Gift Ideas For Success-Oriented Women in Business G r e a t G i f ts T o G i ve A l l Y e a r L o n g

Sharon Michaels SharonMichaels.com

Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business Sharon Michaels I believe the art of gift giving shouldn’t be limited to special holidays or occasions. The “gift” suggestions I’m making today can also be gifts we give ourselves to support the growth of our own businesses. I know as a business owner I am always looking to find those special things that will enhance my business personally, professionally and financially and make it easier to do business day-to-day.

Just a side note: I’m not endorsing any specific products; I’m just making general suggestions. Be sure to do your due diligence when selecting business building tools.

Books / Magazines: Personally, I’m a reader so I like to give and receive good books.

1. The Girls’ Guide to Building A Million Dollar Business – Susan Wilson Solovic Here’s what I found out from reading this book: Women are opening businesses at twice the rate of their male counterparts. It’s the fastest growing segment of the U.S. economy. Women view business ownership as an opportunity for independence, creative control, and financial freedom. So the number of women jumping into the entrepreneurial pond isn’t the issue. The issue is their ability to turn these businesses into large, sustainable, business operations.

I particularly like this excerpt: “If you want to know what a million dollar business owner looks like - look in the mirror. That’s right, she looks just like you.” Only 3% of womenowned businesses in the U.S. gross a million dollars or more in revenue. It doesn't have to be that way, according to the author.

This how-to book has plenty of interviews with successful women role-models and good practical business building advice.

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

2. The Women's Small Business Start-Up Kit: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide – Peri H. Pakroo I highly recommend this book to my coaching clients! This well written book is filled with valuable information for women in business. What appealed to me was that it was written especially for women. This book is intelligent and speaks to woman entrepreneurs on a highly professional level and yet, the information was easy to understand.

The Women's Small Business Kit takes a potential entrepreneur through the entire process of starting and growing a business. It's filled with resources, definitions and how-to's. It pretty much covers everything a new business owner might want to know about what is involved in starting a new business. Since the subtitle is: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide, there is some valuable legal information for business owners. Of course, it doesn't take the place of consulting an attorney.

I'm always impressed with real-life stories and examples - The Women's Small Business Kit is filled with practical success stories and interviews. The author, who is an attorney, writes from real-world practical experience and that experience is essential for relating to both novice and seasoned business readers.

An added bonus is the CD-ROM containing documents such as a Partnership Agreement, Cash Flow Projection Sheet, IRS forms, and even a Billable Rate Calculator.

For any woman thinking a starting a business, this is a must read!

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

3. Success Magazine This is one of the few magazines I read cover to cover!

If you're interested in success strategies, success stories and how-to advice from those who have been there, done that and have succeeded - - - this is the magazine for you.

For example in one of the issues there were articles about/by Suze Orman, John C. Maxwell, Earl Nightingale, Dr. Oz and others. Where else could I get such a wealth of information in one package?

John C. Maxwell's well thought out article on 4 Reasons Why People Do (ot Reach Their Potential was worth the price of magazine. I figure if I can get at least one wealth building or time saving or success enhancing tip, I've made good use of my time. Every month Success also includes a CD with audio excerpts from some of the guest authors.

I'd recommend Success Magazine to those serious students of success and achievement.

The books and Success Magazine are available in your local books and online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

Software To grow an organized and successful business in this “computer age” it is vitally important to have the right software to compliment a growing business.

Here are some basic suggestions: 1. A good accounting software – This software won’t take the place of hiring a CPA but it will help the user to be better prepared for meeting with their accountant. Probably the most recognizable accounting software is Intuit QuickBooks Pro http://quickbooks.intuit.com/

2. A powerful anti-virus software – It is so important to protect a computer from hackers and deadly viruses. This is one of the best investments for the small business owner. The one I use on all our computers is (orton Security Suite http://us.norton.com/

3. There’s a software package on the market that has a ready-to-use list of 15,000 media contacts. Quickly write news stories about yourself or your business and send them to get published in online and print publications. Includes everything you need to write great PR, create a targeted list of editors interested in your story, and send directly to these media contacts with a push of a button. The software is called 15,000 Media Contacts

4. A good contact manager software – every successful business needs a successful way to manage contacts, customers and prospects. One that is most recognizable contact management software is called Sage ACT.

5. There is even a software package that will help develop a business plan – perfect for the new business owner. I’ve never used it myself but the software called Individual Software Business PlanMaker Professional 12

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

High Tech Items

Some of these items are more important for building a business than others but, I wanted to suggest products that are available in the marketplace now.

