Tag Archives | business growth strategies

Business Success – What’s The Purpose?

By on August 1, 2011 in Blog, Business Success, mindset

Being in business for yourself is fantastic!! Is that truth or a belief?  Let me ask you this…..

Why are you really in business?  Is it because you really want to make a difference?

Here’s the problem…most people let wanting to ‘make a difference’ trump building a business. They let the idea of ‘making a difference’ trump making a profit. Most people have let passion trump profit.

I do understand – I hear people say they want to make a difference; they want to change the world. But most heart based solopreneurs have forgotten that the way to change the world is making a load of profit. What we mostly want is freedom and time. Time is expensive. What we mostly want is to right injustices or change what we see is wrong.  Changing those things is expensive.  Money is not the most important thing in the world, but it touches everything that is.

I beg you not to let your passion for your topic or your business trump the need to make a profit. I see people in our industry whether they coach or are coaches themselves or have other business, spend year after year, saying “I want to make a difference”, or “ I want to change things”, and they stay broke year after year after year.

This is not a game, this is business! This is profit and loss, cash flow and conversions and numbers. It’s not some party that you decide to come to because it looks fun.

I believe we live in an abundant universe. I also know for a truth that abundance only comes as a result of making the right decisions.  The business I’m in isn’t a hobby, it isn’t a game.  I have people’s lives at stake and I am sure you are exactly the same way.  Maybe you have a responsibility to meet the payments for someone’s wages. Perhaps you need to pay your virtual staff. You most likely have family who depend on you. To be successful in business you must remember that it’s not a game. It’s not something to do if you are bored (that’s a hobby!).

Its okay to use the words ‘inspire, motivate, passionate’ in your marketing message, but the bottom line is that your main purpose for being in business should be to make a profit! I realize that I’ve probably lost a few of you by saying that, but it’s true.  Without profits, it’s really difficult to make all the dreams you have come true.

I want to give you a couple of ways you can be sure you get from bottom lining to profitable in the fastest way:

  1. You can’t grow a business if you are broke and you can’t help others in the way you might want to if you are broke.  You must be prepared to invest in yourself and your business so that it can grow as quickly as possible.  For some people this might mean finding other ways to create some fast cash to support the growth of your business.
  2. Realize that the journey won’t be easy!  I know that probably goes against what you hear a lot of people saying, but it’s the truth.  There will be road blocks, obstacles and times when things are difficult.  If you want easy then you are probably more suited to a J.O.B. (and that’s okay!).
  3. You should want to do what you are doing for a reason that is SO big that you would be prepared to work three jobs all at once in order to succeed.  If you’re willing to give as much commitment and devotion to a business as you would a degree or high level career, you’ll be able to experience freedom in a way that most people will never experience. Entrepreneurs are those that are willing to do for a few years what most others won’t, so that they can have for a lifetime what most others can’t.
  4. Be supported by a mentor or coach who is ahead of where you are now. Find someone who can fast track your path from their own experience.  One of my mentors said “The fool that believes they can do without a coach or mentor will either succeed or plateau (which leads to going broke).”

Are you willing to do what ever it takes or are you going to wish and hope that one day some finances drop into your lap and change your life?

Building a profitable business can be a life changing experience. But it takes work and a commitment to never quit. Our economy will be a better place when there are more people who take the action it needs to build the business of their dreams.

Your Action Plan For The Week:

Having just finished a financial year, this is now a good time to look over your past month’s figures, conversions and numbers to see where you are at, and what changes you need to put in place to get those profits up!

 

Want to boost your income quickly?  There is still time to join us for The Get Clients and Cash Flow In 30  Days Program is NOW ON. You’ll also get with all the training, tools, scripts, templates and examples you’ll need to authentically enroll clients fast. Super UPGRADE Bonuses available: The Get Clients and Cash Flow In 30  Days

 

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What To Say When They Say “I Can’t Afford It……”

By on July 18, 2011 in Blog, Business Success, marketing, mindset, Sales Skills

Imagine for a moment that you are explaining your fabulous program with a potential client. You both know that it’s perfect and you can feel her excitement around the potential within her reach! You share your new fees and then………

… the next words you hear are “I’d love to, BUT…”

“… I can’t afford it…”

“… It’s not the right time right now…”

“…I need to check with my spouse…”

“… I need to sleep on it – can I get back to you?”

First things first: don’t freak out! The “yes, but” is a concern, or objection… and you’ll hear them around 80% of the time. (Remember, where there’s potential for massive change, it’s also partnered with fear.)

