Life in the Plan Lane

Runs Businesses with Scissors

Gosh it's officially the middle of January 2016 and that means you should have already made a business plan for the year. How are you going to make 2016 your best year yet? I encourage you to include plans for both your business life and your personal life, 2016 here we come!

Two aspects that I notice are often overlooked when developing a business plan are marketing and scheduled time off.

Marketing not only brings in new customers, it also helps maintain loyal clients, and let's them know that you value them very, very much.   I strongly encourage you to plan at least one quarter ahead.  January is well underway, what are you doing for February and March?  Need help, give me a call and we can plan the marketing and promotions that suit your clients and your business.

Scheduling personal time off is also very important as it ensures that you have time to relax, clear your mind, and return to work refreshed. When you are clear and confidant about your schedule it creates a wonderful sense of well-being and clarity for you, your staff, and your clients.

Need help with these two important plans to help you run a wildly successful business, you can reach me by calling me at 510-545-2955 or emailing me at suzanne@suzannevanhouten.com 

Q&A

Question

How do I establish a work / life balance?

Answer

When you say yes to striving for a work / life balance, you will gain clarity about what change or changes to implement.  For example, I have decided after many years behind-the-chair, I will now be taking every other Saturday off.  For a very long time it made sense for me to work every Saturday but as my businesses and personal life have changed: it is time for me to reevaluate my regular schedule and implement this particular change.  I am looking forward to being able to have more time to spend with family and friends during the weekends. This change will make a big difference to me and I trust my clients will adjust as we find time for them throughout the remainder of my schedule.

Introducing the Client Corner

Every month we will feature one of my clients in the spirit of helping each other in our businesses.

Pam Condie: Certified Professional Résumé Writer

My business mission statement is a favorite quotation from Benjamin Disraeli, a British Prime Minister: “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your gifts but to reveal to him his own.” 

When I worked in human resources I was fortunate enough to be trained in résumé writing by professional recruiters, the people who read and evaluate résumés every day as part of their jobs.  They know what belongs on a good résumé and what does not. The most valuable insight they taught me is that employers are only interested in hiring people who can solve their problems for them. Thus, my focus is to present my résumé clients as problem solvers.

A few years later I opened my own business, joined the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and passed that organization’s examination, becoming a Certified Professional Résumé Writer.

Even after more than 20 years of résumé writing, I still enjoy my clients, the process of getting to know who they are, and packaging them and their experience in the most effective ways.  I feel it is a privilege to be a part of helping people develop the tools they need to get them what they want, in this case the job interview.

www.pamcondieresumes.com 

pam@pamcondieresumes.com 

510-842-3704

Hope you enjoyed this new feature of our Business Blog and will pass Pam's name on to clients and friends.

Business Trends

Some of you know I have been a vegetarian for over 28 years.  It turns out today more and more people have become vegetarian and vegans.  With this change in their lifestyle they have also looked to reduce animal cruelty in all aspects of their lives. Businesses have found a rise in interest in natural, organic, and cruelty-free products. This is especially true for beauty and hair products. I have always chosen my products to be cruelty free and am delighted that 2016 will see a continued growth in this trend.

Another trend is the higher expectations in customer service. Nowadays, everyone expects VIP treatment, and they're willing to spend more for it. When possible, offer luxury add-ons to make ensure your clients feel like royalty.  Everyone likes a bit of Downton Abbey in their life!

As we strive to keep up I trust you will have a great rest of the month, see you in February!