Ask The Marketing Coach Helps Business Professionals Increase Profits

I want to share my new (free!) service with all my readers so I’ve included the press release with all the details.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to pick my brain for 20 minutes, this is not a sales tactic or gimmick.

Looking forward to speaking with you on “Ask the Marketing Coach” Fridays!

MIAMI, FL – November 27, 2009 – Merlyn Sanchez, Certified Marketing Coach and owner of SMART Business Owners, today announced the launch of a free service, “Ask the Marketing Coach”, to help independent professionals and business owners market themselves more effectively in this struggling economy.

Sanchez has been a marketing consultant and business coach for the past six years helping professionals and businesses in service industries from accounting to travel. One of her methods includes leveraging social media strategies for high impact, low cost results.

“I decided to offer this service in response to the current state of the economy. Many businesses are struggling and this is a way for them to access marketing information that can help them increase profits,” says Sanchez. “Now they’ll be able to get marketing tips they can implement immediately and react proactively to the economic situation instead of waiting for things to improve.”

Ask the Marketing Coach is a resource exclusively for independent professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs. Participants can schedule free 20-minute phone consultations on Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Eastern. They can request expert advice on marketing strategies and tactics.  Some of the most common questions are about lead generation, social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and low-cost marketing tactics.

For more information about SMART Business Owners or “Ask the Marketing Coach”, visit: http://www.smartbusinessowners.com/services/askthemarketingcoach.  Questions can be directed to (305) 851-5753 or email:  Merlyn@SmartBusinessOwners.com.

Merlyn Sanchez,founder of SMART Business Owners,  works with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and independent professionals to help them attract more clients consistently and increase revenue. She is a speaker, social media consultant and marketing expert with over sixteen years of sales and marketing experience in the hospitality industry and eight years as a business owner.

When Fear Is A Good Thing

There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by when a colleague or friend expresses fear about the future. “I’m scared that the economy is getting worse”. “I’m afraid that I’ll get laid off”. “I can’t sleep because I’m worried about my business failing”. “The real estate market hasn’t even begun to hit bottom yet!”.

I’m certainly not immune to it. Gloom and doom sells and that’s what the news media covers most. It’s hard to escape it. On television, the internet, newspapers and even the proverbial water cooler. Sometimes I get caught up and wonder if the doomsayers are right. My fear frightens me and I start to doubt myself.

And then I remember that the absence of fear is not a normal human response. Fear is normal and nature provided us with two default responses: fight or flight.

Hopefully we’ve moved beyond that and can add common sense to the mix. To be able to discern when it’s a good idea to run/avoid/hide from something and when it’s a better idea to fight/act/take a stand. To distinguish what we can change and what we cannot. If we use our fear constructively, it becomes something good. An impetus to help us move forward.

We are living now, in  this current economic climate and no amount of hiding or running will change it. What we can change is our attitude. This is not my “Pollyanna-ish” spin on things, it’s reality. You either decide what you can do to improve your life, business, and environment or continue to be a passive observer or worse, a victim.

Many people are prospering even in these less than economically ideal times. They are living lives of adventure, service, and abundance.

Don’t wait until “things get better”. Live your life, work your business, enjoy your family and friends.  And when you start to feel afraid, use that fear to spur you on to take positive action.

SMART Business Owners Plan Ahead

We’re already in the maddening rush of the holidays. Everything is a blur from a few weeks before Halloween until right after New Year’s.  This year, the first Christmas decorations in my neighborhood went up on November 1st! And I guarantee they’ll stay up until at least the first week after New Year’s.

It’s easy to neglect your business during all this activity (unless you’re in retail!).  In reality though, smart business owners know that this is the perfect time to lay the foundation for the New Year.  Here are some examples:

• Networking - There are a lot of opportunities to connect with others.  Holiday parties and get-togethers are perfect for getting to know your prospective clients and partners in a more casual setting. Instead of looking for opportunities to sell, look for opportunities to get to know something about the other person.

• Review the Past Year – What worked well? What didn’t? This is the ideal time to take a look at what you want to keep and what you want to change in your business. Evaluate the return on investment of your different marketing tactics. Do you need to “fire” any clients? The ones who complain about your fees, or you have trouble collecting from.

• Plan for the New Year – Now that you know what worked and what you want to change, plan for the new year.  Do you have a marketing action plan in place? Have you set your financial targets? If not, take this time to do the planning so your business doesn’t lose momentum.

• Take action – If you’ve decided to revamp your marketing materials in the new year start the process now. Talk to designers, get quotes, be clear on what you want. If you want to diversify your service or product portfolio, hire a coach or schedule brainstorming sessions with a colleague or partner.  Be ahead of the pack and start taking the steps you need to implement your plan.