1. eBook Reader Lightweight and compact, an eReader effortlessly fits in a purse, bag, or briefcase, saving space for important business documents and essentials. A digital book reader provides crisp and a clear screen that can faithfully replicate the pages of an actual book. Is it a necessity for growing a business? No. Is it convenient? Yes.

There are many eBook readers on the market, the most popular include: The Kindle from Amazon.com.; The Nook from Barnes and Noble; and the iPad from Apple.

2. A good external hard drive As a business owner, it’s essential to be able to quickly and securely back up essential business documents and personal files. There are also memory cards available for storing data from a camera, smart phone and other digital devices. By learning to program a computer to regularly back up data, there will never be a lost file. That just makes good business sense!

If you’ve ever lost valuable information during a power outage or if your computer has crashed, you know how important backing up to an external hard drive can be.

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

3. Camcorders Today it is all about the “digital age.” Prospects want to know you, like you, and trust you instantly. Not only do they want to read a blog, converse on Facebook but also “see” you on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. For a growing business owner having a web presence means having a video presence also. Video cameras that are easy to use and plug right into a computer for downloading your video are currently running somewhere under $200. You can also take video with many mobile phones and easily upload it to YouTube and other social networking sites. This is truly the social media age!

4. Multi-functional Phone(s) Every profitable business needs a good phone system. Whether a landline or mobile, the phone system must be reliable, easy to use and multifunctional. I use both landline and mobile – honestly I’m beginning to use my “smart phone” more than the landline. The key to a growing business is cost and dependability. A great present for any small business owner is a useful multifunctional phone system.

Mobile phones can also help with staying organized and in-touch with built-in functions such as calendars, clocks and programmable reminders. Text messaging and web ready functions can be time savers when you are away from your office.

In addition to the phone, I would add a good headset to the list of “must haves.” Sound quality and ease of use is vital to choosing a headset so it is important to do your homework. Headsets allow “hands free” talking. I use mine primarily to do my radio show and while I’m working with coaching clients. I can make notes, turn pages and talk with my hands!

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

Less High Tech Items These products are generally under $100 and aren’t necessities but can save a busy business owner time, energy and money. 1. Digital voice recorders These are great for recording meetings, a presentation or for recording thoughts that might be forgotten later. I know business owners who keep a recorder in the car to record ideas when they are unable to write them down. You can find ditigal recorders online and at most large chain office supply stores.

2. A good paper shredder With identity theft an ongoing issue, it is important to keep confidential information private. Throwing addresses, phone numbers or any private information into the thrash is a problem waiting to happen. Get peace of mind when disposing of unwanted documents, files and papers with a home office shredder. I believe a paper shredder is a must for today’s savvy business owner.

3. A fireproof file cabinet/safe Here’s another item for security, safety and peace of mind – keep important business documents safe from fire and water damage. There are many fireproof safes and file cabinets on the market that will be able to fit the needs of a small business owner. I like the one from Sentry Safe for about $70 that fits letter size file folders and is available online or at major office supply stores.

4. A label maker What better way to stay organized than to have files, storage containers and other items labeled so you know immediately what’s in them. Label makers run from $20 - $100 depending on how sophisticated you want to make the labels. I use mine all the time – if you’re sitting in one spot long enough, I’ll probably label you!

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

General Gift Items I don’t know of any business owner who wouldn’t enjoy receiving a gift basket filled with basic office supplies!

How about a decorative storage container filled with: Copy paper Pens Tape and glue Paper clips and fasteners Post-It Notes Legal pads File folders Business card holder Stapler / staples Fancy paper products Rubber bands Motivational mouse pad Desk calendar Day Planner Picture frame for a favorite photo Highlighters and Markers Stamps and mailing supplies Notebooks Printer cartridges or ink refills

The list is potentially endless . . .

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

Don’t forget about gift cards for: Bookstores Office Supply stores Online stores such as Amazon.com Department and clothing stores for those up-to-date professional outfits Starbucks or other places where an entrepreneur can meet with clients A favorite airline for an upcoming business trip or much needed vacation

Gift certificates with a: Business Coach CPA Attorney Financial Planner Massage Therapist

Gift certificates to attend: Workshops, seminars and training programs to fine-tune and hone our personal, professional and financial success skills. A day at a spa

Gift memberships to: Local networking groups Professional organizations

At this point I’d like to recommend a gift certificate for that special woman entrepreneur on your list for my one-on-one coaching. This is a perfect way to jumpstart a new or existing business and to grow personally and professionally.

You can email me at [email protected] or go directly to my website http://sharonmichaels.com for more details.

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

That’s it – that should give you a pretty good general idea of some practical and extremely useful gifts for the woman entrepreneur who wants to succeed and thrive in business.

