[URGENT- ACTION NEEDED] SSN Data Breaches: Essential Steps for All, Especially Sole Proprietors and Single-Member LLCs

In 2024, a series of significant Social Security Number (SSN) data breaches have raised serious concerns about the security of personal information. With millions of individuals potentially exposed to identity theft, the need for immediate and effective action has never been more critical. One of the most powerful steps you can take to protect yourself is freezing your credit. This article will guide you through the process, helping you secure your financial identity and prevent unauthorized access to your credit reports. Although most media has focused on the personal effect, the reality is data breaches also affect your business.

Understanding the Impact of the 2024 SSN Data Breaches

The 2024 SSN data breaches have affected a vast number of people, exposing sensitive information such as Social Security Numbers, addresses, and financial details. These breaches have left millions vulnerable to identity theft, where criminals use stolen information to open fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or engage in other illegal activities under someone else’s name.

If your SSN has been compromised, freezing your credit is a critical step in protecting yourself. A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, restricts access to your credit report, making it much harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

The Unique Risks for Sole Proprietors and Single-Member LLCs

As a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, your personal and business finances are closely connected. Unlike larger businesses with separate legal identities, your business liabilities are directly tied to your personal credit. This means that if your personal information is compromised, your business could face severe financial risks, including unauthorized loans, fraudulent credit accounts, and damage to your credit score.

In light of the recent SSN data breaches, taking proactive measures to protect your credit is not just advisable—it’s essential. Freezing your credit is a powerful step that can prevent unauthorized access to your credit reports, safeguarding both your personal and business financial health.

Why Freezing Your Credit is Essential

When your credit is frozen, creditors cannot access your credit report without your permission. This means that even if a thief has your SSN and other personal information, they won’t be able to open new credit lines or loans in your name. A credit freeze does not affect your credit score or prevent you from using your existing credit accounts, but it does add an essential layer of security.

Given the scale of the 2024 data breaches, freezing your credit is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity for anyone whose information may have been exposed.

How Freezing Your Credit Protects Your Business

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it nearly impossible for identity thieves to open new accounts or lines of credit in your name. For business owners, this is particularly important because:

1. Protecting Business Credit: If a thief gains access to your personal information, they could potentially take out business loans or open credit lines using your business’s name. A credit freeze helps prevent this from happening.

2. Maintaining Creditworthiness: Your ability to secure financing for your business depends on your creditworthiness. A single fraudulent account or loan can damage your credit score, making it harder to obtain the credit you need for business growth.

3. Avoiding Legal and Financial Headaches: Dealing with identity theft is time-consuming and can be costly. As a business owner, your time is valuable, and managing the fallout from a breach can distract you from running your business.

What about your children & Minors?

Yes, you can freeze your child's credit file. To protect the identities of both you and your child who's under 18, complete the minor request form. There are certain forms of documentation you will need as part of this process.

You will need to provide copies of one of the following to verify your identity:

• A copy of your driver's license or other government-issued identification

• A copy of your Social Security card

• A copy of your birth certificate

To validate your child's identity, you will need to provide copies of both of the following:

• A copy of the child's Social Security card

• A copy of the child's birth certificate

To prove you are the child's parent or authorized representative, you will need to provide copies of one of the following:

• A copy of the child's birth certificate

• A copy of a court order

• A copy of a lawfully executed and valid power of attorney

• A copy of a foster care certification

What is Refresh.me?

More than budgeting and investments - Managing your financial health means staying on top of your credit score, protecting your identity, and managing your online privacy. Sign up for Refresh.me!

Refresh.me is a comprehensive financial management app that helps you monitor your credit, track your expenses, and stay on top of your financial health. For business owners, especially those with sole proprietorships or single-member LLCs, Refresh.me offers several key benefits:

1. Credit Monitoring: Refreshme provides real-time credit monitoring, alerting you to any suspicious activity that could indicate identity theft. Receive daily alerts and updates from TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax - such as new accounts opened, balance changes, credit inquiries, and more.

2. Privacy Management: Refresh.me.me monitors data broker websites for your personal details like your name, address, and phone number - and remove your data if they find it.

3. Dark Web Monitoring: Receive alerts for suspicious address changes, high-risk transactions using your SSN, or if any of your personal information is found on the dark web.

4. Expense Tracking: Easily track both personal and business expenses, ensuring that your financial records are accurate and up-to-date.

5. Budget Management: Create and manage budgets for your business, helping you control costs and maximize profitability.

6. Alerts and Notifications: Receive alerts for important financial events, such as changes to your credit score or upcoming bill payments.

How to Freeze Your Credit with Major Credit Bureaus

DISCLAIMER:

You have the right to freeze your credit report, which stops others from accessing your credit information without your permission. This freeze helps protect you from someone else opening credit accounts in your name without your okay. But keep in mind, freezing your credit might slow down or stop you from getting approved for new loans, credit cards, or mortgages quickly when you need them.

If you don’t want to freeze your credit, you can also put a fraud alert on your credit file for free. A fraud alert lasts for one year and makes businesses verify your identity before giving you new credit. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you can get a longer fraud alert that lasts seven years.

A credit freeze doesn’t block companies you already have an account with from checking your credit report when they need to, like for increasing your credit limit or updating your account.

The three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—are the primary organizations that maintain credit reports in the United States. Freezing your credit with each of them is straightforward and free of charge.

What Happens if I need to use my Credit to apply for anything?

You will log into your accounts with the bureaus below and temporarily lift the freeze! Having a freeze on your credit report also shows a great sign of financial self-control. It shows that you are intentional with your credit, not abusing it yourself while trying to prevent others from doing the same.

If you need to use your credit while it's frozen, you'll need to temporarily lift the freeze. Here’s how it works:

1. Temporary Lift: You can unfreeze your credit for a specific period or for a specific creditor. This allows you to apply for loans, credit cards, or other credit services.

2. How to Lift the Freeze: You can lift the freeze by contacting the credit bureau(s) where your credit is frozen (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). You’ll need the PIN or password you received when you first froze your credit.

3. Timing: Lifting a freeze usually happens quickly, often within minutes if you request it online or by phone. However, it’s a good idea to plan ahead if you know you’ll need to apply for credit.

