer’s comprehensive holiday organization plans run year round – as does the site’s blog – and has an avid following.
Multi-Level Marketers
Diana Prichard
MLMs can be either friend or foe for the average MOMeo.
Mary Kay Ash had committed 25 years of her life to direct selling when a man she trained was promoted before her – at twice her salary.
She resigned from her prominent position and set out to create her own opportunities. What would come of her efforts was a multi-level marketing (MLM) company — one in which promoters of the company’s products are compensated for sales they personally make, and sales made by people they introduced to the company.
“I envisioned a company in which any woman could become just as successful as she wanted to be,” the late Ash is quoted on the company’s website.
Today, companies like Mary Kay Cosmetics, Amway, Tupperware, Arbonne, Avon and many others offer MLM business opportunities. However, the sheer number of companies in the MLM industry hasn’t helped clear confusion.
Are MLMs a MOMeo’s Friend or Foe?
For every success story, there is another who has failed miserably. Websites dedicated to debunking MLM myths watch their every move, lest they take advantage of too many.
While the MLM industry has its bad apples, not all are out to make a quick buck on unsuspecting entrepreneurs. Some offer quality products, career advancement opportunities and top-notch training. Finding the appropriate company just takes a little due diligence, and a dose of common sense.
Do your homework
Sarah Robinson, CEO and Founder of Direct Selling Leaders, Inc, offers the following advice on choosing a MLM company:
“It’s so tempting to get caught up in the emotion and excitement of the moment, but this is a BUSINESS we’re talking about. Research online, talk to more than one person.”
In other words, do your homework.
Prior to signing with any MLM you should know the company’s history. If they’re well-established, this includes their corporate track record and what evolution their business model has undergone since founding.
If they’re new, find out what credentials and experience their founders and corporate leaders bring to the table.
Understand the compensation package & business agreement
You wouldn’t accept a traditional paid position without knowing how you’d be making money, so don’t make an exception for a MLM. Most companies offer their sales force discounts on their products, but don’t assume that’s how you will make your money.
Find out exactly how you will be compensated for your sales, and at what rate. For instance, some companies reward larger orders by giving bigger percentage discounts. Find out whether you are compensated for sales made by people you recruit, and if so, at what rate and on what schedule.
Ask questions about what initial investments will be required of you, as well and if any quotas must be met to keep your status. Find out what marketing stipulations are applied to your status as a representative of the company. Most companies have articulated guidelines for their sales force; since the type and frequency of the marketing you do directly affects your profit margin, it’s important to know.
Avoid common gimmicks and pitfalls
Two of the most common gimmicks in the MLM industry are those boasting a low initial investment but requiring high monthly sales quotas. Be wary of recruiters who inflate their own successes to make the company more appealing.
Don’t fall for either. Critically examine everything you’re told. Ask to attend business meetings rather than guest events where fun is inflated and work diminished.
Know this takes work – and business sense.
As Mary Kay representatives often say, “this is so much more than lipstick.” You will be CEO, COO, Marketing Director, Customer Service and Public Relations Coordinator all at once.
MLMs are not a one-size fits all templates for success. As Sarah Robinson suggests “you’ve got to get some hard business skills.” If you know how to write a business plan, stay in the black, keep solid records and run a business from the ground up, great. If you don’t, seek out mentors, or don’t invest in a MLM.
The bottom line, MLMs can be either friend or foe for the average MOMeo. When started under proper pretenses and realistic expectations, they’re an excellent foot into the business world. When viewed as an all-fun, no-work path to get rich quick, they’re sure disaster. Set yourself up for success from the onset.
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- I love that @AlyPain tells it like it is --> STOP Blaming Your Children - Why YOUR Failure Isn't THEIR Fault - http://t.co/LPo51mgI
- Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, "Make me feel important." ~Mary Kay Ash
