With the hustle of capitalism, corporations, businesses and demands, is always the question of how to make more money, enhance products and reach the top of the totem pole with what we have.  Now that most of us are functioning in a global business, the demands and the stakes are higher than they have ever been before.  

While you are trying to get yourself out into the public is always one question that remains... who are you doing business for?  This is more important than answering the question of what products you have.  I'm not talking about the target market either.  I'm talking about the individual that sits on the other side of the door or the computer and what their life is about.  

With the challenges that have taken precedence over businesses is a loss of human-ness that used to be a part of functioning as a business.  Of course, we are in a huge economic change and transition, but it's up to the businesses of the world to see who the human is on the other side and to connect to them on that level.  

I'm not just saying this to have a good "business relationship" and to sell more products.  If that's your intent, that's great.  But, there should be more to it than that.  

When you know who is on the other side, you can start thinking about what they need in order to enhance their life.  You can start organizing your business with the tools and the capacities that will allow them to boost forward on their own and to gain tools that give them independence.  

On the other side, if there is an individual who doesn't respect you, is not using your services or products correctly or tries to manipulate what you are doing, you should also think about what you need to do as a business owner in order to keep things right on your end.  That person could easily come back and ruin your business, hurt your playing field and use the products and services that you give them to hurt others.  Even if the characteristic seems indirect, analyze who you are working with and how to respond to them.  

The organization of this business aspect isn't one that is put in the books or grows according to what you can or can't offer.  It's one that comes straight from the heart and what you want your business to be and to support. All organization in a business should start here. 

This blog is just a sympathy note to those who are in a start-up business and finding out that the promises to make $10,000 overnight just isn't cutting it.  

If you decided to change your complete livelihood for the sake of running a business, you may now be in for more than you've bargained for.  Unlike most think, starting a business isn't easy money, nor is it going to happen over night.  Not to start singing the blues about the reality of a business, but anyone who as a sincere and legitimate business will tell you the same.  

If you are struggling at the beginning of your business - hang in there!  Once you get past the growing pains and the learning curve, things will get better.  A good friend of mine always says that it's better to learn it now than later.  There are thousands of individuals who have gotten to the point of making millions, but didn't go through the learning curve and had to start over again.  Take it at the front end if you can, so that you are only loosing $1,000 and know what to do when it comes next time around.  

Even if you have been in business school, have 20 years of experience in your field and know that you are a professional, you will be going through the same thing.  Running a business (a legitimate one), takes an entirely new level of setting up a system, putting together the ins and outs and knowing what to look for with customers and with the system you are developing.  It's going to take time!

So, if you are going through some hard knocks, be happy about it, keep going - and know that it's just part of the process to become successful down the road. 

Since protection and security has started to sky rocket for individuals trying to spam others, so have the criminals who are determined to take your money and your time.  For everyone out there who is running a business, there are some new things to watch out for to make sure that you don't get put in a situation where you are dealing with fraud.  

In the last month, I have had three different "businesses" contact me.  All of them showed me in one way or another that they were fraudulent.  So, now, I would like to pass the information on to you so that you can prevent any business fires from happening. 

1.  If you see an online business, make sure it is valid.  For example, if they are selling products, it should have some sort of certification.  One of the strangest things I ran into with a potential customer was not only no certification, but also no real place that they had an office.  The street said something like 1500 Cresecent Moon Down, and had a location in three different countries.  I've never seen a street like that, and especially not more than once.  Of course, when I looked it up, it didn't exist.

2.  Check first.  If you receive checks from customers, make sure it is the exact amount and that it is valid.  Using a check verification system before you go to the bank will save you time and possible bumps against fraud.  Most banks will let you check to make sure everything in the bank is correct. 

3.  Have a contract or agreement.  Make sure that your customers sign and agree to legitimate work.  If anything does happen, you will have something to fight back with.  

4.  Know which business information to give.  Many of the fraudulent businesses are working through specific areas that they can hack through so they can get your business information.  Using something like Paypal or E-gold will ensure that you keep everything secure.  If you do take credit cards, make sure they have extra security on them. 

5.  Don't fall for how they "talk to you."  Even though the businesses are not real, there is a developed business attitude of how to speak with others in order to sound like a business.  Everything from books they have, a website and a name that has credentials may throw you off.  Look out for the little things, like incomplete sentences or inability to give you information.  For instance, one of the frauds I ran into went by the name of Dr, had a book for me to edit and even showed where she lived.  But, she couldn't spell very well, and her check turned out to be fraudulent. 

6.  There should only be one point of contact.  If the check has a different name than the person which has a different name than the e-mail, you know something is wrong.  Even if there is more than "one office," make sure that everything comes from the same place. 

