Because I am a business and marketing coach and I work with entrepreneurs, who are by nature extremely creative people, I find that many of them get caught in what I've affectionately called the "cute syndrome." You know, cute little names for programs and services, a pretty website with lots of color and no content or call to actions that produce results and create income, catch phrases and buzz words and sometimes even jargon. The big challenge when you're stuck in the "cute syndrome" is that it is seldom clear and effective in getting your ideal clients to see you as the only solution to their problem, which after all is the reason we are all in business, right?
Once I explain to you what I explain to my private clients, they get it almost immediately. Cute doesn't attract clients, cute doesn't have money deposited into your checking account; cute seldom pays the bills. I assert don't be cute if clarity is the sacrifice.
To become a successful service based entrepreneur, you've got to move beyond cute and focus on clarity. People only take action when the next best step is crystal clear. To create an environment where your ideal clients can move easily and effortlessly through your prospect and sales funnel, you've got to get clear on the transformation you provide as well as the results and benefits they will experience in working with you and displaying it in a language that is compelling, engaging and action-oriented.
Here are a few quick questions/tips you should consider to ensure that your content, sales copy, programs, products and services are clear and not just cute:
1. When I visit your website, will I immediately be able to tell the transformation that I will experience if I opt to work with you? Most first time visitors to your website will never look beyond the fold of your website so, your best stuff, the clarity of what you do must be laid out in a "power statement" making it obvious who you work with, how you solve their problem and the results they get from moment go. If you fail to do that, ideal client prospects will click away, never to return.
2. Is your marketing messaging and website content compelling, engaging and easy to read? Again, don't be cute; be clear about your compelling marketing messages and case studies to illustrate what you do, how you do it and what others will gain when they hire you. To write compelling copy is essential if you want to allow your website to make you money while you sleep.
3. Do you have social proof to validate the transformation you claim to provide? It's great that you say you can do something amazing for your clients. Really, it is. But who else is saying it? Are you previous clients singing your praises? are the signing up to work with you again after their program is complete? Do you have one page on your website designated to reflect success stories or testimonials?
4. Does your Incredible Factor (USP, HUG, secret sauce and signature move stand out)?
Your Incredible Factor is your unique selling proposition, value proposition, hot undeniable gift, secret sauce and signature move all rolled into one yummy client magnetic package. When a prospect lands on your website is it clear to them how you stand out in the marketplace or do they look at your pictures and whisper, "aaww, that's cute;" before they click away?
5. Are your call to actions clear, strategically placed so the prospect doesn't get lost of confused? Do you clearly lay out a path for prospects to follow to get closer to working with you or do they need to poke around until they find that needle in your website's haystack?
6. Are your programs designed to make the results clear and are the next steps that should be taken clear and easy to follow? Are you so focused on selling the contents of your programs that you never tell what participants have gained by being enrolled? Do you tell them what to do next if they'd like to enroll?
7. Do you have a way for them to sample your offerings that is irresistible? An irresistible free offer is like the pink spoon at Baskin Robbins...it's just enough to entice them to buy the full size...do you have one that they'd do anything to have?
As you can see, cute doesn't pay off in the world of entrepreneurship. So take my advice - stop being cute and get clear.
If you desire to gain clarity so that your cute creates cash, contact me for a Play Big Strategy Session - in 60 minutes I will replace your cute with clear so that you become an ideal client magnet.
Here’s another piece of the internet marketing puzzle!
You’re gonna love this…
There are a ton of different ways to get traffic to your blog but today I wanna give you an extra traffic tip just for being a fellow BBWO (Black Business Women Online).
Have you found yourself at one point trying to share files that were just to large for your email service or for your recipient's email service? Occasionally I find myself at the point in some of my projects.
In the past I would use Drop.io or File Dropper to share those large files. Several weeks back I learned about a new file sharing service called Let’s Crate that I’ll be using in the future and thought I would share with you..........
Posted by Pam Perry on February 24, 2011 at 4:00pm
You’ve heard the term swag lately. Someone may say, “I like your swag” or “He’s got swag!” And although you may not find this popular term in Merriam-Webster’s version of the dictionary, it is used worldwide by teens, recording artists, TV critics and most importantly for your sake… social media!
I know, I know. Before you tell me how you don’t know how to tweet and have no desire to tweet, twit, or Facebook, for that matter, let me let you in on a secret. Social media can be your business’ ticket to success. Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it to you.
Swag is a term used to describe someone’s style, personality, the way they carry themselves, and their level of confidence. It’s a person’s walk, their talk. It’s their attitude, but in a good way! We’ve all got some level of swag… well, some more than others. But after reading the following, I challenge you to ‘get your swag on’ and make social media work for you.
Step 1
Don’t Hate on the Competition Just Yet…
In any business, the goal is usually to beat the competitor. But in order to beat the competition, you have to know what they are doing and what makes them a competitor. If they are still in the game, they have to be doing something right. So you need to watch, look and listen at what is going on around you. Put your head in the game! Take inventory of where you are right now and where you want to go from here.
For example, when you read a blog, you are studying your competition. And after you read so many blogs, you’ll not only be motivated to start your own, but you’ll know what to say, how to say it and who is listening. Read the responses to the blogs as well. This lets you know what your target audience is saying, which allows you to tailor your own blog to those respondents.
