TeeMcBee Consulting
TeeMcBee Image Consulting E-zine
We are now several weeks into 2009 - life is good! So tell me a secret... did you make or break any resolutions yet?  I'll share my focus. (Notice I say "focus" and not resolution) Several years ago I decided that didn't really work for me and I'm not one to follow the pack. I like to stand apart from what most others do.  I've always been like that - even as  a kid.  I always noticed the differences and questioned the "powers that be" much to the chagrin of my parents, teachers and especially, the nuns!
 
Drum roll please... my 'secret'... (and I gave a hint in the Christmas card) is...
 
Movement Forward.
 
It's what I 'focus' on and what I wish for each and everyone of you!
 
Yes ,that's right! Every year I focus on moving forward - trying new things, pushing past my fears and being a little better in any and every way I can throughout the year.  I now know better than to torture myself with weight goals, organization goals, or any kind of quota.  I never seemed to reach them and I only felt I hadn't tried hard enough. I want to FEEL joyful everyday; not only when I've reached a goal.
 
I also feel great JOY when I hear about or see YOU move forward in whatever way is meaningful to you!
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 Prosperous & Happy New Year,
Traci
 
I'm repeating last months PS to be sure no one missed it and to give everyone, now that the holiday is over to respond with what connections or introductions YOU would enjoy in 2009. I'm always willing to make connections and introductions for you.
 
P.S.  Maybe you can help me with my Wish List for 2009. 
 
 I'm interested in working with local politicians who are new to campaigning or have run but not won the seat they were seeking.
 
Another goal is to continue running Workshops on Image and Confidence with local companies, groups and organizations while also tying it into an opportunity to raise awareness and donations for Dress for Success. 
 
One last item, is that I'm interested in talking to potential guest writers who have a message and information of interest to women in N.E. Ohio who read this e-zine.  So if you can connect me to any of these opportunities I would be very grateful.  
 
Do you have some people or opportunities you need help in meeting?  Write me and let's see what we can achieve together in 2009. 
 
 
TeeMcBee Image Consulting
"Opening Doors for You..Enhancing Confidence - Inside & Out!
 
440-670-0440
 
 If you are interested in being a co-sponsoring Guest Writer contact Traci for details.
INDELIBLE
IMPRESSIONS ™
You can't avoid making impressions everywhere you go with everyone you meet - so what do you want it to be?  Yes you DO control it for the most part.  If you read last months e-zine I sent out I gave some very clear examples.  Did you see yourself in any of them? Think of your INDELIBLE IMPRESSION™ - is it a little dated and frumpy?  Perhaps people think your dressing a bit too young or even too old for your age.  Do others in your office think you look too sexy for your profession? 
 
Years ago, as a stay at home mom I was looking for some part time employment.  I decided to check out some companies before making a long term commitment to work for them. So I had the idea working for a temp agency. I decided the best way to 'become a fly on the wall' was to be a receptionist and I asked for assignments that were no longer than two weeks. 
 
Here are some great lessons I learned that were related directly to Image.  Remember this was about seventeen years ago - before I ever even thought of starting a consulting business. Also this was a time in my life when I was struggling with my style and self image after being a stay at home mom for several years.
 
I noted all these details of professionals at six different companies that were unrelated industries over a period of one year. Those who were:
 
BEST DRESSED
 
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HAVE...
  • nicest office
  • admiration of peers
  • more staff
  • more respect
  • little to no 'busy work'
  • clean, organized desks with empty 'to do' boxes
  • expressed the WOW factor

    ARE...

    • not necessarily qualified for the position they have   
    • well compensated with the best benefit packages 
    • invited to lunch, golf outings and speaking engagements
    • happier and friendlier
    • confident

     

    WORST DRESSED / FRUMPIEST 

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    HAVE...

    • over-flowing 'to do' boxes
    • bagged lunch everyday
    • invisibleness
    • minimum compensation and  basic benefits
    • low self-esteem
    • the "poor me" attitude

    ARE...   

    • the 'staff' to the Best Dressed
    • often times over qualified for their current position
    • often unnoticed, until needed to do the work
    • errand runners
    • scapegoats
    • working late or weekends when there are deadlines
    • trainers to the newbies
    • fill-ins when others are sick or on vacation
    • clock watchers
    • unhappy and complainers

    Observing these traits was a real eye-opener for me and when I decided both consciously and un-consciously who and what I wanted to be. 