It's easy to catch fraudulent material, but you will need to know what to look for.  As long as you are up with your business game, the ones that aren't legitimate, can't succeed with their plans to filter your money through. 

I know.  The big thing about the Internet is getting the spiders to crawl over your website or links so that you can move up in the search engines.  And, I'm sure by now you know that one of the main ways to do this is by putting in keywords. 

Of course, the importance of keywords shouldn't be the compromise of writing.  If you have something that you want to say, it should be said correctly first.  Then, you will have the ability to add in the keywords. 

My reference point to this commentary is the hundreds of websites that are out there that are fantasic, but they have to start with the keywords.  This is because one of the rulings is that the spiders will crawl the first few sentences first and that is what determines your ranking. 

The problem comes with the websites that cover up the flow and the ability to transition, all for the sake of the keywords coming first.   In about 10 seconds, I'm off the site.  My decision to buy something isn't based off of their ranking.  There are hundreds of ways to find someone.  It's off of their presence and how they are showing themselves - from word one. 

So, the big trick to the foundation of Internet marketing is to allow your keywords to be smooth from the start and to not compromise them for the writing that you are doing.  It's not just getting up in the search engines, it's also selling those who come to your site.

If you are having some trouble finding the balance between keywords and writing, my advice is to think about the writing first.  Your keywords can act like your thesaurus.  If you have a word that is close to a keyword, replace it.  It will help the transitions become smooth and won't loose what you are trying to say. 

The way to sell on the Internet is all about the words. 

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about writing and what it means to really write.  I have a lot of clients show up that are interested in the basics.  By that, I mean getting the information out, keeping with the rules and having a formulaic perspective and approach.  In fact, I had someone send me suggestions for my website that got thrown off with the little bit of creativity that I did use.

I completely value "professional and informational" writing, and if it is called for, I'll do it.  However, as I move along, I keep getting this creative itch to do something a little different.  Something.... beyond the rules.  

One of the aggravations that have been hitting me is the formula of writing that's appearing.  Not just in businesses, but also in fiction, novels, plays, even poetry.  A sense of having to write a certain way has taken over the desire to want to write in a new way.  

When I look at it, I realize that the classics, mainstays and literary memories and treasures aren't found in the formula.  It's found in knowing the formulas, such as character development or plot... then breaking it.  It's about taking those basics and turning it into elastic, which allows it to twist and stretch and move in a slightly different way. 

This is the magic that comes with writing - the capability to do something more, or different - to stretch what is already done or known and to move up a level with the words that are being given.  It's more than telling a story.  It's how that story is crafted and told and what it means.

If you want a great example of what I'm talking about, I recommend Carole Meso's "Break Every Rule."  There's a sample of taking essays and twisting the craft of it into something completely innovative and new.

Writing, let's say good and innovative writing, isn't just about getting the words on paper, or on the Internet, as the case is now.  It's how it's approached, the perspective it takes, the way in which the words shape the story and how it allows one to think.  

And that, is more than writing.  It's a masterpiece.  

Interested in having something written for you?  Contact Brooke at info@orion-services.biz or visit my website at www.orion-services.biz. 

Okay, I'm not usually the type to be pushy about the services that I offer.  Typically, those that come to me already have a vision of what they need in mind.  

But, after talking to businesses and seeing how some individuals are forced to function as a business, I've become convinced... businesses need VAs. 

If you don't think you need a VA, pay attention to some of these attitudes and signs:

1.  Your desk is scattered and messy

2.  You can't find your schedule book

3.  You're not sure who all of your customers are

4.  You have some tasks in your business that you hate doing

5.  You are working more hours during the day than you would like

Of course, there are more, but you'll start to notice the signs of being too stressed, having too much to do or not being able to take care of the back area work.  

The reason why I love the idea of a VA is not so much that it is doing all of the organizational and back office work, as well as the extra correspondence, even though this type of work is fun to me.  (I know, it's a certain personality type).  

The other great thing about being a VA is that the small businesses, medium businesses and the guys that can't quite afford a secretary finally have a way to be supported and helped so that they can do what they love.  To me, that makes everything about business worth while.  It's like building a side of extra hands for the extra push that is needed to get to the next level.  

It's that little bit of extra support that leads to success.  More support equals more time.  More time equals a focus on the business products and services.  That leads to a better back office area, which leads to the organization from the virtual assistant.  That organization leads to customer service, because a system is in place that is easier to use for your business and which eventually reaches the customers.  The end result?  More cash flow, more customers and more satisfaction of the functioning of the business.  

So, if you have certain things that you hate doing or that you feel at a loss for time to do, go ahead and splurge a little.  You deserve the extra support of a virtual assistant to help your business succeed.  

