The Tin Shingle Blog

Every week at Tin Shingle, we host a digital meet up, a live #TuneUp as we call 'em, during which we speak live (and on camera!!) with members digitally tuning in everywhere from San Francisco to Brooklyn! Though the #TuneUp is chock-full of education and conversation all based on helping small biz owners and entrepreneurs build buzz for their brands, we always like to start with a little bit of inspiration.  Some weekly seeds of motivation and at times, entrepreneurial self-reflection to plant in the heads of our "digital studio audience".  This part of each weekly #TuneUp is near and dear to my heart because I think that taking care of yourself, your head and your heart as a business owner is just as important as mastering business strategies.

In this past week's #TuneUp, I was reflecting on a recent coffee date I had with a fellow entrepreneur who asked for advice about a situation I'm sure several of you are familiar with: she felt stuck and blocked in terms of the success of a specific business project.  She thought it would be much easier to accomplish but it just wasn’t happening. The frustration was getting to her, especially because she felt as if she'd checked everything off of her project To Do List but it still wasn't giving her the results she expected. 

I was more than happy to talk about this with her and was glad she decided to turn to me because believe me, I have been there, and I have done that.  More than once.  Because I’ve dealt with this "blockage situation" in the past I saw myself as a kid who has already been vaccinated from chicken pox (i.e., the blockage), or more accurately, like a doctor who had the vaccine for it in the first place - and this vaccine doesn't come in shot format (PHEW).  Instead, I'm going to share what I shared with my small biz buddy.  It's a set of three questions I ask myself when I feel like I'm working a lot but not achieving the results I want, my  "Cures for Blockage Questionnaire". 

I encourage you to think about a situation at work (or in life) that you're dissatisfied with and have it in mind when you ask these questions.  Usually by the time I get to the end of the list, my head and heart know what the next steps to freeing myself from the blockage are...

CURES FOR BLOCKAGE QUESTIONNAIRE

#1 Have I set the stage for success? 

This means: Creating a productive and positive work space that gives you the opportunity to make some focused and dedicated business happen.  A space that gets you in your zone and enables you to work calmly, in the way that you work best.  This is different for everyone but I cannot stress how important it is to create a space that "works" for you to make your projects, tasks and business happen.  I personally need a quiet space (I'm not the kind of gal who can work with music on), a candle and heck, I even add flowers into the mix.  They make a difference to me, and that's all that matters.  I make my work space a happy space.

This means: Setting aside enough focused time, dedicated time, to get your work groove on.  Cramming a ten item to do list into a 15 minute time span just makes you the equivalent of a stressed out, overstuffed, small biz sausage.

This means: Setting the stage for your brain as well.  Have you slept well, worked out, taken care of yourself and done the things you need to do to get your mind into that zone?  To get yourself motivated and focused?  I know I personally can only focus and calm down if I’m regularly exercising and meditating, and if I don’t I get stressed and crazy. A stressed and crazy person has a harder time being successful.  Truth.  You can quote me on that.

The point of this first question is to really call you to reflect on the fact that your business is secondary to yourself.  If you can't create both an internal and external environment of calm and awesomeness you cannot expect to produce at your highest potential!

#2 – Am I avoiding things that make me feel uncomfortable that by NOT doing them is holding me back from my goals and success? 

Often it's not what we are doing that is causing a blockage but it is in what we're not doing where the problem lies.  What could you be avoiding that could be holding you back from success... Here, I've made a list of  options for you: phone calls, pitches, talks with employees, updating your business plan, organizing your work finances, "proclaiming" your purpose, passion or project with the world, asking for help on something you're stuck on...BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.  Maybe it's sharing your business dream with your "day job" collagues.  Maybe it's avoiding a phone call to a member of the media who has not been answering your emails for months.  Maybe it's letting go a freelancer or intern who has been taking up more time or money than they are producing work wise...These little and big things we avoid are the little and big things that hold us back from our truest and biggest business potential.

And here's the kicker...

These things you're avoiding?  They are far worse in your head than in reality.  The stress may not even be coming from them, but from your subconscious fretting over you not doing them in the first place.  Think about that for a moment...

#3  - Can I honestly look myself in the mirror and say to myself “YES! I’m doing and giving 100% and really putting my whole self into it, in fact at times I'm working smarter or harder than others in my field?"

Before you tell me, Sabina, I cannot work any harder, and no I cannot work as many hours as my competitors because I have a day job/daughter/disorder that only lets me work 5 hours a day.  I didn't say work longer, I say work smarter or harder.  Often when we look internally we can admit that we're not as disciplined as we could be. 

Can you really reflect internally and answer affirmatively if you asked yourself, "I’m working as hard as I know I can, and as focused as I can and it’s still not working”.

This question reminds me of a conversation I have had more than once with my dad, a physician.  He has seen some patients for years who have been trying to lose weight, insisting that they want to get in shape and drop some major "LB's" but every time they come in for an appointment with him their is barely a change on the scale.  They say they want to lose weight but in truth, they aren’t really eating healthy more than a few days a week, they aren't working out as regularly and aggresively as they can, and are making minimal changes to their lifestyles.  Sure, others are making bigger changes than they have in the past, but they still aren't doing enough.  Because of that, they aren't losing the weight they want.

