Changing Lanes - Really!
Last night, I returned from the annual "close up the summer camp adventure" and drove 200+ miles through Michigan on Interstate 75. At some points this road is 2 lanes and several place 5 lanes and in case you haven't driven this highway, I believe the majority of those traveling believe that 75 is the minimum speed limit. What I noticed is that many people change lanes much like they change directions on their business.
1. Impulsive - puts on blinker and changes lanes all at the same time. Often this can cause havoc for those in the immediate area. They don't intend to cause problems but there lack of planning does.
2. Focus Challenged - thinks about changing lanes, puts on blinker and never changes, just blinks. If you go by them you will usually see they are talking, singing with the radio, talking on the phone or just day dreaming. Remember - wishing and dreaming are not plans.
3. The Dervish - Just changes lanes whenever they think they can go faster - no blinker and you will see them weaving in and out of traffic. They seldom arrive any sooner, just more stressed.
4. The Thoughtful Planner - looks, puts on blinker, waits and then changes and usually very successfully. These drivers are aware of their surroundings.
Such is the way with business, the thoughtful planners are not adverse to the risk of entrepreneurship or changing the direction of their business, they just plan it out. They calculate the risks, put on the blinker and commit to change. They don't live in their business, they live with their business as part of the competition, landscape and their lives.
I have to admit that at various points in my life, I've been all four of the above in business, but last night with two precious packages in the car (my daughter and grandson), I am proud to say I was number four when it came to driving.
Getting a plan before you change lanes is one proven key to success. Where will your business take you?
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Awakened Entrepreneurs Face the Truth
We are in the final stretch of 2009; do you know how you are doing compared to your plan for 2009? Have you kept your accounting records up to date so you have a clear picture of where you are at this point?
Many entrepreneurs claim they are just too busy to keep up their monthly records and compare their results to their plan. Really, too busy? OR maybe they just don't want to have to face the truth.
Awakened entrepreneurs know that denial is like holding a finger in the dike. Eventually, it'll break down and then it will be too late to self-correct. When we fear the truth, we become defensive and constricted and waste energy that could be spent on seeking opportunities or solutions.
If your receipts are in a paper bag (think file folder, drawer, top of dresser, etc) all smashed together, maybe it's time for you to get some help before the year is over. Get your records up to date, so you can create a plan for 2010 that is based on accurate information from the current year.
Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.healthytalksformoms.com/
419-344-6613
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 05, 2009
Business tips for week of October 5, 2009
Monday Morning Motivators is a short burst of business tips you can use today and through out the week. Our reporters, authors and correspondents strive to bring you tips and insights to make your business shine.
"In the absence of communication there can be no business" --Diane DiResta
Your authors are:
Linda Fayerweather of Changing Lanes LLC
Rebecca Booth of Imagine That
Pat Altvater of Transformations Institute
Paula Frazier of BNI of West Virginia
It is the 21st Century
Business practices that match the century are going to be key to making your business thrive. If you are reading this email, you are savvy on the Internet - great! What other things can you do? Well, I'm reminded every time I hear someone say "green business" that "lean businesses" have been the leading the way for years.
Yes, I am one of those green people that takes my own bags to the grocery store which does seem to perplex many a cashier. Now, all the places I shop SELL reusable bags yet, I'm still I'm the oddball. This is clearly a green thing on my part - 5 less bags in the land fill each week. Now take a look at the Lean side of this. I usually choose to bag myself - saving the cashier time and me on the unloading end as I bag by where the supplies are shelved in my home. Two stores actually give me $.05 for each bag I use - a little change never hurts.
Lean businesses are always looking for ways to do more with less.
Green businesses are looking for ways to have less impact on the environment.
Together they are a team that will be thriving in this century.
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
The Future of Sales: On-Demand Customization
Check out this website: Zazzle.com. It's been allowing consumers to customize their own t-shirts, shoes, mug, business cards and the like since 2005.
Zazzle CEO Robert Beaver notes, "The competitive mentality is, 'If I help someone else, that's going to take dollars out of my pocket.' But that isn't the way our sellers are thinking. More sellers enhance the overall quality of the marketplace." Test drive the model for yourself. You'll find there's an idea incubator, access to artists' creations as well as a trend indicator. Create a few shirts for a company event or birthday party, then consider creating your own personalized line of marketed goods to be sold on zazzle.com. Remember, customization is the future.