4. Re-freezing: After you’re done applying for credit, you can re-freeze your credit to keep it secure.

1.1 Experian

Website: Experian Security Freeze

Steps:

1. Visit the Website: Go to the Experian Security Freeze page.

2. Start the Freeze: Click on “Add a Security Freeze.”

3. Create or Log In to Your Account: If you don’t have an account, create one. If you do, log in.

4. Verify Your Identity: You may need to answer security questions or provide documentation.

5. Complete the Freeze: Once your identity is confirmed, your credit will be frozen. You’ll receive a PIN or password to lift the freeze in the future. SAVE THIS PIN IN A SECURE PLACE

Once your identity is verified you will be taken to this screen. Remember, you can do this for free, therefore your checkout total should be $0.00

Your Experian checkout screen

At the end you will see the current status - You can also upgrade with "Identity Theft Insurance". You will want to review very carefully the stipulations and understand ahead of time the course of action needed for you to receive your payout, forbid a breach should happen.

1.2 Equifax

Website: Equifax Security Freeze

Steps:

1. Access the Equifax Page: Go to the Equifax Security Freeze page.

2. Select Freeze Option: Choose “Place or Manage a Freeze.”

3. Create or Log In to Your myEquifax Account: Create an account if needed, or log in if you have one.

4. Identity Verification: Answer security questions to confirm your identity.

5. Place the Freeze: Follow the prompts to freeze your credit. A confirmation will be provided, with details on lifting the freeze later.

Once you complete the form with Equifax providing your private information, you must verify at the end, a bit different from Experian, don't worry.

Once complete you will reach the final status page. You can come back to this page when logging into your account to "unfreeze" if need be. We did notice Equifax no longer uses the PIN process, incase you feel you missed a step and start looking for it.

1.3 TransUnion

Website: TransUnion Security Freeze

Steps:

1. Go to the TransUnion Freeze Page: Visit the TransUnion Security Freeze page.

2. Initiate Freeze: Click on “Add Freeze” or “Manage Freeze.”

3. Log In or Create an Account: If you don’t have an account, create one; otherwise, log in.

4. Verify Your Identity: Provide the necessary information to verify your identity.

5. Freeze Confirmation: You’ll receive a one-time PIN to finalize the account and freeze.

This will be most likely the start page for Transunion (at the time of this article)

How to Freeze Your Credit with Specialized Credit Bureaus

In addition to the three major credit bureaus, there are specialized bureaus that maintain different types of consumer data. Freezing your credit with these organizations adds an extra layer of protection.

2.1 Innovis

This should be your starting page, you will chose as shown above. 

Website: Innovis Security Freeze

Steps:

1. Visit the Innovis Freeze Page: Go to the Innovis Security Freeze page.

2. Start the Freeze: Click on “Add a Security Freeze.”

3. Provide Personal Information: Enter the details required to verify your identity.

4. Complete the Freeze: Finish the process and you’ll receive confirmation and instructions on managing the freeze.

At the end you will see this confirmation page. You will also notice, Innovis will be sending you a confirmation letter via U.S. mail.

2.2 ChexSystems

ChexSystems is very important and different because this is the platform that also tracks and holds information about evictions, owned property management, and medical bills!

Website: ChexSystems Security Freeze

This part may look confusing. You are being asked if you are freezing for yourself or behalf of someone else. In our case presently you will jump up top to register yourself. If on behalf of someone else you will click the options and it will show you how to request by phone or mail. 

Steps:

1. Go to the ChexSystems Freeze Page: Visit the ChexSystems Security Freeze page.

2. Place the Freeze: Click on “Place a Security Freeze.”

3. Enter Your Information: Provide the necessary details for identity verification.

4. Confirmation: Once completed, your freeze will be active, and you’ll receive confirmation.

Your registration form will be shown and should look like this at the time of this article

You will need to complete the form immediately or you will run into a timeout issue when you submit the form and will have to complete again. (Sidenote: When this happened as you can see we were not told the error, but of course we were writing this article, so it did timeout.)

ChexSystems - Identity Protection Questions, are a series of questions about perhaps where you have lived, people you may know, etc. Answer to the best of your memory. 

ChexSystems - Registration Completion page. You can choose to receive all via portal with emails sent or via mail. We would suggest via portal incase you are on vacation, away for any reasons, etc. 

Tip: When inputting your ID number, if you receive an error message, try inputting your ID number without the dashes. If you are in the military, when choosing state, choose “MY”. You also do not have to list all previous addresses at the bottom of the page in order to complete.

You should see a confirmation of your registration for ChexSystems ... then the final step we came here for. 

Final Step: Log in with your new information to place the actual “Security Freeze”

Use the drop down to choose "Place A Freeze"

Press continue to FREEZE

ChexSystems - Final Security Freeze Confirmation Window

2.3 NCTUE (National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange)

Website: NCTUE Security Freeze

Steps:

1. Access the NCTUE Site: Visit the NCTUE Security Freeze page.

2. Call the Freeze Line: Dial 1-866-349-5355 to use their automated system.

3. Follow the Prompts: Follow the instructions to place a freeze on your NCTUE account.

4. Complete the Process: You will receive confirmation and instructions for managing the freeze.

Click to place your Nctue freeze! 

Nctue - Confirmation page + Download and or Print your confirmation ASAP

2.4 LexisNexis

Website: LexisNexis Security Freeze

LexisNexis - Form page to credit freeze

Steps:

1. Visit LexisNexis Freeze Page: Go to the LexisNexis Security Freeze page.

2. Request a Freeze: Click on “Request a Security Freeze.”

3. Fill Out the Form: Complete the form with your personal information.

4. Submit the Request: Finalize the request, and your freeze will be placed. You’ll receive details on how to lift the freeze if necessary.

Tip: If you do not have an up-to-date/current ID showing your current address, you can select and use the categories for alternate methods of verifying your identity.

LexisNexis confirmation page. With LexisNexis, you will receive your PIN via mail. When it comes keep it in a safe and secure page with all of your completed information to have on hand.

Additional Measures for Protecting Your Identity

While freezing your credit is a powerful tool, there are other steps you should consider to protect your financial identity:

• Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly review your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can obtain a free credit report annually from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com.

• Consider a Fraud Alert: If you’re not ready to freeze your credit, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. This is free and alerts creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts.

