Play on, Play off: The Game of Digital Marketing

Today I attended another seminar at Bryant University. This seminar was on understanding online marketing trends in today's technologically and digitally-driven society...and how this shapes business marketing trends and strategies.

To the average user, sounds riveting, huh? I can imagine...however, to a small business owner and entrepreneur, online marketing is the very essence of what keeps businesses alive today. In fact, today's digital landscape looks a little something like the image you see here in this blog post. This chart was provided in our hand outs. As a fellow attendee humorously claimed, this looks more like the map of the T than our digital landscape.

But the fact is, each small business owner with any level of online presence needs to consider these channels and avenues to play the game of digital marketing. If you are a start up small business operator and entrepreneur that doesn't have an online presence, the chances of you being around in five years is slim. This is the hard and fast truth we all deal with today. Part of the game of digital marketing is keeping ahead of the competition with only one drive: to come out on top and win.

Within minutes from walking in the door, I was greeted by a friendly and engaging instructor, who asked me to introduce myself and what my purpose was for attending the seminar. I explained that I owned and ran my own business and this topic was something I was super excited about and thought that it could really help me to increase my online presence as well as help my clients with their content management and marketing goals. She asked me what types of services I offered, to which I explained translation, content and web marketing and management, and editorial services. After chatting for a few more minutes, I grabbed some breakfast and coffee, and the presentation began a short while later.

Then, in the middle of the presentation, the instructor called out, "Julie operates a services entity that offers a translation service...so if anyone is looking for that, reach out to her" ...which I responded graciously with my dashing smile and beauty queen wave. And while I very much appreciated the shout out, as well as the opportunity to talk to some great prospects after the seminar was over, I realized on my drive home that I learned two important things today: 1) My digital program should be thoroughly planned out and should involve more on how I provide "translation" solutions, and 2) my listeners and audience only pick up on one or two of my services.

But why is this? Is it because translation is "foreign" and "interesting", which is why it easily resides in audiences' minds? Or is it because it's the only real "service" that I offer that they understand? So whenever I give my pitch on my services in content marketing and web management, in addition to translation, as I did when I first met the seminar instructor, I realized that most of my audiences really aren't sure on what "content marketing and web management" really is. But the truth is? While I provide translation services in the conventional sense (Spanish to English, English to Spanish, and localization), I also spend a great deal of time "translating"...meaning translating clients' content ideas for their blogs and websites into written copy, and "translating" customer requirements and specifications into a physical product, and even "translating" what it is J. H. Language Solutions actually does into a tangible service that also provides solutions.

 

So, in closing, my digital plan? Spend more time learning, understanding, and really getting to the root of clients' challenges, and REALLY think about the words I use to describe my business and services in my pitch, and how I seek to provide more translation solutions rather than just "translation". Let the games begin.

Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

4 Secrets to Why Female Entrepreneurs Are Happier

The overall increase in startups this country has seen over the last several years to a decade shouldn’t come as anything but a shock. What’s more of a shock is how many of these startups have a woman behind them. In fact, there were 8.1 million female owned or operated businesses in the U.S. in 2011 alone. Additionally, most are still surprised to discover that the amount of startups has taken off and increased significantly over the last five years, to make up one of the highest entrepreneurial peaks in history. 

And why is this? How and why are so many females, of various ages, experience levels, and education, jumping into the entrepreneurial world with both feet…and spike heels? The reasons are plentiful…and make sense.

Women Are Crazy. If you were to interview or ask any entrepreneurial female why she came up with the crazy idea of owning her own business, what do you think she would say? The most common reasons are to be expected: it is a great opportunity for stay-at-home moms, it offers flexibility and a chance for women to be successful in an entrepreneurial and even executive role, it allows for a woman to be in business for what she is passionate about…and for something she truly loves. 

The truth is, women are more apt to take on a second job than men. Women also stand to make more money as an entrepreneur than they would working for Corporate America, or in a position where they compete with men. And all in all, women are tired of being victims to the pay gap…which is still a problem in today’s working world. 

So how’s that for crazy?