The new year is around the corner so don’t let it catch you by surprise!

Important Things To Think About Before Building Email Marketing Lists

Today’s article is by guest writer, Gavin McDonald of http://www.listsquad.info , and offers some good tips on what to consider BEFORE you start building your email list.

Important Things to Think About Before Building Email Marketing Lists by Gavin McDonald

Email marketing lists are essential to online marketing. It is basically the main source of buyers and service clients. Almost all of the online businesses found in the internet make use of this technique. Instead of shelling out large amounts of money in internet advertising, this is the most inexpensive way to spread information about a certain product or service.

Online marketing has become a trend in the internet since the recession began. Lots of people have resorted to selling in the World Wide Web because of the limitations the real world has brought them. Now, how do we find customers in such a large venue? Well, a fact about online business is that they are governed by emails. To opt in email marketing is the cheapest way to go about it compared to other methods that are expensive. Even with the technology of instant messages and other ways of communicating in the internet, emails are still the best choice to drive in information to target persons. It is just a matter of doing it right.

Opt in email marketing suggest that it will be a continuous monitoring of responses to emails sent. Of course, if there are things that need improvement, the company will surely address it. A general notion is that the more people you send your information to, the larger the chance of landing on people who are true buyers. Even if they are, sometimes, they just make one purchase and leave. How can we make them stay? Well, there are things that we need to assess before we even think about how many emails we should have.

In opt in list building, we should be systematized. Ideally, we should be able to categorize emails. In the real world, an office has file cabinets to keep everything in its place, according to subject, area or field. In online marketing, your business should also have the same principle. Benefits to organizing are that you can easily keep track of responses made and emails that are not of use and did not make much for your business.

Permission: A lot of list building strategies would talk about avoiding spam. If your emails are filtered, it will taint your image as a good company. It is always a good thing to ask permission if you can present them your company and the things you offer through newsletters and other emails. Besides, being polite is giving respect to other people’s decisions and actions. You don’t want to sound pushy do you? Or else, you will lose more potential customers than you bargained for. Give them options. Most of the time, this establishes a good relationship.

Avoid Spam: Lastly, opt in email marketing is avoiding to be regarded as spam. This gives a bad impression to your name so, you should have consent from recipients regarding product offers and updates. To give you an idea, give them a freebie first and then they’ll sign up, then you have consent.

Here are three things that you should avoid. Although there are others, these can sure make a difference in your list-making.

Give the extra boost to your sales by visiting Gavin McDonald’s website http://www.listquad.info. Know all about list building strategies that generates traffic to your site. Visit today to bring your business on fast track!

Donate $25 to Kiva and Receive My New Ebook & Consulting Session worth $47.00

DENISE WAKEMAN’S BIG 5-0 KIVA CHALLENGE

What did Denise Wakeman want for her 50th birthday?  To raise $5,000 for budding business owners and entrepreneurs around the world.

I’ve known Denise Wakeman since I went through B/Coach Systems (business coach training) and Denise was the go-to person for all things organizational (as well as many other responsibilities) This was at least 6 years ago.  I’ve subsequently followed her career as she found her true calling and joined Patsi Krakoff and became “the Blog Squad”, experts at helping entrepreneurs, solo professionals, and business owners learn how to navigate the blogosphere and get results.

She is smart, savvy, and a real expert in a veritable ocean of gurus.

But what really sets Denise apart is that she cares. Not just about her clients (which is a given) but about making this world a better place. Whether it be running a marathon to raise funds for breast cancer or creating a team on Kiva to raise $5,000 in micro-loans, she is out there giving back.

So, I urge you to check out her challenge at:

http://www.biztipsblog.com/denise-wakeman-kiva-challenge.html

She is just $450.00 short of her $5,000 goal! She describes how easy it is to join Kiva and make your donation (she practically walks you through it).  And what I personally love about Kiva is that you get to CHOOSE the person or group to which your donation will be credited.  And this isn’t just a handout, they have to repay the loan.

For every person who donates the minimum $25 donation I will offer them my new ebook “LinkedIn for Coaches and Consultants” and a free 30-minute critique of their LinkedIn profile.  The book and consultation are not free to the public, the cost for the package is $47.00.  If you prefer you may apply the $47.00 as credit towards any future program or product.

Just post a comment here to let me know that you’ve donated and I’ll send you the details.

 

 

 

 

 

Vote for SMART Business Owners Blog

I’ve entered this blog in the “Best Wordpress Design” contest hosted by Fresheventure.com. If we win, we receive a lot of great products for our business.  So, where do you come in?