• Secure Your Online Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for your financial accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

How Refresh.me Complements Your Credit Freeze?

Even after freezing your credit, it’s essential to monitor your financial activities closely. Refresh.me’s real-time alerts and monitoring features ensure that you’re always informed about your financial status, allowing you to act quickly if any issues arise. This is especially important for business owners who need to maintain a strong credit profile to secure financing and grow their businesses.

Act Now to Protect Your Financial Identity

The 2024 SSN data breaches have exposed millions of individuals to potential identity theft. Freezing your credit is a vital step in safeguarding your personal information and preventing criminals from opening accounts in your name. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can secure your financial identity and reduce the risk of fraud. Don’t wait—take action today to protect yourself and your financial future.

Boost Profits in 2024: Humanize Your Customer Support!

As a passionate advocate for exceptional customer support, I'm excited to share comprehensive insights on navigating the dynamic landscape of customer service in 2024. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's embark on this journey together!

Embracing the Human Touch

In a world buzzing with automation, one thing remains crystal clear: nothing beats the human touch. While technology streamlines tasks, empathy is the secret sauce that makes customer support extraordinary. Imagine a customer reaching out with a problem and receiving a genuine, understanding response instead of a robotic reply. That's the magic of empathy.

But empathy is more than understanding; it's also about validation. When a customer expresses frustration or concern, acknowledging their feelings can make a significant impact. It's like saying, "We hear you, and we're here to help." By validating their emotions, we demonstrate that we're not just here to solve problems; we're here to support them every step of the way.

Flexing Those Problem-Solving Muscles

Automation handles the basics, but when things get tricky, it's our time to shine. Think of us as problem-solving wizards, using our experience and creativity to tackle complex issues head-on. By focusing on critical thinking and adaptability, we elevate the customer experience to a whole new level.

Here's the kicker: problem-solving isn't just about fixing things; it's about learning and growing. Every challenge we face is an opportunity to improve our processes and strengthen our skills. Embracing tough situations as chances to innovate and evolve keeps us ahead of the game.

Building Relationships, One Conversation at a Time

Turning satisfied customers into die-hard fans is all about personal connections. Automation gets the job done, but authentic conversations leave lasting impressions. By adding genuine insights and a dash of humor, we can foster relationships that blossom over time.

Building relationships isn't just about the present; it's about the long term. Keeping track of customer preferences, past interactions, and personal details allows us to create personalized experiences that keep them coming back. Try utilizing CRM tools like Capsule for less business complexity and higher customer insight with relationship building. It's like being welcomed by name at your favorite coffee shop – it makes you feel valued and appreciated.

Adapting to Every Style

We're like chameleons in the world of communication, adapting to suit every customer's unique style. Whether they prefer a casual chat or straight-to-the-point emails, we've got them covered. Making customers feel heard and understood is our top priority.

Adaptation goes beyond changing our tone; it's about meeting customers where they are. If they reach out on social media, we keep the conversation light and engaging. If they prefer email, we get straight to the point. Tailoring our approach to their preferences shows that we're not just listening; we're truly connecting.

Trust: Our Most Valuable Currency

Trust is the foundation of any successful business, and we're here to build it, one transparent conversation at a time. By being honest, open, and reliable, we not only solve problems but also earn the trust and loyalty of our customers.

Trust isn't just given; it's earned. The best way to earn it is by being consistent in our actions and transparent in our communication. If we make a mistake, we own up to it and make it right. If we promise something, we deliver on it. Building trust creates a solid foundation for lasting relationships that stand the test of time.

Seamless Support Across Channels

2024 is all about being everywhere our customers are – from social media to messaging apps and beyond. We're like the Swiss Army knife of support, ready to assist no matter where they reach out. Convenience is the name of the game.

The challenge is maintaining consistency across channels. Whether a customer contacts us through email, chat, or phone, they should receive the same level of service and support. It's like visiting different branches of your favorite restaurant chain – you expect the same quality and experience every time. Consistency shows our commitment to providing top-notch support, no matter where or how our customers reach out.

A Unified Journey for Every Customer

Ever started a conversation on one platform and seamlessly continued it on another? That's the beauty of a unified customer journey. By syncing our channels and staying on top of every interaction, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for our customers.

A unified journey isn't just about convenience; it's about efficiency. Keeping all interactions in one place makes it easier for our team to collaborate and provide better support. It's like having all your tools in one toolbox – everything you need, right at your fingertips.

Staying Ahead with Real-Time Solutions

We're not just here to react to problems; we're here to anticipate and prevent them. By leveraging AI and data analytics, we stay one step ahead, resolving issues before they even arise. It's like having a crystal ball for customer support!

Instead of waiting for customers to come to us with problems, we reach out to them first. Whether through targeted emails, personalized messages, or proactive troubleshooting, we show our customers that we're always one step ahead. Anticipating their needs and addressing them before they become problems not only provides better support but also builds stronger relationships.

Consistency is Key

Whether through social media, email, or phone calls, our brand voice remains consistent. We're the steady beat in a world of chaos, providing a reliable and recognizable experience for our customers.

Maintaining consistency across different channels and platforms can be challenging. Clear guidelines and standards for communication are essential. Whether through style guides, training programs, or regular feedback sessions, we ensure that everyone on our team speaks with one voice. Consistency creates a cohesive brand identity that resonates with our customers and sets us apart from the competition.

By blending innovation with empathy, we're not just providing support; we're creating moments that matter. Here's to a future where customer support isn't just a service; it's a genuine conversation.

Let's build stronger relationships, solve problems with flair, and embrace the human touch in every interaction. Times are challenging for many, and in the years to come, the least we can do is take a few extra steps to lighten the load by standing firm in how we treat our customers. Make 2024 the year of unforgettable customer experiences!

Your Friendly Tool to Email and Website Newsletters for Small Biz Success

I understand the rollercoaster you're on. Trying to keep up with the latest marketing trends can be exhausting. From mastering social media algorithms to jumping on viral trends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and depleted. But what if I told you there’s a reliable, effective, and timeless way to connect with your customers that doesn’t involve chasing the next big thing? Enter email and website newsletters.

