Women’s Independent Press

By Devin Jopp, SCORE COO
• Isolate. If you suspect that you have been infected by a computer virus, unplug the infected computer from the office network. If the virus has spread to other machines, remove the network from the Internet to avoid spreading the virus. Some viruses can send copies of themselves automatically, so limiting exposure is critical.
• Diagnose. Run a virus scanner program to determine what is causing the problem. If your computer does not have a virus scanner, you will need to purchase and load one. There are many to choose from, such as McAfee, Symantec or TrendMicro, and costs range from free to under $100. Often, the virus program will identify the virus that you’re dealing with.
• Treat. Virus scanning software can clean up the virus on your computer. 90 percent of the time, these programs will be sufficient enough to figure out the problem. However, when a virus is so new that there are no “definitions,” you will need to go to your vendor and look for new updates.
• Learn. After putting out your virus fire, look for opportunities to enhance security on your computer or network. Make sure that your virus software is up-to-date and consider adding a personal firewall in order to provide additional protection.
• Protect. Keep your virus software updated and renew annually. Always be sure to back up your computer systems to protect against the loss of important data.
Brought to you by SCORE, America’s small business mentors, at www.score.org.

by Yvonne Phillips FSII
1. When storing your holiday decorations, clean items that need cleaned. Store in see through boxes and label for easy identification.
2. You know all those lovely lights, make sure that yours are stored either placed back in the boxes, ugh! Or you can wrap them loosely and tie them with a ribbon together.
3. If you are using an artificial tree, make sure that the color coding is readable. I know when I took mine out this year, it was becoming faded. I am using a colored round sticker to keep the layers clearly identified.
4. Look at all of those extra ornaments that you didn’t use this year. Make a decision what to do with them and move them on to someone else who can enjoy them. Recycle is a good practice to follow in all of our daily lives. It really is one step at a time and starting at the beginning of the year will keep it clearly in your mind to follow this in everything that you do.
5. We all celebrate with great food and wonderful holiday recipes. Make sure that you place the recipes back in a file to be able to pull out for next year. I am a foodie and I keep all of my holiday recipes in a clear plastic holder in a binder.
6. If you have a lot of extra food in the cabinets, you don’t need, donate to your local food banks. Please be conscious of expiration dates and give items that you would want if you were the recipient.
7. We all received presents for the holidays, now it is time to reduce those closet spaces by recycling or giveaway. Did you get a new coat; pass the old one on to someone who can really use it. I am doing that myself, I got a coat from my daughter and I am passing the older one, in good condition to someone I know who will be happy to have it.
After all of the holiday decorations are packed away, look at your décor and freshen it up a bit. Clean it and move it to another room or another space and see what kind of different energy you can create. www.fengshuiabc1.com

Information obtained from WESA , Essential Pittsburgh
m.wesa.fm

Stalking and Harassment Civil Protection Orders
FACT SHEET
• 38 states have civil protection orders for stalking/harassment victims. Pennsylvania is one of only 12 states that do not.1

• The majority of stalking victims in the U.S. are not stalked by a known intimate, but instead by a known other and therefore are not protected by PFA laws. These statistics support the desperate need for legislation… victim-offender relationship statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report of Stalking Victimization in the United States 2009 shows that 30.3% of stalking victims are stalked by a known intimate which falls under current spouse (5.6%), former spouse (8.4%), current boyfriend/girlfriend (3.2%), or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend (13.1%). 45.1% are stalked by a known other which includes roommate/friend/neighbor(16.4%), known from work or school (9.9%), acquaintance (9.8%), relative (9.0%). 9.7% are stalked by strangers.

• The statistics above show that only 39.3% of stalking victims are able to obtain restraining orders, which leaves 60.7% of stalking victims unprotected.