Many heart based solopreneurs get deflated on hearing objections, but they’re actually a great thing. They mean that your client is really interested. They know you’re offering them an opportunity to change their lives and they want to step into it. Problem is, they’re just a little afraid. And they need you to support them through it.

Now here’s the secret behind objections and what you MUST do when your client says “I’d love to, but…” (This is the key to smoothly sailing through concerns so that they can move a step closer to what they truly want…)

Their “Yes, BUT” is the real reason why they’re on the phone with you today, right now. That’s what they really and truly need support on, in this moment. Because no matter what “yes, but” may be… it has stopped them before, and it is showing up somewhere else in their life to stop them over and over again.

That’s why coaching your potential clients on their “Yes, BUT”s is actually a tremendous gift. Here’s how to sail smoothly through the top 3 (make that only 3) “I’d love to… but”s so they can say yes to the transformation they truly want…

1. “I’d love to, but… I don’t have the money.”

Most solopreneurs take the money objection at face value, without realizing that “I can’t afford it” is rarely, if ever, really about the money. Your job in that moment is to find out if it’s really about the money, or it’s about something else. (Again, 90% of the time, it’s the latter.)

Here’s the question that will instantly give you your answer:

“Assuming money wasn’t an issue, is this something that you’d like to do?”

If they say “yes” hesitantly… then it really isn’t the money. You can just say, “You sound hesitant, is there something else?” This will open the door to discovering the real issue… and coaching them through it.

2. “I’d love to, but… I don’t have the time.”

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, so the time objection is really about priorities. You can find out if they’re truly swamped (or just a little scared) with this question:

“If I waved a magic wand and created all kinds of time in your schedule, is this something you’d want to move forward with?”

If they say “Yes, absolutely,” then they only think they don’t have time. You’ll help them by exploring what’s eating all their time and get clear on what’s really important to them.

3. “I’d love to, but… I need to think about it.”

If your program is a fit for them, “I have to think about it” usually means “I’m afraid” or “I don’t know if I can do this.” To open the dialogue, simply say, “What is it that you need to think about?”

That might sound a little blunt, but when delivered with sincerity, your client will actually breathe a sigh of relief. They will know that you care and that they need not be alone with their fear as they take this important next step.

Bonus tip: don’t be afraid to say what you really think and feel. Remember, your client’s “yes, buts” are what they need support on, in this moment, to move forward with their dream. Being fully present and pointing out what you see is blocking their success is a gift of caring and generosity.

Want more word-for-word scripts on what to say during sticky enrollment situations, and a proven template for providing massive value during the conversation? The Get Clients and Cash Flow In 30 Days System is NOW AVAILABLE, complete with all the training, tools, scripts, templates and examples you’ll need to authentically enroll clients fast. HURRY: when you grab your copy by THURSDAY, 28TH JULY AT 10.00PM (WST/PERTH), you’ll get a 90-day bonus coaching program, my treat! The Get Clients and Cash Flow In 30 Days

Your Action Plan For The Week:

1. Make your plan to have 10 new sales conversations this week
2. Listen carefully to your potential clients and support them in their moment of decision
3. Create a system to follow up on any potential clients who decide not to work with you right now.

 

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It’s Time To Crank Up Your Marketing

By on July 5, 2011 in Blog, Business Success, marketing, Sales Skills

With the start of a new financial year, it’s a great time to decide where you want to take your business in the next 12 months.  For your business to thrive, you must have an effective marketing plan. This can be a difficult thing for solopreneurs to maintain.  Marketing consistently will keep your client pipeline full with ideal clients who value your services and will pay you what you’re worth.  If you want your profits to increase over the next twelve months, you MUST consistently market your business.

It’s always difficult for solopreneurs and small business owners to find the time to work ON their business. As you continue to serve the clients you already have at a high level, it can be easy to get consumed in this and other daily tasks of operating your business. What happens is that consistent marketing can be unintentionally pushed aside.

Imagine you’re riding a bike. The wheels can turn slowly, or you can turn them at a faster pace.  Either way, if you want to move forward, they need to be constantly going around.  It’s the same with your marketing.  If you’ve found that there are times where business is very slow, it’s likely your marketing efforts have become a bit hit and miss.  Good news is, it’s easier than you think to get back on track!

