MISTY GIBBS - Founder, MyInspirationLounge.com

02/12/10 | Misty Gibbs | 6 Comments

Misty Gibbs, Founder, MyInspirationLounge.com

I launched my website, MyInspirationLounge.com, to help busy women create change in minutes.

The inspiration came late one night when I couldn’t sleep and rushed to the computer looking for online support or inspiration. I was unemployed and ready to start a new chapter in my life.   The only thing my search turned up was an overwhelming number of uninspiring, poorly designed websites! Leveraging ten years of building online companies, I was inspired to create MyInspirationLounge.com. It offers the best websites and resources to help women find a new career, live green, launch a business, stay fit, connect with like-minded women, see the world and give back – all in one place!

Here are my 5 tips to help you rock your business:  

1. Survey your fans and customers right now. Their fresh, new ideas will give you the inspiration and energy you need to take your business to the next level.
 
2. Authenticity rules - let “you” shine through. The best business advice I’ve been given is to just be myself. Our fears and doubts get in the way of being real, but think about the vendors you buy from and the websites and blogs you read. You’re drawn to them because you connect and relate to the people behind them. As an entrepreneur, sharing your stories and connecting with customers on a more personal level gives you a huge advantage over the bigger brands that dominate your field. 
 
3. Make sure the basics are covered.

• Every online and offline business should have a blog. The blog provides an outlet to showcase your expertise, helps you build buzz and lets the “real you” shine through so that you connect with your customers on a more personal level. 
• Set up a Facebook fan page. My first suggestion is to weave some fun and inspiration into it. If your fan page is strictly business, where it’s obvious you’re just trying to sell them something, fans won’t visit often or leave comments. Add a dose of inspiration. For example, share your favorite inspiring quotes, photos or ask fun questions in addition to highlighting your blog posts, latest products or events.
• Newsletters, executed well, are a must for customer retention and driving growth. Pay attention to design, make sure it delivers value, features inspiring photos and shares your latest blog posts. Have fun with it!

 
It’s key to note that you can’t have too many touch points with your customers. The goal is to reach them in an environment where they feel comfortable interacting with your brand.
 
4. Ditch your computer. Join a local networking group and attend conferences. Face time is key and truly where the real opportunities and connections happen. Join a local networking group that fits your interests. Make sure it’s a supportive, collaborative environment. Identify inspiring conferences that will take you and your business to the next level! As a past attendee, I know The Woman’s Conference should be top of your list!
 
5. Take care of you and watch the creativity flow. The best thing you can do for you and your business is tuck yourself into bed early a few nights a week. Your productivity level will soar and the much-needed creative juices will flow!

Misty Gibbs is founder of MyInspirationLounge.com, a one-stop shop for women to explore the best inspiration on the web. Her mission is to empower busy women with the information and inspiration they need to change their life today, in 5-minutes. My Inspiration Lounge and Misty's tips have been seen in Sunset Magazine, Real Simple, Huffington Post and Extraordinary Women Magazine.  Tips on how to thrive are sent out weekly in her newsletter, InspireMail.