Same Business + New Ideas = Better Future!

I've been talking about women and empowerment a lot lately: how we can empower ourselves and others, who inspires me, who I'm in awe of, who I look up to... all kinds of good stuff! So in keeping with that theme, I'd like to look at ways we can empower ourselves by finding or creating new opportunities. Doesn't matter what kind of opportunities we're seeking — whether they're for personal or professional improvement — it's always a good idea to take a purposeful approach to achieving what we want. Figure out what you want and go after it! Sounds like decent advice, doesn't it? But how, exactly?

If you're not sure how or where to start your quest of purposeful opportunity creation (wow, that sounds very official! that should be its own acronym), try doing a SWOT analysis (loving the acronyms this week!). I'm sure some of you are already familiar with this process, but if you're not entirely sure what I'm talking about, here's the quick 411. And it doesn't involve the riot squad, protective gear, or Colin Farrell.

Call In Your SWOT Team To Help You Find New Opportunities!

A SWOT analysis is the process of evaluating an organization, a project, a product — whatever it is that you're looking at — and identifying four key areas: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Hence, the word SWOT. If you like to work with good old pen and paper, this is an exercise tailor-made for you. And if you're partial to giant flip charts or white boards, even better! You'll look so commanding as you direct the discussion with your big fat marker in hand... cuz nothing says "I'm in charge" like a big marker.

Anyway, I digress... gather a group of your peeps, those whose opinions you value and respect, and start the process of analyzing your company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Draw (with your marker) four quadrants on your giant flip chart, one for each area of SWOT, then begin brainstorming. Writing everyone's ideas for all to see will get the group thinking and generate other ideas. Plus, you can leave them on display after the fact to mull over, marinate and spur additional thoughts. If you prefer, you can certainly keep the exercise a little more high tech and use a laptop or give each participant their own worksheet for individual comments. Whatever approach you take, hopefully the outcome of this process is a wealth of new opportunities and ways to take old ideas and make them new again!

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

The awesome ladies I'm quoting this week know a thing or two about creating new opportunities and being empowered! Sheryl Sandberg, Oprah Winfrey, Tina Fey... these women are leaders and trailblazers. I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

New Opportunities – Tip #1:

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"If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on." – Sheryl Sandberg

New Opportunities – Tip #2:

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"If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more." – Erica Jong

New Opportunities – Tip #3:

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"Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create." – Oprah Winfrey

New Opportunities – Tip #4:

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"A strong woman is a woman determined to do something others are determined not be done." – Marge Piercy

New Opportunities – Tip #5:

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"You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute." – Tina Fey

Let's talk! I'd love to hear how you've created new opportunities!

New year, new opportunities! Why not try a SWOT analysis? If you do, let us know how it goes. I would LOVE to hear from you! Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week! Oh by the way, want simple and easy steps to attract clients you love, create a pricing strategy and ditch the door knockers? We've got what you need right here!

And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

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