Email and website newsletters are more than just a trend; they’re a foundational tool in your marketing toolkit. They help you build and maintain direct relationships with your customers, provide valuable content, and drive consistent traffic to your website. By focusing on these tried-and-true methods, you can create a stable marketing strategy that withstands the ever-changing landscape of online trends. In this guide, I'll walk you through the benefits of email and website newsletters, how to implement them, and how to make them work for your business. Let’s dive in and make your business shine!

Benefits of Email and Website Newsletters

1. Direct Connection with Customers:

Email newsletters give you a direct line to your customers' inboxes. Unlike social media posts that might get lost in the feed, emails are more likely to be seen and read. This means you can communicate directly with your audience, share updates, promotions, and valuable content that keeps them engaged and connected with your brand.

2. Building Strong Relationships:

Regular newsletters help you build and maintain relationships with your customers. By providing consistent, valuable information, you show your customers that you care about their needs and interests. This builds trust and loyalty, turning casual buyers into devoted fans of your brand.

3. Cost-Effective Marketing:

Compared to other marketing strategies, email newsletters offer a high return on investment (ROI). They are relatively inexpensive to produce and distribute, especially compared to paid advertising. Plus, they allow you to reach a large audience with minimal cost, making them a budget-friendly option for small businesses.

4. Driving Traffic to Your Website:

Website newsletters, often in the form of blog posts, can highlight new products, special events, and other important updates. By sharing this content via email, you drive traffic back to your website, increasing visibility and the chances of making sales. Regularly updated website content also improves your search engine optimization (SEO), helping new customers find you online.

5. Enhanced Customer Engagement:

Engaging with your customers through newsletters keeps your brand top-of-mind. By offering interesting and useful content, you encourage your audience to interact with your business regularly. This can lead to higher customer retention rates and more repeat business.

6. Personalized Communication:

Email newsletters allow for personalization. You can segment your email list based on customer preferences, purchase history, or demographics, and send tailored content that resonates with each group. Personalized emails often have higher open and click-through rates, making your marketing efforts more effective.

How to Implement Email and Website Newsletters

1. Choose the Right Platform:

The first step in implementing email newsletters is choosing the right email marketing platform. Some popular options include Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Sendinblue. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, and tools to manage your email list and track your campaigns' performance.

2. Build Your Email List:

Building a strong email list is crucial for the success of your newsletters. Here are some tips to grow your list:

• Website Sign-Ups: Add sign-up forms to your website, especially on your homepage, blog, and contact pages. Make it easy for visitors to subscribe by keeping the form simple and straightforward.

• Social Media: Promote your newsletter on your social media channels. Share the benefits of subscribing and provide a link to your sign-up form.

• In-Store Promotions: If you have a physical location, encourage customers to join your email list at checkout. Offer incentives like discounts or freebies to sweeten the deal.

• Lead Magnets: Offer a valuable resource, such as an eBook, guide, or exclusive discount, in exchange for email addresses. This can be an effective way to attract new subscribers.

3. Create Engaging Content:

The content of your newsletters is what keeps your audience coming back for more. Here are some tips for creating engaging content:

• Know Your Audience: Understand your audience’s interests, pain points, and preferences. Tailor your content to address their needs and provide value.

• Variety is Key: Mix up your content to keep it interesting. Share company news, industry insights, tips and tricks, customer stories, and exclusive offers.

• Keep It Concise: People have limited time and attention spans. Make your content concise, easy to read, and to the point. Use bullet points and subheadings to break up text and make it more digestible.

• Strong Call to Actions (CTAs): Every newsletter should have a clear CTA, whether it’s visiting your website, making a purchase, or sharing your content. Make sure your CTAs stand out and are easy to follow.

4. Design Your Newsletter:

A visually appealing design enhances the readability of your newsletter. Here are some design tips:

• Use Templates: Most email marketing platforms offer customizable templates. Use these as a starting point to create a professional-looking newsletter.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure your newsletter design aligns with your brand’s visual identity. Use your brand colors, fonts, and logo to create a cohesive look.

• Mobile-Friendly: Many people read emails on their mobile devices, so make sure your newsletter is mobile-friendly. Test your emails on different devices to ensure they look good everywhere.

• Images and Graphics: Use images and graphics to make your newsletter visually appealing. However, don’t overdo it; too many images can slow down loading times and distract from your message.

5. Send Regularly:

Consistency is key when it comes to newsletters. Decide on a frequency that works for you and stick to it. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, regular updates keep your audience engaged and looking forward to your emails. Here are some tips for maintaining consistency:

• Editorial Calendar: Create an editorial calendar to plan your content in advance. This helps you stay organized and ensures you always have fresh content ready to go.

• Automation: Use automation tools provided by your email marketing platform to schedule your newsletters. This saves time and ensures your emails go out on time, even if you’re busy.

6. Analyze and Adjust:

Tracking the performance of your newsletters is essential for continuous improvement. Use the analytics tools provided by your email marketing platform to monitor key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Here are some tips for analyzing and adjusting your strategy:

• A/B Testing: Experiment with different subject lines, content formats, and send times to see what works best for your audience. A/B testing allows you to compare different versions of your emails and choose the most effective one.

• Feedback: Encourage feedback from your subscribers. Ask them what they like, what they don’t, and what they’d like to see more of. Use this feedback to refine your content and make it more relevant to your audience.

• Performance Metrics: Regularly review your performance metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement. Use this data to optimize your future newsletters and achieve better results.

Implementing email and website newsletters can transform your business’s marketing strategy. By focusing on these foundational aspects, you can build a strong, lasting connection with your customers and grow your business steadily. Here are the actionable steps to get started:

1. Choose the right email marketing platform.

2. Build your email list through website sign-ups, social media promotions, in-store promotions, and lead magnets.

3. Create engaging and valuable content that resonates with your audience.

4. Design a visually appealing newsletter that is mobile-friendly and consistent with your brand.

5. Send your newsletters regularly and maintain consistency with an editorial calendar and automation tools.

6. Analyze your performance, conduct A/B testing, and adjust your strategy based on feedback and metrics.

You don’t need to chase every new trend; stick to the basics, and you’ll see the results. Remember, building a strong foundation takes time, but it’s worth it in the long run.

FAQ

Q: How often should I send my newsletter? A: The frequency of your newsletters depends on your business and audience. A good starting point is once a month. From there, you can adjust based on engagement and feedback. Some businesses find success with weekly updates, while others may opt for bi-weekly or even quarterly newsletters.

