Monday, December 31, 2007
New Years Eve
Resolve those Resolutions
There is a great lean term "heijunka" which refers to level loading. Level loading implies that you will even out the simple cycles in your business so work flows smoothly. The opposite of heijunka is having everyone eat lunch at the same time, or having all the movies at the movie house start at the same time. Well, resolutions, too, need to be "heijunka".
Most of us make New Year's resolutions because we do strive to improve. If you are tempted to start the New Year with a list, be gentle and maybe use these guidelines:
Start small and add resolutions all year,
Leave resolutions that you have "tried" year after year off this year's list,
Visualize how your business will be upon achievement.
Have a start date and an end date for each resolution.
Having fewer resolutions that are achievable will help you level the load of your 2008 plan. Now, go out and have a great 2008.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather Changing Lanes LLCwww.ChangingLanes.biz
You HAVE to have a Marketing Budget
And then you have to have a Marketing Plan! Tis the time of year when we start planning our marketing efforts for 2008. Oh joy! The number one thing you need to remember is this: You have to have a marketing budget. Typical budgets are set at 2-6% of net sales. So if you're a financial planner who's making $50,000 a year, set aside $3,000 for marketing/advertising. If you're a bigger player, you know the drill - set aside 2-6% for marketing/advertising.
Did you know that when Coca-Cola launched its infamous product in 1886 that their marketing budget was $11,624? Amazing! Especially when fishermen were lucky to pull in $3/week, a ton of grapes would cost a vintner $5 and a loaf of bread cost a nickel.
Now your budget's set, it's time to start divvying up how you're going to spend the money. Don't forget to add your networking efforts to your marketing efforts. Lunches, direct mail campaigns, newspaper ads and any other marketing efforts need to be worked into your marketing plan for 2008.
If you'd like a free sample of what a marketing calendar should look like, simply send me an email at: rbooth@marketingsolutioneers.com. Put "Marketing Calendar" in the subject line and I'll flip a copy to you.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
Law of Attraction - Step 4, Allow, Part 1
The final step in the Law of Attraction Conscious Transformation Process™ is ALLOW! One component of allowing is to believe that you will attract whatever it is you want; a new job, prosperity and abundance, fulfilling relationships etc. Believing is difficult for many people, because we're conditioned to block our positive intentions with negative limiting beliefs and thoughts. "That won't happen to me." "I am not worthy of that." "I'm not good enough to get that."
Have faith that if others have what you want, there's no reason why you can't have it too.
Don't let dream stealers take your belief away. Occasionally, those people are your family members that tell you your idea is crazy, you can't do that, just look at who you are, etc. So during this holiday season, keep your belief level up and protect your intentions from others that may be jealous of your dreams.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Attention Networker Education Coordinators
BNI chapters have an Education Coordinator that weekly helps members identify and improve their networking skills. In the Monday Morning Readership, there are also Chamber members, other networking groups and informal business groups that could all benefit from learning new networking techniques. During 2008, look here for more tips on networking, but more importantly, tips you can share at your groups to help everyone have the best networking year ever.
Happy New Year! Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI - Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
To Do This Week
Happy New Year to all our readers.
Thanks for reading.
Pat - Paula - Rebecca and Linda
Monday, December 24, 2007
What's In - Bad Habits - Attraction - Refuse
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – December 24, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Christmas is the time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell government what they want and their kids pay for it.”
--Richard Lamm
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. What’s In – Linda Fayerweather
2. Kicking Bad Habits - Week 3 - Rebecca Booth
3. Law of Attraction – Pat Altvater
4. Refuse to Participate in a Recession – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. What’s In?
============================================================
2008 is on the horizon and as we have thoughts about family and the holidays, you may want to start thinking about what trends are on deck. There are many great places to look and at the bottom of this article, I’ve listed my favorites. Yearly, Entrepreneur Magazine December issue has its predictions. This year’s list is extensive and my favorites are the food trends! Dig in to these sizzling food concepts and you're sure to taste success.
Superfruits: Pomegranates and blueberries are superfruits meaning they contain enormous amounts of antioxidants and health benefits. Look for them everywhere!
Selling food online: Forrester Research estimates that U.S. online food and beverage sales will reach $7.2 billion in 2007.
Comfort food/one-item restaurants: Simple is sometimes better. Numerous one-item restaurants are pulling customers in by specializing in food that's comforting to adults and adored by kids. The Cereal Bowl http://www.thecerealbowl.com/ announced a nationwide rollout of 16 stores under development and plans to launch a kiosk design for airports, malls and college campuses in 2008.
Culinary tourism: A new type of traveler is hitting the road. Called "culinary tourists," these on-the-go consumers are making food a deciding factor in their travel destinations.
That is just a start and to see what trends may mesh with your business, check out the Entrepreneur Magazine (http://www.entrepreneur.com/partners/msnbc) for the complete listing of “What’s Hot in 2008”. Other sites to check out on 2008 trends are: http://www.trendhunter.com/, http://coolbusinessideas.com/ and http://www.trendwatching.com
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Kicking Bad Habits: 3 – Focus on the Benefits of Changing a Bad Habit
============================================================
You need to be motivated in order to change a bad habit. During Week 1 you looked at that habits you have. During Week 2 you assessed the consequences of continuing with your bad habit. This week, you have one last chore: find out what motivates you for correcting a bad habit. Is money your motivator? Having more free time? What is the consequence to you when you come in late even though you’ve promised yourself you’d make up the time later? Discover your motivation, then make the change. Reward yourself along the way for jobs well done. If you feel resistant to the change, focus on the long-term payoff for shifting your routine. You’ll be glad you did!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
http://www.marketingsolutioneers.com/
===========================================================
3. Law of Attraction
===========================================================
Happy Holidays and surprise someone each day with a thank you for something nice they’ve done for you.
www.transformationsinstitute.com/heartsong.html
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
===========================================================
4. I Absolutely Refuse to Participate in a Recession
===========================================================
Don’t let a bad economy be your excuse for failure. Instead, make it your opportunity to succeed. It’s not “what you know,” or “who you know,” it’s “how well you know people” that counts. In a tough economy, it’s your social capital that has value. Make good use of it and you will thrive while others struggle.
Here are a few techniques to practice in times of “feast” or “famine”:
1. Diversifying your networks. Participate in different kinds of groups.
2. Don’t be a “cave-dweller”. Get out and meet people at business events.
3. Develop your Contact Spheres. These are a groups of business professionals who have a symbiotic or compatible, non-competitive relationship with you.
4. Learn effective techniques to ask for referrals from your clients and people you know.
5. Offer incentives for people to refer you (it may be as simple as recognition).
Ultimately, it’s about nurturing the relationships you already have through giving!
To learn more about specific weekly giving activities, contact your local Referral Institute representative at http://referralinstitute.com/ and ask about their Networking Scorecard.
Copyright 2007 Co-Written by Paula Frazier and Dr. Ivan Misner
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia http://bniswva.com/
Referral Institute http://www.referralinstitute.com/
Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author. He is also Sr. Partner for the Referral Institute, an international referral training company (http://www.referralinstitute.com/ . Dr. Misner is also the Founder & Chairman of BNI (http://www.bni.com/ , the world’s leading referral organization.
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Celebrate the Winter Solstice!
Monday Morning Motivators – December 24, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Christmas is the time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell government what they want and their kids pay for it.”
--Richard Lamm
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. What’s In – Linda Fayerweather
2. Kicking Bad Habits - Week 3 - Rebecca Booth
3. Law of Attraction – Pat Altvater
4. Refuse to Participate in a Recession – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. What’s In?
============================================================
2008 is on the horizon and as we have thoughts about family and the holidays, you may want to start thinking about what trends are on deck. There are many great places to look and at the bottom of this article, I’ve listed my favorites. Yearly, Entrepreneur Magazine December issue has its predictions. This year’s list is extensive and my favorites are the food trends! Dig in to these sizzling food concepts and you're sure to taste success.
Superfruits: Pomegranates and blueberries are superfruits meaning they contain enormous amounts of antioxidants and health benefits. Look for them everywhere!
Selling food online: Forrester Research estimates that U.S. online food and beverage sales will reach $7.2 billion in 2007.
Comfort food/one-item restaurants: Simple is sometimes better. Numerous one-item restaurants are pulling customers in by specializing in food that's comforting to adults and adored by kids. The Cereal Bowl http://www.thecerealbowl.com/ announced a nationwide rollout of 16 stores under development and plans to launch a kiosk design for airports, malls and college campuses in 2008.
Culinary tourism: A new type of traveler is hitting the road. Called "culinary tourists," these on-the-go consumers are making food a deciding factor in their travel destinations.
That is just a start and to see what trends may mesh with your business, check out the Entrepreneur Magazine (http://www.entrepreneur.com/partners/msnbc) for the complete listing of “What’s Hot in 2008”. Other sites to check out on 2008 trends are: http://www.trendhunter.com/, http://coolbusinessideas.com/ and http://www.trendwatching.com
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Kicking Bad Habits: 3 – Focus on the Benefits of Changing a Bad Habit
============================================================
You need to be motivated in order to change a bad habit. During Week 1 you looked at that habits you have. During Week 2 you assessed the consequences of continuing with your bad habit. This week, you have one last chore: find out what motivates you for correcting a bad habit. Is money your motivator? Having more free time? What is the consequence to you when you come in late even though you’ve promised yourself you’d make up the time later? Discover your motivation, then make the change. Reward yourself along the way for jobs well done. If you feel resistant to the change, focus on the long-term payoff for shifting your routine. You’ll be glad you did!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
http://www.marketingsolutioneers.com/
===========================================================
3. Law of Attraction
===========================================================
Happy Holidays and surprise someone each day with a thank you for something nice they’ve done for you.
www.transformationsinstitute.com/heartsong.html
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
===========================================================
4. I Absolutely Refuse to Participate in a Recession
===========================================================
Don’t let a bad economy be your excuse for failure. Instead, make it your opportunity to succeed. It’s not “what you know,” or “who you know,” it’s “how well you know people” that counts. In a tough economy, it’s your social capital that has value. Make good use of it and you will thrive while others struggle.
Here are a few techniques to practice in times of “feast” or “famine”:
1. Diversifying your networks. Participate in different kinds of groups.
2. Don’t be a “cave-dweller”. Get out and meet people at business events.
3. Develop your Contact Spheres. These are a groups of business professionals who have a symbiotic or compatible, non-competitive relationship with you.
4. Learn effective techniques to ask for referrals from your clients and people you know.
5. Offer incentives for people to refer you (it may be as simple as recognition).
Ultimately, it’s about nurturing the relationships you already have through giving!
To learn more about specific weekly giving activities, contact your local Referral Institute representative at http://referralinstitute.com/ and ask about their Networking Scorecard.
Copyright 2007 Co-Written by Paula Frazier and Dr. Ivan Misner
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia http://bniswva.com/
Referral Institute http://www.referralinstitute.com/
Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author. He is also Sr. Partner for the Referral Institute, an international referral training company (http://www.referralinstitute.com/ . Dr. Misner is also the Founder & Chairman of BNI (http://www.bni.com/ , the world’s leading referral organization.
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Celebrate the Winter Solstice!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Refuse - Kick - Attracting - Motivating
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – December 17, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Economists have correctly predicted nine of the last five recessions.”
-- Paul Samuelson
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Refuse to Recess – Linda Fayerweather
2. Kicking Bad Habits - Week 2 - Rebecca Booth
3. Law of Attraction – Step 3 – Pat Altvater
4. Motivating Your Referral Sources – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Refuse to Recess
============================================================
The media pundits relentlessly talk of recession by reminding us that the perfect storm of financial ruin is just around the corner. Refuse to let your business be part of this negativity. And it certainly wouldn’t hurt to recession-proof your business by developing dynamic plans for cash, sales, expenses, employees, and equipment - call these plans "budgets". Budgets work for those who can live with a plan and understand that extemporaneous actions feed unpredictability. Start with a Cash Budget and review your Cash Controls. Seriously examine your fixed costs and then make a Marketing Plan that capitalizes on your existing customers. Review your debt to see if refinancing is available and ask your staff for help identify cash leaks and savings. Planning now may ease your path through s-l-o-w times. For details on these ideas and more, go to Ten Tips to Recession Proof Your Business. And remember – a recession is 2 consecutive quarters with a decline in gross domestic production. The GDP for the Second Quarter 2007 was 3.9% and for Third Quarter it was 4.9% - that is actually a 1% increase!
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Kicking Bad Habits: 2 – Consequences of Your Bad Habits?
