============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – July 7, 2008
============================================================
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
“Mind the rudder or meet the rock.”
-- Captain Fatty Goodlander
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Where’s Your Paddle? - Linda Fayerweather
2. Interesting factoids about Baby Boomers - Rebecca Booth
3. You are an Environorganism - Pat Altvater
4. Part 1: Adventures in On-Line Communities – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Where’s Your Paddle?
============================================================
summer here in the Midwest, so imagine yourself floating down a lazy river in your canoe. You might get snagged by a rock or tree branch or you could just float from side to side and eventually you will get somewhere. When businesses are looking for customers, they often take a similar cruise. They float around in the market place offering products or services not really paying attention to what the customer wants. The eddies, snags, rocks and other canoeists are always part of the business landscape; dealing with them is the difference between surviving and thriving.
When lean businesses look for customers, they usually make sure that the customer wants, needs, demands what they are selling. This is a pull system where we as customers are better able to get what we want. Technology has helped us all “mind the rudder” so that we have more knowledge of where the rocks are in our business or the economy. We can’t control the rocks, but with a paddle (think of a plan) we can navigate to the place were more customers want what we provide so well!
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Interesting factoids about Baby Boomers
============================================================
In a recent edition of the AARP Bulletin, AARP cited that there are 218 million Americans online. For now, kids make up the majority of users, but baby boomers are closing in on the digital divide. So, who’s doing what online? Here’s what AARP has found:
Research All Adults 50-64 65+
Hobbies 83% 77% 62%
Don’t Like to
Share Personal
Information 75% 79% 82%
Buy Products 66% 23% 6%
Visit Video-
Sharing Sites 48% 30% 16%
Use Broadband
At Home 47% 40% 15%
If baby boomers are your target market, keep in mind what these facts are telling you. The AARP article also wants you to keep in mind that while older users are frequenting social networking sites, they are really not interested in the Facebook and MySpace-type sites, instead they’re looking to social networking sites to help them improve themselves or help them to understand the emotional/physical toll of a disease.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. You are an Environorganism ============================================================
The Third Principle: You Are Not an Organism in an Environment:
You are an Environorganism. According to Dyer, we can not separate ourselves from our environment while we are in our physical body. Current scientific research supports Dyer’s theory that we are energy, just like everything in our environment. So we are not separate from the external world we see.
Our ego tries to convince us that we are separate, but Dyer says that whatever appears to be lacking in our lives is really due to our having been misinformed when we were taught that what seems to be missing can be found outside us. He indicates that we are all simultaneously our own being and all that is outside of us as well. That’s a hard concept to grasp.
To develop understanding of the oneness of all, you can:
1. Make a conscious effort to imagine yourself as part of all you see.
2. Become aware of how your judgments of others keeps you from connecting to them. Use the phrase “I am that, I am” instead of judgmental thoughts.
3. Spend time alone in silence and meditation.
4. Concentrate and observe the life force (called chi or prana) within yourself and others.
5. Trust in the wisdom of your feelings.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
===========================================================
4. Adventures in On-Line Communities – Part 1
===========================================================
Technology is amazing, and frustrating, and unpredictable and ever evolving. For all those reasons I realized how important it had become for me to explore and engage the on-line business community as a way to compliment my current marketing efforts. I could either catch up with the times or get left behind. While I’m a great team player, I’m not much of a follower so off I went to delve into my own uncharted territories.
About a year ago, I asked the experts in my industry which communities they recommended and then proceeded to set up my profile on the top three. Talk about sharing information on the fly!!! I immediately began receiving notifications that my profile had been viewed. Many times it was followed by an announcement that someone had left a message for me. Then I really got tested when I received an overwhelming number of opportunities to “connect” NOW.
Please understand that I am clueless regarding on-line etiquette. Do I connect? It would be rude not to – right? I consider myself to be incredibly decisive. Not so much when it comes to establishing new relationships in the virtual realm. What I did know was that the worst thing anyone could do in any of their marketing efforts was send a message and then disappear. Because I was completely paralyzed I chose to disengage until I learned a lot more about this incredibly powerful population.
