Entrepreneur's philoSophie's:

Our small businesses really need to focus on creativity, differentiation and price points that aren’t cutting profit margins to where we may be struggling to meet our business needs to make a sale.

With early-bird specials and the fierce price points the big box stores are offering, it’s a tough environment. This philoSophie’s sets a humorous tone to have a strategy and focus, while not being so hard on ourselves we can’t enjoy the holidays while running a business in this economy.

Wednesday begins the anticipation of the weekend and lets the mind begin to wander from work just for a few moments to plan for the weekend.

Have a nice rest of the week.
~ Joanna

I wanted to share the story of Welles Remy Crowther. Welles was an amazing man who lost his life to save others in the South Tower on 9/11. His legacy lives on through the Welles Remy Crowther Red Bandanna Run. I did not have the privilege to know Welles. I was moved by his story of compassion and heroism when his sister Paige made me aware of the annual run held today in his honor.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read his story and learn about the Welles’ Charitable Trust. Visit redbandannarun.com. The trust was established by the Crowther family to honor and keep Welles’ memory alive through good works benefiting young people.

I think we all move along in our daily lives a bit more ambitiously when we recognize and make a conscious effort to remember others’ sacrifice, passion, and courage and work to emulate these characteristics in our everyday actions.

~ Joanna

Happy Labor Day!

Are you a fellow night owl trying to check off just one more to-do on your lengthy list?

Join the crew!
Joanna

CollegeCrunch.org is a very informative website. This article, “25 Skills and Classes Necessary to Become a Great Entrepreneur”, is a great resource if you’re an entrepreneur, either as a checks-and-balance exercise or to share with someone eager to become an entrepreneur.

The article reminded me of my first post on WomenEntrepreneur.com more than two years ago. Building a network is a big part of entrepreneurship, but keeping the network strong and reliable is what matters. I am a big believer in karma and I think much of philoSophie’s success has been from keeping true to my initial plans for the company and learning to let others more qualified do the work that I wasn’t able to handle on my own. Constantly evaluating, leveraging and networking are three big contributors to successfully pursue your passion.

a full work week after a long weekend is always so tough to get through . . . don’tcha think?

Almost TGIF!

Have a great weekend,
Joanna

With the $8,000 credit for first-time homebuyers and low mortgage rates, first-time homebuyers are snatching up some great starter homes. Recently I had close friends of mine buy their first homes. In hearing about their packing experiences it made me think of this philoSophie’s.

I know when I remove myself from the clutter of tangible things, I breathe a sigh of relief and appreciate the life I live for the great amount of love, joy and friendships I have.

I guess sometimes we should look “inside the box” and see what we pack for ourselves.

~ Joanna

“You kin do it!”…. I hope so, Dunkin’ Donuts!

Happy Monday!
Joanna

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies

~ Moina Michael

Thank you to all the men and women who protect our freedom ~ Joanna

Joining a Walk fundraiser is a simple way to give back to our community. In designing this year’s Peninsula SPCA’s Walk logo, I learned a little goes a long ways when it comes to even a $1 donation. Below is Amy of the SPCA’s fundraiser link if interested in learning more.

www.firstgiving.com/Sophiescause2009

$1 buys a blanket to keep a cat or dog cozy in his or her cage.

$5 provides toys and treats for one homeless pet.

$10 pays for one feline leukemia test.

$15 provides meals, water and treats for one homeless pet.

$25 provides flea treatment for a cat and dog.

$50 vaccinates 40 dogs for kennel cough.

$100 pays for the cost of one spay/neuter surgery.

$250 pays for one homeless pet’s care at the Peninsula SPCA, including vaccinations,
spay/neuter surgery and food.

This year every dollar counts and–thanks to a generous sponsor–every dollar is matched.

As a business owner, becoming a table captain for a luncheon, team leader for a walk, or giving time or talent is a great way to share news of your business and do good!

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day.
~ Joanna

Although not a MOM yet, I hope to think I’ll be a great one.

I know you would never forget that Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th. ;0)

Have a great day!
Joanna