============================================================
Did you know that a habit is an action that is simply not thought through? Habits that are counterproductive will produce negative impacts that are often left unnoticed. Remember how I abhor sending invoices? My monthly income comes 30 days later due by my bad habit of procrastination. By recognizing the repercussions of a bad habit on your business, you can create a powerful motive for change. Once again take time to assess each of your daily chores. Which ones are habits? Which ones are thought through processes? Assess the habit, identify any consequences they may have and put together a plan for turning the habit into a process.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Law of Attraction – Step 3
===========================================================
It’s important that your actions are congruent with your intentions. If you say you want abundance but then act like scrooge, you won’t manifest prosperity! If you say you value quality time with your family and then work until all hours of the night, your family life suffers!
So take a look at what you’re passionate about having in your life and see if your actions are congruent with that thing, activity, relationship or feeling. I’ve created a worksheet, with the help of Marketing Goddess, Rebecca Booth, called “What Makes Your Heart Sing”. I’ve included a link so you can do this exercise to discover what you are truly passionate about and then commit to spending more time on those things in 2008.
www.transformationsinstitute.com/heartsong.html
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Motivating Your Referral Sources
===========================================================
Truth or Delusion? People are more likely to refer others to you if you give them a finder’s fee? DELUSION!
Referrals are generated by people and people are motivated by many different things! While finder’s fees and referral bonuses may work for some, they don’t work for everyone. The key is to get to know individual referral sources as individuals.
An effective relationship building tool to help with this is the GAINS profile. It’s a great way to be sure you walk away from every meeting with specific, valuable information to help you move forward in your referral relationships – especially when it comes to their unique motivations.
G = What are their short term and long term goals?
A = What have they accomplished within their industry?
I = What are their personal interests?
N = What networks are they involved in?
S = What skills do they have that make them successful in their business?
One of the best (and most under asked questions) in referral relationships is, “How can I help you?” Don’t just ask it. Be prepared to answer it…by sharing your own GAINS information.
To learn more about the GAINS profile offered by Referral Institute through their Certified Networker Program, visit: http://www.referralinstitute.com/main/program.php .
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia http://bniswva.com
Referral Institute http://www.referralinstitute.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Take a vendor to lunch this week!
Monday Morning Motivators – December 17, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Economists have correctly predicted nine of the last five recessions.”
-- Paul Samuelson
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Refuse to Recess – Linda Fayerweather
2. Kicking Bad Habits - Week 2 - Rebecca Booth
3. Law of Attraction – Step 3 – Pat Altvater
4. Motivating Your Referral Sources – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Refuse to Recess
============================================================
The media pundits relentlessly talk of recession by reminding us that the perfect storm of financial ruin is just around the corner. Refuse to let your business be part of this negativity. And it certainly wouldn’t hurt to recession-proof your business by developing dynamic plans for cash, sales, expenses, employees, and equipment - call these plans "budgets". Budgets work for those who can live with a plan and understand that extemporaneous actions feed unpredictability. Start with a Cash Budget and review your Cash Controls. Seriously examine your fixed costs and then make a Marketing Plan that capitalizes on your existing customers. Review your debt to see if refinancing is available and ask your staff for help identify cash leaks and savings. Planning now may ease your path through s-l-o-w times. For details on these ideas and more, go to Ten Tips to Recession Proof Your Business. And remember – a recession is 2 consecutive quarters with a decline in gross domestic production. The GDP for the Second Quarter 2007 was 3.9% and for Third Quarter it was 4.9% - that is actually a 1% increase!
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Kicking Bad Habits: 2 – Consequences of Your Bad Habits?
============================================================
Did you know that a habit is an action that is simply not thought through? Habits that are counterproductive will produce negative impacts that are often left unnoticed. Remember how I abhor sending invoices? My monthly income comes 30 days later due by my bad habit of procrastination. By recognizing the repercussions of a bad habit on your business, you can create a powerful motive for change. Once again take time to assess each of your daily chores. Which ones are habits? Which ones are thought through processes? Assess the habit, identify any consequences they may have and put together a plan for turning the habit into a process.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Law of Attraction – Step 3
===========================================================
It’s important that your actions are congruent with your intentions. If you say you want abundance but then act like scrooge, you won’t manifest prosperity! If you say you value quality time with your family and then work until all hours of the night, your family life suffers!
So take a look at what you’re passionate about having in your life and see if your actions are congruent with that thing, activity, relationship or feeling. I’ve created a worksheet, with the help of Marketing Goddess, Rebecca Booth, called “What Makes Your Heart Sing”. I’ve included a link so you can do this exercise to discover what you are truly passionate about and then commit to spending more time on those things in 2008.
www.transformationsinstitute.com/heartsong.html
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Motivating Your Referral Sources
===========================================================
Truth or Delusion? People are more likely to refer others to you if you give them a finder’s fee? DELUSION!
Referrals are generated by people and people are motivated by many different things! While finder’s fees and referral bonuses may work for some, they don’t work for everyone. The key is to get to know individual referral sources as individuals.
An effective relationship building tool to help with this is the GAINS profile. It’s a great way to be sure you walk away from every meeting with specific, valuable information to help you move forward in your referral relationships – especially when it comes to their unique motivations.
G = What are their short term and long term goals?
A = What have they accomplished within their industry?
I = What are their personal interests?
N = What networks are they involved in?
S = What skills do they have that make them successful in their business?
One of the best (and most under asked questions) in referral relationships is, “How can I help you?” Don’t just ask it. Be prepared to answer it…by sharing your own GAINS information.
To learn more about the GAINS profile offered by Referral Institute through their Certified Networker Program, visit: http://www.referralinstitute.com/main/program.php .
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia http://bniswva.com
Referral Institute http://www.referralinstitute.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Take a vendor to lunch this week!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Stars - Habits - Attraction - Word of Mouth
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – December 10, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Change before you have to.”
--Jack Welch
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Backup Your Stars – Linda Fayerweather
2. Kicking Bad Habits: I - Rebecca Booth
3. Law of Attraction – Step 3 – Pat Altvater
4. Word of Mouth Marketing is Always Working – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Backup Your Stars
============================================================
Hopefully, everyone that uses a computer in their business is backing up regularly but sometimes we forget to backup other systems or parts of our business. In small businesses, we often fret about “what happens if Sam the Shining Star gets a better offer?” If that happens, you have already lost Sam. The best thing to do is thank him and wish him well. The seed of discontent with your company has already been planted and no counter offer will make you happy, Sam happy or the other employees happy.
Take heart, if your Sam is still there and you want to keep him you need to do two things.
1. Spend time with your Shining Star employees making sure they have the tools and resources to do their job while you help them plan their future with your company!
2. Identify the understudies now. The smaller the business the easier it is to cross train employees and get a feel for who can do what before it is critical. Put your human resource backup plan in action.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Kicking Bad Habits: I – Become Conscious of Your Automatic Actions.
============================================================
As a business owner, our success is intimately linked to how we behave. Our sales, management style and work style all affect how much we earn and how much we lose. This week I’d like for you to start thinking about any bad habits you have especially when it comes to sales and marketing. For me, I have a horrible habit of not doing my invoicing on a regular basis. For some reason, I absolutely hate to do it, but love when the checks roll in. This paves the way for me to overlook billing a client and makes incoming payment even later than it should be. What are your bad habits? Become conscious of them, then try to figure out a way around the habit. FYI, I’ve created a new form for myself which assesses what I’m “making” each day and what marketing I’m doing each day. If you’d like a copy of the form, write me at: rbooth@marketingsolutioneers.com, place “form” in the subject line.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Law of Attraction – Step 3
===========================================================
Remember to always put your attention, energy and focus on what you do want and NOT on what you don’t want. Remember that whenever you say “I don’t want….” the only thing your subconscious gets is the “want” part because the mind works in pictures. So for example, if you say “I don’t want to feel stressed this holiday season.” you are actually creating the picture and thus the vibration of being stressed.
So this week, filter out the words don’t, not and no and instead create the opposite of what you don’t want. In our example, we could say “I want to experience a peaceful holiday season.”
I hope you have a wonderful peaceful holiday season!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Word of Mouth Marketing is Always Working
===========================================================
Truth or delusion? Word-of-mouth marketing is always working? TRUTH! It just may not be working in your favor.
I recently visited a BNI chapter meeting. A banker stood up, offered most of his 60 second presentation and then stopped abruptly. The rest of the members anxiously awaited his usual memory hook. He offered that it may not be appropriate since I was there. Even though he protested, the well educated room “helped” him by shouting out on his behalf, “I want to be your…FN banker”.
He looked at me for approval and was really surprised when I gave him the thumbs up. I smiled and enthusiastically said, “Well done! You have succeeded in educating your referral sources with this clear, repeatable message. You have ALL of these people sharing THIS message EVERYDAY on your behalf. If this is the message you and the financial institution you represent want to send…mission accomplished!”
His smile was gone and his eyes were as big as half dollars. He realized in that brief moment that he’d successfully sent a message that wasn’t working in his favor…and it was out of his control. This negative message had grown legs and taken on a life of its own!
Is your word-or-mouth message working in your favor?
One of my favorite training tools is the recent best seller, Truth or Delusion, where leaders in the referral marketing industry bust networking’s biggest myths: http://www.referralinstitute.com/main/resource.php
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia http://bniswva.com
Referral Institute http://www.referralinstitute.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Develop an emergency call plan for your business. They are helpful during inclement weather and a must in real disasters.
Monday Morning Motivators – December 10, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Change before you have to.”
--Jack Welch
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Backup Your Stars – Linda Fayerweather
2. Kicking Bad Habits: I - Rebecca Booth
3. Law of Attraction – Step 3 – Pat Altvater
4. Word of Mouth Marketing is Always Working – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Backup Your Stars
============================================================
Hopefully, everyone that uses a computer in their business is backing up regularly but sometimes we forget to backup other systems or parts of our business. In small businesses, we often fret about “what happens if Sam the Shining Star gets a better offer?” If that happens, you have already lost Sam. The best thing to do is thank him and wish him well. The seed of discontent with your company has already been planted and no counter offer will make you happy, Sam happy or the other employees happy.
Take heart, if your Sam is still there and you want to keep him you need to do two things.
1. Spend time with your Shining Star employees making sure they have the tools and resources to do their job while you help them plan their future with your company!
2. Identify the understudies now. The smaller the business the easier it is to cross train employees and get a feel for who can do what before it is critical. Put your human resource backup plan in action.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Kicking Bad Habits: I – Become Conscious of Your Automatic Actions.
============================================================
As a business owner, our success is intimately linked to how we behave. Our sales, management style and work style all affect how much we earn and how much we lose. This week I’d like for you to start thinking about any bad habits you have especially when it comes to sales and marketing. For me, I have a horrible habit of not doing my invoicing on a regular basis. For some reason, I absolutely hate to do it, but love when the checks roll in. This paves the way for me to overlook billing a client and makes incoming payment even later than it should be. What are your bad habits? Become conscious of them, then try to figure out a way around the habit. FYI, I’ve created a new form for myself which assesses what I’m “making” each day and what marketing I’m doing each day. If you’d like a copy of the form, write me at: rbooth@marketingsolutioneers.com, place “form” in the subject line.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Law of Attraction – Step 3
===========================================================
Remember to always put your attention, energy and focus on what you do want and NOT on what you don’t want. Remember that whenever you say “I don’t want….” the only thing your subconscious gets is the “want” part because the mind works in pictures. So for example, if you say “I don’t want to feel stressed this holiday season.” you are actually creating the picture and thus the vibration of being stressed.
So this week, filter out the words don’t, not and no and instead create the opposite of what you don’t want. In our example, we could say “I want to experience a peaceful holiday season.”
I hope you have a wonderful peaceful holiday season!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Word of Mouth Marketing is Always Working
===========================================================
Truth or delusion? Word-of-mouth marketing is always working? TRUTH! It just may not be working in your favor.
I recently visited a BNI chapter meeting. A banker stood up, offered most of his 60 second presentation and then stopped abruptly. The rest of the members anxiously awaited his usual memory hook. He offered that it may not be appropriate since I was there. Even though he protested, the well educated room “helped” him by shouting out on his behalf, “I want to be your…FN banker”.
He looked at me for approval and was really surprised when I gave him the thumbs up. I smiled and enthusiastically said, “Well done! You have succeeded in educating your referral sources with this clear, repeatable message. You have ALL of these people sharing THIS message EVERYDAY on your behalf. If this is the message you and the financial institution you represent want to send…mission accomplished!”
