Archive for the ‘Small Business Marketing’ Category

Emails…I don’t know about you but I get a slew of them everyday! Sometimes, trying to manage them all can be quite daunting.

What I would like to know is how do you manage your emails each day?

Don’t leave your response here…it’s time to travel the blogoshpere and visit your blog to read your best tip.

Just drop in the title of the blog post and a link to your blog.

Thursday I will post the link so everyone can travel around and read all the great suggestions.

Well, 2011 has already hit a snag! My mother fell the day of the storm and broke her arm so I am back to juggling work between the hospital and home.

That’s the beauty of being an entrepreneur; the ability to take care of whatever needs to happen in your business and still attend to your family. One of the ways that I accomplish this is by delegating tasks to my team.

Lisa, my VA, is the primary person that takes care of issues for me like sending out this newsletter. But my web designer is hard at work right now creating a new website too. Hiring and delegating to a high performance team is one of the topics I will be covering in my BRAND NEW 2011 Money, Marketing and Mindset Mastermind.

Are you sitting there reading this thinking, “Boy, do I wish I knew how to hire the right people to support me in my business?”

Then I URGE You to Consider Joining My 2011 New 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!

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 2 spots are already taken!) 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?

Get ALL the details here and lock in the Early Bird Savings before February 28th!

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

Many entrepreneurs are often confused as to what to offer clients.  They believe that the more choices, the more likely the client will say yes.  We mistakenly believe the more choices, people will inevitably get what they want.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Problem is, when we offer so many choices, we overwhelm our potential clients, making it preferable for them to say, “Let me think about it” instead of “Yes, sign me up!”

Right now you’re probably thinking, “OK Maureen, then what do I offer and how do I know I made the right choice?”

Let me share with you a simple way for you to decide which is the right offer to make to your potential clients, each time, every time.

Ask yourself:  What is your PRIMARY outcome?

By asking and answering that question, you’ll be able to clearly see what you should be offering.  It’s that simple.

Take for example my client who wanted to launch a new program that combined the benefits of good eating with a personal approach to exercise.

The minute I heard that, I knew she had a great program lined up. I coached her as to WHY reaching her outcome was so important to her. She explained why her new program could make an amazing difference for people. Her passion came shining through as she explained this to me.

Then I explained to her that by giving multiple offers she was diluting her passion. By offering too many choices she was making it easy for people to make no choice at all. Which would mean she wouldn’t be able to serve anyone the way she was meant to serve them.

My client, Tammy, is smart and saw the brilliant wisdom in my coaching. The results? She not only filled her program, she had to create another program to accommodate all the others who wanted in!  She brought in so much money in that one month she was blown away!

Make It Easy for Your Clients to say “Yes” With One Offer

Marketing isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. It’s an ongoing opportunity for you to offer your programs, products and services. Just remember that in the long run, making one offer at a time will help you create the outcome you desire, which is to help more people and to put more money into your pocket!

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 figures and even million dollar businesses.

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

Then I URGE You To Consider Joining My 2011 New 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 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’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.

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?

MPG isn’t an acronym for miles per gallon.  No, not this time.

It stands for My Phenomenal Goals!

My Phenomenal Goals are displayed in my office where I can see them, reflect on them and check them off in celebratory fashion when I’ve reached them.

The end of the year is fast approaching and now is the time to start thinking about what your 2011 goals are going to be.

Here’s some tips to help formulate your best goals for 2011:

1.  Sit down and revisit the goals you had for 2010. Review the questions below.  Your answers will help you create your goals for 2011.

• What goals did I reach in 2010?
• What stood in the way of me reaching any of my goals?
• What do I need to put in place this year to make sure I reach my goals in 2011?

2.  Sit down and formulate your goals for 2011. Haven’t developed any?  Well get cracking on that task.  Think about these questions to get you started:

• What’s working in my business?
• What’s not?
• What action(s) would take me closer to my commitments in the next 90 days?
• What opportunities exist right now?
• What new strategy(ies) could I implement so I can reach these goals?

3.  Determine if your goals are realistic given where you are currently and your action steps. For example, consider how you plan on bringing in revenue for the year, what program, services, or products are you launching in 2011 and what marketing strategies are you planning on implementing in the year?

3.  Next revise your goals or the plan to achieve them or maybe both so that they are in total alignment with your vision…oh, and make sure they are doable. I like to tell my clients that when developing goals you need to feel the friction between too hard and too easy…that place in between.  When you find it, that is where your goal should be.

You must take the RIGHT action in the RIGHT way at the RIGHT time while keeping a clear and positive mindset about what you want to achieve.  This combination will catapult you forward to your goals and nothing else!

Want to make sure that you are formulating the RIGHT goals, at the RIGHT time, in the RIGHT order?  Call me at 978-794-4991 or email me at maureen@daretobephenomenal.com for a strategy session to see if I can help you formulate the right plan!  It’s a simple, easy and cost effective way to make sure you are on the right track!

The Holiday Extravaganza is happening again!

Networking, Shopping, Gift Bags, Raffles and More!

December 7, 2010
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Salvatore’s Restaurant • Lawrence, MA

Hope you are marking your calendar for Tuesday, December 7th so you won’t miss the Holiday Extravaganza of the year!

