The post 3 Challenges Solopreneurs Have with Marketing Messages appeared first on Small Business Marketing Consultant.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Think about the leaders in your field. What do they all have in common? They take massive action and get things done … so much that you may wonder if they have more hours in the day than you!

What’s their secret? The answer may surprise you.

Get more done and move forward faster

I often say there are only three reasons things don’t happen in your business:

1. You don’t know what to do
2. You don’t know how to do it
3. You just don’t do it

This last one is the sticking point for many. For years I’ve provided tools and shown my clients how to use them. But what explains why one client closes a $150,000 contract while another tries a few months, gives up and returns to a day job?

Tools, guidance, support and accountability prepare you for the journey, but your actions are where the rubber meets the road.

==>Move Into Action Today

Success or Failure – it’s all * C H A N G E *

When you start to become successful, this change can awaken your inner Saboteur. It’s the part of you that wants to keep you in your comfort zone – to keep things the same. It’s why fear of success and fear of failure can both cause you to sit down and take no action.

I recognize when certain thoughts come in my head, it’s my Saboteur talking. I know when I do certain behaviors, like washing dishes instead of making new videos, that my Saboteur has seen success and is worried. I don’t let those things derail me; instead, they trigger actions I can take which help me move forward.

Learn to Stop Sabotaging Your Success so You Get More Done and Enjoy Working Effectively

How successful people take massive action

What separates a truly successful entrepreneur from the rest is self-mastery. Knowing yourself, how you function and how to get the best results from yourself.

Often, their productivity secrets involve self-care, like exercise, spiritual practice and mental disciplines. These help you maintain inner balance, so you can address self-sabotage.

How?

Your next step towards success

No one has 100% good days, but it IS possible to identify what activates your Saboteur and learn how to handle it. When you do, you’ll get more done than you ever thought possible. You’ll move forward faster in your business, and you’ll open the floodgates of success.

Next Wednesday, August 17th, I’ll be hosting a call with Christopher Carrick, who helps entrepreneurs with breakdowns and blocks they are experiencing so they can feel a greater sense of connectedness, purpose and clarity.

Sabotage the Saboteur: How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Accomplish Your Goals
Sign up now for this groundbreaking call

I’d never heard anyone talk about this topic in a way that was 100% relevant and compelling to me as a business owner. Christopher’s approach has helped my clients and me transform our workdays from struggle to flow. My business has since
exploded (in a good way)!

The post appeared first on Small Business Marketing Consultant.

What do you have to do to send an RSS feed?

How have you integrated 1shoppingcart with wordpress? Is this pretty easy?

What is your reasoning for handling the ezine and blog how you are right now?  Can you tell I know nothing about this???

The post Ezine vs blog appeared first on Small Business Marketing Consultant.

That’s like a gardener who spends all her time sowing, tilling and harvesting without ever standing back to look at the garden and wonder.

Look at all this beauty!

A tiny seed became this cucumber!

I’ll never be able to eat all these tomatoes.

Why don’t my peppers look like the ones in the store?

Evil bugs ate all my zucchini!

[Sigh. That’s pretty much the actual monologue from my first home gardening experience.]

Not everyone is cut out to be a gardener, or a business owner. A key ingredient is the willingness to learn and change. To do so, it’s important to step back regularly and examine the business, to see where we can improve.

Otherwise, we never notice that the tomato harvest exceeds our expectations, while the peppers do not. We keep feeding our zuke to the bugs, without experimenting with ways to keep them away. In short, we stay “unconscious” about information that’s right there waiting to be gleaned and acted on. Maybe it’s safer that way.

Deepak Chopra says, “90% of the thoughts you have today are the ones you had yesterday.”

Ninety percent!

Consequently, are 90% of the actions we take the same? I don’t want my business to stay at status quo. I want it to blossom!

Habits, ruts, patterns and comfort zones: they keep us small. The questions below can help us discover the secrets our business is holding for us. The end of the year is the ideal time for this retrospective.

Let’s be clear on the intention for this exercise. It’s NOT to feel regret or guilt, or place blame.

It is to mine the gold nuggets that might otherwise be lost. It’s to save time reinventing the wheel by repeating things that work. Fortune 500 companies can afford to make the same mistakes over and over again. Small business owners have to learn quicker.

The intention for this exercise is to uncover the wonderful lessons, both positive and negative, theoretical and practical, sophisticated and banal. Then, we may thank this year, and those who played their parts in our learning experience, and turn our attention to creating a new and improved business next year.

