Full Name: Andrea Bolder

Company name: SocialMediaConnect360

Position: CEO

Website/Blog: www.andreabolder.com and www.socialmediaconnect360.com

Year Founded: Blog (2011)
 

Tell us about yourself and your business: Olympian & Multi-passionate entrepreneur Andrea Bolder, CEO of SocialMediaConnect360 and founder of The Go Guide, is an Expert Trainer on Online Marketing Strategies, Winning Mindset, and Passive Income Creation. Author and visionary of the popular blog Marketing.Mindset.Money she shares insight and step-by-step strategies that show solo-entrepreneurs and small business owners exactly how to build a successful business leveraging the power of social media.

Integrating the same winning principles that allowed her to become a 2000 Sydney Games Olympic Gold Medalist, Andrea is a rising star in the industry, specializing in Personal Branding and Lead Generation for small business owners.

What inspired you to start a business? As a wife and mom, my first priority and focus are on my family. I wanted more than anything for my family to have everything we desired, the financial freedom, the time freedom. I wanted my husband and son to be able to experience traveling the world, experience a lifestyle with no boundaries, no constraints, experience a life of being able to work when you wanted to, doing what you wanted to.

My goal is to coach others to success, just like someone coached me. My goal is to help as many online entrepreneurs and small business owners as I can to develop a Gold Medal Mindset, develop the skills necessary to compete with the GIANTS, and to WIN in this industry by sharing proven strategies that are relevant, up-to-date and effective in today’s internet and technology generation.

What is your favorite quote or saying? You don’t have to see the whole staircase, you just have to take the first step – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What is one business goal for this year? To build a successful 5 figure a month business from home by helping others do the same.

What would you say contributes to your success? Success breeds success and having a mentor, a mastermind group that can support and help you grow is essential. I have the heart of a champion and I am disciplined and driven in my quest to achieving my goals. Those winning principles and the mindset I have just won’t allow me to quit!

My goal is to empower, inspire, encourage and share my knowledge with others. This is What I Do! And This is What I Love. And I do this with faith, passion, professionalism, and joy; and what makes me happy in life is having a positive impact on others and assisting them in the realization that they are Champions, that they have been given a great life and that they can do great things with the life they have been given if only they unlock the GOLD MEDAL potential within and believe that they are deserving and worthy of success.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?

Rule 1: Have a Game Plan (Get a Coach and Implement Their System for Success)
Rule 2: Master Social Media and Social Marketing
Rule 3: Master the Art of Blogging and Article Writing
Rule 4: Breathe, Live, Become Your Vision
Rule 5: Invest In Yourself ( Be of Healthy Mind, Body and Soul) – Work On Your Personal Growth Everyday
Rule 6: Don’t Be A Dang Quitter – They Never Prosper
Rule 7: Train Harder, Longer, and Faster Than Everybody Else!!
Rule 8: Don’t Let Anyone Tell YOU, What YOU Can’t Do! – Be More Than a Conqueror
Rule 9: Keep Your Eye On the Prize – Believe in What You Are Doing, Stay Focused and Determined
Rule 10: Share Everything You Know With Others – Being of Value is Ultimate Success!

Are there any projects you are currently working on? I am currently relaunching my blog (complete redesign), building my speaking platform and promoting my new business  Socialmediaconnect360.

How can people connect with you online?

http://andreabolder.com
http://facebook.com/thegoldmedalmarketer
http://twitter.com/andreabolder
http://gplus.to/bolder
http://about.me/andreabolder

Related posts:

1. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Anita Smithson
2. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Gazelle Simmons
3. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Ronda Y. Fisher

Why do you want to be viewed as an expert within your niche? Expert status is a tool to increase the number of people who patronize your business. Creating expert status may be the missing step in taking your business to the next level.

So how do you become an expert within your niche?

