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How to Formulate a Rockin’ Social Media Strategy

Christine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:20:51 +0000

In this week’s video tip I’m sharing 5 questions to ask to formulate a rockin’ social media strategy.

Social media is still hot, but one of the biggest mistakes I see over and over with entrepreneurs is that they have NO strategy.

And no strategy means wasted time, wasted effort, and worst of all–lots of missed opportunities.

To avoid that, start smart: here are 5 questions you can ask yourself to begin with:

1) What would you like to accomplish? Build your reputation, get more speaking gigs, connect with more JV partners, some combination of all of the above?

2) What actions should people take? Sign up for your list, subscribe to your blog, inquire about scheduling a discovery session?

3) What topics will you discuss? Just business, a mix of business and personal, topics based on your expertise, current events, something else?

4) What content will you add? Your articles and blog posts, content from others’ written about your area of expertise, your own promotional content, photos and videos?

5) How much time will you spend? Create parameters: once in the morning, check it twice a day, automate or delegate some of it?

Your to-do? Take some time to answer these questions yourself and wave goodbye to the willy nilly social media strategy.

What’s your strategy? Let me know in the comments!

How to Formulate a Rockin’ Social Media Strategy is a post from: shesgotclients.com

Email Marketing With a Purpose

Christine — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:02:25 +0000

This is a guest post by Jesse Langley.

Email marketing isn’t cut and dried. You don’t just offer something in exchange for an email address and then never follow through. You also don’t over-deliver and essentially just start spamming your subscribers.

Seth Godin wrote an entire book on permission marketing, and it’s well worth a read. The basics, though, hinge on the fact that when your subscribers hit the button that submits their email address, it’s for a reason. They agreed to sign up for your updates and your promotions.

Unlike a retail store, you don’t have goods to hawk. Instead, you’re trying to sell people on a blog or an idea, or even a single book. However, that doesn’t mean you can violate the sacred social contract of email marketing.

State Your Purpose and Keep it on Task

One of the best ways to encourage subscribers is be upfront and tell them exactly what they’re getting into. If you’re sending random alerts, let them know how frequently you’ll be in their inbox. If you’re sending weekly emails highlighting the best posts of the week, call it a weekly newsletter.

Think of your email subscribers as your most valuable assets. Don’t mistreat them by spamming them or doing the unthinkable–selling your email list. Think of that list as a sacred bond of trust between you and your subscribers. Break it, and you’re asking them to take their business and time elsewhere because you don’t value them.

Be Purpose-Driven

Never send an email out if you can’t immediately state its specific purpose. Driving readers to your site isn’t a real purpose, either. It needs to apply from your readers’ point of view. Why should they open up this email? And if they do open it, what are they gaining from it?

Remember that you promised them value for their time. This is when you deliver. If you’re delivering news updates from your blog and you’ve been on vacation all week, don’t spam their inbox by sending them an email with little to no content in it.

Holiday emails can be cute and adorable, but they’re not something your readers are looking for from you. You’re not their Aunt Sally, you’re a generally faceless source of information and they’re an email address on a list for you. Don’t force congeniality on them, or they’ll hit the dreaded unsubscribe button.

Don’t Forget Your Purpose

Too often, site owners try to branch out, and they end up going too far. Take even Martha Stewart, for example. If you sign up for her email list, you’re not just getting great recipe tips. You’re also getting emails from all of her partners and information about holiday decorating, organizing and her television show. Your average reader isn’t going to want to know about all of that. They’re interested in whatever prompted them to originally give you their information. Step beyond that, and you’re going too far.

However, there are times when you’re legitimately going to want to offer more to subscribers. You know they enjoy your work and you feel like they’re pulling for you to grow. Be wary of embracing the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with subscribers, but you can still reach out occasionally and tell them what’s happening in your world.

If you’re launching a new site or a new category on your original, go ahead and send an introductory email letting them know that it’s there and it’s still you and you’re excited about it. Don’t send them frequent (or even two) emails about it if they don’t sign up for that separate service. Instead, let a byline with both site names at the bottom of your page do the work for you and keep your subscribers happy and contented.

However you’re reaching out to subscribers, keep your purpose clear throughout each of your exchanges. Any amount of duplicity, carelessness or regret can easily scare away those who could have been faithful subscribers.

Jesse Langley is a writer and editor living outside of Chicago. In addition to writing for various clients, he’s also an online learning advocate. Jesse is writing on behalf of Colorado Technical University.

Email Marketing With a Purpose is a post from: shesgotclients.com

5 Failproof Tips to a Kick-Butt Preview Call

Christine — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:07 +0000

One of the absolute best ways to launch a new product, program or service is to hold what’s known as a “preview call”–a content-rich call “previewing” your upcoming offering and enticing your listeners to invest with you.

