Category: Posts by Alyssa Gruber

Tip of the Week: Travel

posts by Alyssa Gruber

You need a vacation when…

You are overwhelmed with work and are at a standstill.
As hard as it is to relax at  this point, you’ll never know where or how to start if your brain is clouded with chaos. Forcing yourself to become mentally organized is a waste of time and energy. Extra frustration, stress, and pressure will only set you back  further. Try focusing your attention on what you can control, and plan a short getaway to your place of choice. For many, spending a day at the spa is a great way to unpalm treeswind and refresh. Others may find relief by engaging in a more distracting and adventurous activity. How about whitewater rafting or a  parachute jump for a daycation?

You are stuck in a rut.
Sometimes, people are so accustomed to their ways and day-to-day routine that they fail to maintain focus on their job objective. Certainly, creativity gets consumed by drudgery. Repetitive patterns are restrictive and  confining; if there is not enough freedom within the job, there is always freedom on the road. Take a break. Veering outside the lines and to traveling for a week or two may send you back to work redirected and re- inspired.

There is no one formula for success and achievement, but we do know successful people know how to play as well as they work. Everyone "just needs a vacation" now and then. Recognize it and use it to refuel and renew. Your business will thank you for it!

Jun 17, 2009 | 3 comments View Post

Networking: How Far is Too Far?

“It’s all about networking,” or so I’ve heard.

…Doesn’t sound like too difficult of a task, especially with the help of the Internet and its virtually boundless capacity. By now, we are more than aware of the extent of its content and deliverables; from news articles to weather forecasts, novels to dictionaries, music to movies, and cars to real estate. Information is abundant, no matter the subject, and any product on the market is easily obtainable, regardless of its alleged scarcity.

Access to these commodities is practically ubiquitous, and with the growing number of social networking sites, the distinction between individuals and commodities is starting to blur. Company websites supply information about products, and networking sites provide that same function about people.

As technology pushes forward, where do we draw the line, and how do we prevent ourselves from crossing it? People are the driving force behind technology – but where are we trying to go? Image and video hosting by TinyPic

For years, cell phones have connected us on the move and email has linked us online while stationed at computers; it wasn’t long ago that these two methods of communication conjoined in the form of PDAs and smart phones. There’s no escaping from the Internet – you literally carry it in your purse. 

Do we have to be in contact with people 24/7, and is absolute availability really necessary? Are daily details of an individual’s routine, schedule or whereabouts to be considered on the same plane as specs for the new laptop you’re contemplating on Amazon?

So quickly have we become consumed in the power of this fast-paced medium that we forget to stop, look at ourselves and those around us, and realize that we still need to come up for air. Everyday, walls are broken down as our personal lives transform into a sequence of bytes and pixels for the world to see.

Image and video hosting by TinyPicProcuring that hard-to-find first edition Batman comic is one thing; tracking down the president of Google or stalking a celebrity crush is another. Be gentle- we are dealing with human beings, not toys or comic books! The fact that we are as accessible as objects does not give us license to treat each other as such.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not against social networking. It's fun and beneficial. Networking and relationship building are common goals in the business world, and networking sites support and aid numerous business objectives.

Additionally, entrepreneurs require a means to sell themselves as well as their product, and platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter can promote their branding process. Online applications offer an inexpensive, convenient, and efficient solution for reaching and communicating with consumers.

Use networking sites to your advantage, but as with any tool, exercise common sense and moderation.

Some basic standards to think about:

  • Be honest about yourself, your experience, and your capabilities. Do not use the computer as a façade to hide behind. (Pretending can be simple when not looking your contact in the eye.) Each one of us is unique, and for what it’s worth, there's a real, live person on the corresponding compu-pd-smart-book-techno-lytic devise (or whatever the gadget’s called when you’re reading this) who probably appreciates sincerity.
    • Don't underestimate the strength of exhibiting respect and courteous behavior. When sending a friendship invitation or message, be careful not to come off as opportunistic, even if your purpose is self-serving. Play it cool. 8-)
    • Ppl are busy. 2 many emails 4 long responses 2 every1. Don't be offended. Also remember that not everyone wants to talk to everyone all the time, so refrain from acting overly aggressive. (*note the away message*)
    • Ignore gossip – not everything you read online is true, and avoid engaging in chatter – malicious or innocent, rumors can hurt others and will ultimately disrupt your credibility.

    • Networking is not only about numbers. In relationship building, quality can be just as, or more, important than quantity. Show people that you value them, and they will likely reciprocate. This may involve signing offline and convening in the flesh; computer conversations can dilute intimacy.

