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There’s a pretty well-known online marketer whose favorite quote is “Hope is not a marketing plan”. In other words, you can’t just pick a marketing strategy and “hope” it will work. Instead, you have to put together a detailed marketing plan where you lay out your bevy of strategies for meeting your business goals. I don't mean a comprehensive list of daily tasks...rather, it's about breaking down each tactic you want to use and the process you’ll put in place for its implementation.

Start With Your Business Model

Not every marketing strategy will work with every business model. You’ll hear lots of promos about “proven” tactics, but that doesn’t mean they are the right ones for you. First, examine your own business model then outline some of the characteristics of that model and your market, including:

• A detailed description of the key features of your target customers
• Where customers will come from - is it organic search, paid search, joint ventures, offline sources, affiliates, etc.?
• What are the buying triggers for your prospects buying triggers? Where or when do they usually make a purchase decision? For example, it could be from a personal referral, a product review, a trusted expert's endorsement, through surfing content sites, through email suggestions, etc.

What Are The Most Popular Marketing Strategies?

Now, look again at your business model and the most popular marketing tactics used by your competitors and what I like to refer to as "role models of excellence". How do they convert from prospective client to paying client? For example,

• Do they have sales pages that lead to freebies that put prospects into an email series
• Do they host regular free teleseminars that include a special offer at the end
• Are they using straight SEO and traffic generation
• Are they engaged in multiple joint ventures and recruiting affiliates

Which Attraction and Marketing  Strategies Will You Focus On?

If you try to do several marketing campaigns at once, it's hard to do either one of them just right. It's probably better to focus on one to start with. Test it out, see if it’s working, and then look at adding more strategies. There are endless methods to choose from. Try choosing the easiest marketing strategy so you can put it in place and get moving straight away. You should always have at least one easy tactic you can use that doesn’t require a lot of thought and planning. For example, you can create an autoresponder series that starts every time a person signs up for your list. It’s a very passive form of marketing that requires almost no attention once you have it up and running. Then you can start planning out more campaigns.

Try Working Backwards

In order to put your marketing plan down on paper (or computer), start by looking at all the steps involved from the end result back to the first step. What are the activities you need to complete in order to implement and maintain each strategy? Now put those steps into order by priority and use a process you can follow. Which steps are interdependent? Which ones need to be managed first? You can even use a mindmap to lay out a visual of the process, which makes it easy to move things around. Freemind is a great, free tool for creating mindmaps on PCs. SimpleMind is another one that works well on iPads (this is one I use frequently) and it has a desktop version as well. You can export any of the mindmaps to a pdf so that you can print them and post them by your computer.

Make sure you set deadlines for achieving each step in your marketing plan.The success of much of your strategies will be dependent on a specific timeframe, like the length of time between emails or follow-ups. Get it on your calendar and set firm dates for yourself. Your marketing plan will help you determine what actual tasks you'll need to do from day to day. For example, if you know that your emails need to be set up in daily intervals, then you’ll need to put the outlining and writing of those emails down on your to-do list every day. Just don’t make the big mistake many impatient, overambitious marketers make by trying to do everything at once. Focus on a single strategy at a time, set deadlines, and follow it through to success.

Introducing our PWP feature of the week, Courtney Crosslin. Courtney is the creative owner of, haveAwonderful. After a tough divorce, Courtney explains how she had a mini breakdown and moved across country to start a new life. She began dating and sharing stories with her colleagues who began asking her tips on how to enjoy being single and begin dating again. Eventually, her advice turned into her business. She is now a successful work from home mom and coach offering outings, mock dates, image consulting, and date planning for divorced men and women looking to get back on the dating scene. It was a pleasure hearing Courtney’s story and inspiration to take her pain and make it her gain.

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

Before starting my own business and getting married, I worked in IT sales. After getting married, I was a stay at home wife and mother.

I've since divorced, traveled, learned to love life, and I'm happily dating.

2. What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I remember other kids playing house (changing dolls, grocery shopping with the little plastic carts, cooking, etc.), I never really did that. I would always figure out a way to play corporate woman. I'd shuffle papers, hold meetings and hand out money. I'm not sure where it came from, but my Mother says that I've always been bossy -- but I know I got it from her, my Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

I run several businesses, but my mission has always been to make a difference. Be it teaching a small business owner how to update their website or a divorcee how to enjoy dating again. I just want people to learn how to haveAwonderful...

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

Life inspires me! I love to travel and meet new people. My love of travel definitely came from my parents. We (they) were master road-trippers. My Father (who passed away from cancer 13 years ago) was a master storyteller -- and I loved that about him -- and to this day, I'm a sucker for a great life story.

I've always been and have felt blessed. I've had a good life. I have an amazing family, a great circle of friends and I've never been seriously ill. This is something that I'm grateful for. As I've gotten older, I have realized that not everyone can say that. Therefore, I feel like I have a responsibility to do good and work hard. That notion alone, keeps me motivated.

I'm also madly stubborn. My Mom says that as a kid, I would physically shiver when she would say "No" and that I would always follow her "Maybe" responses to my questions with, "Maybe yes or maybe no?"

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it is important to have one?

