Tag: Business

Why Written Planners Outshine Digital Planners

Posted on by johnson5publishing

In today’s digital world, where practically everything has been digitized, there’s one tool that continues to stand the test of time: the written planner. While digital planners are often praised for their convenience and accessibility, written planners offer unique benefits that can enhance organization, focus, and even creativity in ways digital tools may struggle to match. Here’s why sticking to a written planner may just be the best choice for staying on top of your goals and tasks.

1. Better Retention and Recall

Writing by hand has been shown to improve memory retention. The process of putting pen to paper engages multiple areas of the brain, making it easier to remember what you’ve written. Studies indicate that this tactile engagement with information helps to process it more deeply. So, if you’re someone who struggles to remember tasks and deadlines, the act of writing it down in a physical planner may reinforce your goals, making it easier to recall important tasks.

2. Reduced Digital Fatigue

Digital fatigue is a real phenomenon. Constantly switching between apps, scrolling, and staring at screens can lead to burnout and reduce productivity. A written planner provides a break from screen time, helping to minimize the strain on your eyes and giving you a moment to recharge. By using a physical planner, you can escape the digital clutter and focus on your plans without the distraction of notifications or endless tabs.

3. Enhanced Creativity and Personalization

One of the most enjoyable parts of using a written planner is the ability to make it your own. With pens, highlighters, stickers, or washi tape, you can add color, doodles, or inspirational quotes that make planning a more personal and creative experience. This customization not only makes organizing more enjoyable but also helps reinforce your goals and routines. Whether it’s a bullet journal or a traditional weekly planner, creating a layout that resonates with you can boost your motivation and keep you engaged.

4. Greater Sense of Accomplishment

There’s something satisfying about physically checking off a completed task. Unlike tapping a screen, the physical act of crossing something off your list gives a sense of completion and achievement. This feeling of accomplishment reinforces productivity, making it easier to build momentum and stay on track. It’s a small but significant ritual that digital planners often lack, and it’s one that keeps many people returning to their paper planners year after year.

5. Better Focus and Reduced Distractions

When you’re using a digital planner, you’re typically on a device that’s also loaded with distractions: social media apps, emails, messages, and notifications all competing for your attention. A written planner removes these distractions entirely, allowing you to concentrate solely on what you need to get done. With a paper planner, there’s no “ping” to lure you away from your focus. The simplicity and singular purpose of a written planner can increase mindfulness and help you concentrate on your most important goals.

6. Easier on the Eyes and the Mind

Spending long hours on screens can strain our eyes and even impact sleep. Written planners offer a respite from this constant screen exposure, giving your eyes a break and reducing overall stress. The gentle colors of ink on paper are often less stimulating than the bright glare of a screen, which can be beneficial for those with sensory sensitivities or those who work long hours online.

7. Enhanced Planning with Physical Space

One of the overlooked benefits of a written planner is the way it engages spatial memory. Seeing all your tasks and goals laid out on a physical page offers a unique sense of scope and scale. This can be especially helpful for visual learners who need to see their tasks in context. Physical space constraints can also prevent over-scheduling, reminding you to be realistic about your time and energy.

8. A Timeless and Reliable Tool

Written planners don’t require Wi-Fi, batteries, or software updates. They are always ready to use, immune to technical glitches and outages. For those who enjoy a bit of simplicity, the reliability of a written planner is a major advantage. Knowing that your planner won’t crash or lose your information can bring a peace of mind that technology can’t always provide.

Final Thoughts

While digital planners have their place and can certainly be helpful for certain tasks, written planners offer a set of benefits that go beyond simple organization. They promote memory retention, encourage creativity, provide a refreshing break from screens, and help reinforce a sense of accomplishment. For those looking to bring more mindfulness, focus, and personal touch to their organization methods, there’s something special about the time-honored tradition of writing it down. If you are looking for a great planner that cover’s you 365 days a year with encouragement every step of the way, check out our authors bookshelf for Tomorrow’s Seed Daily Planners available in paperback and hardcover.

Discover Transparent Pricing with SMN Web Services!

Posted on by johnson5publishing

At SMN Web Services, we believe in complete transparency and honesty in all our dealings. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Upfront Pricing model, designed to make your experience smooth, predictable, and stress-free.

What is Upfront Pricing?

Upfront Pricing means that you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for before any work begins. No hidden fees, no surprise charges, just clear and honest pricing.

