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Interview of a Christian in business: Susie Glennan

Q. Tell us a little about yourself, Susie.

I was born in Hollywood, CA and it’s not glamorous as everyone thinks. LOL I’ve been happily married since 1982. I have three children who I home schooled for about 8 years (part of the time while running a day care) and I’m the President of The Busy Woman, Inc.

When I was 25 yrs old, I came to Christ and became a Messianic Jew. When I was little I spent 5 – 6 days per week at synagogue and sang on the Bema (pulpit). I wanted to be a boy so I could wear what the men wore (such as a tallith and yarmulka) and sing on the Bema. I learned early on that enthusiasm for something can very well get you something that is otherwise impossible. Being a child with a LOT of enthusiasm for singing hymns helped to get me up on the Bema. {wink}

In 7th grade I met a girl who was a Christian. Unfortunately she was in a church that made you give up all of your worldly possessions and the more people you brought into the church, the farther up the ladder you got. I didn’t know this at the time so when she gave me my first booklet called Our Daily Bread, I cherished it, keeping it under my mattress and reading it fervently asking God to show Himself to me. There were lots of people in my path for many years, planting God’s seeds. It took me getting married and moving next door to Christians to finally learn and get to the place where I accepted Christ. Hubby was Catholic and I would ask him questions but after answering me off and on for years he said, “This is too important for me to mess up and I don’t have all of the right answers, so you need to speak with one of the leaders.” I did and here I am. {smile}

Q. How long have you been a Christian and what does Christianity mean to you, especially where business is involved?

I’ve been a Christian since 1989. It means EVERYTHING to me in every area of my life! Business is filled with ups and downs that frankly can devastate a person. If I didn’t have Christ in my life I’d either be out of biz or on meds. LOL It’s daily prayer, trust in Him, guidance from Him and so much more. How I treat people and feel about them has everything to do with my relationship with Jesus Christ.

Serving Him is all I desire and when money becomes the main focus because we have to pay the bills, I don’t feel Him like I do when I focus on sharing the gospel and reaching out to others.

Q. What is your primary website and if you have others, can you tell us a little about each site, the goals and purpose for each site.

www.thebusywoman.com is my main website. The Busy Woman’s Daily Planner made such a difference in my life that I bought the company so I could expand it, have a life long business helping others while helping to support my family. Other goals/purposes are to help women find a planner that fits with their personality, spend less money doing it, and offer awesome products that just about everyone needs.

I really didn’t set out to be in business. I needed this product and it was invaluable to me. As I used it others would tell me everywhere I went that they just had to have one, whether that was one of our purses or day planners.I also own www.funpurses.net that offers key finders and casual, every day purses. It is my fun, whimsical site. If it makes money that would be awesome, but it’s not our bread and butter.

Q. How important is it for a business owner to have a Web site?

I would say on a scale of 1 – 100, 98% in importance, even for a company who only serves their local community.So many people use the internet like they use the yellow pages. If you put your personality and information on a website, it could bring in more business than the company who doesn’t have one. I frequently use the internet to find a website about a business to research the company.

Q. What are some of the perks and pitfalls of running a business online?

Perks:

• Allows you to reach and service more people, world wide.
• Gives the business owner everything in writing.
• Helps automate your business in a different way than when you have to do it by hand in person.
• Flexible hours
  

Pitfalls:

• It’s less personal between customer and business.
• Can give you more business than you can handle.
• Your server can go down or you could have technical difficulties.

Q. What are your favorite resources for business owners (offline & online)?

Filemaker Pro database software
U-PIC Insurance
Constant Contact has been amazing for me!

Offline is UPS. I love UPS because they take very good care of me locally. It’s all about developing a relationship with your local office.

Q. What advice would you give to a Christian Business Owner concerning promoting their Internet Business?

Take it slow and easy.

Do your homework. Most women do trial and error and that is not good. Figure out with a mentor what your target market is. Don’t give away trade secrets.

If you get contacted by a magazine, do NOT tell anyone until it comes out. Often times the segment is cancelled. Find one or two trusted others to confide in and team up with. And it’s not rude to get them to sign a confidentiality notice either. It’s a wise business decision. If they are true friends, they will do it without batting an eye.

