Thank you to SkyHook Internet marketing for doing the programming side of things!

1. Choose a business name that you can repeat, over and over again – with pride.  You will be representing your company and you will be telling new prospects what your business name is called.  Make sure that in the appropriate environment it sounds ok.  If you are doing a girly boutique store, then Girly Girlz and Glitter is fine.  If you are trying to be a serious Law Firm, cute does not fit.  Get it?  And poll your friends on what they think.  I originally wanted to name my graphic design business CaliZona (which there are many other businesses with that name) representing my love of California and Arizona.  Then my brother said it sounded like a Calzone pizza.  Ugh, ruined!!  So glad he said that though, I changed it and I love Silver Spoon Studio.
2. If you are having a business partner, evaluate that person. Not all friends, best or not, make good business partners.  Just like not all friends make good roommates and if you still want to stay friends, don’t go into business with your friends.  There are some exceptions, but it’s very difficult.  First, look at that person as if you’re going to marry them.  Do they carry debt?  (What kind?  Some is OK, but others show their mismanagement of money or lack of understanding how serious debt is, or even fraud!) How do they handle their finances?  (Do they take forever to pay you back?) What about relationships?  (Do most people try to steer clear of them because they are so draining?  They will be taxing on you if you have to do business with them).  Do they annoy you, even slightly? (They’ll probably annoy your clients too).  You trust that person with your life and decisions?  Because one day, your partner may leave or screw you over in the end.  Hopefully not, but it might happen so be careful!  Consider contracting out instead so you are in control.  I know when I opened SpirituallyShe with Meagan, there was no hesitation and so much peace.  Even to this day.  The girl knows my social #, she’s financially responsible, on top of it, and pays her own bills on time.  I’m blessed to have her as a business partner and best friend.
3. Talk to your tax advisor. If you don’t already understand what is tax deductible, make an appointment to find out what counts.  Should be a sole proprietor or LLC or Corp?
4. Get good at keeping your books up. Get Quickbooks.  Invoice your clients, file them in folders on your computer and printouts.  If you were never good at balancing your checkbook you better do it now and do it perfectly, no excuses.
5. Do you have time? When?  Realistically, you need to look at how much you want to succeed and if you have the time to put into it.  Otherwise, a dream is wasted if you don’t have the appropriate time and money to put into it.

Yes, I am am Ambition-Aholic.  Yes, I run four businesses (kind of, let me explain).

1. Silver Spoon Studio (lovely life paper is an entity)
2. Diana Elizabeth Photography
3. SprituallyShe
4. FORD model

It’s not that crazy, I tell you.  The latter two hardly take up much time, so it’s not as nutso as it sounds.

I had the pleasure of being on the design committee for the Arizona Princess Program’s semi-formal event, Pink and Blackjack Affair.  The money raised goes to putting on a prom-like event for teenage girls in the Arizona Foster Care System.  For more information on how you can get involved, click here.

Here’s a few photos of me and some of my friends at the event.  Brenna Heater (in the pink) is a Silver Spoon Studio client, we built her website www.brennasakas.com.  The pretty girl in the red is Ashley Gain of Ashley Gain Weddings and Events, she’s a wedding and event planner, and marvelous at it.

I know it sounds premature, but it’s that time where business owners start to think about the holidays – sending out a holiday card and/or special client gifts.

A few questions to ask yourself when organizing this list:

1. How much is your budget per holiday card (don’t forget the $0.44 postage)?
2. When will you mail out the cards? The day after Thanksgiving is a great time to do it.
3. Do you want to mail out a Top 10 or 50 client gift?  If so, determine what criteria bumps a client up to a VIP. (Most likely how much business they have given you over the year).

I just pulled out our VIP client gifts and need to get our address list together.  Our past VIP gifts have included carmel apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, organic new year calendars, and Christmas ornaments.  The sky is the limit when it comes to creativity, but be sure to stretch your budget as much as you can!

Last year I did a New Years card instead of Christmas, this year I’m contemplating since I have so many announcements to make – but I’m drafting the message and creating the vision now.  I cannot wait to share!

If you need any help, please let us know, we are experts in this department

xo
Diana

Judy:

Jamie:

Mine:

What would yours say?

For those in the Kansas City, MO area, you’re lucky.  For those of us in Phoenix, we’re lucky because Ryan comes and visits fairly often.  He’s booking now for end of November so get in touch with him for headshots.

After 5 years of having an inferior web page, we chose to have Diana and Silver Spoon Studio Design revamp our entire website. Diana was extremely patient and worked closely with us to create and design a site that was clean, informative and most important, allowed my agency an additional marketing tool when approaching new clients. I was once embarrassed to send people to our website. Now with the help of Silver Spoon Studio Design, I am proud to share our site with current and potential clientele. I would easily refer any of my clients needing assistance with their websites to Diana.

Thank you Diana for all your hard work and providing us a website we can be proud of!

Jason Acker
Acker Advertising, LLC