Source: GettyImages.com

There was a time when advertising or marketing meant putting up a sign on your front window, giving out fliers to people on the street, or placing posters on bulletin boards around town.  If you were lucky and had cash to spare, it meant buying some space in the local paper, or some air time on the local radio and TV stations.

And then came the Internet.

Now, your website, not your front window, is probably the first thing people see.  Fliers that used to be handed out to people on the street can now be emailed to people all over the world.  And when people talk about you and your products, it isn’t just happening in the salon, in the lockers, or by the water cooler – it’s now happening on blogs, forums, and social-media sites.  Almost everything that used to be limited to your locale can now happen anywhere in the world.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you forget your local customers.  Yes, the Internet helps you reach out other markets, but it is also a great way to establish your presence in the local marketplace.  Dorothy Dutch has an article up on our Small Business CEO Magazine called Local Internet Marketing and Advertising for Small to Mid-Size Businesses – 10 Tricks of the Trade explaining how.

She gave 10 tips, but I’ve grouped them together into a few, more general tips:

Get your site seen

Your website is your storefront, sales brochure, and virtual receptionist rolled into one.  The people who visit your website can learn about your business and your products, the causes you support, and many other things.

Of course, your site is no good if nobody knows about it.  Make sure your business cards, signs, stationery, and other materials have your website address printed on them.   You should also put your website in your email signature, and if possible, on your signatures for blog comments, forum posts, and other online interactions.

Dorothy also stresses having a smart website, which in her words is “one that uses SEO techniques to tell the search engines like Google what your site / business is about so that when potential customers search online for a business like yours… your business comes up first.”

Basically, a smart website is one that can talk to computers and other websites just as well as it talks with your customers.  This, along with the right keywords, allows your site to climb up Google and other search engine results.

Reach out to your market

Dorothy suggests using Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites to your advantage.  She also suggests utilizing blogs, and forums.  These sites are like the online equivalents of coffee shops, salons, and other places where people can talk to you and about you.  There are always several discussions going on, and getting on these sites lets you join these discussions.

By joining these communities, or even by building a community around your business, you can learn about what people like (or don’t like) about your business and your products, and even learn what they want that you can offer.  More importantly, interacting with your market  helps you build relationships with them – and makes it more likely they will become loyal customers.

Of course, social sites, blogs, and forums aren’t the only ways to build relationships with your market.  You can reach out to them through e-mail – but you need to know their addresses first.  Dorothy suggests:

“Have a place on your web site that encourages customers to provide you with their e-mail addresses. Keep your lists up to date and even begin to categorize the lists for your records. Start a newsletter to send to your e-mail list to keep them coming.”

E-mail campaigning over the internet to let local folks know who you are and what you are offering is one of the key ways to implement a successful local marketing campaign. Ask for new customer e-mail addresses at every opportunity. Have a place on your web site that encourages customers to provide you with their e-mail addresses. Keep your lists up to date and even begin to categorize the lists for your records. Start a newsletter to send to your e-mail list to keep them coming.

Mix old school techniques with new technology

Coupons, sales, and special offers are meant to pique interest.  A tempting enough offer will get customers to walk in, call in, or order online.  They can also get prospective customers to think about future sales and offers, and get them to keep coming back.

Another traditional sales technique is the referral.  It not only helps you get new customers, which is always good, but it also strengthens ties with your current customers.  By offering your best customers incentives for recruiting new customers, you get to do two things: you show them how much you value them and the business they bring in, and get them to work for you and advertise for you.

Now you may be wondering, where does the new technology come in?  For one thing, you can inform people about these offers online through e-mail, social media, or other channels.  Doing so lets you use tracking codes and other techniques that will also allow you to track these offers and see how well they work.

Get others to work for you

A referral program like Dorothy mentioned gets your customers actively advertising and supporting your business.  Getting involved in social media, forums, and other online discussions also gets people working for you by talking about you.  These, however, are not your only options to getting others working for your business.

Dorothy suggests article marketing, which entails writing (or finding somebody else to write) articles featuring your products or your services and submitting them to article-sharing sites.  These sites can spread your articles to several online publications, and consequently, get your products featured on several sites.

Of course, another way to get others to work for you is by hiring them.  There are companies that can help you with Internet marketing and incorporating the techniques that Dorothy mentions.  These companies can help you make full use of the Internet for your marketing efforts.

With all the advantages that Internet marketing offers over more traditional marketing techniques, it would be foolish not to learn how to use it.  Yes, the Internet allows you to market globally, but it also allows you to strengthen your presence in your local market.  The fact is that the Internet gives you another way to connect with your customers – and the best part is that you can connect with them even when they’re nowhere near your store.

Until next time,

Ric

“There was never any fear for me, no fear of failure. If I miss a shot, so what?” ~ Michael Jordan   

We all know who “His Airness”, Michael Jordan is.   His contemporaries, mostly basketball legends themselves, defer to him as the “greatest basketball player of all time.”  His stats are stellar, his scores off the roof, his name is in the Hall of Fame.  As I gleaned from his words above, Jordan rose to the top because he played with NO FEAR.  He played to hone his skills, played to master his craft, played to enjoy the game. With his refusal to let fear breed in his heart and mind, he played to become the best. 

I’m not simply talking about basketball. I’m talking about the fear that we carry in our hearts and in our heads, the fear that stops us from being happy, or talented, or gorgeous, or successful. Fear is a debilitating emotion, it can be paralyzing.  For some of us, this is the barrier that hold us back from becoming successful, from realizing potentials of great heights – what we can do and where we can go.   

Helene Rothschild, intuitive counselor, speaker and author, challenges us to overcome our fears in Dare To Reach Your Goals: 7 Major Keys to Success in Small Business CEO Magazine. 

The article was an enlightening read for me. It gave me new perceptions about fear. 

Fear of failure, or fear of success?  