• During a one-year period, 3.4 million people ages 18 or older in the United States were stalked2

• An analysis of 13 published studies of 1,155 stalking cases found that 38.7% of the victims experienced violence connected to the stalking.3

• 17 states have civil protection orders for sexual assault victims.4

• 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime.5

• During a 12-month period an estimated 14 in every 1,000 persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking2

• Approximately 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form of cyber-stalking such as e-mail (83%) or instant messaging (35%).2

• More than half of stalking victims lost 5 or more days from work.2

• Stalking had a serious impact on victims’ lives. It brought on loss of weight, sleep disturbances and nightmares, anxiety attacks, depression, memory loss, and other physical and emotional symptoms. It left them with feelings of anger, fear, and helplessness; necessitated changes in their daily habits; and often resulted in damage to property, moving expenses, or loss of employment.6

1 http://www.victimsofcrime.org/docs/src/stalking-cpo-by-state.pdf?sfvrsn=0
2 Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report of Stalking Victimization in the United States 2009
3 http://www.victimsofcrime.org/library/crime-information-and-statistics/stalking
4. http://www.vaw.umn.edu/documents/sexualassaultcpobystate/sexualassaultcpobystate.pdf
5 http://www.survivorsservices.org/StalkingStatistics.html
6 http://www.nij.gov/nij/topics/crime/stalking/victims.htm

January 27, 2014
The Musuneggi Financial Group and PAPEN (Pennsylvania Professional Employment Network )

Are pleased to present
Financial Survival Strategies
Get Up. Get Dressed. Get Going.

Join Mary Grace Musuneggi, President & CEO of The Musuneggi Financial Group, to learn the skills for surviving financially while unemployed and staying on track to be independent in the future. Discover how to Get Up, Get Dressed, and Get Going on the path to your life goals.

About Mary Grace: For over 30 years, Mary Grace Musuneggi has focused her efforts on helping individuals and small business owners develop comprehensive strategies to help them achieve their financial goals. As an award winning entrepreneur, she is President & CEO of The Musuneggi Financial Group. Mary Grace is a financial educator, author and motivational speaker; she lectures on financial planning and lifestyle issues.

PAPEN is a Pittsburgh-based networking organization that helps participants advance their careers. For more information log onto http://www.papen.us/

Date: Monday, January 27
Time: 7:00 – 7:15pm – Check-in
7:15 – 8:30pm – Presentation
8:30 – 9:00pm – Q & A

Cost: Free for you and a guest
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church
Fellowship Hall, Room 176
Upper St. Clair
(On Rt. 19 just south of South Hills Village)

Directions: Entrance is in the back just past the childcare center on your right.

No cost or obligation is associated with this event.
Space is limited. Please register by January 20.

To register or for more information:
www.singlestepsstrategies.com, info@singlestepsstrategies.com
412-341-2888 ext. 309

SAVE THE DATE

February 24, 2014
The Musuneggi Financial Group, and PAPEN (Pennsylvania Professional Employment Network )

Are pleased to present

Financial Success Strategies-
Step Out. Step In. Step Up.

Join Mary Grace Musuneggi, President & CEO of The Musuneggi Financial Group, to learn skills that can help you to be financially independent at any point in your life.

Understand how to step out of your comfort zone, step into life, and step up the abundance in your life.

About Mary Grace: For over 30 years, Mary Grace Musuneggi has focused her efforts on helping individuals and small business owners develop comprehensive strategies to help them achieve their financial goals. As an award winning entrepreneur, she is President & CEO of The Musuneggi Financial Group. Mary Grace is a financial educator, author and motivational speaker; she lectures on financial planning and lifestyle issues.

PAPEN is a Pittsburgh-based networking organization that helps participants advance their careers. For more information log onto http://www.papen.us/

Date: Monday, February 24, 2014

Time: 7:00 – 7:15pm – Check-in
7:15 – 8:30pm – Presentation
8:30 – 9:00pm – Q & A

Cost: Free for you and a guest

Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church
Fellowship Hall, Room 176
Upper St. Clair
(On Rt. 19 just south of South Hills Village)

Directions: Entrance is in the back just past the childcare center on your right.

No cost or obligation is associated with this event.
Space is limited. Please register by February 17.

To register or for more information:
www.singlestepsstrategies.com, info@singlestepsstrategies.com
412-341-2888 ext. 309

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Downtown & Business
612 Smithfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-7141

Thursday Business Programs  12:15 pm
The Library is closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Jan. 1 and will close at 5 pm on Dec. 31 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day.

How to Build Positive Work Relationships
December 5
Presented by Laura Roman, Relationship Coach & Psychotherapist
Much of career success hinges on the ability to communicate well and
earn the respect of bosses, clients and co-workers. Learn the tips and
techniques necessary for building these valuable work relationships.

