Welcome to PRactically Speaking, a way for you to gain practical insights and perspectives about business communications for the real world.
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JUNGLE
LIFE Primal
Business Perspectives for Entrepreneurs
Cheetahs,
elephants, rhinos and hippos. The animal farm showcased on the Discovery Channel
is, well, wild. It's mesmerizing to see the animals. So many quirks, so many
means and methods-- instinctual and intentionally designed for habitat,
environment and survival.
Small business is a jungle of its own. So many
animals. So many means and methods. And like the great Circle of Life, there are
feeders, breeders, givers and getters. And like a jungle, the journey of passage
is often peaceful and profitable but also bruising and bloody.
The
picture is clear. Small business is a dream filled with pleasantries, profits
and potential. And pelting sleet--hard-hitting ice balls--matched with high
winds and dark clouds. And dead silence.
February marked the first
full year of RGM Communications, Feb. 19, to be exact. Was it the right
decision? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. Is it
what I want it to be?Uh.
Regardless of my company, your
company--any company--there are lessons to learn. Goals to achieve. Wins and
losses. Good times, bad times. Great clients. Crappy ones. There's feast and
famine, "rock star" moments and utter failure.
There are times to love
it and to hate it--to be fulfilled, to face emptiness; to be surrounded by
support, and when you are so alone you wonder if you're still on planet Earth.
In celebration of The Entrepreneur, here are the 20 Lessons I've
Learned in Year One (These May Help You Too)
The First 10
Lessons Learned
It's all about cash flow. Stay on top of it.
Reputations build relationships and business.
Referrals are the ultimate endorsement.
Giving is never an empty pocket. It's auto-refill.
Do your billing on time. Buy Quickbooks (just bite the bullet and do
it.)
When your phone rings, answer it.
Spend money producing and printing a great business card. It matters more
than you'll ever realize.
Admit your weaknesses and connect with others who can "fill in" your
gaps
Do what you love.
When lonely, make yourself meet with a colleague or friend. Don't let
loneliness paralyze your business or life.
Getting
PRactical Resources
that make life--and business--just a little bit better
Cartoons
for Business. Add Tedd Goff to your Web site and newsletter. There's nothing
like a little humor to break the tension, build camaraderie and just enjoy the
day. Ted Goff has been helping me laugh for several years. I've yet to find one
of his toons flat or flotsam. Laughter. It's a good thing. Consider Ted's
cartoons for your Web presence, online newsletter and even your printed
materials. Ted offers a daily cartoon feature for Web sites at no charge, and
reasonable pricing for all other uses. For details, click on the
cartoon, or here.
Get in the Dallas Business Journal. In April, the DBJ's focus
includes: - Construction - Engineering - Banking & Finance,
including credit unions
Dumbest Writing Mistakes. I couldn't have said it
better myself! Brian Clark's article at www.copyblogger is excellent. Check
it out.
Gifts for Men? What do you get your now-grown
brother, your Dad, your hubby or that guy "down that hall"? Go to www.maleeffects.com
to find gifts you won't find anywhere else. Not Wal-Mart. Not Sharper Image. The
owner of this site is right here in Collin County. And I'm proud to know him. Check
it out.
Inside RGM Communications
What's
happening at RGM Communications? The latest and greatest:
New Web site project for a Dallas company that serves the IT and insurance
industries
Writing copy--marketing materials--for a local recruitment services firm
Counsel, strategy and full-speed media relations for a local congressional
candidate
Marketing communications and PR for a local engineering
services firm
Media "hit" for a local hardware manufacturer, Dallas Business Journal
Media "hit" for an outsourced provider of executive placement services,
Dallas Business Journal
Media "hits" for software company, in Convenience Store
News and Supermarket
News, among others
One financial services client interviewed by a reporter with U.S. News &
World Report
Cheetahs,
elephants, rhinos and hippos. The animal farm showcased on the Discovery Channel
is, well, wild. It's mesmerizing to see the animals. So many quirks, so many
means and methods-- instinctual and intentionally designed for habitat,
environment and survival. 