Key Business Partners, LLC

Well, it is already 4 weeks into the new year—can you believe it? I can’t. Many business people set up their goals at the beginning of each year and I am no different.

However, one thing that I did different this year for 2008, was to break down my goals into monthly goals so the BIG goals don’t seem to daunting to me.

And I have ONE more goal that I wanted to complete for this month and I am doing it in this blog—A BLOG CONVERSATION. So I asked some of my friends to join in my blog conversation. At the end of this please go to my friend’s blogs to read what they have to say as well. And be sure to come back here to read my response as well.

So, I wanted to share with you about what some of my goals were for this year. And these are the ones that I have completed for the first month of 2008.

Next, I updated my website to have it reflect my business focus for online promotion and virtual assistance for coaches, speakers and writers. One way I accomplished this was by updating my header. I added my picture (more personal) and added the words online promotion (my specific expertise) for coaches, speakers and writers (my target market).

Also, I created a bi-weekly newsletter to increase my connection with others. My newsletter, Busy Day Report, provides articles and resources that will help you in your business and in life. Also, you will receive my “12 Tips to Business Success Report” for free.
One more thing was to continue promoting my services that my clients are in search for.
I did this by updating my client communication to ensure that I was lined up with those people who are my target market. Also, setting up incentives with current clients to ensure longer contract terms.

In addition…for February, I am going to create another product, (along with my Coaching Forms Kit) a Speaking Forms Kit….so stay tuned for that.

I thought it would ask my friend, Jenn Givler to join in my conversation regarding her goals for January 2008?

So Jenn – please share with us what have you completed on your 2008 GOALS list so far?

Jenn, has already accomplished goals in January…she has some great discussions going on her blog, started her 2008 great 1 on 1 coaching program. To read Jenn’s response…..

And Jenn handed the “goal reigns” over to Katherine Reschke. One thing Katherine said that she completed on her “goal report” was to get on Blog Talk Radio with her own radio show. Read about her upcoming radio show Thanks Katherine for your input!

It seems lately there has been a swarm of online business owners who believe being untruthful and deceitful is okay because it gets them what they want…customers. But for how long with they have these customers? Also, once they upset these clients with their lack of integrity in their business, how many people do you think they will tell about who not to go to?

And it seems as if I am not the only one who has recognized it…as I found out when I went over to Jenn Givler’s blog. On Jenn’s post she was talking about a commercial she saw this past weekend where they were talking about, “Eat all you want, and still lose weight” and then they have the nerve to add, “we couldn’t say it on TV if it wasn’t true.” Are you kidding me? Now see, to me that is just blatant dishonest but you know what people will still call them. However, this post isn’t about those big companies that do these unethical methods of advertising.

This is about you and your business. The discussion on Jenn’s blog went on and different people stated that those people who are dishonest and don’t work with integrity will “get their own” and they won’t last long. This is true…and even if they do stay in business. Again this isn’t about others….it is about YOU.

This subject of do your values have value by Anna Farmery at The Engaging Brand brings up this point too in one of her latest posts.

How do you wish to be portrayed by your future clients, vendors, suppliers and friends? True business success will not be accomplished without having integrity in your business.

Well, I just think that is so unfortunate for those who believe dishonesty is the way to do business.

Integrity begins with being truthful and living honestly.

Well, this might seem like a silly question…why would you promote your business?

The obvious reason is to get more customers, right? Yes, that is partly true. We all want to get more customers because that is how we make money.

However, by promoting your business you are allowing others in your niche to get to know your expertise and experience. Each person in a niche group may not be your customer right now however, they could be in the future.

When these potential customers have the opportunity to read another blog post, article, or press release that you have written or promoted, you are becoming more imprinted in their minds.

Just be sure that what you do is with integrity and honesty.

Hey, I once had a customer call me after I faxed a press release out eight months earlier! So you just never know who and when will see what you are promoting. When they need you, your products or services, you want to be in the fore front of their mind as a business owner that conducts business with values, integrity and experience.

Is there others reasons to promote your business other than customers and sustainability?