Big Yellow Buses

Week of August 31, 2009

Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. The archives are stored at: MondayMorningMotivators.blogspot.com

“don’t confuse the product with the person. Remember, it’s “selection,” not “rejection.” Elayne Savage, PhD

This week's topics include:
• Big Yellow Buses - Linda Fayerweather
• Be Careful of Lowering Your Prices - Rebecca Booth
• Awakened Entrepreneurs Keep Plugging - Pat Altvater
• 29% Solution – Become Magnetic - Paula Fraizer

Big Yellow Buses
In Northwest Ohio those big yellow school buses are lumbering along and I have to remind myself of different routes and start times so as not to get caught in the hub-bub. Those yellow buses also remind me that learning is a constant part of life and maximizing my education so that I maximize my joys in life is something very important to me. As a consultant I’ve often gone into businesses that have not changed in 10 years or more – even the software is the same. Yes, I actually was at a company that is still using a DOS version of some accounting software – let’s hope they don’t need any tech support – ever!

Having spent time the last few weeks on the “next step”, take a look at your business and see what education you need?
What does your staff need?
What education will make a difference in 2010?
What education could give you a competitive advantage?

With community colleges and public school continuing education programs, there are affordable options. Let those yellow buses remind you this week that you have the opportunity to make 2010 great!

Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz

Be Careful of Lowering Your Prices
Did you know that lowering your prices can be detrimental to the sale? It’s true. In a recent SmallBiz article, Chellie Campbell, a LA financial consultant who works with entrepreneurs noted, “When I see a company offer big discounts, I think that they’re in trouble, or desperate. It’s a red flag.” Instead of lowering your costs on a product or service, partner up with another company to make the offer more valuable. Here’s what Chellie recommended to a rental resort owner who was trying to bolster sales: “You own a one-of-a-kind dream vacation spot. People will pay to have a luxurious experience. If it isn’t priced high enough, people will stay away because they won’t think it’s good enough. “ Free golf packages, couples massages and champagne/caviar evenings were suggestions for added perks to make the rental more palatable.

Copyright 2009 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
Celebrating 10 years of delivering results for our clients.
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
www.marketinginabox.biz

Awakened Entrepreneurs Keep Plugging
Wonder what news will be next regarding the economy? Is it on the way back or is there another wave coming? It’s easy to get caught up in worry and anxiety over whether our business will do well or not, given the current conditions.
Don’t go there.
It may only take the slightest suggestion to trigger an old belief in our subconscious, a belief that says for example, “people aren’t spending right now, so no one will buy from me.” Often we don't even know the little seed of doubt has slipped in, but it gets in our mind and grows slowly, yet persistently. We actually give way to lack, limitation and failure a little at a time and before we know it, we’ve become one with the problem.
Instead, stay conscious to this by adopting a new belief that states “my business expands every year.” Succeed and grow, regardless of what happens to the economy. Just keep moving forward, by putting yourself out there more and more each day and you’ll attract the customers you need to achieve your business goals this year.
Set your intention, then put attention on it by taking the necessary actions and you will achieve the results you desire.

Copyright 2009 Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
419-344-6613



WEEK 14: Become Magnetic

Many people believe that we attract who we are. If that’s the case we’d better use this week’s strategy with caution because the word magnetic literally means “possessing an extraordinary power of ability to attract”. So when you’re in a positive frame of mind you’ll attract positive people. And when you’re consumed with negativity you’ll end up surrounded by a bunch of negative nellies.

The strategy we explored in Week 7 included a list of the Top 10 Traits of Master Networkers. One of characteristics that made the list was positive attitude. While we can’t necessarily control our every thought, we can adjust our attitudes long enough to get through a conversation, meeting or event. Agreed?!?

Becoming a center of influence makes you a living magnet for your business. What does that mean? It means that you’ll be recognized in the community as the go-to person, someone with a diverse, strong network. You’ll be someone that can help people overcome obstacles by offering resources and making valuable introductions. Yes - that could be you!

This week TAKE ACTION by attending an event with a positive mindset to attract positive people:

1. Be ready to engage the people you attract with some basic conversation starters and questions.
2. Identify common points of interest to connect on a more personal level.
3. Give flavored answers! For example, when you ask Dr. Misner how he’s feeling he says, “Any better and I’d cancel my life insurance”. There is no doubt that he’s loving life.
4. Don’t cross your arms. This is a visual cue that you’re open and approachable. You can attract people all day long but they won’t engage you if you don’t appear to be social or accessible.
5. Give options for communication. Follow up is generally well received when you connect with people in the way they’re most comfortable. Simply ask if they prefer phone calls? Email? Texts?
6. Always have business cards because you never know who you might meet. If someone doesn’t have cards it makes you wonder how long they’ve actually been in business. Hmmmm?
7. Conquer your fear. Have you ever walked up to someone and actually had them turn and walk away? Probably not. Get in there!
8. Wear your name tag. Many times folks won’t approach you if they know that they should know your name and they don’t. Think of your name tag as a kind reminder…for others.

You will know that you are truly magnetic when you walk into a room full of people and they naturally gravitate toward you. According to the Law of Attraction, choose to be positive and great things will come your way!

Can you establish relationships and do business online? Yes. I still firmly believe that the strongest relationships, those that stand the test of time and turmoil, will be those that are nurtured face to face, nose to nose and toe to toe. Online communities shouldn’t take the place of the actual community you live and work in. It should enhance and add value to it!
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula's business networking articles have been published internationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion - Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com


Have a profitable week.

Linda Fayerweather, Editor
Changing Lanes LLC