Now SURE you can tell me, "But Sabina, losing weight is hard, super hard."  I don't disagree with you, but so is running a successful business, or accomplishing any goal you really want to reach.  If the goals you wanted to reach were easy you wouldn't be reading this right now because you would have finished them ages ago.

So let this third question be one you examine in and reflect on over the weekend...Are you REALLY giving it your honest effort, disciplined effort and giving everything it takes to make it happen?  Are you cheating, or trying to take short cuts?  Are you taking the classes you need to take, learning the skills you need?  Are you really working productively or are you watching cat videos on YouTube more than you should be?  Are you avoiding taking action steps on a project because you’re afraid it may not turn out the way you want?  (That's a biggie for many too...)

Whatever the reasons, to unclog yourself you must be able to look yourself in the eye in the mirror and say YES I’m REALLY throwing myself into it and not holding back. 

Tell me if this situation sounds familiar to you…

You spend hours – maybe even days – perfecting the perfect pitch to share your awesome story, product or service with the media.  When you finally send it, the only response is, well, no response!  Silence.  Crickets.  Before you start blaming yourself or your business, the issue could be in your delivery. 

We talk and teach about how to pitch the media properly all day long at Tin Shingle and we also see several pitches that business owners like you write that need a little bit of TLC in the copy department.  In fact, many of them make the same mistakes, and some keep on making them, which is why we thought we’d remind you about some of the most common mistakes small businesses make when pitching the media, so you can stop making them for good, and start making awesome press happen!

• You Skip the Hello and Dive Straight into the Pitch:
  Would I walk up to someone I didn't know in a meeting or on the street and just start talking about myself or my business without even saying hello and introducing myself first?  Of course not, so why do so many small business owners do that in their pitches?  Don’t let manners go out the window just because you’re writing an email.  Instead, begin every email with a Hello/Good Morning/Good Afternoon [Insert Media Contacts First Name Here], followed by an introduction to you, your company and your purpose of writing them.  This all sounds like a no-brainer but it’s missing in at least 1/3 of all pitches I review.  If you regularly remind yourself that you’re not just mass pitching when you send out an email, but instead you're creating long term relationships with key members of the media, you’re much more likely to make an authentic introduction every time!
   

• Subject Line Issues:
  There are a few categories of email subject lines when pitching the media that do not work.  I categorize them as in these three groups:

1. Too Witty – These are the types of subjects that are so clever and witty that the reader doesn’t even "get" what you’re writing about, thus they may not open up your email in the first place.
    
2. Too Vague – These have included people writing only a reporter’s name or show title in the subject line to those just writing their company name in the subject line.  Though your email subject should be brief it should also be clear why you’re writing.  This makes your email look more legit (and less like spam) and also helps the recipient know exactly what you want answer wise, so they can provide that answer or direct you to someone who can. 
    
3. Finally, the last category of subject line issues is the Poor Grammar or Punctuation situation.
   If you use too many numbers, punctuation marks or capitalized letters you may be caught in spam filters.  It’s also just not acceptable to use symbols or multiple exclamation points or caps in email subject lines unless you’re writing fan mail to One Direction.  Keep it professional and spam-free!

   SEE ALSO: [Recorded Class] How to Use a Magazine's Editorial Calendar to Get More Press
    

• You leave out a link to your website (not a hyperlink by the way): Here’s a quick tip for email pitches: make your company’s website address easy to access within the first sentence or two of your pitch.  People want and need to get to your website to learn more, and they don’t want to dig through your email to find it.  Help them get there immediately by providing the URL for them.  Like this: www.mywebsite.com. Not like this "Click here for my awesome website!" When you do provide the link, do not hyperlink to it from another word or phrase.  People do not like hyperlinks in pitches, because unless you’re best friends or colleagues they cannot trust where that hyperlink will lead them.  To review: do provide your website address early in your email pitch, do not hyperlink to it, and do not hyperlink to anything in pitches in general.  It’s bad pitching etiquette and lowers your chances of being impactful and getting a response.

   

• You Don’t Use Bullets:
  It’s hard for me imagine writing any pitch to someone that doesn’t include bullets.  Eyes love bullets.  Pitches love bullets.  The media targets you’re pitching love bullets.  Bullets are “PR sexy”, a giant paragraph of copy is a total turn off.   If I’m talking about a product, I outline the unique selling points or cool facts about it (from price to performance) in bullets.  If I’m sharing an expert and what they can give advice about I’m incorporating bullets.  This article you’re reading right now uses them – imagine if it was all just one long paragraph.  You feel overwhelmed before you even begin reading it.  Now imagine if you’re a busy reporter or editor or producer.  You have the patience to skim through a few sentences of an introduction but after that you’re eyes are going to want the info you need to be chunked out in bullets.  It makes it easier for you to find and digest the important information

   

• Improper use of images (attachments to strangers):
  You know how when you were growing up your parents told you to never talk to strangers? Here’s a PR-version of that rule: never attach to strangers, meaning, never attach images (or media kits, or anything else) to emails to people you do not know.  That doesn’t mean not using images – if you can master the art of embedding an image that’s a great alternative.  Otherwise, you can send a link to your information, products, media kit, look book and more in the email (specify what each link is to).  Ask them for permission to send them an attachment of these things.  One more thing: If they ask, then you want to send it back to them right away. Don’t wait too long. You want it sent to them while you’re still fresh in their minds!

