Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ?Spark an Idea Thursday?. Each week we?ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers. We invite you to?grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog! If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired!

I’ll bet you’re a blogger; most of us around Sparkplugging are.  I’d also be willing to bet you’ve got some favorite bloggers you like to follow and have learned things from them along the way.   So, I’m going to (somewhat briefly) share some of my favorite bloggers and what I have learned from them.  I’ll also encourage you to do the same thing and link back to this post.  Let’s get a little appreciative link love going on!

The Inspired Room Blog

If you like delicious, luscious interior eye candy, you’ve got to check out The Inspired Room Blog!  The author, Melissa, and I met through an interior redecorating certification program.  We discovered we lived in the same city (back then) and we met for coffee.  I’m happy to say she is a great inspiration, and a wonderful friend.  Not only that, she’s one fantastic blogger!

What I’ve learned: I’ve learned about making a blog post gorgeous and useful at the same time.  I’ve also picked up some various useful html code from her sidebars.  Melissa is also extremely talented in building a strong and thriving community.  I’ve also learned you can be a nice person and still get ahead (yay!).

Problogger’s Darren Rowse

When I started blogging, I ran across Darren’s blog and was astounded at the depth of information it contained.  I had an opportunity to interview and meet him last year at BlogWorld.  It was a huge honor to chat with him, as his blog has been a tremendous help to me.

What I’ve learned: I’ve learned how to make my blog better in a month, how I can see if my enewsletter is really doing well and many techy tricks to numerous to mention.  Darren is great at sharing information on how he does what he does, and putting it out there for the good of all the blogosphere.  He’s a trailblazer, and well known in the blogging and social media arenas.

SimpleMom

I’ve been a fan since the early days!  Tsh, the author, has a keen eye for simple design and lifestyle.  Her approach to simple living and straightforward solutions rock.  (And she’s going to be on our podcast, The O Myth soon!)

What I’ve learned: Simple is better.  I’ve also learned there are many who believe (as I do) that sometimes the simplest things are best.

Sparkplug CEO

You know them: Wendy Piersall and Kelly McCausey.  I used to read Sparkplugging when it was eMomsAtHome.  So, when Wendy gave me the opportunity to write a series of articles for her site, I was star struck and extremely flattered.  I didn’t know it at the time, but it would segue into blogging for Sparkplugging.com!

I “met” Kelly as a fellow author here on Sparkplugging.com.  She’s an inspiration to watch, and one who feels so strongly about doing right by the work-at-home-mom community.

What I’ve learned: If you don’t know it, Wendy is a talented networker.  She’s at the center of the party, and knows everyones’ names.  She is also a fierce businesswoman who knows what she wants and goes after it.  Wendy has showed me that giving for the sake of giving is something that is not only the right thing to do, but it will come back 100-fold.  Wendy’s passion and drive is amazing to watch!

Kelly has taught me about marketing and standing for what you believe in – passionately!  She is an early adopter of podcasting (or “internet radio” back in ‘da day…) and has an incredible knowledge of the medium.  (I LOVED her class at SparkplugU!)  Kelly’s passion and fearless ability to defend her convictions is empowering.

So, what blogger inspires you, and what have you learned?

Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ?Spark an Idea Thursday?. Each week we?ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers. We invite you to?grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog! If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired!

As a small business owner, I travel around and speak to groups.  I happen to love being in front of an audience, sharing a different perspective on the topic at hand.   For me, watching the “light go on” is what I love most about talking with other people in a group setting.  I share a little of myself, what I know and am always surprised at how people respond.

As you know, I’m also a blogger.  There have been times I have written posts which are extremely personal.  One in particular was a story about how organizing my home office changed my life.  It’s been one of the most popular posts I’ve ever written.  This surprised me, as I was really hesitant to even hit “publish”.  People were surprised and related to my story.

Creating “WOW” by sharing what you know.

I think creating a wow experience can happen when you share something you have learned in your own life or business.  Whether talking with an audience or a client, people resonate with what you have been through.  They relate to you and understand where you are coming from, as they may be in the throws of going through a simliar experence themselves.  When it’s comfortable, even in business, sharing a personal experience connects people and creates a sense of community.

What do you know, and would be willing to share, that would “wow” your community and help someone?

Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ‘Spark an Idea Thursday’. Each week we’ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers. We invite you to grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog! If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired!