    The Internet enables us to accomplish many things once deemed impossible and to meet people we would have never had the opportunity to know otherwise. It can facilitate our success in business and in life. However, there is only so much we can achieve with it – it comes down to who the user is. On that account, be thoughtful, cautious and continue to make good choices in whatever you do and however you do it.

    May 20, 2009 | 3 comments View Post

    Make-over Your Mind, Body, and Bank Account

    Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the sun is shining brighter day by day. Are you smiling yet? I doubt it. You’re probably rolling your eyes at the computer screen and wondering what kind of happy pills I am on.

    If this is the case, you are in desperate need of a Spring makeover, so tune in to shape up!

    1) Cash in on fashion:     Take closet cleaning to a new level by selling the clothes you (and your family) don’t wear anymore. If you have a teenager or are a teenager yourself, I recommend visiting the nearest Plato’s Closet, a popular fashion franchise that “buys and sells brand name, gently used clothing.”

    One person’s trash is another’s treasure. It sounds cliché, but consignment store owners are constantly on the lookout for unique apparel that can be recycled and reused by their customers.

    Second-hand boutiques exist in virtually every city and allow for a guilt-free shopping experience. They are eco-friendly and a great way to save money. Not only will you come across unbelievable deals on designer items, but also you might be able to snag some one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that cannot be found elsewhere.

    The downside? There is none! You will not leave the store empty-handed, whether you are walking out with extra cash or “free” clothes. Furthermore, waking up and choosing an outfit from a neat and roomy closet will keep you organized and in control of your life.

    2) Put on your game face: In order to fully enjoy and get the most out a social event, it is important to be happy and feel good about yourself before inflicting your mood onto others. People are drawn to women with confidence and positive self-images.

    So, next time you plan on attending a party, going out for dinner, or spending a night on the town and are desperate for a quick fix-me-up, set aside a few hours on the day of to prepare appropriately. Shower and do your hair and nails. Then grab a girlfriend, drive to a department store at the mall, and head straight to your favorite cosmetic counter.

    girl getting make-up done

    Tell the make-up specialist you are interested in revamping your look, and ask her for guidance in doing so. Testing products on your skin, she will use her expertise and talent to work with you until your desired appearance is achieved.

    While getting your make-up professionally done at the mall is a cheap way to look and feel fantastic, it could potentially cause a problem for the babe on a budget. You are not required to purchase anything, but you will love the results and might have trouble resisting the urge to buy. Personally, I am more inclined and willing to spend money when I am gratified, and trust me, those make-up artists know how to please!

    3) Shift gears and pass on the gas: Take advantage of a free ride, and weather permitting, walk or bike to work instead of driving. You do not have to pay for gas, and you will never be stuck in traffic.

    Walking or biking to work is beneficial for your body and mind as well. Exercising releases endorphins and is a terrific motivating agent and start to the day. It is also a means to relieve stress and generate blood circulation after hours of sitting in the office.

    For those living far away from their place of employment, I suggest inquiring into alternative methods of transportation. You will save money and the planet by carpooling or catching a train/bus to the city. Remember to get outdoors and work out, though.

    You can be even thriftier by nixing a gym membership altogether, but you already knew that.

    May 11, 2009 | 1 comment View Post

    The 2009 Hot List of Business Opportunities:
    Is Your Niche Here?

    As an entrepreneur, where do you find inspiration for your aspirations?

    It doesn’t make sense to pull an idea for a business out of thin air; it should come from your heart and mind. Consider your strengths and passions, and gear yourself towards a business that embraces those virtues. You will be happiest and most invested in a venture if it is derived from a personal interest or what you know and enjoy. Remember, you are a leader, and you have to believe in your work before anyone else can.

    Here are some fresh ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

    For the athlete/sports fan:     High school athletics is a popular market loaded with start up opportunities. "The demographic is compelling: young, influential and impressionable with big spending power and developing brand loyalties," explains Jim Kaufman, CEO of national teen sports magazine, Rise.

    According to The 2008 Hot List, high school sports-related businesses may include “injury management, transportation services, apparel, sport- and gender-specific products, recruiting, networking and more.”

    Youth sports education and recreation programs such as day camps, private coaching, and specialized training services are also big hitters in the playing field. I strongly recommend situating your business in a safe and favorable location to appeal to both kids and their parents.

    For the foodie: People are constantly seeking new and exciting places to dine. Satisfy their craving by opening a specialty restaurant, which revolves around one meal or specific snack. Think Tapas bar or a pie shop like on ABC’s Pushing Daisies.

    Major trend alert here!!! Dessert-only restaurants have been sprouting up all over, and everyone is loving them.  How about a drive-through sushi restaurant or a healthy/vegetarian fast food restaurant? My advice is to discover an unfilled niche and focus on quality. Again, location is key.