Busy Woman, Inc. gives you back time that would ultimately be wasted otherwise. You will not be a slave to your planner. YOU are the one who writes what is inside. Day Planners, Purses, Car & Home Organizers, Memory Books, and other gifts can be found at http://www.thebusywoman.com

Interview of a Christian in business: Julie Miller

December 2006

Name: Julie Miller
Business: Little Girls’ Pearls

Q. Tell us a little about yourself, Julie.

A. I am married to my high school sweetie; we have been married for over 11 years now! Time has certainly flown. We have been blessed with two boys, ages 5 and 2. They bring joy, laughter, adventure, energy and noise to my life! They certainly keep me hopping and bless me every single day. We live in a lovely little town on the Central Coast of California . It’s known as the city of murals in the valley of flowers. It’s a wonderful place to raise kiddos. We are beginning our Homeschool journey, and while it’s been a bumpy road I know God will bless this time with our boys. My favorite things to do are play with my kids, walk on the beach and work in the garden. I am so blessed to be home to play with my kids, live 8 miles from the beach and live in a temperate climate so I can garden all year long!

Q. How long have you been a Christian and what does Christianity mean to you, especially where business is involved?

I grew up in a Christian home and attended a Christian school as a child. I dedicated my life to Christ in Junior High at a camp retreat. I truly feel that as a Christian businesswoman I have the responsibility to not only run an honest business but to treat each customer as the special child of God that they are. My signature line of “autumn blessings” (or whatever the season happens to be) is not just a quippy one liner. I openly discuss my faith with my customers on a regular basis. I truly believe that we work-at-home-Christan-mamas have a huge responsibility to be sure that our emails, our website and our orders always reflect the Lord and his grace and mercy.

Q. What is your primary website and if you have others, can you tell us a little about each site, the goals and purpose for each site.

I have two websites. Little Girls’ Pearls http://www.littlegirlspearls.com/ is my newer venture. It turned 1 last month. The purpose of my LGP site is to create heirloom keepsakes that will be passed down from generation to generation. I love the idea of giving the gift of a baptism bracelet to your little one which will in turn be used in her bouquet at her wedding and then passed down to her little one. I find that the material things that I want to hold onto are items that have a family history to them. I feel blessed that I may be in some way part of helping a family start a family tradition.

Jules http://www.julesjewelry.com/ has been around for about 7 years now. I had my 4 year online anniversary in September. I created Jules because I wanted to design jewelry with meaning. I always find that things I love have a special meaning to me. So I design and create each piece custom to order. My signature is my trademark handmade heart dangle charm, but I also offer other pieces as well. Many of my pieces are mothers, grandmothers, family or sister pieces. We are blessed with so many loved ones around us, that sometimes it is nice to celebrate that bond with a visual, tangible item. I always keep one of my little handmade hearts in my pocket or purse to remind me of the bountiful blessings that surround me each and every day. Even on days when it seems life is falling apart around me, I know that God is blessing me even through tragedy. It’s sometimes nice to have a physical reminder of God’s mercy and blessings.

Q. How important is it for a business owner to have a Web site?

This completely depends on your market. I do not have a brick & mortar store and no longer do craft fairs, so a website is my only storefront. I feel that even if you are a brick & mortar store or only do craft fairs; it is still nice to have a website to connect with your customers even if it is for informational purposes only. I am a very internet driven person…I will sooner go to the www to find a name, address or phone number than I will the phone book. I love to look up information, about us, products and services on the web because I can usually find such great detail, advice and information via company websites. It seems that the more I know about a company, the more I trust them. The more comfortable I am with a company, the more likely I will be to purchase something from that company.

Q. What are some of the perks and pitfalls of running a business online?

There are so many great perks, but the wahm world also seems to also be laden with pitfalls as well. I adore the new friends I have made in other wahms and customers that I would never have met if I had not been online. I love that I can write off all of my jewelry findings, fabulous beads and fun technology stuff off my taxes. The best part is being able to stay home with my boys. I never miss a first! I never miss a hug, a snuggle, a kiss or a picture. I am here to kiss scraped knees, put my little one down for his nap, Homeschool, go for walks, visit the park, run around wild at the beach, go on picnics…everything. I am here because I have an online business and my office hours are completely flexible around my kids and their needs. I am also here for my husband when he needs me. I am able to focus on his needs as well as the needs of my boys. I also have the option to close my business for a vacation. One very nice thing about being an online business is that my overhead is so very low compared to that of a brick & mortar store. There are so many lovely “perks” to being an online business owner.

Pitfalls… I find that sometimes my business seems to take priority over my family. There are times, especially during the holiday rush, that I have to work until 2 or 3 in the morning just to keep my head above water. There are times my boys have to wait until I finish a business call or finish packaging up an order for me to play with them. I hate to admit it, but my house is not always the pristine lovely house I’d like it to be. There are times that business stuff gets my grumpy, but this is true of all work. There are times I am not considered a “real” business because I am only online, which hurts my heart because I work so hard at it.

Another pitfall that actually has its upside is that as a wahm of an online business, I’ve become a “Jill of all trades”. God has blessed me with the resources that I have needed to learn to design my own jewelry, as well as be a printer, web designer, marketer, advertising guru, secretary, receptionist, accountant, tax person, chauffeur, deal finder, web master and more! It seems that every time something new comes up, I think to myself that I’d really love to find someone to pay to just do it for me…but in the end it seems that God gives me the resources I need to do the things that need to be done myself. God is good…no matter how overwhelming life seems to get, God is always there lifting me up if I am just able to look to HIM for my guidance, support and help that I need. It’s when I rely on my own actions that I stumble.

Q. What are your favorite resources for business owners (offline & online)

Web Host: Wahmshoppes.com
Search Engine Optimization: GNC Web Creations
Printing: Expressions On Paper

Q. What advice would you give to a Christian Business Owner concerning promoting their Internet Business?

Always do what you know in your heart is right. Pray daily and ask God to guide you.

Think of a business that you shop from and love…how is their customer service? What are their products like? How is their packaging? What type of advertising campaigns do they use? Always market your business in a professional manner and never compromise your beliefs for a sale.

Trading links with other sites that you feel your customers would love is an excellent and free way to advertise. I have spent a LOT of advertising dollars over the years and I have to say have seen very little from it. I have found that the best things that I have done for promoting my business are ~ word of mouth advertising (which you can’t really do on your own, the customer just has to like you), great packaging, good customer service, a nice variety of products that change and grow to meet the needs of my customers. Basically just make your package look like something YOU would like to open.

The word of mouth advertising from good customer service, good packaging and quality products will far outweigh any paid advertising (usually, at least in my experience).

Get Off-line!

Really! If you want to be successful in business... get off-line!

After a full day of work, it was time for a period of reading and reflecting on my businesses. Ready for bed, I curled up with one of my favorite newsletters, The WC (The Print Newspaper for the Work at Home Community.) There was an article written by Alice Seba of InternetBasedMoms.com entitled, "Can Your Passion Really Be Your Business?" Alice made some very profound statements when she penned, "Unfortunately, not all passions can become profitable businesses, so you always need to do your research." Ha! Did she ever hit the nail on the head. She also said, "You must reach a target market that is passionate about their interest or desperately need to solve a problem."

This got me to thinking about my niche: The Christian Business Community. I sincerely believe that this is a viable niche market and yes, it is my primary passion. However, this is not a easy market to pursue, especially on-line!

If you do your research about the "Christian business community" online, there is little to work with. Of course there are a lot of prayer and encouragement groups but none that seriously focus on business alone - as a Christian in Business.

Why you ask? Great question. Most of the people I've talked to indicate they have a challenge with promoting their business as a Christian in business. This is due to the fact that they fear the possibility of losing potential customers due to their spiritual preference. Another myth is, it's not good to mix religion and business. No one has ever said you had to, that is, mix religion and business. Simply put. It is a matter of principle. Biblically based principles. Like integrity, credibility, positive attitudes and most of all, prayer.

Since this seems to be a major concern for a huge percentage of on-line Christians in business, it's time to get off-line.

And I have!

It is amazing! 100% of the people I've talked to off-line, are unafraid! They are not intimidated by what people think about religion & business. As a matter of fact, they were excited at the possibilities of bringing their businesses on-line - as a Christian in business.

There you have it! If you're having a challenge on-line, get off-line! Research networking groups and mixers. Place ads in your community newsletter and submit press releases! Get the word out - off-line that is!

If you struggle with moving forward with your business, I encourage you to get "The Confidence to Act." Featuring, Alice Seba, Leesa Barnes, Lynne Kippel and yours truly, Regina Baker.

Until next time, "in all your getting, GET understanding!"

Regina Baker Copyright 2005

Christians TALK Business!

We're networking, selling products and services and... TALKING about it!

The Christian Business Community is making it's mark online with...

Christian Business Talk Radio!

It's about time! The Christian Business Community is networking! We're talking, and talking about business. Christian Business Talk Radio is Hosted & Co-Founded by Regina Baker, owner of Christians In Business.com.

"We're making our mark in the industry", Baker says. Her goal is to put the Christian Business Community on the map by interviewing Christians who are in business and newbies as well.

Baker says, "Christians DO have a place in the market place. We work, we have businesses as well as dreams and goals like anyone else. We are, an entity to be reckoned with. I have a dream that one day Christians in business will be recognized in it's own "target market." We will be established business owners and contribute "openly" to the business world."

For additional information and to subscribe to the Free eNews, visit:
Christian Business Talk Radio!

A Stranger's Voice

If God said it, then I BELIEVE it!

Have you ever wondered why when you talk to another Christian, their conversations are sometimes more negative than a non-believer?

I know when I call on a friend for encouragement, that's exactly what I want encouragement, direction and scripture to help me overcome my current dilemma. Don't you? I mean who wants to talk with someone that will further beat them down by depressing them even more?

Like, "wow, that's horrible," or "Girl, you can't do that!." I've seen so many times where People give praise reports on health, family, fianances and business and someone will reply with negativity about the "what if's" and "the world just isn't like that," comments.

God is bigger than the world!

He declares that "greater is He that is within you, than he that is in the world."

I'm not so holier than thou to think that some things aren't suppose to be. BUT, if a person tells me that God blessed them, then who am I to say otherwise? If God brought it to you, He'll bring you through it!

Our attitude is the largest contributor to what we say and do. Our thoughts determine our actions and believe it or not, people want to be associated with positive, encouraging and integrity based individuals.

Christian means to be "Christ like." Christ didn't have a bad attitude, He didn't speak negative words into the lives of those He was in contact with. He was a Motivator, a peace maker and a teacher.

Psalms 125:1 reads: "Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever."

Therefore remember, the next time you're talking to a fellow Christian, make sure you speak the words of encouragement they long for! Make sure you're the confirmation they receive after praying and reading the bible.

For those of you who seek widsom, understanding, faith, encouragement and belief... consider the voice you listen to, because a stranger's voice is any voice that disagrees with Jesus' voice in your life.

Biblical Reference: John 10:4

Author: Regina Baker, Copyright 2005

Why a Mastermind Group Will Help Increase Your Bottom Line Results

For years I've looked for ways to be successful as well as profitable on the Internet. Don't be fooled into thinking that it doesn't take research, probing, and most of all patience! One thing I've realized the most is creating relationships and networking creates a wealth of knowledge. It's not all about the "mighty sell" method either. If you are not willing to network to create a friendship first, you are in for a long haul.

If I may be straightforward, you have got to be teachable, coachable and trainable in order to be successful with anything you set out to do.

FACT: Some people are not willing to do what it takes to succeed.

FACT: Some people believe that they know it all and can do it ALL by themselves.

FACT: Some people are being blindly led based on the success of someone else and not their own success because they're too lazy to get the knowledge for themselves.

TRUTH: Knowledge is only power when the knowledge is applied to the task.

Are you STUCK and FRUSTRATED?

"There is synergy of energy, commitment, and excitement that participants bring to a MasterMind Group. The beauty of MasterMind Groups is that participants raise the bar by challenging each other to create and implement goals, brainstorm ideas, and support each other with total honesty, respect and compassion." Karyn Greenstreet

Get a SNEAK PEEK at what a Mastermind Session is!

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Why should you?

Because this Mastermind Group will allow you the opportunity to learn about what you don't know! These are a group of very knowledgeable and internet savvy individuals who know exactly what to do to produce results! I mean, this is why we're online right? To be successful?

Don't let this opportunity pass you by because you've been bombarded and perhaps you're now in an information overload frenzy.

My Story

I joined Mom Masterminds a year ago and stopped attending because I had too much on my plate - well, too much off the wrong stuff that is. I was working my buns off and nothing seemed to work! So, I re-evaluated my bottom line and got rid of the things that didn't work for me.

Then I remembered!

MomMasterminds!

I began to reflect back on the advice, resources and tips that Alice, Kelly, Nell and Lynette shared while I was in the Mastermind Group! I applied some of those techniques and it worked! To make a long story short, my business has never been the same.

FACT: The wrong information stagnates your growth.

TRUTH: Never let the challenges and struggles of the past determine your future!

Get your FREE Sneak Peek TODAY and make your own informed decision!

See you SOON!