I can't say that I have one mentor, but I do have people in my circle of friends whom I trust and go to for professional advice. I have an accountability partner and friend that I meet with once a week and I value that relationship like the air I breathe. Since we're both entrepreneurs and work from home, it's good for us to have someone to check in with to discuss our goals, wins, losses and challenges. We keep each other on track.

So, I would say an accountability partner is very important! I guess a mentor is too as long as they have the time to help you get where you want to be in a manner you want to get there -- hopefully ethically.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn't know how to get started?

Research, find a niche and just do it!

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?

If you're already out there pursuing your entrepreneurial dream, keep at it.

If you're just getting started (or are afraid to start), understand that you will have good days and will have a lot of bad days. You HAVE TO be fearless and tenacious. Oh, and watch the movie "Random Lunacy”.  It's a great movie about what can be accomplished with very little and the worst thing that can happen is that you hit bottom -- but you're still alive to fight another day.

Courtney’s story is a true testament of how to make the best out of a difficult situation. If you are looking to revive your self-esteem and confidence because of a failed relationship, I would encourage all of you to contact Courtney. You can visit her website at haveAwonderful.com. Follow her on twitter @haveAwonderful and contact her office at 914-816-1129. And in the words of Courtney,

haveAwonderful…

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Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

Pinterest is the latest social networking craze, but not only that - it has some potential to be a useful tool that drives traffic to your website. For example, you can add pins to your boards that link back to your website.

Need a little help? Here are a few simple steps you can take to increase pins and links to your blog or website.

#1 Pin Using the Bookmarklet Tool
If you’ve installed the Bookmarklet tool onto your browser then simply visit your blog or website and click the button to “Pin This.” It automatically includes the link with the image you’ve pinned so that if anyone clicks on the image or pin in Pinterest they’ll be taken to your website.

#2 Add a “Pin This” Button to Your Website or Blog
There are a few ways you can add a “Pin This” button to your site. You can use the code provided in the “About” menu under “Help.” Choose “Goodies” (http://pinterest.com/about/goodies/) and you’ll see a few options to add buttons to your site. If you have a WordPress blog there are also a few handy plug-ins that do the trick. Once the button is on your site, then you simply visit the page you want to pin and “Pin it” to your board.

#3 Use the Add+ Feature
You can also use the Add+ button located at the top right of your Pinterest page. Click it and you’ll get a drop down menu with a few choices. Enter your URL, click “Find Images” and choose from the selection of images shown. You’ll notice one image is displayed with the words “Prev” and “Next” underneath. Click “Next” to scroll through your images until you find the one that you want to pin.

#4 Write a Clear Pin Description
If you prefer, simply type the link you want people to visit in the description area of your Pin. The thing to remember here is that when people repin your image, they can and probably will change the text in the description area to match their own purposes. The link and description will remain intact only on your boards. Depending on your goals this may be okay.

#5 Make Your Site Pinterest Friendly
As my recent post about the 80/20 rule of content sharingsaid, you shouldn't be adding Pins from your own site too often. Remember, the point is that others will be motivated to pin images from your site onto their boards. That's a much more organic, less pushyway to get links to your site.

The more Pinterest-friendly your site, the better. That means making it visually interesting and adding “Pin This” buttons to your site.

You can build your Pinterest followers by becoming active on the site. Comment, “like” other pins, create boards and repin – USE the site. And remember to spend time integrating your activities on Facebook and/or Twitter to grow a larger following.

Want to know more about using Pinterest for your business? Check out my latest webinar: 4 Myths About Pinterest for Business, Tuesday, 6/12/12. Replay will be available for a limited time!

If you've been hearing a lot about Pinterest, it's because it has caught on like a really catchy phrase...it almost seems as though it just came out of nowhere and now it's breaking record speed for popularity, length of time on site (average? 90 mins+!), and more.

If you are a business owner, chances are you have not yet figured out how Pinterest could be used in your marketing strategy. Sure, you have established goals for each of your individual marketing tactics, like your content marketing. You have even created a step by step plan to achieve those goals, possibly with the incorporation of social media (why not, everyone else is). But I bet you didn't think that posting pictures could be much of a marketing boost, right?

Pinterest is boasting faster growth numbers than some of the more popular social networks when they first started out - i.e. Twitter, Facebook, etc. At my last reading, they had nearly 12 million monthly unique visitors and it hasn't even in existence very long. Creating a Pinterest profile could very well help you be exposed to new leads, drive traffic and boost your business growth.

Pinterest is actually catching on so fast, I suspect, because it's heralding the next social media phase - visual imagery. Remember when it was all about written content? Then we heard video? Pictures and visual imagery are hot right now because they speak to people emotionally. Visual aspects of how you market are becoming more and more important. And it would be very smart to develop an image sharing strategy to tell your story, to convey your branding, to make faster connections.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started using Pinterest in your marketing approach:

#1 Blog PlugIns

#2 Content Marketing

#3 Social Networking

Remember to test and track your efforts. Add Pinterest to your analytics. Pay attention to who is pinning your content and repinning your pins. Track your Pinterest traffic and integrate your efforts with other traffic generation strategies you're using.

By the way, you have to be invited in order to set up an account. If you need an invite, simply visit me on Facebook and let me know you need an invitation. You'll be able to view my Pinterest tab there also (remember? integration :) ).

WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

About the Author: Tanya Smith is a creative business strategist and coach specializing in showing independent service providers how to simplify, save time & stand out with simple strategies that engage more quality leads and clients.  Her company Be Promotable provides fresh actionable strategies and virtual resources to promote business owners as power players in their market.  For instant access to your free 7 secrets to online time management report, visit us at: www.tanyasmithonline.com.

Every speaker and author is told they must have a    “PLATFORM.”

What exactly does that mean????

A platform is just your key message. It is the position and influence you have on a subject that is informative, interesting, inspiring and thought-provoking.

Your platform is the message that you STAND ON that reaches your core audience. It is your calling, your charge.

Your platform is the message you STAND FOR that gets people to move, take action, rally behind and/or solve a problem. It’s BIGGER than YOU!

A platform is like a “movement.” It is like a mission – and you feel you’ve been assigned to promote it.

What does an established platform look like?
1. You generate excitement/energy to an audience

2. You have attracted national media attention, have star
power or the “celebrity factor”  – ready for the Red Carpet.

3.  You are often quoted and looked upon as an expert by peers

4. You are sought-out to deliver keynote presentations or workshops or consult with “A” list clients / corporations

5.  You have created a fan-base that promotes your message to others that gives you referrals

6.  You have a large database, social media following and strong brand presence in the marketplace
WHEW!

Now that we know what a “Platform” is and what a successful platform looks like, let’s look at how to build your platform for your book or your speaking career.
Here’s how to establish a platform:

1. Brand. Look like where you want to go.  Have the look of “celebrity.” Have a professional photo shoot. Hire an image consultant. Let’s be real: lose weight if you have to – image is everything.
2. Have a spectacular biography. List your awards, activities, media hits, add testimonials and your photo to the bio sheet. This is called a “one sheet.” (see Candace’s above) I have launched many speakers careers by writing bios that became their “ticket” to where they needed to go – even before their book was published.  I crafted their “speaking topics” and secured  “A -list” endorsements. This was the foundation of their careers and they still use it to this day.
3. Speak, give workshops, seminars. Volunteer your times at churches, schools or hospitals. No one is calling to PAY you to speak YET, so speak for free! Just get shots of you in action and video.
4. Write. Yes, you hear that you need a platform to publish a book – but in reality a book can establish your platform. It’s easy to self-publish these days. Go to www.essence-publishing.com and get a free publishing kit. And if you need help, hire a ghost writer or a book coach.
5. Pitch yourself to the media as an expert. Contact radio, TV, newspapers or magazines and offer your expertise. A quick way to get exposure is to regularly call-in to talk shows and join the conversation.  You can get to know the producers of the shows that way.  If you are afraid to “sell” yourself  – get a PR coach to help bolster your confidence and tell you what to say.
6. Write Op/Ed (opinion editorials) or columns for your local newspaper or regional magazine. Make sure your byline includes your “spectacular bio,” links and contact information.
7. Host your own conference, community outreach event or mini-seminar series.  Invite other expert speakers that will help “validate” your platform.  Make the event FREE so you pack in as many people as possible to showcase your skill. Make sure you alert the media. Because the event is free, pitch a public service announcement (PSA) to broadcast stations. Get listings in the daily newspapers.
8. Secure a leadership position in a non-profit. Offer your expertise to the organization pro-bono and ask for letters of reference, testimonials and referrals.
9. Blog! Grow your social media following. Become a thought-leader by sharing your thoughts online. Dive into Facebook (set up a ‘fan’ page) and Twitter and connect them to your blog. Make sure you are delivering value and offering solutions to problems. Search out other blogs to guest blog too.
10. People have to hear you and see you. Set up a Youtube channel and post up videos of yourself in action. Post up videos of those who have heard your presentations too. Promote your videos via your social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.
11. Podcast. Become a radio show host on Blogtalkradio. Interview other experts in your field and promote the podcast on your blog and syndicate it for free iTunes. Get an account at Cincast deliver messages anytime, anywhere across the internet.
12. Build a database. This is hub of your platform. Make sure you build an email database and regularly communicate with them via an email newsletter. Drive traffic to your website/blogsite from your social media sites and capture their email addresses by offering a “free” gift that is representative of your brand. This should be a free gift that is so convincing of your expertise that they will stay connected to you over time and eventually become a “raving fan.”
13. Joint venture and partner with others. Do teleseminars or webinars with other speakers/authors that compliment your platform. This is a good way to get exposure to a new audience. You promote them to your audience and they promote you to theirs.  Win-win synergy

Bottom line: in order to have an established platform – you need numbers and influence. The more exposure you have, the greater opportunity for others to really know, like and trust you.  Once  you have their trust, they will spread the message of your platform to others.  And word of mouth is still the best form of advertising.

It’s all about people and how you are positioned to make difference to make an impact in people’s lives. It’s ministry really. See www.LaunchLikeaSuperstar.com

See www.PamPerryPRCoach.com too for free MP3 and www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com! (FREE social network for  authors)

Pam Perry, is a PR coach, social media strategist, co-founder Perry + Williams and chief visionary at Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. in Farmington, Mich.

