http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_listBusiness GPS EzineMon, 04 Jul 2011 14:41:09 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/GXuxE/h/_Biz_GPS_Why_You_Need_a_New.htm If you cannot see this e-zine, view it online here. Naturally, during this time of year in the U.S. there's a lot of talk about freedom and independence. Some have adjusted this message to fit lots of groups, especially entrepreneurs and independent business owners (maybe you've seen them). There exists a group called 'lifestyle' entrepreneurs that tout the idea of a 4-hour work week . Some go so far as brag about the vacations, trips, personal time, etc. they are fortunate to have (or afford). They talk about how much they 'don't' work in (or 'on') their business. And how you should aspire to the same work ethic. I applaud them. And while I too aspire to be a part of this elite group and actually believe this idea of a lifestyle business should certainly be a goal (for some); I'm big enough to admit that I (and for the most part the business owners I serve) am not 100% there...yet. So this year I choose to recognize some different types of freedom... - The freedom to live out your purpose and mission in the way you want (and to use your God-given talents, treasures and time to do it) - The independence to work (not avoid) 6, 16, or 60 hours in any given week and enjoy it - it's your choice (and to not choose is still a choice) - The freedom to impact as many people as you can, for as long as you can - The independence to understand that while money is not the only reward, it IS a key goal and making changes to reach this goal benefits everyone (even the people you're called to serve and sell to) - The freedom to say yes or no to a customer, client, finance deal, business opportunity or project for reasons that only need to make sense to you (and maybe your board of advisors) So, what are your freedoms as a business owner? Share them with me here http://www.facebook.com/desiree.h.young. Happy Independence Day and all it represents to you! Desiree H. Young Market and Business Developer 504-298-WALK [9255] grow@venturewalk.com http://www.book.venturewalk.com About Desiree Business strategist and reinvention pro Desiree H. Young has been called a trailblazer and overall Business GPS for entrepreneurs who need direction and want to find their way to more customers, increased control, and higher sales in their business. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Young is the principal of VentureWalk Business Partners, a small business development company, and publisher of a free monthly e-zine, The Business GPS, that highlights business growth tactics, marketing plan development, and management skills for small business. Get access to this free info now at www.business-gps.com Desiree also offers speaking, consulting, training and other resources to small business owners who want to grow and expand into different markets, add new products or services, or change the way they conduct business for the better. Learn more now at http://www.book.venturewalk.com Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:41:09 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/1r.z2/h/_BizGPS_Local_Events_to_Grow.htm This is a special message for my Baton Rouge based Business GPS subscribers past and present. , just a few events for your business education and a short commentary you might find useful: I'm honored to be a part of this year's New Orleans Entrepreneur's Week (NOEW). Whether you're new to this business game or struggle to be a winning player, come hear me talk about the 7 Secrets to Owning a Business that Makes Money along with lessons from dozens of successful (and not so successful) entrepreneurs. Register by clicking here (http://noew.org/calendar/event/313/) and stop by my session on Wednesday, March 22 at 4:00pm to say hello. I've been invited back to the SBA's Annual Connecting Businesses with Contracts Conference in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, March 29th at 9am. This year I'll be presenting a never before released topic Sales Pitching: How to Transform Your Conversations from Closed Doors to Closed Deals. If you're in Baton Rouge, or not, it will be worth the trip. Go here to sign up (http://www.crsbd.com/events/registration/) Commentary: By now we've all learned about the tragedy and daunting future of Japan caused by the recent earthquakes and tsunami. Many are attempting to come to grips with the losses while fighting impending nuclear meltdowns. The thing about disasters is that the event itself is rarely the 'final' blow. Living here in New Orleans I know this first hand. As if the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina were not enough, it was followed by Hurricane Rita and the difficulty in residents returning to their homes and businesses (or having them rebuilt). For many this nightmare continues nearly 6 years later. Likewise, in Haiti just over a year ago an earthquake ravaged the highly populated capital city Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. The weeks and months thereafter have been filled with confusion in getting resources into the country, helping the ailing and cleaning the rubble. Fast forward to today and many are still homeless, much rubble is still in place as if the event just happened and the political structure is in turmoil as they cope with a very avoidable cholera outbreak. I say all this to say that I believe there are 2 main solutions for all of this, and they both involve YOU. 1) Prayer - When things like this happen, the only first move (and subsequent moves) is to acknowledge someone bigger than our human efforts. Let's agree to be committed to pray to God for the people in Japan as well as the rest of the world that in some way will be affected. Let's not forget Haiti, the Gulf Coast, and all of the other places known and unknown that have dealt with their own version of a disruption. 