Nicole Purvy Classified

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast host Nicole Purvy talks with Financial Coach Ashley Fox about Life, Money, and Success. A former Wall Street analyst is now an expert in her field as a personal financial coach, and a writer for Black Enterprise Magazine. She is also the founder of Empify, an education-based organization created to help assist working professionals, small business owners and the youth with basic financial education and resources. Ashley is a highly-sought after speaker and has been featured on empowerment tours, college campuses, keynote speaking. Her expertise has earned her the position of Co-Chair of the Fiscal Responsibility committee for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and she has graced the cover of Business & Finance Magazine. She has been featured on Jim Cramer's "The Street", Yahoo Finance, AOL, Philly.com, Huffington Post, and Glamour Magazine.

In this episode, your host Nikki Purvy talks about the Top 3 Symptoms That Your Business Is Failing. These 3 Symptoms can be avoided in our new course "My Success Project" launching November 1. Sign up at betterthansuccess.com/mysuccessproject The Success Project is a 3-month course designed by Better Than Success that will aid small businesses, entrepreneurs, and key members of small teams to take their businesses to the next level of success. Through the experience of working as Business Consultants and Business Development Experts with hundreds of small businesses, the Better Than Success Team, noticed that most small business struggles stem from leadership's lack of properly planning the business for scale from day one. This leads to a rocky foundation, which has fatal symptoms such as financial instability, personnel dysfunction, and customer/client scarcity. Our Success Project course is a framework designed around designing your business for scale from day 1 or reprogramming the business and the mindset of key members to lay the foundation for having a successful, scaled business. The course consists of Weekly online curriculum (lessons), Interactive workbooks and exercises and An online community VIP Weekly Support coaching calls

Kyree Terrell is the founder and CEO of MyNewPhilly.com, award winning director, editor and published content creator. He's worked on projects for Comcast, Fuse TV, philly.com, Food Network, Kevin hart, Shaquille O'neal, Lisa Lampanelli, Tom Joyner, Mike Tyson, Don King, Black Enterprise plus much more. In 2015, Kyree decided he HAD to launch an idea that he'd been holding onto for 2-3 years - that idea was MyNEWPhilly.com MyNEWPhilly.com is a news media website that uses short-form video content and social media to highlight people places and projects that make Philadelphia a great place to live, work, play and visit. MyNewPhilly is the visual representation of the current millennial renaissance in Philadelphia yet Unlike traditional news the site does not cover crime or violence. MyNewPhilly has been featured in the Phila Business Journal, FYI Philly, Visions, the Philadelphia Metro, and Philly Current Learn how Kyree built a respected large scale news site in less than a year.

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, host Nicole Purvy talks about the Top 7 Characteristics to Look for When Hiring & Staffing Your Company. Before we go in to these characteristics we first debunk a few myths about the hiring process. Learn what are the characteristics that most employers erroneously place importance on. Learn what little known things each new company should look for when hiring employees. Also learn what the 'Better Than Success' test of character is. Listen to this episode to prepare your business to hire the best team possible.

In this episode of the Better than Success Podcast, host Nikki Purvy talks 5 Tricks to Leading a Successful Team. The tips include: Understand that the success of the team, both individually and collectively is your responsibility as leader, Be intentional about team building, Be slow to hire and quick to fire, Always protect your team, and... Listen to this episode now to get trick #5 and plus 2 more bonus tips

In this Episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, host Nikki Purvy interviews FBF Fitness founder Zakia Blain. Zakia Blain, started her fitness journey due to extreme illness…she was tired of LITERALLY being SICK and TIRED. One day she was working out in 90 degree heat, sweating and out of breath. Her workout partner screamed " FCK being FAT" at that very moment FCKbeingFAT was born. This was what Zakia and many other who are overweight felt, but may have not had the courage to say. With no background in fitness, but plenty background is every fad diet and weight loss trick around, she simply wanted inspire others, while helping them lose weight the RIGHT WAY. Through hard work, dedication and consistency, FCKbeingFAT members have lost close to 100,000 lbs in four years without fad diets or pills. FCKbeingFAT uses social media to connect thousands of members from every corner of the world, who share ONE common goal, to live their best life without the excess weight that holds so many of us back from being truly happy. #TEAMFBF is a force to be reckoned with. Since staring FCKbeingFAT, Zakia has become a certified personal trainer, weight loss coach and entrepreneur, she is focused on spreading her love of life, fitness and health in a way that empowers everyone she comes in contact with to BE GREAT. Zakia tells us her emotional journey of how she went from being a teacher to a fitness expert. She shares how she build her business using social media. Listen to this episode now to learn how to use social media to scale your online retail business.

