Archive for January, 2011

I’m gearing up for my next mastermind program and would love for you to be part of it. If 2010 wasn’t as glowing in your business as you had hoped – this I know for sure – working with a coach can really catapult your business.

Last year, my mastermind participants learned the secrets of charging what their worth, the pricing strategies that ensure bigger sales, how to hire the best team to take their business to new heights, the secrets to great newsletters and so much more! These systems and strategies are what smart business women everywhere use to grow six-figure, multi-six figure and even million-dollar businesses.

Are you sitting there reading this thinking, “Boy, do I wish I knew those proven systems to help my business grow?”

Then I URGE You to Consider Joining My New 2011 Money and Mindset Mastermind Program…”How To Bust Through Your Money Roadblocks and Solve Your Biggest Pricing Challenges… Easily… So That You Can Transform Your Business and Daringly Charge What You Want and Get It! This PROVEN Program is Designed to Help You Make 2011 A Financial Success!

Are you creative, driven and passionate about your business but are afraid to charge more, can’t close a sale or are unsure of how to package and price your services so that they are filled with what your clients want? Well then you are going to LOVE the Money and Mindset Mastermind Program!

What you need to know is that the MMMP is offered ONE TIME ONLY in 2011. These spots are strictly limited (I’m only working with 8 women) and are not for the faint of heart! This program is only for serious business women who are ready to get rid of all their old money beliefs they’ve been holding onto and are finally ready to tackle all the money and mindset issues that have been plaguing them for so long and stopping them from making the money they desire. Once we’re sold out of this program, that will be it for 2011 so now is the perfect time to consider if this program is what you’ve been looking for, agreed?

Contact me for details and to receive an application. The special Early Bird incentive ENDS February 13th so hurry!

Questions about MMMP? Email me today and I’ll talk with you privately to see if this program is a fit for you.

I don’t know about you, but 2011 is starting out phenomenally for me and my family! I just finished my Money Breakthrough Certification and am ready to start working with women who want to change their money situation once and for all.

Stay tuned for more information, but for a sneak peak go to www.breakthrougyourmoneybs.com for my new FR’EE Mini-Course on Clearing Money Clutter! This mini-course gives you some phenomenal, but simple, strategies to start clearing away the clutter so you can start making room for more.

Here’s what one of my clients had said about this Mini-Course:

“I firmly believe that working with a coach like Maureen is the key to success. Being held accountable and masterminding helped me identify the real reason I was “stuck” in my business. I know I have had a breakthrough using the “Clearing Money Clutter Mini-Course.” In less than 2 weeks I was able to take the principles that Maureen taught me and apply them to clear the clutter in my life so I can make room for all the other things that I desire in my life and business. I do believe that “how you do money is how you do everything.” I feel more in control and look forward to more sessions with Maureen to move me further on my path to success!”

~ Janice Donovan | Market America/Transitions

Go ahead, get your fr’ee mini-course now!

www.breakthroughyourmoneybs.com

The first step to attracting your ideal clients is to know exactly who she is and what she wants. But if you’re like most women entrepreneurs you are more than likely trying to work with a market that’s far too broad.

The minute that you REALLY start focusing on a specific group of people who share a specific concern, or need is the moment that your business will begin to take off.  I know you want to market to everyone, but believe me it won’t work.

For example, if your in a crowded room and someone shouts out, “hey you!”  Do you stop everything you’re doing and look to see who said that?  Probably not.  You might be in the middle of a conversation, writing something down, or texting a friend (hopefully your not walking and texting or you might end up in the mall fountain!)

But what if that person shouted out your first and last names? Would you look up then?  Of course you would.  This person would probably have your undivided attention; at least for the moment.

The point here is that your ideal client is probably in a very “crowded room” so it’s vital to be able to get their attention.

One of the most important components to making a phenomenal living selling your service is to identify EXACTLY who that client is; otherwise you will never know: where they are, what they want, what they need and what they can afford to buy.

Enormous, multi-billion dollar corporations would never waste a single dollar on marketing that they know is not specific. So why would you?

Here are a few questions you can answer to begin to identify who your ideal client is:

• Who do you ENJOY working with?
• What would you love to help them with?
• What type of person lifts your energy?
• What does he/she look like?
• What do they read?
• What are their main problems and concerns?
• How much do they make?
• What do they do for a living?

Here’s today’s action item to help you identify who your ideal client is:

Write down a specific description of the type of client that you WANT to work with and what you will help them achieve.  Who will you enjoy getting up every day to work with?  Who will help to fuel
your passion?

