4 Tools for Strategically Branding Your Business

By Jennie Lyon / May 1, 2015

“Branding”, a term that once meant simply stamping your business logo on everything, has evolved into the process of building a company’s identity and personality. While branding still involves developing a name and symbol or design that sets your business apart from the rest, it is so much more than that. Effective, strategic branding gives you an advantage over competitors and makes it possible for your company to target markets as tight or broad as you like. Because branding is so foundational to success, I thought I would offer a few more tips for creating a strong brand that I’ve…

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Where to Find a Small Business Mentor

By Jennie Lyon / April 24, 2015

Whatever your industry and experience, a small business mentor will increase your confidence, your chance of succeeding, and your knowledge base. It is both empowering and validating to receive insight and encouragement from someone who has “been there” and can relate. Additionally, many mentees feel inspired by their mentors’ successes and can learn a great deal from their failures, as well. Whether you are starting out in small business or well established, with shaky confidence or a strong professional identity, a small business mentor can help move you to the next level. When you have found someone you might like…

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5 Healthy Habits for Women Who Own a Small Business

By Jennie Lyon / April 3, 2015

Like most women, you have probably heard that you can’t do it all—and you probably try to anyway. It is easy to run yourself ragged trying to juggle your business, social life, family, and household. Remember, though, that you are your company’s most valuable asset! Successfully managing all aspects of your life requires balance and prioritizing self-care. Healthy habits help us to be more effective in both business and life. When we are healthy and balanced, we can “do more”—and in less time (which is always the goal). Here are 5 healthy habits for women in business. 1. Healthy Diet…

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6 Ways to Make Working From Home Work for Your Business

By Jennie Lyon / February 20, 2015

As more and more women go into business for themselves, more and more women are working from home because a home office tends to be the most affordable, convenient option for budding entrepreneurs. Working from home offers other benefits, too, like eliminating your commute and freeing you from the distractions of co-workers and shared office space. That said, working from home can prove more challenging than it looks at first glance. Here are 6 ways to make working from home work for your business. 1. Designate an Office SpaceThis is step #1 for successfully conducting your business from home. Dedicating…

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6 Ways to Nurture Your Small Business During Maternity Leave

By Jennie Lyon / January 23, 2015

Owning and running your own small business means that your attention is on your work 24 hours a day: what needs to get done, what’s most urgent, what you’ll respond to first tomorrow morning. It’s almost like taking care of in infant! If you’re a woman who owns her own business and is also expecting a child, you may feel as if you’re about to have two babies to care for. Since there are only 24 hours in a day, like women in most work settings you are probably planning to take a few months off, if not more. You…

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