In this episode of the Better Than Success podcast host Nikki Purvy talks "How Philanthropy Can Help You to Scale Your Business Quickly". If you plan to scale your business you must have a philanthropic plan in place because: It gives your business a greater purpose It shows that you don't hoard money. Ifs free flowing in your hands so the money can free flow back into your hands Its PR It puts your business in front of people who would otherwise not even communicate with Do good for other people Rules to running your company's philanthropic efforts Pick a cause that you are passionate about You can start your own entity or you can donate time and/or money to a nonprofit of your choice Put it into your schedule or budget regularly Remember to give in silence. There may be times when you want to advertise what you are doing but your you have to give in sile;nce

In episode #26 of the Better than Success Podcast, host Nikki Purvy talks with entrepreneur Nina Keyes and Business Coach Kiarra Solomon about tips for hiring employees to Scale Your Business. Each of the guests and the host gives the top 3 tips for hiring employees. Learn Nikki Purvy's secret hack for managing a great team. Listen and learn how to hire the right team to scale your business now!

In this episode we talk with best selling author and business coach Andreas Jones about his 7 step process to business success. Andreas is the leading authority on small business growth and profitability, #1 International Bestselling author, coach, speaker, consultant and trainer and army combat veteran. Service in the US Army forged Andreas's character. It tested him, tested his endurance, faith, and internal fortitude. He describes it as "a trial by fire" and remains profoundly grateful for it. When he finally left the Army he did so with an astute understanding of self-ownership, implementing a vision, and the value in establishing trust and reputation. Jones applied all that he had learned serving his country to a series of jobs, including that of a VP at Sun Trust Bank. Each of his positions have endowed him with the type of knowledge required to start his own business and to provide a workable schematic for others to follow. Andreas has taken his hard-won Army lessons into the world of business, continuing to learn new skills and insight.Each fresh challenge, project or position has helped him grow into the successful individual he is today. In his coaching and speaking, he spotlights core concepts of leadership, integrity, and discipline. He prepares people to use these traits to execute their ideas and goals with excellence and precision. Andreas inspires his clients to live lives of significance and build legacies of influence. Links betterthansuccess.com/25 www.twitter.com/CombatBizCoach http://www.combatbusinesscoaching.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CombatBusinessCoaching%20/

Nikki Purvy, Business Consultant and Web Design and Digital Marketing Specialist talks about ways and specific actionable tips to scale your business. Be sure to start by listening to episode 21 of the Better Than Success Podcast. BetterthanSuccess.com/calculateit betterthansuccess.com/2016/01/21/how-to-create-your-company-manual/ 4 Ways to Scale Your Business Increase your per hour charge Simplify your product offerings Start a certification of training program Create a subscription service rather than charge a one-time fee... 5 Tips to Scale Your Business Think Big and Act Bold Evaluate Financing Options Work on the Business and Not in It Create systems and processes for day-to-day activities and delegate those. Planning & Strategizing Networking Improving the business and systems Create company Manuals Use your time management system and personal techniques as your starting point. What are the things you will do today? Are any of them recurring tasks? For example, will you send out a customer email blast? Will you check your ecommerce solution emails for new orders that need to be shipped? Will you update your inventory? Will you place an order for new products? All of the tasks that you do need to be documented. Aim to begin by documenting just three to five tasks each day. If you do a lot, or all of it, I would suggest that you start with the easiest and most recurring tasks. Write down all of the things you think you do to complete that task before you do it. While you're completing the task, document anything you may need to do to troubleshoot or, in the event that a problem arises, the steps that should be taken to resolve it. Once it is completed, you review the steps, and edit if necessary. Now place the task in your binder. This is the very first standard operating procedure. Be sure to include any, and all, pertinent information. For example, if you need to login somewhere be sure to include logins. If it's a task that needs to be done, such as an inventory check, be sure to identify where the inventory checklists are kept, either digitally or as a hard copy. If you want to get fancy you can create a header and footer or add other design elements to your document. Repeat this process every day You should document at least three to five of your tasks everyday. It may seem like a lot a first, but once you get started, you'll see you only need to set aside a few minutes to get the job done. Once you've completed the steps that are related to your position, move onto any employees or assistants you may have. Review your procedures weekly At the end of the week, review each new procedure that's been added and check to be sure that they are in the appropriate section. You'll want to do this until you've completed the manual. Keep a list of things you think to add or notice are missing. This way you'll be able to track your progress effectively. Divide your processes into sections The easiest way to organize your company manual is by dividing it into sections. These sections should be based on the products and services that you provide. While there are some general sections that every business will want to include at some point, not all sections are applicable to all businesses. A clothing boutique may want to include their inventory, website, email marketing, coupons and promotions, social media, photo-shoots, and customer service. A business that needs to renew certifications or licenses annually should include that as well as their other processes in the manual. As your business grows and changes, you can add processes and sections as needed. Stash Your extra Cash Be prepared – Be proactive