His smile was gone and his eyes were as big as half dollars. He realized in that brief moment that he’d successfully sent a message that wasn’t working in his favor…and it was out of his control. This negative message had grown legs and taken on a life of its own!
Is your word-or-mouth message working in your favor?
One of my favorite training tools is the recent best seller, Truth or Delusion, where leaders in the referral marketing industry bust networking’s biggest myths: http://www.referralinstitute.com/main/resource.php
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia http://bniswva.com
Referral Institute http://www.referralinstitute.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Develop an emergency call plan for your business. They are helpful during inclement weather and a must in real disasters.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Do Overs - Don't Call - Attract - Where are You?
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – December 3, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"If you don’t set goals for yourself, you are doomed to work to achieve the goals of someone else."
--Brian Tracy
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Wishing for a “Do Over”! – Linda Fayerweather
2. Protect Your Cell Minute- Rebecca Booth
3. What exactly do you want to attract? – Pat Altvater
4. Where Are You Now? – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Wishing for a “Do Over”
============================================================
When you are contemplating quitting (your business, your job, or a personal situation), and a “do-over” is not possible, change your view, literally. Instead of sitting in your office stand or sit in the conference room. Drive a different way to work and buy your AM beverage someplace different. Read a different newspaper or turn off the TV and radio. Sit in a different chair at dinner time, dress-up more for work and acknowledge strangers with a nod or smile. Now, if you don’t get an insight right away, continue for several days because often what needs a “do-over” is our way of thinking. When we get comfortable with our beauty and our warts we sometimes fail to see the opportunities for the future. Change your focal point and see what happens!
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Protect Your Cell Minutes
============================================================
Good News: It's been four blissful years since telemarketers have stopped dialing my work number. But the bad news is: a directory of cell phone numbers will soon be published and sold to telemarketers. This will mean that telemarketers can call you on your cell and eat up viable minutes, if you're on a restricted plan. Protect yourself and register your cell phone with the National Do Not Call Registry (www.donotcall.gov) today. While you're there, update your office and home phone numbers too. They will expire at year's end.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Law of Attraction – Step 2
===========================================================
Last week we discussed getting really clear about what you want to attract into your life; today we’re going to talk about how to quickly manifest that very thing.
The key is to create within you the feelings of already having what you want – the perfect customer, the excellent employee, the new job, more money, etc.
It’s our thoughts that create our feelings, so we can create any feeling that we want to just by passionately creating the experience in our mind. The Law of Attraction does not respond to the words you use, it simply responds to how you feel about what you say or think about.
So at least once a day, spend a few minutes visualizing, with passion and enthusiasm, yourself already having your desire fulfilled.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Where Are You Now?
===========================================================
Where Are You Now?
The end of the year is fast approaching and most professionals have already set their goals. When it comes to your referral marketing plan, you’ve got to know where you are, where you want/need to be, and come up with a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely) plan to get there. You can begin to rate your referral plan by measuring your current status on the following statements: 1= Never 3=Sometimes 5=Always.
I have a Referral Plan and work the Plan
I track where each of my referrals come from
I have a firm understanding of my Target Market
I know the amount of business that I generate by referral
I have a “thank you” system for each of my referral sources
I have an organized database system that is easy to use
I keep my database updated regularly
I have a mission statement for myself and my company
I understand how to develop a referral partner
There are 20 questions (and 100 possible points) on the complete Referral Institute “Where Are You Now” survey to determine whether or not:
1. You are purposefully building your business by referral.
2. Your referral marketing plan may need a little tweaking.
3. Your referrals are probably happening by chance.
4. You may be generating low level leads instead of qualified referrals.
5. You’re at least trying.
So…where are you now?
Learn more about purposefully accomplishing your referral marketing goals by visiting Referral Institute’s website at http://www.referralinstitute.com
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
If you live in Northwest Ohio – Check out this showing of “The Secret” http://www.changinglanes.biz/index.cfm?p=page&ar77=Y&id=81&blog_cat_name=Articles
Monday Morning Motivators – December 3, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"If you don’t set goals for yourself, you are doomed to work to achieve the goals of someone else."
--Brian Tracy
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Wishing for a “Do Over”! – Linda Fayerweather
2. Protect Your Cell Minute- Rebecca Booth
3. What exactly do you want to attract? – Pat Altvater
4. Where Are You Now? – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Wishing for a “Do Over”
============================================================
When you are contemplating quitting (your business, your job, or a personal situation), and a “do-over” is not possible, change your view, literally. Instead of sitting in your office stand or sit in the conference room. Drive a different way to work and buy your AM beverage someplace different. Read a different newspaper or turn off the TV and radio. Sit in a different chair at dinner time, dress-up more for work and acknowledge strangers with a nod or smile. Now, if you don’t get an insight right away, continue for several days because often what needs a “do-over” is our way of thinking. When we get comfortable with our beauty and our warts we sometimes fail to see the opportunities for the future. Change your focal point and see what happens!
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Protect Your Cell Minutes
============================================================
Good News: It's been four blissful years since telemarketers have stopped dialing my work number. But the bad news is: a directory of cell phone numbers will soon be published and sold to telemarketers. This will mean that telemarketers can call you on your cell and eat up viable minutes, if you're on a restricted plan. Protect yourself and register your cell phone with the National Do Not Call Registry (www.donotcall.gov) today. While you're there, update your office and home phone numbers too. They will expire at year's end.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Law of Attraction – Step 2
===========================================================
Last week we discussed getting really clear about what you want to attract into your life; today we’re going to talk about how to quickly manifest that very thing.
The key is to create within you the feelings of already having what you want – the perfect customer, the excellent employee, the new job, more money, etc.
It’s our thoughts that create our feelings, so we can create any feeling that we want to just by passionately creating the experience in our mind. The Law of Attraction does not respond to the words you use, it simply responds to how you feel about what you say or think about.
So at least once a day, spend a few minutes visualizing, with passion and enthusiasm, yourself already having your desire fulfilled.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Where Are You Now?
===========================================================
Where Are You Now?
The end of the year is fast approaching and most professionals have already set their goals. When it comes to your referral marketing plan, you’ve got to know where you are, where you want/need to be, and come up with a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely) plan to get there. You can begin to rate your referral plan by measuring your current status on the following statements: 1= Never 3=Sometimes 5=Always.
I have a Referral Plan and work the Plan
I track where each of my referrals come from
I have a firm understanding of my Target Market
I know the amount of business that I generate by referral
I have a “thank you” system for each of my referral sources
I have an organized database system that is easy to use
I keep my database updated regularly
I have a mission statement for myself and my company
I understand how to develop a referral partner
There are 20 questions (and 100 possible points) on the complete Referral Institute “Where Are You Now” survey to determine whether or not:
1. You are purposefully building your business by referral.
2. Your referral marketing plan may need a little tweaking.
3. Your referrals are probably happening by chance.
4. You may be generating low level leads instead of qualified referrals.
5. You’re at least trying.
So…where are you now?
Learn more about purposefully accomplishing your referral marketing goals by visiting Referral Institute’s website at http://www.referralinstitute.com
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
If you live in Northwest Ohio – Check out this showing of “The Secret” http://www.changinglanes.biz/index.cfm?p=page&ar77=Y&id=81&blog_cat_name=Articles
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday Morning Motivators - November 26, 2007
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – November 26, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love; there's only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”
--Wayne Dyer
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Business Goals = Getting it Done! – Linda Fayerweather
2. Kicking Bad Habits: Become Conscious of Your Automatic Actions - Rebecca Booth
3. What exactly do you want to attract? – Pat Altvater
4. Where Are You Now? – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Business Goals = Getting it Done
============================================================
The steps to making 2008 the business year of your dream are really simple. You need a plan. That plan will include the outcomes do you want to see in 2008. Outcomes should be obtainable within a year and graph-able. Graph-able means the objective will be quantifiable. “Increase Revenue in 2005” could mean success is achieved with one more penny of revenue. To give your brain and goals concrete evidence of success, think about using this formula: Verb + Noun + Date = Outcome. “Increase Revenue in 2005 by 20%”. This is specific, graph-able and time sensitive. Your challenge is to keep each objective short and realize it will be hard to have more than 7 active objectives.
Get some more details on making your plans for 2008.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Reigning Cats and Dogs
============================================================
Pets are big business - an astonishing $41 billion one! What's better yet, it's one of the fastest-growing categories in retail, expanding about 6% a year. Let's take a look at where the money goes when cats and dogs reign:
• Grooming & Boarding 7%
• Animal Purchases 5%
• Supplies/Over the Counter Medicine 24%
• Vet Care 24%
• Food 41%
Whether or not your business caters to this purrrfect industry, it's fodder to keep in mind when talking with clients and customers. Today's pets are regarded as a member of the family.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
http://www.marketingsolutioneers.com/
===========================================================
3. What Exactly Do You Want to Attract?
===========================================================
Have you ever experienced receiving exactly what you were thinking about from a chance encounter, bumped into the person you were just wondering about, or met the perfect client (or life partner) coincidentally?
Is it fate or have you attracted those incidents?
They aren’t random events, but rather evidence of the Law of Attraction, which states:
“I attract into my life whatever I put my attention, energy and focus to,
whether wanted or unwanted.”
It’s true, you can deliberately create the reality you desire but first you must get really clear about what exactly you want to attract. My Contrast Brings Clearness™ form can help you gain that clarity. You can download this form and the instructions for completing it at www.transformationsinstitute.com/links.html. Use this form anytime you want to gain clarity about your perfect customer, employee, relationship or material possession.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
===========================================================
4. Brand Recognition for You and Your Business
===========================================================
Confession: Writing is NOT a natural talent for me! Though, I know how important it can be in building brand recognition for me and my business. I am very fortunate to be working with THE leader in my industry and best selling author, Ivan Misner, as one of his writer mentees. For months, we listened to Ivan's "how to" advice but did not take action. Selecting the topic was easy enough - networking and referral marketing. But after all these years in our industry, we simply couldn't decide which subtopic to tackle first. It seemed overwhelming!
Knowing intuitively that many of us were "blocked" for the same reason, Ivan began one of our recent discussions a bit differently. He invited us to share one of our personal networking success stories. One by one, we began telling our stories WITH ENTHUSIASM. After we'd exhausted all possibilities, Ivan said, "WRITE ABOUT THAT! . . .and we did!
That day, Ivan helped me realize that as a speaker and trainer I inspire others through story telling all the time. Now I must learn to re-tell those same stories through the written word. Start with what inspires YOU!
You can get advice on how to Brand "You" by Writing directly from Dr. Misner by visiting Entrepreneur Magazine.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI - Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com/
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
If you live in Northwest Ohio – Check out this showing of “The Secret” http://www.changinglanes.biz/index.cfm?p=page&ar77=Y&id=81&blog_cat_name=Articles
Monday Morning Motivators – November 26, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love; there's only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”
--Wayne Dyer
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Business Goals = Getting it Done! – Linda Fayerweather
2. Kicking Bad Habits: Become Conscious of Your Automatic Actions - Rebecca Booth
3. What exactly do you want to attract? – Pat Altvater
4. Where Are You Now? – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Business Goals = Getting it Done
============================================================
The steps to making 2008 the business year of your dream are really simple. You need a plan. That plan will include the outcomes do you want to see in 2008. Outcomes should be obtainable within a year and graph-able. Graph-able means the objective will be quantifiable. “Increase Revenue in 2005” could mean success is achieved with one more penny of revenue. To give your brain and goals concrete evidence of success, think about using this formula: Verb + Noun + Date = Outcome. “Increase Revenue in 2005 by 20%”. This is specific, graph-able and time sensitive. Your challenge is to keep each objective short and realize it will be hard to have more than 7 active objectives.
Get some more details on making your plans for 2008.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Reigning Cats and Dogs
============================================================
Pets are big business - an astonishing $41 billion one! What's better yet, it's one of the fastest-growing categories in retail, expanding about 6% a year. Let's take a look at where the money goes when cats and dogs reign:
• Grooming & Boarding 7%
• Animal Purchases 5%
• Supplies/Over the Counter Medicine 24%
• Vet Care 24%
• Food 41%
Whether or not your business caters to this purrrfect industry, it's fodder to keep in mind when talking with clients and customers. Today's pets are regarded as a member of the family.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
http://www.marketingsolutioneers.com/
===========================================================
3. What Exactly Do You Want to Attract?
===========================================================
Have you ever experienced receiving exactly what you were thinking about from a chance encounter, bumped into the person you were just wondering about, or met the perfect client (or life partner) coincidentally?
