Motivation & Inspiration
June 17, 2008
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any vendor on Write-Communications.com does not constitute any legal liability or responsibility for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any product or service listed on this Web site. These listings are provided for your convenience only.
Corporate Trainers l Entrepreneurial & Motivational Speakers
Life & Business Coaching
- OnTrack Coaching – Marilyn Edelson
Women’s Self-Help
- Bloom Online Magazine
- The Little Black Book for EveryBusyWoman
- Silk Purse Women (For the over 40 & fabulous!)
Got any great motivation & inspiration leads?
We are always hunting for smart business resources that help motivate business owners. Please feel free to share info about your great leads, cause we love to refer people to good business partners.
Networking Groups
June 17, 2008
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any vendor on Write-Communications.com does not constitute any legal liability or responsibility for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any product or service listed on this Web site. These listings are provided for your convenience only.
Business Networking Groups l Learning Resources
- Bernardo’s List — NY Networking Events & Parties
- WCBS Newsradio Small Business Network — Tri-state NY/NJ/CT
Entrepreneurial Speakers l Panelists l Keynotes
Women’s Business Resources
- Center for Women — SC
- eWomenNetwork
- New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners — NJ
- Women’s Enterprise Development Center — NY
Got any great networking leads?
We are always hunting for smart business resources that help people manage their budgets and work more productively. Please feel free to share info about your great leads, cause we love to refer people to good business partners.
Communications Audits & Planning
June 13, 2008
Web & Print Communications Audits l Marketing Planning Services
Rely on Write-Communications to provide the marketing tools you need to get your sales engine roaring! Our expert Communications Audits and Marketing Planning services provide insight and answers, to help you anticipate your client’s needs, communicate your firm’s value, and position your company as a market leader.
Improve your sales today by design…
Successful entrepreneurs stand out from their competitors. They make more money with brawny branding, truly inspired design and wordsmithing, and a plethora of promotional activities. With Write-Communications‘ custom-tailored Action Blueprints you’ll get the skinny on the absolute best options out there. Our formula for success is simple. We are merciless at identifying weak spots. We are known for proposing a range of viable solutions. Most importantly — we outline specific action steps that, if followed religiously, work.
Strategic marketing works
Whether you need an objective assessment of your collateral materials, honest input on print ads, an evaluation of your website content, navigation and visitor experience, or an annual marketing plan that is sensitive to your needs and budget — give us a shout.
Contact Write-Communications today, and start getting results you can bank on.
Getting Your Business Started with UMPH!
June 11, 2008
Let’s say you are like most entrepreneurs. You have an idea. You think it’s brilliant. Your friends think it’s gonna make you a billionaire, and you are ready to do what you need to, to make this dream a reality. Before you quit your job and run headlong into this new adventure, stop. Get the following in order so you can give yourself a fighting chance.
- Put together a real business plan, wearing the CEO, COO and CFO hats. The plan should outline all the basics surrounding the cost of your operations, for at least one year. This includes, but is not limited to, purchasing office equipment (desk, filing cabinets, bookcases, phones, fax, printer, scanner, PC, cell phone and a laptop + the relevant operational and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software); rent, insurance, internet and phone services, marketing (we’ll cover this in more detail shortly), sales initiatives, gas, tolls, miscellaneous niche consultants, air and other travel expenses, entertaining, cost of producing your goods or delivering your service, admin help, IT person, lawyer, bookkeeper, accountant, and business filing fees, trade and other membership fees, printing and mailing charges.
- Assess the yearly & monthly costs of these. Add 25% - 50%.
- Create a separate marketing plan. Businesses that don’t take into account the cost and the time involved with getting the cash register ringing (read marketing, advertising and the process of selling) are planning to fail. A realistic marketing plan includes the cost of the following: figuring out your geographic footprint (local, regional, national, or global); best target markets - how and where you will engage them; developing a strong brand and the tools, a website and a suite of collateral materials that “speak” to your target market(s) – i.e. a business card, letterhead, brochure, website, oversized postcard(s), print ad, web ad, etc.; attending networking functions, sponsoring a local high school team, taking ads in industry or Chamber journals, sponsorships, internet marketing, direct mail campaigns, PR, attending trade shows and business expos, etc. The team you need to help you accomplish all these tasks should include: admin/sales help, marketing consultant, business consultant, graphic designer, webmaster, printer, and a marketing communications copywriter (SPECIAL NOTE about Copywriting: Getting an “A” in creative writing in college does not qualify you for this job! Being a staff reporter is not the right credential either. See “Making Sales with Authentic Copywriting” for more details).
