My Beautiful Old Oak Tree

As I was washing dishes on New Year's day, I glanced at the old oak tree in my back yard. It is a grand old tree with lots of character. It has endured winter ice storms, severe spring thunderstorms, long hot summer droughts and refreshing autumn breezes. It has witnessed over 150 years of history and will hopefully remain long after I'm gone. It patiently awaits the warmth of spring as it's branches reach out to the heavens.

Growing a company is much like this grand oak tree. The oak tree starts as a tiny, vulnerable seedling that can be easily trampled by the world around it. No one even notices it's presence or takes it seriously in the beginning. But, with time, patience and loving care, it survives the harshest of conditions. The tree develops thick bark to protect itself against icy conditions, just as we have to learn to deal with criticism and lack of belief in our quest to become successful entrepreneurs. The roots grow deep and wide to establish a strong hold against the severe spring thunderstorms, just as we have to give our companies a good strong base to deal with unexpected situations that every company experiences. The tree has to draw nutrients and moisture during the spring rains to help it endure hot summer droughts, just as we have to formulate a financial plan that will pay the bills today and tomorrow. We are currently experiencing the drought of our current economic state. However, with time, patience and loving care, our companies will survive and grow to be strong and thriving.

Don't give up, be patient, reach for the heavens, spring is coming.

The Kozy Nook offers a wide array of unique home and kitchen accents with personal style. Our products are both beautiful and versatile with over 40 different artwork designs to fill your home with the warmth and charm that will invite family and friends to slow down and enjoy spending time together.

What's Your Marketing Plan for the New Year

Now that the we've gotten through the holidays, what's on your agenda to make the New Year a successful and profitable year? Have you established a marketing plan? Have you decided on an advertising budget? As the saying goes "If you continue doing the same thing, you will continue to receive the same result". If you are already making all the sales you want to make, you may not want to change anything. However, most of us could use additional income.

I am on a very limited budget. My advertising expenses have to be carefully thought out to ensure a consistent ROI. Optimizing keywords on my website, blog, twitter, social networks and ads should provide a more consistent flow of new visitors to my website. In addition, I would like to make a point of sending out monthly newsletters with special coupons, promotion of new products, recipes and home decorating tips.

Personally, the past year was a year of building new skills. Learning to incorporate social media into my company was my main focus. It was a year of firsts; my first blog, twitter, social networks and newsletters. At times, it was confusing and frustrating, but, well worth the effort. The New Year will be a time to tweak and fine tune my efforts.

How do you plan to develop an effective marketing plan on a limited budget? Take some time to share your ideas and learn from others. I would love to hear what marketing strategy you plan to implement this year. I sincerely wish for you a year filled with good health, happiness and much success!

To your success,

The Kozy Nook

Kozy Online Shopping Mall