Though many like to think so, social media is not a magic lamp where you can rub it, and out comes a genie. It is just another spoke in the wheel for your overall marketing plan. The social media outlet door is wide open for you and the rest of the world to see, free of charge! So no longer do you have to play detective and act like a secret shopper to find out the best strategies of your competitors. Their marketing strategies have just become an open book. Read their tweets. Follow their Facebook posts. Find out who your top three competitors are and simply sit back and watch, look and listen. Then determine your own personal goals you want to achieve through social media.
Social media is more than an outlet to just post pictures and ‘like’ someone’s status. It’s essentially free advertisement. Let’s say that I have a client who has an article about them written in Essence or Ebony. They can then repost that article into a blog site, or even add a link to the article on their Facebook profile. So this not only allows the readers of these publications to read the article, but all of this person’s ‘friends’ and ‘followers’ also learn of the success. If someone is featured on The View or Oprah, they can obtain a copy of it from the TV station, upload it to YouTube, and then repost to whatever other social media sites they choose. So while your friends or family may not have picked up the latest issue of Essence and didn’t get to watch you on The View, they are sure to see it when you post it on your public social networking profile.
Watch, look and listen. The competitor didn’t become a competitor by doing something wrong. They have to be doing something right. Find out what it is and make it work for you. While watching the competition, you purposely position yourself to attract your target audience as well.
Step 2
Make Digital Footprints in the Sand
Who are you? What do you do? What do you specialize in? These are all vital questions to ask when it comes to branding yourself in the social media. Make sure that wherever you go, with every digital footprint you make, that your brand is the same. Be consistent. Don’t create a brand for encouragement and inspiration, but post negative, depressing updates on your Facebook and Twitter profiles. This contradicts your ultimate branding of being one who encourages and inspires. Your Twitter and Facebook page should match your professional website. Your website should match your fan page. Your fan page should match your YouTube videos. And so on…
Don’t confuse people. They need to see your brand and instantly know who you are and what you stand for. Take Coach for example. The Facebook page and website for Coach products should reflect the same brand. And because of the reputation Coach has built, when you see a product, you can immediately tell if it is created by Coach. The same should ring true of your brand.
In this digital age, people have ADD. You have to capture their attention within a split second or you could lose them forever. However, if you have successfully branded yourself, they will recognize you and feel comfortable with whatever product you are promoting. There’s a certain comfort level people search for in brands. For example, if you visit Paris, but aren’t familiar with the restaurants, and you see the golden arches, you will more than likely eat at McDonald’s. You already know what their food tastes like and you feel comfortable with the brand. The same is true of Starbuck’s. When you visit a Starbuck’s, you expect a certain level of quality and great atmosphere, no matter the location.
It’s not just the brand; it’s the logo. That logo signifies everything that is behind the brand. The time you’ve invested. The information you’ve shared. The trust you’ve built. The logo is a culmination of everything you’ve done for people to notice you, know you, understand you, and recognize your brand ultimately. It is the promise to your customers.
Confusion destroys your brand. The equity and time you put into building your brand can be destroyed overnight by you simply doing something different and offbeat. Be known as an expert for whatever it is that you do. If you’re in business, your goal is to provide customers with your area of expertise. But it’s up to you to make sure you are known for just that. Share, don’t sell, information to your customers so that they not only come to know you as an expert, but they trust you. So as you make your digital footprints in the sand, make sure your brand tracks look identical to the ones you have made before!
Step 3
Content is King (Marketing is Queen)
People don’t follow a good salesperson. They follow good content. That’s one of the ways people will get to know you, by the content you offer and the value of it. In order to create valuable content, you must research keywords. Search for certain keywords and brand your content so that it contains those keywords. This will allow you to receive numerous hits without a potential customer ever knowing your name.
For example, if someone is searching for Pam Perry, they may use keywords such as PR coach, PR guru, ministry marketing, and so on. When someone enters any of these keywords, my website, blog or even my Facebook page should come up in the search results page. The ultimate goal is to be the first or second result on the search results page. If you come in any other place below that, you risk the user entering new search keywords, which may not be tagged for your business. Whether it’s a list of things to do (or not to do) or top ten tips, provide good, valuable content so that there is no question that you know what you are talking about.
A good resource to use when trying to determine keywords is Adwords.google.com. This tool not only allows you to enter keywords, but if you click Get Keyword Ideas, it will provide you with other keywords to use. Use these keywords in your blogs, eblasts, social media profiles and of course, your website. But even with keywords, if you have a similar name, like Jessica Jones, you want to make sure you are posting enough valuable content on the Internet so that you come up first in a person’s search results. Even though the other Jessica Jones in the world may have nothing more than a Facebook page, you don’t want customers to confuse the two. You have to constantly be active online. People love people that provide information for free. For example, author Seth Godin provided his entire book for free as an eBook before he released the hardcover copy. Because so many loved the electronic version of the book, they purchased a hard copy of the book once it was released, making it a New York Times Bestseller.
You can’t give away too much content. If it genuinely came from you, there is more from where that came from. With every article you write, every video you post, and every status you update, you throw more content out onto the web to brand you all the more. The more content you share, the more people come to recognize you as an expert and will realize the value of your information and ultimately, support your business.
Step 4
Are You Engaged?