My research regarding on-line communities taught me that profiles, bios, messages, testimonials and blogs were continually being composed and updated. It became obvious to me that leaders in the on-line arena did a lot of writing. I never considered writing to be a natural talent for me so I was very fortunate to become a writer mentee of Dr. Ivan Misner, a bestselling author and world’s leading expert in referral marketing.
He encouraged me to develop my skills by writing business networking articles on a regular basis. That led to getting published weekly on various e-zines with the occasional article getting picked up by second parties. Some have even made their way to print. Now we’ve graduated to blogging. Next step . . . best selling contributing author!
I share this because I initially viewed writing as a vehicle to establish my on-line presence. It served that purpose and inspired a new passion. Writing brought me full circle. Thanks to those efforts, one year later, I have an on-line presence and it’s up to me to control it through writing.
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. 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
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Half the year is over – review your business plan.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Assets - Makeover - Trust - LCD
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – June 30, 2008
============================================================
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
“Do the things you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know.”
Louisa May Alcott
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Are Your Resting on Your Assets?– Linda Fayerweather
2. Creative Makeovers - Rebecca Booth
3. Trusting the Wisdom that Created You - Pat Altvater
4. Lowest Common Denominator – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week – New IRS mileage rates
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Are You Resting on Your Assets?
============================================================
The classic definition of an asset is equipment or property that will generate a future financial benefit beyond the purchase price of the asset. As June melts into July, look around your business and see what is generating revenue and what is not. This is a great time of year to clean out offices, closets and storage spaces. Beyond clearing out old space-takers, maybe you have excess space that could be rented or used by others.
A financial planner I know regularly lets other business owners use the finely appointed conference room for workshops and small seminars. During business hours, if the space is available a fee is not charged, and the financial planner is “seen” as an expert with a professional location.
Look around your business and see if you are missing opportunities to put your assets to use. Don’t forget to look at your inventory, too. Inventory that is old or out-dated is not an asset but muda*. At best it is fodder for a yard sale and at worst a constant reminder of lost revenue.
*Muda (waste) in lean culture.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Creative Makeovers
============================================================
The hottest thing on TV right now is the makeover shows – whether it’s your house or your own personal image. My question for you today is this: could your marketing pieces use a makeover? Chances are they could! Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if it is time for an overhaul:
• Do you really know what a customer sees first when receiving your piece? If so, are you using this element to grab attention in your other pieces?
• How powerful are your graphics and photography? Can they be improved? Think about using an interesting image, crop or color.
• What about the copy – is it simple and easy to read? Is it friendly and does it relate to the client?
• Do recipients immediately know who the piece is from?
• What solutions are you offering to the reader? Are they clear? Are they compelling? Better yet – are they RELEVANT?!
• Is there a single focus on the piece or have you stuffed the piece full of a number of messages and images that confuse and detract.
Every element of your marketing pieces plays an important role in getting your message across. Make sure that you’re not wasting valuable time and money in sending out marketing pieces which look out of date or overloaded with information. Streamline your way to success.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
http://www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com/
===========================================================
3. Trusting the Wisdom that Created You
============================================================
According to Dyer, in order to live in a trusting manner, the mind must surrender its full-time judge. Trust is felt by the emotions and so in order to create the feeling of trust, mind chatter must be replaced with a knowing; a knowing that what we desire also desires us.
Dyer believes that at our basic core we are not only worthy of trust but we are part of the life force that exists everywhere. “There is far more to this journey than we observe. When you trust, you know.” In order to manifest what you desire, you must trust in your capability to manifest it.
To develop trust, you can:
1. Quit paying attention to what other people think about what you are doing
2. Be detached from the need to be right or defend yourself
3. Admit your mistakes and realize you don’t have to be perfect or better than anyone else
4. Accept that life has peaks and valleys; when you are in a valley, just observe it but don’t identify with it
5. Align your thoughts, emotions and actions. Congruency between these shows self-trust.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
===========================================================
4. Lowest Common Denominator
===========================================================
When introducing yourself, break your business down into the lowest common denominators. In networking, lowest common denominators apply to business introductions, when each week you focus on simply one aspect of your business. In other words, break your business down into very small pieces. You may be tempted to use the laundry list approach—listing all the areas your business covers. Instead, consider that your fellow networkers will learn more about you week to week if you explain one aspect of your business at each meeting.