In episode 23 of the Better Than Success Podcast, your host Nikki Purvy talks about how to tell if your business is a multimillion dollar business in the making. Is it scalable? We talk about the 1 simple trivial thing that will determine how scalable your business is. We also give you specific steps to improve this single thing. We move into exploring why your "why" or your motivation will determine if your business is scalable or not. Specific answers to the question "what is your why" will determine if your business is scalable or not. We go through these answers and you can rate your response. We then move into operating leverage. What is operating leverage and how it fits into the equation of scaling your business? Nikki gives an example of what operating leverage is so that anyone can understand it. We also talk about scaling your processes using checklists. Learn what "Qualitative variable products or services" vs "Homogenous products or services" are. What type of product or service do you have? And how does determining this effect how scalable your business is? Show notes at Betterthansuccess.com/23 Get the upgradable download at bettethansuccess.com/scaleblueprint

In episode #22 of the Better Than Success Podcast, your host Nikki Purvy talks with photographer Jasen Hudson about how to get into the 'Scale' Mindset. Jasen is a professional photographer who has worked with top clients such as Ralph Lauren, Bloomingdales, Live Nation, TD Bank, iHeart Radio, TNT, Red Bull, Anthropology, and The Discovery Channel. He has also photographed top stars such as Nicki Minaj, Justin Beiber, and Jill Scott to name a few. Jasen has successfully scaled his photography business where he doesn't have to always physically work to make money. His for-hire studio, talents, and systems have allowed him to grow his business to a point where he is scaled for success. Listen now and learn what amazing tip Jasen offered our host that left her speechless. Learn More about Jasen Hudson at http://www.jasenhudson.com/ and http://www.10two5.com/

In episode 21 of the Better Than Success Podcast, host Nikki Purvy talks "Why you need to understand the importance of scaling your business: Success Code Minicourse Overview" A lot of entrepreneurs come to us for business advice or digital media help and I find that a very common theme that small business owners and new entrepreneurs struggle with is They don't have a complete vision for their business... They don't focus on the right aspects of the business that will lead them to success... They think too small Scale - In financial markets, scalability refers to financial institutions' ability to handle increased demands; in the corporate environment, a scalable company is one that can maintain or improve profit margins while sales volume increases. Always Start with the end in mind. Over the next couple of months, I'm going to put you through a mini course called Success Code that will help will help you. It will feature a closed Facebook group and downloads. Who this MiniCourse is for... New entrepreneur who doesn't have a vision 1-3 year entrepreneur and small business team member who is doing well but trying to get over the hump Seasoned vet who is just stuck in a rut This MiniCourse is not for you: If you want someone to give you an exact model. If you need inspiration to just start your business. Because I'm not telling you that you need to be an entrepreneur. This is for the small business team member. All of you... If you want to get something for nothing... What to expect: Bette Than Success is all about teaching you how to teach yourself. So I'm going to offer you a framework through lessons that you have to apply yourself. I'm essentially going to teach you how to think so you can go off and learn yourself. Expect homework. I'm not the "be all end all". We don't know everything but I know where to find things. So I will tell you where to find them/ I'm going to bring in people and experts to help talk about certain topics as it pertains to Scale. Some of the downloads will be free. Some will be $5. Some will be $50. Depending on how intense. Keep in mind that one out of 10 startups succeed in the first 2 years. 90% of startups fail. 5 steps to Scale: S.C.A.L.E See it – Vision Calculate it – Math behind the vision Aim – Plan Lay it out – Strategy Execute Get the Calculate It. Workbook and Spreadsheet at Betterthansuccess.com/calculateit

In episode #20 of the Better Than Success Podcast, your host Nikki Purvy talks about the best money principles that will help your business. Understanding these financial principles will determine if your business succeeds or fails. These values represent 50% of the factors that determine the success of you and your business. In this episode, we cover things such as profit margin, ROI, proper banking, cost of goods sold, budgeting, business, credit, and the priority of your personal salary. We break each term down so that anyone can understand them. You don't need to be a financial professional to comprehend the content here but you do need to understand the importance of the content to succeed. Visit betterthansuccess.com/19 to get the full show notes.