Meet the Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
December 12
Presented by Susan Kozak, Library for the Blind
& Physically Handicapped
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Library for the Blind & Physically
Handicapped (LBPH) provides recorded books and magazines, equipment
to play the recordings, large print books and more to Pennsylvania
residents of any age who are unable to read standard print materials
due to a visual, physical or physically-based reading disability. Join us
for an informative discussion on LBPH and the valuable services they
provide to the Pennsylvania community.

Mental Health and the Workplace
December 19
Presented by Támara Hill, MS, LPC-BE
In light of recent tragic events, mental health issues in the workplace
have been pushed to the forefront of our minds. Join us for a discussion
on the effects of failing to bring awareness to the mental health needs
of staff within the workplace and how individual mental health
problems can affect workplace stability.

Alaska Gold: A War of Resources –
The Fish or the Mine
December 26  DVD 60 minutes
PBS Frontline examines the clash for resources between Alaskan fishermen and mining interests. The struggle plays out in southwest Alaska’s Bristol Bay, home to the last great native Sockeye salmon fishery, but also gifted with tremendous mineralwealth. Two foreign mining companies seek permission to extract more than $300 billion in copper, gold and molybdenum from the area using a gigantic, open pit mine that could compromise the local ecosystem. Who will ultimately win in this battle over Bristol Bay’s economic and environmental future?

Date: December 3, 2013
The WSBA Holiday Expo

This event will offer engaging networking sessions, a holiday
drive, a highlight of a Pittsburgh non-profit organization that
will be helping others in need, door prizes, raffles, holiday
vendors, and inspiring keynote speakers.

The main keynote speaker will be Dr. Shellie Hipsky, Associate
Professor, Robert Morris University, Talk Show Host, Author, and
Owner/President of Inspiring Lives, LLC. Dr. Hipsky will share
inspiring stories and suggestions for business owners showing them
that they can overcome the hard times in a tough economy and not
only can they get through the difficult moments…they can rise
above them! Attendees will get empowered and personally motivated
to take their businesses and lives to the next level.

Seating is limited! Seating is available on a 1st come 1st served
basis. Seats will reserved for paid in advance registrations first.

Date: December 3, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Dave and Buster’s Conference Room, 180 E Waterfront Drive,
Homestead, PA 15120
Host: Women’s Small Business Association
Cost: $30 Premier members, $35 Non-members, $42 at the door
(includes networking luncheon)
RSVP: Suggested by November 30

Register online at: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JlABAVDwNeZhGz&b=FSmOb2mRwlfbpdE.E7rLRQ.

December 6, 2013
Business Women Connect Lunch & Vendor Fair

Business Women Connect is a free monthly networking group open to
any woman in business who is interested networking and sharing
information about her business with other professionals. This
meeting is our ANNUAL VENDOR FAIR AND NETWORKING LUNCH featuring
vendors from a wide variety of business professions, networking,
door prizes and lunch. Come meet and network with influential &
resourceful women entrepreneurs.

Date: Friday, December 6, 2012
Time: 12:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Place: Tolerico’s Restaurant, 2525 Monroeville Blvd, Monroeville
Sponsor: Business Women Connect
Cost: $18.50
RSVP: By December 4th (10 a.m.)

To register, contact Donna Cheswick at 724-493-9695 or
dcheswick@medallion-wealth.com

Business Exchange Networking Lunch

* Give a 1-2 minute commercial for your business.
* Bring business cards, brochures, and samples.
* Make new business contacts.

Dates and Locations:

Dec. 4 - Wexford, Atria’s, 12980 Perry Highway, Wexford
RSVP: email Michelle Zmijanac at
Michellezmijanac@bestpracticesdelivered.com

Dec. 11- Mount Lebanon, Atria’s, 110 Beverly Road, Mt. Lebanon
RSVP: email Tina Noblers at TinaNobers@CMNNutritionGroup

Dec. 23 - Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC Park,
Ohara Twp
RSVP: 412-781-8773 or PlanBConsultant@comcast.net

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 (Bring cash; No-shows will be billed for the lunch)
RSVP: By Monday prior to the event

For more info, go to: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JlABAVDwNeZhGz&b=xUS79eVDsxLGVd8Hlmm7Jg.