If you’re a business owner with an online presence,  you’ve probably made some connections with people and companies you have never laid eyes on.  It’s the nature, and a wonderful benefit, of working virtually.  We get the opportunity to meet people of all different walks of life, geographic location and nationality.  So, how can you make “real life” connections with these same people?  Here’s three ideas:

1. Go to a conference.

Last year, as a member of the the Sparkplugging team, I had the incredible opportunity to go to BlogWorld.   One of the best things I was able to do was meet people I greatly respected – for the first time.  I had the opportunity to meet Wendy and the other authors here at Sparkplugging.  I also had the chance to interview, converse and shake hands with some others like Darren Rowse of Problogger, Des Walsh and Rich Brooks.  They were all fantastic, and there was something really great about being able to meet people and look them in the eye.  (Another cool thing?  We communicated a LOT via Twitter to do it!)

2. Host a Tweetup.

I’ll bet you’re on Twitter, and if you are, I’d also be willing to bet you have met a fair amount of people there.  How about setting up a local Tweetup to meet some of them in the flesh?  You might be surprised how fun it would be!

3. Have “virtual coffee”.

Sometimes it’s just not convenient (or possible) to get together when you live in different parts of the country.  So, I’ve had “virtual coffee” with Kelly and Susan (I talked more about that in this post).  It was an opportunity to get to know one another (Susan had no idea I was a TOTAL marketing geek-o-rama), even though we live far apart (like several hours on a plane, kinda far).  We put a date on the calendar, poured a cup o’ joe (or tea) and chatted it up on Skype.  Love it!

So, how could you connect in “real time” with your virtual peeps?

CNet Reviews:   Love.them.  They are usually on top of every kind of electronic new gadgety thing (as she shivers with delight).  I also love their Top Five lists… just in case you’re feeling extra undecisive.  (Have I mentioned being a Senior Editor is my dream job in another life?)

Consumer Reports: Ok, love them too.  A broad range of products from laundry detergent to laptops.  This is the other place I go to check out major purchases.  Somehow the fact that they independently test makes me feel instantly more confident in their recommendations.

I like to be informed, and let’s face it  - I’m a little indecisive!  How about you?  Where do you go when you are going to buy something like a cell phone?

Maintaining Laser Focus in Your Business

Improve Your Workspace: The Spark An Idea Weekly Roundup

15 Project Management Systems for SOHOs

When is a Good Time to Upgrade

Business Lesson Learned from Camping

Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ‘Spark an Idea Thursday’. Each week we’ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers. We invite you to grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog! If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired!

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This upcoming weekend is a holiday weekend in the United States.  Many people will take time off, and yet somehow the business of running their business will be in the back of their mind.  How does one relax and enjoy an upcoming holiday?  I’m a firm believer in taking time off, but you’ve got to have a few tricks up your sleeve.  Here’s a few ideas:

Plan for it.

Have you heard that saying, “Plan your work and work your plan”?  I love it!  When it comes to taking time off on a holiday or vacation, you’ve got to plan ahead.

Set up an email auto-responder.
You know you’re going to get email, right?  So why not let people know you won’t be around to answer them for a while?  Set up an auto-responder to let people know when you’ll be gone and when you’ll be back.   If you have a backup & clientele that may need help while you are out, be sure to include contact information for your backup person.

Simplify & make some decisions.
Are there things that can wait until you get back?  What things must be done before you go?  Simplify and make your life easier, but making some realistic decisions about what can and can’t be done before you leave.  You may even find that some things really don’t need to be done at all!

Delegate or automate.
If you’re the type of person that will be thinking about work regardless, it might be time to delegate.  Have a virtual assistant?  Ask them to handle some things for you.  The other thing you can do to make your life easier is to automate.  Set up an email address specifically for the public to contact, and set up an auto-responder answering some FAQs. Tim Ferriss has some great ideas about this in his book.

Ditch the guilt.
Everybody needs some time off.  Don’t beat yourself up because you are enjoying family, sunshine or just some time by a nice body of water.   Take care of business before you leave so you can check out for a while.  You’ll come back refreshed and ready to hit the ground running again.

How do you prepare to go on vacation so you can enjoy yourself?

The Basics Behind a Budget That Works
Many of you have indicated you use your home office for family affairs.  If a budget is beyond you, or needs a little tune-up, this is a great way to start!

DIY Inverted Bookshelf at Lifehacker
The picture alone is a mind bender, but then they give you DIY instructions to make the thing.  Fun!

Spark an Idea About Email
Have you seen this week’s roundup?  Great stuff!

Todoodlist
I had to share my fave new product for projects and related tasks.  Fun to use and so, so simple!

Des Walsh on Business Cards
Perhaps one of the most interesting people I have ever met, Des Walsh, talks about his take on business card design and usage.

Can you believe it?  I was interviewed by Rich Sloan of StartupNation’s podcast today!  Woot!  Check it out here:

7 Tips to Get Organized & Be More Effective in Business

Just a few quick questions.

