Archive for January, 2014

Use Google Authorship to Boost Your Content in Google Search

Thursday, January 30th, 2014
The Closet Entrepreneur by Kendra Leah Fuller

By , @Writing2Day

Recently, I added Google+ to my armory of social media marketing. I did have an account set up but it was linked to YouTube after Google bought them out. This would not be a problem if my son was not so into watching and commenting on Mind Craft videos on YouTube. Unfortunately, those comments were showing up on my Google+ profile which does not look good on a professional page.

I really had discounted Google+ only because I am already feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with the many different social media platforms nowadays. While doing research, I came upon a term I had not heard before – Google Authorship. My curiosity was peaked so away I went on the web to find out what it is all about.  (more…)

Stand Out Online by Providing Exceptional Customer Service

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014
The Closet Entrepreneur by Kendra Leah Fuller

By , @Writing2Day

Let’s talk about providing top notch customer service and what it can do for your business. We have just come through the holiday shopping season and a couple of really big customer service let downs have prompted me to write this post. Without going into the reasons why I will never again order from a couple of online retailers, I would like to share some ideas about good customer service.

I find these to be no-brainers, however my customers shared with me on many, many occasions how a competing retailer had treated them poorly. This left me scratching my head in confusion. If I want your business, shouldn’t I treat you right? If you are competing online with big box retailers and other small businesses, how can you stand out? By treating your customers like the gold they are. (more…)

Grand Teton National Park Easy Hikes with Big Rewards

Monday, January 20th, 2014
Easy Hikes with Big Rewards, Grand Teton National Park

Click to print or save for a quick reference when you’re planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park.

By , @Writing2Day

No matter what your fitness level, there are many hikes to be enjoyed in Grand Teton National Park. Best of all, you do not have to be a mountain climber to enjoy the beautiful vistas, canyons, and waterfalls in the park.

Be Prepared
Weather can and does change rapidly in the mountains. Take along extra clothing when hiking into the higher elevations, wear sunscreen, and take plenty of water and high energy snacks. If you are planning a long hike, start in the morning and keep your eye on the time. You do not want to be caught on the trail after dark.

Be Bear Aware
You will notice these signs everywhere in the park. Take them seriously. At certain times of the year, some trails may be closed due to increased bear activity. Park rangers put on bear safety presentations which you should consider attending. Whenever you are hiking in the park always take along bear spray, know how to use it, have it immediately available, and talk or make noise while you hike. Never hike alone.

Lakeshore Trail Hike at Colter Bay, Jackson Lake
This flat, 2.0 mile loop trail follows the shoreline along a peninsula in Colter Bay. You will enjoy beautiful views of Mount Moran across Jackson Lake and reflections in Colter Bay. The trail begins on a paved service road near the boat docks at the Colter Bay Marina.

Heron Pond and Swan Lake Hike
If you enjoy waterfowl, wildlife, and water lily covered ponds, this hike is for you. Look for trumpeter swans, beaver, moose, and bears. This relatively flat hike starts at Colter Bay Village and is a 3.0 mile loop.

Willow Flats Shuttle or Loop Hike
When snow still covers the mountain trails in the spring, the Willow Flats area west of Jackson Lake will be snow free and ready for hiking. The willows and marshes are prime habitat for a variety of wildlife. Look for moose, sandhill cranes, beaver, bears, and other wildlife. The area is, as the name suggests, flat and it can get rather warm trekking through the flats and open meadows due to the lack of shade trees so you may want to choose a cooler day for this hike. (more…)

3. Things to Consider Before Taking Out a Small Business Loan

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014
The Closet Entrepreneur by Kendra Leah Fuller

By , @Writing2Day

There are many reasons you may be considering taking out a business loan. Perhaps you need start-up capital for your new business or are looking to expand your existing business. No matter what your reason for additional capital, I urge you to tread cautiously before taking out a small business loan.

As entrepreneurs, we are generally optimistic. Optimistic that our start-up will be a success. Optimistic that our business is going to grow. Many of us tend to focus on the positives and only deal with the negatives when they happen. We mistakenly think that we have total control over the destiny of our business. While you may control most things, you do not control all.  Before you take out a loan, I want your eyes to be wide open to the pitfalls.

(more…)

Plan Your Trip to Grand Teton National Park

Saturday, January 11th, 2014
Click to print or save as a quick reference for planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park.

Click to print or save as a quick reference for planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park.

, @Writing2Day

I have truly lost track of how many times I have vacationed in Grand Teton National Park. I think it might be six? As we climb towards Togwotee Pass after leaving Dubois and entering the Shoshone National Forest, I am on the edge of my seat with each new bend in the road thinking this will be the one that finally reveals the Tetons in all their majesty.

It is a wondrous site to behold. It never fails that I find myself wondering what it must have been like to be a fur trapper or explorer who had just climbed this far only to see the massive Tetons looming before them across the valley floor of Jackson Hole. I think I would have decided this is where the journey ends and taken out a claim at the base of the Tetons.

I have vacationed many places throughout my lifetime but I always have to fight with myself not to return to Grand Teton National Park. If it wasn’t so far away from family and friends, I very well may have moved here by now. Fair warning – Grand Teton National Park is a hard place to leave. But a vacation here is the trip of a lifetime. (more…)

2. A Closer Look at the Dreaded Business Plan

Monday, January 6th, 2014
The Closet Entrepreneur by Kendra Leah Fuller

By , @Writing2Day

The Closet Entrepreneur has been on hiatus for a year while I completed my manuscript for Images of America: Grand Teton National Park. I apologize for the interruption – now back to business.

As I thought about writing this post, I came to the realization that not only do I dread writing a business plan – I dread writing about writing a business plan. I probably shouldn’t admit that, but it is what it is. Nevertheless, it is a necessary evil and one that you should put your best foot forward on for reasons I discussed in my first post, “Writing the Dreaded Business Plan.”

I’ve uploaded the business plan I created several years ago for purposes of this blog. Feel free to use it as a template for your own plan. (more…)

Reflections & Resolutions (Planning for 2014)

Saturday, January 4th, 2014

Writer at Work

By , @Writing2Day

It’s that time of year again. The start of a 2014. The traditional time for making resolutions. I’m keeping one of my resolutions right now by writing this post.

Looking back at 2013, I can’t help but feel how fortunate I was to have spent the entire year writing, and available to be at all of my son’s activities. Going into 2013, I knew what the agenda was: write the manuscript for The History of Grand Teton National Park. It was a year long process which ended in December so I really didn’t feel the need for a specific writing plan, other than to research and write this manuscript. Fait accompli! (more…)