I know I've written about this before, but I recently read two articles that really added some insight into what happens when your best laid plans don't work. Because, maybe, it doesn't matter. Melody Godfred, writer extraordinaire, blogging at Write in Color, recently wrote about the hazards of planning. She started with a quote from Douglas Adams (author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." In other words, maybe your plans didn't exactly work out, but the results were still good. As Melody goes on to explain, if we always worry about following our plans, we may not recognize other opportunities that could lead us to something even better. If our original plan doesn't work, we might spend our time thinking we failed instead of seeing that we actually found something better.

Two days later, I received an e-mail from one of my other favorite bloggers, Gini Dietrich at Spin Sucks, writing about "Failing in Order to Learn". She wrote about a friend who started his own business but eventually found he needed to go back into the corporate world. He felt that he had failed. After they talked, however, he was able to see the many lessons he had learned that could now be used at his new job and in his life. So, not a failure at all. Gini also shares her experience with her business. And she shared the wonderful quote you will see in the next column (the Quote of the Month).

So, don't get lost in the planning and miss the opportunities. Remember, it's the journey, not the destination, that's important. (And be sure to click on the links above to see Melody's and Gini's full articles and illustrations.)

Those of us who work from home tend to be creative when it comes to client meetings. For years my venues of choice have been Paneras and Starbucks. It's easier than a diner or restaurant (no fumbling for the check, okay to just get a coffee or tea, etc.) Sometimes, though, you may want something a little different or more private or quieter. Mike Michalowicz recently wrote an American Express Open Forum column  "12 Unexpected Places to Host Great Client Meetings". His suggestions include the library, a boat, near a fountain (I wonder if that would work at a mall fountain too?), playing golf, and a spa (they usually have a meeting room, can provide a meal, and bonding over a pedicure is fun). These suggestions are not only for us entrepreneurs, but also for larger businesses. It can be good to get out of the office, not just for client meetings but also for company meetings.

Quick reminder for when you do meet at Starbucks or Paneras. If you feel funny using your business credit card for just a few dollars but tend to forget to include the cash payments in your expenses, purchase a gift card using your business credit card. Then use it each time you have a meeting. You can register the gift card and sign-up for automatic recharge as well.

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Many people use LinkedIn to find a job, but you should also be using it as one of the marketing tools for your business. Not sure how to do that? I can review your LinkedIn profile and show you how to make it better. And if you aren't on LinkedIn yet, I can help you set-up your profile. Make an appointment today and let LinkedIn work for you!

Are you interested in trying e-mail marketing? I am a Certified Constant Contact Expert and a Constant Contact Solution Provider. Which means I can help you with your e-mail marketing -- whether it's helping with set-up, writing the content, or doing something more advanced. I can even set up your contact lists, help you choose a template, and develop your e-mail schedule. To learn more, click here.

E-mail marketing is a way to stay in front of your customers. Whether it's an e-letter (like this one), notice of a special event or sale, or just a holiday greeting, e-mail marketing should be a part of your marketing package. Let me help you get started.