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, we sit down with Lidyr Creative's and Better Than Success' VP of Business Development Kiarra Solomon to talk email marketing techniques. With extensive experience in non-profit and government planning and funding, Kiarra helps Lidyr clients identify and obtain access to streams of capital, resources, and relationships necessary for successful business growth. Some of the topics we cover include. Email Marketing Mindset "From Name" A/b Split Testing Subject Lines Image Usage Body Copy Call To Cation Rules

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, Nikki Purvy talks about quick tips for copywriting for social media CTAs, ads, landing pages and email marketing. We talk about the most persuasive word in the English language and how to use it. Learn the formula for writing effective sales copy that convert. Get the foundational mindset that every business owner needs to write ads the get people to buy. Listen now and become a better salesperson.

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, Nikki Purvy talks about Why a Strong Email List Is the 2nd Most Valuable Form of Capital in Your Business. We will discuss why email marketing is essential for your business what tools you will need to grow your list what tools you will need to manage your list 2 simple email marketing strategies to help jump start your email marketing campaign The 2 main tools your will need are Aweber and Leadpages... sign up for aweber at betterthansuccess.com/aweber sign up for Leadpages at betterthansuccess.com/leadpages Check out our show notes at betterthansuccess.com/17

Nina Keyes is the Founder and CEO of The Philly Cheesesteak Tour. The Philly Cheesesteak Tour is a sightseeing food tour that highlights Philly Culture, Philly History and most importantly, the world famous Philly Cheesesteak. Nina is a full-time teacher and mother by day and tourism and hospitality specialist by night. In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, Nina Keyes shares how she successfully launched a sightseeing food tour while excelling at her 9-5 and being a full-time single mother. She shares what research she did to launch a large-scale business and what it took to get the business off the ground. She also settles the long time debate over who has the best cheesesteak in Philly. She shares her secret to success and she also gives tips on being a good mother while following her dreams. We talk what "job security" really means and how it affects all entrepreneurs and employees. Nina explains what experience prepared her for running her first startup. Listen now to learn how a single mother jumpstarted her first large scale startup while raising children & working a 9-to-5.

In episode #15 of the Better Than Success Podcast your host, Nikki Purvy talks with a Branding Specialist. Our Guest is an "Expert Professional Unemployee". He specializes in digital branding and creative development for lifestyle, fashion, food, and entertainment. He's had a successful career in nightlife as well as business consultancy. Justin is currently the creative director for TAA PR who works with clients such as Neiman Marcus, Shake Shack, Ritz-Carlton, Cirque Du Soleil, and STK to name a few. He works directly with BET Special Events Team, developing content for Black Girls Rock, BET Experience, BET Honors, and Leading Women Defined. He explains how branding can determine in a business is successful or a failure. He talks about one element that can ensure your success. Listen to this episode to learn how the pros brand.

In this episode of the Better Than Success, your host Nikki Purvy talks with Forrsmith Logistics founder Darnell Smith about why every new business owner and new entrepreneur should focus on running one new business at a time. There is a free download with this episode at betterthansuccess.com/whatsmybusiness Darnell Smith is the Founder and President of Forrsmith Logistics. Forrmsith Logistics is a northeast corridor asset based logistics provider specializing in refrigerated, dryvan, and intermodal logistics. They haul for large and small businesses such as Poland Spring and Nestle Water, Target, Maersk, Penske logistics, and A. Duie Pyle to name a few. In you live in NE then chances are they've shipped fruit, produce, and Shrimp to your local supermarket and grocery store. Last year Forrsmith generated $5 million in revenue. The discussion around this episode was based on the response that we got from an article written on the website titled "3 Reasons Why Every New Entrepreneur Should Focus on Running ONLY One Business at a Time". Darnell contributes his views about running more than one startup business based on real life experience. At one time he was running 4 business at one time. We talk about the 2 types of startup business owners, "The Boss" and "The Driver". Learn what characteristics define each type and learn what type you are. Darnell accounts some real-life business stories to argue the case for why every new entrepreneur should wait at least 5 years before starting a new business. If you are looking to focus on one business download this FREE workbook "How to help you choose the right business for you" at betterthansuccess.com/whatsmybusiness