Visit her at www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com and get her podcasts on Blogtalkradio too!

I know a lot of people who sometimes just “drop out” of sight.   I believe it’s a sign of the times. Too much pressure. Too many expectations.  Too much stuff going on.  The only way people seem to handle the stress, strife and struggles of life is to hide.  

I guess that’s normal. If you knew a storm was coming, you’d hide.  If there was a tornado outside, you’d go in the basement.   When a caterpillar wants to turn into a butterfly, it wraps itself up in cocoon.

Women need to refresh, reflect, and rewind.  There is so much stuff. Dealing with illness of a loved on, financial struggles, depression, self-esteem issues, family crisis, work stress or just plain burnout!  

Let’s unplug. Women need to let their hair down. Women need to talk. Women need to just getaway and do Girly Stuff.

Walk away re-energized and ready to take your life, career or business to the next level!

Have a spa party. Sit on the beach (and not be judged) but just really talk about stuff. 

Get inspired by others who are making money online. Get spiritual nuggets from real Christian Business Women.

Sound fun? Sound like what you need? Join Kim Coles, Dr. Stacia Pierce and friends at April Raine's Glamorous Getaway Conference.

Empowerment Weekend | April 19-21, 2012

Orlando http://bit.ly/FQBS6d

 Join us!

Introducing our PWP feature of this week: Tina Hines. Tina is an inspiring life coach and president of For My Sister Friends™. For My Sister Friends™ inspires women to seek an understanding of the deeper meaning of their life as they journey towards inner peace, wholeness and balance. Tina has gone from blog writer, book club facilitator, to lifestyle coach in the last few years and has inspired many women with her one-on-one and group sessions. Tina’s passion for the well-being of women exudes in all that she does. One of Tina’s favorite quotes is “When you feel good on the inside it exudes on the outside (no make-up required)”.  I hope you are as inspired by her story as I was. Enjoy!

1. Tell me your story. What were you doing before you started your own business?

Actually, I am a busy woman because in addition to being a lifestyle coach, I manage the executive office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted solely to the public health. My professional career began at the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies where I spent 18 years in various high level administrative roles.  After departing J&J, I was the executive/personal assistant to the chairman and publisher of Black Enterprise Magazine. These positions provided me with an opportunity to enhance my knowledge in various areas, interact with individuals from across the world and provided me with the stepping stone to take a leap of faith and make an investment in my passion.

2.  What made you want to start a business and what is your mission?

Although I no longer worked for Johnson & Johnson, I often would reconnect with prior supervisors. It was during a lunch when my first boss from 1986 told me that he could see me running a business that groomed administrative assistants. I tossed around the idea and although I loved my role as an administrative professional, somehow I knew my calling was a little different, something bigger.

In 2008, I launched a blog about my experiences with products, businesses, and activities I sampled and used the creative space to provide words of encouragement for women. A year later, I formed a book club where more times than not, the topic of discussion transitioned from the book of the month to the challenges women face as they wear many hats in their professional and personal lives.

Fast forward to 2011; the same group of women (with a few additions) came together for a meeting in my home to discuss finding their passion. As each person shared their desire to find or enhance their passion or make changes in their life, I shared with the group my desire to identify my purpose in life. It was a friend who declared that I should become a motivational speaker or coach of some sort because I was always inspiring them. When I allowed the ladies to take a peek at my journal that is exactly what I had written. It was at that moment that For My Sister Friends^TM emerged. This is my bigger calling.

My mission is to assist women (through one-on-one and group sessions) in reconnecting with their inner self and making a transformation. Women do so much for others and often reach a place there they have become drained and don’t have anything left for themselves. They are forgetting to take a little ‘me time’ and rejuvenate.

Between M.A.C., Mary Kay and Clinique, women are able to mask a lot on the outside, but inside is something different. There is no make-up to cover-up the emotions they are feeling on the inside. That is why I encourage women to work towards reconnecting with their happy self. One of my favorite quotes, “When you feel good on the inside it exudes on the outside (no make-up required).”  I created the quote after a colleague told me I was glowing and then declared it must be attributed to the man in my life. They were quickly corrected by using the quote and I consistently share it with women during my workshops.

3. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated daily to keep growing your business?

I am inspired when I see sister friends uplifting one another. We all are on a journey and though we may have traveled different roads, there is a chance we share some of the same bruises.

I have a childhood friend who often tells me that my heart is in the right place but I cannot fix everyone; and I know she is correct. However, when I entered this business it was never my mission to fix anyone. My mission was to provide them with a listening ear, a little food for thought and have them fix themselves. When I receive an email, text or phone call from a client and they share what they have implemented to make a transformation in their life; that is what motivates me to continue growing my business.

4. Do you have a mentor? Who is it and why? Do you believe it's important to have one?

I have several mentors from a variety of professions. Each of them provides me with food for thought that challenges me in a various ways. For instance, there was a very brief moment when I challenged myself about my passion of helping other women get to their happy, healthy place. The challenge was that there were so many coaches what did I have to offer? In addition, I didn’t want to coach women to do something for themselves; they needed to be inspired to make a transformation for themselves. My mentor sternly said, “Yes, there are a lot of coaches but there is only one Tina C. Hines inspiring women with her words of wisdom.”