Copyright 2008 Ivan Misner.
Sponsor - Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. 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
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
The IRS has changed the mileage rates for business use of your vehicle starting July 1 (tomorrow!) to 58.5 cents per mile and 27 cents for medical miles. Record your odometer reading at the end of business today.
Monday Morning Motivators – June 30, 2008
============================================================
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
“Do the things you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know.”
Louisa May Alcott
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Are Your Resting on Your Assets?– Linda Fayerweather
2. Creative Makeovers - Rebecca Booth
3. Trusting the Wisdom that Created You - Pat Altvater
4. Lowest Common Denominator – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week – New IRS mileage rates
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Are You Resting on Your Assets?
============================================================
The classic definition of an asset is equipment or property that will generate a future financial benefit beyond the purchase price of the asset. As June melts into July, look around your business and see what is generating revenue and what is not. This is a great time of year to clean out offices, closets and storage spaces. Beyond clearing out old space-takers, maybe you have excess space that could be rented or used by others.
A financial planner I know regularly lets other business owners use the finely appointed conference room for workshops and small seminars. During business hours, if the space is available a fee is not charged, and the financial planner is “seen” as an expert with a professional location.
Look around your business and see if you are missing opportunities to put your assets to use. Don’t forget to look at your inventory, too. Inventory that is old or out-dated is not an asset but muda*. At best it is fodder for a yard sale and at worst a constant reminder of lost revenue.
*Muda (waste) in lean culture.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Creative Makeovers
============================================================
The hottest thing on TV right now is the makeover shows – whether it’s your house or your own personal image. My question for you today is this: could your marketing pieces use a makeover? Chances are they could! Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if it is time for an overhaul:
• Do you really know what a customer sees first when receiving your piece? If so, are you using this element to grab attention in your other pieces?
• How powerful are your graphics and photography? Can they be improved? Think about using an interesting image, crop or color.
• What about the copy – is it simple and easy to read? Is it friendly and does it relate to the client?
• Do recipients immediately know who the piece is from?
• What solutions are you offering to the reader? Are they clear? Are they compelling? Better yet – are they RELEVANT?!
• Is there a single focus on the piece or have you stuffed the piece full of a number of messages and images that confuse and detract.
Every element of your marketing pieces plays an important role in getting your message across. Make sure that you’re not wasting valuable time and money in sending out marketing pieces which look out of date or overloaded with information. Streamline your way to success.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
http://www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com/
===========================================================
3. Trusting the Wisdom that Created You
============================================================
According to Dyer, in order to live in a trusting manner, the mind must surrender its full-time judge. Trust is felt by the emotions and so in order to create the feeling of trust, mind chatter must be replaced with a knowing; a knowing that what we desire also desires us.
Dyer believes that at our basic core we are not only worthy of trust but we are part of the life force that exists everywhere. “There is far more to this journey than we observe. When you trust, you know.” In order to manifest what you desire, you must trust in your capability to manifest it.
To develop trust, you can:
1. Quit paying attention to what other people think about what you are doing
2. Be detached from the need to be right or defend yourself
3. Admit your mistakes and realize you don’t have to be perfect or better than anyone else
4. Accept that life has peaks and valleys; when you are in a valley, just observe it but don’t identify with it
5. Align your thoughts, emotions and actions. Congruency between these shows self-trust.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
===========================================================
4. Lowest Common Denominator
===========================================================
When introducing yourself, break your business down into the lowest common denominators. In networking, lowest common denominators apply to business introductions, when each week you focus on simply one aspect of your business. In other words, break your business down into very small pieces. You may be tempted to use the laundry list approach—listing all the areas your business covers. Instead, consider that your fellow networkers will learn more about you week to week if you explain one aspect of your business at each meeting.
Copyright 2008 Ivan Misner.