To crank up your marketing systems, I suggest you take a quick assessment of your business and ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Which marketing strategies have been the most effective in attracting ideal clients? – Has it been your regular ezine that has sparked constant enquiries?  Do you get regular comments on your blog? Have you done some guest blogging that has driven traffic to your website? Are there some joint venture projects that have been particularly fruitful? Look at what has worked really well, and see how you can increase your focus in that area.
  2. What’s working well in my business? – Review the activity in your business over the past 6-12 months.  Checking on what is going well and to acknowledge your achievements will boost your confidence and give you the motivation you need to make any adjustments that may be needed.
  3. What can you improve on? – As you look over your marketing you will see aspects that haven’t run as smooth as they could have. Make a list of these and also the reasons why.  It may be that you need assistance or systems in place to change your results here?
  4. What’s keeping me from marketing your business consistently? – It’s time for the truth here! Could it be that you don’t manage your priorities or time as well as you could? Do you need more knowledge on how to implement a particular strategy? Would accountability help you to take more action?  No matter what your answers are, get up, get over it and get on with it! And decide NOW to do things differently from today onwards.
  5. Where am I meeting resistance in relation to marketing my business? – Is there a little voice in your head telling you, “Marketing is too hard”?  Or “I can’t afford to market my services”?  Perhaps the excuse is I’m too busy for marketing”.  Every one of us meets resistance that requires strength to breakthrough.  Whatever your resistance happens to be, two things are for sure:

a. You can ignore it and take action anyway. (Successful people do whatever it takes, even if it feels uncomfortable.)

b. If you push through that resistance and get to the other side – that is where you will find success!

These two affirmations will serve you well for the next time you find yourself meeting with resistance along your path. Acknowledge the moment, but keep moving forward by taking action! Remember you didn’t learn to ride a bike the first time. What we’re looking for here is consistent effort.  Even baby steps will keep the momentum towards your goals.

Once you’ve taken the time to assess your marketing strategy, I would love to hear what you find.

Your Action Plan For The Week:

  1. Set aside half an hour to do the quick assessment above
  2. Give yourself honest answers to work with
  3. Share your results with a trusted or supportive friend, colleague or mentor.
  4. Assign a time to brain dump thoughts on any changes you want to implement in your marketing, and list the results you want to achieve.

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Successful People Do Whatever It Takes, Even If It’s Uncomfortable

By on June 28, 2011 in Blog, Business Success, mindset

 

 

When solopreneurs are struggling to get new clients, I ask them what they are actively doing to market their business.  Some times I get a dead silence back, or simply a blank stare and shoulder shrug to indicate “nothing much”.  One of the easiest ways to instantly get more clients is to start taking more action to promote your business and your services.  This could be in sales conversations, creating videos, doing a teleseminar, holding an event or even writing that book you’ve always wanted to write.

One of the biggest reasons why people don’t take more action is they are worried about what other people will think of them.  Interestingly, this doesn’t seem to be an issue for a two year old who decides to throw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket! But as we get older, we begin to get more and more aware of other people’s thoughts. We allow this to stop us from taking the action necessary to get what we want.  Does this sound familiar?  I bet it does, because I know it’s been the case for me too.

So I was really thrilled as I stood in the middle of a city park and watched two of my friends take a break at the 38 kilometre mark of the Perth Marathon, to take their wedding vows. This took about 30 minutes.  Then they signed the registry, had some photos taken before continuing on their merry way for the final 4 kilometres to the finish line.

For Rob and Zita, running is a big part of their life and a passion they share together.  They ran their first marathon together almost 10 years ago and have often explained the exhilaration they feel each time they complete another one. They knew that getting married would also be an exciting experience. For most people, to do either a marathon OR get married would be quiet sufficient in one day.  Not for this fun loving, sporty couple – they decided to bundle the two events into one!  Rob and Zita’s plans were a complete secret to all the wedding guests until the final moment they arrived at the grassy spot in front of the marriage celebrant.  Rob ran the entire marathon in his waistcoat, bow tie, top hat and finished off nicely with glossy black running shoes. Zita had full makeup, her hair done beautifully, a veil and carried a bouquet of flowers the whole way.

Do you think they got some funny looks along the 42 kilometre track?  Do you think there were people that held their own opinions of their decision to get married this way?  Do you think there would have been people try to talk them out of taking this action if they had know about it? Of course there would have been!  It’s only natural.  The key here is that Rob and Zita had the confidence to go ahead with this seemingly crazy idea anyway – because they wanted the end result – to run a marathon AND be married all in the same day. This might not be what YOU want – but I want this to be a marketing lesson for you to take the action you need to take to get the results you want to get in your small business.