Want to know more about VA services?  Contact Orion Information Services at info@orion-services.biz or visit the website at www.orion-services.biz. 

At one time or another, we've all been in a relationship.  Well, obviously.  If you have any family, friends or acquaintances at all, you've been in a relationship.  Some good, some bad, some just there.  

My question is...when it comes to business relationships, what are we really trying to build?  What's the spark, the romance that draws us to the customer, and draws the customer back to us in order to partner together?  I know you have heard something of this from hundreds of business people, but why should I ignore it?  

I don't look at business relationships as a cut and dry thing, where the transaction is made, the work is done and that is it.  Sometimes, it needs to be that way, but the human element has to be considered.  If you have a service or product, every person who is interested or buys that service or product is your partner.  Because they have supported your business. 

Here's my perfect example.  Every so often, I'll get a call from a listing or directory that I'm on with the Internet.  Typically, it's a cut and dry thing... you know... 'are you interested?  'no.'  'thank you for your time.'  But this very funny thing happened this last week that changed that.  I got a call from a directory who, of course, was trying to sell me a paid listing area.  

But, it never actually came up with the person I was talking with.  Instead, we talked about my business, his business, what was happening in our lives, etc.  By the end of the conversation, I felt like I had made a friend.  His famous last words were, I don't really want to sell you anything because I don't care.  I'm just working here right now to make a living.  What's even funnier, he accidentally called me from the phone he was using after work.  We had yet another pleasant conversation about life and went along our merry ways.  At that time, I was definitely not interested in the service, and with his call, he wasn't interested in selling it to me, because he wasn't getting paid at the time.

But what happened was that he decided to give me a ring the next day.  I actually was not grumpy when I heard from him.  Even though I hadn't committed, he went ahead and did research on my business, gave me statistics and projections.  He still told me that I didn't have to buy.  So, of course, the bad marketing deal became a good deal, not only because it is, but also because I wanted to help this guy out with making his quota.  Yes, a cold sales call turned into almost a highlight of my week and a new acquaintance from across the globe.  That simple.  

I'm definitely not talking about cold calling or pushy advertising, or even aggressiveness in approaching your business.  Those are all things that I hate.  What I'm talking about is taking into consideration the scenarios that the person on the other side is in.  Define what they need, who they are and don't worry about a sale.  I'm not saying that superficially either.  Think about some of the difficult situations you've been in, and find a way to relate that human element of struggle and growth with everyone you are talking to. 

The point is this.  A relationship is built off of honesty.  If you are sincere and honest about your business services, and believe in them, than this is the way to approach all of your customers, even if they aren't customers.  It's really not about the results.  It's about the process of building who you are and what you do. 

A sale is just a number.  A relationship is something that can make an impact. 

Yeah, sure.  We're all in business to make the millions, right?  To have the complete financial freedom, the luxurious life, the benefits of reaching the dream.  No, it's not the American dream anymore..just the dream.  Everyone wants riches. Or, maybe we are thinking more in terms of the many songs written about the evils of money and how it destroys you.  Maybe you are one of those that struggles on both sides of the money fence.

I would like to say that both of these ideals are just a superficial cover up for the reality of finances - whether it is a corporation or a home based business.  It's some sort of strange illusion that a lot of people are walking around with, thinking that more money will get them freedom or that money makes them do or act a certain way.  

After observing people doing this, I've realized something.  It's not money that people thirst for and are greedy for.  It's materialism.  And there is a huge difference.  I'm mentioning this because I believe that if many of us were to change our  mind set about money and materialism, our approach to our businesses and lifestyle, especially in the financial area, would flow much more smoothly.  

So, let's start with some specialized cultural definitions.  

Materialism - Having things, or the desire to have more things.  These things often are used to reflect personality on a superficial level, such as status, ideologies, etc.  For example, if you have the red hot rod, what does it say about your personality?

Money - A tool that is used to reach goals.  This is not superficial.  Money is meant to come into your life for a moment, support your business and help you to do what needs to be done with a service, product or personally so that you reach better means.  

In these definitions, money never stays and materialism always does.  Materialism is stagnant and loses value, while money is a flow.  It comes into your life, supports you and leaves.  It's an energy that can help to uplift you.  

So, if you are working as a business, your money should directly reflect the way you feel you are supporting others and how you believe you should be supported.  Because the money will then come into your life, help with that support and uplift you.  You can then turn around and use that same money to uplift someone else.  

I think; however, everything would be much better if instead of money, it were chocolate, as it has been in some places in ancient times.  But then, I would just get fat, not wealthy.   But, on that point, it also brings  me back to thinking about bartering and fair business and how it is set up to work for the good.  Bartering and money are the same system, just reflected by different means.  I promise - if you look at it this way, it will completely change your attitude towards what business is or is not, especially when thinking about pocket books.