Is it fate or have you attracted those incidents?
They aren’t random events, but rather evidence of the Law of Attraction, which states:
“I attract into my life whatever I put my attention, energy and focus to,
whether wanted or unwanted.”
It’s true, you can deliberately create the reality you desire but first you must get really clear about what exactly you want to attract. My Contrast Brings Clearness™ form can help you gain that clarity. You can download this form and the instructions for completing it at www.transformationsinstitute.com/links.html. Use this form anytime you want to gain clarity about your perfect customer, employee, relationship or material possession.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
===========================================================
4. Brand Recognition for You and Your Business
===========================================================
Confession: Writing is NOT a natural talent for me! Though, I know how important it can be in building brand recognition for me and my business. I am very fortunate to be working with THE leader in my industry and best selling author, Ivan Misner, as one of his writer mentees. For months, we listened to Ivan's "how to" advice but did not take action. Selecting the topic was easy enough - networking and referral marketing. But after all these years in our industry, we simply couldn't decide which subtopic to tackle first. It seemed overwhelming!
Knowing intuitively that many of us were "blocked" for the same reason, Ivan began one of our recent discussions a bit differently. He invited us to share one of our personal networking success stories. One by one, we began telling our stories WITH ENTHUSIASM. After we'd exhausted all possibilities, Ivan said, "WRITE ABOUT THAT! . . .and we did!
That day, Ivan helped me realize that as a speaker and trainer I inspire others through story telling all the time. Now I must learn to re-tell those same stories through the written word. Start with what inspires YOU!
You can get advice on how to Brand "You" by Writing directly from Dr. Misner by visiting Entrepreneur Magazine.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI - Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com/
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
If you live in Northwest Ohio – Check out this showing of “The Secret” http://www.changinglanes.biz/index.cfm?p=page&ar77=Y&id=81&blog_cat_name=Articles
Monday, November 19, 2007
Are We There Yet?
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – November 19, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
--John Fitzgerald Kennedy
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Are We There Yet? – Linda Fayerweather
2. Holiday Giving - Rebecca Booth
3. Say “Thank You” – Pat Altvater
4. Abundant Thinking versus Scarcity Thinking – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Are We There Yet?
============================================================
As a kid, I can remember on holidays riding in the car and actually saying “Are we there yet, Dad?” His answer was to teach me to read maps and estimate miles-to-destination using my thumb as a measuring tool comparing its length to the legend. I knew how many “thumbs” it was to Bannister, Michigan and about how long it took to go a “thumb”.
In business, I find it helpful to know when we are “there” and “there” in my book is profit. When selling a product it is critical to know your cost of goods sold and your overhead*. With a service, you will need to know all your costs to find profit. After you have all these estimates, you can now project profit. Many people make the mistake of thinking if we want 20% profit on a job or item, you multiply the total cost by 20% and add that to your price. This will give you a 17% profit not 20%. Sound strange? Well, it is just a little algebra.
Here are the common multipliers to get your price with the proper profit percentage. Yes, the decimals do make a difference.
Multiplier for 10% profit is 1.11. Costs time l.ll = Price with 10% Profit!
Multiplier for 15% profit is 1.18.
Multiplier for 20% profit is 1.25.
Multiplier for 25% profit is 1.33.
Multiplier for 30% profit is 1.43.
So, how many thumbs do you need to go to get “there”?
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
*Overhead = everything you pay for even if you have no sales!”
============================================================
2. Holiday Giving
============================================================
When thinking of holiday giving this year, think outside the box and consider a "tail-waggin' product" as a gift. Gifts for dogs and cats are not only useful but can help you stand apart from the traditional gifts of food, wine, chocolate. As a matter of fact many incentive companies are offering lines of brandable dog products ranging from a simple bandanas and kerchiefs to reversible raincoats. Whether or not you want your company logo on a piece of clothing worn by a pet is up to you. The simple act of remembering that your client has a beloved pet at home what matters most.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Say “Thank You”
===========================================================
It’s Thanksgiving, a time for counting our blessings. We have so many things to be grateful for: our relationships, our health, our careers, our homes, cars, and other material possessions. However, cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” that is a part of your life every day not just during the holidays is truly a blessing. This is a feeling of gratitude for the adventure that is your life, for anything and everything you experience; the good, the bad and the ugly! Say “thank you” to the butterflies that grace your path, the people who treat you unkindly or unfairly, your emotions that help you find your way to new learning, your exciting new idea! For information about a simple daily gratitude process visit my website at www.transformationsinstitute.com/ArticlesLinks.html. Happy Thanksgiving, not just this Thursday but every day!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Abundant Thinking versus Scarcity Thinking
===========================================================
It is tough getting people to focus on their specialty within their industry to identify their target market. Automatically they begin to fear all that they might miss. “If I ask my referral sources to introduce me to doctors, I might miss out on all the butchers, bakers and candlestick makers.” This is a prime example of scarcity thinking. The truth is; the more focused your market the more specialized you become and the more valuable you are to your clients and referral sources.
What is your specialty? How do you set yourself apart from everyone else in the industry? Do your competitors (people in your industry) seek you out as an expert?
When you have a niche, you limit your competition, because you develop the reputation as the “Go to Person” for that niche and there are usually few players in that field. The fewer the players the more valuable your product or service becomes. You will find that even your “competitors” will seek you out to help their clients. When that happens, you ALL win - you, your collaborative relationships and the people with needs for your products and services.
That is abundant thinking!
If you’d like more tips, tools and techniques to begin identifying your own target market visit http://www.referralinstitute.com.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Co-written by Paula Frazier & Hazel Walker
Executive Directors for BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
See what will happen when you say thank you when least expected!
Monday Morning Motivators – November 19, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
--John Fitzgerald Kennedy
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Are We There Yet? – Linda Fayerweather
2. Holiday Giving - Rebecca Booth
3. Say “Thank You” – Pat Altvater
4. Abundant Thinking versus Scarcity Thinking – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Are We There Yet?
============================================================
As a kid, I can remember on holidays riding in the car and actually saying “Are we there yet, Dad?” His answer was to teach me to read maps and estimate miles-to-destination using my thumb as a measuring tool comparing its length to the legend. I knew how many “thumbs” it was to Bannister, Michigan and about how long it took to go a “thumb”.
In business, I find it helpful to know when we are “there” and “there” in my book is profit. When selling a product it is critical to know your cost of goods sold and your overhead*. With a service, you will need to know all your costs to find profit. After you have all these estimates, you can now project profit. Many people make the mistake of thinking if we want 20% profit on a job or item, you multiply the total cost by 20% and add that to your price. This will give you a 17% profit not 20%. Sound strange? Well, it is just a little algebra.
Here are the common multipliers to get your price with the proper profit percentage. Yes, the decimals do make a difference.
Multiplier for 10% profit is 1.11. Costs time l.ll = Price with 10% Profit!
Multiplier for 15% profit is 1.18.
Multiplier for 20% profit is 1.25.
Multiplier for 25% profit is 1.33.
Multiplier for 30% profit is 1.43.
So, how many thumbs do you need to go to get “there”?
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
*Overhead = everything you pay for even if you have no sales!”
============================================================
2. Holiday Giving
============================================================
When thinking of holiday giving this year, think outside the box and consider a "tail-waggin' product" as a gift. Gifts for dogs and cats are not only useful but can help you stand apart from the traditional gifts of food, wine, chocolate. As a matter of fact many incentive companies are offering lines of brandable dog products ranging from a simple bandanas and kerchiefs to reversible raincoats. Whether or not you want your company logo on a piece of clothing worn by a pet is up to you. The simple act of remembering that your client has a beloved pet at home what matters most.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Say “Thank You”
===========================================================
It’s Thanksgiving, a time for counting our blessings. We have so many things to be grateful for: our relationships, our health, our careers, our homes, cars, and other material possessions. However, cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” that is a part of your life every day not just during the holidays is truly a blessing. This is a feeling of gratitude for the adventure that is your life, for anything and everything you experience; the good, the bad and the ugly! Say “thank you” to the butterflies that grace your path, the people who treat you unkindly or unfairly, your emotions that help you find your way to new learning, your exciting new idea! For information about a simple daily gratitude process visit my website at www.transformationsinstitute.com/ArticlesLinks.html. Happy Thanksgiving, not just this Thursday but every day!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Abundant Thinking versus Scarcity Thinking
===========================================================
It is tough getting people to focus on their specialty within their industry to identify their target market. Automatically they begin to fear all that they might miss. “If I ask my referral sources to introduce me to doctors, I might miss out on all the butchers, bakers and candlestick makers.” This is a prime example of scarcity thinking. The truth is; the more focused your market the more specialized you become and the more valuable you are to your clients and referral sources.
What is your specialty? How do you set yourself apart from everyone else in the industry? Do your competitors (people in your industry) seek you out as an expert?
When you have a niche, you limit your competition, because you develop the reputation as the “Go to Person” for that niche and there are usually few players in that field. The fewer the players the more valuable your product or service becomes. You will find that even your “competitors” will seek you out to help their clients. When that happens, you ALL win - you, your collaborative relationships and the people with needs for your products and services.
That is abundant thinking!
If you’d like more tips, tools and techniques to begin identifying your own target market visit http://www.referralinstitute.com.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Co-written by Paula Frazier & Hazel Walker
Executive Directors for BNI & Master Trainers for Referral Institute
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
See what will happen when you say thank you when least expected!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Profit - Turkeys - Showers - Spewing
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – November 12, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The best plan is to profit by the folly of others.”
--Pliny the Elder
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. First Profit, then Grow – Linda Fayerweather
2. Thanksgiving Tidbits - Rebecca Booth
3. Take a Power Shower – Pat Altvater
4. ON-LINE Networking Etiquette – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. First Profit, then Grow
============================================================
As you are pulling your 2008 plan together, before you get out your crystal ball, look in your business’s “rear view mirror” often call the P/L or profit and loss statement. If your business’s profit is not where you want it now, growing it may exacerbate the lagging profit. If you don’t like paperwork, growth will bring more. If managing people is not your cup of tea, growth usually means more employees. Anything your business is NOT doing well NOW, will be amplified with growth. As you are planning for 2008, be sure you have your business basics in line before you leap to the next level.
Basic Check list:
___Is your price right?
___Are there more customers and where are they?
___Are you using tools or technologies to help manage your business?
___Do you have systems in place for production, personnel, service?
___Growth costs money, do you have more?
Plan now, and you will be smiling later!
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Thanksgiving Tidbits
============================================================
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to let your clients know how much they mean to you. A simple card or bouquet can carry your sentiment for you. For those who are more daring, try quizzing your clients with these questions:
How many turkeys are sold for Thanksgiving?
How many Americans put stuffing inside the turkey?
What percentages of cranberries eaten are eaten on Thanksgiving?
How many green bean casseroles are served on Thanksgiving?
Answers: Around 280 million; 50%; 20% and more than 40 million!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Take a Power Shower
===========================================================
Finish your morning shower with a 10-20 second blast of cold water. This will invigorate you from head to toe and wash drowsiness away. Researchers say this increases your heart rate, alertness and the blood flow to your skeletal muscle. Several studies have found that patients who underwent cold water therapy actually experienced increased levels of white blood cells, which are used to stem off disease.
As if that weren’t enough, consider also that cold water stimulates the body to release endorphins and can also put you in a better mood, believe it or not. In addition to the stimulating qualities of the endorphins, the cold water activates some of the nerves in your brain resulting in an exhilaration upon leaving the shower Next time try a cold shower and see if you don’t feel more uplifted afterward.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. ON-LINE Networking Etiquette
===========================================================
Before technology, networking was a face to face contact sport. Thanks to on-line communities we can now network from our own homes. I began to strategically engage some of these on-line communities. What amazes me is that people will post on a blog or “say” something in an email that they would never say if they were standing right in front of you.
I recently had someone call me on the phone and she had nothing but positive things to say. She came to my office for an appointment and still had nothing but nice things to say. Apparently, she had SOMETHING ELSE to say because she verbally spewed in an email afterward. She even decided to share her “courageous” message with others by cc’ing them.
In the past, I spent way too much time composing positive responses to these negative emails believing I could get them to “see the light” with a few inspiring words. Sadly, these negative Nellies end up bogged down in “not so nice”, counterproductive conversations. I choose to invest my time helping positive, professional people by having on-line and off-line conversations that are solution focused and let the Law of Attraction do its thing!
Dr. Ivan Misner’s, recent article “Out of Line – Online!” further discusses this type of spewing.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Winter is just around the corner, make sure you vehicle is ready.
