The SmallBizLady Buzz - Issue 137

Celebrate National Gratitude Month

This is Thanksgiving Week in the United States, and it’s one time of year that most of us take a little time off to enjoy time with family and friends (unless you are a retailer.) As this is National Gratitude Month, I thought I would share my thoughts on the practice of gratefulness. It’s amazing that we can all access the power of gratitude, especially at his time of year. Gratitude can enhance our moods, decrease stress, and drastically improve our overall level of health and well-being. As a child, my father used to say that we would not know good days were it not for bad days, so we need to be grateful for bad days too. Starting your day with a spirit of gratitude and intention can do wonders for your results. Isn't it amazing how something as simple as gratitude can give new meaning to your day, your relationships, your business? Here are 4 things you can do to share your gratitude.

1. SEND A CARD—?People always appreciate a small note of thanks and even a thoughtful gift. A surprise word of thanks is the best kind.

2. KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL— One of the best ways to show thankfulness on a daily basis is by keeping a gratitude journal. We are all so busy, so it’s important to write down when you experience kindness, so that you can realize it’s far more often than when you experience annoyance and stress.

3. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME—?You can always donate your time through volunteer service. There is so much need in our local communities, look for a worthy charity, school, or church group to support. I love to work with my staff to support a specific charity with our time on Dr. Martin Luther King Day every year.

4. CLEAN OUT YOUR OFFICE—?Make a donation and get a write off. If you have books, office furniture or business equipment that you are not using, give them away. You can also donate items like exercise equipment, gently used clothing, coats or household items.

As we reflect on all of the blessings that we have, remember those who are sometimes in our own neighborhoods who may not be as fortunate. Be a difference in your community. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Fan Shoutout:

I also want to give a shoutout to our three Starbucks gift card winners. Thank you to all who took to the time to complete my Annual Small Business Survey. Your feedback was appreciated.

Sharon Yarborough, Jimmy Hayes and Ebony Bonds, your gift cards will soon be on their way!

Enjoy this week’s feature post:?Developing Your 2023 Small Business Strategy Part 3: Why Does Strategy Fail?

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Developing Your 2023 Small Business Strategy Part 3: Why Does Strategy Fail?

Recently we’ve been on a journey to set your small business up for success in 2023. In a three-part series, I’ve been guiding you in creating a small business strategy to launch in the new year and bring your business to new heights in 2023. In Part 1, I laid the foundation by explaining why business strategy is important (and worth your time!). In Part 2, I shared a 6-step path to creating an effective small business strategy. In this final article, we’re going to answer the question, ‘why does strategy fail?’ Continue reading....

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Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Brooke Daniels, Melanie Greenough, and Scott J. Miller

Check out this recent podcast here: Hit It and Quit It with Brooke Daniels, Melanie Greenough, and Scott J. Miller

Three of my amazing podcast guests – Brooke Daniels, Melanie Greenough, and Scott J. Miller – join me simultaneously for a fun, lighthearted, rapid-fire round of my favorite business questions. We get their opinions on a few business tools, some old-school marketing tips, and some great books for aspiring business owners. If you would like to be a guest on the Smallbizchat Podcast, submit your information here.

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Are you ready to start your business in 2023?

Don’t miss my FREE Webinar:

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Entrepreneur

Thursday, December 8th at 2pm ET

Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

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Don’t forget my 50% off holiday deal at SmallBizLady University.

It’s time to beef up your online marketing skills with three of my online courses:?How to Sell and Market Online,?Social Media Selling?and?Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing.?Don’t miss out. Offer ends Nov 30th. Enroll now!

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Subscribe and don't forget to leave a comment below!

Melinda F. Emerson,?“SmallBizLady”?is America’s?#1?Small Business Expert. She?is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, marketing and social selling. Melinda is also the president of the Quintessence Group, an award-winning marketing consulting firm based in Philadelphia, PA, serving Fortune 500 brands who target small business market. LinkedIn named her a Top Voice for 2019 in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.?In addition to being a former NY Times columnist, she is frequently quoted by media organizations including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News. She is the host of?#Smallbizchat?LIVE and The SmallBizChat Podcast. A prolific writer, Melinda has published more than 5000 articles on her blog?www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Her small business advice is widely read reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She is the bestselling author of?Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded?and?Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.