today's innovative woman, jan/feb 2013

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January/February 2013 4 Today’s Innovative Woman

From The Publisher

I’m SO excited to get this issue into your hands! Have you noticed the changes? Have you been on our website lately? We’ve had a total face lift, thanks to Jennifer & Brian Bourn of Bourn Creative! And our print magazine has gotten a fresh look as well thanks to Creative Director Linda Cotter!

And here’s why! Success is all about moving forward, reviewing what’s worked, what hasn’t, tweaking, changing and UP-LEVELING! Surveys are a great way to do this! Have you ever surveyed your people? We have – and we heard loud and clear what you were struggling with, what you needed and wanted and how we could serve you better!

It was also clear that you were coming to us because of our reputation. You know we are providing you with tools, resources and strategies from EXPERTS – who are top in their industry! And we decided we needed to up-level our look and feel to reflect that expertise!

2013 is all about VISIBILITY! For our readers, our experts and our brand! We are here to connect with you LIVE and in-person on our multi-city tour stops. We are here to bring you strategies and information to help you grow your business from EXPERTS who are top in their field. We are here to spotlight you in our new column, Innovative Woman of the Week! We are here to support you and your growth in 2013!

Stop over on our website and check out all the new bells and whistles! And while you are there, sign up for my free video series “EXPOSED: 3 Quick Tips for More Credibility, More Clients and More Cash in 2013”! And we’ll SEE you soon!

To your SUCCESS!

P.S. Are you an EXPERT in your industry who is looking for more visibility and credibility in 2013? Check out our Expert Program by viewing our 2013 Media Kit online!

Subscribe for FREE at www.TodaysInnovativeWoman.com 5

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IN THIS ISSUE

All About You

8 The inner Critic

All About Success

12 Alli Webb Founder & CEO of Dry Bar

Innovative Woman

18 Cari Carter, Car•Go

All About Business

7 5 Steps for Social Media in 2013 10 It’s All in the Follow Up

14 3 Critical Must Dos When Setting Up Your Website

16 Smart Women and The Unsubscribe Link

20 New Year, Same Goals?

6 Today’s Innovative Woman January/February 2013

www.TodaysInnovativeWoman.com

Disclaimer: Today’s innovative Woman and What’s Up For Kids LLC expressly disclaims all warranties as to the contents of this publication and assumes no liability for the contents, including but not limited to any credentials stated or claims made by persons or establishments included in this publication. All rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2013.

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Phone & Fax (888) 544-1042


by Debbie Saviano

Did you create a New Year’s resolution? How about this one? “Create a powerful ROI - Return on Influence for my business”. You might inquire as to what does that even mean?

Traditionally, ROI meant return on investment. People wanted to be able to put a dollar figure on results. In the digital age, ROI is return on influence which is concerned with social presence and engagement for your business. Social media affords us the unique opportunity to interact with a worldwide audience. We have the ability to connect, network and have a voice across geographical boundaries. Knowing how busy you are here are the steps to achieving your resolution. 5 Steps for ROI • Return on Influence

1. Consistent Image and Message - Visit each of your social media sites. Is the image and message clear and consistent? Life is chaotic and therefore, you want people to easily recognize you. Use the same image and keywords to ensure clarity.

2. Network Follow Up - Most people fall short of following up with those they meet at conferences, meetings, events, etc. Take time to reach out to those you meet with a personal email. No selling, just a follow-up. Connect on all social media sites.

3. Social Media - Ask yourself why and define your purpose for each social media platform. Identify and understand your reason for being present. The goal should be to spread your business image, message and voice.

4. People Engage with People - Remember to always be in the image that you wish to project. Do the words and images represent you, your service, your product?

5. Schedule - Stay Focused - One of the biggest concerns and challenges with social media is time. Have a specific schedule with times and actions ensuring you remain focused.

Happy New Year 2013 - The Year of SUCCESS for You and Your Business!