2) Support - Whether you have ties to any of these places or not, it's our responsibility to 'pay it forward'. It's the 'human' thing to do. Some ways to support Japan include: Google's list located here http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html Mercy Corps https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/japan Red Cross http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main And yes, support includes money but almost always goes beyond it. I believe the fixes to these ailments are in the minds of entrepreneurs, engineers and the creative individuals that make up the planet. That's why your ideas are so important. Regardless as to how big or small, they solve a problem someone is having. So today, redefine your business - not relative to the services or products you sell - not relative to the profit you make (or forfeit) BUT in relation to the actual problem you solve and the people you serve. This way you'll design a strategy that will carry you into months, years and decades to come. I know many of you are already doing this, but in case you lost focus, let this be your reminder J Regards, Desiree Desiree H. Young Market and Business Developer VentureWalk Business Partners, LLC Office: 504-298-9255 Cell: 504-669-1695 Email: grow@venturewalk.com Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:37:03 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/jJqI/h/_BizGPS_Local_Events_to_Grow.htm This is a special message for my New Orleans based Business GPS subscribers past and present. , just a few events for your business education and a short commentary you might find useful: I'm honored to be a part of this year's New Orleans Entrepreneur's Week (NOEW). Whether you're new to this business game or struggle to be a winning player, come hear me talk about the 7 Secrets to Owning a Business that Makes Money along with lessons from dozens of successful (and not so successful) entrepreneurs. Register by clicking here (http://noew.org/calendar/event/313/) and stop by my session on Wednesday, March 22 at 4:00pm to say hello. I've been invited back to the SBA's Annual Connecting Businesses with Contracts Conference in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, March 29th at 9am. This year I'll be presenting a never before released topic Sales Pitching: How to Transform Your Conversations from Closed Doors to Closed Deals. If you're in Baton Rouge, or not, it will be worth the trip. Go here to sign up (http://www.crsbd.com/events/registration/) Commentary: By now we've all learned about the tragedy and daunting future of Japan caused by the recent earthquakes and tsunami. Many are attempting to come to grips with the losses while fighting impending nuclear meltdowns. The thing about disasters is that the event itself is rarely the 'final' blow. Living here in New Orleans I know this first hand. As if the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina were not enough, it was followed by Hurricane Rita and the difficulty in residents returning to their homes and businesses (or having them rebuilt). For many this nightmare continues nearly 6 years later. Likewise, in Haiti just over a year ago an earthquake ravaged the highly populated capital city Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. The weeks and months thereafter have been filled with confusion in getting resources into the country, helping the ailing and cleaning the rubble. Fast forward to today and many are still homeless, much rubble is still in place as if the event just happened and the political structure is in turmoil as they cope with a very avoidable cholera outbreak. I say all this to say that I believe there are 2 main solutions for all of this, and they both involve YOU. 1) Prayer - When things like this happen, the only first move (and subsequent moves) is to acknowledge someone bigger than our human efforts. Let's agree to be committed to pray to God for the people in Japan as well as the rest of the world that in some way will be affected. Let's not forget Haiti, the Gulf Coast, and all of the other places known and unknown that have dealt with their own version of a disruption. 2) Support - Whether you have ties to any of these places or not, it's our responsibility to 'pay it forward'. It's the 'human' thing to do. Some ways to support Japan include: Google's list located here http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html Mercy Corps https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/japan Red Cross http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main And yes, support includes money but almost always goes beyond it. I believe the fixes to these ailments are in the minds of entrepreneurs, engineers and the creative individuals that make up the planet. That's why your ideas are so important. Regardless as to how big or small, they solve a problem someone is having. So today, redefine your business - not relative to the services or products you sell - not relative to the profit you make (or forfeit) BUT in relation to the actual problem you solve and the people you serve. This way you'll design a strategy that will carry you into months, years and decades to come. I know many of you are already doing this, but in case you lost focus, let this be your reminder J Regards, Desiree Desiree H. Young Market and Business Developer VentureWalk Business Partners, LLC Office: 504-298-9255 Cell: 504-669-1695 Email: grow@venturewalk.com Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:36:07 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/1CSk2/h/_BizGPS_Local_Events_to_Grow.htm This is a special message for my Northshore based Business GPS subscribers past and present. , just a few events for your business education and a short commentary you might find useful: I'm honored to be a part of this year's New Orleans Entrepreneur's Week (NOEW). Whether you're new to this business game or struggle to be a winning player, come hear me talk about the 7 Secrets to Owning a Business that Makes Money along with lessons from dozens of successful (and not so successful) entrepreneurs. Register by clicking here (http://noew.org/calendar/event/313/) and stop by my session on Wednesday, March 22 at 4:00pm to say hello. I've been invited back to the SBA's Annual Connecting Businesses with Contracts Conference in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, March 29th at 9am. This year I'll be presenting a never before released topic Sales Pitching: How to Transform Your Conversations from Closed Doors to Closed Deals. If you're in Baton Rouge, or not, it will be worth the trip. Go here to sign up (http://www.crsbd.com/events/registration/) Commentary: By now we've all learned about the tragedy and daunting future of Japan caused by the recent earthquakes and tsunami. Many are attempting to come to grips with the losses while fighting impending nuclear meltdowns. The thing about disasters is that the event itself is rarely the 'final' blow. Living here in New Orleans I know this first hand. As if the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina were not enough, it was followed by Hurricane Rita and the difficulty in residents returning to their homes and businesses (or having them rebuilt). For many this nightmare continues nearly 6 years later. Likewise, in Haiti just over a year ago an earthquake ravaged the highly populated capital city Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. The weeks and months thereafter have been filled with confusion in getting resources into the country, helping the ailing and cleaning the rubble. Fast forward to today and many are still homeless, much rubble is still in place as if the event just happened and the political structure is in turmoil as they cope with a very avoidable cholera outbreak. I say all this to say that I believe there are 2 main solutions for all of this, and they both involve YOU. 1) Prayer - When things like this happen, the only first move (and subsequent moves) is to acknowledge someone bigger than our human efforts. Let's agree to be committed to pray to God for the people in Japan as well as the rest of the world that in some way will be affected. Let's not forget Haiti, the Gulf Coast, and all of the other places known and unknown that have dealt with their own version of a disruption. 2) Support - Whether you have ties to any of these places or not, it's our responsibility to 'pay it forward'. It's the 'human' thing to do. Some ways to support Japan include: Google's list located here http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html Mercy Corps https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/japan Red Cross http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main And yes, support includes money but almost always goes beyond it. I believe the fixes to these ailments are in the minds of entrepreneurs, engineers and the creative individuals that make up the planet. That's why your ideas are so important. Regardless as to how big or small, they solve a problem someone is having. So today, redefine your business - not relative to the services or products you sell - not relative to the profit you make (or forfeit) BUT in relation to the actual problem you solve and the people you serve. This way you'll design a strategy that will carry you into months, years and decades to come. I know many of you are already doing this, but in case you lost focus, let this be your reminder J Regards, Desiree Desiree H. Young Market and Business Developer VentureWalk Business Partners, LLC Office: 504-298-9255 Cell: 504-669-1695 Email: grow@venturewalk.com Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:32:08 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/1cAMU/h/_BizGPS_When_Email_Goes_Wrong.htmHi , Sorry for the chain of messages. You probably got a message from me yesterday titled [NAPPS Mktg] Happy Belated Mardi Gras. This message was for a particular group in my database (pet industry business owners, to be specific) and was sent to you by mistake. My apologies for the mis-send. So yes, even 'practicing' marketers, like me, make mistakes (LOL!). But, I hope you'll listen to the 20 minute audio on marketing and growth stages as the info is equally helpful for all business owner types. Here's the link again in case you missed it http://venturewalk.com/monthly-teleclass/MarketingandGrowthStages-20min.mp3 Until next time, Desiree H. Young Marketing and Business Developer 504-298-WALK [9255] Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:51:06 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/1279k/h/_NAPPS_Mktg_Happy_Belated_.htm If you cannot see this message, view it online here. You are receiving this message because you signed up via a session at the latest NAPPS conference held in New Orleans. If you'd like to unsubscribe, please see the link at the end of this message. Hi , I thought I would take a little break from all the 'marketing' info and wish you a Happy 'Belated' Mardi Gras (this past Tuesday). I had my fill of carnival foods and fun (complete with way too much king cake), so Jasmine (my mini-schnauzer) and I used the