Apparently, it is not so much the fear of failure that blocks us, but surprisingly, the fear to succeed. This is a pretty new concept to me; I never thought people could fear the positive. Rothschild talks about the 7 fears of success and how we should cut those ropes to overcome them. 

We fear success because we fear the unknown, not knowing what to do once we’re in new ground.  We fear success because we think we are not deserving of its rewards, and fear the consequences that come with it.  We fear success because we think it does not fit our self-image, or people will no longer like us once we’re there.  We fear success because our parents may not accept that we can surpass what they have accomplished.  We fear success because we think we are doing it for other people, not for ourselves. 

We fear success.  We hinder it ourselves.  We create the bars and roadblocks.  We limit ourselves.  We refuse to succeed. 

F.E.A.R. = False Evidence Appearing Real 

“Empty fears we all have, most worryings are needless, but still we fail to understand and go on fretting heedless.” ~John McLeod, from On Crossing Non-Existent Bridges 

Another article that turned my perception of fear around is what Lynn Pierce, the Success Architect and founder of the annual Empowered Women’s Business Summit, wrote in her article Banish Fear in Your Life .  It made me think, and eventually agree:  “95% of our fears are never realized.”   Our fears are mostly based on unfounded worries; we turn something illogical into an over-analyzed basis of anxiety. 

False Evidence Appearing Real.  And yet, we allow it to grip us, to stop us from moving towards the direction of where we really want to go. 

I liked Pierce’s suggestion of declaring that YOU and what you want to accomplish is bigger than your fear.  I did the personal growth exercise that she suggested and realized that I indeed have a lot of anxieties and apprehensions that most likely will never happen.   

“Whatever you fear most has no power…it is your fear that has the power”. ~Oprah Winfrey 

Fear is powerful in the sense that it is paralyzing.  It binds us and pins us down from doing what we should, or what is right.  The challenge to us is how to harness this power, and turn it around to become a positive emotion, a call to action.

Source: GettyImages.com

After reading the articles, it dawned on me, now, it’s all a matter of decision on my part:  “Will I allow my fears to lord over me?  Do I let it conquer me?  Or the other way around?” 

Burn your fear list 

Pierce, in her article, suggests this personal growth exercise: make three columns on a piece of paper.  On the first column, list your fears, on the second, write down the worst possible thing that can happen if your fear comes true, and on the third, write down a solution to the problem. 

I found this exercise liberating.  It simplified so many things for me, and helped me tackle each fear in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner.  I felt so much better after – silly, in fact, realizing that most anxieties I had were baseless, unfounded, and not even likely to happen.    And should they do arise, I now know what to do.   

To complete my liberation from fear, I read my list once again, took careful note of my solutions column, and burned my list.  Watching that piece of paper go up in smoke was symbolic to my letting go.  It’s like shouting to the world:  “Fear, I’m burning you down.  I’m much bigger than you are.”   

Source: GettyImages.com

 Cut the ropes 

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, coverage, and confidence in the doing.” 

Now that you have I looked fear in the eye and decided to stand firm against it, I can now empower myself to do greater things, reach greater heights.  I think Rothschild said it best in her article… 

“Imagine that you are in a beautiful air balloon ready to take off, to have what you want in your life. Now look towards the ground and notice if there are any ropes holding you down, stopping you from being free to fly. 

Source: GettyImages.com

“In order to reach your goals in your life, it is necessary to cut those ropes-to overcome not your fears of failure but your fears of success. You may be as surprised as I was when I first discovered the fear of success. It seems illogical to push away the very things we desire”. 

I have now decided to break away from the ties that bind and weigh me down.  I look forward to flying high and flying free, and breathing the wonderful air from above.   

Command & conquer 

What is it exactly that you fear?  Is it failure, or success?  What will it take to conquer it?  Look fear in the face and banish it.  Command yourself to conquer an imaginary foe that has long been pulling you down. 

I leave you now with another point to ponder on.  I found this excerpt from a book written by Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love – Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles: 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” 

Conquer your fears!
Adaire  

Sometimes, I wish I could go back to the pre-internet age. The world without emails, IMs, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc…There were fewer distractions to contend with. But it sure was a burden not having to shop at just a click of a button

I remember back then, when the internet was new, if you wanted to shop at Amazon, you would go through their “online catalog” write down all of the item numbers for what you wanted and pick up the phone and CALL their order number – or if you were really brave – you’d email your order and credit card info .  On eBay – if you bought something at auction and won – you would send a physical check to the seller who would cash it and then send your order to you.

Most websites were education sites or basically business cards online. Full scale online adoption didn’t happen until ten years ago.  And boy did we all truly adopt – fast!

I have to admit that living in the World Wide Web has made it difficult for me to keep my focus. The internet has enough content to consume my mind.  And even with all this surplus of cultural technologies that evolve faster than you can type, we still thirst for more ways to fill our attention. I mean, do you even have to wonder why they had to create multiple tabs in the internet browser?

Source: GettyImages.com

Indeed, with all these information bombarding us from so many sources, keeping our minds focused almost seems impossible. I bet while you are reading this, you are chatting with online friends, downloading a funny cat video, listening to the radio, and watching TV.

Greg Reid, author of the book, “Millionaire Mentor” cites a more vivid example showing the importance of focus in one’s success in his article on Healthy Wealthy n Wise entitled Catch the Ball.

He compares a golden opportunity to a game of basketball where you are poised to make the winning shot.  Being aware that the success of the game relies on you adds pressure that could make you lose focus.  Your mind may wander too far ahead into imagining triumph and accolades. As your attention drifts, you end up failing to catch the ball.

While focus is mostly required of athletes in a high-pressure competition, the concept also presents itself to various situations. Take a stage actor for example.  He could hit the high notes, memorize his lines, keep in character during his rehearsals, but once he loses his focus onstage when the blinding lights and public eyes are upon him, then all is for naught.