Debbie Saviano is a solopreneur whose daily mantra is to “help professionals take action and create an online presence by developing, nurturing and maintaining relationships.” Debbie utilizes social media to connect, network and engage with others. She is an advocate for “continuing the conversations”. Thanks to the internet highway, borders are no more; people can interact and communicate around the globe. Professionals from across the country call Debbie for her unique skill set in designing LinkedIn profiles & Pinterest platforms aimed at engagement and retention toward a target market. Debbie also provides business solutions to small businesses who seek to utilize social media to enhance their brand, improve skills of their employees, expand social proof and establish an online presence.

5 Steps for Social Media in 2013


The Inner Criticby Nicki Keohohou

The Inner Critic is the little voice in your head that speaks to you throughout the day. Most everyone has an Inner Critic.

It is often the common denominator that can completely stop or slow down progress and personal growth. With awareness and finding a way to recognize it, you can free yourself of any power it may have over you.

The voice of the Inner Critic is often heard when you wake up in the morning and when you go to sleep at night. It says who you are, how you are doing, defines and interprets your every experience. The Inner Critic wants you to accept its interpretations as reality. It often has you reliving the past, worrying about the future and analyzing everything.

Most of the time, the Inner Critic’s message is quite negative, creating self-doubt, and under extreme circumstances can immobilize you.

Think of a few of the “Inner Critic” messages that come to mind. Next, notice how those messages make you feel. Finally, decide how you can re-frame the dis-empowering Inner Critic messages into thoughts and words that serve you.

Nicki Keohohou, CEO and Co-Founder of the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance. The Inner Critic is a subject covered in the DSWA Coach Excellence School. To learn more visit www.dswa.org or www.cms.dswa.org/node/53 for specific information on the Coach Excellence School.

All About You

Learn to quiet the Inner Critic using a method that works for you. Some ideas include saying, “Cancel Clear” meaning you will cancel and clear what you just said or thought and rephrase the message in a way that uplifts you.

Another thought is to simply say, “Brush Off” and physically take your hands and brush the thoughts off your shoulders. The term “Re frame” is a powerful term that can be used to interrupt a thought pattern or message. This creates an opportunity for you to take a negative message from the Inner Critic and re frame it to something that inspires you.

These strategies can quickly alter your focus to find all that is good about your circumstances in the present moment.

The Inner Critic


by Linda Cotter

Congratulations! You have your website up and your business cards in hand. You are networking and making new business contacts. Now you need a follow-up tool, such as an email, a note

card, newsletter or postcard. These are essential tools to make sure the people you meet remember you. It is important to research how your customers prefer to receive information from you. It is equally important that they receive it on a consistent basis. Following up regularly will also show that you do things professionally and in a timely manner.

Here are three ways to follow-up. Consider using them all.

1. Newsletter – Send out a professional looking newsletter with content that is interesting, current and creative. Get some professional help. It is important to ensure your prospect will look forward to reading your newsletter. Create a plan for how often you will send it out, what your topics will be and schedule it on your calendar. I suggest you take some time this week to think of at least six article topics if you are sending it out once a month, or 12 if you are sending it bi-monthly.

2. Email or Note Card – People like to feel special. Sending a hand written or personal note can make a big difference in connecting with your potential client. The note card should be branded to your business. If you don’t have their mail address, you can send a personalized email. Both give the people that you are contacting a reason to get back in touch with you.

3. Postcard – If you have a budget for sending out printed material, you might consider sending out a branded postcard quarterly. The postcard should be eye-catching and contain information that is concise, and easy to read. Include a call to action, like a special promotion or a discount on a product or service. You can also give them an update on what you are doing and where you will be speaking.

Make your follow-up plan now for 2013. Remember consistency is the key.

Linda Cotter is a graphic artist and fine art photographer. Her goal is to help her clients produce better results through great design. Whether it is a logo, business card or website, she incorporates each client’s unique personality and style into the design with an eye-catching flair. This creates the opportunity for them to attract the desired clients and results they are looking for. Visit Linda’s website at www.LindaCotterDesigns.com. She can be reached at (310) 486-3108 or by email at [email protected].

All About Business

It’s All in the Follow-up


All About Success

Alli Webb Founder & CEO

of Dry Barby Cathy Alessandra

Be open to the ride – you never know what opportunities await you!