I mention this concept because I believe that it separates the rich from the wealthy.  (I know a lot of you have heard that cliche before).  And, I believe that if more of us were thinking of money in this way, business would hold a very different energy and be much more enlightening.  

So, when you are thinking finances, stop thinking of what you have and don't have.  That's materialism.  Instead, think in amounts of how you are supported and what you can support in turn.  And then, money becomes your friend, not your foe, and you can begin to use it in the correct light. 

Okay, I have a great story for you all.  

The other day, I was practicing with someone with my sales pitch for my music services.  I've been working to get it down to a 't'.  In the roll play, my good friend tried to throw me off.  So, he acted like someone who was mad at my decisions first.  I played it cool.  Then, he went into options for buying.  I told him to go to a pond shop.  He responded with...would if the items are hot?  I told him... don't worry about it.  It won't matter to you.  

Afterwards, he started laughing and reminded me that I should never tell a parent to go to a pond shop for a musical instrument.  I hadn't even caught it, but then I realized... with that one sentence, I made all of my credentials fly out the door. (Even though I was half joking, of course).  Not only would those specific words have the customer never showing up again, but would also put me in somewhat of a bad standing.  

So, this is what I'm getting to.  Whatever you write, whatever you say and whatever you do, make sure it is classy.  I'm using myself as an example, but I don't know how many times I've run into people that want something written or said that should never be represented in their business.  Luckily, I was roll playing first... but some people I know...aren't.  

Just so all of you out there play it professional...here are some things you can do to help.  

1.  Roll play.  There is nothing better than catching yourself before things happen.  Find a supportive friend who doesn't mind humoring you for a few minutes while you go through what you want to say.  

2.  Visualize.  This is a psycho-cybernetics concept.  For those of you who have never heard of this principle...check it out.  It will help your business tons.  Anyway, with this concept, you visualize what you want your business to be and the roll you want to carry - everyday - until it one day is what you imagined.

3.  Always go back to the business entity.  In the last blog I talked about your business as an entity, with energy that it carried and that you portrayed.  Make sure that whatever you say, write or relate to with the customers has that same entity, whether it is dealing with a bad customer or doing some work.  

4.  Plan it out.  Yes, it may seem weird... talk to yourself in the mirror, plan or write out your scripts... find your words that will make sure that it draws on the customer and what they need.  And be PICKY.  Your words need to be perfect...every single one of them.

5.  Act like you are the customer.  Always replace the shoes with new ones...the ones on the other side.  This is not only to see what would draw your customer towards you, but also what type of customer you want walking in your doors....trust me... thinking about getting the right customers will get you the right customers.  

There you have it.  It's one detail in business world that is vital to your survival.  You don't want to let your words...whether written or said... be anything less than the entire weight of your business.  

Need more business support or some word help?  Contact me (that's Brooke) at Orion Information Services.  That's info@orion-services.biz.  Or, you can visit the website at www.orion-services.biz.  

Here's to reaching the stars!

Hey - do you know this business formula?  Corporate color should be blue.  You should have certain sales points and marketing points to close a sale.  You have to have...blah, blah, blah and blah, blah, blah to run effectively.  It says so in the text books.

YAWN!

Oh, sorry!  Didn't mean to offend any of you traditional businesses.  But, for all the rest of us, why are we trying to run like traditional businesses?  This is a major sign that you are not functioning as your own unique business, but instead, trying to copy others.  And in my opinion, that's a HUGE thing to not do.

Would you please catch up with the 21st century?  It's time to put behind the traditions and build your business the way that you want to.  I'm giving you permission.  Let go of everything you are supposed to do, and let your business be your playground.  

Okay, let's take this as an example.  Visualize your business as a person....an entity...a thing...a piece of artwork on a canvas.  Take away the name of it being a business.  It's something, like a blank piece of paper that's dying for you to write your own words on it, put your colors on it and let it run from a creative area.  Unless you are a robot, or are copying someone, these things should not be like anything else.  You know that, as a person, all of these things I mentioned belong uniquely to you.  You have a certain type of energy that attracts you or pulls you away from certain people and types as well as things.    

Well, shouldn't your business be the same way?

And, if so, shouldn't your business be unique to you?

The point is this.  Let your business be what it wants to be.  Tap into it's creative side and pull it out.  Let it be unique, different and something that you would be proud to own.  The entire world of business is open to you and what you want your business to be.  Don't settle for less!

If you want some creative help, and don't want to settle for less, it's time for you to contact me (that's Brooke) by visiting my website at www.orion-services.biz or giving me a ring at 720-277-2652.