Whiteboard Video: How to Write a Values Statement

It’s Whiteboard Thursday again, and this time we’ve got Erica Olsen detailing how to craft a values statement that will clearly explain what your organization believes, or stands for. Each week, we’ll be posting these video tutorials so check back for more!

In addition, if you have any requests for subjects, please let us know in the comments.

Recession Advice You Don’t Want to Miss… From a Stripper!

Sick of all the “recession-proof” talk being spouted by white-haired businessmen & fast-talking consultants? You’re probably just reading in the wrong place. I sat down with someone who may not be your first choice for recession advice- a stripper- and you wouldn’t believe the useful things she told me.

So, about the interview. Two weeks ago at a local coffee shop I bumped into my neighbor, Cameron, who is a stripper- and a quick breakfast conversation ended up turning into an interview on how she’s getting through the downturn. I found what she had to say was especially inspiring for small business people and contractors, but also for managers in general who are starting to feel the pinch and worry about our economic future. Below is an excerpt which she was kind enough to let me print.

MSP: Has the strip club industry seen an impact from the economic downturn? Some may assume that “red light” entertainment would be recession-proof.

It [the economy] has affected us for sure. It’s definitely not recession proof, because we’ve all seen a drop in business.

MSP: What has that done to your club & your competitors?

I’ve seen tons of girls quit. They’re not making as much as they were and they fear it’ll get worse.

MSP: What are you doing that’s keeping you working?

Personally, it hasn’t affected what I take home, because I’ve made adjustments. I’m making the same money but working longer and harder for it. I know this won’t last forever, so it’s worth it for me.

I’m also taking a vacation that I had been putting off. I figure one of the best ways for me to keep up my pace is to stay happy, so I’m going to take some time to relax before I get back to it.

MSP: What advice do you have for other businesses and contractors who are worried about the recession?

First, realize that a lot of what you’re facing is mental. The recession is real, but a lot of the girls I know quit when they could have kept going and stuck it out. You can’t let all the recession-talk get in your head and shake your confidence.

Second, work harder and smarter. I pick up extra shifts sometimes or work a little longer, but with everyone else quitting, that’s actually been helping me. I can keep this up and come out of the downturn doing better.

MSP: Cameron, that’s some sage advice. I really appreciate your perspective and I think others will- especially in a time where people need some reassurance.

You can check out our related articles and tools in MSP’s free Ultimate Recession Proofing Kit by clicking here.

Startup Booster Recognizes MyStrategicPlan

Oh, happy day! It always feels great when someone tells you that you’re doing a good job, and web apps aren’t immune to that! Today, StartupBooster, a fantastic blog that showcases some stellar startups, issued a review of MyStrategicPlan that has all of us really excited. Here’s a little of what Jey at StartupBooster had to say after checking out our system:

MyStrategicPlan offers its services at a reasonable price point as indicated on their website. Navigating through the web pages, I found the features useful to new entrepreneurs as well as those who have an established web presence. It is surprising how the market has not capitalized on strategic planning tools, which essentially is the backbone of any business. If you have ever asked yourself three questions, “where is my organization now?”, “Where do I want to take it?” and “How will I get there?” then this tool will definitely prove to be a viable solution to your queries.

Head over to StartupBooster here to read the entire review. Thanks Jey and the rest of the team!

Whiteboard Video: How To Write a Vision Statement

In this whiteboard video, our VP of Marketing, Erica Olsen, describes how to craft a vision that challenges and inspires your organization to reach your long-term goals. No matter whether your organization is just beginning or has you’ve had a strategic plan in place for years, you could get a lot from this quick video on visioning.

Half-Way Through 2008- How’s it Going?

So- you set your goals, you dreamed your dreams and now, here we are at the midpoint of the year. For some, July sped here at breakneck speeds. For others, the year has been creeping along. No matter where you stand, this is a fantastic time to take stock in your position: how far are you towards reaching your goals for 2008?

Yes, it’s time to break out your goals and see where you are at.

How are you doing? Do you need to step it up, or pat yourself on the back? Whatever the case, if you’ve made a plan and stuck to it, you’re doing the right thing. Now, here’s a few links to mark 2008’s half way point:

• About.com Human Resources: Second Half of the Year Day: How Are You Doing?
• The Contention Movie Reviews: Half-way there: The best and worst of the year so far
• The Tennessean: Halfway through year, Wall Street teeters on bear market
• Nascar: 2008, Half Way to the Finish
• The Beer Advocate: Best of 2008, at the Half Way Mark
• Wikipedia: Halfway, Oregon