1. VALUE WHAT YOU KNOW

How many times have you heard these questions…”how did you do that?”, “can you show me how”,  “how do you know that?” If people are asking you how to do something or how you did something, guess what? You have something of VALUE and you can charge people to learn from you because they value what you know. They want to know what you know and it doesn’t really matter what that knowledge base is. It could be recipes, organizing tips, how to discipline your children,  etc. The facts are this…everyone knows SOMETHING. Start with you and value what you know!!

2. VALUE YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES

We all have experiences that have shaped where we are today and where we want to go. Everyone has life experiences that they can draw upon to connect with others. Some have life experiences that some would call dysfunctional and guess what? Many others have had bad experiences or may be in a bad situation right now that you can impact by sharing your stories. Some have great knowledge around specific subjects that can help others in their personal and business life. Don’t be afraid to share your life experiences with your audience…it’s one way people connect with you!

3. IDENTIFY YOUR NICHE

What does your knowledge base revolve around? Who do you want to share it with? Who would be interested? Don’t say no one because, trust me, as I said above, EVERYONE knows SOMETHING that is valuable to someone else. You simply have to figure out what that is and who wants what you know.

Do some research and find out who would benefit from what you know.  That is your potential customer base!

4. TAKE ACTION

Start putting your knowledge into a format that can be consumed by your audience. This could be an eBook, blog posts, conference calls, videos, a webinar, etc. There are tons of ways to disseminate knowledge.

Think about …have you paid to learn before? Most likely you have and many others do as well! You can be THE voice within your niche!

5. GETTING YOUR MESSAGE OUT THERE

Much of marketing is about how you share your message. I am sure you have heard this before but it bears repeating because it is so true! STORIES SELL. If you can tell a story, you can sell what you know. You share how your knowledge can benefit them. Remember stories spread; people love sharing good stuff!

You goal should be to serve others and help them either personally, in their business or both.

6. KNOW YOUR WORTH

What are others experts charging for their knowledge?  You are worth more than you think and you need to project that value to others. How much time and money can you save your prospects by sharing what you know?  That’s VALUABLE!

7. DEVELOP MORE WAYS TO SERVE

Always be on thinking of other ways to serve your niche.  The most important part of being an expert is to realize that is is not about you…it’s all about who you serve!

This article was first published by Social Media Branding. To receive Kim’s “30 Fun and Creative Ways To Increase Your Facebook Likes”, go to kimgarst.com and claim your free eBook NOW!

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Do You Want To:

• Use a Blog to Attract Your Ideal Clients?
• Generate Quality Traffic That Converts?
• Fill Your Pipeline With High Target Leads?
• Increase Your Profits With Your Blog?
• Enjoy Less Work But Make More Money?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, you may be interested in learning more about my Business Blogger Bootcamp Program!

Over the course of 12 weeks, you will be guided through the most effective and profitable ways for solo-preneurs, network marketers and service professionals to create and market a traffic generating, income producing blog for business.

You will be taken by the hand through every step you need to start establishing a credible brand, producing content that attracts quality prospects and start earning a steady, and increasing, stream of income. From getting crystal clear on your niche market to designing a system on autopilot – you will develop the skills to recognize the needs of your market and how to deliver compelling content that converts.

Click Here to watch a brief video presentation and learn more!

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Full Name

Company Name: MoonHaven 2 Studios Designs

Position: Web Designer/Owner

Website/Blog: www.moonhaven2studiosdesigns.com

Year Founded: 2006

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am small web design company and design web sites for small businesses that are looking to advertise their goods and services online. I also create packages that will fit their budget.

What inspired you to start a business? I love to design and wanted to be able to design websites that customers wouldn’t have to pay an arm and leg for.

What is your favorite quote or saying? The only way to bring customers to your website is to advertise.

What is one business goal for this year? My goal is to be more successful.

What would you say contributes to your success? By networking with other business women.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? You have to work you business as if you walked into it everyday. Your business site isn’t going to customers unless you let people know you’re around.

Are there any projects you are currently working on? I am currently working on 3 web sites.