Now, I’m not talking about the engagement where you get a ring and start planning a wedding for months down the line. I’m referring to interacting with others online. It doesn’t matter that you and I talk; we have to engage with others online. Create a community for isolated conversations to take place. Twitter actually uses hash tags, such as #GrammyAwards2011, which allows you to converse with all users who may be watching the Grammy Awards at the time. It’s all about engaging and establishing relationships. It’s not always about selling and marketing. Sometimes, you have to build up a group of ‘followers’ first.
Take Facebook for example. That’s great that someone wants to become your ‘friend’. But if you never engage them, and they don’t visit your page on a regular basis, what’s the point? How does this help your business? But also realize that while someone may not visibly engage on your page on a regular basis, they may still be watching you. They may still be taking all of the information you post into account, without ever saying a word to you about it. Personally, 90% of my clientele comes from online. I never know who is watching me. All of a sudden, I get checks for thousands of dollars from people that have been watching me for three or four months and appreciate the information I have shared.
I love this information age we are in. I’m like a kid in a candy store. While others feel overwhelmed by too much information, I consume myself in it. It’s what I’ve done all of my life. I reported information in high school, college, and even once I was out of school. It comes naturally for me. I’m always sending an eblast, conducting a conference call, tweeting a valuable website for authors, or even posting a video on YouTube of me speaking at a recent conference.
I give away a plethora of information. But it’s up to you to use it. The same should ring true of you and your social media swag. Give away so much information that people say to you, “You give away too much free information.” Then give away some more! You’re putting your best foot forward. You’re creating your own community and at this point, people are simply watching you to decide if they will conduct business with you or not. The benefits in the long run will far outweigh the cost to send out complimentary information. Get engaged!
Step 5
The Swag Tool Belt
As with any job, you have to make sure you have the essential tools to succeed. People are looking for a solution to a problem. So you must make sure that the content you provide or the service you offer solves a problem for the customer. For example, if you’re a plumber, you can provide content on taking care of pipes in the winter time.
More importantly, make sure that you not only have a website, but that it works properly. It doesn’t matter if your website comes up first in search engine optimization and you have a steady flow of traffic to your site, but you’re not capturing their email address to communicate with them in the future. As with any other social media, your website homepage should state very clearly the purpose of the business and what it is that you do. Your brand should be the same as it is everywhere else on the web. Make sure you have an opt-in box on your website as well so people can continue to interact with you.
You definitely want to invest in an AWeber or Constant Contact account. Constant Contact allows you to create and send eblasts in a click of a button. You can even create eblasts to be sent out on a certain date and at a certain time, without being anywhere near the computer when it goes out. Eventually, these eblasts will turn into blogs, which is where a significant amount of your social media will stem from.
Do you have to have a blog? Absolutely! I say it’s mandatory! It doesn’t make sense to have a Facebook page or a Blog Talk radio show, and not have a blog. Don’t be blog haters; get a blog! You’ll be surprised at the results a blog can bring.
If you really want to be found, you also need Google Analytics. This free service offered by Google actually tells you where your traffic is coming from and how long a person stays on your website. It will show you, for example, that 50% of your traffic is coming from Facebook and 25% is coming from Twitter, etc.
In this digital age, you definitely need high speed Internet access. Dial-up won’t cut it. It will limit your capability to interact with others online as fast and efficiently. Also invest in a webcam. A webcam runs approximately $30 to add to your computer if you don’t already have one directly installed. Video tape yourself speaking about your area of expertise and post it on YouTube and Facebook. This counts as content as well. People are visual. Don’t be left behind because you won’t participate in the video content wave.
As a side note, when using social media, use your real name. People may see your photo but if your Twitter name is GodselectLady, no one knows your real name to connect with you. If you won’t post your real name, at the very least make the name your business name. People trust the real thing, not a nickname.
Ok, so yes, ultimately your goal is for people to do business with you. But you must first work to establish relationships. If the first time someone hears your name is when you release your first book, they may be hesitant to connect with you because they think you are just trying to sell them. You have to let people know who you are, what you’re about and that you’re not just looking at them as a dollar sign. I would advise using the attraction marketing method. Simply go about life, doing what you do best, and sharing information on a regular basis. Eventually, people will see how much of a goldmine of information you are for them, and ultimately be attracted to connect with you further.
Step 6
Find Your Social Media Niche
So you’ve started hanging out online a bit more. You tweet more frequently and may update your Facebook status three times a day now as opposed to the one you were accustomed to doing in the morning before heading out the door. Depending on the audience you are trying to attract, you may need to reconsider which social media outlet you funnel your energy to. If you started a blog but you hate writing, then maybe you need to consider posting more videos of you speaking. If you like to speak, but you may not want your face plastered online just yet, consider starting a Blog Talk Radio show. Find three major outlets and master them.
Most of the social media outlets allow you to integrate others. While you can integrate Twitter and Facebook, you can also integrate Facebook with your blog. Remember, most times we are mobile. So consider mastering three outlets that you can update and monitor from your cell phone. FourSquare.com is another good one for retail businesses to use. This outlet can be monitored from a cell phone as well. LinkedIn is a more professional network where you can also connect with people worldwide.