    For the musician/music junkie: What is missing in the music industry? As a musician, are there any products or services you wish were available to you? 

    A piano tuning service and a singing telegram service stood out on Entrepreneur.com as unique business proposals. Custom-made, embellished guitar picks would be cool, too. Oh, and someone should definitely invent a headphone and sound proofing device that hooks up to the end of horn instruments.

    Developing a web application or a social site pertaining to music is a hot start up option. What do you want to accomplish? Evaluate your mission and angle your website so that it is relevant, purposeful, and innovative. Refer to Musicovery.com (awesome idea) and MySpace Karaoke to understand what I’m talking about.

    The Internet moves at fast pace, so stay current and get crackin’ – you have talent, and the world is waiting to hear your song! 

    For the fashionista: Online fashion and apparel businesses that are consumer centric and eco friendly are IN this season. estToday lets “you be the designer” and categorizes outfits based on personality types. Girls can mix and match articles of clothing to create their ideal look. Interactive websites are fun, convenient, and easily accessible.

    Second hand goods and discount stores are sectors poised for growth and could result in extremely profitable businesses. Spring cleaning, anyone?

    Whether your business is conducted through the Internet or a store, ensuring that the customer has an enjoyable shopping experience is must. People are more likely to spend money when they feel good!

    For the animal lover: Pets are like babies, and owners want to know that their babies are being cared for properly when they can’t tend to them. (Whether they are on vacation, work, etc.) Babysitting and doggy day cares are easy to establish, have low start up costs, and are worthwhile services in mostly every neighborhood or community.

    There was an animal shelter, near my college, that employed dog leasing company, and it was actually quite successful. It gave dogs and humans the chance to make new friends.

    The pet ownership is a multi-billion dollar market, with specialty products for pets in high demand. Here are industry statistics and trends.

    For the actor: Watch and learn from Ann Gray Graf’s starring performance as actress turned entrepreneur. Graf combined her education, acting experience, and relationships in the entertainment business to institute “the actors garage” to teach acting. Originally comprised of a single studio, the company took off, and it wasn’t long until Graf began to franchise.

    Graf’s positioning statement deserves a round of applause as well: “At the actor’s garage our objective is to not only teach children basic acting techniques for TV film and commercials, but to give them a positive self image, life skills and to inspire them to try their best at whatever they do in life. We do this through positive reinforcement in a stress-free, non-competitive environment.” She centers her business on her customers and provides them with value.

    For the tech geek/computer nerd: Is html code your second language? Maybe you could launch a web design freelancing service. How about arranging virtual tour websites to showcase various hotels and resorts? Perhaps starting a company that matches thinkers and inventors with software engineers who can advance their projects would be helpful. See IdeaConnection.com. This website offers, “Two ways to get the Solutions you want”– “Crowdsourcing for Ideas” and “Collaborative Problem Solving”.

    Whatever your area of interest is, there is always room for a good business to take shape. Of course, at the heart of any new endeavor are dedication, innovation, and perseverance.

    Apr 09, 2009 | 1 comment View Post

    The Layoff Payoff

    Have you been laid off from your job, or are you worried your position is subject to elimination?
    If you answered, “Yes” to either question then you may be in luck.

    For the open-minded and optimistic, an occupational “break” could be the catalyst for a rewarding, fulfilling, and exciting new career. It is time to control your fate instead of depending on employers who are caught up in their own game of survival. With a positive attitude and the will to succeed, you have the power to thrive in the recession and attain financial independence by capitalizing on your personal skills, talents, and interests.

    So, fill up those half-empty glasses, ladies, because recess is over and it’s back to the drawing board! 

    Word is that lousy job market conditions have already prompted laid-off workers nationwide to turn to their entrepreneurial instincts for salvation. A recent New York Times article cites this phenomenon as broached by Economists to be a natural reaction to withstand a slumping economy. Mark V. Cannice, executive director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of San Francisco, proposes that “…the large-scale downsizing from major companies will release a lot of new entrepreneurial talent and ideas — scientists, engineers, business folks now looking to do other things.” (Richtel and Wortham)

    Let others’ accomplishments and stories encourage you, and check out how 29 people found their firing inspiring and profited from starting their own businesses.

    Ready for more good news? There is no better period than the present to assume an entrepreneurial endeavor — even if it is recession induced. The advancement of computer technology makes everything from devising a business plan to marketing and distributing products and or services easy and affordable. 

    Be sure to research thoroughly before undertaking your venture. Running a business is a big responsibility and planning is crucial for longevity and prosperity. There are countless resources and tools on the web that will help with your startup and maintenance processes. 

    Mar 21, 2009 | 4 comments View Post
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