- It’s a lot of hard work. Forget visions of lying on a beach somewhere in Hawaii. Newbie business owners who succeed live and breathe their business 24/7, and working incredibly long days for years! Fact is no matter how many people you know, creating trust (and generating sales) takes an organized, respectful process & time, lots of it.
- You don’t know everything. Smart entrepreneurs take the time to get educated as to all the hats (and their specific job functions) they have to manage, as well as the functions they need to outsource in the course of getting their business up and running quickly. I’ve interviewed scores of millionaires who admit that they would have made it to that “millionaire mark” sooner had they focused on what they did know how to do, versus leaving it up to chance, or worse, trying to juggle everything themselves long term. The ones that make it BIG all say the same thing — they hired or worked with an assortment of professionals who were specialists in a range of important areas — operations, systems, organization, marketing . . . and a marketing communications copywriter. Bottom line: most business owners who try to do everything over the long haul to “save money” usually end up treading water instead of sailing ahead.
(Special Note about Copywriting: Getting an “A” in creative writing in college does not qualify you for this job! Being a staff reporter is not the right credential either. Marketing copywriting is serious work, and a blend of art & science. See “Making Sales with Great Copywriting” for more details).
Business Resources
June 3, 2008
First things first. Many of the companies listed here are folks we’ve personally done business with (these are starred). Others come highly recommended from a variety of sources: clients, successful CEO’s I’ve interviewed for Entrepreneur.com and other business publications I write for, workshop attendees and networking contacts that I meet all over the country. These business resources are posted here because we think they are talented and generally just nice people to work with. We heartily encourage you to check them out, send them an inquiry by email or give them a call. They’d be happy to answer all your questions!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Just like Consumer Reports, we have no hidden agenda, no “arrangement” with any of these business resources. They are here to give you a great starting point, to help you see the kind of support businesses that should be part of your team — to help your own business thrive. As you might imagine, we cannot make any specific guarantees regarding their services, and recommend that you shop around and get 2-3 written estimates anytime you are looking to hire a new vendor or independent contractor.
Work Smarter Business Suppliers
E/mail Marketing
My Emma** — Need a good laugh, great customer service and top-notch email marketing solutions? You’ve found it all at myemma.com! These people are cheerful, even if you call them with a problem after hours. Go to www.myemma.com and tell them Write-Communications sent you!
IT Services
Third Eye Technologies** provides expert IT technical support services. Call them about keeping track of your computer equipment and the latest advances in automated security and support. Third Eye Technologies is an affordable option for a range of IT solutions! Click here for more info.
Reservations System
WhosComing** — If you host TeleSeminars, produce events, or give workshops, WhosComing.com offers an easy system to manage the whole process, including payments. Owner and software designer Terry Wilson has created a great solution for handling all the details, including specials and email reminders to participants.
Search Engine Optimization
KF Multimedia & Web** helps businesses increase sales through advanced online tools, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and top-notch web marketing strategies. President Kathy Fealy is a pro — so give her a shout for a consultation and assessment of your site.
Web Design/E-Commerce
BrainToaster Interactive** creates terrific web- and E-commerce sites. For effective Internet marketing options, feedback on navigation, usability and design, with amazing customer service give them a shout.
Other Smart Business Resources:
- Core business support services
- Business networking groups
- Business education & funding resources
- Business motivation & inspiration
**Used by Write-Communications
Hire a Writer
June 3, 2008
Freelance Editorial & Feature Writing Resource
If you are seeking a fresh voice, you’ve found it! Pattie Simone has compiled over 400 bylines, producing entertaining and educational articles for:
- News, At Home, and Living sections of weekly and daily papers
- Full-length feature stories for magazines: restaurant and chef profiles, real estate trends, to-dos and personal profiles
- Editorial and advertorial content for special, in-house or custom publications: covering business, decorating, holidays, food & drinks, party planning, etc.
- Meaty columns for online venues and easy tips for sidebars: covering business experts, sales and marketing and operational topics
- Newsletter book reviews and how-tos for state and regional business groups
Pattie’s regular writing gigs
- Sales & Marketing Columnist, WomenEntrepreneur.com
- Regular Contributor, New Jersey Bride Magazine
- Regular Contributor, WomenandBiz.com
More about Pattie’s writing …
I started writing as a journalist at a small New Jersey community weekly newspaper 6 years ago. Within a year I had a regular stringer gig at the local Gannet daily paper.