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
Links of Interest
If you are a parent interested in raising healthy children, check out: http://www.healthytalksformoms.com Pat Altvater is launching a Telesummit with 7 experts discussing raising healthy children - this is a free program, but you must register.
Need help with your business books? If you are in Northwest Ohio, this upcoming seminar is for you. Check it out at Minding Your Money sponsored by the Women's Entrepreneurial Network.
Rebecca Booth is working to help the Toledo Crystal Awards be awesome - she will keep us posted about her enteries. Details about the Gala
The Ultimate Lean and Green man of New York City: No Impact Man
Monday Morning Motivators is a short burst of business tips you can use today and through out the week. Our reporters, authors and correspondents strive to bring you tips and insights to make your business shine.
"In the absence of communication there can be no business" --Diane DiResta
Your authors are:
Linda Fayerweather of Changing Lanes LLC
Rebecca Booth of Imagine That
Pat Altvater of Transformations Institute
Paula Frazier of BNI of West Virginia
It is the 21st Century
Business practices that match the century are going to be key to making your business thrive. If you are reading this email, you are savvy on the Internet - great! What other things can you do? Well, I'm reminded every time I hear someone say "green business" that "lean businesses" have been the leading the way for years.
Yes, I am one of those green people that takes my own bags to the grocery store which does seem to perplex many a cashier. Now, all the places I shop SELL reusable bags yet, I'm still I'm the oddball. This is clearly a green thing on my part - 5 less bags in the land fill each week. Now take a look at the Lean side of this. I usually choose to bag myself - saving the cashier time and me on the unloading end as I bag by where the supplies are shelved in my home. Two stores actually give me $.05 for each bag I use - a little change never hurts.
Lean businesses are always looking for ways to do more with less.
Green businesses are looking for ways to have less impact on the environment.
Together they are a team that will be thriving in this century.
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
The Future of Sales: On-Demand Customization
Check out this website: Zazzle.com. It's been allowing consumers to customize their own t-shirts, shoes, mug, business cards and the like since 2005.
Zazzle CEO Robert Beaver notes, "The competitive mentality is, 'If I help someone else, that's going to take dollars out of my pocket.' But that isn't the way our sellers are thinking. More sellers enhance the overall quality of the marketplace." Test drive the model for yourself. You'll find there's an idea incubator, access to artists' creations as well as a trend indicator. Create a few shirts for a company event or birthday party, then consider creating your own personalized line of marketed goods to be sold on zazzle.com. Remember, customization is the future.
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
Links of Interest
If you are a parent interested in raising healthy children, check out: http://www.healthytalksformoms.com Pat Altvater is launching a Telesummit with 7 experts discussing raising healthy children - this is a free program, but you must register.
Need help with your business books? If you are in Northwest Ohio, this upcoming seminar is for you. Check it out at Minding Your Money sponsored by the Women's Entrepreneurial Network.
Rebecca Booth is working to help the Toledo Crystal Awards be awesome - she will keep us posted about her enteries. Details about the Gala
The Ultimate Lean and Green man of New York City: No Impact Man
Monday, September 21, 2009
Serendipity
Week of September 21, 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
“There is no rule that life has to be hard. I looked it up.” --Lora J Canary
This week's topics include: • Serendipity - Linda Fayerweather
• A Master of Viral Marketing - Rebecca Booth
• Awakened Entrepreneurs Have a Growth Mindset - Pat Altvater
• Relax - Paula Frazier
Serendipity
The word “serendipity” is fun to say and it is something that many entrepreneurs forget to observe. It refers to when one accidentally discovers something useful while looking for something entirely unrelated. A short list of serendipitous discoveries are dynamite, silly putty, scotch guard, LSD, Teflon, vulcanized rubber, safety glass and corn flakes.