Sponsor - Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. 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
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
The IRS has changed the mileage rates for business use of your vehicle starting July 1 (tomorrow!) to 58.5 cents per mile and 27 cents for medical miles. Record your odometer reading at the end of business today.
Monday, June 23, 2008
PDCA - Tiny - Transcending - Kissing Frogs
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – June 23, 2008
============================================================
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
“Everyone is ignorant at something. Stupid is doing those ignorant things.”
--Jon Keel, Improved Results
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. PDCA – Linda Fayerweather
2. Smart Marketing: Teeny Riff on Dumb Marketing - Rebecca Booth
3. Transcending Your Conditioning - Pat Altvater
4. Everyone Kisses a Frog Now and Then – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. PDCA
============================================================
When faced with an obstacle or challenge, some business owners many take the ostrich approach (head in the sand) or doing what was done before. Both methods seldom lead to change or enhanced profits and never lead to planned change. The Lean approach still requires you to Plan, but that is where it diverges from the normal response. After planning, the Lean owner will actually Do the action. After the doing is the Checking to explore what worked, what didn’t and then Act on those results. PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is a feedback loop that is repeated over and over. A simple feedback loop in any business will lead to Kaizen (small continuous improvements). With planned change, increased profits and raving fans will surely follow.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Smart Marketing: Teeny Riff on Dumb Marketing.
============================================================
Upon returning from a 4 day adventure, my mailbox was brimming with letters, postcards and magazines all needing my attention. After 15 minutes, I came across a very smart looking and sounding newsletter that Linda Fayerweather’s client publishes. It’s called Office Cents: Tips to Make the Office Manager Look Good. The newsletter features Tim Pinkelman, CPA, owner of Accounting Center & Tax Services along with five other columnists/referral partners whom Tim trusts. The newsletter measures 8.5 x 14 inches tall and fits comfortably in a #10 envelope. There were 3 things that caught my eye with this newsletter:
• The niche focus of the newsletter
• The fact that Tim asked referral partners from a profit recovery service, a credit card merchant services company, a computer geek, a office machine/copier company and a financial advisor to participate in writing the newsletter.
• Each of the columnists had about 150 words to talk about something that an office manager would be interested in. And in the left hand column of each article was a copy of each writers’ company logos and contact information.
I consider this smart marketing at its best: focused audience, use of credible sources, smart design and short easy-to-read articles.
Now for my riff on Dumb Marketing. I’ve been a member of a national association for women communicators. You’d think they wouldn’t have made this simple goof: The sent me 2 copies of the same exact letter which talks about a national conference they’re hosting. I feel this is dumb marketing for 2 reasons:
1) The letter invitation devalued the conference all together. It wasn’t as “special” as a “by invitation only” event.
2) Couldn’t they have purges their lists for duplicates? Not only does it waste money, but it shows the reader that they don’t have their act together!
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Transcending Your Conditioning
============================================================
Whether we are conscious of it or not, we’re all conditioned to act in certain ways that eventually become automatic. Many times we feel the need to prove ourselves and compete with others, which keeps us feeling separate and disconnected.
Wayne Dyer suggests the following to keep our egos from being the dominant motivating force in our lives:
1. Whenever you are about to say something or act in a certain way, say to yourself “Is what I am about to say or do going to bring me peace?”
2. Meditate daily
3. Refuse to defend yourself to anyone; allow those that disagree with your perspective to have their own point of view
4. Trust in your inner wisdom; actively develop your intuition
Use these suggestions the next time you find yourself in a conflict situation.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
===========================================================
4. Everyone Kisses a Frog Now and Then
===========================================================
Dear Monday Morning Motivators Readers – This is an article written by my long time colleague and friend Hazel M Walker. Enjoy!!!
Finding solid referral partners is like kissing frogs to find your prince or princess! You meet a person they match all of the following criteria.
• You have trust between the two of you
• They work with your exact target market
• They have influence with your market
• They must be willing to be trained as your Referral Partner
• They must be willing to train you to be their Referral Partner
• They must have the time and means to work the referral system
• They must have a developed and organized client/contact database
You spend time training your partner, you work to find them referrals, put them in front of all of your clients, promote them and even do business with them yourself and still nothing comes your way. You know that your partner has generated several thousand dollars because of your efforts; and you have not received one single referral coming back to you.
