Capture the Stories
When you work with your clients, you get to know their stories, you get to know the problems that brought them to you. Most important for your role as an advocate is that you are aware of the positive results they get from working with you. Write those down. Do not expect to remember them. There will be too many to remember.
Action to take: Make a computer file of client stories so you can always have great examples to support any position you are taking.
Be Loud and Proud
Shout your advocacy position from the mountaintop. Let everyone know what you stand for. Erin Stafford is an image consultant, like so many others. However, Erin takes the position that every woman can look great without spending a fortune. Like Erin, pursue every opportunity to spread your opinion through articles, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, speeches and of course, your own website. Make your advocacy position clear and prominent in everything you do.
Action to take: Decide what you want to be an advocate for. Or who you want to be an advocate for.
Maximize Your Trade Show Results
I have been hearing from a lot of clients lately about participating in tradeshows.
They take a lot of time and money and may not always be the best use of your time and money. If you do use tradeshows to build your business, follow these tips to get the most out of each tradeshow adventure and Turn Your Trade Show Contacts Into Contracts! http://www.attractclientswithease.com/articles/tradeshows.htm
Do You Have Support Where it Counts Most?
Every woman deserves full support for her business from her spouse or partner. Today on one of my Business Breakthrough calls, a member shared how her spouse was not supportive of her business. In 15 years of coaching and consulting with women in business I have head this way too may times. Also, I have seen too many times how difficult it is for a woman when her spouse or life partner is not supportive.
Even if you have a totally supportive spouse you will encounter this challenge with your clients, your staff, or people on your implementation team. Here are four big tips to create an environment of support from your spouse:
1. Share your mission statement and compelling vision with your spouse. Tell them why your business is important to you and why your success is good for the both of you. For more on compelling vision read this article: http://www.attractclientswithease.com/articles/seeingavision.htm
2. Tell your spouse you really need their support to be successful and make a request for it.
3. Tell them specifically what support looks like. For example: pick up the kids three days a week, make dinner certain nights, have it be okay that I have to work late sometimes.
4. Increase your acknowledgment of your spouse. This is another important topic I will write more on in the near future. For now check out this awesome article to learn this skill:
http://www.attractclientswithease.com/articles/acknowledgment.htm
You deserve support from your spouse/partner for your business. Take these actions to create it.
Are you Diversified?
Are you Diversified? I hope so.
I was speaking today with the head of a communications firm who has been growing her business every year for the past several years and now her revenue has plummeted. Here is why: all her clients were in the real estate development industry: that industry that has also plummeted. The question is clear- I ask it of you: Are you serving only one industry? Is that industry suffering? Is it time to diversify your client portfolio?
I do agree with the idea of going deep in a niche, or becoming a big expert in a small pond. However, perhaps it is time to rethink the basic premise of creating a niche and instead ask if it is time to start a second niche or a second specialty. For example, if your firm provides high- end catering perhaps it is time to build a box lunch business, if your firm specializes in professional organizing for people working from home, perhaps it is time to add professional organizing for small offices.
Here is one of my big secrets- I have 3 business cards- the business is the same, business coaching, consulting and speaking, however the niches are different. It may be time for you to get a second or third card. Is it more work? Yes. Does it cost more to market to two niches? Yes. Is it more profitable? Absolutely, and more importantly, it makes your business less vulnerable. Our world is changing ever faster, business is changing ever faster. One of the ways to ensure your business remains stable is to diversify. Let me know your thoughts.
More on Websites and Blogs
There are some top Internet marketing experts who use blogs as their main web site, with static pages added for additional content. Here’s one example: http://www.jackhumphrey.com/fridaytrafficreport/
If you already have a regular website, look at adding a blog. However, if you are just starting to have a web presence, you can take a look at using the blog format instead of a standard website format. They can both be value-based.
One last thing about using a blog format for your website—I have heard that search engines really like blogs, since you are always adding new content and it is easy for those robots to find.
Check out my Thriving Business Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58925660247
If you are not yet on Facebook, sign up now and invite me onto your friend list.
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/caterinarando
Website, Blog Site or Squeeze Page- What’s Best?
Squeeze page (a one long page site with no links except to sign up) are good for a specific product or event that you are marketing online. However, if you have an on the ground personal service business such as a professional organizer, a personal trainer, an image consultant etc., you do you still need a site that is a resource and establishes you as an expert. Read the rest of this entry »
Assemble Your Highly Effective Implementation Team
Like any highly motivated entrepreneur, I am always looking for the next business breakthrough: the latest strategy, a new innovative resource, or a marketing tactic that is unique and works.
What I have come to realize is that one of the best things you can do for your business is simple, yet significant and can be easy or incredibly hard. Read the rest of this entry »
Have you checked out your local leads groups lately?
Outside of the “big guys” like BNI, you might be amazed at the number of groups that are set up in your local area that only allow one person per business category and may not charge very much for membership or meetings. Becoming a member of a leads group can be very fruitful for your business, especially because it provides an opportunity to develop a close network of people who you see frequently (every week or perhaps every other week) and as they get to know you, are set up to provide good quality leads for your business.
Most groups these days do not have a requirement that you bring a lead for someone to the meetings. However, the more you look out for the other members of the group, the more they are likely to give you referrrals to people in their lives.
To find groups in your area just do a Google search
networking+(your geographic area)+ 2009
I am sure you will get lots of search results.
Otherwise start your own group. I have a innovative strategy to make this a business breakthrough strategy. I call it a Circle of Eight. Check out this concept here.
Looking for low cost networking opportunities?
No matter what kind of business you have, you are likely to find new prospects at grand openings for new retail establishments. Whether your customers are consumers or other business people, they are all likely to show up when a new business is opening in your area. Check out the calendar on your local chamber of commerce website for ribbon cutting announcements. The best thing about these events is that they are free, there is usually food served, and a good number of people will show up.
Please post a comment once you try this free networking opportunity. I would love to hear how this works for you.
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