Q: What kind of content should I include in my newsletter? A: Your newsletter should offer a mix of content that provides value to your audience. This can include company updates, industry news, tips and tricks, customer stories, and special offers. Make sure the content is relevant and interesting to your subscribers.

Q: How can I grow my email list? A: There are several ways to grow your email list:

• Add sign-up forms to your website.

• Promote your newsletter on social media.

• Encourage customers to join your email list in-store.

• Offer lead magnets like eBooks, guides, or exclusive discounts in exchange for email addresses.

Q: What if my open rates are low? A: If your open rates are low, try experimenting with different subject lines, send times, and content. Make sure your emails are valuable to your subscribers and not too frequent to avoid overwhelming them. Personalization can also help increase open rates.

Q: Can I use my website for newsletters too? A: Absolutely! Website newsletters, or blogs, are a great way to share updates and valuable content with your audience. You can promote your blog posts via email and social media to drive traffic to your website and keep your audience engaged.

Q: What tools can help me manage my newsletters? A: Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Sendinblue offer a range of tools to help you manage your newsletters. These platforms provide templates, automation features, analytics, and more to make creating and sending newsletters easy and efficient.

Q: How do I ensure my newsletters are mobile-friendly? A: To ensure your newsletters are mobile-friendly, use responsive design templates provided by your email marketing platform. Test your emails on different devices to see how they look and make adjustments as needed. Keep your design simple and avoid using too many images that can slow down loading times.

Q: What metrics should I track for my newsletters? A: Important metrics to track include open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates. These metrics help you understand how your audience is engaging with your emails and identify areas for improvement.

By focusing on these strategies, you'll build a strong foundation for your business's marketing efforts. Stick with what works, and watch your business thrive!

4 Things Online Startups Should Do to Get Maximum Visibility Without Social Media

I know how challenging it can be to get your startup noticed online. With so many trends and new methods popping up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Many of the routes being propelled lately have supported business models that are no longer working. The reason is that trends are temporary. They aren’t built to last.

I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to chase every new trend to succeed. Let’s focus on the strong foundational aspects no matter how the digital winds change. Here are four essential things you can do to get maximum visibility for your online startup without relying on traditional social media.

1. Optimize Your Website for Search Engines (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is all about making your website easier to find on search engines. SEO has taken a huge hit when companies like Google for example change their business model as to what they prefer with SEO. However, we must remember that Google is major, but not the only one. Also, many of us in the industry have realized some trends change quickly without integral leadership for its business quarter projections, like Google for example.

By optimizing your site, you can attract more visitors who are searching for what you offer. SEO might seem complex, but with some basic steps, you can significantly improve your site's visibility.

Understanding SEO Basics:

SEO involves several elements, including keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, and technical improvements. While keywords are important, we suggest not shaping your content around it but ensuring your content contains them. This is also extremely vital if your business is e-commerce where you absolutely want your product descriptions to be SEO optimized. A new tool on the market for the product keyword SEO is Smartli! (oh yeah, it even writes descriptions for Ad’s).

Keyword Research:

• Use Relevant Keywords: Find out what words people use when searching for your information, products, or services, and include these keywords in your website content. Tools like Ahrefs, and SEMrush can help you identify these keywords.

• Long-Tail Keywords: Focus on long-tail keywords, which are more specific phrases that visitors are likely to use when they’re closer to making a purchase. For example, instead of just "shoes," use "best running shoes for flat feet."

On-Page Optimization:

• Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: These are the HTML elements that specify the titles and descriptions of your web pages. Make sure they are compelling and include your primary keywords.

• Header Tags (H1, H2, H3): Use these to structure your content. Your H1 tag should include your main keyword, while H2 and H3 tags can include related keywords.

• Alt Text for Images: Describe your images with relevant keywords to help search engines understand your content.

Content Creation:

• Create Quality Content: Write helpful, engaging content that answers your customers’ questions. This can include blog posts, how-to guides, product reviews, and more. Aim to provide value with each piece of content. Gone are the days of product reviews without the product experience. If using this method, choose products you can buy and try within your own industry.

• Content-Length: Longer content tends to rank better. Aim for at least 1,500 words per article, but ensure it’s valuable and not just filler.

• Update Regularly: Keep your content fresh by updating old posts and regularly adding new ones. We would even suggest updating previously published articles with relevant industry changes.

Technical SEO:

• Improve Site Speed: Make sure your website loads quickly. Slow sites can turn visitors away. Use tools and Insights to identify and fix speed issues.

• Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your website looks great and works well on mobile devices. More people are browsing on their phones, so this is crucial.

• Secure Your Site (HTTPS): Google prefers secure sites. Ensure your site uses HTTPS instead of HTTP.

Actionable Steps:

1. Use keyword research tools to identify relevant and long-tail keywords.

2. Optimize your title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and image alt text.

3. Create and regularly update high-quality, valuable content.

4. Improve your site speed, ensure mobile-friendliness, and secure your site with HTTPS.

2. Build an Engaging Blog

A blog can be a powerful tool to attract and engage your audience. By providing valuable content, you can establish your expertise and keep visitors coming back. Let’s delve deeper into how you can create a blog that stands out.

Choosing the Right Topics:

• Understand Your Audience: Know who your audience is and what they care about. Use tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to learn more about their interests.

• Keyword Research: Identify topics based on keyword research. Look for questions people are asking related to your niche.

• Content Planning: Create a content calendar to plan your posts. This helps ensure consistency and variety in your topics.

Creating Valuable Content:

• Write In-Depth Posts: In-depth posts that thoroughly cover a topic tend to perform better. Aim for 1,500 to 2,500 words for comprehensive coverage. Again, no fluff and all facts for action.

• Use Visuals: Incorporate images, infographics, and videos to make your content more engaging. Visual content can break up text and make your posts more shareable.

• Tell Stories: People love stories. Share customer success stories, behind-the-scenes looks at your business, and personal experiences related to your niche.

Engagement Strategies:

• Ask Questions: Encourage readers to leave comments by asking questions at the end of your posts.

• Respond to Comments: Engage with your readers by responding to their comments. This helps build a community around your blog.