You have to find what works best for you. Once you find your three prominent areas of your social media niche, master them. Become consumed with them. Begin to build relationships, which will ideally turn into clientele. Remember, people look for consistency and a business they can trust. Make sure your daily branding reflects this.
Step 7
If It’s Broke, Fix It!
The final step is to measure your results of your social media efforts. Maybe you got over 1,000 responses on your blog, but didn’t get any responses to your posting on Facebook. Maybe you gained 100,000 new followers from Twitter, but didn’t get any reviews on your YouTube video. This is where you have to decide where your most vital relationships will stem from based on social media efforts thus far.
Make sure your content is not boring. Add pictures and video, if possible. Make it eye-pleasing. The great thing about social media is that it’s your world! Be as creative as you want to be. The more creative your blogs are, the more people feel a personal connection to you and start to see your true personality. This will build trust early on and cause them to stay connected long term.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get one million ‘followers’ as soon as you create your Twitter profile. Social media takes time and dedication. It may not seem like anyone is paying attention to you; it may seem as though no one is listening. But believe this, someone is watching you. They’re just waiting to see how consistent you will be. Don’t change the message that you send out. If you’re a motivational speaker, your tweets and statuses should motivate, daily! Over time, you will see positive results from people you never even knew were watching.
The benefits of Facebook are limitless. You can not only create a personal page, but also create a fan page for fans of you or fans of your business. You simply ask your personal ‘friends’ to ‘like’ the fan page. Now you have two pages where you can post content. Your personal page lets a person get to know you from day to day. Your fan page may only contain information pertaining to your business or your area of expertise. Hootsuite.com is another site that allows you to share content with one click of a button to many social media sites.
As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But for the things that are broke when it comes to defining your social media swag, you do need to fix it. And quick! Don’t just hang out. Create an effective brand, build long-term relationships and get your swag on! Your business brand depends on it!
Happy New Year!!! Wishing Everyone New Beginnings and a Start to A Brand New You!
VLS is truly excited with the growth and support of our affiliate partners since we officially started in mid 2010. Putting all the elements together for a good recipe as a real estate service and referral provider has been an awesome experience, and we know that the best is yet to come in real estate leasing for us!!!
As we all know real estate leasing is HOTTER than ever. What are the predictions for commercial and residential leasing for 2011? Rents will continue to increase in prime markets and remain steady in areas where there are more vacancies.
Commercial Office Leasing: Office Leasing activity will remain strong in 2011, especially as entrepreneurs, small businesses and companies begin to grow and expand their employment levels. The vacancy rate for office space will decline in the range of 1 to 1.5 percent and virtual office services will increase tremendously.
Residential Leasing: The demographic trends are changing from longtime renters buying to longtime home owners renting. It's all about choice!
Baby Boomers are renting their homes to downsize or move to warmer climates, but not necessarily buying a second home, but renting by choice without having the hassle of owning.
On the flip side longtime renters are going for the "American Dream" of home ownership. There are alot of great deals and incentive programs for first time homebuyers to purchase by choice.
I would say this is a good look for real estate leasing in 2011!!!
Posted by Andrea McGhee on February 10, 2011 at 8:20pm
Trying to find a wonderful gift for a loved one on this Valentines Day try Money Roses. These roses dont every die and the roses are said to bring fortune to the person that hold them in their home. Roses can be made in singles or in a beautiful bouquet. Pictures Displayed.Happy Valentines Day with a Gift that will always be remebered.
Read more…
Posted by Andrea McGhee on February 9, 2011 at 9:25am
A lot of women may not want to admit that they haven't offically started their business. For most women the idea hasn't nearly made it off the ground. What do you do when your business ideas have just been lingering as dreams and fantasies?
Most of the time the things that we are good at are the things that we do routinely and dont realize it. Starting a official business is hard and the success rates are low. The number of black women that have been interviewed gave the profession "Beautician" as the Business of Ownership. The other profession that was given was "Day Care Provider/Director", and last but certainly not least, "Beauty Consultant".
A lot of these woman admitted that the family life is a major reason for womens confusion and confidence with starting businesses. Many of these women believe that for the most part they always knew what the wanted to do and having the money to do it wasn't always possible.
So the changing of the buisness idea has more to do with economics rather than losing commitment to the business idea. So if your business seems to be an idea more than an official business just reevaluate your routine because your business is hiding somewhere in there.
Posted by Robin Tramble on January 26, 2011 at 6:49am
"I see so many women wanting to learn more about how they can tap into the Social Media phenomena, however, they are presented with the task of balancing their current roles with that of adding yet another item to the list. If I can convince them of the value of Social Media Marketing to their business the investment of time associated with empowering themselves with this skill would be the last thing allowed to hinder their endeavors." says Robin Tramble
Social Media is all the rage and is replacing many of the Marketing strategies in companies. Social Media has changed the way we do business, connect with friends,clients, prospects etc. and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere too soon. Social media sites give people the opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones and expand their professional network with only a few clicks, from the comfort of their own home. Social Media includes Twitter,Facebook,Linkedin,Myspace and more.
Imagine being able to Finally attract 1000's of lucrative relationships online and Quickly EXPLODE your business results using Social Media without wasting time or money so you can increase your bottom line!
So what else could be holding women back from stepping up to empower themselves and thereby empower their business results?
