Social media should amplify your efforts, not take up all your time. Me and family on New England vacation, Summer 2011.

You don’t have to be everywhere and spend all day on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin (and others!).

I’m a fan of picking one of the social networks and becoming quite good at navigating ONE instead of diluting your energy on multiple fronts.

But it can look like you are everywhere.

And because some of your clients will prefer one of the major social networks over the others, you might as well show up where they hang out.

Here’s what I mean…

When you write a blog post, it  automatically posts to Twitter via Twitterfeed.com (free service).

And then, because you’ve hooked up your professional Facebook (FB) page to Twitter (in your FB page settings), your blog posts automatically show up on your FB pro page. Nice!

And because you’ve connected your personal FB page to Twitter too (via Twitter.com settings), whatever you post on your FB pro page, also shows up on your FB personal page. Nice!

And because you’re wicked smart, you have already hooked up your Linkedin profile to Twitter (via Linkedin settings) and so everything you post shows up there too. Even better!

How do you do this?

Option 1: Hire someone like Heather Cottrell, The Awesome Tech Coach (She does all this nerdy, techy stuff for me.) And because social media changes all the time, I don’t have to worry about keeping up with those changes. She does it for me.

Option 2: DIY (see above)

MEGA BONUS: Once you get this down, then you super charge your posts with a few free plugins (techy term for a usually free application that you can “plug into” your blog with a few clicks of a button) that make it easy for your readers to share your blog posts and the good information you have to share. I recommend the Facebook comments plugin here  (when people write a comment on your blog using this, it posts in their newsfeed too!) and the ShareThis application here.

Hope this helps!

Karin

Like what you read? Then you’ll love my marketing and work-for-yourself lifestyle tips for wellness pros here. Check it out: http://www.wellpronet.org/programs/free-cd/

About the Author and WellProNet.org: Karin Witzig Rozell has been teaching health and wellness professionals how to grow their business since 2003. She started as a nutrition counselor who knew a lot about nutrition, but not a whole lot about business and marketing. After learning some tough lessons she cracked the code and now her passion is transforming practitioners into profitable business owners who have a great quality of life too.

She is the founder of Wellness Professional Network, the go-to place for practitioners to learn the real-life business skills they didn’t teach in wellness school.

Karin is the author of The Fast Start to Clients Program and the forthcoming book: Rockstars of Wellness: Super Simple Ways to Stand Out, Get Hired and Become Irresistibly Relevant to Your Tribe.

Karin lives in Upstate New York, in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondacks, and enjoys working from home with her husband and son.

Winter Sunrise from My Front Porch

If you’re blogging, and especially if you have your blog hooked up to automatically post to Twitter (use TwitterFeed.com to do this) and Facebook (then connect your professional page to Twitter and your new blog posts will post to your FB page), you’ll want to give your blog readers an easy way to say YES to learning more from you.

Here’s a super easy way to do this:

At the end of every blog post include one sentence that invites them to sign up for your ezine (email newsletter), or if you don’t have one, to sign up to Feedburner (set up your blog at Feedburner.com - it’s free) to receive everyone of your blog posts by email.

Here is an example:

Like what you read? Then sign up for my marketing and work-for-yourself lifestyle tips for wellness pros and you’ll also receive a FREE CD on the most in-demand and most profitable niches in wellness right now : http://www.wellpronet.org/programs/free-cd/

I include a link to a page on my website that is designed to inspire people to join my newsletter. I write out the full link just in case the link breaks on Facebook or on the other places my blog posts automatically.

And if I have a current promotion, I would add another line to invite them to check out that program, like this:

Did you know that only 20% of Wellness Pros make a great living from their passion? If you’re ready to actually make a great living while making a difference, then my Fast Start to Clients program is a must-have: Visit http://www.FastStarttoClients.com to find out more. 

Hope this helps!

Karin

About the Author and WellProNet.org: Karin Witzig Rozell has been teaching health and wellness professionals how to grow their business since 2003. She started as a nutrition counselor who knew a lot about nutrition, but not a whole lot about business and marketing. After learning some tough lessons she cracked the code and now her passion is transforming practitioners into profitable business owners who have a great life too.

She is the founder of Wellness Professional Network, the go-to place for practitioners to learn the real-life business skills they didn’t teach in wellness school.

Karin is the author of The Fast Start to Clients Program and Karin lives in Upstate New York and enjoys working from home with her husband and son.

My favorite view of the Vermont Green Mountains, a short walk up our property.

In marketing materials, and in particular your newsletters, health and wellness pros tend to use the word “we” when speaking to their reader.