Passion, Patience, and Positions: Keys to Making a Difference. All in all, a female entrepreneur could give you all the reasons we just listed above for choosing to start her own business. However, one of the most common reasons and responses is that women are in business to make a difference. Female entrepreneurs by nature are compassionate and nurturers. Therefore, it is no surprise that they put their all into their business, or their “babies”. This in turn will no doubt contribute to the superb excellence and outstanding performance behind a woman’s attitude and desire to succeed. The key here is passion. This is often what makes those successful women who are CEOs, business owners, or hold executive level positions better and more successful in their positions than men.

Beauty and Brains. There is a stereotype floating around in society that women naturally do not have a head for business. Well, guys, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, we are rising to power. The female entrepreneurial world is creating a synergy, and generating a lot of buzz today. In support of this effort, there are many training programs, grants, and organizations that support female entrepreneurs, both organizationally and financially. Many technology training programs offer female entrepreneurs e-business tools, brand promotion techniques, marketing research, and general best business practices. 

Women Are Just Happier… In addition to being in business because it is a great opportunity, it gives women self-confidence and gain and use their skills, being able to stay home with the kids, make more money, and to make a difference and really be passionate about something, women are just generally happier as entrepreneurs. Recent studies have shown that women get more life and work satisfaction out of being and entrepreneur. We enjoy the flexibility, and we know that it takes patience, nurturing, dedication, and passion to drive it all home and make it work. Female entrepreneurs know what it takes to run a successful business and to excel as an entrepreneur.

Female-owned businesses range from event planning and consulting services to bakeries and flower shops, scientific forensics and technical services, and even legal consulting services. In the span of a decade, the number of businesses in the United States increased by 34%. And of that 34%, 50% were female-owned and operated. Don’t underestimate the power of women in business.

© pinkpig10 - Fotolia.com

Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

 

J. H. Language Solutions: "Behind the Music"

Just like the professional musicians do at the end of a rock concert, I'd like to start this post off by thanking my fans, clients, and anyone out there who has taken the time to read through my blogs and services. I am proud to work with such a diverse clientele and workload on a regular basis. This allows me to grow and learn as business owner and entrepreneur in how better serve my clients...spoken from a true musician at heart.

Regardless of what role you play in my "audience", I want to share with you the true tale of J. H. Language Solutions and what sparked me to start my own business, the challenges I faced and currently face, and where I am now as well as my plans for the future. Here’s the story of J. H. Language Solutions.

The year 2010 was one pivotal year in my life. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, it meant “change” in every area. Prior to 2010, I moved from one dead-end job to the next, of no fault of my own, endured financial strain and stress as a result, and was just trying to find my corner of life where I was meant to be. I was on the journey in search of something that made me “me”, or “finding myself”, if you will…just like everyone.

After months and even years of stress, and a period of “bad luck”, I knew I needed to start doing something different. I knew I needed to make a change, but I wasn’t sure how. Like anyone would, I started with money. I needed to make extra money to pay down my debts and ensure a healthy financial future. By taking some advice from a former supervisor, I began looking for freelance work. I signed up with oDesk, a freelance website. I immediately began bidding for jobs, but nothing fell through. After almost three straight months of bidding, I landed my first “job” proofreading an eBook.

Then, also around the same time, I headed to Boston for a full time offer as an Associate Editor with Pearson. With over an hour’s ride by train each way every day, and my newly found freelance work, I knew I had my word cut out for me. But with a very promising and aspiring career in publishing, I knew Pearson was the place to go. I would just make it work. However, Pearson is not the easiest company to get into, but even there, the chips began falling into place. I got to meet and work with some of the most amazing people and my love and interest for publishing grew and developed into a love and appreciation for project management. In 2011, I was promoted to Associate Project Manager, and in 2013 I was promoted to Senior Project Manager and became an assistant manager, and another potential promotion on the horizon.

From 2010 on, I was able to take my full time experience, as well as the experience I gained from working with different clients on a freelance basis, and tie them both together. I began applying my skills and experience in both places, and was finally lucky enough to say that my hard work was starting to pay off. Then, since my freelance workload had dramatically increased over only a period of six months, I began to see a huge demand for what the services I was currently offering, which was only proofreading, copyediting, and English/Spanish translation at the time. By the end of January 2011, I registered my DBA, J. H. Language Solutions (which stands for “Julie Anne”, my first name, and “Helen”, the first name of my last surviving grandparent) with the state of Massachusetts.