In my yard this growing season, a doe I call Dora has taken residence. As a lifelong avid gardener, I have watched as my prize plants have been treated like her own personal salad bar! I’ve more than curbed my enthusiasm for weeding - why bother - I just make it easier for her to find the tasty morsels. Even Liquid Fence® ,fondly referred to by my family as “dead man in a can”, ceased to work. This is where serendipity stepped in as "eupatorium rugosum" took over. This weed is native to North American, has medicinal qualities and is POSIUNOUS to deer! If cows graze on it, their milk will be toxic. Ah Ha! The deer seem to be smart enough to not eat it or other things around it!
As entrepreneurs we often get stuck doing, and doing, and doing and forgetting to step back and watch. Imagine setting up your business to run limiting your controlling hands in established processes. Without constant weeding, sometimes serendipity may step in and say “Hi”. Maybe the right “employee”, like the eupatorium, just needs time to establish some roots.
Check out the list of other serendipitous inventions at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serendipity
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
Corner Dental - A Master of Viral Marketing
There’s no better way to market than virally – getting a group of people to give your product or service a shout out. MySpace, FaceBook and Twitter have connected people to their friends, families, colleagues and past employers in an endless loop. Marketing to them, however is not as easy as clicking on a banner ad. Banner ad click-through rates now mirror that of traditional direct mail: a whopping 1%, yet banner advertising is worse on social networks where a measly 0.02% of people will click on the ad. The key to getting someone to pass along your product’s name or a testimonial for your service is to offer something that people REALLY WANT. I saw a perfect example of this at the UT/OSU football game on Saturday. Corner Dental advertised the opportunity to “Show Your Smile” to the crowd by texting your picture to their website during the game. Not only did Corner Dental post the photos on the JumboTron at the game, but my nephew gave CD a shout-out to his friends that his picture was featured. Viral marketing doesn’t get much better than that.
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 Have a Growth Mindset
The following is taken verbatim from http://www.mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/index.html
Mindset is a simple idea discovered by world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, PhD in decades of research on achievement and success – a simple idea that makes all the difference.
In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success – without effort. They’re wrong.
In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work – brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.
Essentially Dr. Dweck is saying that people with a growth mindset enjoy challenges, accept mistakes as learning experiences and value personal growth, all essential traits of an awakened entrepreneur. In contrast, a person with a fixed mindset is defensive about mistakes, constantly works at appearing successful and doesn’t try anything new unless they know they can succeed. Which mindset describes you?
It is possible to change. I am interviewing Dr. Dweck as part of my free Childhood Obesity Tele-Summit this October. You can learn more about mindsets and how to help the people around you, your children and/or your employees, adopt the growth mindset directly from Dr. Dweck on October 13th at 8pm EST. For more information and to register for this free event, go to: http://www.tinyurl.com/momstelesummit.
Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
419-344-6613
Taking Time to Revive
So whether your daily grind is physical, mental, or a combination of the two, plan to take a day off to replenish your mind, body and spirit.
1. Pick up a good book and lose yourself in a great novel.
2. Experience a movie adventure with some friends.
3. Take the family to the park for a picnic. Sounds corny; but it’s fun.
4. Let social media be your outlet. Go online to connect on FaceBook and Twitter your favorite Tweeple to your heart’s content.
5. Hang out. Turn off the television, radio and phone and literally do nothing.
No matter what you choose to do, know that you’ve earned it! Get out your planner and schedule your next one, now.
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 are featured internationally. She was recently published in Brainsbook for Networking and 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
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
“There is no rule that life has to be hard. I looked it up.” --Lora J Canary
This week's topics include: • Serendipity - Linda Fayerweather
• A Master of Viral Marketing - Rebecca Booth
• Awakened Entrepreneurs Have a Growth Mindset - Pat Altvater
• Relax - Paula Frazier
Serendipity
The word “serendipity” is fun to say and it is something that many entrepreneurs forget to observe. It refers to when one accidentally discovers something useful while looking for something entirely unrelated. A short list of serendipitous discoveries are dynamite, silly putty, scotch guard, LSD, Teflon, vulcanized rubber, safety glass and corn flakes.
