Lessons from my Launch

I have learned a lot about myself and how to launch a program. Mostly I learned that I can do it. Yeah!! I am enjoying the process as much as the outcome. My most recent discovery is that you need to have an enrollment form ready at the end of the introductory session to allow people to make a decision to buy. I had a flyer and then scheduled a follow up session. I realized that prolonged the process and was not a clear enough call to action. I love that I am not too old to learn and I that I am still enjoying the process.

The Wall -- The Business Marketing Gym -- The Launch

I have been so proud of myself for pushing through some major fear. I know a lot of you may not experience this, but I must admit, every day I face a new and daunting task in building my business. In the past I never noticed the fear. But when it hit, I would find a way to stop what I was doing so the fear would go away. Then came the concept and potential launch of the Business Marketing Gym. Oh my! I had a knot in the pit of my stomach that felt like it was trying to come up my throat. I did not know what to do with the real physical pain. At first I thought I was getting sick and then it occurred to me that I felt it at certain times and they all related to the escalation of the realization of my Gym.

Here is the good news, I moved through it and got past it. I took some antacid to make sure I did not really get sick and to alleviate the pain and then I kept on pushing toward the goal. I have now had two introductory sessions. Both were well attended. I have had several follow ups after to discuss the Business Marketing Gym with my attendees. I am well on my way to filling a program. I have three slots filled and more introductory sessions in the works.

For me the launch was a success. Why? Because I did it even though every cell in my body was fighting me on it. It showed me that anything can be done with persistence. When I looked back at what was different this time from times in the past where I may not have succeeded, the answer was clear. I had created a support group of believers who have been checking in on me and working with me to help me realize my goals.

Lesson, even if you are alone in your business, you do not have to do it alone. Create a team, and advisory council to help you think bigger than yourself and to help you stay accountable to yourself. Powerful, powerful tool - I now know I never have to do this alone again.

Anatomy of a Launch

The launch is underway. I have read about launches and witnessed launches but this is my first official launch. So far it has way exceeded my expectations. I wanted to share with you my strategy for the launch of my Business Marketing Gym and the results because not only might it help someone, but I think it has been an interesting experience.

After getting my concept together and putting my ideas on paper, my first step was to share the idea with a business partner. He gave me some great feedback, and we ended up in an amazing mastermind session. I totally reworked the project. He suggested to have a "soft launch" with some of my key clients and contacts. Basically run it up the flag pole and see how it goes. I made a list of 6 individuals that I trusted and felt would add value to the process. I sent out an cryptic email and invited each of them to meet with me to hear my idea. In the email I said I considered them part of my inner circle and wanted them to be part of a great project I was putting together. Within two days of the email, I had five appointments.

As of this date, I have had two appointments. The first inner circle member signed up on the spot. The second one needed time to process and was positive about what he saw.

Next I have planned a meeting of the people who chose to become part of my Inner Circle or Charter Members of the Business Marketing Gym. There we will go over strategies for the full launch as well as implementation.

I have also scheduled three introductory sessions. This is getting very exciting. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

If It's Good Enough for Ford

As always, I am researching to get ready for my Business Marketing Gym launch. I am so excited about the whole Mastermind concept. Then I came across this quote:

Henry Ford's Mastermind Group In "Think and Grow Rich", Napoleon Hill talks about Henry Ford's Mastermind Group:

"Men take on the nature and the habits and the power of thought of those with whom they associate in a spirit of sympathy and harmony. Through his association with Edison, Burbank, Burroughs, and Firestone, Mr. Ford added to his own brain power the sum and substance of the intelligence, experience, knowledge, and spiritual forces of these four men. Moreover, he appropriated and made use of the Master Mind principle."

Who are we to doubt these business leaders.

Entrepreneural Moments

I had the pleasure of hosting a local networking group at my new office. I was very excited. I have only been in my new office for nine days. As always the meeting went well. We discussed what we were looking for and challenges we were facing.

After the meeting was over we talked about the challenges of being "micro-businesses" trying to become big businesses. One of my fellow networking buddies shared that he sees value in what we do because the people that are members of our group have become an informal advisory board. It further validated my decision to launch my Business Marketing Gym in May. There is a need for people to get together to brainstorm new ideas, discuss challenges and share each others successes. I am very excited about the concept.


Andy Andrews who wrote the book "The Travelers Gift" discusses the concept of a personal advisory board in his video about the book. In the video "The Seven Decisions" he talks about surrounding yourself with people who are where you want to be in a certain area of your life and learning from them. It seem so simple, but why is it not done more often? I will keep you posted on the launch of the Business Marketing Gym. I think sparks will be flying.

Business Marketing Gym . . . a seed

I have been working on developing this program now for four months. I am so close to launching this I can see it. When I get this close to a new program, I find it hard to sleep because I am so excited. I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea or a plan. It is so strong I have to run down to my computer and type it in so I don't loose the idea.

I think this is true with any great business idea. It starts as a small seed. Some seeds are good and so are some business ideas. Some are not. When the idea or the seed is good, with a little of attention and some TLC, it will grow big and strong. I have been watering and cultivating this idea now for four months and I know in a short time it will be big. That is because I stuck with it. I also had to let it rest a bit. Just like when you plant, you have to let the fields rest a little. I needed to let my ideas rest, and see if I was really committed to making it work. I am glad I did. It is going to be so awesome.

I work with an entrepreneur who has probably 10 business ideas a day. When asked how she manages all of the ideas and runs a successful business, she said she learned a great lesson. Whenever she has an idea that she thinks is really good, she sleeps on if for 72 hours. If after 72 she still thinks it is truly a great idea, she goes for it.

Enjoy the seeds, nurture them when you can and don't be afraid to let go of some.