Monday Morning Motivators – November 12, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The best plan is to profit by the folly of others.”
--Pliny the Elder
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. First Profit, then Grow – Linda Fayerweather
2. Thanksgiving Tidbits - Rebecca Booth
3. Take a Power Shower – Pat Altvater
4. ON-LINE Networking Etiquette – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. First Profit, then Grow
============================================================
As you are pulling your 2008 plan together, before you get out your crystal ball, look in your business’s “rear view mirror” often call the P/L or profit and loss statement. If your business’s profit is not where you want it now, growing it may exacerbate the lagging profit. If you don’t like paperwork, growth will bring more. If managing people is not your cup of tea, growth usually means more employees. Anything your business is NOT doing well NOW, will be amplified with growth. As you are planning for 2008, be sure you have your business basics in line before you leap to the next level.
Basic Check list:
___Is your price right?
___Are there more customers and where are they?
___Are you using tools or technologies to help manage your business?
___Do you have systems in place for production, personnel, service?
___Growth costs money, do you have more?
Plan now, and you will be smiling later!
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Thanksgiving Tidbits
============================================================
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to let your clients know how much they mean to you. A simple card or bouquet can carry your sentiment for you. For those who are more daring, try quizzing your clients with these questions:
How many turkeys are sold for Thanksgiving?
How many Americans put stuffing inside the turkey?
What percentages of cranberries eaten are eaten on Thanksgiving?
How many green bean casseroles are served on Thanksgiving?
Answers: Around 280 million; 50%; 20% and more than 40 million!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Take a Power Shower
===========================================================
Finish your morning shower with a 10-20 second blast of cold water. This will invigorate you from head to toe and wash drowsiness away. Researchers say this increases your heart rate, alertness and the blood flow to your skeletal muscle. Several studies have found that patients who underwent cold water therapy actually experienced increased levels of white blood cells, which are used to stem off disease.
As if that weren’t enough, consider also that cold water stimulates the body to release endorphins and can also put you in a better mood, believe it or not. In addition to the stimulating qualities of the endorphins, the cold water activates some of the nerves in your brain resulting in an exhilaration upon leaving the shower Next time try a cold shower and see if you don’t feel more uplifted afterward.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. ON-LINE Networking Etiquette
===========================================================
Before technology, networking was a face to face contact sport. Thanks to on-line communities we can now network from our own homes. I began to strategically engage some of these on-line communities. What amazes me is that people will post on a blog or “say” something in an email that they would never say if they were standing right in front of you.
I recently had someone call me on the phone and she had nothing but positive things to say. She came to my office for an appointment and still had nothing but nice things to say. Apparently, she had SOMETHING ELSE to say because she verbally spewed in an email afterward. She even decided to share her “courageous” message with others by cc’ing them.
In the past, I spent way too much time composing positive responses to these negative emails believing I could get them to “see the light” with a few inspiring words. Sadly, these negative Nellies end up bogged down in “not so nice”, counterproductive conversations. I choose to invest my time helping positive, professional people by having on-line and off-line conversations that are solution focused and let the Law of Attraction do its thing!
Dr. Ivan Misner’s, recent article “Out of Line – Online!” further discusses this type of spewing.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Winter is just around the corner, make sure you vehicle is ready.
Monday, November 05, 2007
5 M's - Kudos - Mind Munch - Networking Defined
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – November 5, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“In modern business it is not the crook who is to be feared most, it is the honest man who doesn't know what he is doing.”
--William Wordsworth
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Five M’s – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing Kudo – Part 2 - Rebecca Booth
3. Mind Over Munching – Pat Altvater
4. Networking by Definition – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Five M’s
============================================================
No, this isn't a plug for M&Ms, although I'm sure some treats are still lurking even though I'm thinking about caramel apples. The Five M's identify the primary resources driving operational performance and hopefully profits.
· Men & Women: The people in your business, employees, vendors and contractors - everyone from the farmer to the delivery driver to get caramel apples to market.
· Machines: Systems or devices for performing work; including both paper and computerized information systems. This includes regulations on products and services - maybe they don't look like machines, but one bad apple . . .
· Materials: Items from which value is created; including work-in-process information - the apple, the stick, the caramel.
· Methods: The procedures used to produce value. Step by step directions for the most efficient way to produce the caramel apples so we don't have a sticky mess.
· Measures: The evaluation tools for monitoring and managing. Production and customer feedback is essential!
Identifying your Five M's will also help you identify waste. Ask yourself if your business is doing something that doesn't fit in the above model and then if it doesn't add value ask "Why are we doing this?"
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing Kudo
============================================================
Just so you know, that Paper Coach I work with, Julie Higby, doesn’t always attract bad marketers. In fact, she’s got a great story to tell about her recent move. She worked with Ron Erdman from National City Bank for the loan on her new home. The day she closed on her house, she was pleasantly surprised by a gift on her front door step. The loan officer had a “Welcome Home” message attached to a beautiful houseplant for her and her daughter. A few days later, she received a thank you note. The icing on the cake: Ron had his secretary call Julie to see how things were going with the move and if she needed any additional help. While others choose traditional form letters as a follow up, Ron warmed up the touch with the personal call.
BTW, Ron and Julie also do business together. He has hired Julie to be his virtual assistant on a follow up birthday card campaign that he has initiated with Send Out Cards (sendoutcards.com). Not only did he earn a commission off the home sale, he shared his wealth with the client by hiring her to do something for him. While she probably won’t be buying another house again soon, he has upped his chances of garnering more referrals by giving back to his client. That’s one smart cookie!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Mind Over Munching
===========================================================
Next time a food craving hits, British researchers say to counter it with a crossword puzzle or Sudoku puzzle. They concluded that diverting your attention as soon as the urge strikes for an unhealthy snack may help you regain your self-control.
The researchers gave 18 dieting coeds mental tasks and tempted them with three snacks: chocolate-covered sponge cake with orange filling, mini chocolate bars, and chips. The dieters ate less when distracted with tasks that engaged their complete attention. The distraction you choose must be totally absorbing, the scientists advise; hobbies like knitting won’t do because they allow your mind to wander-maybe right back to that pie or the ice cream in the frig. Furthermore, they concluded that the more you practice, the better the method works. So choose a diversion you can use anywhere, like books of Sudoku, the popular math riddles, crossword puzzles, etc.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Networking by Definition
===========================================================
Networking, as defined by Ivan Misner, the networking guru, is “the process of developing and using contacts to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence or serve the community. It is one of the most powerful techniques you can use to succeed in any venture.” So learn the skills and techniques necessary for effective networking and deliver a positive message effectively.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
A Haiku to remind you to backup your computer.
Windows XP crashed.
I am the Blue Screen of Death.
No one hears your screams.
Monday Morning Motivators – November 5, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“In modern business it is not the crook who is to be feared most, it is the honest man who doesn't know what he is doing.”
--William Wordsworth
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Five M’s – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing Kudo – Part 2 - Rebecca Booth
3. Mind Over Munching – Pat Altvater
4. Networking by Definition – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Five M’s
============================================================
No, this isn't a plug for M&Ms, although I'm sure some treats are still lurking even though I'm thinking about caramel apples. The Five M's identify the primary resources driving operational performance and hopefully profits.
· Men & Women: The people in your business, employees, vendors and contractors - everyone from the farmer to the delivery driver to get caramel apples to market.
· Machines: Systems or devices for performing work; including both paper and computerized information systems. This includes regulations on products and services - maybe they don't look like machines, but one bad apple . . .
· Materials: Items from which value is created; including work-in-process information - the apple, the stick, the caramel.
· Methods: The procedures used to produce value. Step by step directions for the most efficient way to produce the caramel apples so we don't have a sticky mess.
· Measures: The evaluation tools for monitoring and managing. Production and customer feedback is essential!
Identifying your Five M's will also help you identify waste. Ask yourself if your business is doing something that doesn't fit in the above model and then if it doesn't add value ask "Why are we doing this?"
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing Kudo
============================================================
Just so you know, that Paper Coach I work with, Julie Higby, doesn’t always attract bad marketers. In fact, she’s got a great story to tell about her recent move. She worked with Ron Erdman from National City Bank for the loan on her new home. The day she closed on her house, she was pleasantly surprised by a gift on her front door step. The loan officer had a “Welcome Home” message attached to a beautiful houseplant for her and her daughter. A few days later, she received a thank you note. The icing on the cake: Ron had his secretary call Julie to see how things were going with the move and if she needed any additional help. While others choose traditional form letters as a follow up, Ron warmed up the touch with the personal call.
BTW, Ron and Julie also do business together. He has hired Julie to be his virtual assistant on a follow up birthday card campaign that he has initiated with Send Out Cards (sendoutcards.com). Not only did he earn a commission off the home sale, he shared his wealth with the client by hiring her to do something for him. While she probably won’t be buying another house again soon, he has upped his chances of garnering more referrals by giving back to his client. That’s one smart cookie!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Mind Over Munching
===========================================================
Next time a food craving hits, British researchers say to counter it with a crossword puzzle or Sudoku puzzle. They concluded that diverting your attention as soon as the urge strikes for an unhealthy snack may help you regain your self-control.
The researchers gave 18 dieting coeds mental tasks and tempted them with three snacks: chocolate-covered sponge cake with orange filling, mini chocolate bars, and chips. The dieters ate less when distracted with tasks that engaged their complete attention. The distraction you choose must be totally absorbing, the scientists advise; hobbies like knitting won’t do because they allow your mind to wander-maybe right back to that pie or the ice cream in the frig. Furthermore, they concluded that the more you practice, the better the method works. So choose a diversion you can use anywhere, like books of Sudoku, the popular math riddles, crossword puzzles, etc.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Networking by Definition
===========================================================
Networking, as defined by Ivan Misner, the networking guru, is “the process of developing and using contacts to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence or serve the community. It is one of the most powerful techniques you can use to succeed in any venture.” So learn the skills and techniques necessary for effective networking and deliver a positive message effectively.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
A Haiku to remind you to backup your computer.
Windows XP crashed.
I am the Blue Screen of Death.
No one hears your screams.
Monday, October 29, 2007
MMM - October 29, 2007
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 29, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"What's terrible is to pretend that the second-rate is first-rate.”
—Doris Lessing
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Sustained Individual Success – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 2 - Rebecca Booth
3. Take a Power Shower – Pat Altvater
4. Speaking Your Way to Profitability – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Sustained Individual Success
============================================================
When we were kids we usually had no problem filling the day with great things to do. Sometimes these turned into career options and sometimes an avocation. Regardless, we found something we enjoyed doing and did it. So listen up! If there are things in your business that you don’t like doing – stop doing them! Not only are you wasting your time by not doing what you want to do (very unlean), you are also stealing work from someone who loves it. Yes, it is a challenge to find the person that loves the thing you don’t but in the end you will be more productive and build sustained success. Challenge yourself this week to at least spend one half day doing only the work you love and maybe you will feel like a kid again.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 2
============================================================
Remember Julie Higby, The Paper Coach, we talked about last week? She did have another mishap to report. If you remember, she’s recently bought a new home in Perrysburg, Ohio. One local business had a good intention about welcoming her to the neighborhood, but they made a grave marketing misstep:
They hand addressed the envelope to Julie Higby, but included a form letter saying “Dear Neighbor.” If they had taken the time to hand-address the envelope, what was stopping them from typing her name on the letter? Lesson to be learned: Make sure there is not a disconnect with the way you address and envelope and the way you treat the salutation.
Have you had a marketing mishap recently? Email your story to: Rebecca Booth, Marketing Goddess, rbooth@marketingsolutioneers.com and share your story. Please type “Marketing Mishap” in the subject line in case my spam filter nabs your post. Make sure you tell me how the marketing mishap made you feel. It’s important to share that bit with others.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Tricks to Eating Healthy during Halloween
===========================================================
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about candy! Here are some tips to make your holiday healthier for your kids, the neighbor kids and yourself:
1. Have your child eat a good meal prior to parties or trick-or-treating.
2. Pass out non-food treats, such as pens, pencils, stickers, false teeth, “slime”, little bottles of bubbles, etc. Visit the dollar store for lots of ideas!
3. If you want to distribute food, choose sugarless gum, trail mix, peanuts, corn nuts, small packs of raisins, small bags of pumpkin seeds, packages of sugar-free cocoa.