What’s the next step? It may be time to move on and find a new referral partner. Regardless of how much conversation and giving you do, you will soon conclude that you are just kissing a frog. Put the frog down, if it has not turned into your prince/princess by now, chances are good, it is the wrong frog.
Finding good referral partners takes time, work and some trial and error. Be sure you are working with people you trust, who have a giving attitude, and understand what it means to be a Referral “Partner”.
Copyright 2008 Hazel M Walker is a Master Trainer for the Referral Institute teaching business professionals how to implement the Science of Referrals. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and she is the owner of an award winning BNI Franchise, where she works with business owners to implement the power of referrals in their businesses. Hazel can be reached at hazel@referralinstitute.com
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, 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 nationally. 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
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
According the Edward Deming, "What gets measured, gets done." Measure something in your business this week.
Monday Morning Motivators – June 23, 2008
============================================================
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
“Everyone is ignorant at something. Stupid is doing those ignorant things.”
--Jon Keel, Improved Results
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. PDCA – Linda Fayerweather
2. Smart Marketing: Teeny Riff on Dumb Marketing - Rebecca Booth
3. Transcending Your Conditioning - Pat Altvater
4. Everyone Kisses a Frog Now and Then – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. PDCA
============================================================
When faced with an obstacle or challenge, some business owners many take the ostrich approach (head in the sand) or doing what was done before. Both methods seldom lead to change or enhanced profits and never lead to planned change. The Lean approach still requires you to Plan, but that is where it diverges from the normal response. After planning, the Lean owner will actually Do the action. After the doing is the Checking to explore what worked, what didn’t and then Act on those results. PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is a feedback loop that is repeated over and over. A simple feedback loop in any business will lead to Kaizen (small continuous improvements). With planned change, increased profits and raving fans will surely follow.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Smart Marketing: Teeny Riff on Dumb Marketing.
============================================================
Upon returning from a 4 day adventure, my mailbox was brimming with letters, postcards and magazines all needing my attention. After 15 minutes, I came across a very smart looking and sounding newsletter that Linda Fayerweather’s client publishes. It’s called Office Cents: Tips to Make the Office Manager Look Good. The newsletter features Tim Pinkelman, CPA, owner of Accounting Center & Tax Services along with five other columnists/referral partners whom Tim trusts. The newsletter measures 8.5 x 14 inches tall and fits comfortably in a #10 envelope. There were 3 things that caught my eye with this newsletter:
• The niche focus of the newsletter
• The fact that Tim asked referral partners from a profit recovery service, a credit card merchant services company, a computer geek, a office machine/copier company and a financial advisor to participate in writing the newsletter.
• Each of the columnists had about 150 words to talk about something that an office manager would be interested in. And in the left hand column of each article was a copy of each writers’ company logos and contact information.
I consider this smart marketing at its best: focused audience, use of credible sources, smart design and short easy-to-read articles.
Now for my riff on Dumb Marketing. I’ve been a member of a national association for women communicators. You’d think they wouldn’t have made this simple goof: The sent me 2 copies of the same exact letter which talks about a national conference they’re hosting. I feel this is dumb marketing for 2 reasons:
1) The letter invitation devalued the conference all together. It wasn’t as “special” as a “by invitation only” event.
2) Couldn’t they have purges their lists for duplicates? Not only does it waste money, but it shows the reader that they don’t have their act together!
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Transcending Your Conditioning
============================================================
Whether we are conscious of it or not, we’re all conditioned to act in certain ways that eventually become automatic. Many times we feel the need to prove ourselves and compete with others, which keeps us feeling separate and disconnected.
Wayne Dyer suggests the following to keep our egos from being the dominant motivating force in our lives:
1. Whenever you are about to say something or act in a certain way, say to yourself “Is what I am about to say or do going to bring me peace?”