Why Choose Upfront Pricing?

  1. Clarity and Transparency:
    • Get a detailed quote that breaks down every aspect of the service.
    • Understand where your money is going and what value you’re receiving.
  2. Budget-Friendly:
    • Plan your expenses with confidence, knowing there won’t be unexpected costs.
    • Choose the services that fit your budget without compromising on quality.
  3. Trust and Reliability:
    • Build a relationship with a service provider that values honesty.
    • Gain peace of mind knowing that what you see is what you get.

How It Works

  1. Consultation:
    • Discuss your needs with our experts by completing a free needs assessment.
    • Get a customized service plan tailored to your requirements.
  2. Detailed Packages:
    • Receive a package suggestion detailing every aspect of the service.
    • Review and approve the package before any work begins.
  3. No Surprises:
    • Pay the agreed amount, with no hidden fees or additional charges.
    • Enjoy high-quality services delivered on time and within budget.

Services We Offer

  • Website Design & Development
  • SEO & Digital Marketing
  • Web Hosting & Maintenance
  • E-Commerce Solutions
  • Custom Web Applications

Why SMN Web Services?

With years of experience and a team of dedicated professionals, SMN Web Services is committed to providing top-notch services that meet your unique needs. Our Upfront Pricing model is just one of the ways we ensure our clients enjoy a hassle-free experience.

Get Started Today!

Visit our website to complete your free needs assessment and view the different packages. Experience the difference of transparent pricing with SMN Web Services – where honesty and quality come together.

SMN Web Services
Your Trusted Partner in Digital Solutions

Contact Us:

  • Email: info@smnwebservices.com
  • Phone: (704) 380-0723

Introducing Business Suite by SMN Web Services

Posted on by johnson5publishing

Introducing Business Suite by SMN Web Services: A Comprehensive Solution for Modern Entrepreneurs

SMN Web Services is thrilled to unveil its latest innovation, Business Suite, designed to revolutionize the way entrepreneurs manage their presence. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Business Suite provides a comprehensive toolkit to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive business growth.

Business Suite offers a suite of integrated tools and services that is custom designed and tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern entrepreneurs, from startups to established enterprises. Key features include:

Printing Services: Impress clients and prospects with professionally crafted business cards, flyers, and marketing materials that exude credibility and professionalism.

Copyright Services: Basic claims submitted include literary works, visual arts works, performing arts works, sound recordings, motion pictures, and single serial issues.

Automotive Marketing: Turn your daily commute into a marketing opportunity! With professionally designed car decals or magnets and increase brand visibility.

Logo Work: Let us help you create a visual identity that commands attention and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

“We are excited to launch Business Suite and empower entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed” said Tammy Johnson, CEO of SMN Web Services. “With Business Suite, businesses can focus on what they do best while we take care of the rest.”

Experience the power of Business Suite and take your business to new heights. To learn more, visit (smnwebservices.com) (https://businesssuite.smnwebservices.com/)

About SMN Web Services: SMN Web Services is a provider of web development, digital marketing, and e-commerce solutions for businesses of all sizes. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, SMN Web Services helps entrepreneurs thrive in the digital marketplace.

Get Your Idea or Brand Online and Functioning in 24 Hours

Posted on by johnson5publishing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Author Tammy M. Johnson Unveils New Ebook: “Get Your Idea or Brand Online and Functioning in 24 Hours”

CHARLOTTE, NC 12/31/2023 – Tammy M. Johnson, a seasoned expert in digital entrepreneurship, is excited to announce the release of her latest ebook, “Get Your Idea or Brand Online and Functioning in 24 Hours.” This comprehensive guide is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals looking to establish a strong online presence quickly and efficiently.

In a world that values speed and efficiency, Tammy M. Johnson’s ebook provides a step-by-step blueprint for transforming ideas into tangible online realities. With years of experience in the digital landscape, Johnson’s insights offer practical advice to navigate the complexities of establishing an online presence without the need for extensive technical expertise.

Key Features of “Get Your Idea or Brand Online and Functioning in 24 Hours” include:

  1. Rapid Deployment Strategies: Learn time-tested techniques to launch your idea or brand online within a day.
  2. User-Friendly Platforms: Discover user-friendly tools and platforms that simplify the process, making it accessible for everyone.
  3. Essential Online Elements: Uncover the crucial components needed for a successful online presence, from website creation to social media integration.
  4. Marketing on a Budget: Gain insights into cost-effective marketing strategies to reach your target audience without breaking the bank.
  5. Troubleshooting Tips: Overcome common challenges with expert troubleshooting tips to keep your online venture running smoothly.