Do you remember the days when you’d perch on the chair and your mom would blow dry your hair? I do! And so does Alli Webb! Alli is the Founder of DryBar, a blow dry salon with a unique innovative concept – no cuts, no color, only blowouts!

Alli had a passion for hair styling and entered beauty school in her early 20’s. She had a career in public relations as well, but after having her two kids (now 5 & 7) and being a stay-at-home mom, she realized she missed the adult interaction and had the “entrepreneurial blood”. In 2008, she began a mobile styling business, going to the homes of her mommy friends for blowouts.

She posted a single page website and between that and referrals, she was flooded with emails and requests for service. She quickly realized she couldn’t fill the demand BUT also that the demand was there and there was nothing else like it. She turned to her brother, a successful entrepreneur himself, and DryBar was born!

The first location opened in Brentwood California in February of 2010 and they now have 22 locations in 6 states. I asked Alli about her biggest challenge… “The huge demand and growing so fast was a big challenge, but we hired great people ahead of the curve and allowed them to do what they did best. We trust them to make the decisions we used to make.”


I also asked Alli if there was one thing she wished she knew before beginning her business, what would it have been? Alli responded “I didn’t set out to create a blow-dry empire. It was meant to be one shop so I could take care of the kids. The growth was organic and I hired help. Be open to the ride – you never know what opportunities await you!”.

It’s been a wild ride for Alli, but she feels lucky to be on it. “Hard work, blood, sweat and tears makes a business great”, said Alli. “It’s not easy to be successful – it takes 110%”.

What makes Alli an innovative woman? Alli combined her passion with a fabulous, unique, innovative business idea. No one else was doing it – she was ahead of the curve. “I’m always thinking of new ways to make DryBar better. I’m not afraid to go out on a limb and stand up for what I believe”, said Alli. “A successful business requires hard decisions, following your instincts and not second guessing yourself.”

A successful business requires hard decisions, following your instincts and not second guessing yourself.


The call for help goes out! A business owner has lost control of their website due to a soured relationship with their web

developer or IT consultant, and now the provider is holding their website hostage.

Don’t let this happen to you! Here are three things you must know when setting up your website to protect your site:

Own Your Domain Name

Never allow another person, consultant, service provider, or family member to purchase your domain name, because they will own it and you will not.

Your family member may have the best intentions, but if they forget to renew the registration, you’ll be in a bind, and you may be on good terms with your consultant now, but what

3 Critical Must Dos When Setting Up Your Website

All About Business

happens when you’re not?

Every business owner should purchase their own domain name in their own account, so they retain control over their website. If you don’t own your own domain name, I recommend you initiate a transfer of ownership.

Own Your Hosting

Never allow another person, consultant, company, service provider, or family member to purchase your hosting for you.

You may have a great IT consultant, but don’t let him or her talk you into hosting your website on their servers — again, what happens if your relationship sours?

Be sure to purchase your hosting in your own account at a well known, reputable, reliable hosting company. Not only will you retain control over your website and the files/database associated with it, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing you chose a great hosting company.

Use a Content Management System (CMS)

A content management system (like WordPress) allows you to edit your website, including content, images, video, and more. From free open-source platforms, to private high-end systems, there are

by Jennifer Bourn


Jennifer Bourn is the brand strategist, WordPress website designer, and graphic designer behind the award-winning branding and web design firm Bourn Creative, LLC near Sacramento, California. Bourn Creative helps successful entrepreneurs who are frustrated with their brand and website transform their marketing materials and their business into an extraordinary and lucrative brand through a combination of speaking, consulting, and done-for-you services. Learn more at www.bourncreative.com.

April 17 – 20, 2013Gaylord National | Washington, DC

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hundreds of CMS options to choose from, so there is no reason to create a website without one — and don’t let any website designer or consultant tell you otherwise.

Here’s The Bottom Line:

Always retain control of your business’s most valuable marketing asset — your website. Purchase your own domain name, your own hosting, and always maintain your own online accounts.


Recently, I was having lunch with a friend who was feeling like her email in-box was being attacked with messages – sound familiar? We’ve all had this happen before and there may be times when we are the guilty culprit, unconsciously I might add.

