No Marketing Monday video to share with you today because I am taking a much-needed break and enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend with family here at the lake! And sending a big thanks to all the service-men, -women and families who have sacrificed so much protecting the USA.

I also want to thank everyone who supported the book launch last Thursday of “Trust Your Heart: Building Relationships that Build Your Business.” The response was amazing and the book reached #1 in a three categories on Amazon very quickly! We couldn’t have done it without you. Whoohoo!

But before I head outside, I do have an important tip to share with you…

…which has nothing to do with marketing.

I want you to go check your calendar right now and make sure you have blocked off some vacation time (ie time away from your business). We’re almost in the 6th month of the year and if you’re like most small business owners you’ve had your nose to the grindstone for a while and haven’t taken a break. It’s time to change that!

In order to enjoy it, you must schedule your vacation time first. Do this and you ensure you have time to enjoy work AND life. When I ignored my own advice in the past I very quickly became a slave to my business and even went an entire year without a break. Don’t make this same mistake. Schedule the time away now or the next thing you know it will be the end of the year.

I totally believe in working hard and playing harder…it’s how we build the businesses we want and enjoy the entrepreneurial lifestyle we created. So go schedule some time off now. I can guarantee you won’t regret it!

With Earth Day fresh in our minds (it was Sunday, April 22), it is a great time to pause and consider the environmental impact of your business.

To get started create a list of all the eco-friendly or green activities you participate in. Do you purchase recycled paper? Gone paperless? Use an energy saving battery backup? Try to make your purchases from businesses within a certain radius of your office? If so, spread the word!

Green marketing is not a gimmick, if your company is committed to being green you must include this information in your marketing materials. It will help you stand out among your competitors and showcase your company’s commitment to the environment.

It’s also the responsible thing to do. We are all stewards of our environment and to change the world it takes everyone – including every small business owner  - to be on board.

The best way to evaluate how green your marketing plan is, is to review your current marketing strategies and check to see if you are using the most environmentally friendly options available. For example, if you are sending a direct mail piece select paper that has a high recycled content or is FSC certified.

Looking for a promotional item that will make an impression with your target market? Consider a reusable shopping bag, small plant or even a pen made out of recycled water bottles.

Do you utilize green marketing techniques like email marketing, online advertising or social media? These are great ways to get your message out to a large group of people without wasting paper.

Now that you’ve reviewed what you’re currently doing, create a list of things you could add to your marketing mix that would showcase your commitment to the environment. Could you join a local green business council? Partner with another green business to support each other’s efforts and introduce your business to a new group of potential clients?

The possibilities are endless!

The bottom line is, any business, big or small, can help the environment. Your efforts might seem unimportant. However, just imagine if every company implemented these tips. It would make a huge difference! Do your part, and you will not only be doing a good deed, but helping your business grow as well.