December 5, 2013
Leadership Breakfast: History, a Fire, and the Seeds for
Success in Setbacks

Speaker: Will Knecht, President, Wendell August

On March 4, 2010, Wendell August, a family-owned company that has
produced ornamental and elegant metal giftware and home accents
since 1923, got its largest order ever from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
They were asked to make one of a kind, commemorative tickets
honoring the final Penguins hockey game in Mellon Arena. The team
at Wendell August was excited to say the least.

Two days later, a fire destroyed the company’s workshop, offices
and flagship store in Grove City. The historic building they had
operated out of since 1932 was gone, burned to the ground. These
are the times when a good company and all stakeholders are tested.

Join Will Knecht, Wendell August’s President, as he tells their
story of history, tradition and the fire that could have destroyed
a business and its people…but instead became a catalyst for new
thinking and new opportunities for this almost 90 year young company
that was forced to become a start-up once more. If you’ve ever
experienced setbacks and challenges with your business, in or out
of your control…come hear how these challenges can become the
foundation for future success and greatness.

Date: December 5, 2013
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Marriott Courtyard Pittsburgh North 150 Cranberry Woods Dr.,
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Host: SMC Business Councils
Cost: Members-$15.00, Non-Members-$30.00
RSVP: Early registration suggested

Event contact: Jennifer Sizemore,
412-342-1620, jennifer@smc.org

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JlABAVDwNeZhGz&b=2cFz.u_6C6YO8pXq5G9Ngw

December 4, 2013
The ABC’s of Selling Online

Speaker: Robert Stein, University of Pittsburgh,
The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Join us to learn how to determine what kind of online business to
start, what website tools to use, which payment process to pick
and how to optimizing your site on search engines.

Date: December 11, 2013
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Place: Volunteers of America, 1650 Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA
Host: Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Cost: Free (Bring a brown bag lunch)
RSVP: Suggested by December 9

To register, call 412.782.5344 (x209) or email
volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

December 12, 2013
SMC Holiday Mixer

Join us for our annual holiday party, where you will enjoy
cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while mingling among SMC members
and guests. This is your opportunity to rekindle old relationships,
and develop new business connections for 2014.

There’s a lot of buzz about SMC’s Holiday Mixer!

- Meet Kent Tekulve, former Major League Baseball right-handed
relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

- Help us raise money for the Small Business Education Foundation
through our silent auction. Bid on sports memorabilia
(Clemente, Ward Pens), Coach Handbags, designer jewelry,
Ray Ban Sunglasses, Cigar 101, Spa Packages and much more.
We accept credit cards.

Join us for a great Holiday Party

Date: December 12, 2013
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Place: Lexus Club, PNC Park, 115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Host: SMC Business Councils
Cost: SMC Members & Guests-$45; Non-members: $75
RSVP: Suggested by December 10

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JlABAVDwNeZhGz&b=iERY9SdcMIHK0jUDHSTDiw

WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON
December 13, 2013
Noon
South Hills Country Club

The monthly luncheon meeting* of the Women’s Networking of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will meet on Friday, December 13, noon, at South Hills Country Club. Please plan on attending and bring a friend. We welcome members and non-members. Tables are available for ladies who would like to display products or merchandise. Everyone will pass out cards and brochures and present a one-minute “commercial.”

De-stress Your Holidays!

Guest Speaker
Ashley N. Dalzell,
Owner/Instructor
Urban Prana Yoga

Research has well documented the health benefits of yoga. The good news is, anyone can do yoga! Yoga is a full body experience incorporating the mind, body, and spirit. Ashley will lead a short guided meditation for the ladies and give insight on how to de-stress during the holidays.

See you at South Hills Country Club, noon!
Lunch for Chamber Members - $20 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members - $25
Display Table $10

Please make a reservation* by contacting our secretary:
Mary Dilla at: 412-884-1233 / secretary@bbwchamber.com

December 13, 2013
Live Your Passion

If you are ready to take on 2014 and make a big impact in your
business, then you definitely want to attend.

You will:

* Create Your Success Vision for 2014 and Beyond
* Develop Your Personal Brand
* Learn how to Stop Sabotaging Yourself and Your Business
* Design Your 2014 Business Blueprint with Systems for Success
* Understand How to Master the Law of Attraction

When you register, watch for the opportunity to take advantage
of the VIP Upgrade Experience. This upgrade incudes breakfast,
lunch and private time with the instructors. There are only 14
VIP slots open, so after you register for Live Your Passion,
if you see the opportunity to take advantage of the VIP upgrade
then there is still for you.