Spend some time with these questions. If you’re a one-person business, hand this sheet to a friend and have them facilitate your reflection process.

Special invitation:

Sometimes the best way to uncover insights is with an objective, caring expert who can coach the observations right out of you.

Don’t let your business keep its lessons a secret from you. If you’d like to work collaboratively on this exercise with me, contact me to find out how.

1. How did you deliver value to your intended audience last year?
2. What worked? Why?
3. What didn’t work? Why not?
4. What actions or accidents led to a sale, or other positive experience?
5. What specific incidents or experiences stand out as significant?
6. On what occasion did you deliver great value?
7. What was a really proud moment for you?
8. What disaster do you wish you could go back, erase and do differently?
9. When you look at your sales per month and profit per month, what patterns do you see? What additional questions does it raise? New insights?
10. What mistakes (learning experiences) are you willing to leave behind? Which achievements would you like to repeat?

I know you’ll get a huge benefit from this exercise, so I strongly encourage you to go for it!

If you feel it’s a good time to reach out for some assistance, I guarantee you’ll find it valuable.

I get much better results in business than in my garden! ;-)

The post 10 Questions to Help Your Business Blossom appeared first on Small Business Marketing Consultant.

Do you find it frustrating that potential clients don’t “get” what you do? 

The head of a small consulting business recently revealed to me how fed up he was:

“We’ve built a successful business, have a loyal client base and yet … we STILL struggle to attract clients to us.

We’re constantly pursuing them, and then it takes several meetings before they finally agree with us that they DO in fact need our services.”

I asked, “If you could reduce that time and attract rather than chase clients …

Would you be willing to work on improving your message?”

YES!!

Most people are. If you’re convinced that:

• No one “gets” what you do – at least not without LOTS of explanation
• WAY more people need you than are hiring you
• You could make a big difference if they’d just give you a chance
• It shouldn’t be this hard to attract clients

Then let me help.

When I first left The Coca-Cola Company, I sounded like the announcer in a round of Buzzword Bingo. I talked about deliverables, exploiting opportunities and acronyms like TOMA till people’s eyes glazed over. It was DIFFICULT for me to get attention, meetings and clients.

So I taught myself a new way to talk about what I do. Then I started teaching everyone! Would you like to learn it?

http://jawdroppingclientgettingmessages.com/

Here are a few quick tips about marketing messages for you now: 

1. You can’t talk about yourself until you EARN the right to do so.

2. You earn that right by revealing your insights about them (your target audience).

3. You reveal insights about them when you name issues or challenges they are looking to solve.

Mastering just those three things can easily double your client attraction results. And that isn’t even 25% of what I have to teach you – for  f r e e! – next week. Do join us.

http://jawdroppingclientgettingmessages.com/

Hi {!firstname_fix},

Do you find it frustrating that potential clients don’t “get” what you do? 

The head of a small consulting business recently revealed to me how fed up he was:

“We’ve built a successful business, have a loyal client base and yet … we STILL struggle to attract clients to us. 

We’re constantly pursuing them, and then it takes several meetings before they finally agree with us that they DO in fact need our services.”

I asked, “If you could reduce that time and attract rather than chase clients … 

Would you be willing to work on improving your message?”

YES!!

Most people are. If you’re convinced that:

·  No one “gets” what you do – at least not without LOTS of explanation 

·  WAY more people need you than are hiring you

·  You could make a big difference if they’d just give you a chance 

·  It shouldn’t be this hard to attract clients 

Then let me help. 

When I first left The Coca-Cola Company, I sounded like the announcer in a round of Buzzword Bingo. I talked about deliverables, exploiting opportunities and acronyms like TOMA till people’s eyes glazed over. It was DIFFICULT for me to get attention, meetings and clients. 

So I taught myself a new way to talk about what I do. Then I started teaching everyone! Would you like to learn it?

http://jawdroppingclientgettingmessages.com/

Here are a few quick tips about marketing messages for you now: 

1. You can’t talk about yourself until you EARN the right to do so. 

2. You earn that right by revealing your insights about them (your target audience).

3. You reveal insights about them when you name issues or challenges they are looking to solve. 

Mastering just those three things can easily double your client attraction results. And that isn’t even 25% of what I have to teach you – for  f r e e! – next week. Do join us. 

http://jawdroppingclientgettingmessages.com/

The post Attract more (and better) clients with grace and ease appeared first on Small Business Marketing Consultant.

I recently referred to this neighbor in conversation as “the alcoholic lady with all the dogs.” My husband was taken aback: “Why do you call her an alcoholic?”