Once you find your ideal client and begin to market to them you will see a dramatic increase in new customers and more money in flowing into your bank account.  And isn’t’ that what you want?

Women entrepreneurs often feel conflict around selling via email.  I hear this more and more when working with women; they feel sleazy and pushy sending one email after another to their list.

From a business perspective, nothing is easier than email marketing.  I mean, all you have to do is write some great emails, gather some names, hit send and you’re making sales!

Email is still one of THE best ways to market your business.  It almost always boosts sales but you do need to have the right skills that you might not be proficient at right now:

1. You need to send more emails that you probably feel comfortable sending
2. You need to write persuasively and many people don’t know how to do that very well
3. You need to NOT take the rejection personally

Once you master these skills, nothing is more exciting to see than sales roll in from a new product or program, or signing up for a new fr’ee report — it’s truly astonishing!

To help you create these kinds of phenomenal results in your business, here are three tips that really work!

Tip #1: Give People a Reason to Buy

You’re probably sitting there wondering just how this is accomplished.  Simple, really.  Start your email off with the WHY.  State why you are offering this new program, product or service.  Let your emotions come through in the email.

For example: If you’re a fitness coach, instead of trying to sell how your prospects are going to feel better, give your readers a specific reason to buy, such as how they’ll fit into their skinny jeans for the first time in years.

Tip #2:  Focus On the Subject Line

Emails don’t sell if they aren’t read and opened.  To help get a better open and read rate, I always use the person’s name in the subject line.  It’s personalized and creates a nice connection right from the start.

Another easy tip is to ask a question in the subject line. It captures the attention of the reader as the question piques their interest and they want to know the answer.

Tip #3:  For Best Results Launch More and Send More Emails

Practice makes perfect.  But if you’re only launching a new product, program or service a few times a year, it’s hard to gain mastery at emails that sell.

Increase your email marketing efforts by launching a new product, program or service regularly.  Try not to let too much time lapse between promotions.

Not all promotions have to be paid.  You can offer a free report, or audio or video tips as a way to practice writing emails that are persuasive.

Remember, the more you write, the better you will get at improving your results.

Email marketing is simple and a skill that anyone can learn.  So sharpen your pencils and get writing.  Evaluate each attempt and look for ways to improve on your next attempt.  Practice means better results!

Project Makeover is the brainstorm of wardrobe stylist Susan Kanoff, www.agreatnewlook.com and make-up artist Grace Quintal  www.gracemake-up.com.

Susan and Grace have done makeovers in the past but this time they wanted to showcase the experience by expanding the scope of the services and chronicling it on video.  “There are so many makeover shows on television, but they all seem to focus on just one thing such as home, appearance or finances.” says Kanoff.  “Grace and I want to take things a step further providing a makeover encompassing all aspects of a person’s life”.

The two women  personally selected a team of professionals including a clothes designer, nutritionist /personal trainer, photographer, business and money coach, dating coach, interior designer, beauty services, life coach, and boutique owners.  The group’s mission is to empower women by giving them a totally new image and renewed sense of self, inside and out.  “A head to toe makeover can really boost self-confidence & self-esteem” says Quintal.

Next they needed to select someone to be the first recipient of this life changing experience. Published author and professional speaker Diane Darling seemed like the perfect candidate.  With Diane’s hectic schedule and extensive travel agenda, taking time for self-care has been last on her “to do” list.

“It’s better than being picked for “What Not to Wear!!” said Darling, author of The Networking Survival Guide. “Instead of just providing me with clothes, this team will help me improve inside and out. After years of focusing on others, it’s now my turn to pay attention to myself!”

Wardrobe stylist Susan Kanoff kicked off Diane’s makeover with a closet revamping session.  Together they excavated Diane’s closet, purging dated and ill-fitting clothes and identifying the styles and colors that work for Diane’s body shape.  Next, Diane will be taken on a shopping spree to choose clothes and accessories for her new wardrobe.  Diane will also get a new look to go along with her new style from make-up artist and owner of Grace Professional  Cosmetics, Grace Quintal and master colorist and stylist Steven Michael of Allure Salon in Andover.

“We hope that this makeover is one of many to come.  Our goal is to give Diane a professional and polished look to match the amazing and accomplished person she is!  Stay tuned!” said Kanoff.

