When you represent your business, almost every interaction is a sales opportunity. This does not mean giving your pitch to everyone on the street, but it does mean that with everyone you meet, you are making an impression.

Perhaps the new person at the dinner party works with someone who works with someone who needs your product or service?

Or perhaps the mail carrier is aware that someone on his/her route is in need of some help, which just happens to be the kind of assistance your company offers?

But also keep in mind, all this may not come about until months or even years down the road. While no one can be vigilant all the time, an entrepreneur has to be aware of the potentials that are all around.

It will serve you well to develop and project a confidence in yourself and confidence in your ability to do what you do. Learn to communicate your business concisely and with impact.

Leave these positive impressions with those who meet you.

Nikola Jajic’s little story has got some legs. The Big Bad Book, a blue comedy graphic novel about Thor’s bestial sexploits, Loki’s need to humiliate Thor, and the human that got in the way, debuts on 2/17 in comic shops across the country. The book has gone on to debut with one of the strongest openings in Alterna history, especially for a graphic novel priced at $11.99.

The book’s strong debut can be attributed to Nik Jajic (writer/creator) and Mike Czerniawski (layouts/letters/co-artist) tireless promotional efforts. These two creators literally worked around the clock to get their book noticed and to get comic shops interested.

You can meet them for yourself at Alterna’s 4 year anniversary event at Comic Book Jones in Staten Island, NY on February 27th. They will be signing and selling copies of The Big Bad Book and taking part in the day’s celebration which will feature giveaways, a slew of Alterna creators, and more.

For those who do not know, Diamond is the main distributor of comic books and the major supplier of comic book stores. New product must meet their preorder requirements to be available for purchase at all. If the threshold is not reached, Diamond will just drop the title completely.

Fortunately, that is not the fate of The Big Bad Book. Congratulations, fellas! Thanks for letting me be a part of the process.

The news keeps screaming that 2010 is the year of growth and recovery. Regardless of whether this is truth or fiction, opportunities are always out there.

If you find yourself stuck at any time this year, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. When your A to B needs a little help, Detour Services will be ready.

Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans are performing so it’s sure to be a good time.

Please check out the favorable write-ups at The Blog Monster and Ain’t It Cool News.

Nic Jajic also has an interview in the Southtown Star.

About the book:
112 pages, Black & White art,
ISBN: 9781934985144

Currently in Diamond Previews (DEC09 0644)
Releases February 2010

Pre-order directions:

1. Go to Discount Comic Book Service.
2. Click on “Preorders” in the left-hand column.
3. Click on “Other Comics,” again in the left-hand column.
4. Choose Alterna Comics in the “Publisher” drop-down.

For us small business runners, it’s time to hold sales, count inventory, reflect, and plan ahead. One of the things that always gets me excited about the impending new year is my ritual of Clean Out.

I find that the fewer things I have, the more I know I can thrive with an even lighter load.

So I go through my personal possessions and see what I no longer need. I go through my business materials and retire, file, and donate the unnecessary extras. The picture on the right shows the first four bags that went to the donation drop site.

As the space around me increases, I find that my spirit and enthusiasm expand to fill it. I make room for the next year.

I hope you are facing 2010 with a similar optimism.