Don’t listen to nay-sayers; don’t share your ideas with people who are non-supportive.  It doesn’t matter what other people might think. In fact, they probably aren’t even thinking anything about you because they’ll be too busy thinking about themselves!  Instead, consider all the people whose lives you know you can make a difference to by sharing your gifts.  What is it you need to do to market your business?  What action steps do you want to take to get more clients and increase your profits? Getting out of your comfort zone is most likely the starting point.  Go ahead; have that sales conversation you’ve been putting off.  Make the video that shares your message. Map out the contents and take the first step to creating a teleseminar.  Whatever it is that you’ve been putting off for fear of what other people think – go ahead and take just one action step to make it happen this week. Be prepared to do whatever it takes to make your business stand out from the crowd and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will get more clients and be helping more people.

Rather than wait for everything to be perfect, I want to remind you of my favourite saying: “Just take imperfect action”.

Your Action Plan For The Week:

  • List down all the things you’ve been thinking of doing to market your business, but for one reason or another you’ve been delaying taking action.
  • From your list, decide what TWO items you are going to get moving on this week, and what are the action steps you are going to take.

Calculate the income that can be produced from the activities you have listed. Also list the number of people who you may be able to help, if you put get these projects off the ground.  Use these numbers to motivate you to stop thinking about what other people might say, and instead – take action.

 

 

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How To Have a Full Client Pipeline

By on June 20, 2011 in Blog, Business Success, mindset, productivity

“I need more clients!”  Have you ever made this statement?

“If you build it they will come” is probably one of the biggest myths ever published and believed when it comes to business.

It’s possible that you have the most amazing offer or business. Unless your ideal clients know about it, you will stay as the best kept secret in your industry. The biggest challenge for so many self employed professionals is consistently attracting new and ideal clients into their business.  Unfortunately, they simply underestimate how much exposure they really need to keep a full pipeline of clients. By consistently implementing a few simple steps, you will be well on your way to achieving your business goals.

Clarity, focus and planning are often the root causes of why this struggle to attract ideal clients is an issue. Remember, when you are crystal clear about the vision for your business, it becomes easy for your ideal clients to see it as well. The first thing you need to know is exactly WHO your ideal client is, why you consider them ideal, and what problems they have that you can provide a solution for. It’s tempting to be broad with your responses for fear of ‘losing’ a prospective client.  After all, I’m sure what you do can actually help soooo many people.  The more specific you can be with your focus, the more effective your marketing strategies can be. You will save time and money. Plans without action are useless. So you do need to have a marketing plan outlined so that you’re confident what your actions need to be on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.  This way, you will connect with your ideal clients regularly, rather than your marketing being an ad hoc event.

“But I am already working so hard”  I can almost hear you say.

I know. And that’s why the strategies that really take your business to the next level need to leverage things you already have:

Once you’ve got clarity on your ideal client (I even give my ideal client a name!) and what they need, it’s time for the action to begin.  Here are three simple strategies that I’m using that are working for me that you can use to attract ideal clients to your business NOW:

  1. Powerful Partnerships – Teaming up with someone you may currently regard as your competitor can in fact create a triple win situation (you, your JV partner and your clients/subscribers) and is a great way to get more clients. There are other professionals who service your ideal client before and after you. For example, if you are a graphic designer, it’s possible that people like virtual assistants, web designers, and business coaches all connect with your ideal prospects too.  This is great!  You have enormous opportunity to get in front of your ideal prospects if you leverage of these networks in a partnership arrangement by cross promoting each other’s services.
  2. Reconnect with previous clients – Studies have shown that it’s much easier to re-engage an existing client than a new one.   This is where your low-hanging fruit is!  Right NOW you have a great opportunity to reconnect with past clients and catch up with them.  Have a chat about what’s going on, whether they are meeting their expectations and goals on their own and offer to help support them to the next level of success. It would be a good idea to create a special package or incentive to acknowledge their commitment to you in the past and encourage them to take on your services once more.
  3. Networking – You must go fishing in the right pond!  The fish you are after is your ideal client. This means targeted, focused networking is an excellent way to get in front of a large group of your ideal clients that have already been gathered in one place.  A mistake many solopreneurs make is to go randomly attending networking events just because they can.  This can also be a huge waste of your time – and remember, your time is precious.  When you are confident in who your ideal prospect is, you can research exactly where this type of person ‘hangs’ out and only spend your time at events where they are congregating in large numbers.  When you show up, your intention is to be helpful, an informed resource, friendly and listening to how you can solve your prospects problems more than talking heaps about yourself.  A key to successful networking is QUICK follow up. Actually mark into your diary within the following 24 hours to do this.