Initially, your job is to get as many people as possible to show up on the call–but that’s just the start. Once you’ve got their attention, there are several very specific AND strategic things you can do to ensure your call brings in the maximum number of sales.

Where do you begin? It all starts with telling your story. They need to know exactly WHY they should be listening to you. This is your chance to build trust and credibility by expressing how this particular topic you’re sharing has impacted your life or business for the better.

Next, it’s all about the PAIN factor. Remind your listeners of the cost involved by NOT getting this particular problem solved (with your help, of course.) As you do so, it’s important to convey that you have a deep understanding of what they are going through–after all, you’ve been there yourself!

At this point, it’s time to uncover the possiblity. What benefits and positive outcomes can the solution you are offering bring to them? Once you are about halfway through your content, begin detailing your offer with an emphasis on RESULTS.

Then, don’t forget to sprinkle in some powerful “social proof” by sharing testimonials or success stories from other satisfied clients or customers. Finally, motivate them! Give them a reason to purchase NOW by offering limited bonuses, early bird pricing or other scarcity-based benefits.

Your to-do? If you’ve never used a preview call as a marketing tactic, it’s time to get on that! If you have, but just never incorporated some of these kick-butt strategies–it’s time to do that too. Your bank account will thank you for it.

Do you hold preview calls? If you have any tips or insight to add I’d love to hear them in the comments!

5 Failproof Tips to a Kick-Butt Preview Call is a post from: shesgotclients.com

The 5 Characteristics of Your Juiciest, Most Ideal Clients

Christine — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:30:36 +0000

In marketing, business owners hear over and over that they should only be working with their best, most ideal clients. It sounds great in theory…and the word “ideal” sure sounds nice. But what does it really mean?

Depending on what kind of business you are in, the answer can vary of course. But when you really get down to it, some common characteristics apply–whether you’re in dog grooming or high-end fashion design.

It’s really a matter of upstream versus downstream. Take a look at these 5 characteristics and see if you know what I mean by that:

1) They have problems you can easily solve.

2) They recognize working with you is critical.

3) YOU really enjoy working with them.

4) They will pay you what you’re worth.

5) They will refer clients to you over and over.

Ahhhh…each and every one of those feel really wonderful, don’t they? (It’s a lot more fun to be be pointed downstream in this department.)

THOSE are the characteristics of the kinds of prospects you want to hone in on in your business.

So, the next time you get off track when it comes to remembering who you most enjoy working with, all you need to do is come back to these 5 things.

When they are in alignment, the sailing is a lot more smooth…and I think you will find it makes so many other aspects of your business fall right into place.

What do YOU think? Are all 5 of these characteristics important to you? Would you add any others? Let me hear your thoughts in the comments.

The 5 Characteristics of Your Juiciest, Most Ideal Clients is a post from: shesgotclients.com

Free WordPress Call: End Your Website Frustration Starting January 25…

Christine — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:30:52 +0000

It’s been a while, but I’m bringing back my always popular, nearly FAMOUS, zip-zilch-ZERO COST WordPress training call!

So…read on if you’re ready to end your website angst once and for all.

You know you need a website if you are going to succeed at marketing online. You may even have one already…but you’re just tired of the time, cost and aggravation associated with it.

Or, maybe you don’t even have a website or blog yet, and as every day goes by without one, you know you are wasting valuable time you could be using to market yourself and your business.

That’s why I’ve brought back this UPDATED for 2012 special HIGH-CONTENT training call…

…to share with you some of my top tips, strategies and information on how the WordPress web platform can save you time, money and frustration…so you can concentrate on what you do best–-running your business!

You’ll want to join me on this complimentary webcast where I reveal exactly how you can have this simple, zero-cost platform working for you–in no time.

===========================
“Wild About WordPress: 7 Reasons Why it’s Now Super Simple to Create Your Own Customer and Client-Attracting Website–FAST, Without HEADACHES, and for FREE!”
with Christine Gallagher
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 8pm Eastern
Learn more and book your spot now
===========================

I created a quick video for you about it too, just click on the image below to watch it!

Or, click here to watch

I’m not going to be just sharing fluff or theory–-I’ve been using WordPress myself for over four years, have created countless sites using it and have taught many others who now have their own business sites and blogs working for them online as well.

On this special no-cost call, I will be digging out my best tips for YOU–-the small business owner or solopreneur-–on how to get maximum results in the least amount of time using this powerful tool.