“We all need to… ” or “When considering XYZ, we must also think about…”

I find this to be a habit of softening your opinion and trying to make your words ring true to as many people as possible.

The intention is good, as you want your message to resonate, but it’s largely ineffective.

It can also be an unconscious way of not standing out too much and avoiding the risk that not everyone will like what you have to say. (They won’t, and they shouldn’t.)

However, if you want to make your message memorable, you must have an opinion and you must share it.

Not a loud, pushy and obnoxious opinion (unless that’s your authentic style) but an opinion that gives the reader a sense that you are taking a stand for what you know to be true.

Your willingness to state your opinion actually gives confidence to your readers in your services and products.

Anything less weakens your message and frankly, makes you sound less confident about your expertise.

A better and more powerful way to present your work is to use the word “you.”

This is more direct and speaks to the reader as if you are writing only to them and looking them straight in the eye. It really hits home and it’s more personal. It’s bolder, fresher and doesn’t ‘beat around the bush.’

And in the health and wellness field, your potential clients desire that wake up call. They need it in order to take the risk of investing in your services/products and chance giving their health goals another go.

One way to help you step into this more effective communicating style, is to imagine one particular person that you loved working with, who achieved great results working with you, and write to THEM.

Those who are similar to them will REALLY resonate with your words and those who simply aren’t ready yet, won’t — and that’s actually perfect.

Speak directly to your readers, rather than speaking about them, and you’ll have a greater impact.

To your success,

Karin

–

The view from our walking path, sunset, Jan 5, 2012

I was checking my phone messages and was absolutely moved by what one of my vendors said on my voice mail.

A staff member from the company that owns the two Inns where I host my Biz Breakthrough Retreats each year, left me a warm and friendly message saying how much they appreciated my business in 2011 and that they hoped they could have the pleasure of working with me again in 2012, and ended the call wishing me a Happy New Year.

No offers, no up sales, no gimmicks, just a nice, heartfelt message of appreciation.

It blew me away because almost no one ever does this anymore. That is, simply reaching out to say thanks without some sort of up sell.

If you’re looking for a way to connect with your clients, past and present, this is a really good one. (I like to do this during Thanksgiving but January works just as well.)

It costs very little, if only a little time and stamps if you plan on do this in written form via a hand written note.

It’s an easy way to stand out, make you and your work memorable and bring a serious dose of authenticity and connection to your marketing.

Love it.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead,

Karin

–

Sunrise from my front porch, 12.27.11, taken by my husband

Ever feel like your wellness work isn’t getting through to people?

Or that the people you do attract are flaky and look for every excuse to bail?

It’s probably not you or that people don’t want what you have to offer.

It may be something else entirely.

Listen to this quick audio tip for wellness professionals and find out if you’re talking to the right people.

Click the following link (will open to a new window): http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WyGDDV6K

If you feel inspired, let me know what you think in the comments section below!

To your continued success,

Karin

Like this tip?  Then you’ll love my FREE CD recording on The 7 Most In-Demand and Most Profitable Niches in Wellness RIGHT NOW. Go here to get it: http://www.wellpronet.org/programs/free-cd/

–

My son Alex and husband Drew, my version of success. Working from home and time to sneak a snuggle and pic during the day. Winter 2011

1. There are so many variables to success.

Marketing, mindset, money, organization, self motivation, how you use your time and more.

In time and with deliberate focused attention anyone can learn to master them all.

But it does take time and the willingness to experiment.

So try to be gentle with yourself.

This is true for your own business as well as for your clients’ success in your programs.

2. That’s why it’s impossible to take responsiblity for your clients’ results.

There are too many variables that are out of your control.

Just like I can’t give presentations and “close the deal” for my clients, you can’t eat the broccoli and go exercise for your clients.

What you can only guarantee and be responsible for is what you say you’re going to deliver.

3. It’s inevitable that your “stuff” will come up as you grow your business.

That’s why being in business for yourself in the holistic health and wellness field is like personal growth on steriods.

Whoever said making money in the life transformation field wasn’t spiritual never took their business seriously.

4. How you respond to your “stuff” makes all the difference.

You will be tested.

Do you really want this? Or do you like the idea of it?

Do you view  the “no’s” you receive as rejection or valuable information and an opportunity to tweak your efforts?

The trick is to not make a big deal out of every speedbump you come across.

Everyone self-sabotages, everyone spins their wheels at times, everyone tries things that don’t work.

Try to lighten up about it as best you can.

It’s just part of the process.

5. Some people try to do more when things aren’t working.

But that’s not always the answer. Sometimes it’s the inner work that’s calling.