I continued to ask my friend a few questions about this situation, and I quickly began to understand how this might have happened. She was at an event and dropped her business card in a fish bowl to win a free gift that piqued her interest. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the lucky winner, however within three days of the event, she received three emails from the person who was giving away the free gift. Each email contained information about three separate programs/products this person was marketing – in none of which my friend had any interest.

Let me ask you a question: Before the discovery of email, when the phone or fax was your main source of communication, would you call someone three days in a row and each time have a different offer you were marketing to them? I already know the answer and you do too. No. Why would you allow that to happen in your business today?

I have a suspicion that the person sending the emails doesn’t have her automated email sequence set up properly. It’s essential that you understand what’s going on in your business-especially when it comes to early communication with your ideal client who’s excited and interested in potentially working with you. Your brand and your image are at stake here. My friend had a genuine interest in the free gift. She liked her initial conversation at the event with the individual but is now completely turned off and has clicked the unsubscribe link.

Here are a few Do’s and Dont’s that will help stop your unsubscribe rate and start creating online relationships that turn into profit:

1. Do become your own subscriber – One of the best action steps you can take in your business is to occasionally sign up for your own offers. You may be surprised at the information you begin to receive in your in-box. Take yourself through your own process and make sure it’s the message you want communicated to your reader.

2. Do keep your promise – Make sure you send people exactly what was promised and nothing else without getting their permission. If you promise to send them a free report, audio or CD, make sure it goes out in a timely

All About Business

Smart Women and The Unsubscribe Link

by Joy Chudacoff


manner. This goes a long way to create a positive connection and establish credibility. For example, when people sign up to receive my snail mail CD at an event, my team has another form at the table for them to check the box if they would like to receive my ezine as well. If they don’t check the box, they get the CD – nothing more. Within a few days after the event, I personally follow-up with attendees via email to invite them to subscribe to my ezine and future updates.

3. Do request a connection on Social Media – One of the best ways to start a relationship is to connect with people on the major social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you are using social media to share your expertise and insight on your industry, your ideal client will jump over to your blog or website and sign up on their own. They will want to keep up with your posts and perspective.

4. Do test to see what works – There is a fine line on how much email your subscribers will want to receive from you. Every community is different and there is no hard and fast rule on this. The only way to know what your list enjoys is to test. If you are offering good content and sprinkle in your offers to work with you or invest in your products or programs, then people will enjoy hearing from you. In addition, if you are doing a specific launch of a teleseminar, product or program with time-sensitive dates and bonuses, this is, of course, the exception and your followers will understand and be grateful for the reminders.

5. Don’t automatically add people to your list – If someone gives you their business card, it does not mean they want to receive your ezine. I ask before I add them and then make a note on the back of the card if they confirm that this is something they would enjoy. Adding people to your list without their permission can be reported as spam but more importantly, damage your reputation and slow the referral process.

Your subscribers, followers or as some like to call it, your “tribe”, love you and the great content you provide. Make sure your initial contact is one that creates a favorable impression and moves the reader closer to you and the service or product you provide.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you. © 2013 Joy Chudacoff

Joy Chudacoff is Heralded as “The Coach for Women” in the millennium, Joy Chudacoff has x-ray vision when it comes to helping women discover their Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals! Joy draws on both her personal life and entrepreneurial experiences to support women in achieving better ways of living. It’s her passion, her purpose and her business. She is a Professional Certified Coach, highly skilled group leader, motivational speaker and a gifted communicator. Visit Joy’s website, SmartWomenSolutions.com, where you’ll find more articles plus information about her Women’s Success Circles, Smart Women Smart Solutions Coach Certification Programs, Speaking engagements, teleclasses and upcoming events for women. Joy can be reached at 310-454-2005 or by email, [email protected].


Many of our readers are successful, innovative women. We decided 2013 was the time to

share them with you. You’ll find an Innovative Woman of the Week column has been added to our website too! Read about their success, their challenges and be inspired!

Meet Innovative Woman Cari Carter, Founder of Cargo Handbag Hooks

How and why did you begin your business?