    Which list appeals to you? 

    CHANGE YOUR IMAGE;  CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

    - Traci 

Does your Product or Service line up with mine?  Can we compliment each others passion? 
NEW CO-MARKETING OPPORTUNITY FOR 2009- 
YOUR ARTICLE CAN GO HERE! 
We are lining-up Guest Writers for  2009.....Pick 1 month (or more for special pricing).  Only one professional per industry. Linked to your website to share with your clients too.            
 
Give me a call if you have something informative and fun to share with women in N.E.Ohio
Traci
440-670-0440

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We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we've established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile. 
 
 -Earl Nightingale
Forward this issue to a Friend 
If someone you know would enjoy this e-zine but is not currently receiving it, the best way to make that happen is to  forward it from the  link above. Once they receive it they simply open and follow the prompts to continue receiving  each month. 
Thanks for sharing!
Entrepreneurs Corner:
 
 
ARE YOU A CONSULTANT IN ANY OF THESE PROFESSIONS?
 
Financial Planner
Insurance Agent
Life Coach
CPA
Computer/Technology
Beauty Products
Massage Therapy
Home Organizer
 
What INDELIBLE IMPRESSION™ are your current and potential clients receiving?
 
When it comes to marketing - cutting back isn't recommended. And, wisely marketing to maximize every dollar is top priority.  Don't sit back and do nothing - that is the most dangerous and the quickest way to lose potential business.
 
Are you creating and implementing new fresh ideas to continue growth?  Are you just executing marketing basics or are you thinking outside of the box from others in your industry?
 
ARE YOU A BRICK & MORTAR BUSINESS OWNER WITH EMPLOYEES?
 
Hair Salon or Spa
Retail Store
Lawyer
Doctor
Dentist
Restaurant
Hotel/Motel/B&B
Contractor
 
Are you struggling to master every aspect of business ownership?  Mastering management and employee training is one thing but motivating employees and training them from a 'consumer' point of view is a whole other enchilada!  In that regard this is best done by an consultant outside of your industry to fully benefit from a FRESH PERSPECTIVE™.
 
 
ARE YOU AN EMPLOYEE, CONSIDERING STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
 
Banking
Newspaper
Library
Administration
 
For those giving thought to becoming an entrepreneur in 2009: How do you know there is a market for your idea, have you held a focus group?
 
No matter which group you belong to above know that TeeMcBee Image Consulting™ is ready to help.
 
Give some thought to what your needs are and how to best capitalize on the current economy. Self improvement is always important but even more so in our current economic atmosphere.
 
The INDELIBLE IMPRESSION™ you make both with your personal image and your business image is my speciality. As always I'd be be happy to have a complimentary conversation with to determine the best direction for you and your business in 2009.
 
 
 
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TRACI'S TOP 8
 MARKETING TO DO'S-NOW!
 
1. Invest in Relationships
No matter what the economy is doing when you have open communication with your clients and they know the door is always open, you will build trust and be top-of-mind to be referred to others. 
 
2. Co-Market / Cross Market
Look around for opportunities to write articles in another business' newsletter, co-host events with businesses that compliment yours.  When you marry your service with another's product you both benefit. Be clear and sure you are both targeting the same market. So many opportunities exist when you 'think outside of the box'.  If you choose not to do something because others in your profession aren't doing it - realize, THAT is what makes it your unique idea. Don't follow the crowd in 2009 - be a leader. 
 
3. Laser Focus Your Talents
Avoid getting bogged down by busy work (or spending too much time on facebook and linked in).
 
4. Delegate
Ask for help or outsource tasks in areas you've not mastered to someone who has.
 
5. Determine Your Niche
Don't try to be all things to all people. Know your targeted market and go after it.
 
6. Be Proactive 
Call others for referrals and go to networking events where you feel the energy flowing. Most importantly GIVE referrals! Connect people.
 
7. Be Positive 
Both in person and on the social networking sites, remember positive people attract positive people and situations.  Just don't be FAKE.
 
8. Be 'the expert'
Find ways to share and connect.  Do speeches, talk to chambers, write articles, produce a newsletter or offer articles to other newsletters.  How can people hear you if your not out there talking?
 
Thoughts? Write me... 

"Opening Doors for You..."

 
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Interested in re-printing? Contact Traci@TeeMcBee.com