I was surprised, too, and took a moment to review my thought process.

I’d spoken unconsciously and spontaneously, and what came out was true for me. “Because every time I’ve her, she’s been drunk.”

“How many times have you met her?”

“Two.”

“So, all two times?”

Apparently, that’s all that was needed for the sorting process in my brain to put her in a folder with an unkind label on it.

The same thing happens with all interactions – including business ones (more on that later).

The process which sorts the world around us into manageable folders happens without thinking and so quickly you couldn’t possibly control it.

Imagine all the stimuli you’re sorting at any given time.

What kind of unconscious decision tree must have run in my mind about Mrs. A? Helpful/unhelpful, safe/unsafe, get to know her / stay away.

Helpful – yes … but unsafe, so stay away.

Are you unconsciously and accidentally provoking mistaken judgements?

Every day someone comes into contact with you or your brand. They meet you in person, visit your website, read your emails, see a post on Facebook, participate in a teleclass or work through your training program.

Impressions form, just as they did for me when meeting my neighbor: labels, thoughts, emotions and more. It happens so fast and subtly that many people won’t even notice that impression.

Later on when talking about it, they might surprise themselves by describing you in very positive, very negative or very personal terms.

Turns out, something meaningful occurred.

That is your brand.

While it seems like “brand” is such an ephemeral thing for experts and entrepreneurs, it is absolutely crucial that you steer the conversation around your business and what you do.

That’s what marketing is – steering the conversation. You do that by giving your clients and your potential clients the words to understand what you do – and talk about your work with others. That is at the core of Jaw-Dropping, Client-Getting Messages.

Ready to steer the conversion your way and get more clients? Join me for the webinar: How to Create Jaw-Dropping, Client-Getting Messages. You’ll discover how to talk about your business in such a compelling way, that potential clients will be reaching for your card in seconds.

Photo: funtik.cat / Flickr

The post “Helpful, yes – but unsafe – so stay away” appeared first on Small Business Marketing Consultant.

The world economy, despite the best efforts of its countries’ governments, is still weak and fragile. Nevertheless, a good number of businesses are making the most of the fledgling economy and pushing their ventures forward, and the key to benefiting from the current business conditions is to make the customer number one.

Perfecting your business plan

You’ve probably read swathes of material about business plans and what absolutely must be included. Here’s the crucial bit: in essence, your business plan should give details about exactly how your business will meet its goals in the short and long term.

Write down realistic, attainable goals that are manageable, like making your target market aware of the image projected by your business. Remember that the needs of your business will change over time, so be prepared to have to change these goals if circumstances dictate it.

Acquiring customers – and meeting their needs

When there’s a downturn in business, your firm will have to work hard to win your customers – and their loyalty. To achieve this, the key is to deliver excellent service and to always do that bit extra for your customers and clients. Of course, you’ll also have to do more for your customers than your competitors are willing to do.

Working out what exactly you can afford to do for your customers should complement your USP – or unique selling point. What is it that you can offer that customers are unlikely to get somewhere else?

To discover what it is that makes customers tick, it is vital to research their opinions, lifestyles, and hobbies or interests.

The business arena

To be successful in your industry, you must understand how it operates and who exactly represents the competition. One low-cost way to achieve this is to network. Studying the ways that other businesses cope with the repercussions of the recession is sure to be beneficial, and you may even receive some essential services at a reduced cost if you choose networking partners.

Once you’ve got to know your customers and your competitors, be sure to test your products, assess their success, and determine what you need to work on before your business goes into operation.

Let’s talk money

While we are still in the doldrums of a sluggish economy, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to start a business successfully. Depending on the region in which you live, you could take advantage of government grants and other incentives to get your business going. Many governments are more than happy to help business people set up because the jobs created will help to grow the economy.

Those who decide on getting into business via a franchise could find it simpler to obtain funding. Banks are often more inclined to lend when you are following an established business model.

Advertising your business

In order to get your marketing spend under control, you should explore simpler methods of marketing. This is where you can use social media to your advantage by posting or tweeting regularly and using competitions as a way to generate interest. Doing this will also help encourage visitors to your website.

Speaking of websites, if you don’t yet have one – get it set up. You can run a website much more cheaply these days if you buy your own domain and upload a WordPress template. This will mean updating your website can be a breeze – and you can do it yourself.

Legal stuff

Since you will deal with a lot of confidential data (for example, bank details, names of customers, and addresses) you should draw up procedures to keep all information secure. When your business expands, you will need to train your employees on these processes. You should also check whether you need insurance or a business license, and you may also incur tax on sales once the figure goes past a given threshold.

