Laura Wolfe Coaching LLC

Supporting the Evolution of Careers, Leaders,

& Climate Consciousness

Happy Business Blogging!

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writingI am no marketing or social media expert but as a business owner I am a student of both and always on the lookout for helpful resources. I also coach other small business owners and know that a social media presence is necessary. Just last week, I shared this collection of articles about business blogging with a client and realized it would probably be useful to others as well. Here they are:

Creating great content: How to Write Killer Blog Content Without Spending Countless Hours at Your Computer. This post is by Amy Porterfield, a brilliant marketer who regularly shares her social media marketing expertise via free videos, blogs, and podcasts.

Launching your blog: How to Tell People About Your New Business Blog

Ideas for blog posts: 100 Blog Topics for Your Business and  4 Ways to Make Sure You Always Have Something to Say Online

A google search for business blogging will produce millions of hits and the inevitable conflicting advice. Read as much as you can and do what feels right to you. Also, realize that the world of social media is constantly changing and what worked well a few years (or even months) ago may not be effective today. The articles shared above are a year or two old but to me still relevant, although one makes reference to Google+ about which some things have changed.

Hope you find these resources helpful. Happy Blogging!

What have you found to be effective for your business blogging? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Are we connected? Find me on facebook, linkedin, google+, & twitter if one of those is your preferred network. I also keep in touch through my (usually) twice monthly newsletter – sign-up below.

My goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days the month of September.

#30in30

 

Growing Your Body of Work

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pamslimtedPam Slim’s idea that all we do in our life contributes to our body of work is one with which I definitely agree and have written about before.

Check out her lastest talk given at TEDxFargo where she explains the body of work concept. Pam was one of the first teachers I studied with as I transitioned from university faculty to career and executive coach and I continue to follow and learn from her.

I was reminded of the body of work concept during breakfast this morning at a deli with big tables where everyone sits together. We sat across from a guy who was trained as a doctor but sold his practice three years ago and is now a photographer. Sounds like those could be unrelated professions but I imagine what he knows about physiology, human suffering, and health/well-being greatly contributes to the quality of his photos.

As Pam explains, your body of work is everything you create, contribute, affect, and impact throughout your life and includes the tangibles (products, art, or services you make) and the intangibles (like the love, connection, and community you create). It’s a big way to consider that which we spend most of our time doing and a necessary mindshift considering the uncertainty in the external environment.

How are you growing your body of work? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Are we connected? Find me on facebook, linkedin, google+, & twitter if one of those is your preferred network. I also keep in touch through my (usually) twice monthly newsletter – sign-up below.

My goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days the month of September.

#30in30

Zwanze Day – Something Old and Something New

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zwanzeDon’t you love it when old and new collide? Like today, Zwanze Day 2014.

Once a year, the small Belgian brewery Cantillon produces a special and limited beer. Select bars around the world are chosen to receive just one keg and it is tapped everywhere on the same day. The Avenue Pub in New Orleans is one of the US bars to receive a keg and today is the day.

This year’s Zwanze is a dry-hopped lambic aged with cherries. Yum. Because supply is limited each person gets only a six ounce pour and waiting for admittance to the tasting area adds to the anticipation. All combined, it’s a special event.

What fascinates me is that the style of beer is centuries old and the Cantillon brewery more than 100 years old but it’s a global event connected by 21st century technology. Check out #zwanze to see what’s happening around the world.

We’ve done Zwanze Day for several years now and enjoy seeing certain people we only ever see on that day. I usually run into a handful of former students as well which is pretty cool. Because it’s a beer event, the crowd is mostly guys. And just like a RUSH concert, the men’s bathroom has lines but not the ladies! Gotta love it.

My goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days the month of September.

#30in30

Ask For It Ladies!

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benniesThe Fall 2014 report by the American Association of University Women on the gender pay gap is out and finds that women still make less than men. Louisiana, where I live, ranks the lowest. Women earn 66 cents here for every dollar a man makes. More evidence reflecting attitudes and how women employees are valued in my community can be found in a recent story about LSU, one of the largest local employers, where only two of the 25 highest paid employees are female.

An old but classic Harvard Business Review article called Nice Girls Don’t Ask reports research about women’s reluctance to ask for more money, their willingness to settle for what is offered, and the assumption the company will take care of them.

Women, be vocal in your desire to make more money. Don’t just think your manager or company will recognize your value and pay you more. You must ask. Learn to negotiate. Don’t know how to negotiate? Sign up for this free course.

Communicate your value, ask for more, and ensure many Ben Franklins will be in your future.

Share your thoughts on the gender pay gap in the comment section.

My goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days the month of September.

#30in30