Next I tackled freelancing for local and regional magazines, followed by in-house publication writing and web writing. My published credentials include print and online work for Entrepreneur Media — including Entrepreneur magazine, WomenEntrepreneur.com and Entrepreneur.com — New Jersey Bride magazine, WomenandBiz.com, The Hudson Valley Business Journal, 201 Best of Bergen Magazine, New Jersey Monthly magazine, Westchester magazine, The Times Herald-Record, The Journal News, and The Town Journal.
I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing local dignitaries, artists and business leaders, and nationally known authors, activists, business gurus, design and home decorating experts, and actors, including Billie Jean King, Tom Cavanaugh, Carol Higgins Clark, Nicole Miller, Chris Madden, B Smith, Christopher Lowell, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Jerry Greenberg.
My ultimate goal is to have a syndicated column for entrepreneurial women. Till then, I’m interested in new assignments on business and career advancement, entrepreneurial women, working moms, bridal, home/life, or parenting topics. My goal is help readers discover new and fruitful personal and business success tips, get inspiration and motivation, and offer insights and resources.
Featured Clips
Success Tips from Seth Godin — America’s ‘Greatest Marketer’
Westchester business guru shares candid advice
Seth Godin, the best selling author, entrepreneur and agent of change who has been rated as one of the top 21 speakers for the 21st century, has some pointed advice for Hudson Valley Business Journal small business owners.
“The most important thing to understand is that no one is going to save you, that the only chance — the best chance (to survive and thrive in these turbulent economic times) is to create that product or service that so many people want or need that they can\’t help but to do business with you,\” said Godin this week via a phone interview… Download the PDF
Virtual Help for Real Entrepreneurs
If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you’ve got piles of paper cluttering your office and to-do lists that seem to be multiplying like rabbits. The good news is that many of the tasks that keep you from being as productive (and profitable) as you could be can be outsourced. You may not think you can afford to hire help, especially in these economically turbulent times. But the fact is you can\’t afford not to… Read more at WashingtonPost.com
A Marketing Tool That’s Obvious, Overlooked and Cheap
Use superior service as a thrifty and effective in-house marketing mechanism.
Marketing and cats appear to have one thing in common: There’s more than one way to skin them both. Marketing isn’t just creating a brand and pursuing advertising campaigns; it’s about delivering value. So while many entrepreneurs are scrambling to attract new business, some have discovered one of the easiest (and least expensive) tools to keep their sales engines humming: holding on to current patrons through superb customer service… Read more at MSNBC
Winning with Wine
A new crop of entrepreneurs has discovered a business with grape appeal.
When you think of the different businesses being opened by entrepreneurs each year, chances are “vintner” would not be at the top on your list. Yet a surprising number of newbies have entered the highly competitive winemaking world, and making a go of it… Read more at Entrepreneur.com
Finding a Fantastic Virtual Assistant
Pattie Simone learns first-hand that hiring an assistant she’s never met can be tricky but fruitful.
Like most entrepreneurs I’ve met, on a typical day I spend way too much time doing a range of tasks that I shouldn’t. While it’s important stuff–following up on networking leads, contacting people I’ve met at my workshops or cold calling speaking resources–these critical to-do’s were getting out of control, and my office piles were starting to spill out onto my dining room table.
So the timing could not have been better when I got this assignment.
With a budget of $100, I set out to find and hire at least two different virtual assistants (VAs), to help me gain control of the burgeoning piles… Read more at Entrepreneur.com
New Age Marketing: A Primer
Not quite sure how to make the most of internet opportunities? This two-part series will teach you what you need to know.
If you’re one of the many business owners who feels clueless when it comes to taking advantage of all the possibilities available on the internet, don’t despair. Here’s the first portion of a two-part web marketing primer that outlines what you need to know. This month’s column will cover the team of people you’ll need, as well as basics about websites, e-mail and e-newsletters… Read more at WomenEntrepreneur.com
How Far Will You Go (for a Sale)?
Hear what women around the country think about turning on the sex appeal to make a sale.
“Pattie will do anything for a sale,” said a sales rep I used to work with. I winced every time he said that and turned three shades of purple. Even though I never had any direct meetings with clients at that time, I must admit I sometimes used my husky, Marlene Dietrich voice, which usually worked to my advantage in phone negotiations with male clients.