Riding two horses:

“If you can’t ride two horses at the same time you shouldn’t be in the circus.”- Unknown source

Riding two horses altogether may seem like a highly-prized ability, IF you want your life to be a circus.

So before you pat your back for your ability to multi-task, think again. Reid couldn’t have said it better himself, “We can do things faster and better, if we focus on only one thing at a time.”

So how do you maintain your focus amidst this crippling attitude of doing everything at once?

I’ve outlined here a few basic tips which I based on Reid’s article:

Unplug:

Recently, I caught a story on TV where a family with teenage kids was dared to live for a week without TV, internet, mobile phone, radio, and music players. To entertain themselves, they played board games; talked, painted, read books.  I wasn’t sure if the family made it through the week, but it did make me think how families have changed so much because of this technological age. Kids are busy text messaging their friends instead of talking to their parents over dinner. Dads are spending more time in front of the computer monitor instead of their real live kids. Families have lost their focus on the most important aspect of their lives – their loved ones. Without your family, with whom will you share your success?

If you think unplugging yourself completely is too harsh, then start with unplugging yourself some of the time. For example, turn off the TV and ban all mobile phones during meals so you could enjoy a conversation. Or plan a no-connectivity weekend in a beach or at home. You might be surprised at how going back to basics could lead you to a grander vision in life.

Prepare:

In his article, Reid emphasizes the need for preparation. In a high-pressure situation such as a big business presentation, you are given only one chance. Leave no room for surprises. Carefully study all aspects of a task or project before you aim for the big shot.  Being prepared mentally also boosts your confidence. Simon Cowell couldn’t have said it best, “There is no need to be nervous if you know you’re good.”

If you‘ve covered all possibilities, ran through your presentation, perfected your pitch, then you are in total control of the situation. This kind of assurance leaves you now with only one task in mind: focus to win.

Choose One:

Pick one and stick with it.  Whether it’s a career path, a task, a business, a strategy, a goal, and yes even a life partner You have to choose only one for you to succeed at it.  If you want proof then try it tomorrow. Make a list of your day’s tasks and do them all at once.  I bet you would succeed only at squandering your time.  If you think all your tasks are necessary, then prioritize and allot a scheduled time for each.  Imagine focusing all your thought, energy, resources on that one task. You would not only finish, but also finish with a flourish.

Glancing at these simple tips, you might think that they are far too methodical.  You might ask, what about creativity? The need to live in the moment, allowing the natural flow of imagination?

Have you heard the esoteric order of art?  Yes, even in the most abstract Picasso, there is logic and order. Underneath all those crazy, non-linear strokes is a unifying theme that makes it a work of art. Why do you think you could recognize a Picasso if you see one?

So ask yourself this question, are you ready to create a masterpiece of success?  Then get focused!

Let me know how you plant to start your magnum opus with your comments below.

Adaire

Source: GettyImages.com

Despite how some people make it look, networking isn’t easy.  Trust me on this, I know.  Networking takes time, hard work, and a lot of patience – and I’ve put in my fair share of that. Of course, to be at successful at networking, like in most other things, you need a couple of things: the right skillsets, and the right mindsets.  

Some of you may be wondering what the difference is between the two.  Let me break it down for you by putting you in the shoes of a carpenter or handyman.  

Think of your skillset as the tools you have on your belt, and of course, the know-how and experience to use these tools. These things not only make your job easier, but are vital for your job.  

In networking your tools or your skills involve effectively communicating your ideas to others, being able to focus on specific tasks, and knowing how to bond with potential business partners, just to name a few.  

Having the right skillset, however, is only part of the formula.  You may know how to nail, screw, and glue pieces of wood together, but if you don’t know what you’re building or what steps you have to take, all you’ll end up with is a pile of wood.  This is where the mindset comes in.  

Ivan Misner says it best in his article in one of our online magazines, Healthy Wealthy n Wise, entitled Networking is Both a Mindset and a Skillset. He explains that  too many business and life coaching professionals, focus too much on the skillset, and neglect a way of thinking that you need for successful and dynamic networking, or what he calls the mindset.  Of course, he also gave us specific examples to help us better determine what our own skillsets and mindsets are.

Focus your mind

I’m a firm believer in the power of the mind. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Whatever you believe in and envision, you can become. These are some of the values I try to instill in my sons Chandler and Stefan. I want them to grow up knowing that they can take control of their own lives, and it starts with their minds.

Here are the three mindsets that Ivan Misner shared in his article: 

The Law of Reciprocity or Givers Gain Approach

The Golden Rule; “you reap what you sow;” “what goes around comes around;” “you only get what you give;” “give and you shall receive” – the idea has been stated many times over in countless ways, and for good reason.  No matter which form, language, or combination of words it takes, the Law of Reciprocity is a universal law. 

This is a great to law to apply to networking – if you treat your network well, they will likely treat you well too.  However, Ivan stresses that this law is not transactional.  Statements like “you scratch my back, I scratch yours;” and “tit for tat” are not what the Law of Reciprocity is about.  Sure, a quid pro quo approach can bring some success, but nothing like what the power of reciprocity can yield.  

You shouldn’t just do business with those who you think would give you the most profit or the best benefits.  Instead, you should focus on your ability to work with and help others – somehow the universe will make it worth your while.  Trust me, if your heart is in the right place, fate will pay you back tenfold.  It’s a cliché, I know, but no good deed goes unpunished indeed.

Diversity in networking

Diversity allows you to explore other worlds other than your own. It lets you get out of your own head and pick other people’s brains for a change. Not only will you increase your knowledge and broaden your perspective, you will also widen your network.

If you’ve been around the business long enough like Liz and I have, then you’ll know that diversity isn’t just good for networking and business, it’s also prime ground for personal growth. 

Farming Mentality

Among the many things farmers are known for and are good at are patience and cultivation. They till the soil before planting seeds, nurture and protect their crops, and gather the harvest only when the time is right.  They don’t expect to reap the benefits of their hard work overnight. 