During this call, I will be sharing:

* Why you don’t have to be a techie (really!) to get your site up and running in less than a day

* The one very important thing you want to be sure to look for when choosing a webhost for your WordPress site

* Why WordPress isn’t just for blogs–-and how you can easily set it up as a full-blown, simple-to-use website

* What WordPress has-–right out-of-the-box-–that means you won’t have to hire an expensive SEO firm to get your site to rank in the search engines

* Why customizing your site is a lot easier (and more fun!) than you probably think

* Why answers to (even your toughest) WordPress questions are always just a click away

* Exciting new details about the upcoming UPDATED FOR 2012 course “Website Without Worry: Step-by-Step Strategies to Using WordPress, the Number One FREE Web Platform to Gain Clients and Customers FAST”

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting your business up and running, you won’t want to miss this enlightening call.

Just go here to reserve your spot now and join us!

Free WordPress Call: End Your Website Frustration Starting January 25… is a post from: shesgotclients.com

3 Ways to Revitalize Your Marketing with Video

Christine — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:50:52 +0000

A few years back, video was referred to as the “next big thing” on the web. Today, I think it is clear to most small business owners that it has definitely already arrived.

In terms of marketing, video can no longer be ignored. If you’ve been waiting to jump on board, the time truly is NOW.

While some people still feel a bit shy about appearing on camera, it’s crucial to understand just how dramatically video can accelerate the “know like and trust” lifecycle.

See, there’s a lot of noise out there on the web, and it’s become tougher and tougher in recent years for consumers and potential clients to separate the gems from the “duds” when they’re seeking out products and services.

Adding video to your marketing mix can be the one thing to tip the scales in your favor as prospects and customers (who are becoming increasingly more savvy and discerning) scour the Internet for the antidote to what keeps them up at night.

Or, maybe being camera shy isn’t an issue for you. Perhaps you’re fully on board with using video in your business, but just aren’t sure how to go about incorporating it. That’s where this week’s video comes in.

In it, I give you 3 simple ways to WAKE UP your marketing with video, including:

1) Including it on your sales pages or other web pages to enhance your marketing copy (or in some cases, to replace it);

2) Using it to deliver content in a more engaging and visual way;

3) Recording client testimonials to showcase your “social proof” with a lot more impact.

In this age of social media, information traveling at lightning speeds, and the viral nature of sharing video among your networks–it’s time to jump on in (and that’s your to-do.)

What are your thoughts on video? Are you using it in your marketing and have you seen results? If you’re not using it, what’s holding you back? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

3 Ways to Revitalize Your Marketing with Video is a post from: shesgotclients.com

3 Ways to Leap Your Income With Leverage

Christine — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:06:24 +0000

This week’s video tip is all about how to add more leverage to your business.

In my time working with small business owners, I’ve realized that their needs and goals change depending on what stage they are in in their business. In the start-up phase, especially the first 12-18 months, the priority is simple: it’s about getting clients and bringing in revenue.

But once they build up that client base, priorities start to shift, and it becomes more about ensuring that growth continues. And there comes a point that without leveraging your time and talent, growth cannot be sustained.

So today, I am going to give you 3 great places to start when you’re ready to add more of that leverage in your own business. In a nutshell, these 3 areas are:

1) Groups: The key is to ask yourself, “how can I serve MORE people without necessarily adding more to my workload?” (This can include creating group training or coaching programs, but high-level groups such as Masterminds are especially good because they can be so lucrative.)

2) Team: You have probably heard it before, but you need to focus on your “genius work” and delegate the rest. It may be an investment up front to hire an assistant or bring on a team, but the rewards can be tremendous. (Less work for you and more revenues in the long run.)

3) Content/Products: Packaging your knowledge allows you to clone yourself, serve more people, leverage your time AND create additional streams of revenue. Nice, huh? A great place to start: creating your own signature system.

Your to do: Where can you start to add at least one form of leverage in your own business? Take a good look at how you are currently doing things.

Does it make sense to add another team member so you can get more off your plate? Is there content you already have that you can leverage by turning it into a product? Or maybe it’s time to create and launch a group program.

The point is to just start somewhere. I guarantee, once you get a taste of the way this type of leverage creates more income by way of you actually working LESS, you’ll be hooked.

How do you use leverage in your own business? Where could you use more of it? Let me hear from you in the comments!

3 Ways to Leap Your Income With Leverage is a post from: shesgotclients.com

My Theme Word for 2012

Christine — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:46:46 +0000

As I’d seen others do, last year I chose one word that would be my overall theme for 2011. A word that encompassed what the year would be all about. The word was “discipline” and while it doesn’t sound all that fun, it was exactly what I needed. It helped me reach several big streettcchhh goals during 2011 in fact–yahoo!

So, here we are again…this time on the last day of 2011…and it’s time to choose my theme for 2012. Last year it came to me pretty easily, but this year I had to do a little more thinking.