Consistency in your marketing is much easier when you know where you are going and what you want. When you can almost taste your success, you’ll be prepared to put in whatever time is takes and come up with loads of creative ideas. Having clarity on your next step will grow your enthusiasm to a point where you become energized by your marketing efforts.  Other people pick up on this high energy – and you will attract others who want the same for themselves!

Implementation is the key – so which of these strategies will you action in your business this week?

Your Action Plan For The Week:

  • Revisit the qualities you want in your ideal client and their profile. Brainstorm everywhere you can think of that they hang out – for both their personal and professional needs, and both online and offline.   Pick out one or two key networking events where you can position yourself as a useful resource and increase visibility.
  • Gather all the information about your past clients. When did they last use your service?  (In fact I always recommend you keep this information about your past clients well maintained right from the start.) Block out a time to call and reconnect with them. Create a special re-enrolment offer.
  • Create a list of who has your ideal prospects before you and after you. Schedule time to meet with these potential joint venture partners to discuss how you can work together to serve each other’s community in a win, win, win situation.

 

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How Much Do You Really Want It?

How Much Do You Really Want It?

By on June 13, 2011 in Blog, Business Success, mindset

How Much Do You Really Want It?

How Much Do You Really Want It?

Have you ever wanted something so badly but you couldn’t have it?

You wanted this thing so much it felt like something was tearing you up inside. Your desire was so strong that it hurt because you weren’t able to have what it was you wanted so desperately. Perhaps it was a house you had your eye on, or a prize in a competition, or holiday. Maybe there’s been a special someone you dreamed of being with that you never could.

Whatever it was for you that gave you that desperate aching in the pit of your stomach, this is the same feeling, the same irresistible longing that is necessary for you to own so that you reach your goals.

Many people say they want life to be different. They say they are serious about their dreams, their future and their possible lifestyle. But realistically very few possess this burning desire to achieve.  Successful people do whatever it takes, even if it’s uncomfortable. If this desire, this burning need to get your message out and help more people is missing, success will be hard to achieve.

So what IS the BIG reason you do what you do?

Let your answer sink in for a moment. Feel the power of the meaning of success for you.

It’s this feeling that you should start each day with. This is the feeling you must have constantly to achieve success.

Why?  Because let me tell you this: Success is NOT without its roadblocks and obstacles. You will meet with resistance. You will have people telling you ‘it’s crazy’. There WILL be times when you feel like throwing in the towel because it all feels too hard. These are the times when you must feel that burning desire inside.

Recently there were some activities that I was meeting resistance on. During a call with my mentor this week, it allowed me to re-ignite with the BIG reason I do what I do. I am so passionate about people being the best they can be and creating the life they dream of. I know this is possible for every one of you.  Is it always easy?  Heck no! But I would do it all again in a heartbeat.  This ride is exhilarating and fun.

Just last week a friend married the love of his life after being on his own for well over 40 years. If he had given up on finding love, he would never have found the girl of his dreams.  I had another friend who had an idea for a business and 4 years went by until she found the missing piece and the money started flowing her way.

Both these people would have eventually given up if it had not been for their burning desire to achieve.

You have choices…. You can stay right where you are now (or worse) or you can decide to create a business that is prosperous and fulfilling.

For now, how much do you want it, whatever “it” means to you?

Do you merely wish you had it?

Or are you prepared to do whatever it takes to get it?

Let’s chat! You can share your current marketing challenges, and we’ll go over several options for a simple action plan that you can follow.

All you have to do is send me an email at fay@theaussiebusinesscoach.com for details.  Let’s talk soon !

 

 

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lazy marketing

Did You Get Lazy in Marketing? (If You Want More Clients, Do What You USED To Do)

By on June 6, 2011 in Blog, Business Planning, Business Success, marketing, productivity

lazy marketing

I’m going to be open and vulnerable here.  I’ve really let my fitness slide over the past 18 months while my business has been growing so much.  After our holidays, I decided “That’s it!” I wanted to get help to get me back into great shape. So I was thrilled to find that Mark, my favourite personal trainer had moved back into town while we had been away. I went straight down there and signed up! And I’m proud to say that my health and fitness has once more taken its rightful place at the top of my priorities.

While I was huffing and puffing my way through my workout this morning, Mark was telling me all the things he was doing to promote his new business and get the word out. And I got to give him some great tips on how to get more new clients that he hadn’t even thought about.

I began to see how keen and enthusiastic Mark was to do WHATEVER it takes to get out there in a big way. To tell the community about his awesome services, in a super excited kind of way.