Success in networking is similar – you don’t go in for the kill in the first meeting.  You prepare the soil first by bonding with potential clients, referrers, and partners.  Only after this do you plant the first seeds and discuss referrals and networking opportunities.  Also like a farmer tending to his seeds, you need to make sure that you strengthen your relationships with those you want in your network.  

Do this, and you’ll eventually reap the benefits.  Like farming, networking success  doesn’t happen overnight.  You don’t get rich by being impatient and riding get-rich-quick schemes. Remember, there’s no money-back guarantee in those fly-by-night businesses. 

Enhance your skills

Your mindset complements your skillset.  Your mindset gives you a plan or a networking stragety, but your skillset gives you the tools to execute that plan.  These three skillsets Ivan  mentions in his article can really help you start up and build a strong networking business.   

The VCP Process(TM)

Ivan Misner coined this skillset which stands for visibility, credibility and profitability.  Visibility breeds credibility and credibility, more often than not, leads to profitability.  You have to start with making yourself more visible to the business community you belong to.  This could come in many forms, including attending mixers, writing for the newspaper, supporting neighborhood sports, and holding fundraisers, among other things. 

As people see how stable and dependable you are, you gain credibility in their eyes.  This credibility leads to referrals, stronger relationships, and eventually, more profit.  Don’t be afraid to try something new, and be creative in getting yourself and your business out there.

Sharpshoot, Don’t Shotgun

Information overload can hurt your business really bad.  When you introduce yourself and your business, don’t try to cram everything into a 30-second, 3,000 word-per-minute spiel.  Instead, focus on the key aspects of your business – the more details, support materials, and stories you can build around each aspect, the more others will learn and remember.  My wife Liz often complains about retention, but in this case, retention is a very good thing.  When people remember and trust you, they will come back to you repeatedly.

Hold One-on-Ones

How did you meet your spouse, partner, or significant other?  Chances are, you met in a party, mixer, or some other group setting.  

How did you get to know each other?  I bet you spent quite a bit of time with each other, away from others in your social circles.  

The fact is that you can learn things about other people in one-on-one interactions that you’re unlikely to discover in a group setting.  This applies not only to personal relationships, but networking and business as well.  

One-on-one interactions give you a deeper knowledge and understanding of each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities.  They also help you  establish closer and stronger bonds with your partners, which usually translate to an increase in referrals too. 

There are many ways to start and build a networking business. Whatever skills you have can always be enhanced by your mindset and vice versa.  What mindsets and skillsets have you used in your business?  Do you know of others that you’d like to share with us?  Let us know through the comments section below.

Happy networking!
Ric

Our House by the Bay

As you all well know, Ric and I love to travel.  We’ve been around; seen some really great sights, tasted amazing cuisines, and met interesting people.  Well today I want to share some of that with you…

I am writing this from the balcony of our lovely seaside villa in the Philippines, in full view of one of the most beautiful bays in the world that breathes the fresh ocean mist on my face mixed with the intoxicating sweet scent of tropical flowers <g>.

Yes folks, I’m in the unspoiled paradise called the Philippines- that tiny speck of a country in Southeast Asia.  Truth to tell, I can’t believe I’m here right now.  People have warned me not to go, with talks of terrorists, kidnappers and whatnot.  But I have to say, the Philippines is an amazing country.  I can’t even begin to tell you why.  And it’s so surprising that this piece of heaven gets very little promotion despite its incredible tourism potential.

First thing we see in the morning.

For starters, it has more than 7,000 islands.  I’ve just been to 5 cities on 2 of the islands and already I’m awestruck.  Ric and I love the exotic food.  The kids can’t stop raving about the water sports – from diving off of waterfalls in the crystal clear mountain rivers of the interior to snorkeling in the pristine beaches and bays, or kayaking out to the floating slide that is moored in the bay right off of our front dock – its been love at first sight, and second, and third…  But what strikes me most are the people who are just so lovely and friendly.

I can go on and on.  But I should reserve my Philippine travel blog to another time.  

Enjoying all these, the culture, food, sights, Ric and I are once again reminded of how blessed we are to be able to explore nature’s magnificence.

The world is a book

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

Decades ago, this quote would’ve sounded really “insensitive” because only a few could afford to travel back then. Traveling was considered a luxury.  

Things have changed so much. Now, we have budget airlines, packaged holidays, and backpackers’ hotels, which have made traveling within everyman’s means.  Even teenagers can afford long-haul travel.  

Chandler at the Beach

While I believe it’s still true that it is best to explore the world when you are young (and when you’re middle aged, and when you’re old, and do we ever have to stop….?), it’s even more true that one of the secrets of staying young is to travel.  Being a stranger in a strange land, you are bound to experience everything for the first time.  First time to ride a water buffalo (Stefan, our 5-year-old, had an AMAZING time driving his first water-buffalo-powered ox cart. He really sat next to the driver and helped hold the reins – but HE thought he was driving).  First time to taste duck embryo or balut (OK I confess – this is one “delicacy” I’ve decided to pass on, but who knows- YOU might like it <g>).  First time to speak a new language.  

Think of that moment when you did something for the first time.  Quite exhilarating isn’t it?

Next chapter, Europe

Our time here in the Philippines has truly been amazing – and I’m sure I’ll have a few more things to report before we leave in early October.  But all of these things wouldn’t have been possible if not for our very helpful Filipino friends who facilitated our extensive travel planning.

Lunch

If there’s one thing Ric and I have learned in planning a meaningful trip, it is to always “ask the locals”.  After all, a “meaningful” trip means learning about the country’s people and culture – not just doing a 26-countries-and-215-monuments-in-36-hours sort of experience. So we make an extra effort to avoid five star hotels (with the exception of the occasional weekend getaway), crowded sites, and other touristy places.  We always remind ourselves that we are travelers, not tourists.

After the tropics, we are headed home to Virginia for a few months then off to the snowy slopes of Europe <g>.  