Thinking about my goals and dreams and what needs to be more of a focus going forward. What my INTENTIONS are (I don’t do resolutions )

And what I came up with is…

LEAP.

(And not because it’s a Leap YEAR, although it’s fitting!)

I have some very ambitious goals for this year, and I also know there are going to be some leaps of faith I am going to need to make…not only in my business, but also in my personal life.

It’s exciting, it’s frightening, it’s going to take a lot of chutzpah. (I love that I am getting to use that word in a blog post )

I’m ready. I know it is going to be an extraordinary year, a landmark year. My intention is for it to be my absolute best year ever.

I know the idea of this particular year is loaded with the meanings others have given to it: a shift in consciousness, a move toward greater enlightenment…and of course a whole slew of not so positive things.

While I can’t say if any of those things are true, I do know that I am feeling something in the air that seems to be just right around the corner.

Something incredible.

So happiest of New Years to you, and here’s to making those BIG life-altering leaps into more joy, prosperity and growth.

Oh, and I would love to hear your thoughts on 2012…have you thought of your “one word?” Please do share in the comments!

My Theme Word for 2012 is a post from: shesgotclients.com

Raise Your Fees With Ease: 5 Keys to Doing it Confidently

Christine — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:41:41 +0000

This week’s video tip is all about how to raise your fees with more confidence and ease.

I have seen time and again that this is often easier said than done for many entrepreneurs, especially women. There are many reasons for this–sometimes it’s a deservability issue. Sometimes they undervalue themselves because they don’t believe they are worth it. Sometimes it’s stories they’ve carried with them from growing up, or “money noise” they have taken on from other people.

The truth is, lots of business owners are still raising their fees, charging what they are worth and receiving it–easily. Yes, even in “this economy.”

What’s the difference?

Today I’m explaining it all and giving you my 5 keys to raising your fees with confidence, so you can begin doing it too. (Don’t forget to click on the video above to get all the juicy details around this week’s tip!)

1) First, get super clear on the specific benefits and results you offer to your clients. This means the tangible stuff. Why do they need you and what is the ultimate transformation you are creating for them?

2) Make your marketing speak to solving the problem your clients are struggling with the most. This is all about knowing what their PAIN is. What keeps them up at night and what’s your solution to that?

3) Collect that all-important social proof–aka TESTIMONIALS–every chance you get. Even better, create systems around collecting it so it’s automatic.

4) Make it a priority to be seen as an EXPERT. As I like to put it, get OUT there. Share your expertise, use social media, speak, joint venture with high-profile colleagues…and most importantly, BELIEVE you’re the expert. (Pssst…you don’t need anyone else’s permission to dub yourself as one!)

5) Pay attention to your money. Get clear on what’s coming in and what’s going out and get things in order. Think about it: if you don’t respect what you already have, why should more come your way? (This is more important than you may even realize.)

Finally, continue flexing that muscle and keep raising your confidence about charging what you deserve.

Your to-dos? Start with an exercise: write down all the results that your clients get from you. Aim for a minimum of 20 and then keep going. Then, take a good hard look at your money. What have you not been paying attention to? Lastly, create a system around collecting social proof–it should be a top priority!

I would so love to hear your thoughts about this–it’s a hot topic! Have you had money noise in the past that kept you from raising your fees? Did you get over it, and if so, how? Please do share in the comments!

Raise Your Fees With Ease: 5 Keys to Doing it Confidently is a post from: shesgotclients.com

Happy Holidays + A BIG Helping of Gratitude for YOU

Christine — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:30:23 +0000

This week is a busy one for most of us so I just wanted to share with you a short message of thanks and love.

I’m grateful that I get to connect with you here each and every week, I’m grateful for my inspiring clients, I’m grateful for this journey entrepreneurship has led me on so far, and I am grateful for the little things…like my cats snoozing peacefully here in the room with me.

But most of all I am grateful for YOU, and I want you to know something. Even though you may not feel it every day (or even most of the time), you are incredible. You have huge potential. You are magnificent and have the power to change the world. (It’s not hyperbole, I know it to be true).

I don’t say these things to you often enough. But I want you to know it.

I believe in you and my intention for you is to have the most transformative and blessed year yet in 2012. You have my love and support and that’s really what I am trying to say in this video. I hope you feel that.

My wishes for a beautiful and wonderful holiday season to you, no matter where in the world you are, or what holiday you celebrate.

Much love coming your way–*MWAH!* (Yes that was a big old sloppy kiss ) Whenever you have a day where you don’t quite believe (we all do), know that I believe for you…and that YOU are amazing.

Happy Holidays + A BIG Helping of Gratitude for YOU is a post from: shesgotclients.com