I’ve witnessed a range of dress and behaviors from female colleagues and peers, from traditional and conservative to wildly flirtatious. But women business owners from across the country draw the line at different points in the sand when it comes to using their feminine wiles to win in business. So is it the Sex and the City or the Paris Hilton approach that wins? … Read more at WomenEntrepreneur.com
Waterfront Weddings
Whether you are considering a simple, intimate affair or a large elaborate celebration, weddings by the water are a popular choice. There’s something about watching the sunlight dance on the water or set against a backdrop of sailboats and a beautiful sky—it’s the perfect setting for romance. Besides numerous scenic seaside locations, New Jersey boasts a variety of other spectacular waterside venues: from breathtaking city skyline locales to pastoral river and lake settings… Read more at New Jersey Bride
Bridal’s Newest Designers
There’s never been a more fashionable time to get married. It used to be that Vera Wang was the only designer name in town, but within the past ten years, fashion’s elite, along with its foot soldiers, have flocked to the bridal market, each bringing their own sensibility and style—and with it, more choices and options for brides. And this year is no exception. From a Town and Country aesthetic to Disney fantasy, there’s something for everyone… Read more at New Jersey Bride
Fun Dessert Alternatives: Unusual Wedding Cakes
Many brides opt for the traditional multi-tiered wedding cakes, with figurines of the bridal couple on top. But if you’re hankering to have some fun and let your personal style shine through, go for it, because you can find creative, imaginative bakers who can design, bake, and build the funkiest and wildest wedding cake ever, to suit your particular interests, theme, or hobbies. For a sweet and sassy ending to your reception, consider these ideas… Read more at New Jersey Bride
How to Avoid Being Penny-Wise and Pound Foolish
When you are starting or growing a business, every cent counts! And while I’m a huge fan of shopping around and getting the most bang for your buck, there are pitfalls to being overly frugal. To avoid being penny wise and pound foolish think of the big picture and you’ll actually be able to save money and headaches in the long run. Here’s what you have to do… Read more at WomenandBiz.com
Cracking the Cinderella Code
Admit it. Way before you started your company – you began to fantasize about it. You yearned to break free of your hum-drum job and show the world just how amazing you are. You daydreamed during meetings, pondered possibilities on your commute. The mere thought of your anticipated new life made your heart beat faster. This fairy tale probably included more flexibility (to do what you want, when you want) lots of cash rolling in, great clients, and fabulous business trips.
OK - so let’s get real. Owning a business is a 24/7 thing. Running a business involves so much more than baking the best cookies, slapping your name on a business card, or getting out to some networking events… Read more at WomenandBiz.com
To get in touch with me to discuss your editorial needs, please click here.
Speaking
June 3, 2008
For sassy motivational, educational and training speakers — check out WomenCentric™! Our talented roster of women experts deliver top-notch seminars, keynotes, opening addresses, webinars, teleseminars, and podcasts for corporate, entrepreneurial and academic audiences. WomenCentric™ custom-tailored programs seek to spark inventive vision, celebrate self, encourage harmonious interaction, stimulate leadership and pave new success paths.
passion • purpose • connectivity • performance
Corporate Training Programs include:
- Team Building
- Diversity Awareness l Appreciation
- Motivation l Celebration
- Women-focused
- Communications l Public Speaking l Media Training
Entrepreneurial l Trade Association presentations include:
- New Age Marketing: Everything You Need to Know about Twittering, Blogging, Podcasting, YouTube, and Other Online Sales Tools
- Branding like the Big Boys for Small Business Success
- Penny Pinching Marketing Secrets: Get your Guerilla Going!
- Jump-Starting Your Business: Getting to the Next Level
- How to Produce Winning Websites (and LOTS More Sales!)
- The Amazing Entrepreneurial Life
Academic Programs include:
- Communications for Grads — Navigating the Real World
- Networking for Career Success
- Blueprint to Personal & Business Success
- Creating & Leveraging your Personal Success Toolkit
A little background history…
WomenCentric™ was originally “birthed” as a spunky women’s speaking group. Five women (virtual strangers to one another) gathered together at a diner to discuss how to showcase our collective and individual talents. We had distinctive areas of expertise in peak performance, communications, image, life and divorce coaching, and resume writing and business career coaching. Despite diverse backgrounds and experiences, we had many things in common. One bond: we were all seeking new business opportunities. More importantly, our little group had big dreams and open minds: we believed we could grow as professional business women as a result of sharing our respective capabilities.