It was official. I owned my own business. I felt on top of the world. One of my lifelong dreams finally came true. One of the first things I did was buy a laptop and opened a business checking account. I spent an hour each morning on the way in on the train and the hour home doing work, getting my name out there, trying to establish a good online and social media presence. Then as time went on, the two to three hours per day wasn’t enough. I began working at home in the morning, at night, and even at a local Starbucks in downtown Boston on my lunch breaks. I established a small business office in my home, which I learned comes along with some pretty nice tax benefits. All in all, it was hard work and I was SO tired every day…but I hit the pillow every night feeling accomplished.

Over the next two years, my business work load grew to an unimaginable amount. Each year I set my own “sales goals”, and exceeded them every time. Each year I also set “business goals”, and have begun meeting and exceeding those as well. One year I developed my blog and website, one year I bought all new technology to help me keep in contact with clients since I certainly spend a lot of time “on the go”. Another year I started attending seminars, networking events, and trying to meet other people in business and get my name out there.

In 2012, I went back to school for my Master’s in Project Management, which also comes with a PMP certification upon program completion. Presently I’m about halfway through the program, with an estimated completion date of spring 2015. Oh, and to date I have a 4.0.

This year, which was probably the biggest hurdle yet, I became insured. After nine long months, I am so incredibly proud to say that as of August 2013, J. H. Language Solutions is a fully insured entity. Next year will be another larger hurdle, and that is to project myself and my business intellectual property and establish legal contracts to work with all my clients.

So now here I am, at the close of 2013 pushing four full years “in business” (though it is officially three under my DBA), and I think about how much I have grown, both my business and as an entrepreneur. I have grown from small proofreading, translation, and copyediting jobs to copywriting, managing blogs and websites, managing content strategies and marketing plans, managing social media marketing and email marketing…and it all started with $5 to open a business checking account, a girl in her mid-20s, and a dream.

So how do I do it all? Whenever people ask me that, I grin and say, “I have excellent time management skills”. And I do. I have to. Some people ask me if and when will I quit Pearson and work as my business full time. And the truthful answer to that is I don’t know. While business is doing well, I have a long way to go before I can open a separate office space and live off what my business brings in after all expenses and taxes are paid. But would I love to? Hell yes. But that is still a long way off, and also a huge risk that I’m not quite ready to take.

But through it all, the ups and downs in business, the challenges and the successes, I can honestly say that through the years I have developed a deep and passionate love for my business. It’s a ton of work, and it’s hard work, but I love each and every second of it. Not because of my own personal and professional success and achievements, but because of the difference I truly believe I make each day in my clients’ projects and in their lives. I am truly thankful for each and every client I work with and have worked with through the years, and I just only hope and pray that it continues. I’d be nowhere today without them. So let the show continue, because I don't want the music to stop.

Local Business Shout Out for Small Business Saturday

This past Saturday we celebrated Small Business Saturday. This is a time to get out, support, and recognize local businesses in our community. It's also an opportunity for small businesses to support other small businesses.

In effort to help get my name out there, I planned to set a goal to pass out business cards everywhere I went on my errands on Saturday. Whether it was a community bulletin board or even a cashier, it seemed like a good plan. However, that plan quickly changed with an impromptu trip to a local, family-owned zoo to do some Christmas shopping.

Since it was late November, park hours and attractions are limited, and most animals are residing in their on-site shelters and habitats for the winter. But the zoo manages to stay open year-round, even with limited income. And the fact that most of their animals remain on-site, I couldn't help but wonder how they survive during the off season. Perhaps with all the ticket sales that are sold in the Spring and Summer they are able to tuck some off for the off season's operation costs.

