Debbie's comments

I was expecting business to slow, thinking that people would hold off on making life transitions during rough economic times, but the opposite has been true. For some people (who happen to be my kind of clients), frustration about the economy, the war, global warming, etc. seems to heighten focus on their true priorities in life. They have a fire lit under them to get out of a dead end job or relationship and live a better life. While they may feel powerless to significantly impact national or global issues, they recognize the opportunity to change something they do have control over in their own lives. Interesting to think about. Thanks for the question, Frank.

Thanks for the clarification. Christian's examples with Domino's and Biznik were particularly helpful.

I'm confused about the difference between a USP and a tag line. Is a USP more specific than a tag line and basically a condensed version of your elevator speech?

I'd vote for "femme."

I'm interested in your experiences with hosting tables at events like these. Does it generate significant business? I never had much luck. Met a lot of great people, but no clients as a result. Maybe it's better if you're promoting a product rather than a service?

A book you might enjoy... "Slow Time" by Waverly Fitzgerald, www.schooloftheseasons.com.

From the website: "Slow Time is The Artist's Way for time: a workbook offering twelve weeks of reflections, stories and playful exercises to help readers transform their relationship with time. The book shows readers how to jump off the hamster wheel of artificial time and experience the flow and the rhythm of natural time."

If you're still looking, I highly recommend a friend of mine, Richard Middleton. www.richardmiddleton.net.

Molly, thank you so much! The examples really brought it home for me. I'm still narrowing my niche, trying to get away from offering a "buffet" of services, which seems to be the commodity approach. Actually, if I pay attention to who my clients are, I can see more clearly what my niche has already become -- they have some distinct characteristics in common. This is very helpful! I appreciate the time you took in giving such a thoughtful response.

Hi Molly, I appreciated the individual attention you gave to so many of us. I heard several of my questions echoed by others and your advice was spot on. Thank you!

One question -- I'm still fuzzy about the difference between commodity pricing and generic pricing. Can you share an example of a small business owner engaging in each mistake, or is there an article you've written on this that you can point me to?

Hi Lara and Dan, I just became a member a few weeks ago and was so glad that you held this informative event. It was a whirlwind, but I appreciated how much you packed into the session. I was already excited about biznik and had been spreading the word, but now I'm even more amped up about it. This is an incredible resource you've created and I have no idea why a small business owner would be part of any other networking service (online or in person). You have them all beat, hands down. Thank you!

Thank you for posting this article -- very helpful information. I was wondering if you know what a "good" percentage is for % of visitors who bookmark a site. I consistently get 34-37% who bookmark, but don't know if that's average, below average, very good... ? Your article has given me some things to think about, in particular "layering" the information more, so people who choose to can dig deeper. Great tips!

Congratulations for hearing the call and following it! Beginnings always start with endings, and what a gift your father gave in his passing to lend you clear insight about your life. I lost my father in '04 (March 8th, so we're both in that "anniversary time"). Like you, I know the power of grief for initiating new life. Thanks for sharing your story and I hope today is filled with loving memories of your dad.