• Promote Your Blog: Share your posts through email newsletters, on your website, and with any non-social media partnerships you have.

Consistency Is Key:

• Regular Posting Schedule: Aim to post new content at least once a week. Consistency helps build a loyal readership.

• Repurpose Content: Turn blog posts into other formats like videos, podcasts, or downloadable guides to reach a broader audience.

Actionable Steps:

1. Research your audience and use keyword tools to find relevant topics.

2. Plan a content calendar and write in-depth, engaging posts.

3. Use visuals and storytelling to enhance your content.

4. Engage with readers by asking questions and responding to comments.

5. Promote your blog through email newsletters and partnerships.

6. Maintain a consistent posting schedule and repurpose content into other formats.

3. Leverage Email Marketing

Email marketing is a direct way to reach your audience and keep them informed about your business. It’s personal, cost-effective, and can yield high returns. You will also need a customer management flow for all of your customers and clients for when they respond to your newsletter call-to-actions. Software like Capsule CRM make this easy as it also has a mobile app alongside project management all-in-one.

Building Your Email List:

• Sign-Up Forms: Place sign-up forms on your website, blog, and landing pages. Make them easy to find and simple to complete.

• Offer Incentives: Encourage sign-ups by offering incentives like discounts, free eBooks, or exclusive content.

• Lead Magnets: Create valuable resources (like guides or templates) that visitors can download in exchange for their email addresses.

Crafting Effective Emails:

• Personalize Your Emails: Use your customers’ names and tailor content to their interests. Personalized emails have higher open and click-through rates.

• Compelling Subject Lines: Write engaging subject lines that encourage recipients to open your emails. Avoid spammy language and focus on creating curiosity or urgency.

• Clear Call to Action (CTA): Each email should have a clear CTA, whether it’s to visit your website, read a blog post, or make a purchase.

Segmentation and Automation:

• Segment Your List: Divide your email list into segments based on customer behavior, preferences, or demographics. This allows you to send more relevant content to each group.

• Automate Campaigns: Use email marketing tools to set up automated campaigns, like welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and birthday offers.

Analyzing and Improving:

• Track Performance: Use metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to evaluate your campaigns.

• A/B Testing: Test different elements of your emails (subject lines, CTAs, content) to see what works best.

• Feedback: Ask for feedback from your subscribers to understand what they like and what could be improved.

Actionable Steps:

1. Build your email list with sign-up forms, incentives, and lead magnets.

2. Personalize your emails and write compelling subject lines.

3. Include clear CTAs and segment your list for targeted campaigns.

4. Automate your email marketing and regularly track performance.

5. Use A/B testing and gather feedback to continuously improve your strategy.

4. Collaborate with Other businesses and Influencers

Collaboration can help you reach new audiences and build credibility. Partnering with influencers and other businesses can be a win-win. Micro-influencers would be best for a small business since they provide a more hands-on approach. Micro-influencers tend to have a more organic and engaging audience whom they trust. Be clear with your expectations. Here’s how to make collaborations work for your startup.

Tools like Teamwork provide a great way to hold you and those you work with accountable. It can show the process and stages of your collaboration project, provide nudges when there is a possible delay and even in-app comments along the way.

Identifying Potential Partners:

• Find Complementary Businesses: Identify businesses that complement yours and share your target market. For example, a fitness apparel brand could partner with a health food company. We would suggest this route first for the factor of consistency in execution.

• Research Influencers: Look for influencers who share your values and have a similar target audience. Tools like BuzzSumo and Influencer.co can help you find relevant influencers. Focus on those who not only talk it but walk it—those who are focused on their industry and relevant to yours.

Reaching Out:

• Personalized Proposals: When reaching out, personalize your proposal. Explain why you think the partnership would be beneficial for both parties and what you can offer.

• Clear Objectives: Define clear objectives for the collaboration. What do you hope to achieve? More traffic, sales, or brand awareness? What are your expectations? What is the compensation process? Will this be barter or paid?

Creating Mutually Beneficial Content:

• Collaborative Content: Work together to create content that benefits both parties. This could be joint blog posts, videos, webinars, or social media takeovers. Remember this is a person over a business. Treat them as such!

• Cross-Promotion: Promote each other’s content on your respective platforms. This helps you reach a wider audience. If you find this to be difficult, don’t grow frustrated but use it as a learning opportunity.

Managing Collaborations:

• Communication: Maintain open and clear communication throughout the collaboration. Set expectations and deadlines to ensure everything runs smoothly.

• Evaluate Results: After the collaboration, evaluate the results. Did you achieve your objectives? What worked well and what could be improved?

Actionable Steps:

1. Research and identify influencers and complementary businesses.

2. Craft personalized proposals and set clear collaboration objectives.

3. Create and promote mutually beneficial content.

4. Maintain clear communication and set expectations.

5. Evaluate the results and refine your approach for future collaborations.

By focusing on these foundational aspects—SEO, blogging, email marketing, and collaborations—you can build a strong online presence that stands the test of time.

Here’s a quick outline of the actionable steps:

1. Optimize Your Website for SEO:

   • Use relevant keywords

   • Optimize title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and image alt text

   • Create quality, valuable content

   • Improve site speed, ensure mobile-friendliness, and secure your site with HTTPS

2. Build an Engaging Blog:

   • Research your audience and use keyword tools to find relevant topics

   • Plan a content calendar and write in-depth, engaging posts

   • Use visuals and storytelling to enhance your content

   • Engage with readers by asking questions and responding to comments

   • Promote your blog through email newsletters and partnerships

   • Maintain a consistent posting schedule and repurpose content into other formats

3. Leverage Email Marketing:

   • Build your email list with sign-up forms, incentives, and lead magnets

   • Personalize your emails and write compelling subject lines

   • Include clear CTAs and segment your list for targeted campaigns

   • Automate your email marketing and regularly track performance

   • Use A/B testing and gather feedback to continuously improve your strategy

4. Collaborate with Influencers and Other Businesses:

   • Research and identify influencers and complementary businesses

   • Craft personalized proposals and set clear collaboration objectives

   • Create and promote mutually beneficial content

   • Maintain clear communication and set expectations

   • Evaluate the results and refine your approach for future collaborations

FAQs

Q: Why should I focus on SEO instead of social media? A: SEO helps you attract organic traffic that is searching for your products or services. It’s a long-term strategy that can bring consistent results, unlike social media trends which can be fleeting.