On this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast we Interview radio and television personality, Quincy Harris. Quincy Harris is a force to be reckoned with and has been in the entertainment business for over 15 years. His quick wit and honesty has made him a fan favorite in the radio industry. However, now you can catch Quincy on Philadelphia's Fox 29 News as an entrainment correspondent bringing you the latest in national headlines, lifestyle trends, and community involvement. In this episode, we will learn how Quincy Harris' mindset of resiliance got him to where he is today. Since he was a child he always knew that he wanted to be on television and he knew he would do anything to get there. While attending Temple University in 1997, he came up with a plan to sneak into Powerhouse, an annual concert produced by Philadelphia's Power 99 radio station, where he met radio personality Colby Colb. Quincy knew that getting on the radio would ultimately lead to him being on television. Sneaking into Powerhouse and his determination eventually got him a volunteer job working for Power 99. Although it wasn't a well-paying job he stuck it out. Quincy had other jobs during this time, but nothing ever seemed as right as being on the radio. In 2007 Quincy took a leap of faith, left Power 99's morning show and moved to Los Angeles to work with Big Boy on his nationally syndicated show. This in turn, became the best time of his life. Because he was able to step out of his comfort zone and make lifetime relationships he would never forget. Around 2011, Quincy decided it was time for him to return to Philly with his newly made family. Upon moving back to Philly Quincy claimed his spot on Fox 29's News. This transition prompted Quincy to change up his mindset. He has learned that in life there are some things you just have to do in order to reach your end game. And in order to do them all, it takes time and planning. So, he's always planning ahead because time is too valuable to waste. You can get to know more about Quincy Harris by going to QuincyHarris.com. You can also catch Quincy and his wife on his Facebook hosted talk show Dish Talk every Monday 7pm to 8pm https://www.facebook.com/QuincyHarrisTV Quincy can also be followed on Instagram @allmediaq and Twitter @allmediaq

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, your host Nikki Purvy talks with personal and professional development life coach Lucinda Cross. Lucinda Cross is a best-selling author, Award winning and internationally known speaker, spokesperson and energetic teacher of personal and professional development. In 2006, she started the brand Activate Your Life Today! and is the President of Activate WorldWide Inc. a leadership services firm that specializes in the delivery of personal and professional development enrichment programs. She has been featured a guest on shows from The Today Show to Dr. Oz and seen in publications such as Essence Magazine and Ebony Magazine. In our interview with Lucinda Cross she drops some amazing jewels on how to Activate Your Life Now and how she helps amazing entrepreneurs such as yourself get started. She gets down to the nitty-gritty on how procrastination can be your ultimate downfall unless you learn how to master your mindset, so that your not just allowing life to happen. Lucinda has taken the world’s best kept secrets and helped them to gain exposure. She has assisted numerous Reality TV Stars with understanding how to maximize and monetize their rise to stardom. Lucinda instills in her clients two main principles utilizing 5 Pillars of Excellence: Principles Master Your Mindset What is the Root of Your Business Pillars Faith Family Friends Finances Fitness Lucinda uses her best practices such as workshops and mentoring to help her clients master goal setting and how to complete them through great time management, productivity, and communication skills. Annually on September 19th and 20th Lucinda hosts the Activate Conference where she brings fellow masterminds together to gather more fuel their engines. Each conference is NEVER THE SAME! This years theme is entitled “ All or Nothing,” and will be held at Howard University. Last years turn out was about 300 people. This year Lucinda hopes to keep things a bit more intimate, but is well aware that the attendees will be about 300 plus and she welcomes you all. She also has a free event coming up in May that will be hosted in New York City. Listen to this episode to find out how Lucinda built a business on the lifestyle she wanted to live by becoming her first client and mastering her mindset. To learn more about Lucinda Cross and Activate Worldwide visit: www.lucindacross.com www.activateconference.com And follow her on social media Twitter: @Lucindaspeaks IG: LucindaCross FB: LucindaCrossSpeaks Youtube: virtuallucinda

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, host Nikki Purvy talks with fashion mogul Tiffany Williams. Tiffany Williams is the creator and owner of the luxury streetwear brand Bellargo Piarge which means “fashion is life”. In March 2004 beginning with just a t-shirt line Bellargo Piarge was launched in Philadelphia , Pa from the trunk of her vehicle. Today, Bellargo Piarge has taken over the fashion & entertainment industry. Spotted on influencers from Meek Mill, Karen Civil to Nicki Minaj, just to name a few; as well as placed in the motion picture “Brotherly Love” and various indie films and music videos. Tiffany Williams has overseen every aspect of her business. She has hosted countless pop up eventsat her boutique, spoke on numerous panels and gives back to the community. And now she has her very own “Bellargo University” which allows her to educate individuals about owning or starting a business. In our interview, Tiffany tells the story of how she taught herself the ins and outs of the fashion industry with no formal training. She gives us her top success habits and talks about how she manages her time. Her newest venture, Bellargo University, gives other entrepreneurs access to her business acumen, through coaching and events. One of Tiffany's biggest success strategies is networking. Her skills in networking has allowed her to get her brand on celebrities regularly. Listen to this episode to learn how this mogul quit her 9-5 and crafted her dream life.