On March 13th, 2012, a fire broke out in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, MA, which resulted in a widespread power outage, which consumed blocks upon blocks of businesses and restaurants. The outage spread from the Theater District, Chinatown, Kenmore Square, and the South End. As a result, much of the food that restaurants stored weren't kept at the proper temperature or was not up to code or safe to serve to the public once power was restored to the area. Most restaurants did what they only could do, and that was to purge all the spoiled food. However, the Capitol Grille on Boyston St. donated all of its raw meat to the tigers at Southwick's Zoo.

Of course competition is good for the economy and forces businesses to offer competitive, affordable pricing This is a perfect example of one small business helping another. I was reminded of this story when visiting the zoo myself this past Saturday, which also inspired this blog post.

So rather than spending Small Business Saturday trying to promote myself, I decided to recognize another local business. I can tell my story another time. Part of my responsibility as an entrepreneur and business owner is to recognize other entrepreneurs and other small businesses. And while I would love to visit the tigers and other animals, since I am a huge animal lover at heart, I think I'll wait until the Spring and just visit the gift shop for the holiday season.


Image credit: © Carolyne Pehora | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Written content: © 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

What Are Business Analytics and What is a Business Analytics Dashboard?

Last Wednesday, I attended a seminar at Bryant University in North Smithfield, RI. To further my professional development and education in addition to my pursuing my degree, I try to attend at least two seminars or other networking events per year. This seminar was on business analytics dashboards. I read the description before registering the event and thought it would be useful to learn, but otherwise I wasn't sure what it was...

So anyone reading this who might be thinking, "what are business analytics and what does it have to with a dashboard?" I will tell you and share what I have learned.

So what are business analytics and metrics, and what do they typically consist of? In short, a business analytics dashboard is an information data resource. It involves charts, graphs, and other pertinent business or project related data all condensed and organized on one screen. What is its purpose? To help give a one shot view of all combined data and to assist with decision-making.

Here is a closer break down:

•  Product sales numbers and data (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.)
• Project related information and data (such as project status, schedule of tasks, estimated completion dates, deadlines, milestones, etc.)
• Project risks and associated risk response plan
• Project costs, master schedule, time and materials, etc.
• Percentage of business growth
• Organizational goals (for both for-profit and non-profit organizations)

Basically any type of data that a project manager, business owner, CEO, or any other executive level position needs to see or needs to present to team members, other executives, or even customers in order to make decisions and keep track of data is a business metric.

Here are some design tips to keep in mind when creating and drafting your dashboard:

• Select an attractive color scheme and appropriate font style so it is aesthetically pleasing. 
• Avoid decorative fonts as descriptions and labels should be clear and easy to read.
• Descriptions should be clear yet concise as possible. Context is key here.
• Avoid clutter and “junk”, such as images and widgets. These just take up valuable space. Save them for your brochure or website.
• Arrange and organize data efficiently and accordingly.
• Beneficial dashboards should present both efficiencies and inefficiencies.
• Communicate and share data clearly and effectively.

When designing and drafting your dashboard, keep one thing in mind: What is the most effective way to combine and condense all the data we need to see and review for a project all on one screen? Where do you want your or your users' eyes to be drawn to first? What are your organizational or project goals that you want to stick out and be visible?

Of course, these are all just some ideas on how a dashboard can be used and how to start designing one. Dashboards can be tailored to any position, industry, or audience. Whether you are a project manager studying the schedule of tasks, project milestones, phases, and other project-related specs and information or a CFO managing and monitoring all sales, revenue, and other financial information, or a small business owner who needs to moderate all business facets including finances, projects, sales and organizational goals, and percentage of growth, a dashboard can be a huge benefit in helping teams to organize pertinent data.

Creating and designing a dashboard that is both useful and organized and aesthetically and visibly clear and pleasing is certainly a challenge. All in all, a business analytics and metrics dashboard should help organizations organize and streamline data in a helpful and even professional and presentable manner.




*Photo taken by J.H. Language Solutions, November 20th, 2013 

Written content: © 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

How to Select Your Type of Gutter? Different Types of Gutters!

You may be a homeowner who needs to install gutters or replace the existing gutters on your home. If you’ve never had to replace or update them before, how do you know which ones to choose? What are the different types of gutters available, and how do you know what type of gutter is right for your home? Minneapolis gutter services can help!

Do I Even Need Gutters For My Home?

