Testimonials Are Underrated

While I was looking at my website statistics I was surprised to see that my hits were up 43%. As I started to dig deep to understand the source of this new found traffic, I discovered something interesting. I was receiving hits from websites that I had testimonials on. For example I gave a testimonial to Michel Neray who posted it on his website www.essentialmessage.com. Honestly, I was so excited about his workbook that I emailed him a thank you. I was surprised and glad to see he posted it and added a link to my site. Just that one act added traffic to my website.

What is my point? You are leaving opportunity on the table by not soliciting testimonials and giving testimonials. If you make it a practice to get testimonials and add it to your page with a link to their website, you will not only improve your traffic but the traffic of the person who gave you the testimonial. Likewise if you do the same for someone you are happy with, you will improve both yours and their traffic. There are many lessons, but the main one is that it pays in many ways to show gratitude.

I say go out and be grateful and then tell someone about -- post it on your website or blog!

If it's to be . . . It's up to me!

As most people do when they go into a new year, they tend to become reflective. I am no different. I started to think about what I could have done differently, what I did well and what I want to do for this year - 2010! It is an exciting time, a time of rebirth and renewal. Then I stumbled on this quote:

“The best way to sell yourself to others is first to sell the others to yourself.” Napoleon Hill

I realized that unless I truly believe in myself, I will not be able to pass that on to my clients. This is not new information, just a reaffirmation. So today I pledge to continue the path of self-development. I will read good books, listen to good lessons on CD, watch great videos and spend time with great people.

What are you going to do with this year?

JV - Joint Ventures - A new beginning . . .

As I continue to grow, I continue to be amazed at all the awesome collaborations that are out there to be had. Today I started the process of a joint venture with a fellow business owner. We have similar backgrounds and passions. In just one hour at Paneras we realized we were onto something pretty special. I can't give you details right now, but it is going to be pretty awesome. What I can tell you is that it will change the lives of women everywhere that are trying to do the seemingly impossible - create a life of choice for themselves and their families. Stay tuned to hear more. . .

Believe to Achieve

"If you see it in your mind, you're going to hold it in your hand." Bob Proctor

I have always believed this and it is wonderful to see it come true. I worked with a client who was working on a dream. It was a big dream that was one of those uphill battles. Today I was able to see it is coming true. The amazing thing is they always knew it would.

In the movie South Pacific, there is a song that talks about having a dream and the words go something like this: "You have to have a dream, cause if you don't have a dream, how you going to have a dream come true."

What is your dream? Can you see it? It should be like a movie picture in your mind. Walk in it, smell the smells, taste the tastes, hear the sounds and be in the space. It's your dream and you can make it come true.

Focus On What You Want

I know this seems obvious, but we often tend to dwell on what we don't want. What does
that have to do with business? How often do I hear people talking about those clients from @#$%. We talk about all the things we don't like about them and how they drive us crazy. What we don't realize is that when we do that we actually encourage more of those types of clients to wander into our lives.

Instead, focus on the characteristics you are looking for in a client. For example: "I want clients that are motivated, ready to take action and appreciate what I do." That sounds so much better then: "I don't want clients who are demanding, unappreciative and unmotivated." Focus on what you want and get more of what you want. Also, if there is something you want in a client, it might help if you are that way in your transactions. Remember like begets like. It's the law of nature.

Are You Replling Clients?

No, I don't mean because of personal hygiene. It's something so subtle we don't even know we are doing it. Let me give you an example:

The other day I was working with a client. During our two hour consultation we were very productive. We covered his niche and narrowed his focus. We discussed products and services. We even developed some steps to reach them and implementation strategies. As I was wrapping up the discussion with my client he said something to the effect, but let's be careful, because I am too busy for too many clients right now. It was in that moment that I knew why his business was not growing the way he wanted. He was sending out the message to the universe that he's too busy for more work, he had more than enough work to handle.

Are you sending out the message that you are too busy to add on another project? Do you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of more business while trying to develop a marketing plan. Remember, you are not alone. It is the plight of many a harried entrepreneur.

So what is the answer? First, take a deep breath, now exhale. It's time to take a look at what is keeping you so busy. Is there any thing you can outsource? Is there anything you can add to your stop doing list? It's time to re-frame your thoughts and to say to yourself, "I have all that I need to get it done." "I am open to working with new clients." It's time to reach out, get some help and then help those who need your help!