6. Some people try to meditate more when things aren’t working.

While absolutely valuable, these situations often require more consistent outer work and less thinking about it.

IE – Get into action.

You can’t have all action and no inner work.

You can’t have all inner work and no action.

The laws of nature requires relative balance.

7. It’s essential to do all the steps and everyone has their own rhythm to completing them.

You can’t skip learning the business side of your passion and getting out there.

Learning the business side includes choosing a niche, getting in front of people, building an email list, sending your newsletter regularly, and getting to know your target market (or tribe) so well you know them better than they do.

And despite this learning curve, at some point you have to say to yourself, you may never feel like you know enough and that’s okay, let’s get out there anyway.

Some practitioners as they near the phase of getting out there, sign up for more training, more coaching, in an effort to avoid the vulnerability of getting in front of their tribe, facing their fear of rejection and the temporary discomfort of asking to be paid for what they love to do.

And others get out there right away and have to circle back to figure out the marketing know-how.

My preference is to do both at the same time.

Whatever path you’re on, it’s okay. Everyone has their own rhythm for getting there.

The only way you won’t get there is by skipping the steps or trying to get everything perfect.

Just know that you can’t avoid the inevitable.

To your continued success,

Karin

Like this article? Then you’ll love my FREE CD recording on The 7 Most In-Demand and Most Profitable Niches in Wellness RIGHT NOW. Go here to grab your copy today: http://www.wellpronet.org/programs/free-cd/

–

1. Take a Break

All work and no play makes for negative client attraction.

2. Declutter to Get Ready for 2012

Start small. A drawer, a corner of your desk, your closet, your email inbox, etc…

Do a little each day or a few times a week over the holidays (while listening to fun music!).

You’ll feel instantly “together” and ready for the New Year.

3. Take Time to Reflect  on Your Progress

Make a list. Leave it out. Add to it over the next week or so until January 1st. Keep adding to it. All manner of successes, big and small. You’ll remember more and more.

This will help you focus on what worked, the progress you’ve made and sends out a powerful energetic signal that says “Thanks! I’ll have some more of that!”

And it will do wonders for your confidence.

4. Finish Unfinished Business

Your website half done? Your ezine written but not sent? You made some calls but didn’t follow up?

No biggie, everyone does it from time to time. Pick one thing that feels unfinished and complete it by January 1st.

Even better, go to Elance.com and you’ll find people from all over the world who will happily, eagerily and affordably get it done for you.

(No job is too small or too big.)

And hiring people to help you is an essential skill set you’ll want to master as a self-employed wellness pro.

Elance.com is a great place to start doing that.

5. Block Off Some Time to Think 

Sometime in the next few weeks, block off  time to consciously plan you’re next steps.

(I actually hire a coach to spend a day with me do to this, otherwise, it’s too easy to spin circles in my mind.)

It doesn’t have to be the grand master plan for your life and business.

Start with the year ahead and then work backward, chunking it down to what you’ll focus on for the first 30, 60 or 90 days.

If it helps, start with what you don’t want.

Then write down the opposite.

If you’re at a loss for how to get there, plan to hire a coach or mentor or invest in a program or product that will help you honor your vision.

The trick is to be flexible about how you get “there.”

There are 3 spots left in my Rockstars of Wellness program that begins January 27th, 2012 with a Branding Breakthrough Retreat in Saratoga Springs, NY. 

We’ll kick off the program with 3 days devoted to you and your fellow Rockstars to start the New Year off RIGHT. (No need to worry when you’ll make time to focus on YOUR biz or WHAT to do first!)

Now is the time to take a few moments for yourself and fax in your application. (Applications are here for download: http://www.RockstarsofWellness.com)

Go ahead and have fun with the fun plans you have in place. 

It will be even MORE fun knowing you have a 2012 plan in place for making your dreams a reality.

Happy Holidays,

Karin

–

One of the things I love for my new clients to do is to send out a special holiday offer to their email or snail-mail mailing list. This works beautifully during any spiritual/religious holiday and you can really have fun with this even on Ground Hog’s Day.

Nine out of ten times, this brings in a quick boost of revenue and starts to “teach” their list of current and past clients that new ideas are coming soon, and get them familiar to ”program style” offerings.

One of my clients, a therapist from Canada, had never sent a mailing to her client list (online or offline) nor had she offered a program or a package of sessions. Everyone paid for each session as they went along. Which is not what I recommend for a variety of reasons.

So we quickly put together a warm, friendly holiday letter in the spirit of “I’m thinking of you this holiday season and if you’re like most of my clients, you might be going through X,Y, Z… and I have an idea that may be able to help.” The “idea” is a package of sessions with a special pricing if they signed up and paid in full by Dec 31st.