Peter Grant is a franchisee at Minuteman Press International, a printing franchise operating throughout the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. Minuteman Press provides a wide variety of printing services and has been voted #1 within the printing industry for 2012 – its 20th time overall. Visit http://www.shop.minutemanpress.com to find out more.

The post How To Get Your Business Venture Up and Running When Times are Hard appeared first on Small Business Marketing Consultant.

Last time I wrote about the irrational fears that control us.

I’ve also recently mentioned that almost everything required to get more clients will take you outside your comfort zone. It can be a scary place.

In his book, The Power of Intention, Dr. Wayne Dyer, the psychologist, uses F.E.A.R. as an acronym – False Evidence Appearing Real — to help us regain perspective.

“And then they all died.” That’s my husband’s humorous way of reminding me I’m spinning into fear. It helps snap me out of it and back into actions I can take to get the result I want.

This isn’t frivolous. It’s a tool to manage a situation you’ll find yourself in often. You’ll be facing down doubt and fear often as you grow.

Two recommendations for you:

1. Come up with a phrase you can use to snap out of the fear spiral. It could be humorous like mine or comforting like Wayne Dyer’s. Write it down in a few places, especially near your computer or desk.I even have cheerful notes on my iPhone alarm, so first thing in the morning I see something like “It’s a beautiful day!” or “Life is good.”
2. When you feel stressed, take a deep breath. My coach tells me that breathing changes our energy state, and I certainly feel that when I take a deep breath. If you’re with someone and get triggered, you can easily say, “Well … let me think about that a moment.” Then take a DEEP breath.Many times the other person will take a breath with you, transforming the tense energy between you. Then you can pause and think. And then you can respond. How often do we do the opposite (respond, then think)?

Did you take a deep breath while reading this email? How about taking one (or another one) right now? :)

I’ve shared this insight with my mentoring clients over the years:

Running your online business is not so much about business management, client management or money management.

It’s about self-management.

Clearing a path from fear and confusion to motivation and clarity is the only way to succeed. It may seem trite or silly to do this in the ways I’ve described, but it’s worked for me. It’s worked for my clients, and – if you’ll follow along with me on your journey – it will work for you.

So, what’s your “snap out of fear” phrase going to be? Can you commit to taking a deep breath when you’re stressed?

My colleague & Director of Marketing, Andy, told me that his phrase comes on the exhale of a deep breath — “I am deeply relaxed, a very healthy state of being.” It’s from the free Silva Method Meditation app.

Incidentally – guidance from an expert also helps instill confidence.

Click here to get 24 tested-and-proven methods for getting more clients

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Back in my corporate days, I traveled from Atlanta to Asia about every 6 weeks.

One trip took me to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a beautiful country with lovely people.

Unfortunately, my suitcase didn’t arrive when I did. This presented me with a BIG problem.

I had a meeting with the local management team the next morning, and The Coca-Cola Company was a strictly “business formal” culture, so my travel casuals just wouldn’t cut it. That meant I was off to a nearby shopping mall.

Boy, did I ever feel out of place.

The longer I shopped, the more empathy I felt for those with different body sizes! Because while I’m on the petite side by American standards, in Malaysia I’m HUGE! It was slim pickings as I rummaged through the Big and Tall section looking for an appropriate suit.

And shoes? Well, they were an even bigger challenge, but eventually I put together an expensive but acceptable outfit… that I never wore again.

Marketing your business is another time when you might feel out of place.

When it seems like you’re the only one who isn’t sure how to find clients.

When you stumble over your self-intro.

Or when you get blank, enthusiasm-sapping stares as you try to explain what you do for your clients.

I was able to leave that suit and those shoes in Kuala Lumpur, but those uncomfortable moments talking about what you do? They can leave an indelible impression… and not the one you’d like to make.

Feeling disheartened by how hard it is to express your full value and attract interest from the right clients?

Imagine talking about your business with confidence – and seeing the eyes of potential clients light up, eager to hear more.

• The Secret Language of Marketing — and how you can use it to attract more clients, raise your prices (yes!) and speak with more confidence than ever before
• DOZENS of easily-overlooked places your marketing message canreach potential clients with NO extra effort on your part
• How to clarify your unique “WOW factor” for yourself, your family and – most importantly – potential clients quickly and easily
• The ingenious, time-saving tool that practically writes your website, presentations and marketing materials for you
• 5 surprising ways the Secret Language of Marketing will transform your business to make doing what you love even easier and more joyful

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