Last week I was in Washington, DC to host a client for a VIP Profit Strategy Session. Also, I had a few meetings with the President of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), as I was recently appointed to their Member Council. (By the way, this is an organization, I highly, highly recommend you become a member of. The benefits are amazing and they really do have your back!)

I had the opportunity to attend a briefing on Capitol Hill regarding taxes issues and health care reform as it relates to small business owners. This is what I learned:

I know it’s easy to get caught up in what the media spews out. But you’ll be much more profitable and successful in your business if you ignore all the negativity and focus on doing what you need to do to achieve your goals. That includes choosing simple, effective marketing strategies and being consistent in your efforts.

That said, what’s next on the horizon for you in your business? What are you working on right now? Do tell by sharing your thoughts with me below.

I was excited to be featured on M.O. last week, a website that features successful entrepreneurs from all walks, across all industries, and from around the world. They focus on their habits and methods; what makes them tick.

It's always fun and inspiring to learn from the successes (and mistakes) of other entrepreneurs. Seeing what others are going through helps you to remember that no, you aren't crazy, all things truly are possible and it's never as bad as you really think.

I'd love for you to check out my interview and let me know what you think. It would be great if you could vote for me too!

http://www.mo.com/Sydni-Craig-Hart-Smart-Simple-Marketing

While you're there, be sure to check out some of other interviews listed. You're sure to come across a few "famous" folks and a host of other successful business owners you can learn from.
Enjoy!

I've spent the last week at the beach reflecting on life, business and what action I'm going to take in 2012 to make it a phenomenal year. I've been thinking about you a lot too, and what I can do to be of greater service to you. Check out the video message I've prepared for you:

I just got off the phone with one of my colleagues (who also happens to be one of my favorite people!) who hired me on the spot to assist her in marketing a new program she's offering.  That was an instant $500 in new revenue that I wasn't expecting today!

How did this happen?

We've exchanged emails over the past few weeks about a project she was working on and how we could work together to get the results she was looking for.  Unfortunately, due to some technical issues, the last two messages she sent me ended up in my spam filter.  I just discovered the messages this morning and felt terrible that she had reached out to me and I hadn't replied. (Can you relate? Uggh!)

Now, I could have handled this two ways: MORE

Meeting like-minded professionals and starting new relationships while attending events, conferences and workshops has been one of the most effective ways I've created exposure for my business. Perhaps the same has been true for you. I'd love to hear your favorite success story about how networking has helped you to attract more clients or joint venture opportunities. Especially because I know your experience will be both inspiring and educational to the other professionals who follow this blog. So do tell!

I'll get us started:

The first time I attended an online marketing conference, I didn't know a SOUL. I didn't have a real strategy for "working the room", I just tried to meet as many friendly people as I could. As I was talking with the other attendees, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that many of them were newbies too! MORE

How many of you were taught as children to not brag because it isn't polite? I certainly was. I would have received a stern look from my Mom for doing so and maybe worse (depending on how obnoxious my bragging episode was!

So we grow up thinking this and go through life never really celebrating our accomplishments to the full. This is counterproductive in our business life. Because we are each working diligently to build a successful business, we may take for granted the small (or even large) success that we enjoy each day because we're so focused on our laundry list of "to-do". And because we've been trained not to brag about ourselves, we don't even stop to acknowledge our progress or pat ourselves on the back.

So, I am here today to give you unconditional permission to brag! Yes, that's right! I want to hear ALL about your recent accomplishments, large or small! (I truly believe there is no such thing as a "small" accomplishment.) Inspire the other members of the Smart Simple Marketing community! Inspire me! Tell us how about your brand new client! That you've finally figured out how to use Facebook! That you're launching a new website! Or anything else you want to share. I want all the juicy details!

I'll love it and applaud you and so will the community members! It's high time we started celebrating our accomplishments in a big way.

So step on up! Who's first?

Thanks for stopping by! I'm so excited to kick off this blog, on the first day of a new year and a new decade! Whoo-hoo!

Smart Simple Marketing is all about providing simple, easy-to-implement strategies, resources and tools to help the solo service professional to succeed in entrepreneurship. It's about EXACTLY what you need and nothing you don't.

I know you are passionate about your profession and GREAT at what you do.  I am here to serve you and do everything I can to help you turn that passion and expertise into a thriving, profitable business that allows you to live the lifestyle of your dreams.

I have been in business since 2005 and have worked with dozens of solo service professionals in over 35 different industries.  I know what it takes to consistently attract clients and create a six-figure plus business.  By means of this blog, I look forward to sharing my insights, strategies, resources and mishaps so that you can achieve success in your business even faster and easier than I have.

I encourage you to stop by the blog often, post your thoughts and comments and share what you read with others.  With your help and participation, the Smart Simple Marketing community will grow to include entrepreneurs from around the world who are interested in learning from and supporting one another.

I'm thrilled that you have discovered Smart Simple Marketing and I look forward to getting to know you better.

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

With warm encouragement,