2009 DARE To Be Phenomenal’s Holiday Extravaganza SOLD OUT!  With over 400+ men and women in attendance and 67 businesses in represented it was a great time.

Here’s what last year’s attendees had to say:

“It was phenomenal. Great people! Very receptive to my business and obtained new clients.” ~ Susan Caldwell

“Wonderful and exciting. Good that people from outside the group were allowed to attend to increase exposure of member businesses. Thank you for all of your hard work, Maureen.” ~ Kerry Wiley

“Loved perusing the vendor tables. I bought some nice holiday gifts, too!” ~ Elizabeth Covino

“The event was wonderful; a lot of different people took part in the event. I made a lot of connections with new prospects and business women. Maureen did a fabulous job coordinating this event. Thanks, Mo, for all your hard work. I can’t wait for next year.” ~Connie Doto

“Maureen, you did an incredible job with this event…..you thought of every detail to make it enjoyable for vendors and guest alike! Hope you take a well deserved bow and the REST!” ~ Karen Kallie

“What a great turnout! I was able to get some Christmas shopping done as the event offered a wonderful variety of gifts! I enjoyed it very much.” ~ Mary Honan

“It was fantastic! The room was buzzing! As a vendor, I felt the shoppers were genuinely interested in our products. I can’t wait to do it again, next year!” ~ Maria Murphy

“Had a fantastic time. Thanks so much, Maureen, for putting together such a great event. Your hard work and dedication is amazing! ~ Trudy Lawler

“Great time! Nice way to kick off the Holidays!” ~ Karen Kaloustian

Do you have your table yet?  We are 80% SOLD OUT and tables are getting snatched up pretty fast. So, contact me today if you want a table at this great holiday event.

“I can’t get my website done”, “My marketing plan is half done”, “I was supposed to finish this newsletter but the time flew by!”  Sound like you?

When speaking with women business owners ( and men too) I often hear a multitude of excuses for why their marketing efforts are stalled.  Whether you are the cause of it or you’re waiting for someone else  to finish the job, procrastination is the cause.

Procrastination is an emotionally charged issue that has you locked into a way of thinking.  But the reality is procrastination is really just resistance and once you bust through that resistance you can take action.

Here are three simple tips to help you rid yourself of the evil grip of resistance and procrastination.

1.  Stop the Excuses

If you are waiting for your web developer or virtual assistant to get that sales page, web site or newsletter finished it’s time to stop accepting these excuses and time to start having a conversation.

What you’re really resistant to is the fact you have to have this conversation so you procrastinate about it.  Nobody wants to be tough on someone, but it has to happen.   My advice is stop letting them tell you when the project will be done and instead tell them when you need it.   If they can’t meet the deadlines let them know you will find someone who can.

Rough?  Yes, but as soon as you are crystal clear on what you need the faster your business will get back on track.

2.  Why Are You Marketing In The First Place?

What’s your bigger reason for being in business?  You probably love the fact that you’re helping others, or maybe you are thrilled to be offering these gorgeous photographs.

No matter what you do for a living your bigger why will inspire you more than the marketing tasks themselves.  So focus on the why instead.

3.  Make the Commitment

When you commit to something out load and tell the world about it you are more likely to follow through and the really cool part is you will find yourself finding all the inspiration and motivation to get it done.

So, The Next Time You Find You’re Procrastinating…

Remember, procrastination is just a cover up for resistance.  Use one of these simple tips and start moving your business forward with ease.

Are you wracking your brain for exciting, unique content for your blog or website? With each passing moment are you feeling more and more dreadful because you think it’s so tough?

Here are 6 tips to keep that unique content flowing and ensure it’s always top-notch:

Target Your Market: Who visits your website or blog? Whoever it is, your articles need to capture and hold their interest.  Unique content needs to educate and inform your readers, and keep them coming back for more articles.

Define Your Niche: Don’t be general.  You need to hit your niche with your content.  For example, if you’re a chiropractor don’t write an article about the benefits of chiropractic care.  First, it’s a real snooze but most importantly, it’s way too broad.  You need to discover a unique perspective such as how regular chiropractic care aids in restful sleep.  Angle your article to fit your specific niche.

Keep Up With Industry Trends and News: Be “in the know.”  Read daily industry news for fresh and timely content.  Doing so makes you look like an expert in the eyes of your readers and will definitely keep them coming back for more.

Write On A Regular Basis: If you write occasionally, your writing may become stale or boring.  So, in order to keep those creative juices flowing write on a regular basis.  If you write a blog, write consistently (at least three times a week) and keep a journal or notebook on hand to jot down notes and ideas for future articles and blog posts.

Don’t Compare Yourself To Others: Every writer and blogger has their own unique style of writing.  Comparing yourself to others does nothing for your self-confidence and even worse, it will hurt your creative process. It’s helpful to research blogs, ezines and websites for ideas, but don’t copy another writer’s style.  The key to branding yourself as a content writer is to find your own style and stick with it.

Keep It Simple: Help out your readers and keep it simple by not confusing them with jargon and complicated language.  It’s okay to bend some of the rigid grammar rules when you write Web content; however, it’s still recommended to edit and use spell check.  Implement this editing trick I learned from a professional copywriter: print out your article and circle mistakes with a red pen.  It’s apparently much easier to find errors.

Remember to use these 6 strategies when writing content for your website or blog and watch how these simple strategies can transform your business.