Business

We all want to feel valued.

Over the last decade, I read tons of articles speculating about why highly educated, talented women are abandoning the corporate ladder for something else. I read two today. You hear all the time reasons like lack of maternity leave, how difficult it’s to find some kind of work-life balance, their desire to raise kids to explain it. These factors certainly play a role in their decision but, in my opinion, they are not the main reason for why they give up on corporate America or corporate Canada.

Does your attitude hurt or help your business?

Your biggest competitive advantage for repeated business could be that you are likeable and pleasant to work with.

Yesterday, I passed by my old home. When I saw that the door was open, I asked the builders if I could have a peak. I thought it would be fun to see what they did with the place. I left sad not because of what the new owner did to my previous home. I left sad because of the complaints of the construction workers.

Build an audience instead of worrying about SEO

building an audience

I didn’t need to listen to last week episode of Rand Fishkin on Whiteboard Friday where he discussed the impacts of the last Google’s evolution to come to that conclusion. I learned that lesson several years ago when I was a full-time blogger. Through my blogging and online presence, I became one the foremost lifestyle & entertaining experts in Canada. I did it with organic growth. If it was true then, imagine now!

Why you are better off with a Less is More strategy

less is more

Too many businesses and people try to be everywhere when it comes to establishing their online presence. It’s the fear of losing out that takes over. By trying to be everywhere, their initiatives often fail. If you want to have a chance to be successful with your online presence, you need to focus. The following goes whether you want to establish a personal or a corporate presence. 

Redesigning Your Website? Put Content First.

put content first

Last week, I felt sad for a business owner —it’s someone I don’t know. I noticed that he happily announced its brand new website on LinkedIn. He posted a very nice picture. So I clicked on his link to see the rest. The layout was modern and inviting. But I couldn’t believe what I read. The copy was horrible. I couldn’t have imagined reading something worst than that.

I’m writing this post because I don’t want you to make the same mistake. I used to run a Web design & development studio. We handled the technical side and the user interface side of their web site. When we received their copy and pictures, I was often chocked to see the lack meaningful and compelling content. Each time that happened, it made me sad.

Why I Love The Work I Do

My secret is simple. I love my job because I tailored it to my passion, my wants and my needs. I created a business that fits the person I’m today and where I want to go professionally. At this point in my life, this is what being my own boss means to me. I feel lucky that I had the luxury and the freedom to create a work environment and structure that fit my lifestyle, my skills, my passion and how I want to contribute to the world. I didn’t want to waste that opportunity.

My little secret to throw business events that people want to attend

There is only a small number of business events that people don’t want to miss. Apple events fall into that category. But for most of us, we have to work hard to get the word out. I’ll share with you where most business events fall short of expectations.

The answer came to me while my husband and I talked about the party we hosted yesterday for the fourth birthday of our son. He told me something that made me proud. He pointed out that there were no slack periods; that the kids always had something to do.

Finding Time is My Biggest Challenge as an Entrepreneur and a Mom

I said it! In a coaching session this week, I mentioned the need for business owners to integrate in their stories a failure, an element that shows their vulnerability as a human being. I decided to admit my biggest challenge.

There are days and even weeks where I get things under control. I feel that I conquered the whole work life balance thing. Then, something happens, something that disrupts the fragile equilibrium. The feeling of stress returns to haunt me. Despite the fact that I’m not the first women entrepreneur who feels like that, it makes me feel like a failure. I’m fully aware that juggling life and work is a balancing act for any entrepreneur.