Having a mentor is important and valuable resource. As your ideas may be scribbled notes on a pad, a mentor can assist you in putting them in perspective. They have the wisdom, knowledge, and experience to guide you towards the greatest that is within. Regardless of where I have been in my career, there has always been a mentor on speed dial.

5. What would you tell someone who wants to get involved in your line of business but doesn't know how to get started?

This is a tough question. For me, being a lifestyle coach was derived from my career of choice, past experiences and the people I surrounded myself with throughout my life. It was a passion that lay dormant; slowly this passion began to reveal itself in many facets of my life and is now my purpose.

However, I would encourage them to connect with other coaches to obtain a clear understanding of the roles of various coaches and then identify their niche. Participate in coaching sessions as a client to see first-hand the techniques that are used to achieve the results the client is seeking. Finally, read, read, read; and when you are done reading, read some more.  Knowledge is power and having book knowledge coupled with your University of Life knowledge is important.

6. What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit?

If someone has an entrepreneurial spirit, they should be encouraged to do everything in their power to feed that spirit. Feed it with the wisdom of those who have taken this journey; feed it with the knowledge of a good mentor; and feed it with dedication. Most importantly, they should remember this is their journey not their friends or family members. It is their time so take it, hold on tight and get ready for an interesting ride.

I want to thank Tina for stepping up to the challenge and taking time to "brag" about herself.  You can visit Tina’s website at www.formysisterfriends.org and contact her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ForMySisterFriends.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Be someone’s motivation and tell us your story! To be featured on PeopleWhoProsper.com email Tamara@garrisonprosperitysolutions.com. Put PEOPLEWHOPROSPER in the subject line and share a little about yourself.

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See This NEW Training video,

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As a publicist (and producer) with 20 years experience, I know when someone is ready for the “big time” and when they are not.

The major media “gatekeepers” are very particular. They can spot an amateur in a split second (and you only get one chance to pitch).

Surprisingly though, most people (especially authors) think they are ready for Jay Leno, Steve Harvey, CNN, USA Today, Good Morning America, Fox News, Essence, Today show, etc. But they are not.  What’s so funny is that the shows or publications they want to be on or in – they don’t even watch, listen or read!

There are so many variables to getting major publicity. It does not happen because you have a good book, a new product or a friend who works for the station or publication. Major publicity doesn’t even happen if you have a good publicist with connections.

It takes a strategy, a strong brand and information that make the media’s job REALLY easy. (Because they are so busy!!!)

Here are some things you must have if you want to be considered to play in the big league with the big boys:

1. A track record. Most authors think that if they could just be interviewed on a major network when their book is released – they would set them up for major sales. Listen, a new book is not news.  A good TV producer is not looking for the “new kid on the block” to present to their viewers, they want to score a guest that has some STAR power. A guest that has some juice; some awards; someone who has a following and people want to watch.  So, this means you must start small, start local and then you can progress to regional and national.  This takes TIME.
2. A good internet presence. If you think just having a website is enough – think again. Everyone has a website. You must prove to the media that you have an online following and dominate the search engines in regards to your expertise.  If you say you are an “expert” – the media’s proof is to see whether you show up on page one of Google when they put in that query about the topic. If you don’t show up at all. NEXT. So you must know SEO, have a blog, some Facebook fans, Twitter followers and so on.
3. A concise, professional media kit. This is the hub of your information. But wait, don’t just throw together a press release, bio and some jpeg photos and call it a day. Think this through. Make this a tool that the make the media go “wow.” Meaning, there is no searching for answers, or searching for photos, or searching for video clips, or searching for current key facts or links.  This is a living document that you keep on your website under a tab called “Media Kit” or “Press Kit.” But make it stand out and make sure your contact info is there and you are available 24/7 for the media. So, yes you must put a mobile there or your publicist’s mobile number there.

A good media kit should have –

a. A long and a short bio (in third person not first person please). How are they going to introduce you if they have to rewrite your bio because you wrote it in first person? Make it an exciting bio too. Have a one sheet too. This is info about you in a snapshot. Hire some to help you if you need it. Read bios of the experts in your field for samples.

b. Interview questions the media can ask you (because they probably won’t have time to read the whole book or do all the research on the topic you’re an expert in – so help them out!) Prepare at least 10 to 15 questions. Also good to have is a FAQ sheet and pitch letter.

c. Photos. Have an assortment of PROFESSIONAL head shots, speaking shots, full body shots and if an author, the book cover. Please have high-resolution photos available on the site for magazines too.

d. Previous media hits with links to video and audio interviews. Media begets media Also if you have endorsements – include those in the kit as well. They want to see what others are saying about you. So the more you show how you were featured in other media and seen by other people (preferably other experts), the more comfortable they will feel about booking you.

e. Radio and TV Interview Ideas. Think like a journalist or producer.  Write out a show description or have a list of topics with bullet points you can speak about on the air.

f. Articles. Have some articles ready for the media to use for the prep of their story or to post on a blog for further info after the interview. They can be published or unpublished articles or even blog posts. But you want to provide them with background research from you about the topic you’re being interviewed about. A link to old newsletters are good to have included as well.

g. PDF of your book for the media to access in a hurry.

