Last week, we introduced the topic about how to Get the Word Out to Grow Your Business.  For more information on this important marketing strategy, listen to me live in this free tele-class: Getting the Word Out to Grow Your Business at http://www.attractclientswithease.com/teleclasses/GettheWordOut.mp3

It’s not too late to check out the Business Breakthrough Summit, coming up May 19^th & 20^th in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find details here: http://bizbreakthrough.com/

One of the often over looked marketing strategies, that can result in a flood of new business, is getting free publicity. The challenge to free publicity is that whether or not a story gets published or you get invited as a television or radio guest, it is out of your control, so you can often do a lot and take a lot of time to make something happen and nothing does.

There are, however, lots of things you can do that increase your chances of getting noticed. Follow the great ideas in this article to ensure that you get good results every time from your efforts. http://www.attractclientswithease.com/articles/getthewordout.htm

It’s not too late to check out the Business Breakthrough Summit, coming up May 19^th & 20^th in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find details here: http://bizbreakthrough.com/

Last week, we began a discussion on how to increase our revenue.  Another excellent way to increase your revenue is through writing. That’s right, through writing. Most entrepreneurs don’t have the luxury of a large advertising budget, so we have to think of other ways to show off our great work. We all know that no matter how good your product or service is, no one can utilize it if they do not know it exists.

The answer is simple: All you have to do is sit down and write. Writing is very valuable because people keep articles, newsletters and cards with “10 Ways to…” while they will immediately throw out flyers, brochures and glossy direct-mail pieces. People keep valuable information; you will be called on by clients’ weeks, months or even years later because they still have an article you wrote. Write about the topics and issues that answer the challenges your potential clients are addressing, and watch your phone begin to ring.

There are two other reasons to write. The first is that providing people with helpful information is a way of giving people something for nothing. This creates a good feeling about your business among the people who read your information. Also, by sharing your expertise in writing, you are establishing yourself and your company as an expert. Everyone wants to work with someone they know is an expert at what they do.

Follow these ideas to get your ideas down on paper and watch your profits go up: http://www.attractclientswithease.com/articles/revenue.htm

It’s not too late to check out the Business Breakthrough Summit, coming up May 19^th & 20^th in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find details here: http://bizbreakthrough.com/

When I first went into real estate 20+ years ago my friends and family told me how great they thought I would be, so it was to my surprise how poorly I performed at the sales conversation when confronted with an objection.  I stammered and backed away.  Dejected, I would return to the real estate office and tell my tale of woe to the sales manager. He would say, why didn’t you say this?  When he said it like that, it sounded so simple.  I then made a decision to take him out on all of my presentation calls, knowing I would have to split my commission with him, I decided it was worth it to gain from his expertise.  I became a fast study and was was selling 4 houses a month within 6 months.  So I know how you feel.  I have been there.  You can learn the answers to the most stubborn objections with the right mentor and the right tools.

REMEMBER an objection rarely means a no.  So why do people object?  As a means of protection.  And why do people need protection?  It’s no secret that there are many reasons.  They may feel out of their realm of comfort, feel they haven’t been given enough information, afraid they are going to be taken advantage of, afraid of making a mistake, maybe uncomfortable with the surroundings or the coach etc.  Your job is to make them comfortable through persuasion which I discuss in my book.

Let’s do an objection.  “Send me the information, I’m busy”

“No problem, (Insert Name), I will be happy to do that even as we speak, but let me ask you, if I may, are increased clients of interest to you?”   See how I caught the prospect off guard?  Of course increased clients are of interest.  This will now open up the conversation. I also used the person’s name, essential tip number one. Always use the person’s name.

This one is just the tip of the iceberg.  I would be happy to help you with more at www.evolvingadvisors.com/products/ebook/ with a bonus for a courtesy consultation to help you naturally construct answers to the most stubborn objections you’ll ever hear.  I hope you enjoyed today’s blog post.

Sarah Jo Wood is founder of Evolving Advisors Inc. and author of ‘How to turn a No or a Maybe into a Yes!”  Her coaching program teaches entrepreneurs like you to overcome objections so you can sign up all the clients you want, fill your practice, and increase your bottom line.  To begin supercharging your sales, download your complimentary free giveaway today at www.evolvingadvisors.com.

You have two options to attend! I’ll be in Corta Madera on April 25^th from 6pm-9pm, and in Sacramento on April 26^th from 6pm-9pm. You can find more information and register at: http://timetothriveprogram.com/

I can’t wait to see you there!

Is Your Business Bipolar? How to Better Manage Your Cash Flow Highs and Lows

Is there a period of a few weeks and months when you feel that you are a leader in your field, your business is booming, the phone is ringing, the checks are coming in, your clients are happy and all seems right with the world? Then at other times there are weeks when you think no one ever heard of you and your great reputation, your competition seems to be getting all the goodies and you wonder if you went under tomorrow world anyone notice?

Well, those days are over. Follow the strategies in this great article to ensure that your business stays on an even keel, with steadily increasing revenue: http://www.attractclientswithease.com/articles/businessbipolar.htm

It’s not too late to check out the Business Breakthrough Summit, coming up May 19^th & 20^th in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find details here: http://bizbreakthrough.com/

Are you tired of working too hard to gain each client and want clients to come to you with ease?