The voting doesn’t start until September 1st, but I want to start getting you ready to vote for us and to encourage any of your friends and family to do so as well. I’ll remind you again so don’t worry!

Thank you!

Merlyn  

5 Ways to Reach Your Most Elusive Prospects

In this over-connected, cell phone to the ear, Web 2.0 world, it would seem inconceivable that it can be near impossible to reach someone. However, it’s more likely that your phone call will go to voice mail rather than to a human being!

 
So, what do you do when you encounter someone’s voice mail?  Many business owners and sales people tell me there’s no point in leaving a message because they’ll never get return call.  What they really mean is, “I can’t sell them anything via voice mail”.

 
Well, they probably weren’t going to buy anything even if you did reach them!  Without an objective and a plan, you’re just one more person vying for attention.  And since you haven’t developed a relationship, you’re very easy to ignore.

 
Here are some tips on how to leave an effective voice mail message:

 
1. Define the objective of your call.  Is it a follow up to a networking event? Or are you returning the prospect’s call or email requesting information on your product or service?  Is it a “keep in touch” call where the purpose is to keep the relationship moving forward?

 
2. Prepare a script.  You want to make sure that you make it clear why you’re calling, how you can be reached, and let them know when you’ll be following up if you don’t hear from them. This will help prevent stuttering or losing your train of thought.  There’s nothing worse than those rambling messages that you wish you could erase! 

 
3. Make sure that you’re easy to reach.  Leave them your office number and cell phone number.  And make sure to check your voice mail messages (it could be embarrassing if you don’t!)

 
4. Repeat your key information. Introduce yourself at the beginning and the end of your message and include your phone numbers.  Speak clearly and slowly enough for someone to be able to take down your information without having to replay your message several times.

 
5. Don’t give up!  It may take several tries and a few rounds of telephone tag to finally reach your client or prospect.  So don’t be discouraged. 

 

By the same token, learn when you’re being avoided and leave a message that lets the other person “bow out gracefully”.  Just ask them to respond if they’re no longer interested in hearing from you. This usually works best if you use email since there’s no fear that they may actually reach you if they call.  Inject a little humor and make it clear that there are no hard feelings.  It’ll go a long way to demonstrate that you are both persistent and considerate.

 
Every contact you have with someone is a potential to create or further a relationship.  Don’t miss an opportunity to get your message across in an effective and powerful way.

20 Minutes is Your Friend

My article on the “Five Biggest Time Wasters” ( http://www.smartbusinessowners.com/the-5-biggest-time-wasters/  identified procrastination as one of the reasons we often welcome distractions and interruptions. These are two ways we convince ourselves that we’re not able to complete or tasks or projects.

Today’s article by Vicky White, a feng shui expert and coach who helps people eliminate the clutter in all areas of their lives: emotional, physical, relationships, etc.  Since her article addresses procrastination it’s a fitting continuation of my series on “Stop Wasting Time and Start Making Money”. 

Feature Article: 20 Minutes is Your Friend ©2009 Vicky White

Do you ever procrastinate?

Procrastination is the habit of not getting started, putting things off till the last minute. It results in missed opportunities. stress, and a head and life full of clutter.

Here are 7 tips for dealing with procrastination that will help you take charge of your life. As you read these, think of something you are procrastinating about right now and see how these tips relate – I know there IS something you’re procrastinating about.

1. First, ask yourself: Is this project or action in alignment with my vision or purpose? Is it something really important to you? If not, why are you even thinking about doing it?

2. Are you telling yourself you ‘have to’ do it? If so, that puts a heavy energy onto it and who wants to do something they’re being told they have to do? Either find a way for it to be something you choose to do, or don’t do it. Words have energy behind them, they shape your outcomes.

Remember, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You are always free to choose. There may be consequences for not doing it, but you DO have a choice.

3. Let go of perfectionism. For anyone with a writing project that’s the biggest energy killer. Just start. Getting those words down on paper will get the energy flowing and when you come to edit you’ll have something to work with. Same applies to anything else.

4. Break projects down into tasks. A project is to do your taxes or declutter the garage. A task might be to collect your Credit Card receipts or declutter one box in the corner of your garage. See the difference?
A task is something you can do in 20-30 minutes. Make a list of tasks associated with a project you’ve been putting off. Then schedule them – perhaps 20 minutes a day.

Remember this: ‘20 minutes is your friend’. The hardest part is starting but anyone can do something for 20 minutes. Set a timer – likely once you start you’ll do more, but even if it’s just 20 minutes a day, that’s 140 minutes a week and over 9 hours in a month. That’s some serious momentum you will have created.

