Business Book Club Gears Up for Fourth Year

by "Get it Done Girl" on January 16, 2012

in Networking,small biz

Tammy and Melynda of the Meyvn Group are at it again with another year of The Business Book Club. My favorite part of the Club is the facilitated discussion which takes place at Plymouth Congregational Church over the noon hour. Bring your lunch and prepare to participate in a lively discussion. Below are the first three books of 2012 that we’ll be reading:

The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner

In this expanded paperback edition of his New York Times bestseller, longevity expert Dan Buettner draws on his research from extraordinarily long-lived communities—Blue Zones—around the globe to highlight the lifestyle, diet, outlook, and stress-coping practices that will add years to your life and life to your years.

 
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years—as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues—Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.

 
Hundred Percenters: Challenge Your Employees To Give it Their All, And They’ll Give You Even More

“Provides the tools managers need to take ‘average’ employees and create a culture of accountable, fully engaged people. Managers will learn to recognize their leadership style and understand how they, too, can become Hundred Percenters.” Laura Christiansen, Vice President Human Resources, VTech Communications, Inc.

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Professional Profile Photos

by "Get it Done Girl" on January 8, 2012 · 1 comment

in small biz,Social Media

Do you ever meet potential customers in person? If you do, be sure that what they see is what they get; your headshot on your website and social media accounts should reflect what you look like today.

Be sure to use the same headshot across your professional accounts. You can deviate a little bit on your personal Facebook page, for example, but if you’re using social media accounts for business, be sure that they are professional.

Professional doesn’t mean scheduling a sitting with a photographer in a studio. Professional means how you want others to perceive you and your business. For example, don’t use a photo taken of you two-fisting-it on a speed boat on Labor Day weekend. Do use a photo taken of you in a natural, comfortable environment wearing what you would wear to meet potential customers. For example, I had my headshots taken in the downtown Des Moines skywalk system using brick buildings as a background…

  • Make sure I can tell it’s you. Your face should be clearly visible. You should be the only face in the photo.
  • Remember, you’re not a celebrity. People aren’t going to do business with you based on what you look like, but on what you do and how you do it.
  • Don’t use stock photos. Believe it or not, I’ve seen it done.
  • Use photos that don’t mislead. Do your own hair and makeup. If you wear glasses all the time, wear them in the photo. If you’ve recently drastically changed your hair color (or acquired hair), it’s time to update your photo. Make it easy for people to recognize you when they meet you for the first time…you don’t want them wondering what else you’re hiding…

Can you think of any other tips for online profile photos?

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Book Review: Linchpin by Seth Godin

by "Get it Done Girl" on December 29, 2011

in Book Review,Free Agency

I’ve been a fan of Seth Godin ever since I read my first book, Tribes back in mid-2009. That book inspired me to stop being a sheep-walker and instead, be a leader so I started Unemployed in Des Moines and later that year, my own business.

That’s why I was excited to read Linchpin. Godin always moves me to take action.

A linchpin, as Seth describes it, is somebody in an organization who is indispensable, who cannot be replaced—her role is just far too unique and valuable. And then he goes on to say, well, seriously folks, you need to be one of these people, you really do. To not be one is economic and career suicide.

Your work needs to be emotional; you are, after all, an artist now. Put your heart and soul into what you do. Actually care about the work you do and who you do that work with. The people who drag themselves to work to sit in their cubicle to do the least amount possible are dispensable and they will be the first ones let go when the time comes…and the last ones hired when positions become available.

There are no more great jobs where someone tells you what to do. You actually need to think, take initiative, make things happen…If you continue to position yourself and your skills as a commodity, a prospective employer will view you as such and treat you as a commodity. Who wants to be a commodity? That’s no fun! Stand out; do emotional work; make a difference.

What’s your favorite book by Seth Godin?

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Do You Know About the Secret School of Business?

by "Get it Done Girl" on December 21, 2011

in small biz,Super Tools,Workshops

Doug Mitchell and Mike Wagner have brought an amazing concept to Des Moines and have put it into practice!

Doug does a great job of describing what the Secret School of Business is:

The Secret School of Business (SSoB) is not a company nor a system nor an institution. SSoB is a movement. SSoB will be a tribe of active learners (not lurkers).  SSoB’ers feel in their gut that our educational system is broken. It’s not anyone’s fault – it’s that technology and our economy are moving at an order of magnitude faster than “the system.”  People are waking up to the fact that degrees cost 10′s of thousands of dollars and result in major debt. Advanced degrees can be even more expensive and don’t deliver advancement or salary increases. The skills required to compete and thrive today are NOT what is taught. SSoB addresses these facts head on and is doing something about it through user supported and user generated content.

How can you participate? Right now, classes meet usually on a Thursday and will start up again in the New Year. In the future, course materials will be delivered via the web, streaming, etc.

SSoB is a for-profit enterprise, but they’re in the discovery phase of this concept and aren’t sure what the business model will look like. Right now, they’re asking users/consumers of the content to offer a small, monthly donation. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision right now; come to a few classes for free to check it out and then decide.

The neat thing is that the school curriculum is generated by the students. Any student can propose a class or series offering to be reviewed. Right now, funds generated are going towards the facilities and any supplies the instructors need. As the SSoB grows, funds will be paid to instructors and content providers.

Facebook | Twitter | Eventbrite

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Des Moines Area Holiday Gift Ideas

by "Get it Done Girl" on December 8, 2011

in small biz

Ace Body & Motor – This is Des Moines’ premier auto repair and collision center located on the northeast side. They’re serving up “service the way it used to be”. Their throw back décor fits their brand completely. This is the cleanest mechanic’s shop I’ve ever been to. Once you meet Larry, he’ll be your go-to guy for life.

Consider buying a gift card good towards oil changes, tire rotation or any other type of vehicle maintenance for anyone on your gift list who owns a vehicle.

Patrick Van Nice Interiors – Patrick Van Nice is one of the Midwest’s most prominent interior designers with more than 16 years experience providing a full range of design services throughout Iowa and across the nation.

Consider buying a gift card towards an in-home consultation for someone on your gift list

Timber Ridge Cattle Company – Pete and Cindy Woltz raise all natural flax-fed beef down in Osceola, Iowa and sell beef sticks, summer sausage and jerky that is packed with Omega 3 and Omega 6. My favorite is the Jalapeno Beef Stick.

Consider buying a gift basket or mix and match your own items to make the perfect gift

Allspice – located in downtown Des Moines’ East Village, Allspice has every herb, spice, chile, mushroom, oil and vinegar you’ll need for any recipe. They’re in the old Village Bean location. Can’t make it to their store? They have a very robust online shopping cart and have recently added a whole page dedicated to gift baskets, just in time for the holiday season.

Consider buying a gift basket or mix and match your own items

Natural Thirst – this is a hidden gem in Des Moines that you all should know about. They’re located in the south wing of the Des Moines Central Library. They sell coffee, smoothies, juices and a few sandwich items. The great thing is that they are 100% organic. They have almond milk, soy milk and rice milk and three different types of protein power to choose from. This place is the real deal, so think of them the next time you are setting up a meeting in downtown Des Moines.

Consider purchasing gift cards for stocking stuffers

Ponderosa Valley Wellness – Becky, Brian and Gretchen are in the business of helping individuals and groups learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices surrounding their nutrition and exercise habits. They’ve also recently become certified “Take Shape for Life” coaches.

Consider buying a loved one a coaching session or two with a professional to help them get the New Year started off right.

 

What local businesses are you purchasing your holiday gifts from? What local business are you hoping to receive a gift from?

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