4. An intro video of you speaking at events. Showing you speaking in front of an audience with some audience reaction. This is extremely important if you want to get book on a major network.
5. A calendar of events. Media want to know that you’re busy – and have an active itinerary. Remember the media wants to book and interview those who are in high demand and have a strong brand.
6. Lists. Media love lists. Become a valuable resource for the media. Create Top Ten lists for your industry. These are good for sidebars for articles they are writing. Or the list could be used as a “teaser” when promoting a show.
7. A tight brand. Professional graphics. Professional photos. Professional website and blog. Professional newsletter. Keyword here: PROFESSIONAL. Not homemade. If you have a “DIY” look, it screams amateur.  Pay a professional. If you want to roll with the big dogs – don’t be cheap with your brand.  You have to pay to play.

Finally, timing is everything – but equally important is being prepared. There is nothing worst than having an opportunity to get major publicity and goof it up because you were not prepared. (The media is very quick to say “no go” – and it takes time for them to give “yes, it’s a go.”)   

Learn to stay prep (become a student of the media) and continue to market and grow your brand.  Strong SEO, a polished brand, networking and consistency will yield great results.

http://www.socialmediaprsolutions.com

It's here, it’s done and I’m so excited. I’m sharing my excitement and sense of accomplishment to inspire, motivate and encourage each and everyone of you.

I’m excited because I’m sharing knowledge that has opened doors for me, knowledge that has put me before great leaders. Knowledge that has changed my life and now I’m given the opportunity to share this knowledge with young women around the world!
Other authors in the book include Sharon H. Hill, Phyllis Clark and Tracey M. Booker to name a few.

Excerpt from "A Guide for African American Girls:
Why Grace and Charm?
Getting along with family, friends, enjoying dates, doing well in school, preparing for the future – these are the things that matter most to young girls. Social skills are the foundation of today’s girls personal and career development. It is therefore important for girls to acquire and learn how to apply social living skills on their road to success.
Sugar and spice and everything nice, is that what little girls are made of? What an awesome time to be a girl! The possibilities are endless. A girl today can become the President of the United States, an astronaut or anything in between.
Today’s girls have so many pressures...they want to fit in, achieve, compete with boys and live up to societies expectations of what and who she should be. Pressures from the media can also hinder a girls self-perception, especially when she doesn’t feel she is pretty, popular, talented or socially accepted.


This chapter is designed to lay the foundations and ABC’s toward:


• A healthy, positive self-image that fills one’s life with confidence and develops one’s leadership skills


• Etiquette and social graces that ensures one’s continued success


• Self-esteem, academics, and positive behavior
You can learn how to make more friends, get along with family member AND be more attractive to others – all with The Power of Grace and Charm.

With proper etiquette and a polished image you can achieve anything you want in life – increased income, freedom, the lifestyle of your dreams, influence and the ability to persuade others.
Whatever it is you are inspiring to do, you can do it with ‘Grace and Charm.’
Pre-order your copy now @ www.pwnbooks.com and give a young girl the gift of ‘Grace and Charm.’ Encourage and empower her to know she is worth and deserving of the best. Available June 28, 2011.

What is the one thing most coaches concentrate on?

Coaching certification. Or you may focus on the business of what?
Coaching.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that you shouldn’t learn the necessary skills involved in coaching nor am I saying that you shouldn’t get certification, however, you’re doing it all wrong if this is your main focus or area of concentration.

This is not exclusive to coaches many entrepreneurs, small business owners spend little to no time concentrating on this one area I’m going to mention.

The one mistake you may be making is focusing about 85% of your time on the business of coaching and 15% of your time on marketing.

Here’s the scenario. You’ve studied the hours needed to fulfill your coaching certification, you have developed your programs and even identified the formats you’ll use…. now what? Exactly you’re stuck with the task of locating leads, attracting and getting clients!

What you should be focusing more on is “Marketing!” This is not the last step in your process. You should be looking into this much sooner than most coaches have. Marketing is something you must learn more about and even more specifically “online marketing.”

I’m not going to tell you that more experienced coaches are doing any better, however, my commitment is to seek out Christian Women Coaches who are in the early stages so that I can empower you to get your message out there and reach those who so need your services. If there are any coaches out there more advanced who need my support and commitment I’m available to you as well.

Are you in need of support in this area? Great! What I’ve done is set aside time for you. My Free call is designed with you in mind and I invite you to join me. I’ve only reserved about 90 phone lines so you want to get on a few minutes early.

All you need to do is go to http://bit.ly/aspiringnewcoach to register.

I’ll share additional mistakes you may be making, strategies to empower you to manifest the results you desire and more!

Of course I’d love to have you on the call live with me, however, the audio replay will be available to you for a limited time.

You’ve got a message. God’s given you gifts. Let’s get them out there!

Talk soon!

Robin aka The Empowerment Diva

Small businesses and start-ups put forth great effort to appear stable and established.  But often times they have a 'tell'.  Business cards printed at home, an AOL email address or ...a tri-fold brochure.  No matter how great your company/ service may be, you simply sell yourself short with these marketing flubs.