In this episode of the Better Than Succes Podcast, Your host Nikki Purvy talks with successful entrepreneur Isaiah Nathaniel about how he runs two successful businesses simultaneously. Isaiah reveals his time management strategy and talks about how to focus. According to Isaiah, both focusing and prioritizing are essential for success. Listen now to learn the secrets to becoming a great leader according to Isaiah. Isaiah Nathaniel is a successful entrepreneur, film producer and director who is the owner and CEO of Calcom Technologies a premier Informational Technology company based out of Philadelphia, Pa. He is also the owner of MadOptics Productions, a film production company that focuses on films, sports, and photography. Recently noted Isaiah received national press as the executive producer, writer, and director of 16th and Philly, a documentary film released February 2014.

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, your host Nikki Purvy interviews attorney Sam Anyan. Samuel A. Anyan, Jr. represents clients injured due to slip and fall accidents, construction site accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, police brutality, and car accidents. Mr. Anyan is known for his superior preparation and courtroom skills, obtaining stellar results for his clients. Mr. Anyan has been featured on MSNBC as well as a number of nationally circulated publications. He was also named ‘A Lawyer on the Fast Track 2011’ by the Legal Intelligencer publication, an honor bestowed to Pennsylvania’s Top Lawyers under 40 each year. Mr. Anyan strives to give his clients the compassionate, caring, personal service and attention they deserve. In 2005, Mr. Anyan received his Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law. Mr. Anyan earned his LL.M. degree in trial advocacy from Temple University School of Law in 2008, graduating with honors. In this interview we discuss how to turn failure into success. Sam shares how he used failing the bar the first time to his advantage. He then saw his new predicament as an opportunity to position himself for success. We also talk about what makes lawyers so well-equipped for success. Sam shares his daily habits that contribute to a productive day and he talks about how he developed these habits.

When new businesses get a new website a lot of times they want a blog page. When clients come to us and they want a blog on their new website, deep down in side I want to say “Are you going to really blog? Do you understand the commitment? Do you even know why you want a blog? And as much as you want to believe they will, no one will come to your blog at first? And are you ok with that? If not I can give you another really cool page.” Lol... I want you all to know that a blog is really important and every business needs one but if you are not going to commit or have someone in your business designated to commit, then I don’t want you to do it, because no blog is better than a poorly managed blog, but a well-managed blog is the best of the best! And I’m going to give you the ins and outs of a well managed blog. Blog vs blog post Blog – Entire web log Blog Post – One entry in a web log How a blog will help your biz Inside of 9 months A blog will help close you sales a little faster for large ticket items or services. Your sales funnel may go like this. The prospect learns about your business through a friend or you and then they go to your site to check out how real you are. Having a well maintenance blog will definitely help to solidify your authenticity once people do come to your website. For smaller priced items, customers may be actually finding you online through social media or email marketing and people most likely will pull the trigger right then and there, but the presence of a well maintenance blog does establish trust. People will feel more comfortable pulling the trigger if they know someone is taking the site seriously. Outside of 9 months I mentioned that your blog isn’t going to help you get search engine traffic for a while but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t start. 9 months to a year seems like a long time to get organic traffic but its not. You have to start somewhere. The relationship of Google, SEO and your blog For those of you who don’t know, SEO is search engine optimization, the process of maximizing the number of visitors to a particular website by ensuring that the site appears high on the list of results returned by a search engine. A long time ago in ancient SEO times way back in the late 90s-the mid to late 2000s people used to do all sorts of witch craft to get their websites ranked in search engines...we called this black hat tricks. An example would be if you sold red socks on your site and you wanted to rank for that then you would make text the same color as your background and write red sock all over the back of your site so no one could see it but when Google crawled the site it would read it and know that you are serious about the red socks business. The tricks got a lot more sophisticated but Google has always gotten hip to people’s tricks and dinged or penalized people or took them out the search engine all together. It’s hard to get back in Google’s good graces. So Google’s whole existence has been to put in place algorithms such as “Panda” to hurt people who have crappy sites that don’t provide real content and rely on Black Hat tricks. So how can we now manipulate the search engines? All of Google’s algorithm changes, information releases, and penalizing have all lead to one conclusion: they have been telling the world what they want from you in exchange for ranking you in their search engine...good quality long content and other reputable people linking to your good quality content. That’s all they want. And trust me, I know you work hard, you are smart, you got some good quality content up there in your dome. Rules run your blog so that you get traffic from it 9 months to a year from now Blog Regularly Promote Your posts Link to other reputable sites How to choose a blog post topics Keep a space in your phone or your computer that you make notes about what blog post topics as they come to you. Use client interactions, customer conversations, the news, or even arguments that you have with your significant other as inspiration. Restrict yourself to writing about aspects of the business that you actually love. This will help you write faster and create unique content. It will allow you to develop your tone of voice for the blog and this way you will be providing the world with unique valuable content (what Google loves). See what’s in the news about your industry, write a commentary piece or a news recap. Write about what’s going on in your business How to Write a Blog Post Choose a good title Use Header Tags Name your picture on your hard drive before you upload Fill in the “Alt Title” Write at least 300-2,000 words Be clear and concise Fact Check Have an Intro, Body, & Outro Write conversationally