Date: December 13, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m (Dinner served at 7:00 p.m.)
Place: Courtyard by Marriott at Settlers Ridge, Pittsburgh, PA
Host: Beth Caldwell and Crystal Davis
Cost: $59
RSVP: Suggested by December 10

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JlABAVDwNeZhGz&b=zEXt5AcLCaCY7PHrjGYf.g

Disability Resource Breakfast
Thursday, December 19, 2013
8:30 – 9:30 AM

Speaker: Jodie Tabano, Development Director, Dress For Success

Topic: Go beyond the suit! Enjoy the tips and tricks of knowing how to “Dress for Success!” Join us to enjoy a fun what to wear, what not to wear interactive presentation on how to dress for your next business opportunity.
 
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

December 20, 2103
Women’s Power Lunch

Come be a part of the longest running networking luncheon in the
Pittsburgh area. Bring 50 business cards or brochures to hand
out and be prepared to give a short presentation on your business
to introduce yourself to other business women and professionals.

Date: December 20, 2013
Time: 12 noon - 3:00 p.m.
Place: To be announced
Cost: $30.00 (Prepayment required)
RSVP: Suggested by Decmber 17th

Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com
or 724-452-5152.

Register online at: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JlABAVDwNeZhGz&b=Li2lDiJKuf5Wy0lvJ1ksSQ

www.womenforahealthyenvironment.org
Follow these simple tips:

1. Use natural scents instead of fragranced products that you plug
in or spray. Set out fresh evergreens or dried flowers. Simmer
spices such as cinnamon, clove or orange with some water on
your stove.
2. Consider natural decorations such as pinecones, evergreens,
dried fruits and flowers. A perennial plant such as a poinsettia,
peace lily or prayer plant makes a great gift and improves indoor
air quality. Remember to keep plants out of a child’s or pet’s reach!
3. Buy locally-grown produce for your holiday meal.
4. Consider using LED lights. String lights are made with PVC plastic and may contain traces of lead, so wash your hands or wear gloves!
5. Switch to plant-based and natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda.
6. Buy locally-grown produce for your holiday meal and set the table with cloth napkins.
7. Toys that are made from cloth or wood are eco-friendly. Avoid children’s jewelry, which make contain high levels of metals such as cadmium.
8. Recycle wrapping paper or shred it and start a compost container. Try newspaper, fabric wrap or a reuseable item such as a scarf or dish towel to wrap that special gift.
9. Reuse holiday cards to make gift tags and don’t forget to reuse gift boxes!
10. If a new electronic is on the list, don’t forget to properly dispose of the old one. See www.eloop.com for recycling centers in southwestern PA.
11. Consider buying a gift card, especially to a local retailer or restaurant that sources local foods.
12. Consider a donation to your favority charity, like Women for a Healthy Environment!

Yvonne Phillips FSII
Feng Shui Business Coach
412-215-8247
Feng Shui for Basic Everyday Living!
FREE Business E-Book-www.fengshuipublications.com
www.twitter.com/yvonnejean
www.facebook.com/yvonnephillips
www.linkedin.com/yvonnephillips

Feng Shui is based on ancient principles that were set into place by man watching and listening to the sounds of the environment. When you are able to duplicate this, the natural flow of energy that we all strive to have, will arrive on a daily basis.

When you are setting in place your holiday decorations, you increase the energy of a space (Yang energy) or decrease the energy of the space (Yin energy) in order to suit your particular goals. If you have set into place goals for the year and you ignore the positioning of your holiday decorations, you are missing out on a great opportunity of anchoring in your wishes for the year.

If you want to light up your life, your way, try these tips to help you along!