Marketing Faux Pas

While the tri-fold format in printed collateral has long been a a staple in marketing, in recent years the layout style has become a faux pas.  We live in the age of 'instant' success, consumers want to get information at a glance. That means they are looking for a Visual Snapshot. Its a big risk to assume that someone will take the time to comb through the folds of a page just to find out what you do, and how it will benefit them.

The Visual Snapshot

If you are wondering what a Visual Snapshot is, then imagine yourself in line at the supermarket.  When you glance at the magazines on the shelf you make a decision on whether or not to buy, just by looking at the cover.  The same thing happens when  a person looks at your marketing collateral.  I mean we don't want to have to read the

entire magazine to determine if we should buy it.

The first page of your brochure should state the following (very obviously):

• Who are you?
• What do you offer?
• What is unique about your product or service?

I'm not saying that the triple dipper doesn't have its effective uses.  It can be quite helpful as a pamphlet and its a wonderful tool in the health care industry.  But for small businesses, it just makes you LOOK small time.

I have included an example of a Sell Sheet.  Whether single or double sided, its a sure fire way to impress prospects.

Happy Branding Everyone! (http://thebrandcoach.com/ or @brandcoachllc)

Job Title:        Project Graduation Coaches – Part-Time/Temporary (NO BENEFITS)
 
Reports To:    Manager, Leadership & Education
 
Project Description:Detroit Parent Network has developed a comprehensive new program called “Project Graduation,” which is aimed at significantly increasing high school graduation and college enrollment among at-risk students by creating a supportive and knowledgeable family environment.  The project will target youth in all six areas of the Good Neighborhoods Initiative, assisting parents and their children ages 13-17 to develop specific goals and an action plan to graduate high school and go to college.  During this project period, DPN will work in collaboration with parents (or other caring adults), students, schools, community organizations, and others in the community to develop partnerships that capitalize on the assets of area resources and institutions.
 
Summary of job:  Coaches will work to maintain 1 to 1 parent/student contacts for 150 parents through home visits.  Administer surveys to parents and students twice a year.  Accurately and timely collect data report cards from Project Graduation enrollees.  Track parent and student contacts.  Work to timely and accurately relay concerns and parent barriers to Project manager and relay resources to that parent.
 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Support the Project Graduation Initiative to meet goals and objectives in the area assigned.
Must have reliable transportation.
Meet monthly with families to provide individual coaching by establishing parent. and student’s goals as it relates to high school graduation and going to college.
Help develop an educational plan for child and parent.
Connect parents to needed resources working with parent support department.
Manage data base on participants & maintain files on each child & parent.
Research and inform parents on admission and financial aid to college.
Be familiar with Skillman’s Good Neighborhood Initiative, Highland Park and Hamtramck and state efforts to reduce drop out rate and increase college enrollment.
Be able to work evenings and weekends to meet with parents and students.
Monitor evaluation of program and assess successes and areas that need improvement.
Organize staff development opportunities to ensure high level quality service delivery.
Be available to attend Project Graduation forums and events.
Submit all reports timely.
Other duties maybe assigned.
 
Competencies                                
Candidates will have strong analytical skills with the ability efficiently track and maintain contact with program participants.  Candidates should be sensitive to various types of community issues and social issues,non judgmental, streetwise, mature, and paying attention to detail and social issues.  Candidate should be aware of college preparatory financial aid, Michigan high school graduation standards, knowledge of NCLB, education policy and the best practice models used to increase graduation rates. Candidates should be socially astute and, will have experience in working with various communities successfully. Candidates should have knowledge of case management, how to set educational goals for youth and working with parents. Candidates should be passionate about work and enjoy working in a fast-paced, dynamic community organization in which expectations are high on the quality and speed of work.
 
Education and/or Experience:
                                             

Graduate student at a four-year college or university with a major in Social Work, Psychology, or Education.
Experience working in diverse and challenged communities dealing with parents and students.
Must have access to working vehicle and cell phone. 
Familiarity and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
 
Application Process:
Applicants should submit cover letter and resume to 7375 Woodward, Suite 1100, Detroit MI 48202 or fax it to (313) 309-1451; or e-mail it to rallen@detroitparentnetwork.org
 
The Detroit Parent Network does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, religion or disability.
 
 

http://ning.it/mo3W6H
You are receiving this email because you are a member and/or friend of DPN and the Listen Up Mayor! campaign.

Unsubscribe alenoreharris@gmail.com from this list.

Our mailing address is:

Detroit Parent Network
7375 Woodward Ave.
Suite #1100
 

It's here, it’s done and I’m so excited. I’m sharing my excitement and sense of accomplishment to inspire, motivate and encourage each and everyone of you.

I’m excited because I’m sharing knowledge that has opened doors for me, knowledge that has put me before great leaders. Knowledge that has changed my life and now I’m given the opportunity to share this knowledge with young women around the world!
Other authors in the book include Sharon H. Hill, Phyllis Clark and Tracey M. Booker to name a few.