4. Portion treats collected, so they can be enjoyed moderately over several days.
Finally, be a role model yourself. To avoid temptation, if you must distribute a candy treat, buy it at the last minute so you don’t consume it prior to Halloween!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Speaking Your Way to Profitability
===========================================================
I was recently referred into a local chamber to offer a 7 minute presentation (on networking) at a “Lunch and Learn” event. It’s important to know that this was the first time I’d ever attended a chamber function in this outer-lying area and I was the opening act for a few state senatorial candidates that had 7 minutes each to solicit votes. I was clearly not the reason folks had attended BUT before I left the parking lot that afternoon:
1. I was invited to offer another presentation at a Kiwanis meeting (100 active members).
2. I was asked by one of the candidates to provide him with MORE networking information. He actually listened and incorporated some of my referral marketing concepts into his own presentation and gave me credit. He’s got my vote!
3. One attendee asked the networking partner I’d attended with about my networking workshops and signed up on the spot!
4. I acquired another prospective client AND met two folks that I was able to refer to BNI as potential members.
In last week’s MMM, I shared Referral Institute’s VCP model. Can you establish visibility, credibility and profitability in 7 short minutes with a room full of strangers? YES . . . with the right referral source!
Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Identify 1 thing in your business you can outsource this week.
Monday Morning Motivators – October 29, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"What's terrible is to pretend that the second-rate is first-rate.”
—Doris Lessing
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Sustained Individual Success – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 2 - Rebecca Booth
3. Take a Power Shower – Pat Altvater
4. Speaking Your Way to Profitability – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Sustained Individual Success
============================================================
When we were kids we usually had no problem filling the day with great things to do. Sometimes these turned into career options and sometimes an avocation. Regardless, we found something we enjoyed doing and did it. So listen up! If there are things in your business that you don’t like doing – stop doing them! Not only are you wasting your time by not doing what you want to do (very unlean), you are also stealing work from someone who loves it. Yes, it is a challenge to find the person that loves the thing you don’t but in the end you will be more productive and build sustained success. Challenge yourself this week to at least spend one half day doing only the work you love and maybe you will feel like a kid again.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 2
============================================================
Remember Julie Higby, The Paper Coach, we talked about last week? She did have another mishap to report. If you remember, she’s recently bought a new home in Perrysburg, Ohio. One local business had a good intention about welcoming her to the neighborhood, but they made a grave marketing misstep:
They hand addressed the envelope to Julie Higby, but included a form letter saying “Dear Neighbor.” If they had taken the time to hand-address the envelope, what was stopping them from typing her name on the letter? Lesson to be learned: Make sure there is not a disconnect with the way you address and envelope and the way you treat the salutation.
Have you had a marketing mishap recently? Email your story to: Rebecca Booth, Marketing Goddess, rbooth@marketingsolutioneers.com and share your story. Please type “Marketing Mishap” in the subject line in case my spam filter nabs your post. Make sure you tell me how the marketing mishap made you feel. It’s important to share that bit with others.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Tricks to Eating Healthy during Halloween
===========================================================
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about candy! Here are some tips to make your holiday healthier for your kids, the neighbor kids and yourself:
1. Have your child eat a good meal prior to parties or trick-or-treating.
2. Pass out non-food treats, such as pens, pencils, stickers, false teeth, “slime”, little bottles of bubbles, etc. Visit the dollar store for lots of ideas!
3. If you want to distribute food, choose sugarless gum, trail mix, peanuts, corn nuts, small packs of raisins, small bags of pumpkin seeds, packages of sugar-free cocoa.
4. Portion treats collected, so they can be enjoyed moderately over several days.
Finally, be a role model yourself. To avoid temptation, if you must distribute a candy treat, buy it at the last minute so you don’t consume it prior to Halloween!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Speaking Your Way to Profitability
===========================================================
I was recently referred into a local chamber to offer a 7 minute presentation (on networking) at a “Lunch and Learn” event. It’s important to know that this was the first time I’d ever attended a chamber function in this outer-lying area and I was the opening act for a few state senatorial candidates that had 7 minutes each to solicit votes. I was clearly not the reason folks had attended BUT before I left the parking lot that afternoon:
1. I was invited to offer another presentation at a Kiwanis meeting (100 active members).
2. I was asked by one of the candidates to provide him with MORE networking information. He actually listened and incorporated some of my referral marketing concepts into his own presentation and gave me credit. He’s got my vote!
3. One attendee asked the networking partner I’d attended with about my networking workshops and signed up on the spot!
4. I acquired another prospective client AND met two folks that I was able to refer to BNI as potential members.
In last week’s MMM, I shared Referral Institute’s VCP model. Can you establish visibility, credibility and profitability in 7 short minutes with a room full of strangers? YES . . . with the right referral source!
Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Identify 1 thing in your business you can outsource this week.
Monday, October 22, 2007
MMM - October 22, 2007
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 22, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“That which does not destroy us makes us stronger.”
— Nietzsche
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Growing a Profitable Business Requires Focus – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 1- Rebecca Booth
3. Get Full with Fiber! – Pat Altvater
4. Purposeful Conversations – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Growing a Profitable Business Requires Focus
============================================================
Most businesses want to grow and often they use a fuzzy approach. If you've ever used a telescope, you learn very quickly that even a slight move of the scope will put you light years away from where you want to
view. Compound that by focusing in on the wrong celestial body and you will spend a lifetime never viewing what you targeted at the start.
That same careful focus can be used in a business to focus on your most profitable products, services and customers. The better you can spotlight what brings your firm profit, the better you will be able to convert it to marketing and sales sense. A narrow focus will pique the interest of future customers. Check out 10 tips for growing a well focused business. .
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 1
============================================================
One of my clients, Julie Higby, The Paper Coach, has shared two marketing mishaps with me. Over the past 3 years, Julie has bought and sold three homes. She’s worked exclusively with one Realtor in her town, netting him over $20,000 in commissions. While she has been happy with his service, she is miffed by the way he handles his follow up and his impersonal approach to marketing. As an “A List” client of this Realtor, he ought to send a simple thank you note, or even try to find out more about his loyal customer’s business. He has ignored her attempts to get him to investigate her follow-up system that she represents (SendOutCards.com)and opts to use impersonal form letters and traditional yearly calendars to request more referrals.
So, what can you learn from this marketing mishap? Two things:
1) Never under estimate the power of a thank you.
2) Take the time to find out what your customers do.
Is there a way you can give business back to them? Try your best and you may find yourself with a customer for life.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Get Full with Fiber!
===========================================================
Studies peg foods rich in fiber to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer . . . and to losing weight without feeling hungry, gotta love that!
Fiber makes you full, because it swells in your stomach when it absorbs liquid. Fiber can be either:
• Soluble fiber — found in beans, fruits, and more -- aids in satiety (helping you feel full).
• Insoluble fiber — found in wheat bran, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and other foods helps keep your digestive system regular.
Most Americans don’t get enough fiber. The basic recommendation is 25 grams, but more is encouraged. Try adding more fiber rich foods to your diet. However, adjust to increased fiber slowly, don’t just bump up one day. Also, drink plenty of water and stay active.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Purposeful Conversations
===========================================================
A question that we frequently ask our referral marketing clients: “Should you have business or personal conversations at industry functions and networking events.” The number one answer is “business”; though it really doesn’t matter . . . as long as it’s purposeful.
Many successful networkers follow Referral Institute’s VCP model. Your first goal should be to create VISIBILITY, which means they at least know who you are and what you do. The next step is to establish CREDIBILITY, some level of confidence in you and your product/service. Ultimately, you want to move the relationship into PROFITABILITY. After all, at some point a transaction must take place to grow your business!
Remember . . . business or personal as long as it’s purposeful.
Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Identify which customers are your “20% generate 80% of your revenue”.
Monday Morning Motivators – October 22, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“That which does not destroy us makes us stronger.”
— Nietzsche
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Growing a Profitable Business Requires Focus – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 1- Rebecca Booth
3. Get Full with Fiber! – Pat Altvater
4. Purposeful Conversations – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Growing a Profitable Business Requires Focus
============================================================
Most businesses want to grow and often they use a fuzzy approach. If you've ever used a telescope, you learn very quickly that even a slight move of the scope will put you light years away from where you want to
view. Compound that by focusing in on the wrong celestial body and you will spend a lifetime never viewing what you targeted at the start.
That same careful focus can be used in a business to focus on your most profitable products, services and customers. The better you can spotlight what brings your firm profit, the better you will be able to convert it to marketing and sales sense. A narrow focus will pique the interest of future customers. Check out 10 tips for growing a well focused business. .
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 1
============================================================
One of my clients, Julie Higby, The Paper Coach, has shared two marketing mishaps with me. Over the past 3 years, Julie has bought and sold three homes. She’s worked exclusively with one Realtor in her town, netting him over $20,000 in commissions. While she has been happy with his service, she is miffed by the way he handles his follow up and his impersonal approach to marketing. As an “A List” client of this Realtor, he ought to send a simple thank you note, or even try to find out more about his loyal customer’s business. He has ignored her attempts to get him to investigate her follow-up system that she represents (SendOutCards.com)and opts to use impersonal form letters and traditional yearly calendars to request more referrals.
So, what can you learn from this marketing mishap? Two things:
1) Never under estimate the power of a thank you.
2) Take the time to find out what your customers do.
Is there a way you can give business back to them? Try your best and you may find yourself with a customer for life.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Get Full with Fiber!
===========================================================
Studies peg foods rich in fiber to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer . . . and to losing weight without feeling hungry, gotta love that!
Fiber makes you full, because it swells in your stomach when it absorbs liquid. Fiber can be either:
• Soluble fiber — found in beans, fruits, and more -- aids in satiety (helping you feel full).
• Insoluble fiber — found in wheat bran, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and other foods helps keep your digestive system regular.
Most Americans don’t get enough fiber. The basic recommendation is 25 grams, but more is encouraged. Try adding more fiber rich foods to your diet. However, adjust to increased fiber slowly, don’t just bump up one day. Also, drink plenty of water and stay active.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Purposeful Conversations
===========================================================
A question that we frequently ask our referral marketing clients: “Should you have business or personal conversations at industry functions and networking events.” The number one answer is “business”; though it really doesn’t matter . . . as long as it’s purposeful.
Many successful networkers follow Referral Institute’s VCP model. Your first goal should be to create VISIBILITY, which means they at least know who you are and what you do. The next step is to establish CREDIBILITY, some level of confidence in you and your product/service. Ultimately, you want to move the relationship into PROFITABILITY. After all, at some point a transaction must take place to grow your business!
Remember . . . business or personal as long as it’s purposeful.
Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Identify which customers are your “20% generate 80% of your revenue”.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Repeat the Example
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 15, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“At college age, you can tell who is best at taking tests and going to school, but you can't tell who the best people are.”
--Barnaby C. Keeney
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Repeat the Example – Linda Fayerweather
2. Measures Your Selling Style - Rebecca Booth
3. Shake Your Salt Habit – Pat Altvater
4. Becoming a Master Networker – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Repeat the Example
============================================================ Last week I mentioned “not all people will follow your good example” and this is a problem that has perplexed me for a long time. Yesterday the book How Full is Your Bucket? literally jumped off my shelf and said “read me”. It is about Positive Strategies for Work and Life by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton. In the third chapter it discusses the magic ratio of positive to negative interactions as researched by John Gottman. The magic ratio is 5:1! FIVE positive reactions/interactions will counteract/repair ONE negative reaction. The research goes on to explain that this magic ratio holds true in mental health, physical health, family relations and business relations. No wonder people will easily follow the bad example because 5 good example are necessary causes impact. Curious about your positive impact in your own world, take the bucket quiz.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Free Test Online Measures Your Selling Style!
============================================================
Building rapport has just gotten easier! For a limited time, HRDQ is offering an online assessment of your “selling style” for free. The test is based upon a series of 20 questions that determine if you’re a Direct, Spirited, Systematic or Considerate sales person. Once you know your style, you can learn how to use it to build better rapport with clients and prospects, regardless of their own personal communication style. To take the test, visit: http://www.hrdqonline.com.
What’s better yet: they also have tests on learning your style for communication, learning, and time. They are available for a nominal fee.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Shake Your Salt Habit
===========================================================
Everywhere we turn, there’s conflicting evidence about what’s good or not good for us. However, when you look at all the evidence, the balance is still for the low-sodium diet. There's evidence that links salt to high blood pressure and also osteoporosis and kidney stones. The recommended daily allowance is 2300 milligrams of sodium (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Here are some tips for staying within that limit:
• Take the salt shaker off the table.
• Don't add salt to dishes as you're cooking. Instead, try herbs and sodium-free spices.