What tends to happen to most people after being in business for themselves for a few years is they become lazy in marketing.  They rest on their laurels, and then often stop doing what they used to do to attract clients. Networking takes a back seat (like my fitness!); introductory offers stop; some no longer look for speaking opportunities like they used to.  As money starts to tighten, the marketing slows down too, and then confusion sets in as they discover their client pipeline is empty.

Oh, there’s always great excuses as to why these things aren’t happening. I’ll hear “I’ve tried that once and things are different now, it won’t work again,” or “I’m not interested in doing that any more,” or perhaps “That sounds too much like hard work.”  Someone I spoke to last week in fact was even beginning to wonder if she shouldn’t just give up, and return to employment.

While these excuses hang around, the well dries up and they are very thirsty!!! (This is NOT a fun feeling!  This is the beginning of worry, stress, financial strain and sleepless nights.)  Next, fear appears and they scurry for NEW ideas to use, or get attracted to the latest and greatest ‘thing’ that is the rage. Ever done that?   Always looking for new, exciting ways to reinvent the wheel, while ignoring the proven strategies behind.

I’m not saying new ideas aren’t good, but ignoring the tried and true, proven strategies is simply asking for trouble.  The new ideas don’t always create quick results. There is a learning curve that takes time to get new systems in place.

So rather than spending loads of money creating BRAND new strategies, often, by going back to what’s proven to work really well in the past is just the trick. It’s about going back to Marketing 101.  The very things we cover in our Marketing Action Plan.

Why reinvent the wheel when all the hard work has been done for you already, and it’s proven to work?

There’s two places you can be on this: You either have EXCUSES or you have RESULTS.

So, I would ask you:

  • What USED to work for you to get new clients, that you been UNWILLING to do recently?
  • Are there things you did regularly at the beginning that you no longer do now?
  • Where have you dropped the ball and become a little lazy?
  • In the early days, what was your best way to get new clients?
  • Are you doing this now?
  • Are you WILLING to do this now?


If you need to boost your client load now, then stop everything and take a look at your Marketing Action Plan. Which pieces of the plan are you implementing regularly and thoroughly? Has the consistency of your marketing slipped?

It’s time to start with the foundations again. And, it’s time to recommit. The funny thing is, when you recommit and reconnect with your clients, and you start doing these things again, they WORK. Then what you discover is, you start getting more clients, the bank account starts to get fat, and you begin to LIKE doing these things again. How FUN your marketing begins to be again.  This changes your whole demeanor. And, clients will instantly become magnetically attracted to you as a result. THEN, after the foundation is well and truly in place, new stuff can start to be added in. Have a go. It always works for me and my clients.

Now, if you’re struggling with what to do to fill your business right from the start, then follow a step-by-step system that feels easy and dependable. The Client Building Blueprint Home Study System avoids the “Shiny Bright Objects” and instead gives you piece by piece, the most important things to do so that you consistently build your community and constantly get new clients. It’s all step-by-step, and very easy to follow. So, you complete each step of the system before you move on to the next one.  There are tools, templates, scripts and examples are handed to you on a golden plate. Easy. You can get it here: Client Building Blueprint

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Use Client Feedback for Small Business Success

By on May 17, 2011 in Business Planning, Business Success, marketing, Sales Skills

Imagine you spend time creating a program that you feel is just what your clients need only to find that no one buys or registers interest. You can’t understand why… it’s everything you know they need.  The thing is – it’s not about what your customers need, but rather what they want.   This is a critical factor in making sure you continue to keep your existing clients happy, and how you will attract new clients.

You might ask, “How do I know what they want?” There is no point guessing or trying to figure it out on your own, that’s for sure. This can be expensive and disheartening.  One of the easiest ways to find out what your clients want is by doing a survey or asking for feedback. Or in other words – simply ask!!

While I have been away these past weeks, I’ve been amazed and impressed with how many times I was asked to provide feedback on the service I received. This happened in our hotel in Kota Kinabulu (Malaysia) and again in several of the large stores I went shopping in while in Chicago. (A girl can’t be in Chicago without doing at least a little shopping!)  The Americans do generally tend to provide more personal attention because they rely on receiving tips as part of their income. Nevertheless, I was impressed with the way companies in both countries were striving to improve how they could better serve their clients by asking them what they wanted, what they liked and what thought should be improved.

The way we do business today is changing. It’s more and more important to remember that you are not your customer. This means that what you believe will be a great program, product or service, may in fact be a total flop if it isn’t exactly what your clients want. Or, it could be the small, simple changes to the way you do things will keep clients happier for longer.