Tammy M. Johnson’s expertise shines through in this ebook, providing readers with a practical and actionable guide to realize their online aspirations. Whether you’re a startup founder or an individual with a passion project, “Get Your Idea or Brand Online and Functioning in 24 Hours” equips you with the knowledge to make a swift impact in the digital realm.

The ebook is available for purchase on Amazon and Kindle. To learn more about Tammy M. Johnson and her digital entrepreneurship insights, visit sunshinemarienetwork.com.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: Johnson Tammy Johnson press@sunshinemarienetwork.com 704-380-0723

About Tammy M. Johnson: Tammy M. Johnson is a seasoned expert in digital entrepreneurship, with a passion for helping individuals and small businesses thrive in the online landscape. With years of hands-on experience, Johnson is committed to sharing her knowledge and insights to empower others to bring their ideas and brands to life on the digital stage. “Get Your Idea or Brand Online and Functioning in 24 Hours” is her latest contribution to the world of digital business education.

The Blk Biz Summit

Posted on by johnson5publishing

101 S. ELM STREET SUITE 3
GREENSBORO, NC 27401

GIVEITTOTHEPEOPLE.COM
GIVEIT2THEPEOPLE@GMAIL.COM

ADVANCING BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP:

DURHAM TECH SBC & GIVE IT TO THE PEOPLE®

PROUDLY PRESENT BLK BIZ SUMMIT 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Durham, NC – July 17, 2023- Give It To The People® is proud to announce its flagship event, the BLK BIZ SUMMIT, a one-day extravaganza designed to enhance the business acumen, connectivity, mentorship, and development of Black Entrepreneurs. This dynamic event is set to take place on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Chesterfield Building located at 701 W. Main Street Durham, NC 27701, generously sponsored by the Durham Tech Small Business Center.

“We are incredibly excited to be hosting the second annual BLK BIZ Summit here at the Durham Tech SBC,” said Jonathan Collins, SBC Director. “We had such a great response last year, and we are planning to make this year’s summit bigger and better to provide the black business community with a bounty of information and resources around finding new ways to do business, curating side hustles, increasing capacity with government contracting, and building relationships with organizations that advocate for small business.”

The BLK BIZ SUMMIT is a premier gathering that seeks to empower aspiring and established Black entrepreneurs across North Carolina. With a commitment to fostering communal resources for business growth both online and in-person, this year’s event promises to deliver insightful and action-oriented sessions that will equip attendees with valuable skills and knowledge.

As part of the BLK BIZ SUMMIT experience, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in high-energy, information-packed sessions aimed at providing tangible takeaways and shop with local Black owned businesses, while gaining mentorship from community partners. Highlights of the event include:
1.Finding New Ways to Do Business

2.Curating Side Hustles

3.Increasing Capacity with Government Contracting

4.Building Relationships with Small Business Advocates

5.Effective Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Brand Online

“We are thrilled to host the BLK BIZ SUMMIT, where we aim to uplift and empower the entrepreneurial spirit within the Black community,” said Chisa Pennix-Brown, the event curator. To secure your spot and register for the BLK BIZ SUMMIT, visit www.blkbizsummit.com. For further information and updates, follow us on social media [@GiveIt2ThePpl] or visit our website www.giveittothepeople.com.

How to Get Help with Your Small Business Plan

Posted on by T Gregory

No one has it all figured out. Being on your own, especially when first composing a business plan, results in a lost opportunity to avoid the mistakes others have already made. You can get a lot of advice in the age of the internet, of course, but finding true help usually takes a bit more effort. When drafting your small business plan, you’ll cover all your bases by getting help through the following avenues!

Find a Mentor

The best and hardest way to find help is personal mentorship. That means not just searching up articles on business strategies and plans, but having a real professional look at your plan and analyze it personally. While you can hire someone, there are lots of ways to do this organically—such as going to local networking events, going to small business development centers, joining a professional or trade association, and even connecting with volunteer mentors through nonprofit organizations such as SCORE. Rebecca Radice recommends networking over social media as well! Really, there are a lot of options and a lot of opportunities to take advantage of, if only you put in the work for it.