5. Schedule fun times: Schedule self care, meditation, time for you, time with your family – those things that give you the energy and resources to handle the more challenging things – so you don’t feel deprived. I recommend scheduling your ME time for first thing in the morning. Then schedule your 20-30 minute spots that will lead to completion of your project. Everything else will fit in.

6. Reward yourself: Spend 20 minutes – and then reward yourself. For me writing this article – the task right now is fleshing out the outline I wrote – then I get to take a break and phone a friend. And yes, I’ve already been going for more than 20 minutes. Funny that!

7. Staying motivated. Find an accountability buddy. The more people you tell, the more likely it is you’ll do it. It’s a bit like the Integrity Days I offer in my programs. Having told us what you’re going to do in the coming hour, you’re unlikely to call back and say you just sat around eating bon-bons!

Procrastination is caused by turning a project into something unpleasant. The way to reduce procrastination is reframe your experience. These tips will help you – if you use them.

Remember 20 minutes is your friend.  Now, what will you do today?

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About the Author:  Vicky White is an Inner Feng Shui Coach who works with women in transition who are ready to step into something way bigger and connect their soul’s purpose to living full, juicy, passionate and abundant lives.  , The Inner Feng Shui Coach. Get Vicky White’s FREE “5 Biggest Attraction Mistakes ” report and her FREE articles to boost your creativity and your bottom line, at: www.LifeDesignStrategies.com

Testimonial:  I participated in one of Vicky’s clutter busting programs and I acquired tools which are still helping me keep clutter reined in.  I have found time I didn’t know I had! She also helped me improve the flow in my home using feng shui. She is fantastic!  Merlyn Sanchez, SMART Business Owners

The 5 Biggest Time Wasters

As the saying goes: “Time is money”, so wasting time is wasting money. And very few of us can afford to do that, especially in today’s economy.

Here are 5 pitfalls that many business owners and solo professionals fall into which can severely hamper their  productivity and cost them profits.  Do any of the following sound familiar?

1. Trying to do it all  The days of multi-tasking are long gone. Studies now document what many people have known for years: trying to do it all slows you down and increases mistakes. Just because you know how to do it doesn’t mean you should. If you start using the excuse “it’s easier (or faster, done better, etc.) if I do it myself”, then you know you’re in trouble!

2. Not having systems in place The reasons for having systems range from making it easier to delegate (see pitfall number 1), keeping your business running if you need to be away, to maximizing your return on your time investment. Look at the following areas and see if you have the systems in place to make your efforts more effective: marketing, customer service, bookkeeping/accounting, and order processing.

3. Being busy but not productive  When you’re busy doing a lot of things: making phone calls, checking email, and putting out fires you can fall into the trap of thinking you’re actually being productive. However, if you’re just engaging in “busy work” and working without a plan then you’re wasting time. Being productive means accomplishing something, using your available time to its best use.

4. Interruptions and distractions It doesn’t matter whether you work at home or in an office interruptions and distractions are a common problem. First, determine whether these annoyances are welcomed or initiated by you or not. Procrastination’s two best friends are interruptions and distractions! If you’re the problem, then you need to deal with why you’re avoiding certain tasks.

5. Technology  We’re being inundated with tools and technologies to improve our lives and instead they’re complicating them! Email has long been a big time waster, there are tools to help you manage it and whole chapters in books discussing it. Now we have “smart” phones so we can check email (can’t get away from the inbox), check the news, text, IM, surf the web, play games, the options are almost endless! Learn to manage these tools and eliminate the ones that are becoming time wasters.

Tomorrow’s post will offer some solutions and resources to help you eliminate (or at least tame) these time bandits.

 

 

[tags] time wasters, time management, productivity pitfalls, multi-tasking, process management, maximizing time, accomplishing more, getting things done/tags]

Looking for a virtual assistant for teleseminar project

I’m planning a teleseminar series to take place in about 6 to 8 weeks (still working on the timeline). I’m looking for a virtual assistant who has experience in arranging teleseminar conferences (virtual conferences) with the following qualifications:

• Experience ( as I mentioned above, you must have done this before)
• Good contacts in some of the following fields: public relations, financial planning for businesses/entrepreneurs (good topics include tax issues, budgeting, cash flow, etc.), public speaking, and branding.  You do not have to have contacts in ALL these areas but it will help if you know people that you can contact as speakers for the teleconference.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Pro-active and a self-starter
• Web design/wordpress experience (to set up the pages for the event)
• Audio editing and set up experience

 

This is just a basic outline of what I’m looking for.  The teleconference series will be free with an upgrade for transcripts and audios of the event.

If you, or someone you know, is qualified, please contact me at: Merlyn (at) smartbusinessowners.com.

Thank you!

Merlyn Sanchez