Are gutters even necessary for a home? Of course! Gutters help direct water away from windows, entranceways, paths, and even help avoid flooding or water damage to your home. However, while it may seem easy to choose any type of gutter for your home, there’s actually more behind the type of gutter you choose and what would suit your home best.

What Gutter Styles Are Available?

Before choosing a type of gutter, the following factors that should be taken into consideration include: material, profile, size, production, and coating. The blend of these factors depend on if you are replacing or updating your current gutters or if you are installing brand new ones from scratch.

Like any material or item built for your home, gutters are available in a wide variety of materials, styles, colors, sizes, and coatings. Some of the materials include copper, steel, aluminum, and zinc. Some of the styles include K-Style, Fascia, Half Round, Seamless, and Sectional.

What Gutter Style Should I Choose?

The most common type of gutter used on homes—particularly on the homes where you are replacing gutters—are sectional. The sectional gutters are screwed together and sit on a bracket that is mounted and screwed to the actual house structure. On each corner of the house, an end cap is installed in order to add sections for the water to channel down along the house and direct it away from your home in order to avoid flooding and other water damage. You can even add gutter screens afterwards in order to minimize the amount of leaves, sticks and twigs, and other elements that may clog up your gutters and prevent them from functioning the way they are designed to.

In regards to gutter styles, the “Fascia” style is the most popular and the most commonly used. This style is probably the most plain of all gutter styles but this is due to the fact that they can hold more water since they typically appear boxier than the curved gutter styles.

K-Style gutters are another popular gutter style. They have a little more design to them, which often resemble the crown molding that is popular among many homes today. Although they don’t hold as much water as the Fascia style, they are still just as effective are one of the most reasonably priced gutter styles available.

What is This Going to Cost Me?

Next to gutter style and type and the right one to choose for your home, the next item to consider is cost. Gutter installation costs vary from home to home, depending on the style you choose. The costs are broken down into basic material costs and gutter installation costs. Typical gutter installation and material costs are broken down to cost per linear foot. The costs all depend on the zip code you are located in as that is where materials to do the job will be purchased.

In addition, it is always best to hire a professional, experienced, and competent Minnesota gutter contractor to help you with your gutter installation. A contractor should be reputable, licensed, and insured.

All in all, gutters are an extremely important item that no home should be without. While most gutter installations are relatively reasonable and affordable, it can cost more money to your home and property if you do not have them. Water can be a very damaging element not only to your home, but to your foundation and property. Consult with a knowledgeable and helpful Minnesota gutter contractor for some advice on gutter information and installation.





Cover image: OLD WEATHERSTRIP
© Genarosilva | Dreamstime.com

*This article was written by J.H. Language Solutions for a third party. J.H. Language Solutions in no way assumes ownership of the content above. Written for and posted by third party permission.

Risk Management: How to Identify Project Risks

One of the most important tasks in project management is the ability to identify risks. Identifying the probability and impact of project risks as well as potential risks is crucial. Identifying risks in the beginning of a project can impact – either positively or negatively – in the overall process and outcome quality right down to customer deliverables. At the beginning of each project, project managers should analyze each project for the certain and uncertain risks, the impact and probability of each, as well as risk plans for each.

Typical risks include budgets, scheduling and timing, resource availability, and data resources and availability. Budgets are an area where many companies and organizations struggle with today. Many project managers feel the pressure to put projects together and make them happen on small budgets. Unfortunately, projects that have limited budgets are also the high risk projects since it typically means that resources will be limited throughout the duration of that project. Limited resources can range from personnel to physical project materials.

Scheduling and timing is another common risk area. In addition to limited budgets, project managers often find themselves trying to make projects work in what seems like an impossible amount of time. This could be directly related to the budget risk. Tight project milestones and deadlines can be extremely problematic. This may mean risking the project’s overall outcome quality as well as delivery time to the customer or client. It is always a good idea to risk plan this portion up front that way team members and/or resources are aware of tight delivery times and project milestones.