Loan Programs

When putting together a business plan, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is funding. If you’re struggling in this area, a great avenue of help are the Small Business Administration (SBA) loans available for most startups. According to Franchise Gator, SBA loans are backed by the government and tend to come with better rates than many banks. While there are many kinds, generally they require a minimum credit score, no recent bankruptcies or foreclosures, and at least a 10% down payment from the business. In return, interest rates are lower, repayment terms are longer, and $30,000 or more is available. This can be a big advantage to a business plan that requires a lot of capital.

Research Professional Advice

While you can’t trust everything the internet tells you, you can find a lot of helpful resources in certain places. Following professionals on social media and subscribing to newsletters and blogs in your field can give you insider knowledge about the industry you’re going into even if you don’t know anyone personally. According to Time Doctor, business podcasts can be extremely helpful as well. You can even take accredited classes online to help you model the perfect business according to your vision.

In the end, it’s up to you to make the best decisions for your startup. Ignoring help is never a smart idea, however. If you’re searching for help with your business plan, look for it in multiple avenues—you never know what resources and programs are out there!

Read next: What New Entrepreneurs Should Think About Before Starting a Business

Why Training Should Be a Top Priority for Your Business

Posted on by T Gregory

Businesses take a lot of work to be successful. No single person or group within the business is typically single-handedly responsible for the level of success a business achieves. It tends to be a group effort, which means that the group needs to be on the same page and prepared for the work that needs to be done. That means that training needs to be a top priority for your business.

Improve Competency

The more competent your employees are, the better their work will be and the better off your business will be. It’s pretty normal for businesses to do some training as a part of the onboarding process, but unless job responsibilities change, that’s often the end of it. The thing is, most, if not all employees would likely do better at their jobs if they were trained on how to improve. It may help to assess employee performance so you can cater the training to their needs.

Improve Safety

Depending on the industry you work in and the type of work your business does, you may benefit greatly from regular safety training. Businesses that work with safety labels especially need to put safety first. Employees need to have a solid handle on what the different aspects of safety labels signify, the risks that they can expect to encounter during the course of their work, and how to deal with them when they do. The more familiar they are with these things, the less frequently you should see accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Improve Culture

The culture you cultivate at your business will impact how well you retain your employees and the experience your customers have with your business. If yours isn’t quite the way you want it to be, training your employees may help improve it. Training meetings give you a chance to make employees aware of your expectations. Knowing what is expected of them is the first step to delivering on those expectations. The next step is to give them the tools they need to meet those expectations, which is where additional training will come into play.

Making training a top priority for your business can provide multiple benefits. It can help improve employee competency, make the workplace safer, and improve the culture of your business. Start identifying what areas of your business would benefit from more in-depth training and setting up some training programs so you can start enjoying the benefits that come from them.

Read this next: Social Media Platforms Your Business Should Be On

Social Media Platforms Your Business Should Be On

Posted on by T Gregory

As more and more people have constant access to the internet, it is increasingly important for businesses to develop multiple online, social media platforms. Nevertheless, you may be feeling slightly overwhelmed with so many different platforms to choose from. Here are three different social media platforms that your business should get on as soon as possible.

Facebook

Facebook is a great option, especially for newly emerging businesses: Facebook is relatively cheap for those without a large marketing budget, and it also allows new business owners to expand their outreach and gain much-needed customers. Furthermore, since Facebook posts can incorporate a variety of different types of media (i.e. videos, pictures, etc.), posting on Facebook can increase customer engagement and help customers learn more about your brand. Encourage customers to leave a positive review of your business on Facebook so that you can increase your brand’s visibility.  

Instagram

Instagram is one of the best influencer platforms because it has over one billion users around the world. It is also the perfect place to connect with the younger generations, which can be especially critical if your services and products are intended for younger populations. Instagram also allows you to embrace the visual elements of marketing. As you develop a business identity on Instagram, be sure to incorporate a lot of videos and photographs that are eye-catching to users. Lastly, Instagram offers many advanced tools for businesses who would benefit from elements such as selling products directly through their profile and auto-publishing.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn may not be the prime space for customer outreach (although it can be, depending on who your audience is), but it is a perfect place for networking and finding potential employees. The more that you expand your professional network, the more you will be given access to potential business opportunities that you may have not otherwise had. Through LinkedIn, you can also monitor your competition and learn from industry experts. Through direct messaging, you can connect with people who may be interested in what your business has to offer. Furthermore, if you need business partners or employees, there is a free job posting option.