By getting client feedback here’s what can happen:

You will know exactly where to invest your time and effort when creating new products and programs. I’m sure you all have heard of someone who still has a garage full of books or CD products they produced for their clients before asking them what they really wanted.

It becomes very easy to mirror exactly the language your clients use in their comments to you. You can then go ahead and create a sales page, or email series, and be speaking the exact words that will resonate with your ideal client. In fact, they’ll think you’ve been reading their mind. This will make a huge difference in your small business success.

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. A champion athlete won’t get better results if they ignore the tiny and often smallest changes that help to improve their performance. Unfortunately some small business professionals prefer to keep their head in the sand and see feedback as criticism. They get upset, shake their head in disbelief and generally dismiss with offence, any constructive comments they might receive about their clients’ business experience.  Don’t let this be you!

Be open to comment and constantly ask your clients how you can be of better service to them. You will be respected for your efforts. This alone will make you stand out from the crowd and you will get more clients.

As well as the more formal surveys or feedback forms, today you are fortunate to have the ability to ask clients to quickly jump over and leave you comments or feedback on Facebook. This is quick, easy and informal. It’s a great place for you to really take notice of what your clients are saying to you. You can easily ask questions each day as you post.  Things like:

“Who else has trouble with……”    “What would you most like to hear about ….”  “I’m thinking of teaching a class about X – what do you think?…. “

Client Building Action Steps:

  • Commit to asking at least ONE question to your audience on your Facebook page every week and look carefully at the language they come back to you with.
  • Decide on one other way you will get feedback from your existing clients. What questions will you ask, what service will you use (Survey Monkey is really easy!).
  • Get excited because your clients will have told you what product or program you need to create next!

Oh, and one last action step:  Pop below now and share with me what your biggest challenge in business is right now…

 

 

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How To Easily Take Time Off From Your Business

By on May 2, 2011 in Business Success, mindset, productivity



 

As a good business coach and mentor it’s important for me to make sure you understand the importance of taking breaks that leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated as an individual.  Without this kind of personal fulfillment, your ability to constantly attract new clients will fade and your business success will be at risk.

Many people are bought up with the old beliefs that ‘working harder will mean more money’. And this is evident when so many people I speak to tie themselves to their desk for 10 or 12 hour days, week in week out. The thought patterns seems to be “I must work long and hard over many years before I get to a certain level or am ‘entitled’ to take time out of my business. “

You work your tail off and the minute you get to make a lot of money without working so hard, you get to feel guilty about that too!

This is a huge breakthrough that you have to overcome.

Here’s a word from Ron LeGrande who was able to attract clients like crazy -  “The less I do the more I make.” Another amazing marketing mentor Dan Sullivan once said “Time off is a prerequisite for success, not a reward for success.”

The old belief system is to work hard, work your tail of and then you get to be rewarded. This is the biggest pile of phooey that I know! It’s also one of the reasons I have such a passion to walk alongside you and let you see that you do have other options.

If you don’t believe me, work 12-14 hour days for a week and then go to the bank and tell the teller “Listen, I haven’t slept for this week, I’ve worked hard 24/7 – can I please deposit my hard work in the bank?” It just doesn’t work. It doesn’t matter how hard you work, it matters what results you create at the end of your work.

The point is, is there a book that is written somewhere that you can only make x dollars per hour?  No – so put yourself out there and create a simple marketing plan that allows you to get more clients in a way that you can make a lot of dollars and that is going to give you the income that will allow you to have the freedom you are wanting so badly.

 

I know right not it may seem an impossible dream to be able to have the money and time to take 3 or 4 weeks off and do some international travel or find a sleepy beach to hide out on for a while.

I have to be completely honest and say that even in the days when our main family income barely met our basic needs, it was the extra income from my home business that allowed us to have regular family holidays.

The secret is that our holiday breaks are a main focus.  They are the reason we wake up each day, the reason why we get past the challenges.  They are the FIRST things that get scheduled into our yearly planner.

The next phase is letting go. I know you think you need to do everything yourself, or that someone else can’t do the job as well as you can. These thoughts must be tossed out the window!  It’s important to establish a team that will support your business success. These are the people you can delegate current projects and tasks to so that business doesn’t come to a stand still while you are away.