This quick little series of questions gives you an estimated percentage of your success and failure chances in your business.  Ack!  Go give it a spin, and check out all the other fabulous stuff they have over there!  I had NO idea!

Are you tough enough to take the challenge and find out what your success rate is?  Do it!  Here’s the link.

Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ‘Spark an Idea Thursday’. Each week we’ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers. We invite you to grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog! If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired!

The theme of this week’s Spark an Idea Thursday is:
Spark an Idea About Goal Setting
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Do you have goals you are working toward?

How the heck do you set them?

How do you get them done?

I’ve been a member of several professional mastermind groups.  One of the most valuable things I learned was how to set clear goals.  Goals are dreams with an action plan.  There are many ways to go about setting them up, but here’s the simplest explanation I know.  When setting a goal, make sure it is “SMART”:

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely

I set goals for 5 years out, and then break them down into yearly goals and then 6 month goals.  During the summer, I look at my overall business, and take some time to reflect on how the year is going.  Come fall time, I plan out the coming year.  A simple spreadsheet will do, so don’t make it all complicated.

The trick is to check in and see how it’s going.

Look at your goals every so often (I like to do this every couple weeks).  How are you doing?  This is why measurable goals is important.  Are you 40% there?  Watching that number go up and up is motivating!  Even if it’s 2.7%?, because at least it’s not 0%!

I’d encourage you to set some goals in your business.  Make then attainable for this season of your life and business.  Stretch, but also make sure you are able to believe in them.  Then, get moving and put them into action!

The theme of this week’s Spark an Idea Thursday is Spark an Idea from the Movies

It’s Not Personal, It’s Business

One of my favorite movies is “You’ve Got Mail”.  Needless to say, I cry at the end everytime.  That being said, the movie is very interesting from a business standpoint.  As a woman entrepreneur, it’s easy to let me feelings get in the way of doing business.  As a solo-preneur, it’s all me out there in the world.  Can you relate?

Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the movie:

‘It’s not personal, it’s business. It’s not personal it’s business.’ Recite that to yourself every time you feel you’re losing your nerve. I know you worry about being brave, this is your chance.

Ironically, this advice is given by one main character, Joe, to the other main character, Kathleen.  It just so happens they dont’ know each other’s identity, and Joe’s advice to Kathleen is about putting up a fight against him and his business.  Kathleen is defending her business from going under, and she’s not sure what to do.

When is business personal?  Is that a bad thing?

I feel a couple different ways about business and personal mixing.  On the one hand, I see the logic in not taking business decisions personally.  If you’re running a small business, the whole point is to make money, or you shut the door – as did Kathleen.  She didn’t make the money she needed to and had to close.  Smart business decision.

On the other hand, the store had been her mother’s.  She was flooded with memories of her mother in the store, and closing was very painful…. and personal.  It was the right thing to do from a business standpoint, but not at all easy because it was very personal to her.

So, I wonder what you think?  Is business personal?

Psst….. In case you haven’t seen the movie, here’s a little preview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCetfaS7GAo[/youtube]

Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ‘Spark an Idea Thursday’.  Each week we’ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers.  We invite you to grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog!  If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired!

The theme of this week’s Spark an Idea Thursday is Spark an Idea to Make a New Business Ally

“12 oz. soy caramel cafe au lait…”

“16 oz. green tea…”

This is the beginning of a business meeting in a coffee shop.  Although these days it’s not too unusual for this to happen, did you know that conversations over coffee can help you gain new business allies?  I’ve used conversations like this to build some really fantastic partnerships.  You can do the same.

Who do you know?

Look through your business card file.  Is there someone you would like to get to know?  Is there someone you have never followed up with?  Is there someone you admire and have a common acquaintance with who could introduce you?

How can you work together?

Think about how each business or person relates to you and your business.  Do you share a common choice client?  What other things do you have in common?  How could your businesses or services compliment each other?

How can you help each other?

Can you refer to one another?  Can you articulate what this person or business does, and pass that along when you see a need for their product or service?  What do you have to offer them?

Now, pick up the phone.

Call one of these people this week.  Get the ball rolling!  Pick a place and talk with them.  30 minutes is a great amount of time.  It’s not too long, and yet long enough to get a good conversation going.  Have some good questions to ask them.  (Here’s a good place to start if you’re stuck.)

Most importantly, don’t be self-serving when seeking out new business alliances.  Nobody likes a snake oil salesman, right?  An alliance should be mutually beneficial to both sides.  When approaching someone, keep in your mind how you can help them.  If they are a worthy alliance partner, they will be thinking the same thing. 

What connection will you make over coffee next week?