Social media is the current best place for businesses to be. Other forms of marketing are being pushed into the past, so you will want to start transitioning your marketing and outreach tactics online as soon as possible. Doing so will provide you with opportunities to engage with your target audience more than you ever were able to before.

Read this next: How to Build a Reputation for Customer Service

Meaningful Steps to Building a Powerful Marketing Strategy

Posted on by T Gregory

Creating a strong marketing strategy takes a lot of preparation and research. Before you can expect customers to enter your business, you have to get the word out that your business exists. Carefully presenting your brand will impact the kinds of customers you have, how you communicate with them, and how easy your product keeps them coming back.

Build Backlinks

One solid way to help people find your products is by building backlinks. Links to your business website from other peoples’ websites can help you get more exposure. Your website should have interesting content that demonstrates how worthwhile your service or product is.

Talk with other companies and see if you can strike a deal. Collaborating with another company can be messy, so you should find a great lawyer who can help you establish the business deal. Consistently refer to other peoples’ websites as a form of advertising, and they will to you as well. This is one great way you can use links in your marketing.

Increase Positive Reviews

Earning positive reviews from customers is the perfect way to expand your company’s reach. Reviews and ratings online play a significant role in your marketing strategy. If your business has a 4+ star rating, more people will be willing to give it a chance. You can also use some of these reviews in your advertisements—especially if they are public figures.

When you receive negative reviews, you shouldn’t ignore them. Instead, you should respond immediately asking what you could do better. This not only will give your business a chance to set things right, but it will also show humility to customers looking into your business.

Be Creative

Any company can make an advertisement. But making an advertisement someone will want to watch is much harder. Because digital media is all the rage, your advertisements need to be quick, informative, and entertaining all at once. It may not score you a buy instantly, but it will create a fun image of your brand.

Work with your writers to create a work environment where bad ideas can be improved. Be extreme with your advertising and tone it down if necessary. Establish an entertaining narrative that anyone could understand. Creative, daring advertisements are the best way to catch someone’s attention.

These steps will improve the marketing strategy you are considering. Building backlinks and working with other companies can increase exposure, positive reviews can build trust, and creativity can establish your brand. Each is important in its own right.

Part of a good marketing strategy is having a professional-looking website. Contact us so we can help you build one!

Top Workplace Standards That Will Enhance Your Business

Posted on by T Gregory

In order to create a safe workplace, certain standards must be implemented and followed. These guidelines, often regulated by government agencies, are in place to provide organized safety for all employees. Other standards that exist may not have anything directly to do with safety, but they exist to protect the employee.

Institute Safety Guidelines

For a place to be deemed as safe, there must be guidelines set up and implemented. These are often called cardinal rules. They ask that every employee adhere to them in order to maintain a safe and efficient working environment. They should often include precautions that have been tested and are established as the safest means possible.

Establishing safety standards keeps people safe, increases efficiency, reduces potential risks, and offers several other important benefits to your company. Leveraging the right resources can help a safety manager easily access the materials needed to create a safe working space.

Create Communication Policies

The news of safety must be spread to all employees. How does one do it, though? The messages must be vibrant, consistent, and informative. The timing of a safety message should be weekly, and they should be discussed in all employee meetings.

Safety communication does not have to be a dry, lifeless piece of information. Make it fun and attention grabbing. Insert quotes from knowledgeable sources regarding employee morale. A communication can use an employee as an example of someone doing something safely. The main message of a safety communication should be relevant and timely.

The Importance of Safety Committees

Safety comes in numbers. A safety committee is, usually, a safety manager and employees who are dedicated and concerned about the safe practices in and around their work environment.

A safety committee is an excellent way to formulate ideas and action. The group can brainstorm ways to communicate safety guidelines and policies to the rest of the employee population. The direction of the safety group should be the benefit of all the employees, keeping in mind that the employees should not be dictated. The policies from a safety committee should be a cooperative effort between managers and employees. The safety committee is a great way to incorporate those efforts.

Safety guidelines are in place to make the work environment a safe and effective place to work. Once the guidelines are implemented, more communication policies can be created through the works of a safety committee.

Read more: How a Wellness Program Benefits Your Business