All a flutter for Twitter

Okay, I will admit I do not understand exactly how to use Twitter yet as a business tool to increase business, but I am enjoying the process of learning it. It is actually starting to grow on me. I have quickly gotten quite a few followers in a short time. I am also following quite a few myself. I love that it interfaces with Blogger and Facebook. Post once and distribute all over. Super idea! I like that I have to learn to be concise in my thoughts and judicious in my words. The more I spend on line trying to understand the cyber world, the more I realize just how small the world is and we truly are a global community. So why does there have to be so much war.

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. . .

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.

Jim Rohn

Here is a classic quote from Mr. Rohn:

For things to change you've got to change. Otherwise, nothing much will change.

I am always working on improving myself. I do that by reading great books, listening to great books, watching great movies and spending time with people better than myself. I recommend you surround yourself with the best, read a lot and be open to becoming a better person.

Understanding and Harnessing Fear

Today I hit a brick wall. It was a small wall, but a wall none the less. As soon as I saw it, I got on the phone and called a trusted business colleague. I needed to be talked over the wall. She was amazing! Thank you Tammy!. Here is what she said in a capsule. She refined it down to this quote:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." The above speech by Nelson Mandela was originally written by Marianne Williamson who is the author of other similar material."

Now I know what I must do. Even more important, I know what I must help my clients' do.

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.

The Launch Continues

Today was our Inner Circle meeting. It was great! First, I was prepared with an agenda, and I had discussed the agenda with my key players to make sure it was comprehensive. All my team members showed up, that alone was amazing. Then we had an amazing dialog about the program, the roles and expectations of the team. We were able to discuss any potential bombs that may blow up as well as all the wonderful possibilities. I think everyone walked away with a greater understanding of what the next steps are and their roles in the launch.

This Inner Circle concept has been probably the most pivotal piece to my puzzle, the one that had been missing. Here is what it does and why it is important to my launch. In the past when I tried to launch this program, it was like I was creating something out of thin air. I remember the few meetings I held in the previous launches. There were only two to four people. There was no energy, not excitement and no buy in. In fact, some of the people that were there were there free just have a warm body in the room. Now, when I set up the introductory sessions, and I have the actual Gym meetings, I will have a strong core group in the room. They will serve many roles:

• They are inviting future Business Marketing Gym members;
• They are going to break the awkward silences when they arise;
• They will ask the questions that others may feel too timid to ask until the group gets comfortable with each other; and
• They will edify me as the facilitator of the group because they are already bought in.

I am excited and already know that with the team of people we have assembled, we are going to create something magical.

I will keep you posted.

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.

Jim Rohn, “The Treasury of Quotes”

“Could creating your character be likened to an artist creating a sculpture? In my opinion, I believe that character is not something that just happens by itself, any more than a chisel can create a work of art without the hand of an artist guiding it. In both instances, a conscious decision for a specific outcome has been made. A conscious process is at work. Chara cter is the result of hundreds and hundreds of choices you make that gradually turn who you are, at any given moment, into who you want to be. If that decision-making process is not present, you will still be somebody. You will still be alive, but may have a personality rather than a character.”

Where in the world is . . . ?

No I did not disappear. I just took some time to take stock, focus and take care of my family. Here is the beauty of having a business that you can run from either home or the office. I had a sick house and lots of winter breaks. I may have been silent, but I certainly wasn't unproductive. In fact, this has been some of my most productive time. I have had time to squeeze in several MasterMind sessions over the past three months. During those sessions, I have crystallized my vision for my business and am proud to announce the first official meeting of my Business Marketing Gym is on February 16th. It is so exciting, I am not sleeping at night. I love when that happens. I will keep you posted on the success and challenges of launching and implementing my first coaching club.

And so it starts - My First JV Program

First, just to clarify so I am not accused of using jargon, JV stands for Joint Venture. I have heard of them and seen them in action. They are usually profitable. So I have been trying to see how this might apply to my business. Finally, I found someone whom I trust and have known for 17 years. Someone who is a good match for me and will compliment my expertise with hers. And today we started the dialog about how we can work together on a project. I can't give you all the detail, in fact, we have very few to give. But I can say that you will hear about it soon enough. When you do I think you will be excited to see what happens when two dedicated, passionate marketing mavens get together!

Come back soon to see when we announce an upcoming event. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Happy prospecting!!

All Roads Lead to Follow Up

It always comes back to follow up. When I was first trained by Joan Friedlander to be a Get Clients Now! Facilitator, I remember her saying "All roads Lead to follow up." Here is some statistical proof for those who like numbers.

A classic study of sales calls made by Dartnell and McGraw Hill produced the following fascinating statistics:

80% of all sales are made only after 5 or more contacts
48% of all salespeople give up after the first contact
25% give up after the 2nd contact
17% give up after the 3rd or 4th contact

These statistics show that 90% of the salespeople give up before 80% of the sales will ever be made!

Can you hear what I hear . . .

I don't know about you but I am tired of the noise. I have had it with all this talk about the recession. I have made a stand and I choose not to participate. Yes the voices of doom and gloom seem to want us to, but I think we can make our own choice.