How can people connect with you online? Email: ronda@moonhaven2studiosdesigns.com  Phone:801-682-9989 web site www.moonhaven2studiosdesgins.com

Related posts:

1. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Gazelle Simmons
2. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Anita Smithson
3. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Andrea Bolder

Are you trying to find a balance between building your brand while being seen as a thought leader in your industry?

Watch this video presented by Social Media Examiner TV. In this episode, Mari introduces you to the concept of curating content and how it can help your business. And Mari also reviews 8 content curation tools to help you find the best information for your business.

Can’t see the video? Click here to watch it.

Related posts:

1. 5 Social Media Etiquette Tips: Mind Your Manners
2. How to Nurture Your Social Media Marketing
3. The Biggest Secret to Social Media Success

The Compass School of Coaching is the industry’s most comprehensive, accelerated, and cost-effective path to becoming a Professional Life Coach. With Compass you can complete your training, pursue your professional industry certification, and begin earning an income within one year.

The Compass School of Coaching offers Comprehensive and Affordable Training and Exclusive Benefits unparalleled in the Industry of Coaching.

For a complete overview and to discover how you can make a great living by impacting the lives of others, click here for more details >>

Related posts:

1. Women in Business: Are You Living a Life of Purpose? Here are 4 Ways to Tune in to Your Life
2. Being a Personable and Professional Entrepreneur
3. Small Business Coach, Do I Really Need One?

Full Name: Gazelle Simmons

Company Name: Admin Services

Position: Virtual Assistant

Website/Blog: www.admnsrvcs.com

Year Founded: 1998
 

Tell us about yourself and your business: Since 1998, I have been a Virtual Assistant specializing in social media navigation, data entry, presentations, word processing, database management, editing and proofreading services, mass mailings, thesis and manuscript processing as well as other clerical services. I love working with women business owners, particularly solopreneurs.  My clients have been and continue to be solopreneurs, small business owners, independent contractors, website owners, financial advisors, photographers, realtors, writers as well as individuals looking for administrative assistance.

What inspired you to start a business? I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and when the time came to step out, I jumped.

What is your favorite quote or saying? Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

What is one business goal for this year? To keep growing my business by helping other women business owners.

What would you say contributes to your success? God, determination, persistence and providing excellent customer service.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Do what you have a passion for.  Not what will make the most money because when you are tired, you have to love what you are doing in order to keep doing it year after year.

Are there any projects you are currently working on? Teaching others how to become a Virtual Assistant through my ebook “What is a VA and how you can become one?” You can purchase this book at www.sites.google.com/site/gazellesimmons/vabook 

How can people connect with you online? You can email me at help@admnsrvcs.com or view my website at www.admnsrvcs.com for more information.
 

Related posts:

1. 2011 Success Driven Women in Business – Gazelle Simmons
2. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Anita Smithson
3. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Andrea Bolder

Full Name:

Company Name: 2 M.E.I. System for Success (Business * Life * Ministry)

Position: Founder/CEO

Website/Blog:  www.anitasmithson.com

Year Founded: 2011

Tell us about yourself and your business: I am a christian motivational speaker, sharing my m.e.i. system for success that benefits all aspects of life, business, ministry, personal growth, family, children and life in general. When you apply this system in the area you choose/your focus – it has been proven to have a HUGE impact.

I am a mother to 5 children and have had experience in over 18 home based businesses, including being a hair designer for over 14 years. Business and Ministry are my passion and being able to blend the M.E.I. system into that has been a blessing. It simply is changing the way you approach things, purposely putting others first and then your goals/dreams will come later down the road.

What inspired you to start a business? The inspiration came from a dear friend of mine, inspiring me to be a special speaker. The Lord worked on me in this area for about two years before I decided to begin blogging and working towads the journey to become a motivational speaker. I have always been able to inspire others, gain a following and network circle.

It really became real to me when I was able to take my current team in a business I was in, from 6 team members to 67 team members in over 3 months. By the 6 month, we were in 21 states and 87 wide team members. Simply by infusing the M.E.I. system for success in my team members and teaching them the system, they expanded.