"Some of the problem may stem from fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure and more! They must somehow replace that fear with vision for their ideal lifestyle, ideal business and the feeling that would result from finally attracting their ideal clients. Change your focus. Instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on the positives, focus on Faith." Says Robin
“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.” Mary Manin Morrissey
Robin has designed a brand new program just in time for the new year. "I Rock on Twitter and Facebook Social Media Empowerment Coaching club/program!"
Why should you listen to Robin?
Robin Tramble aka The Empowerment Diva was recently named as 1 of 25 urban entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter by Brand Maker News. With a combined total of over 10,000 followers she is qualified to share with you how you too can rock on twitter "authentically!"
She has a nice following on Facebook and her likes to her fanpage are increasing by the week without much effort. She has plans to increase her efforts to greatly enhance the likes to her Facebook page.
Get targeted followers on Twitter without stress and overwhelm. Targeted friends, and likes to your Facebook Page. Set up your Facebook page and more! Plus over $900 in bonuses.
# # #
Robin Tramble works with savvy women,new,aspiring and enterprising women entrepreneurs who want to discover their authentic self so they can make big changes or achieve some big results but are struggling to make it happen fast enough. She helps them get unstuck, create achieve the results that they want faster than ever before.
Robin is CEO and Founder of Robin Tramble International, President and Founder of The Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs. She's a Professional "Authentic LIfe" Empowerment Mentor, Trainer, Coach and Public Speaker. Robin is also known as Empowerment Diva because she has carved out a niche in the area of empowerment. She recently shared her empowerment tips on Good Day Sacramento as "Empowerment Diva" and was named 1 of 25 urban Entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter by Brand maker News.
Robin is also an accomplished keyboardist, singer and songwriter and plans to incorporate her musical gifts with her resources for women's empowering personal development.
Posted by Robin Tramble on February 1, 2011 at 6:30am
Are you using tactics that are relevant to the times? Or are you still using tactics from 1999?
Just a reminder that our coaching program, "I Rock on Twitter and Facebook Social Media Empowerment" starts tomorrow! This is your last official chance to join us for what promises to be an enriching experience.
The coaching program is... your answer to overcoming the fear, anxiety, overwhelm and possible information overload that you've been experiencing where it concerns using Social Media to accelerate your online success. Or maybe you have none of the above and have been looking for the anser to your needs. The coaching program is 6 weeks in length and we'll be meeting on select Tuesdays via live TELESEMINAR.
Remember, tomorrow at 12 noon PST, 2:00 CST, 3:00 ST is the absolute last day that we'll be accepting registrations with the current bonuses. You can register after that time,however, some of the bonuses may not be there for you as they were to be Early Bird bonuses (over $900 in value). Also the investment was to change, however, we may leave that where it is.
This is not a program in a box. You'll be empowered to explode your business and attract 1000's of lucrative relationships online using Twitter and Facebook.
I just created the secret group on Facebook today, which will add immensely to the effectiveness of this program. Plus you'll get access to my coaching and over $900 in bonuses including the new linkedin resource added.
Don't worry about missing a session as the calls will be recorded and you get access to them on the password protected page. And it's all from the comfort of your home .
POWER up your Social Media Marketing and Networking!!
Warmly,
Robin
P.S. Don't wait, do it today, right now.
If you're like me your intentions will be to register
only you'll step away and return with regrets because you
missed the time-frame you committed yourself to.
If you're interested you'll do what's convenient.
If you're committed you'll do whatever it takes. ~John Assaraf
Join the other committed savvy woman entrepreneurs and aspiring
in the I Rock on Twitter and Facebook Social Media Empowerment
Posted by Apple Daniels on February 7, 2011 at 7:30am
When I walked out those doors I said I wasn't going back and I meant it. I didn't know how it was going to happen and apart of me feared facing the reality of what would happen if it didn't but THANK YOU GOD for hearing my prayers... and I mean I PRAYED! I still can't believe it's real!
I just couldn't do it anymore. If I said that part of me wasn't thinking "What the heck are you doing girl?" I'd be lying. But that fact of the matter is I just walked away from a Fortune 50 company not a Fortune 50 paycheck and the sad part is I realized that it was never going to happen. I earned my Bachelor's degree while pregnant with the twins and then spent my Master's program pregnant and dealing with the new baby. In between degrees (and in a period of 1 1/2 years) I applied for eight promotions and received eight denials, some without any explanation. The straw that broke the camel's back for me was applying for a position within my own department, having my supervisors tell me I wasn't qualified, hiring a mail and file clerk giving her a minimum $20-$30k increase and then asking me to train her. HA!! If that isn't the biggest slap in the face, but I digress...
Needless to say I began to plan my exit strategy. I wish I had a great elaborate story for you that speaks of how I waltzed into my boss' office on a random day and dropped the bomb on them. How I stuck it to "the MAN" just when he thought he had me down but that's not what happened. The truth of it all is that I devised a plan. My exit strategy was well thought out and I had the great benefit of working and building my business with the security of having a job and being on maternity leave allowed me to be at home full time with nothing to do but learn while receiving a paycheck. Still, without gaining and applying knowledge I know that this would have never happen and that without deciding to take action I could have just as easily been returning to that dead-end job.
