Business | Mirna Bard

How to Succeed In Sales *Despite* The “Gift of Gab”
Posted Jun 23rd, 2011 By Mirna Bard in Business, Social Media, Social Networking With | 1 Comment

One of my favorite authors, Bob Burg let me borrow this great post. Remember, the same applies to social networking and anything else we do online as well. God did give us two ears and one mouth for this reason!

Yes, I heard it again; while a young kid talked endlessly, a person nearby, with a wink in his voice, commented that “he’ll be a good salesperson one day.”

As I grow older and wiser (first one a definite; second one debatable) I find there are fewer and fewer phrases that elicit within me a visceral negative reaction. That statement always does though.

I mean, think of it…it is based on the premise that a person who just incessantly talks and talks and talks…is a good salesperson.

I’ve asked countless people, “do you tend to buy from salespeople who simply yap non-stop about their product?” They always – yes, always (and often emphatically) – tell me “no.”

Yet, I still hear it. (more…)
Proud to be Nominated for Orange County’s Seventeenth Annual Women in Business Awards
Posted May 10th, 2011 By Mirna Bard in Business With | No Comments

WOW! I am so excited and tremendously honored to be selected as a nominee for The Annual Women in Business Awards for the 2nd year in a row!

This premier awards program was designed by the Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) to recognize the accomplishments of the community’s outstanding business and professional women.

The 17th Annual Women in Business Awards will be held on Wednesday, May 25, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, featuring keynote speaker Terry Sjodin, Principal & Founder of Sjodin Communications.

A warm congratulation to all the beautiful ladies of Orange County who are nominated this year. It is a true privilege to be amongst all of you, and I salute your success. You inspire me!

Also, thank you so much to all my supporters! I would not be able to move forward with my business without you!
Excellent Etiquette Suggestions for Maintaining a Professional Image While Communicating Behind the Computer Screen
Posted Apr 14th, 2011 By Mirna Bard in Business, Email Marketing, Social Networking With | 2 Comments

Some people think just because they are behind the computer, etiquette rules do not apply. But, online image and etiquette are just as important and may make a huge difference with how you build and nurture relationships.

The Internet can be one of the most ambiguous channels of communication. However, it is also one of the fastest and greatest ways to communicate. Nowadays, many of us find it hard to survive without email or social networking sites.

Networking online is an art; building mutually long term relationships requires the same quality of professional courtesy and dual respect as any other means of communication. Inner wellness can be expressed in many forms through social networking sites and email.

Netiquette is a code of ethics for the Internet. Unlike the code of professional conduct of accountants, lawyers or doctors, which is supported by legislation, the code of conduct for the Internet requires high levels of self discipline that is ultimately dependent upon our inner quality. When no one can see what we are doing, what else do we have, but our soul, to keep our decorous behavior?

The suggestions below are a basis of good universal code of conduct for email and online networking:

Email

- Never contain too much personal opinion, emotional elements, cartoons, slogans or jokes when sending formal business email.

- Learn to use the emoticon chart (below) as they are all appropriate for informal business emails to keep us up to date:

:> or :-> = Devilish grin
:] or :-] = Friendly
or = Frowning

:/ or :-/ = Frustrated
or = Smiling

:O or :-O = Surprised
or = Winking
:} or :-} = Wry smile

- Do not show a humorous character that may be offensive to others as we have no way to support our humor with proper body language or to see if our message is being interpreted correctly. Even self depreciating humor could cause others to see you as a low esteemed person. (more…)
6 Fantastic Tips for Running an Efficient Business
Posted Feb 17th, 2011 By Mirna Bard in Business With | No Comments

Working harder will not always take you to that next level in your business. It is important for the entrepreneur and small business manager to understand how to run an efficient business. Developing habits that make work smarter can increase productivity and profitability in all businesses.

One of the most important steps to reaching that place of efficiency is organization. Despite the hopes of many people, there is no such thing as organized clutter. True organization makes it possible to streamline activities, reduce wasted time or energy, and discover wasted finances as well.

Here are six simple steps for organizing your business:

1. Clear out the clutter. We – as a society in general – have too much stuff. Each item that is in the office or business space right now takes up time, space and energy. The more stuff there is then the less of the others you will have to develop the success for your business. Anything that is not absolutely necessary for the functioning of the business needs to find a new home.

2. Shred the papers. The old rule of thumb was seven years (some experts would even say ten). The internet has eased up many of those restrictions. You can order copies of bills and statements that can arrive within minutes or day days, all through the internet. Relieve the pressure on the filing by getting rid of all that paperwork that is no longer needed. (more…)
11 Information Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
Posted Jan 19th, 2011 By Mirna Bard in Business With | 2 Comments

I get approached by many who want to start Internet-based businesses, so I asked one of my favorite marketing mentors, Adam Urbanski, to share a guest post that would help my readers avoid common Internet marketing mistakes. Adam is also gives fantastic tips in his complimentary tutorial videos. Check them out here: http://ht.ly/3FyCn.

Every day I get calls from my clients asking me questions about doing business online. Each time they cite something they just heard from some “Internet Marketing Guru.” Unfortunately, more often that I care to admit, what people are told about building a profitable online business – specifically information marketing business – is little more than a bunch of crap!

If you’ve followed a lot of that crappy advice, tried your hand at building an Internet-based business and haven’t yet reached the success you want, these 11 deadly mistakes and tips how to avoid them are for you.

Mistake #1 – Not Treating What You Do as a Business.

The difference between a hobby and a business is that a hobby doesn’t make you money – it costs you money.

If you’re serious about starting a building a profitable online business approach seriously and focus on generating revenue.

Treat your online business as if you would any regular business.

Mistake #2 – Being Distracted by Too Many Good Ideas.

You can light up a room with a light bulb, but you can cut through steel with a laser beam. The same is true with your effort and ideas.

Too many Internet-Entrepreneur-Wanna-Bes lack the will power to stay focused on one business venture from beginning to end. Chasing too many ideas at the same time often leaves them exhausted, frustrated, and with little results to show for their hard work.

The key to success is to select one business idea and to develop it completely before moving on to another project.

Mistake #3 – Not Selecting a Specific Niche.

Perhaps the biggest mistake of all is trying to be everything to everyone. You can’t – so stop!

It’s very counter-intuitive to focus on a smaller slice of the market and most people are afraid to do it. But when you do, your business will grow faster, and you’ll be more financially successful in less time. (more…)