As a small business owner I reflect on lessons learned as very valuable experiences.
Sharing some of my communication-related lessons from 2009:
- I published a blog post about shipping fees. After comments and questions arrived I realized what I had communicated was nearly free shipping! Lesson in communication, when writing involves a monetary change, it is good practice to run the article by another set of eyes before publishing.
- Several customers asked if pricing in my website store was based on one bar of soap or three (I normally photograph 3 bars). After several questions were asked, I made changes to the written description. Again, listen to what is being said or questioned, and if it has been said (or asked) more than once, evaluate.
- A blog post that is too wordy, with very long paragraphs, tends to glaze the reader’s eyes. The reality is, many of us are scanners (not readers). After reading several writing-style articles, and realizing that I am a scanner with little time (with a craving for content), I learned to keep posts much shorter and to the point.
- After reading an article published by Copyblogger I recognized a problem in my writing style. To reflect confidence, leave out words such as (I might, I should, I think I will). Replace those words with (I am, I have, I will, and I do). Write in a way that reflects committment and confidence!
Many of the blessings in life include learning, growing, and realizing we do not live in a box. We can continue to grow throughout our lives. We can study. We can listen. We can look at the world as a child does with an open mind, but carry our beautifully earned package of wisdom with us to make sure we walk our life journey with careful steps. We can also put fears aside, knowing we will not grow unless we let go of the invisible boundaries.
I hope you are enjoying my 2009 reflections. My intentions are to help someone else (as others have done for me) with my own confessions of learning!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
Just wanted you to know that my blog friend Lora at fever is all about natural products so I pointed her to your website. I hope she comes and buys your wonderful soap. I raved about it.
Here’s the URL to her blog… she’s a feisty one…
http://littlemaniac.blogspot.com/
I have plans to bring about more natural products in 2010!
Thanks for the “rave,” Alix! I know you mention Annie’s Goat Hill, I find your shout outs in some of the searches that show up. I truly appreciate it!
A fiesty one, hmmm, I am going to check the blog out.
Hi ,
i`m Kelly, i have 22 yrs old from York , England .
We try to share this link from –Debby Alten — blog to share the story of espeacial lady with one amazing story !
We try to make something to help alittle this childrens , just search and look !
http://www.gtargirls.blogspot.com/
Our hearts are for the families from Haiti ,too ! Let`s keep prayers for all the overhelming situation of there .
Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that dreams that seem impossible can be realised with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are.The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice…it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express. It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window. And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.
The LORD is with us !
-:) Hugs !!!
Yes, the Lord is with us!
Hugs back to you as well.
What an amazing piece you have written, and an amazing story told by Debby Alten. You have touched my day.
Our prayers are with those in Haiti.
Our prayers are also with the poor and homeless children.
God bless.
Mary, excellent blogging tips and good for speeches, too. I like the solid statement which recommended using “I will” instead of “I might,” which is such a habit of mine. You watch. I will this into practice. Another one of my habits is saying “I am going to…” I wonder how that would look diagrammed. 🙂
Aside from the English composition lesson, I like the thought of letting go of invisible boundaries. Thanks for the great thoughts to ponder.
Have a great weekend.
I used to get excellent annual reviews from my boss. Invariably, though, I normally received a lower score in the area of displaying confidence. On occasion, I asked for examples, or thoughts on how to improve. If I were to be in those same shoes again I would know what to do. Confidence is not something that can be taught. A peson can feel confident, yet, display a lack of it. Body language and chosen words are very important.
Thank you, Debbie!
This is a great article!!! So true & inspireing.
Hello, Stacey! Good luck with your upcoming CNA testing!
Enjoyed the blogging tips. Hope to get caught up on my reading this weekend.
I am behind too, Susan. There are so many I love to read.
Enjoy your weekend!
Very informative post, Mary!
Thanks for reminding me to “Pay Attention”!
Thank you, Becky! Best wishes for your new class. Moving ahead, positive in 2010!