I know know you're thinking "Girl in this economy? People are dying for jobs and you're giving yours up?" YES!! I am! See when everything in the world is going right people get complacent. Dreams fade away because jobs are secure and many just coast along earning what they feel is a decent paycheck. But the last few years has shown many of that nothing is guaranteed. A new supervisor that doesn't like you, changes in policy, a failing/failed economy can put you on the wrong side of poverty faster than you can blink. Maybe you know someone this happened to... maybe it happened to you. Regardless, now is the time to take control of your own destiny... to fight the power so to speak. The greatest movements in history that produced real change came when people decided enough was enough and claimed freedom for themselves.
As I've said many times my reason for creating Maven On a Mission was not so much about internet/network marketing and signing people into my opportunities but more about giving moms who want to be home with their children the opportunity to do so. I've learned so much in the past 6 months to a year about being a real entrepreneur... an UNSTOPPABLE ENTREPRENEUR that I can't wait to share with you all. So much value has been poured into me knowingly and unknowingly that there is nothing for me to do but to pour it back out. I genuinely want to see you home with your children (or working from home period) if that's where you desire to be.
To those of you that have been following this blog, thank you for your continued support and to those just joining, welcome, welcome, welcome. Stay tuned... this is going to be a ROCKIN journey!
Wishing you growth and prosperity!
P.S. Over the next week I'm going to be announcing so be on the look out for my posts.
P.P.S. Click here to get access to the industries BEST and most affordable systems that will teach you how to build you business online, provide extensive marketing training from the industries top leaders AND allow you to earn income on 10 affiliate streams. Go on.. click hereRead more…
Well, hello! If you're just joining us, you'll see I've been writing blogs for a few months now( the one in 2010 was, "99 days to Win in 2010" ) and it's been a blast. It may come as a surprise to some, or confusion to others, but believe it! This is a part of the many hats that I wear. I LOVE helping others with business matters. My goal is to educate as many people as I can on all business details. Whether you own a Subway or a Network Marketing Coin Business, I can help! So click FOLLOW to the right and follow my blog for 2011, "Get Your Blessin' in 2011: Business Ideas & Advice" (www.businessadvice2011.blogspot.com).
So today's topic was touched on last year but I'm going there again. For a few weeks we will be focusing on building a proper and working business plan, website and/or blog, and marketing strategies. So let's start with the website(my book on building a business plan is coming out in February! Keep your eyes and ears open for it!). Anyhow, I was thinking about all the action I get from my site, and wanted to talk to you about how to build a successful website, for....(wait for it...) FREE! There are several resources for this and if you know anymore, follow my blog and comment below with your suggestions. But lets start with wix.com. I'm not too familiar with this site, but it allows a lot of video and flash player options. Tis really cool for a unique website, trying to reach a more chic crowd.
Another resource that I like is...Weebly.com! I found Weebly to be very easy to use. You don't even need a domain name they can give one to you and you're set. I have a hard time sitting for a long time trying to figure things out and with Weebly I didn't have any formulas to decode or vast instructions to read. Weebly has numerous templates you can use that will fit any business you are marketing. You can also monetize your site (that means MAKE MONEY!). Weebly has Google Adsense AND an affiliate program you can all use for....(here it is again)FREE!
For a very minimal monthly fee you can receive the following features: audio player, password protection, up to 10 websites, more MB space and MORE! I don't need those features CURRENTLY, but I look forward to upgrading my membership.
I highly suggest Weebly.com as a tool to create your website! It's fun, it's simple and it's....(drum roll please) FREE! Check it out! Talk to you soon!
Tamara
P.S. If you are not sure of what type of business you want to market or build a website for, check out my website or email me at tgarrison11@gmail.com. I can help you find a business you would be interested in starting (trust me, I have my ways)! If you have any questions about a domain name, or any of these resources, email me at tgarrison11@gmail.com. I'll be happy to answer your questions.
Social networking sites revolutionized the way we do business online since initially being introduced in the mid 1990's.
With instant access to your target audience, and the ability to keep a steady pulse on what our market is currently interested in, it has never been easier to connect with potential buyers and long-term customers.
Get targeted followers,friends on facebook,create a facebook page,get targeted likes, learn about facebook ads, learn what to tweet, what to post on facebook, suggested apps,BIG mistakes made and what to do and MORE! Plus over $900 in bonuses.
I look forward to working with you and helping you explode your business using Social Media effectively.
Get a taste by requesting access to my no cost Tele-training audio here:
Posted by Robin Tramble on January 21, 2011 at 7:24am
How Important are Autoresponders to Internet Marketing?
What is an autoresponder?
An autoresponder is a computer program that automatically answers e-mail sent to it. They can be very simple or quite complex. Wikipedia dictionary
Think about when you sign up for a Teleseminar or free offer, you enter your name and address or other requested information. Most times you can expect an automatic email with either a confirm link for double opt in or a welcome. This would be very tedious if you had to do it manually.
Internet Marketing and autoresponders essentially go hand-in-hand. You simply cannot be effective or as productive with your internet marketing without an autoresponder.
Autoresponders are used to achieve many of the marketing tasks that are essential to a successful business that utilizes online tools.
Internet marketing can be very time consuming. Whether you do affiliate marketing or market your own products, an autoresponder is a big part of your marketing arsenal. Autoresponders are used to keep in contact with your past customers, and to develop a relationship with potential customers.