Q: How often should I update my blog? A: Aim to post new content at least once a week. Consistency helps keep your audience engaged and signals to search engines that your site is active.

Q: What’s the best way to collect email addresses? A: Offer something valuable in exchange, like a discount, eBook, or newsletter subscription. Make it easy for visitors to sign up by placing forms in visible locations on your website.

Q: How do I find the right influencers to collaborate with? A: Look for influencers who share your values, have a similar target audience, and engage with their followers authentically. Tools like BuzzSumo can help you identify relevant influencers.

Q: Can I use social media at all? A: While this article focuses on non-traditional methods, social media can still be useful. Just don’t rely on it exclusively. Use it to complement these foundational strategies and expand your reach.

Remember, it’s not about chasing every trend but building a solid foundation that will help your business grow in any digital age. You’ve got this!

"Maximize Startup Success: Master ROI (Return on Investment) for Financial Growth"

Updated: 6/5/2024

Featured Contributors:

• Samuel Stokes, an Accountant and Business Strategist for the last 15 years, who has worked with thousands of business owners to build and scale their business.   Presently serving as Director of Master Your Business

• Heidi Pozzo, Founder of Pozzo Consulting. Previously CFO of Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging where her work resulted in recognition as CFO of the Year - Large Company. Author of, Leading the High-Performing Company, recently released.

• Adam Sherwin Founder of Viakix an outdoor footwear company.  That has been in business since May 2016 and rapidly growing ever since.  

Understanding and maximizing your Return on Investment (ROI) isn't just an advantage—it's a necessity. For entrepreneurs steering a fledgling startup towards profitability, knowing where every dollar goes and how much it brings back is crucial. ROI is more than a buzzword; it's the most straightforward metric to gauge the effectiveness of your investment decisions. Whether it’s through marketing campaigns, new software tools, or hiring decisions, calculating your ROI helps you understand which investments are paying off and which are not.

What is ROI?

Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric used to evaluate the efficiency and profitability of an investment. It measures the return you get on a dollar invested in a specific area of your business, relative to its cost. Essentially, it tells you whether the money you're putting into your business is making more money in return.

Why is ROI Important?

• Financial Insight: ROI helps you understand which investments are working and which are not, allowing you to allocate resources more effectively.

• Strategic Planning: By knowing your ROI, you can plan future investments more wisely, focusing on areas that offer the best returns.

• Performance Measurement: It provides a clear indicator of how well your business strategies are performing relative to their costs.

Tips to Keep It Simple

• Start Small: Focus on measuring ROI for one or two simple projects first, like a marketing campaign or a new tool.

• Use Tools: There are many online calculators and software that can help you compute ROI simply by entering the numbers.

• Keep Regular Tabs: Regularly check the ROI of ongoing investments to see if they’re still worth the cost. This helps in avoiding unnecessary spending.

Proper Use of Startup Dollars

Samuel Stokes:

"I have often found that Entrepreneurs waste vital cash flow that could be better put to use growing their business. Every entrepreneur knows that they need to grow their business in order to succeed but unfortunately, they are missing a few essential tools to make sure those funds are being spent effectively. 

Most entrepreneurs are so driven to grow their business, that they don't stop to ensure that the money being spent is actually generating a return. Often this is because they are not quite sure how to work it out. One common business owners make is to compensate for this lack of knowledge by throwing more money at it.
The problem is if the money being spent isn't generating a profit the business will begin leaking cash. 

The solution is easier than you would think. It all comes down to working out your Return On Investment or ROI. It is one of the most valuable tools for decision-making you have at your disposal. "

R.O.I. When seeking Short-term Results 

Heidi Pozzo:

"In terms of ROI, my preferred measure is payback. That means how many dollars, net of direct cost, do you get (aka margin) for each dollar spent. 

Owners should ask themselves how the money will result in increased business. Many times people will spend a lot of money on marketing and especially social media advertising to no avail.

 If the owner is looking to increase sales: 

• The question is how can I best reach my qualified customers? 

• If you have customers and not enough products or services, then the question is how can I expand my production or service capabilities while remaining cash neutral? 

The best thing an owner can do is list all of the potential options to grow the business and how fast (in months) the investment will pay back. Then, rank those in order of the fastest payback. 

To measure new activities as you have listed, you want to do a few things: 

• First is determine how many people contact the business based on the ad/event/etc. 

• Then track how many take the next step to buy. 

• Track how many actually buy. 

The return would be the margin you get off the new business vs. how much was spent to get that business. You would typically expect new product launches and events to have higher returns if you have put them together well, than general advertising. " 

​R.O.I. When seeking Long-term Results​

Adam Sherwin:

" I've always focused on ROI, but more from a long-term strategic perspective than from a financial metric.  As a startup, the "R" portion of ROI is often not realized for several years from the initial investment. 

Early on, we had to make substantial investments in new equipment, machine molds, trademarks, patents, and even web design.  We did so with the knowledge that we would not have a return for years to come.  Had I thought about these investments from a purely financial perspective, then we would have been much more cautious in our spending and our growth would have suffered.  Our philosophy has always been -- plan for success.  

When thinking about ROI, another area where a long-term view is needed is around custom acquisition.  

For example, if it costs me $10 to acquire a new customer and I make $10 on a unit sold, then my ROI is 0%.  However, this metric does not account for the long-term value of a customer.  We feel confident that once the customer wears our footwear, they will be a lifetime customer. 

 In addition, they will tell a friend or two about us ...Referrals!  So, now that $10 of investment might return $50 or $60 in the future, representing a 400-500% return.  Same investment, the same metric, but just a longer time horizon to calculate the return. "

Tips for Managing ROI

1. Set Clear Goals: Before making any investment, know what you expect to gain from it. This could be more customers, higher sales, or better brand recognition.

2. Track Everything: Use tools to track how your investments are performing. This can be as simple as using a spreadsheet or as sophisticated as using specialized business analytics tools.

3. Review Regularly: Look at your ROI regularly to see if your investments are still paying off. Markets and business environments change, and so should your strategies.

4. Don’t Just Focus on Money: Sometimes, the benefits of an investment aren’t directly monetary. For example, investing in customer service might not immediately increase revenue, but it can improve customer satisfaction and retention, which is valuable in the long run.

