Member/Community News

Author, speaker and motivator, Esther Hughes was the featured speaker at the WBF’s September meeting. A teacher and mentor, Esther develops programs to motivate and equip individuals and organizations with strategies that promote personal and professional growth. Using the acronym BURST Esther hopes to Build Uplift Radiant Speakers and Thinkers. Esther feels this time of year, after a summer of relaxation, traveling and family priorities is a time for new beginnings for business owners. And just like children returning to their studies she feels education for adults is transformational and unlocks everyone’s potential. She noted that, “What’s most important in business is goals” because, “goal setting is important to success.” With that in mind Esther has developed the A B C’s of Getting Back To Business. “A” is for additional offerings in your business. Start a newsletter, blog or just offer some freebies to your customers. “B” stands for building confidence. This can be achieved through a new marketing plan, attention to your SEO, public speaking engagements and networking. “C” represents certification and training. She recommends getting additional certifications in your field to enhance your already attained credentials and expand the services you already offer. “D” signifies desire and outcome. Esther says working backward from what your goal is to the steps that will take you there is an effective tool. Finally “E” is about enriching communications. She suggests thinking about who yoru connections are and determining how they will enrich you and your business. Esther also provided us with the Top 10 Ways to Get Back to Business This Fall. Simply put: Through Education! She suggests college programs, adult learning classes, webinars, seminars, networking groups, field trips, social media, Mastermind groups, books and most importantly, WBF colleagues. Inexpensive community college courses and knowledge based adult classes and seminars, the shared experiences at networking events and traveling to get out of the everyday routine of life and business all can enhance you and by extension your business. Additionally, Esther says, “63% of companies say Social Media have increased business traffic and marketing effectiveness.” An avid reader Esther ended by saying, “where you are now and where you will be in five years is from reading.” Knowledge in, successful outcomes out.