And before heading to Europe next February, we would like to ask our friends from there to help us plan our trip.   We would love to do all the “snow and winter stuff” with the boys that first month, then spend the next few months enjoying Spring in the warmer areas of the Continent.

We know we’ve got a lot of choices in front of us so we’re asking for our help…

As a guideline, we are not fans of packaged tours, which means we don’t stay in hotels and resorts.  If you could suggest a charming cottage or inn in a town, that would be great.  We want to spend time with the locals to experience their culture, customs and of course their food.

I’m also looking at brushing up on my French, both the language and the cuisine.  I’m embarrassed to admit my high school and college French is getting a little rusty and my French cuisine could use a little “refining” <g>.  You may also throw in suggestions on where I could expand my Italian repertoire.

Aside from these, we would love to discover Europe’s best kept secrets which we won’t find in a packaged tour.  What are your hometown’s tucked away places?  Any side trips we should consider?  How about your most sacred sites or revered places?

Of course we are also looking forward to that European winter holiday. But we don’t have a clear idea yet what an ideal European winter vacation would be like.  I would love to hear what you have to say. The boys are raring to ski the slopes. What is the best place where we can pick up skiing lessons?

I would definitely appreciate your suggestions and advice.  Let me know by sharing your ideas here.

In the meantime, the South China Sea beckons.  May you all have the best of life’s journey. <g>

Liz

Peace of mind – a concept seemingly foreign to most of us overworked and overscheduled people running out and about in this modern world. Amidst our responsibilities, needs, wants and everything else in our everyday lives, we seldom get the chance to own and revel in it. When we do get glimpses though, it’s like we get to taste just a little piece of heaven!

Now, there are a couple of ways we could grab our own slice and enjoy peace – finding out what we really want and learning to delegate or  let go, as some may say – two  deceptively simple phrases that, not surprisingly, weigh the hardest on most people’s minds.  How do you find out what you want? When is it right to let go?

Source: Gettyimages.com

Listen to YOU

An article from Thrish Bishop – speaker, Intuitive Guide and author of “The Question Journey” – in Healthy Wealthy n Wise entitled It’s Time to Be Quiet helps us focus on finding all the answers we need within ourselves. Imagine that, we try and try to find answers to life’s many questions elsewhere and get confused by everything that’s going on around us, when all we needed to do was to find a spot, be quiet and listen to our inner voices.

Below are some tips from Thrish mentioned in her article:

Break the “buy your answers” habit.

Do you, like me and most people, spend money on self-help materials, when they’re basically saying or teaching the same principles? Somehow, we might be led to think that maybe if we pay for something, what we find inside it might actually be of some value. Well, that may be true for most of these sources, but not always. Try listening to what YOU know. Learn to distinguish the difference between the information they give and the knowledge that you already have. Between what you find out and what you believe in, you’ll definitely find what you’re searching for.

Shut off the chaos valve.

When we don’t want to know exactly what’s happening within us, or if we’re trying to hide something, we pretend that we have all these things going on. We make it a point to be busy, or we allow all the external distractions to, well, distract us.  Given that they really are important and they really do need your attention, don’t help them help you hide from what you need to do. Shut out the chaos, quiet your mind and find at least a modicum of peace within.

Rip-off the band-aid.

Don’t cover your feelings with bravado or denial. Those will only cause the negativity to fester. It’s better to let the wound breathe than let it breed in the dark. When emotions are exposed, it’s easier to deal with them, get them out of the way and move on to whatever you need to do. Let me tell you, the sooner you rip that bandage off, the better you’ll feel.

Cut the strings.

Don’t listen to society. Nor should you let them dictate what you should wear, eat, do or feel. Don’t let society’s restrictions limit you. I’m not saying you should break state laws or commit random acts of violence or sin. Show them off and be comfortable in your own skin instead. Listen to YOU and trust YOUR instincts. Follow your intuition and don’t allow “them” to mold you into something you’re not. Give yourself a chance to experience some personal growth.

Let THEM Help

Kim DeYoung – the “Get It Done Girl” who gives business and life solutions to mom entrepreneurs – on the other hand, shares with us one of the best tips for avoiding mistakes, and instead, boosting your profit and potential through her article Delegate – Give Yourself More Time, Energy and Money. How? Like the title said, through delegation. It may sound simple enough, but from my experience, it’s easier said than done.

One of the many business success secrets out there is delegation. Yes, aside from clearly setting and visualizing your goals, allowing failure to peep every once in a while and having a good marketing plan, you also need to learn how to let go of certain things and allow others to step up to the plate.

I’m sure you’d do an amazing job handling whatever it is you need to do, but with everything going on around you, you don’t have to drive yourself crazy with keeping up. There are other equally competent people out there who are very much willing to help and would likely give you better results and allow you to focus on the things that need your attention more.

Give the little, time-consuming things to them, so you could handle the bigger, more important things yourself. There are virtual assistants, virtual bookkeepers, and the like, who are very competent and enthusiastic about what they do.

With this set up, you could even pay them by the hour, as opposed to hiring full-time, in-house staff whom you’ll have to pay even without output. You’ll also get the benefit of picking their brains if you get stumped along the way, since they could easily have encountered similar situations before.

Kim DeYoung passed on some tips from her interview with Erin Blaskie:

Make a list of the things you know you want to delegate out.

Track your time for one week. Track everything.

Keep track of your time, so you’ll know which tasks take up more of it that you need to let go. Of course, this wouldn’t help if you don’t know how to leverage your time properly and end up spending more than you could bring in.

Communicate your business vision.

Consider your virtual assistants as partners, not employees.

Utilize their expertise.

Let them bring something to the table. The reason you chose to delegate tasks to them is because they know something that you might not. Trust them to share what they are capable of, and revel in human beings’ capacity to learn from each other and learn on their own, while trying to satisfy their insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Have you listened to the inner you, grabbed a piece of that peace, and found out what you want? Are you able to delegate and let go of tasks that would help you grow your business? Let me know through the comments section below.