Another great use of an autoresponder is to deliver communication to your opt-in customer list if you have one. It can be very effective in delivering ecourses, to send reminders and even help build an opt-in list.
There are many creative ways you can use your autoresponder to make more sales and to build customer relations.
Any successful marketer will tell you that there are two tools that are vital to any type of online marketing an opt-in list and an autoresponder. In fact, most marketers will agree that you could take away all of their other marketing tools, but they would fight to the death to keep the list and the autoresponder!
So don’t shy away from the autoresponder simply because you don’t understand how to use it. This is one thing that is worth learning. If you can, outsource the set up of your autoresponder to get you started with your listbuilding strategy. Just do whatever you need to do to take advantage of this resource.
I invite you to connect with me if you need support in setting up your autoresponder. I can suggest a great *autoresponder, go to http://budurl.com/tryautoresponder and you’ll get a free trial when you use this link. Send an email to info@RobinTramble.com and we can get you set up with a Coaching A la Carte strategy session to get you started on utilizing an autoresponder.
How important are Autoresponders to Internet Marketing? Very important.
*I am an affiliate of the suggested Autoresponder, however, I don’t suggest anything that I don’t back up 100%. If you do connect I may receive a small commission.
Robin Tramble is The Authentic Life and Biz Empowerment Mentor,Coach,Trainer and Public speaker
to Savvy Women, New,Aspiring and Enterprising Women Entrepreneurs
Posted by Robin Tramble on December 9, 2010 at 8:30am
Social media is all the rave and growing by the day or maybe even the minute.
Are you successfully using Social Media?
As Christian Women Entrepreneurs it is important for you do everything you can do to get your message out… in a BIG way. I’m going to share 3 tips with you that will enhance your use of Twitter. If you don’t have a Twitter account you can go to http://www.Twitter.com
When choosing the username opt for your own name even if you’re going to have a business account at least reserve an account with your name.
I’ll share more about setting up and managing your Twitter account in my Social Media Empowerment Coaching program.
For now here are 3 tips that you can use.
1. The word Social is not in Social media just because. Twitter, like any other virtual conversation, is a two-way street. Pay attention to what other members are saying, Add to the conversation where appropriate. This will also put you in front of their followers.
2. Make your Twitter updates available to busy people who are on the go, and for people who access your page solely on their iphones by utilizing the many tools available which also includes iTunes.
3. Strike up a conversation. One thing that is essential to gaining additional followers which will give you a larger audience to get your message to is to engage. One way to do this is to ask for feedback. Don’t just tell everyone what you’re doing via Twitter, try to ask everyone for their opinion or feedback. It’s a good way to start a dialogue and open up a forum for new suggestions and changes that can be made.
These are just 3 out of the many tips to maximize your results on Twitter.
Discover the power of successfully using Social Media specifically Twitter and Facebook by securing your seat in my “I Rock on Twitter and Facebook Social Media Empowerment coaching club!” Whew that’s a mouthful, however, you’ll get a treasure chest full of empowering insights and strategies as a member of this club.
You’ll also get an opportunity to take advantage of my Holiday Early Bird special plus bonuses.
Marketing is so important for small businesses. Whether you realize it or not it is something that you have to do constantly to get and keep your name in the public eye. A local marketing guru here loved my bookmarks and labeled them unique. He stated his first question to a business owner is, What is your budget for marketing?" If they can't give him a fiqure, even if its only $25.00 a month, he ends the meeting. He stated, You have to make a commitment to consistently do something". According to him if there is no commitment to consistently market your business, then you are just spinning your wheels.
The bookmark below is my primary offline marketing tool. The current version includes a 10% off code "Bookmark" for both my sell sites. My reasoning is that people will hold on to it longer. I'd like to hear from you if you think this is effective? Should the design be changed? Do I need my picture included?
Have you thought about or outlined your marketing paln for 2011? What materials are you using to market your business? Are you finding them effective to get traffic to your sell site or blog? Inquiring minds want to know? Smile
Posted by Robin Tramble on December 15, 2010 at 6:49am
Do you have a Facebook account? If not and you want one you can easily sign up for one at www.Facebook.com You’ll be given prompts which will include setting up basic information.
You’ll want to add a photo of yourself. Be careful here because a picture does speak a thousand words. It says a lot about you. If you’re aiming to build the know, like and trust factor then you want a picture that’s going to promote that. This is not the place to show your wares. Ladies you know what I mean unless that’s what you’re there for and still it’s always good to be discreet but that’s your option.
You’ll be given a couple of opportunities to add friends and you can do that now or later.
When you’re ready to add friends you can use this way and also include more intentional ways that will allow you to target the friends that you add. Adding friends is going to be beneficial to your fanpage activities.
Your profile is supposed to be more for personal, however, it’s also the place that some of your business associates will get to know you. Keep this in mind, your friends will end up hiding your posts if you post too many business updates on your profile wall.
So do you need a Facebook page also known as a Facebook fanpage or don’t you?