By understanding where each dollar is going and how much it’s bringing back, you can make informed decisions that propel your business forward. Remember, a robust ROI strategy isn’t just about tracking numbers—it’s about making those numbers work for you. As you continue to refine your investment strategies, keep innovation and adaptability at the forefront of your planning. With these practices, you're not just surviving the startup phase—you're setting the stage for sustained success.

Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: A Needed Check-in for Business Owners

Being a purpose-driven business owner is like taking your business on a meaningful adventure. It's not about chasing after the cash – it's about uniting your business with a mission or cause that speaks to you and your audience will always find you. Whether you're all about bettering food-disparaged communities, fighting for social justice, or solving a problem that improves the quality of life, purpose-driven entrepreneurs are business visionaries with a heart to serve and who leave a positive mark on the world. It's all about making a difference, and that's what gets us out of bed in the morning!

Purpose…

I define “Purpose” as what we are uniquely positioned to do. Purpose-driven entrepreneurs should ask themselves: what are you—given your passions, experiences, and skills—able to do to make this world better?

Everyone has a purpose; however, the question is whether you are aware of it and hustling to bring it to fruition. If you are clear on what and how you want to make the world a better place, then your opportunities to do so are endless. Your purpose can show up in how you treat your employees, where you source from, how you make decisions, where you are located, how you market, who you partner with, and how you use your platform.

My book and keynote address offers practical and accessible steps on how to live within your purpose. One that I would focus on in this article is: to be clear on what your purpose is. Write it down and share it with other people. Incorporate it into your culture. Don’t just say it, but help people to use it to make decisions within the company. When members of my team ask, “Well, what decision is most aligned with our purpose?” is when I realize I have been successful at infusing an organization with purpose.

Contributor: Deanna Singh Author & Chief Change Agent at Flying Elephant

So, what is a Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur...

To be a purpose-driven entrepreneur is to be an entrepreneur who understands their “Why”. An entrepreneur who understands their “Why” will be resilient and focused even through challenging times. The answer to their “Why” acts as a compass and drives the decisions, and by extension, the direction of their life and company.

When many think of a purpose-driven entrepreneur they think of a social entrepreneur such as a company on a mission to impact a social or environmental cause like poverty eradication or provision of clean water. However, this is a misconception because there are social entrepreneurs with no purpose. Shocking? But yes, that’s true. The purpose is the song in our hearts that drives us even after the instruments have been put away. Each of us was born with a different song in our hearts that only we can sing. As an entrepreneur, your company will answer the question “Why” in a unique way that cannot be duplicated.

Your company’s purpose can be as simple as making people smile every day or it can be as complex as revolutionizing the way people think about space.

The common theme is that it is uniquely yours.

Google for example has documented its mission and integrated it into its business goal alongside perception. “Our mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” Their purpose led them to where they are today and inherently to where we are today.

• Identify your Purpose. It’s okay if you’re unsure but now is the time to put intentional thought and give yourself the space to explore to identify it.

• Recognize distractions as distractions. There will always be distractions posing as great opportunities.

• Before you make a decision, ask yourself what decision will align with your Why.

• Write down your Why and review it daily.

• Surround yourself with constant reminders of your Why.

Contributor: Krystal Nelson Founder, i impakt, LLC Https://iimpakt.com/

How to Be a Purpose-Driven Business Owner:

1. Define Your Purpose: Start by reflecting on what truly matters to you. What causes or issues ignite your passion? Your purpose should be authentic and deeply connected to your personal values.

2. Integrate Purpose into Your Business Mission: Craft a mission statement that clearly articulates your purpose. Ensure it becomes the guiding principle for your business decisions, operations, and long-term goals.

3. Engage Your Team: Share your purpose with your team and involve them in discussions about how the business can contribute to a greater cause. A shared sense of purpose fosters a collaborative and motivated work environment.

4. Embrace Sustainability: Consider the environmental and social impact of your business practices. Implement sustainable initiatives and responsible business practices that align with your purpose.

Benefits for your Company & Customers

Every business has the opportunity to serve its customers and leave a positive impact on the world, whether they're building orphanages or designing t-shirts. A t-shirt design business that creates designs that question the traditional norms or incites a movement uniting groups of people can be purpose-driven because their purpose is at the root of what they do and why they do it. It's not just about the money. It's about the impact they're having and the value they're adding to their customers' lives.

It's not enough to just create a company with a strong purpose. A true purpose-driven entrepreneur must live and breathe that purpose every day.

Every action taken by the company should go back to the overall purpose and the core values, and the team should continually assess everything they do against the benchmark of that purpose.

Over time, that purpose may evolve or take on different forms, but it's crucial to continually gain clarity on the purpose. To remain purpose-driven, the business must continually keep a pulse on its purpose, thread messages of its purpose into all communications, and revisit its purpose often to make sure that it still rings true for the business.

Contributor: Annie Dickerson -Goodegg Investments https://www.goodegginvestments.com

Benefits for the Owner, Team, and Customers:

1. Personal Fulfillment: As a purpose-driven entrepreneur, you'll experience a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that your efforts are contributing to positive change. This personal satisfaction can fuel your motivation and strength.

2. Team Morale and Productivity: A purpose-driven approach creates a sense of meaning for your team members. When employees feel that their work has a greater purpose, morale, and productivity increase, fostering a more dedicated and engaged workforce.

3. Customer Loyalty: In an era where consumers increasingly respect honorable and socially accountable businesses, aligning your brand with a purpose can build strong relationships with your customer base. This loyalty translates into repeat business and favorable word-of-mouth marketing.

Being a purpose-driven entrepreneur is not a trend; it's a transformative mindset that can shape the success of your business. Let’s be real, those who pursue it as a trend rarely last or succeed honestly. When people say something requires “heart” this is it! Just as well, you also must diligently prepare finances and plans to ensure those relying on the mission aren’t without poor planning.

By defining your purpose, integrating it into your mission, and embracing sustainable practices, you'll not only experience personal fulfillment but also inspire and positively impact your team and customers. As a business owner with purpose, embrace the power of discernment adding the wind to your sail, and watch your business flourish in the present and setting an example for those to come, all while paying it forward.