In the episode of the 'Better Than Success Podcast", Nikki Purvy talks about the Three Things Every Entrepreneur Needs to Understand about Money. She uses her experience with working with hundreds of small businesses and startups to hone in on the three most invaluable lessons that most new businesses need to grasp to help their business flourish. The lessons as recorded in this podcast episode are as follows: 1) Money is a tool Nothing more. Nothing less. Money is not real. It has no real value. Its a tool. Its not a thing to love because its not lovable. Its not a thing to praise, its not even a thing to rap about in songs. Once you understand that its a tool just like a wrench or a hammer then you will make better money decisions for your business Here are some uses for this tool. Use it to make time and freedom Use it to buy cash flows (and wealth) 2) Know the Difference between speculating and investing In Benjamin Gram’s book “intelligent investor”, the author differentiates the difference between speculating and and investing as: “An investment operation is one which, upon thorough analysis, promises safety of principal and a satisfactory return. Operations not meeting these requirements are speculative.” Investopedia differentiates as: “Typically, high-risk trades that are almost akin to gambling fall under the umbrella of speculation, whereas lower-risk investments based on fundamentals and analysis fall into the category of investing. Investors seek to generate a satisfactory return on their capital by taking on an average or below-average amount of risk. On the other hand, speculators are seeking to make abnormally high returns from bets that can go one way or the other. It should be noted that speculation is not exactly like gambling because speculators do try to make an educated decision on the direction of the trade, but the risk inherent in the trade tends to be significantly above average.” What I want you to gather from this is that unless you have done research and analysis about your business and industry then you are speculating. I am very much so not in the business of speculating when it comes to my livelihood or my business and I don’t suggest that you do that either. I want to point out that in the intelligent investor the author points out that anyone has the right to speculate but never comingle your speculation operations with your investment operations and never rely on your speculation money. Even furthermore, because a lot of new business owners don’t know the difference between investing and speculating they accept investing returns for speculation activity. By the Investopedia definition ‘speculation’ can demand higher returns because it’s more risky. Some small businesses think they’re investing when they’re really speculating because they haven’t done the proper research. Someone said to me that after listening to this podcast, I came off as well read. I don’t know how much I agree or disagree, it’s all relative but I have read a quote a few books by top business leaders and an underlying theme is that they don’t gamble. Andrew Carnegie said this in his autobiography about gambling: “I have never bought or sold a share of stock speculatively in my life, except one small lot of Pennsylvania Railroad shares that I bought early in life for investment and for which I did not pay at the time because bankers offered to carry it for me at a low rate. Such a course should commend itself to every man in the manufacturing business and to all professional men. For the manufacturing man especially the rule would seem all important. His mind must be kept calm and free if he is to decide wisely the problems which are continually coming before him What is not, he sees, and what he sees, is not. He cannot judge of relative values or get the true perspective of things. The molehill seems to him a mountain and the mountain a molehill, and he jumps at conclusions, which he should arrive at by reason. His mind is upon the stock quotations and not upon the points that require calm thought. Speculation is a parasite feeding upon values, creating none.” Now of course we are not talking about individual stocks but this concept can be easily transmuted to running a business because in reality it’s the same thing --- you should steer clear of starting a business that you speculated about rather than taking your time and researching and analyzing. You can get distracted by upswings and downswings and you never “judge the relative values or get the true perspective of things” This also goes for any sub-investments you make while running your business. Should you buy that new piece of equipment? Should you spend money on a billboard? Should you invest in that new software promising to make your business run more efficiently? Should you hire that new employee? None of this should be speculated on. 3) Make giving back a monthly expense. There is something about giving back and helping a fellow human bein