Car•go Handbag Hooks was inspired by my own irritation every time my purse or bag would slide to the floor of my car while driving and making a sudden stop or quick turn. I created

All About Business

Innovative Woman Cari Carter

a homemade solution that was decorative since the only product to purchase on the market was a plain utility hook. Several of my friends started putting in their requests for my item and I realized I had a potential business and ran with the idea.

What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been capital funding. I have built the business on a shoestring budget and thus the growth of the business and expansion of the product line has been slower than I’d like. I have spent the last quarter seeking as much exposure to both the business, as well as the product, in hopes of gaining sales momentum to provide funding to advance to the next level. It has been a slow and steady result – but a positive one nonetheless.

by Cathy Alessandra

Subscribe for FREE at www.TodaysInnovativeWoman.com 19Subscribe for FREE at www.TodaysInnovativeWoman.com 19

How do you define SUCCESS?

Defined success for Car•go would entail a wide variety line of Car•go Handbag Hooks, along side the launch of Car•go For Men which will feature masculine designs for laptop bags and briefcases. A strong order recurrence rate from large chain retailers such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdales as well. Lastly, a huge success ‘feather in my cap’ would be to get featured on Oprah’s “O” List, and ‘Style Find’ features in magazines such as Lucky and InStyle.

If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?

To have hired support staff early and train from the ground up. That would have afforded me more time to invest in the business building areas of the company rather than the administration and maintenance tasks.

What makes you an innovative woman?

I feel I am an innovative woman because I have put so much heart, blood, sweat and tears into creating a company and a product that is unique, functional and trend-worthy in a time when my true profession

as an interior designer was declining due to the suffering economy. I chose to take a risk and start a new direction to create additional income rather than return to a 9-5 job in a different profession that I knew in my heart I would not be fulfilled by. It has been a rocky journey with lots of ups and downs and lots of learning by mistake – but I wouldn’t change it for the world because I am so proud of what I have created, and am so grateful to have maintained my ‘self-employment’ status so that I can be home for my family as well.

www.CargoHandbagHooks.com


Edwin A. Locke developed the theory of goal setting back in the late 1960’s when he wrote the article “Toward a Theory

of Task Motivation and Incentives.” Locke summarized that specific hard goals led to better performance and that money, time limits, feedback, participation and praise may also affect that performance.

After working in corporate for over 20 years, I realized how the goal setting techniques I learned spilled over into my personal life and now have been able to serve me in my entrepreneurial world. I was taught about S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time driven) goals and how to track my progress. Since I was in management, the principles of MBO (management by objectives) was a large part of our annual goal setting meetings, after all most goals require

All About Business

Bibi started Buying Time with a friend to give everyone the opportunity to have access to support and assistance with any task. With over 22 years in the transportation/logistics industry Bibi has specific experience in space and time efficiencies through Six Sigma training for warehouses from 1,000 to 30,000+ square feet. This provided her the ability to visualize the final outcome even when the client cannot. Bibi recently co-authored “Get Organized Today” with other organizing experts hoping to reach out and help more people. Bibi can be reached at www.buyingtimellc.com.

the participation of more than one person in order to be reached.

As 2012 comes to a close and most of us reflect, many of my circle have been hard on themselves after discovering that some of the goals they set for 2012 had not been met. Most had their reasons why and ultimately let themselves off the hook because of those whys. During one discussion with a client who had set four very specific and tough goals for herself, but only reached three of them, and was now going through the process of setting goals for 2013. I realized something. She wasn’t taking the goal she didn’t reach in 2012 into 2013 with her, these were all new goals. I then started to ask others this question specifically and discovered that most of them were doing the same thing.

Well, I want to tell you that you SHOULD have the same goal from the previous year if you didn’t reach it, but go back to the theories of S.M.A.R.T goals. I find that most of us gloss over the realistic part, especially when the achievement of the goal is dependent upon someone other than ourselves. Find a good task/project management system that works for you. For some that may be a white board, a calendar, an excel spreadsheet, or an online system like we use, www.oneplacehome.com. Be mindful that tracking is the critical piece that will keep you from having the same goals next year.

New Year Same Goals?

SPECIFICMEASURABLE

ACHIEVABLE

REALISTIC

TIME DRIVEN

by Bibi Goldstein

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today's innovative woman, jan/feb 2013

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