Diane’s $4,000+ makeover includes:

• Wardrobe styling from Susan Kanoff www.agreatnewlook.com
• Make-up application and products from Grace Professional Cosmetics www.gracemake-up.com
• Business and Money Coaching from Maureen Campaiola, www.daretobephenomenal.com
• Professional bra fitting, bra and shape-wear from Night & Day, Andover, MA www.nightanddaylingerie.com
• Hair by Steven Michael, Andover, MA www.stevenmichaelcolorpro.com
• Clothes & jewelry by designer Michele Mulligan  www.mandzen.com/index2.php.
• Spiritual & inspirational life coaching sessions from Fran Spayne www.miraclework.org
• Photography by Marc Dove Photography www.marcdovephotography.com
• Interior design by Lisa Jacobs
• Dating and love advice from Cheri Valentine, Love Coach www.cherivalentine.com
• Clothes from Thirty Petals Boutique, Belmont, MA www.thirtypetals.com
• Clothes and accessories from Fresh of Nashua, Nashua, NH  www.freshofnashua.com
• Nutrition & personal training from Sylvia Sasso, www.shaperella.com

To follow this makeover and see the transformation visit:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Makeover/193595020658041

Picture this…

You’ve just had a great meeting with a potential client and you’re ready to reveal your fee.  You smile and tell them your rate; you go cold waiting for their response.

While you are anxiously awaiting their response crazy thoughts are running through your head like a steam roller.

Will she hire me?

Will she think I priced my service too high?

You hear “Your hired!” and a wave of  other thoughts begin to flood your mind…now you begin to second guess your pricing!

Did I low ball it in order to get the job?

Should I have gone higher?

You know what I am talking about; you’ve been there and you know what’s coming next.  The project always takes more time than you realize and you end up feeling overworked, undervalued and underpaid.

So what is a phenomenal woman to do who knows that she is worth so much more but is not sure about setting her fees?  Follow these tips for better fee setting.

1.  Know What You Are Worth

When you are setting fees how do you go about landing on a price?  Do you throw darts and see where it lands?  Pick a price out of a hat?  Or worse yet do you look to your competition to see what they’re charging?

None of those methods are going to give a price point that addresses YOUR worth.

If you bill hourly remember that many factors go into determining your price point.  So many entrepreneurs fail to consider all the factors so remember the following:

• First figure out how much you want to be making a year
• What are your subcontractor expenses (if you have any)
• What are your other expenses
• How much profit do you want to make
• All these factors make up  your “required revenue”
• Divide your “required revenue” by number of billable hours and you have your rate.  Don’t forget that your total number of billable hours is never 40 hours a week.

Is this rate acceptable?  If not raise your fees.

2.  Give Them Results

Clients are paying you for results.  Technically they’re paying for a service but in reality they are buying a solution.   It’s your job to make sure that you communicate those results clearly so that people know what to expect.

Will she get more clients?  Streamline her processes?  Be more confident when having a selling conversation?  Know the benefits and communicate them effectively!

3. Create A Haggle Free Mindset

Don’t haggle with clients about money.  You’re not selling junk at a yard sale  you’re selling yourself and you have allot of value!  When you engage in haggling it immediately lowers your perceived worth and once that happens you are sunk!  When you haggle you set yourself up for a continuous relationship by which your clients will nit pick you to death over everything…and NO ONE wants that kind of client interaction.

4.  Not Everyone Is Your Client

There will be times when you will have to walk away; when a potential client will not be willing to pay your fee.  That’s OK; they were meant to be your client.  The right client who IS willing to pay your rate is just around the corner.

Pricing your services is one of the most difficult  tasks a business owner will ever undertake.  Be a smart and savvy businesswoman and be prepared by reviewing the project and price.  It will save you a ton of heartache in the long run.

If you prefer to listen to this article, click here . . .

Your money story isn’t a fairytale, at least not for most of us. It’s that story made up from the past beliefs, words and actions that you observed in others as a child. It’s the things – albeit right or wrong – that you learned from your parents or caregivers when you were quite young.

How many of us heard the following statements from our parents growing up: “Money doesn’t grow on trees”, “Do you think I’m made of money?”, “We can’t afford it”, or, “Do you think there is a money tree growing in the backyard?” There are countless phrases that our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles said to us as kids. We know them all and those statements are part of what has created our money mindset. Sad, I know, but true.

Unfortunately, most of us have negative feelings about money. We have gathered all of the information that our family, peers, television and the media have told us about money and it has come together into what is now our negative money mindset. Some of our feelings may be conscious and others subconscious. It doesn’t matter if they are conscious or subconscious, they are there and they need to be tackled head on if you are going to make the money you desire!