If you answered yes, then this is the program for you! The Business Breakthrough Summit is designed for ambitious entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, speakers, and anyone who want to build their business and stand out in a crowded marketplace. This exciting event will take place Thursday May 19^th and Friday, May 20^th in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find details here: http://bizbreakthrough.com/

Feng Shui for Speakers: Energetic Environmental Elements

All speakers want to be conscious of environmental impacts – on you and your audience. Everything affects the energy of the presentation; from ceiling heights to lighting; from where you stand to seat arrangements.

Even the location where you create your presentation, whether it’s your office or conference room, will have an effect on the end result. There’s a vibrational energy to everything; the frequencies create either a discordant or harmonious outcome for your presentation.

As a 25-year professional speaker and Feng Shui Master, I’ve experienced the pros and cons of environments. Using knowledge from several Feng Shui trainings, here are a few tips for you, whether it’s your venue or a space arranged by facilities or a meeting planner.

Here are four considerations:

1. Low verses high ceilings – Low ceilings are good for creating a nurturing effect within a room while high ceilings allow more visioning and inspiration. Anything over 16 feet dissipates everyone’s energy leaving you and the audience drained.
2. Lighting –Turn off lights in front of a screen where slides are shown to enhance the ability to see them. Make sure the light level is bright enough and directed for the audience to see you as well as for note taking.
3. Power position presenter – The best location for the presenter is away from the main door, yet able to see it. When choosing a location, make sure there are no doors or windows behind you. A solid wall behind you helps you feel safe and supported during your presentation.
4. Straight rows verses curved – When possible, arrange seating for your presentations in curved, rather than straight, rows. Use round tables to improve visual connections attendees have with each other making them feel less isolated.

There are many ways to achieve the best energy for you and your audience including where you create your presentation. For information on your office, please read my post Feng Shui for Speakers – Your Office.

If you have specific questions, please direct them to me, Linda@GreenChiDesigns.com. I’ll share the answers with Caterina as well as answer them on my blog at: www.GreenChiDesigns.com .

Let’s continue our discussion on evolving your business. First, ask yourself – has your business evolved? Are you doing things differently and doing different things than when you first launched your business? If the answer is “no” your business may still be doing fine.  However it may not be giving you the same satisfaction it did when you started and it is definitely not achieving the kind of revenue that is possible. Focus on evolving your business not only for your own satisfaction and profit, but also for the betterment of the people, industry and community you serve.

An evolving business is a business that adjusts and continues to flourish with changes in the marketplace, changes in client needs and changes in technology. Businesses that do not evolve usually go out of business in the first few years with a few exceptions – like the corner deli that has been making delicious corn beef the exact same way for the last 50 years or the neighborhood hardware store that operates mostly like it did when it opened three generations ago. Their friendly, warm and knowledgeable staff is their key to long term success.

If you want your business to evolve, grow, change and adapt ponder these five key questions:

1. Has your business evolved from a business that provides you a living to a business that is helping you and others build wealth?

1. Has your business evolved from a day-to-day client-focused business to one that is also focused on making a difference in the community you serve?

1. Has your business evolved into an organization that operates in a socially and environmentally responsible way?

1. Has your company shifted from one way to generate income to now having several different revenue streams, all delivered simultaneously?

1. Have you evolved from a fresh entrepreneur to an innovator and expert in your field?

After pondering these five important questions, check out my thoughts at: http://www.attractclientswithease.com/articles/businessstagnantorevolving.htm

It’s still not too late to tune into the Entrepreneur Extraordinaire virtual Book Launch tele-summit. Details are available here: http://eetelesummit.com/

NANCY LEWELLEN’S TOP TEN REASONS TO FORM A BUSINESS ENTITY

1. TAX ISSUES- Corporations, LLPs and LLCs have different tax advantages than sole proprietorships.

1. PERSONAL LIABILITY ISSUES-A corporation, LLP, or LLC may shield your personal assets if sued.

1. HEALTH CARE OPTIONS- Corporations, LLCs or LLPs can enjoy the benefits of guaranteed-issue group health insurance with 2 or more employees.

1. RETIREMENT/PENSION PLAN OPTIONS- These options are greater for various types of business entities than for sole proprietors.

1. YOU CAN APPEAR BIGGER THAN YOU ARE- Incorporating makes you appear bigger to the outside world.  Some businesses will only contract with either corporations, LLPs, or LLCs.

1. GIVES A FORMAL LEGAL STRUCTURE TO MULTI-PARTY ORGANIZATIONS.   With a corporation, LLC or LLP you must submit articles that define the organization and have an operating agreement, LP agreement or bylaws that govern how the company will run.

1. EASE OF RAISING CAPITAL. A corporation, LLC or LLP can simply sell stock, membership shares or partnership shares to raise money. These shareholders or members are not necessarily going to have any say in the company’s day to day affairs, but split the profits and/or dividends on a predetermined basis.

1. PERPETUAL LIFE.  With a corporation, LLC or LLP, you can have the company continue to stay in business after the original owner dies, becomes incapacitated or sells his/her share.

1. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS- Your profession may determine what type of entity you can have.  In California attorneys cannot be LLCs, but must be a sole proprietor, a Professional Corporation, or an LLP; doctors must be a Medical Corporation or sole proprietor.

1. ABILITY TO BUY/EXPENSE OR DEPRECIATE ASSETS. If you use the car predominantly for business, your corporation can buy the car, and can depreciate it over time, saving you tax dollars.

If you have further questions, I give a complimentary 15 minute session in person or on the phone.

Nancy Lewellen, Attorney and Real Estate Broker, helps individuals and small businesses set up and maintain business entities, drafts, negotiates, and reviews contracts and leases, and advises on landlord/tenant and other real estate issues.