Inside Brown's Brain

A Note from Brown

2009-12-15T18:20:06Z

First, let me apologize for not getting the newsletter out in November. Sadly, I had to put my 13-year-old companion, Annie, my boxer, to sleep the very day the newsletter should have gone out. She had been ill for over a week, which put me behind on the work front, but I'm very glad to have had that time with her.

I've managed to catch back up somewhat and was determined to get this newsletter out today, and on that note, did you read Chris Brogan's article, "What's Your Business Wish List for 2010?"? It got me thinking that it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and not really think about the big-picture view of things. If you had to look back to one year ago, would you say that you've moved a lot of big rocks since then? Have you accomplished the things that you hoped to accomplish?

It's not about resolutions. It's about directives, giving yourself something to be moving toward at any given point in time. These should be the major pieces of your business puzzle that you hope to have in place by the end of the year. If you don't name them, how can you expect to reach them, or how will you know when you do?

Wishing is about dreaming and imagining what's possible. Santa won't always bring what you ask for, but there may be a thing or two on your list that you could actually receive, but only if you ask. Consider posting your business wish list for 2010 to your blog or newsletter. You never know who might come across it, and someone might be able to help you out with an item or two on your list.

In this newsletter, I'll tell you about the big rocks I intend to move in 2010.

Build a Better Website: With the Give Back Project

2009-12-15T18:15:05Z

This is still in the beginning phases, but I thought I'd let you be the first to know about it. It's one of my big goals for 2010, and I hope to continue working with you to see it into existence.

The Back Story:

I went into business for myself for two reasons, to become self-reliant and independent financially and to help my mom. She struggled most of her life, and I wanted her to be self-reliant one day, too. I knew business could be a means to that end. I've always believed that owning a business was a path to creating a self-sustained life, so I've made it my path, and in recent years, I've set out to help others do the same. Right now, that puzzle has two pieces. The first is the Give Back Project, which I'll tell you about next, and the second is Upstart Smart (more on that in the last article). For now, though, here's what the Give Back Project is all about.

A Brown Bug Project: Mommy Dayz

2009-12-15T18:10:01Z

I'm getting a little behind with my list here. It seems like so long ago that I completed this project. I apologize for keeping it from you this long! Meet Mommy Dayz, a site that provides helpful advice, ideas, and tips to moms (and dads). Check it out, if you're looking for a little inspiration.

Big Deal: Jump into 2010!

2009-12-15T18:05:00Z

For "Inside Brown's Brain" readers only: Save $50 on your Jump Start! Start the year off right by figuring how you'll move the big rocks in your business in 2010. Sign up for your Jump Start session, and save $50! Just enter the following discount code at checkout (discount code: JumpInto2010). Offer expires 01/31/10.

From Our Sister Site

2009-12-15T18:00:58Z

And, here's the last piece of the puzzle and my other big goal for 2010, to continue creating a valuable resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs through Upstart Smart. I'm planning for a year filled with content to help you learn to survive and thrive as an entrepreneur.

How You Can Help:

Download the premier e-book from Upstart Smart, One Entrepreneur's Journey, where 26 women entrepreneurs share advice and insight from their experiences in business.

A Note from Brown

2009-10-20T17:20:35Z

The longer it goes, the smarter I'm learning to be with everything in my business - my resources, my efforts, my approach. That's the way it should be, I guess, but I'm always amazed when I figure out that things don't have to be so complicated or difficult. The easier I make them, the more sustainable they are and the more consistent I can be, which means the more successful I am over the long haul.

We have to approach everything we do with the goal of improvement, and that doesn't always equate to more time spent on them. We can just as easily eliminate things and, by doing so, make them better. Learn to question everything you do - how you work, where you spend your time and resources, and how it all relates to your end goals. One by one, slowly find ways to do everything better - and smarter.

Build a Better Website: Make Use of Your Traffic

2009-10-20T17:15:33Z

You're creating valuable content on regular basis and driving traffic to your site daily, so why aren't you making the most of that traffic by endorsing high quality products and services that relate to your target market? Not only is it a good way to help your clients and customers, it also helps your bottom line by adding a secondary revenue stream to your business.

Start researching affiliate programs that will (a) add value to your site and help support the goals of your clients and customers and (b) pay you a fair amount for referring sales to the sponsoring business. Why leave money on the table? It's a great way to add a side revenue stream, while increasing the value you're able to provide your customers!

A Brown Bug Project: ChaseKickball

2009-10-20T17:10:31Z

Know anyone in the DC area? They might want to know about the quasi-athletic social club, Chase Kickball, the collegial yet competitive Washington D.C. sports league that hosts parties, social networking events, and community service projects. It's one of the best ways to meet other young professionals in the District – whether matching up in a flip-cup game or sorting cans at the Capital Area Food Bank. Think of it as a social club, with a sizable activities budget, that connects like-minded people who wouldn't ordinarily meet. Learn more at ChaseKickballs.com.

From the ChaseKickballs.com website

Big Deal: Recommended Resources

2009-10-20T17:05:29Z

Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide
Learn to create a compelling and engaging bio for your About page or social networking profiles with this easy-to-follow guide and start attracting ideal clients for you!

Media-Savvy-to-Go Publicity Toolkit
Learn how to become the local expert in your niche with Nancy Juetten's Media-Savvy-to-Go Publicity Toolkit, and you'll discover effective ways to promote your small business! This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to use the power of free publicity to your advantage. Publicity will quickly become your favorite business-building tool!

Publici-Tea Express Anytime, Anywhere
Grab your place in the media spotlight with Publici-Tea Express, and start using free publicity to help you fill your sales pipeline with more of your ideal clients!

From Our Sister Site

2009-10-20T17:00:27Z

Here are some of the latest posts to our sister site, Upstart Smart, which focuses on helping solo entrepreneurs improve their businesses.

From the Magazine -

The New Affiliate Program -

Looking for another income stream? How about the Upstart Smart affiliate program? You can earn $75 US from each sale! Learn more.