So far four people have said YES and she’s grossed a nice little profit when her practice normally goes quiet in December. (5 Days later Update: She filled all 10 slots and more are coming in with requests for January!)

What she’s also learned is that there are people who want to work with her, yet who didn’t know that they could work with her on topic specific issues (such as what comes up during the holidays) and who wouldn’t have been helped otherwise. Some of them probably thought once they were “done” with their prior work, that was it. However, the greater truth is that a good 5% to 20% of your clients WANT more support.

That’s the brilliance of good, authentic marketing. It’s a win for everyone.

The client is served in an even better way.

The practitioner is supported and paid well for making a difference. Thus making it easier for them to continue making a difference.

And the world is a better place because of it.

So consider this: There is something going on right now in your current (and past clients’!) lives that you could solve RIGHT NOW. Be there for them and send an invitation in the form of a special program, teleclass series, etc…

Karin

Want help with your marketing and finding your voice in the marketplace? I may be your gal. Check out my Rockstars of Wellness 2012 Program, starting January 2012: http://www.RockstarsOfWellness.com

Not ready for coaching? Consider my home study course that’s perfect if you’re just starting out. Get the details right here: http://www.FastStartToClients.com

–

My work with wellness pros is a lot like getting
into the lake for a swim.

Some people, like me, need to put their toes in,
sit on the side of the dock and let their feet
adjust to the water for awhile, and then they get
in.

My husband jumps right in, trusting that his body
will adjust to the temperature and the temporary
discomfort of the chilly water is well worth the
fun he will have.

The problem is, this “sitting on the dock and
thinking about getting in the water” often starts
to paralyze me.

My mind starts telling me things like…

“I think it’s too cold for me…”

“Drew has a different body type, that’s why he
can jump right in…”

“I don’t want to be cold…”

“I hate being cold…”

“I’m going to wait until it gets warmer…”

“Maybe I’ll go in tomorrow…”

“Maybe it’s fine if I just hang out on the dock…
yeah, that’s what’ll I do…”

And it just gets worse and worse and I get more
and more nervous that everyone is in the water but
me, having a great time and until finally, I can’t
stand the emotional roller coaster I put myself
on, and so I jump in.

I screech for 30 seconds and then I have a blast
too.

This summer, I decided to do things differently.

I remembered what one of my first mentors, Joshua
Rosenthal, told me.

He said, “When you’re spinning wheels, up there in your
mind, try doing the opposite of what you brain
tells you to do.”

So this year, I started jumping right into the
lake.

(We rented a lake house over the summer – a
dream come true! And I didn’t want to stress over
getting in the water each day. I know, so lame.)

As it turns out, jumping right in, was WAY MORE
FUN.

Like, INFINITELY MORE FUN.

And I started thinking, where else do I allow my
nerves to hold me hostage?

This is a lot like being a wellness pro and
taking your biz seriously.

You can sit on the sidelines telling yourself all
the reasons why you should maintain status quo.

Why you should wait another year…

Why now is not the right time to invest in
yourself…

And the more you think about it, the more reasons
you come up for not going for it.

Basically, instead of getting really good at the
business skills you need to thrive, you become
quite adept at building a case for your
limitations.

This is your invitation to get in the water.

I’m not going to goad you to get in.

You either want to or you don’t.

(I work best with people who are willing to jump
in and start swimming.)

I’ll show you what to do, how to do it and what
to do next, once you’re in the water.

But if you don’t get in, I can’t help you and
your business thrive in the year ahead.

Get in the water.

(Or I might splash you a bit.)

6 spots left in Rockstars 2012

We start in January.

If you need to download the info
and application again, go here:

http://www.RockstarsofWellness.com

Your swim instructor,

Karin

PS – Remember, this program is by application
only.

Why? I want to make sure you’re going to get
into the water once I start working with you.

It’s cool if you’re nervous about it. I’ll coach you
through it. But you gotta get wet.

About the Author and WellProNet.org: Karin Witzig Rozell has been teaching health and wellness professionals how to grow their business since 2003. She started as a nutrition counselor who knew a lot about nutrition, but not a whole lot about business and marketing. After learning some tough lessons she cracked the code and now her passion is transforming practitioners into profitable business owners.

She is the founder of Wellness Professional Network, the go-to place for practitioners to learn the real-life business skills they didn’t teach in wellness school.

Karin is the author of The Fast Start to Clients Program and Karin lives in Upstate New York and enjoys working from home with her husband and son.