Please visit my website at http://sharonmichaels.com and check out the services and products I have available for women thinking of starting a business, wanting to grow their business or may be feeling stuck in their current business. I believe that success begins on the inside and works its way out. My coaching and mentoring involves personal and professional empowerment tools that will support both a woman’s personal and professional success and growth.

Also, you’ll want to read my blog: http://sharonmichaelspowertosucceed.com where I update women in business with all the latest personal and professional success strategies and how-tos.

The gift of success is a gift that keeps on giving all year long!

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

Sharon Michaels “Empowering and mentoring women to greater personal and professional success.”

For over twenty years Sharon Michaels has been speaking, writing and coaching women to live a life filled with passion, empowerment and purpose. Why? “It’s a passion! I believe one of my greatest accomplishments is overcoming self-limiting and self-sabotaging behaviors. I’m on a mission to share the ‘Aha’s’ and insights I have discovered.”

She’s been a successful leader in a well-known network marketing company - earning the company car. But, when asked her greatest accomplishment, Sharon quickly answers, “Conquering self-sabotaging behavior and allowing myself the freedom to succeed.” Sharon is also the author of books and e-books, blogs, audio programs, e-courses, teleseminars, webinars and has spoken to thousands on the subjects of success and selfempowerment.

Sharon Michaels is the founder and organizer of Women Who Want To Successfully Work For Themselves, an organization of 460+ (and growing) success-oriented women business owners.

Be sure to subscribe to http://UnlimitedSuccessForWomen.com Ezine and receive weekly personal and professional success strategies and how-to’s delivered directly to your inbox.

Sharon has a new and exciting Membership site - Women Enjoying Success.com. Each week, all month long, Sharon adds new downloadable personal and professional success strategies to that month’s Success Theme. Each Success Theme is filled with monthly success tools for growing yourself, your wealth and your business. You’ll find powerful and empowering audios, videos, Special Reports and eBooks. Your monthly membership is like having Sharon as your Online Success Coach 24/7! You can read more and join us at: http://WomenEnjoyingSuccess.com

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

Sharon’s Resources: Please visit my website at http://sharonmichaels.com and check out the services, events, and products that I have available for women thinking of starting a business, wanting to grow their business or may be feeling stuck in their current business. I believe that success begins on the inside and works its way out. My coaching and mentoring involves personal and professional empowerment tools that will support both a woman’s personal and professional success and growth. You'll also find my new Success Store!

I am the creator and moderator of http://WomenWhoWantToSuccessfullyWorkForThemselves.com which is fast becoming the “go-to” blog for women entrepreneurs who are looking for answers to their business questions. We are also looking for guest authors (guest bloggers) who would like to contribute posts and articles of interest for women in business.

Be sure to listen to my radio shows on http://BlogTalkRadio.com/sharon-michaels - My station is called Women Enjoying Success and the goal of each show is empower women to greater personal and professional success.

Join the discussion on Sharon’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/sharonmichaelswomenenjoyingsuccess

And, Sharon’s new Leadership Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LeadershipForWomen.

Thank you and please remember that I believe in you!

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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Gift Ideas for Success-Oriented Women In Business

Disclaimer and Notices: All Rights Reserved: No part of this publication or any in the series shall be reproduced or transmitted in whole or in part in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or recording means, or otherwise including information storage and retrieval systems without written permission of the author. Illegal sharing of this material may result in a fine up to $150,000 as stated in Title 17, Chapter Five of the US Code Collection 504. Disclaimer and/or Legal Notices: The information presented herein represents the view of the author as of the date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change, the author reserves the right to alter and update her opinion based on the new conditions. This report is for informational purposes only. While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided in this report, neither the author nor her affiliates/partners assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Any slight to people or organizations is unintentional. The author and publisher do not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in this Special Report. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose. This eBook is © copyrighted by Sharon Michaels. No part of this may be copied, or changed in any format, sold, or used in any way other than what is outlined within this eBook under any circumstances.

/otice: You do not have the right to reprint or resell this eBook. You also may not give away, sell or share the content of this eBook. Thank You!!! This project represents years of research and working one-on-one with women in business – women just like you and me. I appreciate you respecting my hard work. The distributor of this eBook is not liable for damages or problems or costs arising from the installation, application or use of this document and provides no warranty of any kind, implied or stated. This Publication is provided “AS-IS” and is distributed with the understanding that the Publisher is NOT engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required; seek the services of a competent professional.

Copyright © 2011-2012 Sharon Michaels - http://www.sharonmichaels.com/ All Rights Reserved

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