In my yard this growing season, a doe I call Dora has taken residence. As a lifelong avid gardener, I have watched as my prize plants have been treated like her own personal salad bar! I’ve more than curbed my enthusiasm for weeding - why bother - I just make it easier for her to find the tasty morsels. Even Liquid Fence® ,fondly referred to by my family as “dead man in a can”, ceased to work. This is where serendipity stepped in as "eupatorium rugosum" took over. This weed is native to North American, has medicinal qualities and is POSIUNOUS to deer! If cows graze on it, their milk will be toxic. Ah Ha! The deer seem to be smart enough to not eat it or other things around it!
As entrepreneurs we often get stuck doing, and doing, and doing and forgetting to step back and watch. Imagine setting up your business to run limiting your controlling hands in established processes. Without constant weeding, sometimes serendipity may step in and say “Hi”. Maybe the right “employee”, like the eupatorium, just needs time to establish some roots.
Check out the list of other serendipitous inventions at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serendipity
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
Corner Dental - A Master of Viral Marketing
There’s no better way to market than virally – getting a group of people to give your product or service a shout out. MySpace, FaceBook and Twitter have connected people to their friends, families, colleagues and past employers in an endless loop. Marketing to them, however is not as easy as clicking on a banner ad. Banner ad click-through rates now mirror that of traditional direct mail: a whopping 1%, yet banner advertising is worse on social networks where a measly 0.02% of people will click on the ad. The key to getting someone to pass along your product’s name or a testimonial for your service is to offer something that people REALLY WANT. I saw a perfect example of this at the UT/OSU football game on Saturday. Corner Dental advertised the opportunity to “Show Your Smile” to the crowd by texting your picture to their website during the game. Not only did Corner Dental post the photos on the JumboTron at the game, but my nephew gave CD a shout-out to his friends that his picture was featured. Viral marketing doesn’t get much better than that.
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 Have a Growth Mindset
The following is taken verbatim from http://www.mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/index.html
Mindset is a simple idea discovered by world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, PhD in decades of research on achievement and success – a simple idea that makes all the difference.
In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success – without effort. They’re wrong.
In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work – brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.
Essentially Dr. Dweck is saying that people with a growth mindset enjoy challenges, accept mistakes as learning experiences and value personal growth, all essential traits of an awakened entrepreneur. In contrast, a person with a fixed mindset is defensive about mistakes, constantly works at appearing successful and doesn’t try anything new unless they know they can succeed. Which mindset describes you?
It is possible to change. I am interviewing Dr. Dweck as part of my free Childhood Obesity Tele-Summit this October. You can learn more about mindsets and how to help the people around you, your children and/or your employees, adopt the growth mindset directly from Dr. Dweck on October 13th at 8pm EST. For more information and to register for this free event, go to: http://www.tinyurl.com/momstelesummit.
Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
419-344-6613
Taking Time to Revive
So whether your daily grind is physical, mental, or a combination of the two, plan to take a day off to replenish your mind, body and spirit.
1. Pick up a good book and lose yourself in a great novel.
2. Experience a movie adventure with some friends.
3. Take the family to the park for a picnic. Sounds corny; but it’s fun.
4. Let social media be your outlet. Go online to connect on FaceBook and Twitter your favorite Tweeple to your heart’s content.
5. Hang out. Turn off the television, radio and phone and literally do nothing.
No matter what you choose to do, know that you’ve earned it! Get out your planner and schedule your next one, now.
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 are featured internationally. She was recently published in Brainsbook for Networking and 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
Monday, September 14, 2009
Call to Action
Monday Morning Motivators for the Week of September 14, 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
“Miracles happen for people who believe in them. Opportunities happen for people who expect them.” Rita Milios
This week's topics include:
• Where is Your Call To Action? - Linda Fayerweather
• What to Do When Business Sours - Rebecca Booth
• Awakened Entrepreneurs Treat Themselves Well! - Pat Altvater
• 29% Solution – Looking Forward - Paula Fraizer
Where is Your Call To Action
On Thursday, I presented a stellar 20 minute educational program. And, it was just that - educational. I did a free presentation for 30 local women business owners, expecting in return some free promotion - which was provided, have something the participants will purchase in the back of the room and anticipated garnering some business. I have created a new presentation that demonstrates a simple way to develop a Vision Statement which is a small part of my 6 hour workshop on business planning. After the fact, I received 10 emails of praise and thanks which are greatly appreciated with two requests for One-to-One meetings, but no requests for engagements. What did I do wrong?