Excerpt from "A Guide for African American Girls:
Why Grace and Charm?
Getting along with family, friends, enjoying dates, doing well in school, preparing for the future – these are the things that matter most to young girls. Social skills are the foundation of today’s girls personal and career development. It is therefore important for girls to acquire and learn how to apply social living skills on their road to success.
Sugar and spice and everything nice, is that what little girls are made of? What an awesome time to be a girl! The possibilities are endless. A girl today can become the President of the United States, an astronaut or anything in between.
Today’s girls have so many pressures...they want to fit in, achieve, compete with boys and live up to societies expectations of what and who she should be. Pressures from the media can also hinder a girls self-perception, especially when she doesn’t feel she is pretty, popular, talented or socially accepted.


This chapter is designed to lay the foundations and ABC’s toward:


• A healthy, positive self-image that fills one’s life with confidence and develops one’s leadership skills


• Etiquette and social graces that ensures one’s continued success


• Self-esteem, academics, and positive behavior
You can learn how to make more friends, get along with family member AND be more attractive to others – all with The Power of Grace and Charm.

With proper etiquette and a polished image you can achieve anything you want in life – increased income, freedom, the lifestyle of your dreams, influence and the ability to persuade others.
Whatever it is you are inspiring to do, you can do it with ‘Grace and Charm.’
Pre-order your copy now @ www.pwnbooks.com and give a young girl the gift of ‘Grace and Charm.’ Encourage and empower her to know she is worth and deserving of the best. Available June 28, 2011.

Let start with what networking is not.  Networking is not handing out a bunch of business cards, and hoping someone calls.

Business networking as described by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Business networking is a marketing method by which business opportunities are created through networks of like-minded business people. There are several prominent business networking organizations that create models of networking activity that, when followed, allow the business person to build new business relationship and generate business opportunities at the same time.

Technology makes it easy for us to expand our circle of influence.  However, the most powerful connections are made face to face.

Master these powerful networking skills and you will gain respect and credibility from your colleagues and clients. 

1.  Take a positive and deliberate approach to networking, you will find this extra level of attention makes it easier to establish relationships.

2.  Your business image should reflect your abilities, values, goals, and business mission.

3.  Build brand loyalty one fan group at a time.

4.  Exude energy and passion to command respect and grab attention.

5.  Be honest about what you can do and cannot do.  If something has gone wrong be honest and upfront immediately.

6.  Focus on following up and following through while you’re still at the meeting.

7.  Asking this one questions will increase your bottom line.  “Who is your ideal client/customer, and how can I help you.

8. Remember the name.  We all like to hear our name, but don’t use first names unless you are asked to.

9.  Always defer to the other person.  Don’t monopolize the conversation or talk about yourself too much. Allow the others to have the spotlight.

10.  Using the terms “ma’am and sir”, shows the utmost respect.

11.  Be well informed.

12.  Perfect your “30 second commercial.”

13.  Remain standing as much as possible-you will appear more approachable.

14.  Remain in control even under pressure.

These techniques and tactics will allow you to seize opportunities that otherwise would not be possible.

“Take the time to be exceptional, it will show in how you make others feel, and in your bottom line.” Walethia Aquil

I know how vital it is that you leverage your unique knowledge, experience and brilliance. I definitely want to help you expand your business development and growth experiences, enhance your professional profile, promote your business and create visibility to attract those who want more from you. 

Schedule your complimentary discovery session today.  Send request to:
walethia@graceandcharm.com.  Put Discovery Session in subject box.


Make sure you get your copy of the free report “How to Network Effectively: The Key to Power, Influence and Wealth.”

Do you desire to be a better mom, wife and/or friend?

Longing to step up to your purpose and manifest your Authentically Brilliant Diamond Life and/or Biz?

Feel like you’re doing everything possible to uplevel your life but are not getting anywhere?

Are you being held back by dis-empowering habits?

Wish you could experience a transformational coaching program to take you
to a new Dimension in your life?

I have great news for you.

I’m giving away a few partial scholarships to my Total Transformation – “A Journey to Wholeness” VIP coaching program.

You see many times we spend so much time on the external and neglect to manage the internal. Without mastering your mindset, overcoming disempowering habits etc. you may sabotage any endeavor towards empowering success.

Here’s the gist…..

I have a heart for single moms and often cry for how many may be experiencing challenging times right now. I really felt it when I watched the gas prices increase to the place that they have.

While preparing for this phenomenal program I thought what can I do to encourage more to connect with me for support?

Here’s your opportunity to take advantage of partial scholarship to the Silver Level
of my Total Transformation Coaching program.

Opportunities for partial scholarships in the uncategorized area whether you're a single mompreneur or not.

Read more here

1. Know that your reputation is valuable.
2. Do what you say you are going to do.
3. Return all phone calls.
4. Treat everyone with respect and courtesy.
5. Be visible.
6. When you meet new people, introduce yourself.
7. Try to develop a knack for remembering names.
8. Be an active listener.
9. Create a “small talk” notebook.
10. Be sensitive to body language.
11. Send a follow-up note.
12. Get to know the support staff.
13. Know your profession.
14. Pass articles along with a note.
15. Keep a supply of greeting cards for all occasions.
16. Write…write…write.
17. Go through your list of contacts periodically, update.
18. Let people know that you are available to speak.
19. Selectively donate your services.
20. Remember what Mom used to tell you, say “Thank you.”