• Use fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods.
• When you eat out, ask that your meal be prepared without sodium sources, such as salt, soy sauce, and monosodium glutamate.
It takes a while to get accustomed to new tastes so give yourself at least 3 weeks to get used to the taste of food without the salt.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Becoming a Master Networker
===========================================================
Networking is more than just shaking hands and passing out business cards. Based on a survey conducted of more than 2,000 people throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, it’s about building your “social capital.” The following traits were ranked in order of their perceived importance to networking. Adopt these 10 traits, and people will be knocking down your door trying to do business with you:
1. Follow up on referrals.
2. Have a positive attitude.
3. Be enthusiastic and motivational.
4. Be trustworthy.
5. Be a great listener.
6. Net-WORK…always!
7. Thank people appropriately.
8. Truly enjoy helping others.
9. Be sincere.
10. Work your networks! Proactively make connections.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier & Ivan Misner – Read More about Ivan and Masters of Sales.
Monday Morning Motivators – October 15, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“At college age, you can tell who is best at taking tests and going to school, but you can't tell who the best people are.”
--Barnaby C. Keeney
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Repeat the Example – Linda Fayerweather
2. Measures Your Selling Style - Rebecca Booth
3. Shake Your Salt Habit – Pat Altvater
4. Becoming a Master Networker – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Repeat the Example
============================================================ Last week I mentioned “not all people will follow your good example” and this is a problem that has perplexed me for a long time. Yesterday the book How Full is Your Bucket? literally jumped off my shelf and said “read me”. It is about Positive Strategies for Work and Life by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton. In the third chapter it discusses the magic ratio of positive to negative interactions as researched by John Gottman. The magic ratio is 5:1! FIVE positive reactions/interactions will counteract/repair ONE negative reaction. The research goes on to explain that this magic ratio holds true in mental health, physical health, family relations and business relations. No wonder people will easily follow the bad example because 5 good example are necessary causes impact. Curious about your positive impact in your own world, take the bucket quiz.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Free Test Online Measures Your Selling Style!
============================================================
Building rapport has just gotten easier! For a limited time, HRDQ is offering an online assessment of your “selling style” for free. The test is based upon a series of 20 questions that determine if you’re a Direct, Spirited, Systematic or Considerate sales person. Once you know your style, you can learn how to use it to build better rapport with clients and prospects, regardless of their own personal communication style. To take the test, visit: http://www.hrdqonline.com.
What’s better yet: they also have tests on learning your style for communication, learning, and time. They are available for a nominal fee.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Shake Your Salt Habit
===========================================================
Everywhere we turn, there’s conflicting evidence about what’s good or not good for us. However, when you look at all the evidence, the balance is still for the low-sodium diet. There's evidence that links salt to high blood pressure and also osteoporosis and kidney stones. The recommended daily allowance is 2300 milligrams of sodium (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Here are some tips for staying within that limit:
• Take the salt shaker off the table.
• Don't add salt to dishes as you're cooking. Instead, try herbs and sodium-free spices.
• Use fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods.
• When you eat out, ask that your meal be prepared without sodium sources, such as salt, soy sauce, and monosodium glutamate.
It takes a while to get accustomed to new tastes so give yourself at least 3 weeks to get used to the taste of food without the salt.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Becoming a Master Networker
===========================================================
Networking is more than just shaking hands and passing out business cards. Based on a survey conducted of more than 2,000 people throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, it’s about building your “social capital.” The following traits were ranked in order of their perceived importance to networking. Adopt these 10 traits, and people will be knocking down your door trying to do business with you:
1. Follow up on referrals.
2. Have a positive attitude.
3. Be enthusiastic and motivational.
4. Be trustworthy.
5. Be a great listener.
6. Net-WORK…always!
7. Thank people appropriately.
8. Truly enjoy helping others.
9. Be sincere.
10. Work your networks! Proactively make connections.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier & Ivan Misner – Read More about Ivan and Masters of Sales.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Lead by Example
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 8, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The greatest homage we can pay truth is to use it.”
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lead by Example – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Four - Rebecca Booth
3. Ah. . . a Good Night’s Sleep! – Pat Altvater
4. The Usual Suspects – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lead by Example
============================================================
Whether you are the business owner, head of a
department or a sole proprietor, we are all leaders to
someone else. I recently observed the CEO of a local
company walking to his car and he did two things in
route:
1) He picked up some litter and
2) He helped a customer with his shopping cart.
Even if I had not known who this person was, I would
have smiled and enjoyed watching this engaged
individual. The customer likely did not know who he
was but several employees that were nearby did and
will remember. Simple acts of respect to the
world around us are hard to ignore and often cause others
to respond similarly. Not all people will follow our
good examples, but the more we try, the harder it will
be to ignore our leadership.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 4 or 4
============================================================
Never be afraid to say no. Sometimes you’ll come across the prospect or client who is being unreasonable or demanding things that don’t make sense for your company. While you’re goal is to have a successful relationship with this person, you don’t have to give away your product and the kitchen sink! Yet you don’t want to be perceived as being uncooperative. The way to handle a situation such as this to be fully be aware of your worth, the company’s worth and the worth of your company’s offerings. Don’t be afraid to say no to those clients who are asking too much from you. You’ll not only retain your equal footing, who knows they might recognize their errors and acquiesce to you!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ah…a Good Night’s Sleep!
===========================================================
Are you getting the recommended 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night? Not sleeping enough and not sleeping sound is not OK! Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making you prone to illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and depression. Lack of z’s can also cause decreased performance and alertness by as much as 32%! Obesity researchers have found that the further one is away from the recommended number of hours of sleep, the higher the risk of obesity.
So if you suffer from chronic sleep deprivation:
• Get checked for sleep apnea,
• Control your stress, and
• Practice relaxation exercises.
The evidence is overwhelming; getting sensible amounts of good quality sleep is essential to achieving optimal health.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Don’t Just Chat It Up With the Usual Suspects
===========================================================
My husband and I work together, but we’re rarely in the same place at the same time to net-WORK together. We recently had the opportunity to attend a local chamber event. As referral marketing specialists, we love the chamber as it provides us an opportunity to “practice what we teach”.
Instead of chatting it up with the usuals, Neal purposefully approached someone new . . . someone NOT already in his network! After they introduced themselves and talked a while Neal said, “I’ve enjoyed meeting you and learning more about your business. My goal tonight is to meet 10 new people. Is there someone here that you know that you’d be willing to introduce me to?”
For the next hour, I watched him get “danced” around the room. Eventually, he made his way over to me with the business cards he’d collected and a well deserved plateful of food. When it comes to building your networks, remember to honor your established relationships, but don’t forget the value of the “new”.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Thank 3 customers with a simple card this week.
Monday Morning Motivators – October 8, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The greatest homage we can pay truth is to use it.”
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lead by Example – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Four - Rebecca Booth
3. Ah. . . a Good Night’s Sleep! – Pat Altvater
4. The Usual Suspects – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lead by Example
============================================================
Whether you are the business owner, head of a
department or a sole proprietor, we are all leaders to
someone else. I recently observed the CEO of a local
company walking to his car and he did two things in
route:
1) He picked up some litter and
2) He helped a customer with his shopping cart.
Even if I had not known who this person was, I would
have smiled and enjoyed watching this engaged
individual. The customer likely did not know who he
was but several employees that were nearby did and
will remember. Simple acts of respect to the
world around us are hard to ignore and often cause others
to respond similarly. Not all people will follow our
good examples, but the more we try, the harder it will
be to ignore our leadership.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 4 or 4
============================================================
Never be afraid to say no. Sometimes you’ll come across the prospect or client who is being unreasonable or demanding things that don’t make sense for your company. While you’re goal is to have a successful relationship with this person, you don’t have to give away your product and the kitchen sink! Yet you don’t want to be perceived as being uncooperative. The way to handle a situation such as this to be fully be aware of your worth, the company’s worth and the worth of your company’s offerings. Don’t be afraid to say no to those clients who are asking too much from you. You’ll not only retain your equal footing, who knows they might recognize their errors and acquiesce to you!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ah…a Good Night’s Sleep!
===========================================================
Are you getting the recommended 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night? Not sleeping enough and not sleeping sound is not OK! Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making you prone to illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and depression. Lack of z’s can also cause decreased performance and alertness by as much as 32%! Obesity researchers have found that the further one is away from the recommended number of hours of sleep, the higher the risk of obesity.
So if you suffer from chronic sleep deprivation:
• Get checked for sleep apnea,
• Control your stress, and
• Practice relaxation exercises.
The evidence is overwhelming; getting sensible amounts of good quality sleep is essential to achieving optimal health.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Don’t Just Chat It Up With the Usual Suspects
===========================================================
My husband and I work together, but we’re rarely in the same place at the same time to net-WORK together. We recently had the opportunity to attend a local chamber event. As referral marketing specialists, we love the chamber as it provides us an opportunity to “practice what we teach”.
Instead of chatting it up with the usuals, Neal purposefully approached someone new . . . someone NOT already in his network! After they introduced themselves and talked a while Neal said, “I’ve enjoyed meeting you and learning more about your business. My goal tonight is to meet 10 new people. Is there someone here that you know that you’d be willing to introduce me to?”
For the next hour, I watched him get “danced” around the room. Eventually, he made his way over to me with the business cards he’d collected and a well deserved plateful of food. When it comes to building your networks, remember to honor your established relationships, but don’t forget the value of the “new”.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Thank 3 customers with a simple card this week.
Monday, October 01, 2007
The Last Quarter - Sales - Dancing - Networking
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 1, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.”
--P. J. O'Rourke
This week, help me welcome Paula Frazier from Southwestern Virginia as our new networking coach for MMM! Welcome, Paula, and we look forward to having you keep us on track. LLF
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. The Last Quarter? – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Three - Rebecca Booth
3. Maybe You Should Dance All Night – Pat Altvater
4. So You’re There to Network – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. The Last Quarter?
============================================================
October first marks the beginning of the fourth quarter for most businesses. Are you thinking “where has the year gone?”; take heart, you are not alone. If we set realistic goals in January, chances are we have met some, exceeded others and yes, there may be some we haven’t achieved and likely won’t by December 31. Facing the plan now will often invigorate us to action. When we don’t do this comparison, human nature often resorts to ruminating on what we know we haven’t completed instead of celebrating our successes. Before you surrender to the holiday hoopla, really look at where you have been this fiscal year and plan what can happen in this last quarter so 2007 will be the year of your dreams. Just do it! I promise it won’t hurt.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
Changing Lanes LLC
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 3 or 4
============================================================
Insist on a “quid pro quo” for every customer request. When was the last time you had a prospect or client ask you to do an RFP based upon 35 pages of detailed questions? A lot of work, right? And you’re gambling for the business. Well, the good news is you should feel confident to ask the client in return for “quid pro quo” (meaning that anything the client asks you to do gives you the right to ask them to do something comparable in return). This strategy helps you to not be taken advantage of, but it also gives you the opportunity to strengthen your competitive position. The next time you are asked for the detailed RFP, ask the prospect/client for the opportunity to present your findings to the decision makers personally. Chances are the client will tell you that your competitors haven’t asked to do this, to which you can answer, ”Well, I guess they don’t care as much about getting your business!”
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
Marketing Solutioneers
===========================================================
3. Maybe You Should Dance All Night
===========================================================
According to a recent study by the Center of Aging, Health and Humanities, dancing offers many health benefits, such as building muscle strength, improving coordination, and boosting the immune system. Dance to your favorite music for 10 - 30 minutes. Dancing, even just bopping around in a small area, is great exercise. Move all your body parts any way that feels good. If you have kids, ask them to join in; hey, that beats having them on the sidelines laughing!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
Transformations Institute
===========================================================
4. So You’re There to Network!
===========================================================
The definition of networking, according to Dr. Ivan Misner, is “helping other people as a way of growing their business.” Too often, we walk into business meetings, boardrooms, networking events and then go on autopilot. We trust ourselves to know our businesses so well that we simply go through the motions. We intend to net-WORK, but we end up net-sitting, net-eating and net-SELLING.
Simply put . . . our networking behavior does not always support our networking intentions. We actually start “selling” to people we’ve just met. We don’t realize we’re trying to “close” perfect strangers. A trained networker would be able to “see” invisible armor going up all around the room.
True networkers are committed to establishing long term business relationships that become strong enough to put their reputations and credibility on the line for one another. They are compelled to refer one another!
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://BNIswva
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Review your 2007 Plan.
Monday Morning Motivators – October 1, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.”