2. Meditate daily
3. Refuse to defend yourself to anyone; allow those that disagree with your perspective to have their own point of view
4. Trust in your inner wisdom; actively develop your intuition
Use these suggestions the next time you find yourself in a conflict situation.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
===========================================================
4. Everyone Kisses a Frog Now and Then
===========================================================
Dear Monday Morning Motivators Readers – This is an article written by my long time colleague and friend Hazel M Walker. Enjoy!!!
Finding solid referral partners is like kissing frogs to find your prince or princess! You meet a person they match all of the following criteria.
• You have trust between the two of you
• They work with your exact target market
• They have influence with your market
• They must be willing to be trained as your Referral Partner
• They must be willing to train you to be their Referral Partner
• They must have the time and means to work the referral system
• They must have a developed and organized client/contact database
You spend time training your partner, you work to find them referrals, put them in front of all of your clients, promote them and even do business with them yourself and still nothing comes your way. You know that your partner has generated several thousand dollars because of your efforts; and you have not received one single referral coming back to you.
What’s the next step? It may be time to move on and find a new referral partner. Regardless of how much conversation and giving you do, you will soon conclude that you are just kissing a frog. Put the frog down, if it has not turned into your prince/princess by now, chances are good, it is the wrong frog.
Finding good referral partners takes time, work and some trial and error. Be sure you are working with people you trust, who have a giving attitude, and understand what it means to be a Referral “Partner”.
Copyright 2008 Hazel M Walker is a Master Trainer for the Referral Institute teaching business professionals how to implement the Science of Referrals. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and she is the owner of an award winning BNI Franchise, where she works with business owners to implement the power of referrals in their businesses. Hazel can be reached at hazel@referralinstitute.com
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, 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 nationally. 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
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
According the Edward Deming, "What gets measured, gets done." Measure something in your business this week.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Long Range - Fun - Awareness - Return - June 16, 2008
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – June 16, 2008
============================================================
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
“Success is dependent on effort.”
--Sophocles
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. What is Long Range Planning? – Linda Fayerweather
2. Smart Marketing: Count on Fun - Rebecca Booth
3. Becoming Aware of Your Highest Self - Pat Altvater
4. Realizing a Return on Your Relationships – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. What is Long Range Planning?
============================================================
Take a moment and remember being ten years old and thinking about what you would be doing when you were as old as your dad or mom. I was going to be the best darn kindergarten teacher. I pursued that dream until I was 29 and realized that teaching little kids was not what I wanted to be doing until I was 65. I’ve changed lanes many times, but recognized that my ultimate long range plan was to Make Money (so I won’t be a burden on my kids), Have Fun (gotta have fun) and Do Good (strive to leave things in better shape then I found them).
Big Businesses face this all the time. Stop by an Apple Store and you will see how a 30 year young company continues to develop raving fans and has fun while doing it. If you look at Apple’s history, I’m sure they have always had long range plans and several times the media pronounced Apple dead. Still, they continue to surprise and amaze the customer.
Long Range planning is knowing not only where YOU want to be but where your CUSTOMERS want to be in the future! Think of changing and shifting as the oil in your long range plans.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. Smart Marketing: Count on Fun
============================================================
It's not unusual for banks or financial institutions to stage contests to rev up membership or referrals. However, last month, my local bank (First Federal-Genoa) did something that not only was highly inventive, but it was also a terrific way for them to get to know their clients better. I call that smart marketing!
The contest looked like this: To qualify for the $100 gift card, you had to visit the bank every day it was opened (Mon-Sat) and participate in the challenge of the day. Challenges ranged from wearing your PJs to dressing like it was 1970; from dancing with a hula hoop to telling a joke. For 27 days customers of First Federal competed. Not only did the laughs abound, but relationships deepened - between bank customers and the tellers, as well as strengthening relationships neighbor to neighbor.
When asked which day's activity was their favorite, the tellers chimed in - it was "Souvenir Day!" The tellers climbed over themselves to tell me that one of their contestants dressed from head to toe in souvenirs from a trip: hat, shirt, slacks, belt, cowboy boots and unmentionables. They giggled like schoolgirls when they shared the story with me.
Building relationships happens one day at a time. One event at a time. What can you do today that can foster camaraderie and growth for your business?