  SEE ALSO: [Recorded Class] PR Mishaps & Mistakes: We Answer YOUR Questions About How to Handle Them

   

• It’s Too Long:
  Pitches, like cologne, fit into the life category of “less is more”.  If you can’t boil your pitch concept and business idea down to a brief, clear and concise pitch, then you need to rethink what you’re trying to say and how you're saying it.  An elevator pitch delivery isn’t just something you do on the phone or in person, it’s how you really pack a punch when e-pitching the press!  Deliver the information completely and in order of importance and quickly.  If you can’t do this your pitches, they may not be read at all!  The art of pitching is one you have to practice and study, but if you invest the time and effort into it you can become a master at creating the perfect, concise and to-the-point work of PR art!

Does your next media pitch need to be "pitch whispered" and edited to perfection?  Let us know, we can help!
 

Design enthusiasts know that each year, Pantone, the official color creator for most every color palette in your home, mail, brochures, and more, declares an official color of the year. For 2014, it's Radiant Orchid. According to Pantone, “Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” 

Media outlets from the Wall Street Journal to Apartment Therapy are going wild over the range of products or branding available in Radiant Orchid. So we're going wild over our small business members and friends who use this shade of purple-ish pink in their branding or products.

	Peggy Li These colorful gemstones are teeny tiny and come in an unusual coin faceted cut. In purple amethyst, light blue topaz, yellow citrine, red garnet or sparkling white topaz, approx. Wear a bright bit of gemstone sparkle that makes a perfect, understated but rich-looking gemstone necklace. Shop this >
	Emily Elizabeth Jewelry This gold plated flower petal necklace is reversible allowing for two different colored crystals. Shop this >
	Lisa Robins Jewelry This lovely style features a small medallion and cushion cut drop to be worn as a necklace. Gorgeous gemstone hangs from an original design in sterling silver and is sure lend beauty to any outfit. Shop this >
	Words to Sweat By Motivational jewelry to wear while you sweat. This bracelet features a textured aluminum charm that is hand stamped with the word "TRANSFORM" strung on a bracelet made of lightweight gray jersey knit. Shop this >
	Warm Tradition Warm Tradition Hot Water Bottles are fabulous to use to soothe and calm children. Children love to cuddle with plush warm companions. Let this child-size cozy hot water bottle work its magic. A Classic Child-Size Hot Water Bottle made of thermoplastic is covered by an extra soft fleece cover that ensures a long lasting heat or cold. Shop this >

The HSBC scandal continues as small business owners scramble to get their cash out of the bank. Since HSBC closed small business accounts this month, and to many people apparently without warning, employers have been hounding the bank to get their cash out in order to pay employees and bills. Not to mention if people elected for paperless bank statements and needed to access statements at tax time, but the bank would not or could not release them.

The trickle effect continues, as many businesses use PayPal to process orders online and take credit cards from clients over the phone or via a payment button or link. The cash that sits in PayPal that is normally transferred to a bank account needs a business bank account in order to be transferred. If the bank account for that small business was at HSBC, then the funds are frozen in PayPal as well.

Brett King, founder of Moven, speculated in a comment on our earlier blog post that he suspects something grander is going on at HSBC, since closing accounts at Holiday time is so...extremely uncouth and hurtful to pocketbooks and thus moral.

Could it be that HSBC has bigger problems? Since they violated the Trading with the Enemy Act? And a slew of other money laundering acts as reported by Rolling Stone in their article "Too Big to Go To Jail" published in February 2013?

According to the article: "Flooring politicians, lawyers and investigators all over the world, the U.S. Justice Department granted a total walk to executives of the British-based bank HSBC for the largest drug-and-terrorism money-laundering case ever. Yes, they issued a fine – $1.9 billion, or about five weeks' profit – but they didn't extract so much as one dollar or one day in jail from any individual, despite a decade of stupefying abuses."

Also according to the article, HSBC's American subsidiary was served a cease-and-desist letter for operating in the United States in 2003 unless they cleaned up their act.

Alrighty then. Where best to keep business money these days? Even when we need money in digital forms to zip over to vendors or employees or pay bills?

Watching small businesses lose access to their money is quite unsettling, and makes the account itself feel like what HSBC is required to warn about with regard its investment accounts, from a screenshot taken from their website:

Too small to read? Its warnings for investments include:

• MAY LOSE VALUE
   
• ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES
   
• ARE NOT A BANK DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF THE BANK OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES

Sadly, bank deposits made by small business owners are feeling as if they just got screwed, were not protected, had no guarantee of a reliable bank account, and lost value when they haven't been able to access their cash for weeks. Especially when the business bank account is connected to another money holding account which depends on the former to make a withdraw.

Shocking.