Here are my quick tips to changing your money story:

1. Stop Ignoring Money and Start Paying Attention To It

Money needs to flow and it needs to be paid attention to. If you don’t pay attention to money it will find a way to get your attention. This will show up in ways you don’t want it to because you are not giving it the respect it deserves. So stop putting your head in the sand and take a good look at your current money situation and develop a strategy to deal with it head on. Here are three ways you can start paying attention to money:

Develop a Budget and Stick To It
We all understand the importance of developing a budget but many don’t follow through by sticking to the plan. Let me ask you: How do you expect to pay down your debt if you don’t have a plan? Your budget is part of that plan and a crucial part of your overall success strategy. So take pencil to paper and develop your budget NOW!

Pay Your Bills On Time, Every Time
Paying your bills on time is an important step in your money recovery plan. When you fail to pay your bills on time you are creating the energy of lack and scarcity and that leaves you feeling powerless over money. Many of my bills are paid automatically, some manually, but I pay them at the same time each month. Find a system that works for you and your money flow and stop ignoring your bills.

Track Your Money Daily
You don’t need a fancy system, just paper and pen. Put down the date and any money that was received each day. You may start out with some zeros on some days but eventually you will see money coming in everyday! This simple system really works…try it and see for yourself.

2. Find The Money Leaks In Your Business

Every business has money leaks. It may be that you are paying for a membership that you don’t use. Maybe you are paying someone by the hour and they take far too long to complete a task costing you hundreds of dollars in lost cash. There are countless ways that money leaks right out of our hands and back account. Find your money leaks and plug them so that you can have more money in your business and life.

3. Stop Using Negative Money Language

Spending money is always a choice about what you are prioritizing and what you value. But when you say things like, “I can’t afford it” or “I don’t have the money” it tells the universe that you are not open to receive the money that it is trying to give you. These statements are constricting, limiting and are based in scarcity and lack.

Instead say things like: “I am worth it” or “I choose to invest in myself and my business.” Not only is the language really important but what’s behind the language; the mindset is really important too. Start focusing on what you say and stop using language that sends the wrong message to the universe.

When you start to pay attention to money, it will begin to flow into your business and into your life. So pick one of these tips today and change your money story.

We all make resolutions and most people make them in two distinct areas.  The first in health and the second financially.  Did you make financial resolutions this year?  If you did keep reading to find out the best strategy so you can stick to and reach your financial goals in 2011.

1.  Less IS More

I read a blog post last week and under financial goals this is what was written:

1. Significantly increase our giving to needs in our community and around the world. This is an ongoing goal, so we’re keeping it uncrossed off from the list.

2. Pay cash for a replacement washer and dryer for our very used set.

3. Pay cash for a replacement for van

4. Pay cash for a couch for our basement family room.

5. Pay cash for bunk beds for the girls.

6. Fully fund our IRAs.

7. Bump up our retirement savings to 10% of our income.

8. Fund our children’s educational savings.

9. Double our Emergency Fund Savings (Instead of having around six month’s worth of expenses set aside, we’re planning to set aside a year’s worth of expenses.)

10.  Save at least 40% towards our Commercial Real Estate Investing Goal

I was overwhelmed and exhausted just reading this list.  I bet you are too!

Here’s what I suggest:   Have two goals and work diligently on meeting them.  Once you have you can add another goal to the mix.  This way you’re not so overwhelmed that you ditch  your goals. all together.

2.  Get Real

We all have goals and that’s great.  But without a plan the goal is doomed to failure.

Let’s say for a moment you want to get out of debt this year.  Great!  Congratulations, it’s a great goal to have.

Your first action is to determine just how much debt you actually have.  Get out a piece of paper and write down all your credit cards, how much interest they have and the outstanding balance.  Add it up.

Ok, gulp that’s how much debt you have.  How do you plan on paying if off?

You must come up with a strategy if you plan on being successful.  I teach my clients a simple but very effective way to pay down debt.  It worked for me and I know it will work for you too.

Whether you use my plan or develop one of your own.  Start planning to ensure you meet your financial goals in 2011.

3.  Get Accountable

It is much easier to be accountable to someone else when trying to reach your goals.  So, find a friend, coach or family member who can hold your feet to the fire as you try to reach financial security in 2011.  This way ever time you reach for your wallet to buy something you don’t need, they can remind you what your working towards!

Remember, financial freedom and security IS attainable.  You can do it!