PS: If you have a "smart marketing" story you'd like to share, send it to me at: Simply email me at: rbooth@rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com. The prize: getting some free advertising in this column for your business!
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
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3. Becoming Aware of Your Highest Self is the first principle.
============================================================
According to Wayne Dyer, we must first identify what stage we are in using Dr. Carl Jung’s archetypes, which are as follows:
1. The Athlete – this is the time in our life when our primary identification is with our physical body. We measure our worth and happiness by our physical appearance and abilities.
2. The Warrior – this is the time when the ego dominates our lives and we feel compelled to conquer the world to show that we are superior to others. We measure our worth by our achievements in this stage.
3. The Statesperson – in this stage we are realizing that our primary purpose is to give and not get. This person is still an achiever but with an inner drive to serve others.
4. The Spirit – this stage of life is characterized by loosening attachment to what you view as your reality. It’s understanding that you, according to Dyer, “in this world but not of this world.”
Where are you? We’ll discuss this principle more next week.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW
www.transformationsinstitute.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
===========================================================
4. Realizing a Return on Your Relationships
===========================================================
Do you ever wonder why you’ve got all these referral relationships but they’re not generating any referrals? You know they care about you and your success. They trust your skills and abilities and consider you to be a leader in your industry. They understand how to listen for the need and interest regarding your products and services. They’re even equipped with written testimonials and are familiar with the best way to introduce you. Clearly you’ve done a great job of building and educating your network. Why aren’t they producing any prospects for you?
So far it’s all about YOU! All of the “investments” up to now will clearly benefit you. When you commit to building your business by referral it’s critical to employ relational strategies on a regular basis to inspire your network to proactively take action on your behalf. The more crucial question, what investments are you consistently making that will benefit your referral sources?
Here are some things you can do to encourage the people in your network to continually refer you:
PROMOTE them in your newsletter or during a speaking engagement.
Seek their ADVICE. People love to be sought out as experts.
RECOGNIZE them for their contributions to your business.
PURCHASE their products or services.
CONNECT them with sources of information, support and referrals.
INVITE them to attend a function with you to make strategic introductions.
Offer a written TESTIMONIAL they can share with their prospects and clients.
SPONSOR an event they’re affiliated with.
ADVISE them on a question or concern that falls within your area of expertise.
VOLUNTEER on their behalf.
Accept and understand that referral marketing will not typically provide you with a quick return on your investment. This stratagem is meant to develop long-term, meaningful relationships that are reciprocal and therefore stand the test of time. Trust and commitment take lots of time!
You’ve probably heard the saying, “There are 3 kinds of people in this world – those that make it happen, those that watch it happen and those that wonder what in the heck happened.” What are you doing to inspire the people in your network to “make it happen” for you and your business?
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker, based in Roanoke Virginia. 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 nationally. 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! You can connect with Paula at http://www.referralinstitute-va.com.
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5. To Do This Week
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Take a referral partner to lunch this week!
Monday Morning Motivators – June 16, 2008
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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
“Success is dependent on effort.”
--Sophocles
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Table of Contents
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1. What is Long Range Planning? – Linda Fayerweather
2. Smart Marketing: Count on Fun - Rebecca Booth
3. Becoming Aware of Your Highest Self - Pat Altvater
4. Realizing a Return on Your Relationships – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. What is Long Range Planning?
============================================================
Take a moment and remember being ten years old and thinking about what you would be doing when you were as old as your dad or mom. I was going to be the best darn kindergarten teacher. I pursued that dream until I was 29 and realized that teaching little kids was not what I wanted to be doing until I was 65. I’ve changed lanes many times, but recognized that my ultimate long range plan was to Make Money (so I won’t be a burden on my kids), Have Fun (gotta have fun) and Do Good (strive to leave things in better shape then I found them).
Big Businesses face this all the time. Stop by an Apple Store and you will see how a 30 year young company continues to develop raving fans and has fun while doing it. If you look at Apple’s history, I’m sure they have always had long range plans and several times the media pronounced Apple dead. Still, they continue to surprise and amaze the customer.