That was very inspiring and real to me that the system worked. Just recently, I was approached to begin a Christian Business Owners Networking group within our church which brought the inspiration to add it into the ministry end of life. The more we Love People and Love God, the more people are touched and reached. Its empowering to show people you care about them first and you are intersted in who they are and what they want in life, before yourself.

What is your favorite quote or saying? ” People may forget what you said, and they may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ”

What is one business goal for this year? To deeply connect with people personally and get to know each one I come in connection with.

What would you say contributes to your success? My relationship with the Lord and being consistant in my business- M.E.I. daily.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Be consistent with keeping your goal in front of you while being realistic.

Are there any projects you are currently working on? Growing my network circles and making connections to speak publicly.

Related posts:

1. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Andrea Bolder
2. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Gazelle Simmons
3. 2012 Success Driven Woman in Business – Ronda Y. Fisher

Since those early days, I’ve learned (the hard way), the value in staying in touch with prospects on a regular basis. I also realized that when my way of thinking changed toward the idea of reconnecting, my income began to grow.

The changing point for me came when a customer I finally called after months…boldly asked me, “why did it take so long for you to call me?” I had no answer other than I had been making excuses.

After I got off the phone, I really thought about what she said and made a decision right then and there, I would follow-up and follow-up until I was told outright – NO.

If following up has been a struggle for you OR something you’ve been avoiding in your business, here are a few reason WHY you need to adopt the habit immediately.

Understand, it’s not about you. Far to often as small business owners, we don’t always recognize that we have a fear of rejection. As if someone saying, no I’m not interested - means they are saying no to us personally, which is not the case.

We have to learn to take ourselves out of the situation and focus on meeting the needs of our prospect. No doesn’t necessarily mean Never, it simply means Not Right Now. Before you pick up the phone to call your prospect, take your personal feelings out of it…this is about business and having confidence that what you are offering is of value to them.

You show you care. No matter how you choose to reach out to your potential customers, it shows them you care enough to at the very least…check in with them. You never really know someone’s financial situation or what their circumstance may be.

When you look at it, as being all about timing, following up is just the logical thing to do. I’ve discovered that the more I follow-up with potential clients and business partners…the stronger the relationship becomes and the more trust is being built. When your prospects KNOW you are staying in touch because you genuinely care about making a difference in their life, when the time is right…they will buy.

You become trustworthy. I can’t count how many times my customers thanked me for “checking in” with them each month. In the world we live in today, people are always busy with their everyday life. No matter how many times your customer may say they will get back in touch with you, 9 times out of 10 they won’t.

More times than not,  they aren’t being intentional when they don’t call you back. So, when you begin to follow-up with them regularly, they begin to expect it and eventually…they are ready to do business with you. Because you’ve demonstrated consistency in your efforts, your prospect sees you as a reliable business woman and be more likely to refer you to their friends!

The National Sales Association statics show:

• 2% of sales are made on the 1st contact
• 3% of sales are made on the 2nd contact
• 5% of sales are made on the 3rd contact
• 10% of sales are made on the 4th contact
• 80% of sales are made on the 5th-12th contact

Just imagine, if you Follow-Up 5-12 times, you increase your chances of closing the sale goes up 40 times!

So the next time you are tempted to NOT follow-up with your prospects, consider how it could negatively affect your reputation as an independent or small business owner or even give the impression of being unprofessional and uncaring.

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3. How Your Blog Can Increase Traffic For Your Business

Blogging and content marketing are two of the most highly effective, inexpensive ways for entrepreneurs to get started online, building their brand and business. Not only that, it allows you the ability to position, package and promote yourself to your ideal audience on a much larger scale.

Recently, I had the honor of being the guest of Pam Perry, PR Coach on her Synergy Energy Show – Time for Real Talk about Making Money Online. It was a great privilege to share with her listeners, as we discussed:

• How valuable having a blog is for your business
• How quality content can impact your brand
• How to get set up and started blogging the right way
• How to attract your ideal clients and business partners
• How you can generate additional streams of income

To hear the tips Pam and I shared, click here to listen now!

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