One of the biggest reasons you may be resistant to letting go is that you’ve tried it in the past, and not had such great results.  I can understand that – I’ve experienced that too.  As time has gone by, here is what I’ve learnt as the essential tips to effective delegation:

  • Explain exactly what needs to be done
  • Be certain you are understood
  • Explain why you want it done how you are telling them
  • Teach them how to do it – without micro-managing
  • Be sure they understand the ‘how to’ process
  • Set the deadline (ASAP is NOT a deadline)
  • Have an agreement to the time and method

Your Action Steps:

  • Make sure you have regular breaks scheduled into your annual planner.
  • Build your marketing plans so that important dates and events are scheduled around your break.
  • Be sure to delegate to team members who can support you to implement current projects while you are away.

 

If you implement these simple action steps you will reap the rewards of both personal rejuvenation and business success!

 

 

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My Favourite and Fastest 6 Figure Strategies

By on April 22, 2011 in Business Success, mindset

 

Every solo business goes through different stages of growth. First it’s called the start up stage, or some might call it the ‘making the jump’ or perhaps “Oh My Gosh! What am I thinking?”

The next stage I like to call the stumbling in the dark stage, or “I sort of know what I want to do and I think people will buy from me”. In this stage there is lots of experimenting, trying new things, going the wrong way and getting back on track.)

Then there’s the “cruising along” stage. Now is where you’ve started to get a few clients, things seems to be falling into place and you’re thinking “Wow, this might actually work!  You spend a bit of time in this phase because there is some money coming in and things seem pretty good.

After a while you find you are still cruising along!  You’ve been at this same level for quite a while now and it’s starting to make you restless. You’re thinking about how you can expand, but every option seems to be a compromise with your lifestyle.  It’s because you’re ambitious and understand the value of your expertise that you know it’s time to step it up to the next level for increased income, greater impact and satisfaction.

This really is a breakthrough stage! Your intuition is inviting you to make that big breakthrough to a higher income and have a bigger impact.

The good news is that when you reach this point, your business is a little established. Even if you don’t realize it, you will most likely have all you need to make this transition easily and quickly with just a few simple tweaks and points of action.

1. Consider tightening your niche. It a lot about a mindset shift but you will be able to move quickly to the next level when you really focus on exactly what problem you solve and who is motivated sufficiently to invest to get this solved. It’s a great time to refine who it is you help.  My recommendation is to simply ‘think about what it is your ideal client wants MOST.’ What words do THEY use to describe their problem? What is the language they use when they’re talking about this problem to a friend over coffee?

2. Different clients want to invest at different levels – and for some it is at the highest! A big mistake most heart based entrepreneurs make is they give away all of their time, especially in 1-on-1 sessions rather than offering several services at different levels of availability and investment.  If you are spending time with clients 1-on-1, this needs to be your premium or highest level of service such as a private VIP day or Platinum program.  You will always get clients who want to invest at this higher level but it’s important to provide for other levels of investment too.

3. Increase your fees. Asking yourself “What is the cost to my client of NOT investing with me” and this will help you to set your price points.  It allows you to get really connected with the true value of your new packages and programs. This will in turn help you set your fees. If you transition away from ‘dollars for hours’ rates you can provide greater value to your clients. It also means your services will stand our as unique if compared to others providing something similar.

Here’s a great exercise to do with this:  write down at least 30 results that your clients might get when they work with you.  This allows you to get very connected with the true value you can provide and how this can positively impact the lives of your clients.

4. Activate a marketing plan to grow your list. This part of your business never stops!  You want to always have a simple marketing plan template to get your message out to more people.  It’s great to set yourself mini goals for increasing your list (let’s say 25% for starters) and then set a goal date (somewhere between 30 and 60 days).  Determine where your efforts are going to have the greatest impact and launch your Awesome Free Offer (AFO) to the world.

Remember, your business will only grow as fast as you grow yourself.

Although they are simple, you may find some discomfort in these action steps. That’s a good thing. It means your moving forward to a higher level of service. This will also create greater value for your clients.

Even before you decide if you want to build an online business, I would recommend watching this controversial new video revealing what it REALLY takes to build a massive online business from scratch…

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

During this short presentation Lee McIntyre outlines the BRUTAL TRUTH why most beginner marketers DON’T make even one cent online.

YES it’s a tad controversial

BUT if you want to discover how to build a SEVEN FIGURE online business from scratch in the shortest time possible then here it is …

This WON’T be available forever so my best advice is to go check it out now.

To your success!

Fay

P.S. If you’ve been looking for a COPY AND PASTE system for making money online then you’ll certainly want to check out Instant Internet Lifestyle.

Just make sure you pay close attention to the three weird tricks he outlines in the video. They’re different but POWERFUL so go watch them now…

 

 

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