Today WomenCentric™ is getting a makeover! Our spanking new website will go live in the fall, and will feature a one-stop shop for some of the most dynamic women speakers and trainers in the country.
Find out more about booking a terrific expert speaker!
Discover how you can become one of our expert speakers!
Marketing Mentoring
June 3, 2008
Expert Marketing & Business Success Mentoring
Would you like to save money and start seeing real progress in your business??
After going through the Write-Communications CEO, Marketing or Business Success Mentoring program, you’ll be prepared to handle a range of sales, marketing and other entrepreneurial challenges!
Our weekly phone sessions come in three meaty, results-producing packages:
- Intro to Success: 4 weeks, one 40 minute session per week
- On Track Success Mentoring: 12 weeks, one 40 minute session per week, plus up to ten e/mail communiqués per week
- Advanced Success Mentoring: 6 months, one 35 minute phone session per week, with unlimited email access for all your questions*
(Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Get ready to cover lots of ground, including:
- Smart web marketing options
- Social web communities
- Podcasting and online videos
- Great guerrilla marketing tips
- How to maximize cold calling
- Organic client prospecting
- Sales processes
- Viable pricing strategies
- How to create new revenue streams
- Improving website user experience, the effectiveness of your brand, your collaterals, and past marketing/advertising initiatives and LOTS more!
In addition to the terrific think-tank quality advice, each package comes with powerful perks, like worksheets, and resource and supplier advice.
The result — you’ll be more strategic, you’ll get the most bang for your buck, you’ll work more efficiently, and you’ll see measurable returns from a range of cost-productive initiatives.
Save time, money and frustration!
Move your business to the next level now. Tell us your story and we’ll get back to you promptly, with insight on the best service package for you. Contact Write-Communications now and get your business humming!
Marketing Makeovers
June 3, 2008
Marketing Business Solutions for Busy Entrepreneurs!
Choose from two popular services, Marketing Guru to Go (one intensive 90 minute phone session) or our Marketing Guru On Call Retainer (available in 3 or 6 month packages).
Our Marketing Guru to Go phone consultation covers lots of ground, including your overall business and objectives, your target markets & geographic footprint, and your specific questions on your website and print collaterals.
Clients benefit from a bunch of specific, cost-efficient fresh ideas & proven marketing success tips, including:
- Best networking options
- Smart pricing & positioning
- Effective print & internet marketing advertising options
- How to improve your direct mail, and more!
Our promise: After our sessions you’ll be inspired, motivated and directed, with numerous guerrilla marketing ideas that you can put to work immediately in your business. Don’t delay – contact us now and book your Guru to Go session!
Marketing Guru On Call l Outsourced Marketing Department
If you want to get your business to the next level, consider booking our Guru on Call Retainer option. With Write-Communications as your marketing partner, you’ll see real results. We help you take on a range of marketing challenges and establish smart systems to boot! Rely on our expert input on issues hitting your plate on a weekly basis, as well as:
- Cold calling — why, how and when
- How-tos on social networks & client prospecting
- Nimble tips on face-to-face networking
- Direct mail — what it should say, where to send it
- Online advertising venues — the good, bad and best
- Winning copywriting — wordsmithing that works
- Sourcing the right vendors
- Polishing your elevator pitch
- How to establish (and work) smart strategic alliances
With a Marketing Guru On Call Retainer you have access to our timely, expert input 5 days a week. Retainers are available on a limited basis, in 3 or 6 month packages, so book yours today.
The perks of hiring Write-Communications as your outsourced Marketing Department: We know first-hand what its like to grow sales on a lean budget, so you won’t find a “big-spender” mentality here!
Our input has generated millions of new sales for countless startups and growth-track companies in many different industries. Whatever stage your business is in, we can help you too!
Services
June 3, 2008
Write-Communications is the ultimate marketing resource, where imaginative and cost-effective marketing solutions are a reality! At Write-Communications, we are focused on delivering winning marketing tools specific to your business, objectives and target markets. We have oodles of expertise working with serious entrepreneurs — developing smart strategy, strong branding, unique messaging (copywriting for print and web), and kickin’ guerrilla marketing campaigns — with one primary outcome: to get your sales engine humming. We’ve assisted startups and growth-track firms all over the country, so give us a shout — and get your business moving on the right track today!
Learn more about our high-performance sales and marketing services:
