1. Look Over Your Shoulder – Of course, Punxsutawney Phil has to look over his to search for his shadow. You should, too, every so often, to check out your competition... and see whether they're gaining on (or leading) you.
2. Be Unique – While groundhogs normally live six to eight years, legend says there is only one Phil, and he's been making predictions for more than 118 years. Think about why your small business stands out, and let the world know your special (and truthful) story.
3. Create An Event – Folks gathering in Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day also enjoy the 2nd Annual Phil's "Anything Goes" Chili and Wings Cook-off, 7th Annual Woodchuck Whittle and Crowning of Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog. Find opportunities to celebrate with your customers and community.
4. Expand Your Offerings – As you might guess, there are plenty of Phil collectibles for sale, including a Ty Beanie Red Tie version. Think of ways to capture more of your customers'/clients' business by providing more high-value products/services for them.
5. Be Resourceful – The majority of "Groundhog Day" was shot 600 miles away in Woodstock, Illinois, because Punxsutawney didn't have an appropriate town square. Look for creative ways to find answers to your business challenges.
6. Think Small – Punxsutawney is a community that maintains its small-town lifestyle. Remember to always treat your clients/customers like you live in their neighborhoods.
7. Act Big – Over the years, Phil met President Reagan, appeared on Oprah and gave his prediction on the big screen in Times Square. Just because you're a small business doesn't mean you have to act like one.
8. Spread The Word – In 1887, the editor of the local paper proclaimed Phil the one and only official weather prognosticating groundhog, and newspapers from around the globe soon began reporting his predictions. Be sure to let the media know what exciting things you're doing.
9. Involve Your Whole Team – The Groundhog Club Inner Circle, which carries on the tradition of Phil – including taking care of him and planning events – consists of local dignitaries. Invite all of your employees to share with you in setting and achieving goals for your small business.
10. Have Fun – Think about it... all these people paying attention to a groundhog? Remember to find moments to celebrate, laugh and enjoy the good things in your life.
11. Get Plenty Of Rest – While hibernating in winter isn't an option, take advantage of opportunities to rejuvenate. It will make you more effective in the long run.
Copyright © 2005 by Success Handler, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Coach, David Handler, is the founder of Success Handler, (http://www.successhandler.com), and specializes in helping small business leaders find clarity and take action. He understands the challenges of running a business, because he's been there – as a small business owner, franchisee, franchisor, corporate leader and trainer. Much like sports coaches, his coaching will show you how to compete on a level playing field in your industry.
Maternity Clothing - What Every Woman Needs To Know About Maternity Clothes
Let's face it: maternity clothing is ugly and expensive. Since most women don't need to wear maternity clothes until the second trimester, at most you'll only be getting six months of use out of those ugly $200 overalls to cover your ever expanding stomach. I couldn't bring myself to spend thousands of dollars on a new wardrobe when I already felt so ugly, so I resorted to making my own for as long as possible. For example, I really didn't want to buy old lady underwear that would cover me from my belly button to the tops of my thighs. They were hot and uncomfortable anyway, but there aren't many sexy maternity panties around.
Maternity Photography Specialist Chosen By Miss America 2002 Katie Harmon
There are a lot of photographers that serve Vancouver, Washington and surrounding cities, the Greater Portland, Oregon area, and Orange County, California.
Nearly all of them will claim that they too do maternity photography. However, even a brief search shows that preciously few specialize in this … and only one has been garnered with praise, appeared in eight top publications, and has their work displayed as art in locations as diverse as maternity clinics to yoga centers. Only one has been chosen to be the exclusive family photographer for Katie Hamrom (Miss America 2002).
Plus Size Maternity Clothes Now Easier To Find
It used to be a challenge to be a pregnant plus-size woman. Fortunately both local stores and online shops now stock plus size maternity clothes. If you look carefully you also should be able to find good sales on maternity clothes that will help you maintain a budget. Keep in mind that, after all, these are only temporary clothes.
Maternity Jeans - What You Should Know
Pregnant moms who become plus sized, love maternity jeans, as they do not want to miss out on the comfort of denim, while their abdomen is expanding for the developing baby. You will find that till about the fourth month or the second trimester, regular plus size jeans can be worn.
Maternity Clothes For The Plus Size Woman
Being pregnant is one of the most joyous and happy times in a woman's life, although having to buy plus size maternity clothes is certainly something no woman really looks forward to. Having to buy plus sized clothes is bad enough, but plus sized clothes with room for a huge belly? Forget about it, right? Luckily, there are some fabulous plus size maternity clothes out there that are fashionable and can make you look great, no matter how plus sized or pregnant you may happen to be. Who said big girls can't look great in their clothes? Plus sized maternity fashions just got that much cooler!
Selecting Your Plus Size Maternity Work Clothes Wardrobe
Around the three or four month mark of your pregnancy you will want to buy some maternity clothes that are appropriate for wearing to work. Many women now work almost up until their baby is born and they want to look professional at work. When your clothes start to feel a little tight you should start thinking about purchasing maternity clothes.
Brand New Leather & Plus Size Lingerie & Kama Sutra Products
Any Size Lingerie has just added over 400 new leather & Plus Size lingerie products including men's under garments and briefs that are in leather and fishnet combinations. Any Size Lingerie also added over 200 women's leather lingerie outfits that are available to view online and most come in a variety of options in sizes and some in color including red leather and black leather choices.
Beautiful Plus Size Clothing is Available for the Sexy Full Size Women
America is known for its population of larger people. Men and women alike have a hard time finding plus size clothing that is in style. Though the population of the country is larger, the fashion industry is more revolved around those who are teeny tiny. This may affect both men and women but none worse than the beautiful plus sized women.
Plus Size Lingerie: Stylish & Sexy Lingerie
Back in the day, plus-size women had little hopes in terms of finding sexy plus-size lingerie. Most of the material was uncomfortable and the varieties available were less than perfect. Finding seductive lingerie for a plus-size woman became an unfeasible undertaking.
Fashionable Designer Lingerie and Branded Lingerie
Beauty of a woman is a matchless attribute; with nothing to surpass it. So long a time there have been the existence of women in this world, there have been lingerie's as well. This fashion serving luxury undergarment expresses her beauty loving feminine personality, apart from the basic need of supporting her physique. Though the word 'lingerie' normally describes both male and female undergarments, the term is commonly used to refer woman's intimate wear. Lingerie is a broad term and includes garments like bras, panties, stockings, thongs, garters, peignoirs, sheer night gowns, and exotic night wears