Posted by Apple Daniels on January 12, 2011 at 5:19pm
I've been social networking now for a few years and consider myself pretty "hard core." I check FB daily as well as share pics and/or videos, and on a regular basis I add comments to the crazy things that my friends post. Some are true classics! In recent days, I've become more and more concerned about what I read about social networking sites selling the information that they compile about me as I use their site. Evidently, the 500,000,000 of us sharing our likes/dislikes, talking about where we go and what we do-is really big business-and by that I mean-big MONEY business. SNS sell our personal information as well as our content to third parties-who are clamoring to find potential sales. I mean I know they have to make money, but at what price to us-the users. And it seems so easy for private information shared on these sites to become available to everyone. Have you ever Googled your name or searched Google Images? You read terrible stories about things that happen as a result of private information made public from these sites. A friend mentioned to me that she was using crazygood.com - a subscription-based social networking site that doesn't sell users' info or even allow ads. I still FB often but use it more as a search for friends now, and to make business connections because it's so massive. For sharing info, photos, etc., I'll be usingCrazygood. It just makes me feel more protected, and I'm back in control of my own information. If you're concerned about your cyber safety and want to be SURE your private information remains just that-PRIVATE. In addition, Crazygood allows you to earn some extra money just by referring your friends. When's the last time FB paid you for anything? I'm not downing Facebook... I can't even say I have a REAL problem with the third party ads. I only question some of their ethics in regards to using our information, and believe that if my life, my pictures, and , my stories are going to be sold, then I should get something in return. If they do go public, shouldn't we all get a share... or maybe even half a share... a quarter... SOMETHING???? *sigh* I digress...
We all know that social media is here to stay. If nothing else Crazygood is just another place for you to post content and connect with others. Check it out
Posted by Robin Tramble on December 12, 2010 at 9:57pm
Is your Mindset sabotaging your Social Media marketing success?
Any level of Woman Entrepreneur Empowerment requires continued personal, spiritual and business development endeavors.
Social media is playing a BIG role in business development. Believe or not your mindset also plays a BIG role in weather you are successful or not successful.
Your mind is a powerful thing and although there are many contributing factors the wrong mindset can hold you back from realizing the results you desire.
Here are three mindsets that will stop you every time.
1. Scarcity mindset
When you operate from a mindset of scarcity you see everything from a perspective of lack. You may resist trying to learn new tactics or even attempt to apply what you’ve learned because you feel there are already so many people out there in your field so why try? Truth be told there are many individuals out there who need your expertise and are waiting for you to step up and out so that they can resolve some of their problems with your solutions, however, how will they know if you never get out there. Also you may choose not to invest in additional resources that will empower your results but your scarcity mindset kicks in again causing you to hold on to every penny because there may not be enough for something else.
2. Inferiority mindset Here you always size yourself up with others who are miles ahead of you. Stop! When you do this you will end up giving up and this is fuel for low self esteem. Instead tap into your brilliance. What makes you unique? What are you bringing to the table that gives you a competitive edge? It’s important that you take the time to discover this. Once you are clear on the value that you offer you will no longer practice the activity of comparison,however, you will arise and shine for all the world to see!
3. It’s too late for me Sure things may not have happened the way you want them to happen, however, as long as you have breath in your body there’s hope. Take inventory of why things are not working. Don’t be a victim of time. There are many who started in there latter years and actually realized more in their latter years than their earlier years. Spend your time discovering new ideas, strategies and resources. Determine who it is you are here to serve. Develop an appropriate brand and make sure you have an online visibility plan that works.
Where are you in your Social Media Marketing endeavors? Do you recognize yourself in any of the mindsets mentioned? There are many more. Take inventory of some of the negative chatter that happens when you attempt to move forward with Social Media.
I’d like to offer you an opportunity to get in on my No Cost Social Media Empowerment Tele-training "Share your message and extend your reach to thousands using Social Media!"
When: Wednesday, December 15 at 1:00 pm PST, 4:00 pm EST Can’t make the call? The audio replay will be available to all registrants Plus you’ll quality for my drawing. Click here to secure your seat now!
Power up your Social Media Marketing! Join me for this call.
You'll join the crowd that says "I rock on Twitter!"
Facilitated by Robin Tramble aka @empowermentdiva She was recently named as 1 of 25 urban entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter by Brand Maker News with a total of over 10,000 followers she is qualified to share with you how you too can rock on twitter "authentically!"
She has a nice following on Facebook and her likes to her fanpage are increasing by the week without much effort. She has plans to increase her efforts to greatly enhance the likes to her fanpage.
You'll learn how to get targeted followers How to do Twitter without wasting time or money Realize more time for what matters most Mistakes people make when using Twitter Things you need to know or sabotage your success on Twitter How to position yourself to attract clients And more!
Posted by Andrea McGhee on January 15, 2011 at 4:55am
Now is the perfect time to start gathering Ideas to make this Valentines DayProfitable for you. Along with celebrating the holiday yourself you can alsoMake Feb 14th a day to remember for someone else.Here are a few Ideas that can put money in your pocket this Valentines Day!1. Money Roses are beautiful gifts2. Gift baskets full of his/her favorite goodies3. Valentines Day SweetHeart delivery service (your paid to deliver ValentinesDay candies,cards,and roses).4. Selling lingerie, perfumes, and beautiful costume jewelry NOW until ValentinesDay at your local flea market.5. Make Personalized Candies or Treats for purchaseAnd last but not least make sure you appeal to the male crowd even though youMay think your Valentines Business Ideas is foolish. Men are clueless most of theTime when it comes to gift Ideas. Be Persuasive!
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