--P. J. O'Rourke
This week, help me welcome Paula Frazier from Southwestern Virginia as our new networking coach for MMM! Welcome, Paula, and we look forward to having you keep us on track. LLF
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. The Last Quarter? – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Three - Rebecca Booth
3. Maybe You Should Dance All Night – Pat Altvater
4. So You’re There to Network – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. The Last Quarter?
============================================================
October first marks the beginning of the fourth quarter for most businesses. Are you thinking “where has the year gone?”; take heart, you are not alone. If we set realistic goals in January, chances are we have met some, exceeded others and yes, there may be some we haven’t achieved and likely won’t by December 31. Facing the plan now will often invigorate us to action. When we don’t do this comparison, human nature often resorts to ruminating on what we know we haven’t completed instead of celebrating our successes. Before you surrender to the holiday hoopla, really look at where you have been this fiscal year and plan what can happen in this last quarter so 2007 will be the year of your dreams. Just do it! I promise it won’t hurt.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
Changing Lanes LLC
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 3 or 4
============================================================
Insist on a “quid pro quo” for every customer request. When was the last time you had a prospect or client ask you to do an RFP based upon 35 pages of detailed questions? A lot of work, right? And you’re gambling for the business. Well, the good news is you should feel confident to ask the client in return for “quid pro quo” (meaning that anything the client asks you to do gives you the right to ask them to do something comparable in return). This strategy helps you to not be taken advantage of, but it also gives you the opportunity to strengthen your competitive position. The next time you are asked for the detailed RFP, ask the prospect/client for the opportunity to present your findings to the decision makers personally. Chances are the client will tell you that your competitors haven’t asked to do this, to which you can answer, ”Well, I guess they don’t care as much about getting your business!”
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
Marketing Solutioneers
===========================================================
3. Maybe You Should Dance All Night
===========================================================
According to a recent study by the Center of Aging, Health and Humanities, dancing offers many health benefits, such as building muscle strength, improving coordination, and boosting the immune system. Dance to your favorite music for 10 - 30 minutes. Dancing, even just bopping around in a small area, is great exercise. Move all your body parts any way that feels good. If you have kids, ask them to join in; hey, that beats having them on the sidelines laughing!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
Transformations Institute
===========================================================
4. So You’re There to Network!
===========================================================
The definition of networking, according to Dr. Ivan Misner, is “helping other people as a way of growing their business.” Too often, we walk into business meetings, boardrooms, networking events and then go on autopilot. We trust ourselves to know our businesses so well that we simply go through the motions. We intend to net-WORK, but we end up net-sitting, net-eating and net-SELLING.
Simply put . . . our networking behavior does not always support our networking intentions. We actually start “selling” to people we’ve just met. We don’t realize we’re trying to “close” perfect strangers. A trained networker would be able to “see” invisible armor going up all around the room.
True networkers are committed to establishing long term business relationships that become strong enough to put their reputations and credibility on the line for one another. They are compelled to refer one another!
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://BNIswva
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Review your 2007 Plan.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wrenches - Sales - Time
=========================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – September 24, 2007
=========================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop.”
--Robert Hughes
========================================================
Table of Contents
========================================================
1. Where Are Your Allen Wrenches? – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Two - Rebecca Booth
3. Can’t Find 30 Minutes? – Pat Altvater
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
========================================================
1. Where Are Your Allen Wrenches?
========================================================
This weekend my son moved to his new home and since it is just blocks away; my house was a great location for food, drinks, and tools. Several times during the weekend, I was asked for tools and in 5 seconds or less I was able locate them.
Now, I don’t have a large toolbox, in fact it is smaller than many women’s purses. My son gave it to me several years ago and it has a molded shape for each tool so you know visually what has been lost, stolen or strayed even if the name eludes you. At that time, he was with the Air National Guard (ANG) as an F16 avionics technician. He explained to me that all the ANG toolboxes are designed so the tech quickly sees that NO tools are left behind in the guts of a jet. That is LEAN.
Back to the move, finds my husband unable to locate his Allen wrenches; he asked if I had any. I looked puzzled and said “Are those the “L” shaped things?” Yes they are and I gave him two sets from their form fitted location – one set metric and one English.
Keeping track of anything requires a system so you don’t have to remember where each thing is but the place where like objects are kept. Saves brain time for more important tasks like playing with my grandson – that was my job this weekend. And the Allen wrenches were returned!
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
=======================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 2 or 4
=======================================================
Last week we discussed finding an equal footing between our salespeople and potential prospects. This week we continue learning Bob Beck’s rules for sales success:
Rule #2
Emphasize the value you’re bringing to the table.
Many sales reps lose their credibility to apologizing for the interruption and even for their product and wind up begging for the business. The savviest of customers can smell this fear and will use it to their advantage. But salespeople beware! Rather than taking a back seat to this fear-sniffing prospect, be bold. That prospect has a problem to solve. And your product can do just that! Never before have decision makers been so under the gun to solve problems and create new growth. At the same time, they are stretched to their limits with time and money. While they don’t have time to visit with cookie-cutter, product-focused sales reports, they always have time for someone who has the answers to their problems!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
=======================================================
3. Can’t find 30 Minutes?
=======================================================
If you find it difficult to exercise for 30 minutes or more each day, instead try doing 10 minutes of brisk exercise three times a day. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association updated their Physical Activity Guidelines in August 2007. One new guideline is that for moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, it is OK to break up your 30 minute workout into 10 minute segments. What a great break from your daily activities, morning, noon and night. It’s easy on the knees and could be considered the ultimate health enhancer.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
=========================================================
4. To Do This Week
=========================================================
Network with a banker!
Monday Morning Motivators – September 24, 2007
=========================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop.”
--Robert Hughes
========================================================
Table of Contents
========================================================
1. Where Are Your Allen Wrenches? – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Two - Rebecca Booth
3. Can’t Find 30 Minutes? – Pat Altvater
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
========================================================
1. Where Are Your Allen Wrenches?
========================================================
This weekend my son moved to his new home and since it is just blocks away; my house was a great location for food, drinks, and tools. Several times during the weekend, I was asked for tools and in 5 seconds or less I was able locate them.
Now, I don’t have a large toolbox, in fact it is smaller than many women’s purses. My son gave it to me several years ago and it has a molded shape for each tool so you know visually what has been lost, stolen or strayed even if the name eludes you. At that time, he was with the Air National Guard (ANG) as an F16 avionics technician. He explained to me that all the ANG toolboxes are designed so the tech quickly sees that NO tools are left behind in the guts of a jet. That is LEAN.
Back to the move, finds my husband unable to locate his Allen wrenches; he asked if I had any. I looked puzzled and said “Are those the “L” shaped things?” Yes they are and I gave him two sets from their form fitted location – one set metric and one English.
Keeping track of anything requires a system so you don’t have to remember where each thing is but the place where like objects are kept. Saves brain time for more important tasks like playing with my grandson – that was my job this weekend. And the Allen wrenches were returned!
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
=======================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 2 or 4
=======================================================
Last week we discussed finding an equal footing between our salespeople and potential prospects. This week we continue learning Bob Beck’s rules for sales success:
Rule #2
Emphasize the value you’re bringing to the table.
Many sales reps lose their credibility to apologizing for the interruption and even for their product and wind up begging for the business. The savviest of customers can smell this fear and will use it to their advantage. But salespeople beware! Rather than taking a back seat to this fear-sniffing prospect, be bold. That prospect has a problem to solve. And your product can do just that! Never before have decision makers been so under the gun to solve problems and create new growth. At the same time, they are stretched to their limits with time and money. While they don’t have time to visit with cookie-cutter, product-focused sales reports, they always have time for someone who has the answers to their problems!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
=======================================================
3. Can’t find 30 Minutes?
=======================================================
If you find it difficult to exercise for 30 minutes or more each day, instead try doing 10 minutes of brisk exercise three times a day. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association updated their Physical Activity Guidelines in August 2007. One new guideline is that for moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, it is OK to break up your 30 minute workout into 10 minute segments. What a great break from your daily activities, morning, noon and night. It’s easy on the knees and could be considered the ultimate health enhancer.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
=========================================================
4. To Do This Week
=========================================================
Network with a banker!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Whining - Walking - Selling
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – September 17, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems.”
--Anthony J. D'Angelo
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Need Some Cheese & Crackers with that Whine? – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule One - Rebecca Booth
3. Walking towards Health – Pat Altvater
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Need Some Cheese & Crackers with that Whine?
============================================================
If you are not working ON your business at least 5 hours a week, then maybe on your way home tonight you will want to pick up some cheese and crackers so when you “whine” you won’t be doing it on an empty stomach. In Michael Gerber’s E-Myth Revisited
as entrepreneurs, we are reminded to work ON our business and not IN our business. In reality, the business owner with less than 15 employees will often not have the luxury to spend all her time ON the business. Here are some questions to start your thinking beyond the day to day work:
1. When will you spend 3 hours planning weekly? Is it scheduled?
2. What can you do this week to create a better tomorrow?
3. What core competencies do your employees posses which can be leveraged to affect sales growth?
4. What is the number one bottleneck in your business that is holding back growth of sales, profit or both?
5. If you had to price everything your employees and you do on an invoice for your customer, how many of these items would your customer recognize as value-added?
Carving out some time each week to plan and reflect will lead to a better tomorrow and maybe a celebration with wine and not whine.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 1 or 4
============================================================
Bob Beck, CEO of Sales Builders, Inc. believes the sales person and the customer are equals. In order to keep you on an equal level with the decision make, Beck offers four strategies for success.
Rule #1:
Reframe apparent weaknesses into real strengths. Many people think you need to acquiesce because the client hasn’t heard of your company before. Here are a few responses to gaining that equality:
“If nobody has ever heard of my firm, they can’t have negative preconceptions.”
“We may be new, but we have something different to offer.”
“Yes, we’re a small company, but the truth is we don’t have a bureaucracy to weigh us down.”
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Walking towards Health
===========================================================
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Research shows that a regular walking regimen decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and even cognitive decline. In addition, may people who walk regularly report less stress, better sleep, more energy and a sense of empowerment from taking an active role in their health. If you want to walk for exercise but tend to procrastinate, start a walking club in your neighborhood; the rewards will pay off in more ways that you can imagine.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
www.TransformationsInstitute.com
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
===========================================================
4. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Don’t confuse Memos with Reality.
Monday Morning Motivators – September 17, 2007
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems.”
--Anthony J. D'Angelo
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Need Some Cheese & Crackers with that Whine? – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule One - Rebecca Booth
3. Walking towards Health – Pat Altvater
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Need Some Cheese & Crackers with that Whine?
============================================================
If you are not working ON your business at least 5 hours a week, then maybe on your way home tonight you will want to pick up some cheese and crackers so when you “whine” you won’t be doing it on an empty stomach. In Michael Gerber’s E-Myth Revisited
as entrepreneurs, we are reminded to work ON our business and not IN our business. In reality, the business owner with less than 15 employees will often not have the luxury to spend all her time ON the business. Here are some questions to start your thinking beyond the day to day work:1. When will you spend 3 hours planning weekly? Is it scheduled?
2. What can you do this week to create a better tomorrow?
3. What core competencies do your employees posses which can be leveraged to affect sales growth?
4. What is the number one bottleneck in your business that is holding back growth of sales, profit or both?
5. If you had to price everything your employees and you do on an invoice for your customer, how many of these items would your customer recognize as value-added?
Carving out some time each week to plan and reflect will lead to a better tomorrow and maybe a celebration with wine and not whine.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 1 or 4
============================================================
Bob Beck, CEO of Sales Builders, Inc. believes the sales person and the customer are equals. In order to keep you on an equal level with the decision make, Beck offers four strategies for success.
Rule #1:
Reframe apparent weaknesses into real strengths. Many people think you need to acquiesce because the client hasn’t heard of your company before. Here are a few responses to gaining that equality:
“If nobody has ever heard of my firm, they can’t have negative preconceptions.”
“We may be new, but we have something different to offer.”
“Yes, we’re a small company, but the truth is we don’t have a bureaucracy to weigh us down.”
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Walking towards Health
===========================================================
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Research shows that a regular walking regimen decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and even cognitive decline. In addition, may people who walk regularly report less stress, better sleep, more energy and a sense of empowerment from taking an active role in their health. If you want to walk for exercise but tend to procrastinate, start a walking club in your neighborhood; the rewards will pay off in more ways that you can imagine.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
www.TransformationsInstitute.com
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
===========================================================
4. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Don’t confuse Memos with Reality.
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