No Call To Action.
I was so focused on the content that I forgot to build that burning desire in my audience to
~Learn MORE,
~Tell them what MORE was,
~Explain to them why MORE is going to make their life saner and
~Show them the actual flyer to get MORE with a special 24 bonus.
This would have taken 2 minutes of the 20 minutes and I missed the opportunity.
Without a call to action, my presentation activities were short circuited by me. I can only blame, myself and take it as a great learning lesson.
How about you? Let me know your examples of Great calls to action and not so much calls with an email to: linda@changinglanes.biz
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
------------------------
What to Do When Business Sours
Many of us are faced with cutting costs these days. Yet what happens when your entire demographic or way of doing business changes? Learn a lesson from these two folks:
David EisnerWhat Happened: Customers weren’t renewing annual contracts
Solution: He shifted to monthly contracts and improved customer service.
Kim Matheson Shedrick
What Happened: The high-end business of building spas slowed.
Solution: She turned to the Web to target less affluent clients and expanded the corporate side of her business.
I like to think of the current economic situation as a time for creativity. Instead of slashing people, prices and expenses; consider job sharing, cutting hours and/or reshaping your business radically like the two individuals above. By keeping in tune with what your customers want and how they need to do business, you’ll both be better!
Source: August/September 2009 SmallBiz
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 Treat Themselves Well!
Experts say that a full 70 – 80% of our thoughts are negative. Shocking, isn’t it? However, the unfortunate reality is that we are constantly judging ourselves and others. Listen to yourself during one day and see how many judgmental thoughts you have. Do you look in the mirror in the morning and criticize your appearance? Do you reprimand yourself if you make a mistake, realize that you’ve said the wrong thing, or handled a situation poorly?
Keep in mind, too, that our criticisms of others always reflect how we feel about ourselves. Those judgments mask our own fears that we don’t measure up and typically what we judge in others is what we don’t like about ourselves and haven’t had the courage to admit! When you catch yourself judging someone else, immediately bring the thought into your awareness and see if you can find the lesson there for you.
Awakened entrepreneurs don’t waste mental energy on critical thinking.
The minute you hear yourself think a judgmental thought say “Cancel that” and instantly substitute a new and powerful thought about you. Keep doing this and eventually those judgmental comments will subside and you’ll free up your brain to think other more creative and empowering thoughts!
Copyright 2009 Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
419-344-6613
------------------------
Review and Looking Forward
As someone that relies completely on word-of-mouth to build my businesses, I’ve found The 29% Solution, written by leading referral marketing expert Dr. Ivan Misner, to be instrumental in my success. He offers 52 weekly networking success strategies (one per week) and specific actions to take to experience success through focused, purposeful networking efforts. I look forward to sharing them with you in the coming weeks.
Weeks 1-7 were all about you and your business. Weeks 8-14 we went through exercises to identify and connect with specific people to build our network. Now it’s time to go deep by going the extra mile!
Let’s take a sneak peek at week’s 15-20 before we dive into the details:
Week 15: Be A Value Added Friend takes a look at the value you bring to your relationships.
Week 16: Become a Catalyst shows you how to be a person that takes the lead and makes things happen.
Week 17: Find an Accountability Partner helps you find someone that you respect and answer to regarding specific goals.
Week 18: Volunteer and Become Visible encourages you to give back to the community you do business in.
Week 19: Send a Thank You Card focuses on a simple but powerful 2 minute activity. Believe it or not very few people still do this!
Week 20: Follow Up TODAY offers the importance of timely follow up to keep moving forward in the relationship.
Now is the time to delve into the archives and revisit past weeks in The 29% Solution as we continue to take this 52 week journey together. See you next week!
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
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
“Miracles happen for people who believe in them. Opportunities happen for people who expect them.” Rita Milios
This week's topics include:
• Where is Your Call To Action? - Linda Fayerweather
• What to Do When Business Sours - Rebecca Booth
• Awakened Entrepreneurs Treat Themselves Well! - Pat Altvater
• 29% Solution – Looking Forward - Paula Fraizer
Where is Your Call To Action
On Thursday, I presented a stellar 20 minute educational program. And, it was just that - educational. I did a free presentation for 30 local women business owners, expecting in return some free promotion - which was provided, have something the participants will purchase in the back of the room and anticipated garnering some business. I have created a new presentation that demonstrates a simple way to develop a Vision Statement which is a small part of my 6 hour workshop on business planning. After the fact, I received 10 emails of praise and thanks which are greatly appreciated with two requests for One-to-One meetings, but no requests for engagements. What did I do wrong?