• Start at the outside entrance way and light it up and it will take care of bringing in the great chi energy from outside your door straight into the house.
• Decorate early and take down late to keep the highlighting of you and your family going on for the rest of the year.
• Add a colorful Welcome mat to the door area as it will increase your company.
• The addition of aromatherapy right at the door sets the tone of others coming in to your house. This can be done easily by adding cinnamon to the wreath on the door or it can be placed in plants that are closest to the front door.
• The inside entrance should have a colorful rug and if you want to work on your wealth, place Chinese coins underneath the rug.
• If you feel the need for safety or security in your home, light up your protectors, whether they are Foo Dogs or Lions. This can also be two large plants at the front door.
• Place your Christmas tree in the area you want to increase the energy.
• Use all the ornaments that you really like and give pleasure to you.
• As your life changes, change your décor as appropriate.
• Candles create the fire energy, so use appropriately.
• Keep décor in bathrooms minimal because this is the area of Water and you don’t want it to be increased.
It is symbolic of you losing money.
• When creating new seating arrangements make sure you are making them inviting and comfortable for your guests.
• Utilize the colors of the year to enhance your home. The year 2013 is Emerald green by Pantone.
• Use Poinsettias (fire energy) to increase your wealth and if you place them in front of mirrors; you will double this intention.
• Do not over decorate your rooms as you will create an off balance.
• Place artwork that creates a good memory or feeling that can enhance an area of your life.
• The addition of coins decorated with ribbons can be placed on your trees for increased prosperity.
• Want a special person to be a star in your house? Make lots of star cookies.
• Need heavenly help? Make angel cookies.
• Do you want a house in harmony & balance? Bake a gingerbread house and place a light inside to increase the chi energy.

Belief makes everything possible! The only thing that stands between you and what you want in life is the will to try and the faith to believe it is possible.

If you think you can, you can!
Motivation Mentor

Here are five things you can do to give your business a mini-makeover for the new year:

1.Narrow your focus.

Have a third party like a SCORE mentor go over your business plan to see if they can tell specifically who your target market is.
If the answer isn’t clear, it’s time to get out your red pen and make some changes. Have you clearly identified your current and
prospective customers? Do you have data to back up those numbers? Make sure you can answer any specific questions
about your target market an investor asks.

2.Eliminate repetitiveness.

Look over your business plan for any phrases, idioms, metaphors or expressions you tend to overuse. It’s easy to get in a rut when
you’re trying to market your business, but it just makes your business plan sound superficial. Which brings me to number 3…

3.Liven up your language, but don’t oversell.

Investors or bank loan officers look at hundreds of business plans, so you need to keep their interest with captivating writing, but not to the point where it sounds like too hard a sell. Don’t overpromise or overproject. Make sure your marketing and financial goals are well thought out and described with specific steps for how you’ll get there.

4.Add visuals like charts and images.

You’re still writing a business document, so you don’t want too many visuals, but if you can get your point across better with a chart, illustration or photo than with words, make sure you add it in.

5.Include your social media plan.

Your social media plan is part of your marketing strategy, but it also needs to be well documented. Investors and small business loan officers want to see that you’re knowledgeable on all the new marketing platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram and Google Plus as well as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About the Author
Rieva Lesonsky, Co-Founder GrowBiz Media and www.SmallBizDaily.com

Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a media company
that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
Follow Rieva at twitter.com/rieva and visit her blog at www.SmallBizDaily.com
Visit her website www.SmallBizTrendCas.com to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for Rieva’s free TrendCast reports

Sal is a Goffins Cockatoo — and from wherever
he was birdnapped, his trip was probably not
comfortable nor something that Sal wanted. But Sal
had adjusted to his fate, lucky to find a good home.

He made himself very comfortable with Ms. Nelson
and Deuce. He snacked on lemons and other fruits
and vegetables — and soon settled into a routine.
After a while, Ms. Nelson had to leave town due to
a death in her family. And so the search began for
some place that would keep Sal for the week that she
would be away. Ms. Nelson found a pet store that
boarded birds and she left thinking Sal was safe.

But during that week, the pet store was burglarized.
Along with the other exotic birds, Sal was once
again birdnapped. We can only imagine where Sal
was — maybe in some dark smoky room, where
the thieves who stole him plotted yet more sinister
crimes?

Sal, of course, would be plotting his escape. The
thieves were finally captured and Sal, the only
remaining bird, was identified through some
markings on his little bird body. More than a year
later, Sal was returned to Ms. Nelson much better behaved
than the last time she saw him. Apparently,the thieves had a
way with birds. Of course, there probably isn’t much use for bird training in prison.