Today I stand in my right to choose. I have turned off the news. If there is something I need to know, I am sure someone will tell me. I am focusing on what I can do, what I can control. How did I get to this great place? I am glad you asked. Well it's been building for a while. Today I had the privilege of sharing a meal with several business owners who happened to be women. During the meeting a business coach shared on how to handle the stress of these difficult times. Dr. Anita actually recommended deep breaths, focusing on what you can control and ignoring the rest. She actually suggested turning off the news. And I have to say, I had started already backing off it, but now I am going cold turkey.

This gave me time today to start writing a mini business plan for a new niche I am working in. How awesome is that? See it's already working.

Social Networking Works

I am an avid believer in Social Networking, now. Although I must admit I went kicking and screaming. Well, maybe not screaming. I am also a believe in internet tools. Let me share an example with you.

I use a tool called Google Alerts. When I want to follow a company, topic or person, I set up a Google Alert and on a daily basis I receive emails with information on the Alert if there is something to find on the Internet and in the News. Pretty simple. I believe in saving money and making money and helping my clients to do the same. I joined a company that helps me do that so I wanted to follow that company. Here's my site with the company: Lia's BigN. I set up a Google Alert to follow any stories and updates on Team National and the National Companies. Today I found the have a huge presence on the web, specifically in Social Networking. See for yourself: Team National Social Networking Presence.

So what is my point. If you take time to use the tools out there you can have a huge presence on the web and it does not have take a long time or a lot of money.

Action Step:

• Develop a Social Networking Plan
• Identify good sources for Networking
• Set up a Editorial Calendar to populate the sites usually with posts
• Then take action and make it happen.

Now just enjoy the results.

To Niche or Not To Niche

Ah the age old question. If I niche will I lose business? If I don't niche, will I be perceived as an expert? There are not simple answers. However, I do want to clarify, or maybe even suggest backing up a step. Before you get to that question, have you asked yourself, what is it that you do better than anybody else that someone will pay you money to do for them? I know it is not the best English, but here is another way of saying it. What are you best at? And What is it you have to offer that people will pay you big money? Once you have answers for that, then start to further define who those people are, where they hang out and what they do. That is the start of a great, lucrative niche. Good luck.

Never Give Up

I was listening to a training CD the other day and heard a quote I had never heard. It was from Harriet Beecher Stowe. It was so powerful, I felt compelled to share it with you.

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

I know I have had days when I think, "maybe I should just get a job." And then I realize, I am so close to the goal, I can almost taste it. That's when I tell myself "Don't give up! "

Jim Collins in his book Good To Great talks about the "fly wheel concept." He notes the hardest part of business is getting the momentum going just like pushing a fly wheel to get an engine started. Most people quit just before it's about to click into gear, that is when the momentum almost takes care of it self.

So keep pushing, stay focused on the goal. If you don't have a goal or a plan, contact me and we can get one together.

Focus & Discipline . . . That is the Answer

Today I found myself frustrated by the lack of quality work time I had. I felt like I did not have time to think. Then I thought about all the hours I squander when I do have it.

Each year I pick a different character trait to work on. With the above in mind, I decided to work on discipline of thought and action this year. Here is a quote to help keep me focussed.

The ability to concentrate and to use your time well is everything if you want to succeed in business--or almost anywhere else for that matter.
Lee Iacocca

What are you working on this year?

Event Beyond Events

I am not a big promoter of events. Someone could make a job of that based on the number of events that exists. However, I have to take exception to this one. This event is going to be the biggest event of the year. Check out Coaching Super Summit. It is for entrepreneurs who have information and expertise but have not yet learned how to turn that expertise into dollars. This event is loaded with six and seven figure entrepreneurs who turned their expertise into an ongoing source of revenue. I know I will be there. Please join me by signing up and take advantage of the early bird specials.

Remember, to take your business to the next level, you need to be at his event.

Plans without Action Is Like . . .

The other day I was traveling with my boys and we were stuck in traffic. One of my son's asked me why there was so much traffic. I replied it was because it was Rush Hour. To my reply he said, "Mom, if it's Rush Hour, why isn't anyone rushing?" Oh, the wisdom of a 6 year old.

Yesterday, I was listening to Bob Proctor on Goal setting. He discussed why people don't succeed in goal setting. He commented that there are people who are waiting for everything to be perfect before they implement the plan. So they are so busy planning they never get doing. He then told a story that pulled it all together for me. Quite frankly, I never heard it or thought of it before. He noted that when Henry Ford sold his first car there were no paved roads like we have today. In fact, the roads were dirt and gravel. Yet, he had a vision and kept true to the vision. So he sold the cars, knowing that if he built them the roads would come. And in deed a few million cars later, we have plenty of paved roads. If he waited till someone else caught his vision and paved roads in case there would be cars, we might not be where we are today.

Are you waiting for everything to be perfect? I say plan and implement. Launch and adjust the sails as you go. Without action, you will not reach all the great goals you have.

Recession Proof Your Business

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Yes it is true these are difficult economic times. Yet, I find during tough times businesses are born. In fact, many an entrepreneur have been born out of a layoff or downsize. When there are gray clouds, there is always a silver lining. So the key to riding out these tough times is to hold fast to your dreams and get back to your goals. Adjust if you need and do something each day, no matter how small, to move toward the goal.

Action Step - Take Time To Answer These Questions:

What can I do today to improve my business?
What can I cut to reduce my expenses and improve my bottom line?
Is there a new target audience that needs my product or service?
Am I networking enough and effectively?