Resource availability is another risk area that requires thorough analysis and planning. As mentioned briefly above, resources can relate to personnel, physical project materials, technology, or even project documentation. Resource availability is another area that can also tie into limited scheduling and budgets. For example, if you have a rush project that you need to recruit staff for, availability may pose a risk if you are unable to find resources available to meet tight deadlines. In addition, limited budgets may also hinder project managers from hiring resources and the ability to pay rush fees.

Data resources and availability can pose another risk. Sometimes project managers are faced with projects where experience, knowledge, or data is lacking. For example, a construction company that specializes in building houses or office buildings may not have any knowledge or experience in constructing a ski complex. In these cases it may be necessary to consult expert interviews in order to gain knowledge on how to go about the project efficiently. Furthermore, it is important that once a new project is complete to properly document and archive the project so that should another similar project come up in the future the project manager will have something to reference.

It is true that project managers encounter many risks when managing various projects. Most of the risks can be categorized in one or several of the areas mentioned above. Once a project manager has identified where the project’s risks fall under, he or she must then calculate the probability of the risk as well as the impact that it can have on the particular project. Finally, the project manager will need to analyze the risks and put together a plan of action as well as discuss them with essential team members. Risk planning is a portion of risk management that should not be overlooked.

SPINNING DICE
© Photong | Dreamstime.com

Written content: © 2010, 2011, 2012, J.H. Language Solutions

*This topic was written by J.H. Language Solutions for a third party. This article has been altered to fit this blog accordingly.  J.H. Language Solutions in no way assumes ownership of the content above.

What's New With J.H. Language Solutions?

So what's new with J.H. Language Solutions? J.H. Language Solutions is getting out there and moving up.

Here are some short and long term goals we have set for the next twelve to twenty-four months:

- Marketing - We are investing a lot of time and money into getting our name out there. We've had some new business cards printed up as well as some marketing decals that we are proud of. We are also investing in some social media advertising, as well as promoting our current website. So if you see our ad come up on Facebook, please "like" us!

We are also in the process of drafting a professional mission statement. We are taking this seriously as our word choice is important to our goals and drive as a business. Check out our site in the coming months to see our new mission statement.

Over the long term, we plan to invest more time and money in building a more permanent website. We are currently playing with different layouts and designs, but have yet to put them into action.

We are also in the process of designing a professional brand and logo. We are also in the process of toying with some ideas of how we want our image to work. We are working with professional artists/designers to make this happen. Once we have our logo completed, we will be utilizing that on all future electronic and print advertising mediums.

- Affiliate Marketing - In addition to the typical marketing mediums, we are also teaming up with some affiliate partners. So far, we've partnered with the Copyright Registration Service to help promote the importance of copyright laws and regulations as well as encouraging others, including the clients we work with, to register their work with the Copyright Registration Service. This something we are proud of and take seriously.

- New Technology - J.H. Language Solutions has invested in purchasing some of the latest technology in the last twelve to eighteen months. This new technology is state of the art, functional, and promotes the ease of communication. Some of these include a top of the line scanner, an iPad 2, as well as one of the latest MacBook Pro models. J.H. Language Solutions invests in Apple products because we feel that Apple products and technology best serve our clients and best fit our needs as a business.

Over the long term, we will be investing in additional robust computer and technical programs, apps, as well as acquiring proper font licensure.

- Intellectual Property - After we complete our professional logo and brand, we will be seeking proper ownership and the J.H. Language Solutions brand and logo will be protected. We are also seeking additional insurance to protect our brand, name, and property.

- Networking - Over the next nine to twelve months, we will be investing some time and money into networking. We are in the process of looking into visiting and hosting trade shows. Most of the trade shows will be local for the time being, but will hopefully expand from there over the long term.

We will also be making an appearance at the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce events in order to promote our name and support local business, as well as at the Bookbuilders of Boston events.

- Education - While J.H. Language Solutions holds the appropriate education, qualifications, and experience to practice and provide services to clients, why not add to it? J.H. Language Solutions is also in the process of investing in itself and its members in expanding education in the fields of project management, creative writing, and additional certifications in translation.

We aren't just freelancers! J.H. Language Solutions' is serious about expanding and our goals are clear cut. We are focused in investing our time and efforts into promoting our brand and services and to reach out to clients and assist them with their business needs.