Happy searching!
Adaire

Source: iStockphotos

What’s the difference between a rich person and a poor one?  The obvious answer would be the amount of money they possess, but the other unnoticed major difference is their mindset.  Notice how they are poles apart – a rich man will generally believe that he can make another million dollars if he wants to, while a poor guy will think that it’s so difficult to make money and become rich.  The mindset makes a lot of difference in a person’s life – there’s a certain type you need in order to achieve success. 

That’s the main subject in Karim Hajee’s interview in Small Business CEO Magazine on how to Unleash Your Creative Power.  This guy is an expert when it comes to creating wealth by having an entrepreneur’s mindset – after all, he has over 20 years worth of experience on it.  He’s actually an investigative reporter at one of the top news agencies in New York and he had to overcome some obstacles along the way.  During that time, it seemed impossible for someone like him – a guy from East Africa with an Indian descent – to be successful in his chosen field.  Well, that was what somebody said to him at least.  But he didn’t let that stop him from reaching his goals and objectives.  He pursued his dream and became a success.  The secret was to focus on the positive and not spend so much time on the negative.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Karim did not only turn out to be a winning journalist, but he also managed to create other profitable businesses along the way.  One of his most successful is his book on “Creating Power,” which focuses on developing that success mindset.  This involves positive thinking, blocking out negative thoughts, and focusing on reaching goals.

Creating Power By Karim Hajee

For instance, if you’re a brand-new entrepreneur, you must train your mind to think that your business will do well despite the recession.  Don’t allow yourself to consider that your business is having a slow time.  Believe that your money making venture is going to succeed and don’t entertain negative thoughts that it won’t.        

As a businessperson myself, I agree with what Karim discussed in his TALK – that every entrepreneur must turn his mindset around.  How?  By following these steps:

1. Look at your business overall and discover your objective.  The most common goal for entrepreneurs is to make money so focus on that.
2. Find a way to accomplish your objective.  Concentrate on attracting the right kind of people into your business. 
3. Know how you can attract these kinds of people.  Have faith that there are always people who are ready to buy whatever you’re selling – it’s just a matter of looking for them.

Keep an Open Mind

You must have encountered the saying, “It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks.”  Our minds are like that, too.  If you want to think differently, you have to train your mind to do it.  It might take some time but it’s still possible.  The trick in turning toward an open mind is to keep track of the things you think about and say. 

Change your negative thoughts.  Be patient about it because your mind can’t automatically shift from negative to positive.  Your subconscious is not really used to receiving such responses.  But if you’re able to change the messages you send to your subconscious, then you’ll be able to change your energy and attract positive things – that’s the law of attraction at work.

It also helps to surround yourself with people who’ll support your success.  Those who will say, “You can do it!”  It’s essential to talk to the right crowd – those who have a good support structure.  At the same time, you must avoid people who are just maliciously negative – those who suggest you quit before you even start.  It’s true what they say, “Like attracts like.”  It’s best to gravitate towards positive people instead of negative ones.

Key Things to Look Out For

 The most important lesson I learned from Karim is to have the right mindset.  Remove the negative thoughts from your mind and concentrate on the positive.  I discovered it’s also necessary that you know what you want and why you want it.  You must also remember that you need to set aside some time to have some fun because your mind is relaxed during that time and your subconscious mind will be open to new possibilities.  Another significant thing that was pointed out was change is bound to happen – whether it concerns you or your business – so just embrace it and don’t fight it. 

 To know more about unleashing your creative power, download Karim’s FREE TALK here . 

 Or if you have something to share about developing the right mindset, do leave a comment below. 

More Power to You!
Adaire

Source: iStockphoto

Communication, verbal or not, is our way of getting in touch with people – or even animals, for that matter. Without communication, we won’t be able to build relationships, we’ll be locked in our own worlds and we’ll never get whatever we want to say out to our fellow human beings.

Furthermore, the money-making success secret of businesses, whether small or big and using online or offline marketing, is right communication. This is what Ric Thompson’s Small Business CEO Magazine’s  talk with Sam Horn focused on – Empowered Communication.

Sam Horn, with six books and 20 years of award-winning communication/creativity consultancy for international clients under her belt, discussed a few tips that she also featured in two of her books, Pop! and Tongue Fu! This top-rated speaker and in-demand consultant shared how we could empower our communication and use it to improve our businesses and relationships.

Source: iStockphotos

Elevate Your Style

At first meetings, we’re often asked, “What do you do?” For some professionals, this is so easy to answer. They either say they’re doctors, lawyers, accountants, consultants and the like. But for others with out-of-the-box, slightly unique or somewhat new careers, it’s very hard to convey what we do. I mean, it’s simple if the word marketing just covers it. But since there are different types of marketing out there – online marketing, event marketing, strategic marketing, web marketing, email marketing, affiliate marketing, etc. – it’s best to be more specific, yeah?      

You don’t want people knitting their brows in confusion and forgetting all about you do you? Of course not!  Sam Horn introduced the concept of the “elevator speech” or “elevator intro.” According to her, when we answer a question concerning what we do, we have to offer them something that they’ll be able to touch, feel, hear or taste. We should answer in such a way that will capture the other’s person’s senses.

Instead of rambling on about the technicalities of our job, that others might not necessarily care for, we could ask them a question so we could get FI or free information from them. We could then wrap our answer around that information. It would help relate what we do to what they’ve experienced or known before. They’ll understand what we’re about and most probably even want what we’re offering. Since we connected with them on a deeper level and our conversation led to something meaningful, there’s a bigger chance that they’ll remember us. 

One of the greater benefits of having people understand what we do is the chance of getting unsolicited – but very much welcomed – word-of-mouth promotion from them. First impressions last, as they say.  When we’ve captured their attention and made what we do remarkable to them, people tend to share information about us without actually meaning to. If someone asks them about what we do, then they’ll have an easier time sharing the information in our behalf. This is how information about us and our services could go viral. I don’t know about you, but that’s what I would call effective marketing.