No Call To Action.
I was so focused on the content that I forgot to build that burning desire in my audience to
~Learn MORE,
~Tell them what MORE was,
~Explain to them why MORE is going to make their life saner and
~Show them the actual flyer to get MORE with a special 24 bonus.
This would have taken 2 minutes of the 20 minutes and I missed the opportunity.
Without a call to action, my presentation activities were short circuited by me. I can only blame, myself and take it as a great learning lesson.
How about you? Let me know your examples of Great calls to action and not so much calls with an email to: linda@changinglanes.biz
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
------------------------
What to Do When Business Sours
Many of us are faced with cutting costs these days. Yet what happens when your entire demographic or way of doing business changes? Learn a lesson from these two folks:
David EisnerWhat Happened: Customers weren’t renewing annual contracts
Solution: He shifted to monthly contracts and improved customer service.
Kim Matheson Shedrick
What Happened: The high-end business of building spas slowed.
Solution: She turned to the Web to target less affluent clients and expanded the corporate side of her business.
I like to think of the current economic situation as a time for creativity. Instead of slashing people, prices and expenses; consider job sharing, cutting hours and/or reshaping your business radically like the two individuals above. By keeping in tune with what your customers want and how they need to do business, you’ll both be better!
Source: August/September 2009 SmallBiz
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 Treat Themselves Well!
Experts say that a full 70 – 80% of our thoughts are negative. Shocking, isn’t it? However, the unfortunate reality is that we are constantly judging ourselves and others. Listen to yourself during one day and see how many judgmental thoughts you have. Do you look in the mirror in the morning and criticize your appearance? Do you reprimand yourself if you make a mistake, realize that you’ve said the wrong thing, or handled a situation poorly?
Keep in mind, too, that our criticisms of others always reflect how we feel about ourselves. Those judgments mask our own fears that we don’t measure up and typically what we judge in others is what we don’t like about ourselves and haven’t had the courage to admit! When you catch yourself judging someone else, immediately bring the thought into your awareness and see if you can find the lesson there for you.
Awakened entrepreneurs don’t waste mental energy on critical thinking.
The minute you hear yourself think a judgmental thought say “Cancel that” and instantly substitute a new and powerful thought about you. Keep doing this and eventually those judgmental comments will subside and you’ll free up your brain to think other more creative and empowering thoughts!
Copyright 2009 Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
419-344-6613
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Review and Looking Forward
As someone that relies completely on word-of-mouth to build my businesses, I’ve found The 29% Solution, written by leading referral marketing expert Dr. Ivan Misner, to be instrumental in my success. He offers 52 weekly networking success strategies (one per week) and specific actions to take to experience success through focused, purposeful networking efforts. I look forward to sharing them with you in the coming weeks.
Weeks 1-7 were all about you and your business. Weeks 8-14 we went through exercises to identify and connect with specific people to build our network. Now it’s time to go deep by going the extra mile!
Let’s take a sneak peek at week’s 15-20 before we dive into the details:
Week 15: Be A Value Added Friend takes a look at the value you bring to your relationships.
Week 16: Become a Catalyst shows you how to be a person that takes the lead and makes things happen.
Week 17: Find an Accountability Partner helps you find someone that you respect and answer to regarding specific goals.
Week 18: Volunteer and Become Visible encourages you to give back to the community you do business in.
Week 19: Send a Thank You Card focuses on a simple but powerful 2 minute activity. Believe it or not very few people still do this!
Week 20: Follow Up TODAY offers the importance of timely follow up to keep moving forward in the relationship.
Now is the time to delve into the archives and revisit past weeks in The 29% Solution as we continue to take this 52 week journey together. See you next week!
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
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Have a profitable week.
Linda Fayerweather, Editor
Changing Lanes LLC
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