In this episode of the Better Than Success Podcast, your host Nikki Purvy reveals step-by-step her time management technique that allows her to complete more in a day than others complete in a week. We all know that time management is key to success and business development. This 9-step process is easy to follow and start with laying a solid foundation that starts with mindset. There is also a free download that will help listeners to adopt this technique. Last week on episode 4 of the “Better than Success” Podcast we talked about the 3 Phases of work/life balance for new entrepreneurs. We talked about the ‘Tantrum Phase’, ‘The Superman Phase’ and the ‘Work Smarter not Harder Phase’. In the ‘Work Smarter not Harder Phase’, we learn that time is the most valuable resource. This is why it is important for us to learn to maximix our time if we must work smarter Here I will lay out my 9 step process to maximize my time and get 75% more done in a day. Steps 1-3 are foundational and very important. Step 1. Develop A Time Control Mindset. This is the most important step in this whole process. You have to develop a Time Control Mindset. I’m going to note a couple of facts that will help you develop a Time Control Mindset “You have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyonce” "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion" – Parkinson’s Law “You are AlWays the boss of your time” –Nikki Purvy Step 2. Learn to Focus. Most people cannot focus. This is not based on empirical evidence but I would guess that 80% of people don’t now how to focus on a single task for an hours up to 40 hours let alone one that takes 1 hour. I learned the importance of concentration from the book the THE POWER OF CONCENTRATION. Theron Q. Dumont or William Walker Atkinson. The author is noted as both men. Here are some tasks that will help you focus working out without stoping to talk to your friends Reading Playing an instrument or anything that requires you to use your hands Here are some focus killers TV Social Media Too much work-time banter Step 3. Time yourself Write out your tasks to be completed over the next day/hour/week in haphazard increments before you attack them. Time your self on each individual task. How long does it take to complete each task uninterrupted? This is very important. This concept came from the book ‘Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time’ by Jeff Sutherland. I didn’t read all of it but I did uncover the part where the author talks about learning how long t takes to do certain tasks before you lock down a project due date The concept here is to get an accurate time frame of how long it takes to complete different tasks uninterrupted when you’re focused. Record these times, take a mental note or whatever. This may take a week or a month for you to get a proper account for how long it takes to complete tasks. Steps 4-9 I have a worksheet for you to download at betterthanSuccess.com/5 Step 4. Record Your Tasks as They Come to You Record all your tasks as they come to your head. Write down all your tasks to be completed as you go along in life. Take notes in your phone, write on scraps of paper, or take notes on your computer. You will get ideas from everywhere. Write them down anywhere but be sure that you can find them come Monday morning. And at the top of every other working day BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING. BEFORE YOU HAVE YOUR COFFEE. Do steps 5 and 6. Step 5. Create Your Master Task List Make a list of all your tasks that you recorded in your various places. Take them all and put them in one place, for the week, ON the COMPUTER. This is called the master task list Step 6. Schedule Out Your Day Schedule out your day. Just today. Schedule out 15 min, 30 min, 1 –2 hour blocks of time to complete tasks throughout your day and start inserting them in these blocks according to priority and how long it takes you to do a task uninterrupted, because remember you timed yourself. This is called the daily schedule Add in your coffee break and your lunch break. And your Facebook break if you need one. Schedule these out. Schedule out time to BS with your coworkers. For real, factor that in. Step 7. Define the End of the Day Give yourself a definitive time to end work for the day, no matter what. This is what gives you the work/life balance. Note: As you go through your day sticking as close to your schedule as possible make note of the following: Remember you are only doing today so not everything from the week’s list will get in here. Its not supposed to. What this does is it allows you to race against the clock for completing individual tasks and gives you a deadline for each. So its like you are always working in the last minute without the pressure. It also assures you that you are actually working as efficiently as you can. As you go through the day completing tasks use the strike out to cross them out both on the schedule and the large task list As new things come up through out the day

In this episode, Nikki Purvy talks about the three phases that all new entrepreneurs go through. Learn what the Tantrum Phase, Superman Phase, and the 'Work Smarter not Harder' Phase are. Learn how long each phase lasts and most importantly learn how you can get to the next phase.

In episode 3 of the Better Than Success Podcast, your host Nikki Purvy talks the top 3 books that will help you jump start or get your business out of a rut. She digs deep in each of these books, reveals the major theories within the pages and explains how each of the ideas can help you with your business. We learn what "trust" really means and why you need it, seven principles to attain spiritual, mental and physical freedom, and what single key skill the current generation lacks that holds them back from success.

In episode 2 of the Better Than Success Podcast, your host Nikki Purvy talks what networking really is and how to network when your business leaves you with little time to do so. Learn to Network effectively without actually networking and the #1 rule of networking.

In episode 1 of the Better than Success Podcast your host Nikki Purvy defines 'Point of Difference' and explains why your business needs one. She also gives you a questionnaire to help guide your through establishing your business' Point of Difference. We then talk further rules that every business owner should follow when narrowing down your point of difference.

Listen to this short episode to learn what Better Than Success is all about.