Long Range planning is knowing not only where YOU want to be but where your CUSTOMERS want to be in the future! Think of changing and shifting as the oil in your long range plans.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Smart Marketing: Count on Fun
============================================================
It's not unusual for banks or financial institutions to stage contests to rev up membership or referrals. However, last month, my local bank (First Federal-Genoa) did something that not only was highly inventive, but it was also a terrific way for them to get to know their clients better. I call that smart marketing!
The contest looked like this: To qualify for the $100 gift card, you had to visit the bank every day it was opened (Mon-Sat) and participate in the challenge of the day. Challenges ranged from wearing your PJs to dressing like it was 1970; from dancing with a hula hoop to telling a joke. For 27 days customers of First Federal competed. Not only did the laughs abound, but relationships deepened - between bank customers and the tellers, as well as strengthening relationships neighbor to neighbor.
When asked which day's activity was their favorite, the tellers chimed in - it was "Souvenir Day!" The tellers climbed over themselves to tell me that one of their contestants dressed from head to toe in souvenirs from a trip: hat, shirt, slacks, belt, cowboy boots and unmentionables. They giggled like schoolgirls when they shared the story with me.
Building relationships happens one day at a time. One event at a time. What can you do today that can foster camaraderie and growth for your business?
PS: If you have a "smart marketing" story you'd like to share, send it to me at: Simply email me at: rbooth@rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com. The prize: getting some free advertising in this column for your business!
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Becoming Aware of Your Highest Self is the first principle.
============================================================
According to Wayne Dyer, we must first identify what stage we are in using Dr. Carl Jung’s archetypes, which are as follows:
1. The Athlete – this is the time in our life when our primary identification is with our physical body. We measure our worth and happiness by our physical appearance and abilities.
2. The Warrior – this is the time when the ego dominates our lives and we feel compelled to conquer the world to show that we are superior to others. We measure our worth by our achievements in this stage.
3. The Statesperson – in this stage we are realizing that our primary purpose is to give and not get. This person is still an achiever but with an inner drive to serve others.
4. The Spirit – this stage of life is characterized by loosening attachment to what you view as your reality. It’s understanding that you, according to Dyer, “in this world but not of this world.”
Where are you? We’ll discuss this principle more next week.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW
www.transformationsinstitute.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
===========================================================
4. Realizing a Return on Your Relationships
===========================================================
Do you ever wonder why you’ve got all these referral relationships but they’re not generating any referrals? You know they care about you and your success. They trust your skills and abilities and consider you to be a leader in your industry. They understand how to listen for the need and interest regarding your products and services. They’re even equipped with written testimonials and are familiar with the best way to introduce you. Clearly you’ve done a great job of building and educating your network. Why aren’t they producing any prospects for you?
So far it’s all about YOU! All of the “investments” up to now will clearly benefit you. When you commit to building your business by referral it’s critical to employ relational strategies on a regular basis to inspire your network to proactively take action on your behalf. The more crucial question, what investments are you consistently making that will benefit your referral sources?
Here are some things you can do to encourage the people in your network to continually refer you:
PROMOTE them in your newsletter or during a speaking engagement.
Seek their ADVICE. People love to be sought out as experts.
RECOGNIZE them for their contributions to your business.
PURCHASE their products or services.
CONNECT them with sources of information, support and referrals.
INVITE them to attend a function with you to make strategic introductions.
Offer a written TESTIMONIAL they can share with their prospects and clients.
SPONSOR an event they’re affiliated with.
ADVISE them on a question or concern that falls within your area of expertise.
VOLUNTEER on their behalf.
Accept and understand that referral marketing will not typically provide you with a quick return on your investment. This stratagem is meant to develop long-term, meaningful relationships that are reciprocal and therefore stand the test of time. Trust and commitment take lots of time!
You’ve probably heard the saying, “There are 3 kinds of people in this world – those that make it happen, those that watch it happen and those that wonder what in the heck happened.” What are you doing to inspire the people in your network to “make it happen” for you and your business?
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker, based in Roanoke Virginia. 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 nationally. 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! You can connect with Paula at http://www.referralinstitute-va.com.
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Take a referral partner to lunch this week!
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