Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

A Peek Inside Stephanie Frank’s ~ The Accidental Millionaire - Leaping From Chance to Mastery In The Game Of Life

Who hasn’t dreamed of becoming the next millionaire? And who hasn’t felt this accomplishment may be out of reach? It’s time to dispel the myth that making a million is impossible. In fact, Stephanie Frank shows how impossible life circumstances can lead to catalysts of change that create a life full of abundance and wealth.

This book has been in my must read pile for quite some time. My colleague and friend Viki Viertel (aka The Business Buddha) highly recommended it as “life changing.”

I like life change.

Then during a recent segment of James Roche’s Info Marketing Action Plan tele-series, Stephanie Frank was mentioned again. So, I pulled the book off my shelf and I could not put it down until I was done.

First I thank Stephanie wholeheartedly for being so personal and candid. Her story is brave and genuine. If you have ever been in a relationship that doesn’t support your highest good, you MUST read this.

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I happen to be on a Susan Tedeschi kick right now and one of the things I love about the album I’m featuring this month is the fact that the lyrics are printed on the CD sleeve. This is a good thing for me because I love to read lyrics and very bad thing for anyone who happens to be around when I try to sing them

The Rock On~ selection of the month is, Susan Tedeschi’s Hope and Desire. It’s soulful and fun..

Hope and Desire

Technorati Tags: Rock On, Lisa Manyon, Susan Tedeschi, Hope and Desire

By: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

Underestimating the importance of image is a common marketing mistake. When we talk about image in business, it encompasses a broad spectrum. We’re talking about overall image of storefront; interior design, marketing materials, website and even your people, (staff members). All of these elements determine how your business is perceived. They also tie in with your overall brand and help people decide if they will do business with you, or not.

The heart of your business identity is your logo. It represents who you are and what you do. The image of your business is the foundation of your marketing and advertising efforts. If your logo and identity package is weak, your advertising and marketing efforts will not be as successful as they could be. If you aren’t familiar with the term “identity package,” it refers to your business cards, letterhead and envelopes.

Underestimating the importance of investing in your image is a common mistake of many start-up businesses. Some new business owners mistakenly believe that advertising, marketing, identity packages and promotional materials are expenses rather than investments. This can ultimately damage business success because first impressions do count and first impressions are most often impacted by image and customer service.

Do not take shortcuts with this important image building tool. Remember, advertising and marketing are an INVESTMENT in your business, not an expense.

Sheila’s Story ~ An illustration of the importance of image: (more…)

By: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

Branding isn’t a new concept. It does seem to be a bit of mystery to some businesses .

I’m always interested to hear what people think branding is.

Some believe branding is having a strong logo. Others think it’s about having lots of really cool ads and some people simply don’t know what it is.

One thing that is certain, is your business image counts and everything you do is a part of the brand experience.

Each marketing technique you use has direct impact on how people view your business. Here’s a little story. It’s customary at conferences for the hosts to provide goodie bags. Sometimes you get some really cool stuff if the promoters are sharp and value the intelligence of the attendees.

Other times, you receive, well, junk. Or, to be a little less judgmental, items that are not well branded and leave a less than favorable impression. Here’s an example. A highlighter is a helpful and useful tool at a conference. Not a bad goodie bag item. However, if you cut corners to save money and provide a highlighter with “homemade” looking label slapped on it that simply features your business name, the effort is not as impressive. People can tell when you’re making a real effort and when you just want to spend the least amount of money possible to get something out there.

Some may think I’m overly critical but I think I call it like it is. There is a school of belief that “good enough is good enough.” And in some cases this may be true, but not where your image and brand are concerned.

Think about how you want others to react to your business and then brand on! ~

Technorati Tags: Branding, brand, logo, image, company brand, business brand, impression, business message, marketing message

By: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

A “big girl cart” is my tongue in cheek reference to a full blown shopping cart where people (like you if you’re interested) can access products and services and buy online. Trust me, I may joke about finally having a “big girl cart” but it is a really big process.

I’m thankful for the support I had along the way. Sorting out merchant accounts, selecting the right cart for my business, designing the cart to support my brand and the list goes on.

Now, in addition to PayPal which I’ve accepted for sometime, I also accept select major credit cards for consumer convenience. But, that’s just one cool feature of the cart.

Another cool feature is the affiliate opportunity where you earn commissions if you sign up, are approved and receive a specialized link that you can provide to friends and colleagues, you receive commission from me when your referrals buy.

So… drum roll please… I share with you my “big girl cart” and I’m interested to hear your feedback.

Technorati Tags: 1MyCart, Seattle Design Group,  shopping cart, products, affiliate program, Lisa Manyon

By: Lisa Manyon www.writeoncreative.com

Techniques to Help you Plan

Throughout my career in the marketing, advertising, customer service and social service arenas, one thing sticks out foremost in my mind: the lack of advertising and marketing planning for businesses and non- profits alike.

I cannot count the times that I have seen intelligent and passionate people start a business or get behind a cause with the misconception that “if I build it, they will come.” People tend to be so enthusiastic about a product or service, they put a business plan in place without developing the strategic marketing and advertising component.

They are convinced that their product or service is so great that everyone will automatically want or need it. This very well may be true, but consumers need to know that a product or service is available in order to purchase it.

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By Lisa Manyon www.writeoncreative.com

Another fun feature on my blog is the Rock On ~ section where I share music selections that I dig. Beware, my musical taste is quite eclectic…. Each month I’ll share my current favorite with you and you can check it out to see if you like it, too.Spring is in the air, the dogwoods are in bloom and blue skies abound. Speaking of blue, you cannot go wrong with a strong dose of the blues and no one belts them out better than the queen of blues, Etta James.

Check out her jams here ( I’ve included a link to my top three favorites):

Seven Year Itch

Let’s Roll

Blues to the Bone

Technorati Tags: Etta James, Seven Year Itch, Let’s Roll, Blues to the Bone, blues, R&B