day to take it easy and go for a stroll in the neighborhood. Here's a picture of her here. And no, this isn't her Mardi Gras costume, but as is common of terriers, she found some food coloring and decided to 'try it on' (notice the orange beard and purple paw). What can I say? You've gotta luv 'em! It's been a few weeks since the NAPPS conference and I wanted to check in to see how you're doing. Right about now the 'conference high' has worn off and most of you have probably been pulled back into your daily hustle and bustle. Great plans and equally honest intentions are probably hidden in a notebook under a pile of 'stuff' someplace. And perhaps you think about the goals you set while you were here during those fleeting moments that you get to yourself (all 30 minutes of it each week!). I really hope this isn't you, but just in case it is, I have a special gift for you. I know firsthand that change doesn't happen because you wish it to be so, you must take action (regardless as to how small) before any shifts occur. So I've included a 20 minute snippet of an audio I completed last year. There are lots of juicy tidbits but it focuses on the 3 major stages of growth and marketing. In this audio you can finally get an understanding of where you are so that you can be sure you're on the right path to take you where you want to be. Download the file here http://venturewalk.com/monthly-teleclass/MarketingandGrowthStages-20min.mp3 and listen with your iPod while sitting or walking with your furry clients. Enjoy! Blaze your path, Désirée H. Young Market and Business Developer 504-298-WALK [9255] grow@venturewalk.com About Désirée Business developer - Désirée H. Young has been called a trailblazer and overall Business GPS for entrepreneurs who need direction and want to find their way to more customers, increased control, and higher sales in their business. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Young is the principal of VentureWalk Business Partners and publisher of a free monthly e-zine, The Business GPS, that highlights the systems every business owner needs to start and grow a business, marketing plans that turn into sales and management skills for the everyday entrepreneur. Get access to this free info here. Désirée also offers speaking, consulting and training to small business owners and organizations or corporations who target them. Book an appointment to learn more here. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:16:21 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/VqmL/h/_Business_GPS_A_Belated_.htm If you cannot see this e-zine, view it online here. You are receiving this message because you signed up via my website (www.venturewalk.com), attended a live seminar or registered for a free e-course. If you'd like to unsubscribe, please see the link at the end of this message. Happy 'Belated' President's Day , You haven't received an issue of The Business GPS from me in more than a few months. Here's why ... Sometimes you just have to go easy on yourself and accept that you cannot do it all (not at the same time anyway) and let it be okay. That's exactly where I am right now. (Perhaps you can relate?) I'm devoting most of my energy to some much needed 'house cleaning'. And by that I mean, I'm practicing what I preach and am dedicating a considerable amount of time and resources updating some very important systems in my business (like client on-boarding, follow up, team and client communications, software to manage it all and a few choice others). I've been working on these types of marketing and business development projects for a few clients and knew that I needed the same attention (when what you're using is no longer working for you, you've got to do what it takes to upgrade it, change it or get rid of it). What's more is that I'm privileged to be a part of a special initiative launching in New Orleans and other key cities in the U.S. called 10,000 Small Businesses. It's funded by Goldman Sachs and I'm blessed to be a part of the faculty. So I say all that to say...I hope you will forgive me and more importantly forgive yourself right now for whatever isn't happening in your life or business. But in that forgiveness, don't give up. Make a renewed commitment to say yes to whatever it is that's not getting done and to the things you really want. Create a system and a community for getting it done, so it's not all on you. And if you need help in your journey, I'm here. Until then, in honor of President's day, this lesson is dedicated to you - the fearless leader of your domain. Blaze your path, Désirée H. Young Market and Business Developer 504-298-WALK [9255] grow@venturewalk.com p.s. If you need help with lessons 2, 6, or 8 let me know. p.p.s. I'm personally committed to lesson #5 via the Zafen organization. See what they're doing here. About Désirée Business developer - Désirée H. Young has been called a trailblazer and overall Business GPS for entrepreneurs who need direction and want to find their way to more customers, increased control, and higher sales in their business. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Young is the principal of VentureWalk Business Partners and publisher of a free monthly e-zine, The Business GPS, that highlights the systems every business owner needs to start and grow a business, marketing plans that turn into sales and management skills for the everyday entrepreneur. Get access to this free info here. Désirée also offers speaking, consulting and training to small business owners and organizations or corporations who target them. Book an appointment to learn more here. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:02:15 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/25P0L/h/_Business_GPS_Spread_the_Word.htm If you cannot see this e-zine, click here to view it online. May 2010 You're on our list because you signed up or attended one of our programs. To change your subscription, see the link at the end of this email. To officially sign up, see the link below. Sign me up for this e-zine! In This Issue: A Note from Désirée Feature Article Tools You Can Use Désirée also offers teleclasses, in-person training and keynotes to organizations that target small businesses and non-profits who want to grow or expand into different markets, add new products or services, or change the way they conduct business for the better. Learn more now at http://www.venturewalk.com/paths.htm Tue, 11 May 2010 13:16:00 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/16_.5/h/_Business_GPS_Business_Lessons.htm If you cannot see this e-zine, click here to view it online. March 2010 You're on our list because you signed up or attended one of our programs. To change your subscription, see the link at the end of this email. To officially sign up, see the link below. Sign me up for this e-zine! In This Issue: A Note from Désirée Feature Article Tools You Can Use They had a plan. Technically that statement alone should be enough said. And as a novice football watcher what I know is that the team never comes out of the huddle without knowing what play (i.e. formation) they will use. And so it should be with running a business. So many people think being successful in business is about being lucky. But every millionaire (or near millionaire) I've spoken to or read about talks about having a plan with clear goals about what they want to achieve. Will the plans change? Probably so, but without them, you'll never know when they do (reread these 2 sentences and think about it). They took a risk. For those that watched the game, I believe the whole energy shifted with what many would call a 'risky' play with the decision to do an onside kick in the 3rd quarter (football novices, stay with me). And no, the team hadn't tried this play before BUT they practiced it (see #1 for planning). All that matters is that they knew it was a crucial move to position themselves to win. Sometimes in business, you've got to do something different to get something different. It may mean getting more skills, hiring instead of learning, investing rather than bootstrapping. Whatever it is, will it be scary? You bet... but necessary still. This is the point where burning bridges become just as important as building them. So what risks should you take this year? (A note of caution, if you throw in too much risk without calculation, you, and your business, may become a liability.) They believed they could. The team, and the community behind them, has been 'believing' for over 40 years. But most recently (as in the last 4 years) they've aligned themselves to make the belief a reality. Starting, owning and operating a business is 90% belief and 10% skill. At the end of the day if you don't think your idea or concept can really make a change in the world (or in your community, your industry, or your life) then you should probably find something else to do, period. The truth is this stuff can be tough, rewarding, but tough. And unless you believe that you deserve to be successful and to make the impact you were born to make, you'll miss the 'big' lesson. Their success transcended the trophy. The obvious perks to winning the Superbowl? The coveted Lombardi trophy, the ring, endorsements, oh yeah, and bragging rights! But this team's message was clear, they won for the city of New Orleans and the entire Gulf coast that's undergone so much in the past 5 years. If you're really building something to last (for as long as it should at least) then you must find something bigger than 'being your own boss, making lots of money, and having all the freedom you want' (or any of the other b.s. that people will feed you to start a business). Your goal must be bigger than yourself. It's the only thing that will carry you through cash flow woes, IRS notices, employee disloyalty and all the other 'stuff' that may come with business ownership. And sure, being able to say you own your own business is sweet, but it's even better when you know the bigger reason why. (c) 2010 Would you like to use this article in your e-newsletter or website? You can, as long as you include my complete name and my 'About Désirée' paragraph including web links. If you want access to other articles, simply contact us at (504) 392-0707 or via email at grow@venturewalk.com Tools You Can Use: Désirée Recommends March 18th, 5:30pm-6:30pm CST How to Finally O.W.N. Your Business in 2010: Success Strategies for Businesses and Organizations Teleclass; Details TBA March 23rd, 8:00am-2:00pm CST The New Marketing: How To Get Your Marketing to 'Make' Money and Your Plan to Make 'Sense' 6th Annual Connecting Businesses with Contracts Conference - Baton Rouge, Louisiana To Register call SBA at 504-589-6688 March 30th, 11:30am-2:00pm CST When Networking is Not Working: How to Build Real Connections and Responsive Communities American Society for Training and Development - New Orleans, Louisiana To Register go here About Désirée Désirée H. Young, MBA has been dubbed the Marketing Maven and featured for her small business advice in publications including Home Business and Black Enterprise Magazines. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana; Désirée is the Chief Entrepreneurial Officer of VentureWalk Business Partners, a forward-thinking business development company that takes a no-excuses approach to successfully developing, reinventing and expanding businesses and the entrepreneurs that operate them. As an in-the-trenches advisor to small business owners and groups that serve them, she helps local ventures grow into national enterprises. Get access to her free ezine, the Business GPS, along with a free 60 minute audio and template on planning for success here. Désirée also offers teleclasses, in-person training and keynotes to organizations that target small businesses and non-profits who want to grow or expand into different markets, add new products or services, or change the way they conduct business for the better. Learn more now at http://www.venturewalk.com/paths.htm Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:17:10 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/ezine_list/rvvk/h/_Special_Edition_The_Recession.htm If you cannot see this e-zine, view it online here. Welcome to all of the new Business GPS community members and welcome back to my oldies but goodies. So glad to have you all.This month is a special edition of the ezine. I welcome your feedback so tell me what you think and send me suggestions (or any questions you have) by emailing me at ask@venturewalk.com. , did you hear? According to the U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman the recession is very likely over. Whether you agree or disagree with him is really not important. What's important is...what will you do next? One of my mentors helped me answer this question for myself and my business. In a nutshell he cautioned me about simply delivering services to people versus actually serving them. In these 'interesting' times, it's very easy to confuse the two. He emphasized the idea of using my time, my talents and my treasure to make a deeper impact wherever this business takes me. And so I leave the same with you ...to look beyond the short term cashflow (without ignoring it of course) and focus on the bigger things that matter to your heart, your soul AND your business. And yes, I know this is hardly an 'easy' task for some of you (o.k., some of 'us'). But it's only then that you will make a mark that cannot be erased! It's in this spirit that I've taken a small break from the normal ezine (go here to read past issues) and am 'gifting' you some things that I hope will impact you and your business. So take advantage of 1 or all 4 if you wish. Gift 1: Opportunity to receive 1 of 2 Office Depot gift cards to get your office or work space organized and stocked for the new year. Your action? Simply complete my survey to tell me where you are, what you're doing to market yourself and your business, and how we can better serve you. Time to complete: 7 minutes or less. You must leave your contact info, including your mailing address, in the survey to be entered into the drawing that will take place Friday October 30th (my birthday - hint, hint) at 3pm CST. Go here Gift 2: Daily inspiration and free business building info. Follow me, friend me and link up. I take my social networking communities seriously and want you to jump in on the conversation. New to social networking? Don't worry, I'll teach you as you go along, but you gotta make the first move.See how to connect with me below. Gift 3: An extension on Business Strategy Tune-Up sessions The response to these sessions has been great and several of you asked if we would extend our half off offer for a little while longer. So until my birthday (October 30th - hint, hint) you can get the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time to pick my brain about marketing, planning and management strategies. Your action: Go here to learn more. Also see my LinkedIn profile to read how I've been able to help others better market and manage their message (you may need to log into your account to see these). Gift 4: A free marketing review (valued at $150). Here you get a review of any 1 of your marketing materials which may include a social networking profile, a product web page, an e-newsletter issue, a voicemail message, you name it. We'll critique it and give you feedback, tools and resources on how to better market your message. Your action: Donate and/or become a sponsor at any of my featured local organizations by October 30, 2009. Call me for tickets or use their online sites. Make sure to add 'Désirée with VentureWalk sent me' in the comments section if you donate online. Purchase 2 or more event tickets to the November 5th fundraiser or donate $100 or more by going here. Purchase 2 or more patron tickets to the October 21st fundraiser or donate $100 or more by going here (make sure to pay attention to the online advertising opportunities too). Contact Us: Connect with Us: grow@venturewalk.com 504-392-0707 (Country Code 1) Happy Receiving! Désirée H. Young About Désirée Business strategist and reinvention pro Désirée H. Young has been called a trailblazer and overall Business GPS for entrepreneurs who need direction and want to find their way to more customers, increased control, and higher sales in their business. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Young is the principal of VentureWalk Business Partners and publisher of a free monthly e-zine, The Business GPS, that highlights business recovery tactics, marketing plan development, and management skills for small business. Get access to this free info now at www.business-gps.com Désirée also offers FR-EE teleclasses, FR-EE e-courses, speaking, consulting, coaching, training and other resources to small business owners who want to grow and expand into different markets, add new products or services, or change the way they conduct business for the better. Learn more now at http://www.venturewalk.com/paths.htm Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:14:39 -0400