“Good manners are made of petty sacrifices.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson

 This is another concept that Sam Horn shares in her talk with Ric Thompson. According to her, the best way to deal with complaints is not to explain, but to take the A-train instead — agree, apologize and act. I totally agree!  The best way to put out a fire is not to fan it nor add fuel to it, right?

During conflicts, it’s always easier to defend oneself isn’t it, especially if we’re certain it’s not our fault. It’s mostly an ego thing, I know. But there you go.  It’s human nature. When threatened, our defense and fighting instincts take over. When we’re on the frontlines of service though – whether by email, phone or in person – it’s not exactly the smartest way to go.

So, what should we do? We should do as Sam Horn advices – bite our tongue and process our thoughts quickly in our heads. We have to learn to think on our feet and to agree that we didn’t deliver what was expected, apologize for the oversight and act on a solution that would appease the customer or whomever we’re talking to. This doesn’t only work in business mind you, but on every relationship we wish to keep.

Don’ worry though, even if you don’t get it right the first time, there’s such a thing as a “fresh start.” Even if we stumble during introductions and first meetings, we could always make up for them the next chance we get – whether it be a day, a week, a month or even a year after the incident. Now, doesn’t that make you breathe easier?

Keep It Short

“I try to leave out the parts people skip.” – Elmore Leonard, bestselling author of Get Shorty

“Instant gratification takes too long.” – Carrie Fisher, Princess Leah from the Star Wars movies

These are good points to launch the other good advice that Sam Horn shared in her talk with Ric Thompson. She said, “If we write an article that’s too long, if we speak for too long, if we give a report that’s too long, or if we have marketing copy that’s too long, we are taking ourselves out of the game.”  

This, I believe, is true. If we really want to capture people’s attention and be remembered by them, then watching their eyes glaze over and boring their brains out are not exactly the smart routes to take.  Trust me, and the experts, on this – keep it short.

As a litmus test, it’s always better to ask yourself if what you have to say is (1) interesting; (2) easily understandable; and (3) would add value to the person you’re speaking with, before you actually say anything. Even when you’re excited, try to not get ahead of yourself. Take the time to process your thoughts before uttering any words. Better yet, it helps to have a prepared intro or a concise and compelling bit when you go into any personal or professional gathering. It’s a little unnerving to think about at first, I know. But with practice, it’ll get easier. 

Communication comes easy to everyone. Empowered communication, on the other hand, is a different matter all together. With the tips Sam Horn shared, we are actually given room to improve on our own communication skills. Keep in mind that in what we have to say, whether it’s about ourselves or our business, it always pays to keep it short, interesting, easily understood and remarkable. The best way to go viral, build networks and strengthen relationships is to get our messages across and have people relate to what we say.

In a way, these tips help us work on our own personal growth. By learning how to communicate well, we improve ourselves and our relationships with those around us. Don’t you think so too? 

To access the recording of Ric Thompson’s talk with Sam Horn on Empowered Communication, click here.

If you have thoughts and other tips to share on how to improve communication skills, please type in your comments below.

Happy mingling people!
Adaire

“Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.” ~ Alex Noble

We’re halfway through 2010, and yes, times are still tough. Amidst news of recovery and restarting growth, there are still those who fear for their livelihood, their income, their next meal. Not to be Ms. Negative here, but let’s face it, there will always be challenges. For as long as we live, there will always be problems to solve and hills to climb. After all, it’s one way to make sure we’re alive right? If we don’t have anything else to overcome, then we might as well just drop and well, stop living.

Contrary to popular belief, bad times can actually bring the best out of people. It is during these tough times that the strongest surface. The survival instinct within us tells us that only the fittest survive. As we have seen in history, the best practices are those that survive over time and only the strong thrive in the thickest situations. Those who are left standing are those that make millions and live happier lives.
Whether we’re talking about our professional or personal lives, it’s not really just the destination that we’re supposed to focus on. Of course, we all want to make millions in business and enter the pearly gates once we check out, but ultimately, it’s not the results that would matter. At the end of the day, more than the destination, it’s the journey that we should be more concerned about – the means to our end, so to speak. The journey is where we’ll spend most of our waking hours and get to experience a whole range of emotions. Thus, it’s not really something to be cavalier about.

Source: GettyImages.com

Fighting Tough

As humans, we are born resilient. When times are tough and we feel we can’t take it anymore, we’ll be surprised to find that we still have all that reserve energy and strength deep within us that we could call upon to get us through. On top of that, Anne Leedom, founder of www.netconnectpublicity.com, publisher of www.parentingbookmark.com and one of our contributors at HealthyWealthyNWise Magazine, shared with us Five Ways to Feel Empowered During Challenging Times.

Surround yourself with positive people.

Don’t add insult to injury. If you’re already feeling down and out, it’s not wise to surround yourself with negative energy and people, right? Trust me, you’ll be more productive if you maintain the company of optimistic people. I’m not saying you should forget about everyone you know, just spend time with those who could help lift you up for the meantime. Better yet, go with those who have the same goals as you. That way, you won’t have to feel lonely or out of place on your road to success. Be careful though, misery does love company. So, better have the power to say, “No, thanks!” and move on to positivity.

Do something you love everyday.

Don’t deprive yourself. Yes, I know, times are tough, but that doesn’t mean you have to wallow in self pity and close yourself off from those that you love. Go ahead, pamper yourself every once in a while. Never feel guilty for giving yourself time to enjoy. It could be as simple as sharing a meal with your family, listening to your favorite music, watching a bit of that guilty pleasure (a.k.a. that afternoon soap you’ve been following ever since you were a teenager or that single scoop of ice cream you so love ), etc. It doesn’t have to be expensive, as long as it helps you get through and provides you with a refreshed outlook every time.

