Contents:
1. What's hot at DCW

• DCW Of The Month

• Contest Winners!

• Easter Preparations

2. Business and Entertainment

• Let's Talk Business

• Recipes Of The Week

• Beauty Talk

Congratulations to Audra Gehrke for being chosen as the 'Dot Com Woman of the month' for April 2003. An editor, writer, publisher, net worker, webmaster, marketer and mentor, Audra has achieved in very little time what most of us dream of almost every other day. This multi-faceted personality has lots of experiences and advice to share with you. Read her interview at http://www.dotcomwomen.com/dcw.shtml

Let's Talk Business

10 Ways To Work Through A Business Slowdown
by: Dr. Rachna D. Jain

In running any kind of business, it's inevitable that sometimes business will slow down. This might occur due to an upcoming holiday, seasonal variations, or uncontrollable circumstances. As a small-business owner, you have a choice in terms of how you view the slowdown - it can either be a time of increased stress, frustration, worry - or you can view it as an opportunity to upgrade your business processes or improve the quality of your life.

Here are ten strategies you can use to work through a business slowdown:

1) Market more concertedly: Statistics suggest that new businesses spend (or should spend) about 40-60% of time in marketing and related activities. If you are experiencing a business slowdown, it's always a good time to create and launch another marketing initiative. It is important to continue to promote your business creatively and cost-effectively. What better way to spend a slow period than in taking actions to attract new business? (Plus, taking action will keep worry or stress from overwhelming you.)

2) Relax: This strategy works if you are feeling good about your business and your accomplishments. Use this time to catch up on some sleep, read a few good books, in short, take some time off for rest and relaxation. Sometimes, time away can help spark creative ideas or profitable insights.

3) Get ahead: Use slow time to get ahead on weekly or monthly projects. Look ahead to future months and see if there are any steps you can take, today, that would position you more solidly in the future. This can help you feel more in control as the pace picks up again.

4) Invest in additional training/learning: A business slowdown is a great time to upgrade your knowledge and skills, you have the time and the incentive. Take classes, learn more about your industry, become even more valuable to your customers by adding new products or services based on your new knowledge.

5) Follow up with old/existing customers: Most small businesses focus more on getting new customers rather than retaining old ones. A business slow down is a great time to get back in touch with your customer base to find out what needs they have, to remind them of your service, or to offer them special discounts for reactivating their accounts. It's always easier to sell to someone who has bought from you before - so make the extra effort to stay in touch.

6) Offer free samples or giveaways: If your business needs to attract new prospects, use the "slow time" to offer free samples, hold contests, or offer giveaways to bring new energy and potential customers to your door.

7) Plan: Take time to review your progress so far, checking it against your goals, and making any necessary adjustments. Use "slow time" to plan for how you'll tackle new projects, or expand your business or offerings. This can be really fun.

8) Relate: Use this time to add a little extra to the "bank account" of your important relationships. Spend more time with your spouse, significant other, child, or friends. Put some extra kindnesses into your close relationships - you'll have more to "withdraw" when you need it.

9) Network/socialize: Use "slow time" to get out and meet more people to talk about what you offer, learn what they need, help them connect with appropriate resources. Take this time to increase your contact base, and to attend meetings or events you might not usually have time for. An added bonus to this tip is that you might perceive new trends in your industry which can help you guide your business.

10) Upgrade equipment or processes: During a business "slow down", it's a great time to find easier, more efficient, and better ways of running your business. You might upgrade equipment so you can serve customers more effectively. You might automate parts of your sales process, or invest in additional training for your staff. You might use this time to make sure you are in compliance with all the relevant state laws, or to paint your office space.

While occasional business slowdowns might be inevitable, these strategies ensure that you're making the best use of the downtime - allowing you to attract and keep your ideal customers.
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About The Author
Dr. Rachna D. Jain is a sales and marketing coach and Director of Operations for Sales Coach Training Sign up for her free email newsletter, "Sales & Marketing Secrets" To learn more or to contact Dr. Jain directly, please visit http://www.SalesandMarketingCoach.com
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Sweet Potato Chips (Contest Winner - 1st Place)
A Low calorie, health recipe, coming from a fitness expert. Eat this delightful dessert without any guilt this Easter.
(Serves 6)

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced (1/8" thick)
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. chili powder
pinch of salt

For Dip:
1 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In bowl, toss potatoes, oil, chili and salt. Place on nonstick baking sheet. Bake until golden brown. Turn chips and bake for another 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Meanwhile, blend dip ingredients in bowl and chill before serving.

Health wise per serving:
Calories 118, Fat 3 grams, Cholesterol 2 mg. Sodium 84 mg, Carbohydrates 21 grams, Protein 3 grams

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Sharon Stewart - Sharon is a fitness expert and owns 'Feelin' Fit'. She has also written a very useful article for women on 'Ageing and Fitness', which you can read in our 'Beauty & Fitness' section. Her healthy low-cal dessert recipe wins her the first prize in our 'Easter Dessert Recipes Contest'.
Congratulations Sharon! You win a lovely 'Easter Wishes Gift Basket' from Dot Com Women!
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Cool 'N' Easy Pie (Contest Winner - 2nd Place)
After several years of making lovely 'Gourmet Gift Baskets', Angel tells us how she makes those lovely Pies within no time.

2/3 cup boiling water
1 pkg. (4-serving size) Jell-o brand sugar free low calorie gelatin, any flavor
1/2 cup cod water
Ice cubes
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Lite whipped topping, thawed
1 prepared reduced fat graham cracker crumb crust (9 inch)

Stir boiling water into gelatin in large bowl at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Mix cold water and ice to measure 1 cup. Add to gelatin, stirring until ice is melted. Stir in whipped topping with wire whisk until smooth. Refrigerate 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is thick, and will mound. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Makes 8 servings.

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Angel Luckel - Angel is the proprietor of 'Baskets With Distinction' and is an expert at Gourmet Gift Baskets. She has also shared with our readers the art of making gift-baskets in her article - How To Make A Gift Basket. Read her article in the 'Craft-Corner' section. Her easy-to-make, simple-n-fast recipe for Pies has won her the second prize in our 'Easter Dessert Recipes Contest'.
Congratulations Angel! You win a Ready-Made Scrapbook from Dot Com Women!
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More Easter Recipes for Members at http://www.dotcomwomen.com/members/food

Beauty - Talk
Winning Beauty Tip from Carrie!

More Beauty Tips for members. Membership is Free! Join today!

CONTESTS

Win F-R-E-E candles just for answering a few questions! See the 'Apple Lane Contest' for details. WIN FREE CANDLES WORTH $7.50 EVERY MONTH!!! (1 votive, 1 tealight and 1 dz Candle Melts) Send in your Beauty & Home related tips and win personalized E-Books 'Beauty Boosters' and 'Home-Decor'. Visit the contests page for more details. http://www.dotcomwomen.com/members/contests.shtml