Stay organized.

Declutter your life. Imagine being overstressed and overworked and having to deal with a cluttered office or messy home. Looking for those darned keys, slipping on that blasted banana peel and missing that deadline due to a misplaced report – you don’t need those in your life! In fact, you have the power to prevent them from happening. Organize your office and clean your home. You’ll find that these simple measures can help lift that heavy weight off your shoulders – and would likely save you from physical injury in the process.

Get Up and Move.

Shake those limbs and move that body. I’m a big fan of sports. I love feeling the energy that runs through my body whenever I run, swim or even dance. There’s something about hearing my heart beat faster and feeling my whole body’s coordination that keep me alive and refreshed. Somehow, knowing that I’m physically conditioned and healthy helps me focus my mind on the prize. It’s true what they say, adrenaline keeps you energized, happy and productive. Waking up those lethargic muscles helps give you the confidence you need to last however many rounds you need to get through the day. Stop dilly dallying. Get up and find your own physical activity now.

Give Yourself a Break.

Take a breather. Don’t push yourself to the limit, and don’t go thinking you could be too hard on yourself either. No matter how you see it or feel, it’s not always the end of the world. Every obstacle you face will resolve itself one way or another, with or without your help. Of course, you would prefer to have and solve things your own way. But, how are you supposed to enjoy whatever emotional or financial success awaits you if you go on and drop into oblivion or worse, beat yourself to a pulp over every single hiccup. Learn to adjust to those ever-changing situations, and challenge yourself with the many different ways you could get up and keep on fighting.

Ready for Business

What does this all have to do with you and your small- or medium-sized business? Don’t forget, the strength of your business is only a projection of your internal abilities and set goals. Whatever you achieve depends largely on how strong your foothold is. In spite all the uncontrollable external forces that may affect our decisions and actions, our success also depends on our minds, instincts, emotions and ability to ride the waves and come out standing at the other end.

Working Smart

Frustrations lead nowhere. In challenging times, we tend to work harder. We can’t help it. We try to double or even triple our efforts, thinking that by putting in extra hours and investing more, we’ll have a better chance at survival. These often lead to frustration, and the more frustrated we get, the more we struggle. The answer is not to work harder, but to work smarter. That’s a great stab at the back of the well-trusted notion most of us hardworking citizens believe in. How can we reach our goals if we won’t work hard? How can we achieve if we don’t push hard? Not to underestimate the blood-and-sweat-earned achievements, but it’s important to know how to work and work best.

The key is to know the best possible way to reach our goals – the smartest way possible. Not really academically smart per se, but smart in knowing how to tap resources, making fast and right judgments, acting quick, working creatively and coming up with proactive solutions to problems. With the rate of information and technology nowadays, someone else will beat you to your goal if you’re not fast enough. Especially in these tough times, everything is up for grabs and ready for the taking, and people will do everything to get what they want.

Are you equipped to survive these challenging times? How will you shape your business and personal lives to achieve that longed-for success? Share your thoughts and success secrets through the comments section below.

Stay focused and keep fighting!
Adaire

From Shakespeare’s “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,” to John Donne’s “No man is an Island, entire of itself,” to the common saying, “Two heads are better than one….” — these ideas all come from a place of truth. We might want to think that we can handle anything and everything all the time, but there are moments when we’re proven quite wrong. Then, when things do go wrong, fear builds within us and we lose part of the confidence that helps us face whatever comes our way. We lose part of what gives us the inspiration to do what we do. It kind of hurts and makes us a feel a little stumped when that happens, doesn’t it? <g>

This is exactly when a good partnership comes in. It’s always reassuring to have a person or group that could support and complement our talents and skills, as well as fill in our weaknesses. That’s why in business, as in life, it’s amazing when you’re able to find the right partner. Your equal, supposedly and if you will, in the overall scheme of things. I’m lucky enough to have found that in my husband, Ric, and our numerous business partners and affiliates. Without them, I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t have reached the kind of success we have today.       

Exploring the Unknown

More often than not, as business owners, we are afraid to test the waters and try out new things. We become so comfortable in our shells, our time-tested tools and in doing things our own way. Why should we try something new, take a risk and put everything at stake, when you’re right where you think you want to be, safe and sound and earning just like you’re used to? Why bother when during this tough times, many are suffering more losses than you?

Like all business people, we know that the danger of running a business is when you’ve hit the plateau. It’s not really that rock bottom we’re afraid of, isn’t it, but the static, unmoving line we’re seemingly stuck in. <g> Nowadays, people are satisfied just to survive, especially when we see our businesses as tickets to our independence, freedom and happiness. But then again, our raw instinct tells us that for businesses to survive, it has to be profitable. To survive, it is not enough just to be safe. It is important to be risky too. The trick is to know how and up to where we’re willing to risk.

Source: GettyImages.com

Stepping Up When Needs Must

Part of growing up in business is accepting that there, indeed, comes a time when we need a little help, or boost if you will. If you have the talents and products but not the right means to advertise and promote them, then get a partner. If you have all the resources and money in the world but not the right product or product development team, then get a partner. Sometimes, we think and think and rack our brains some more about what we could do to survive in this competitive world of business. In reality though, the answer may just be that simple and staring us right in front of our faces. <g>

This is what we can pull from the Small Business CEO Magazine article, Tips to Be a Profitable Business in 2010 by Scott Letourneau –- joint ventures are the “in” thing that would help businesses more profitable this 2010. It has worked before and will continue to work beyond our time. It will eliminate the dread and fear that tend to overcome us whenever it’s time to pay the bills, give our staff their salaries or feed and provide for our families.   

One good business success secret, then, is knowing how to form ventures. Small companies should include this in their goal setting when they start their businesses. They would definitely thrive with strategic alliances, especially if they know how and with whom to partner. Partnerships are not just about building relationships. It’s about building and maintaining profitable ones.

Partnerships are a good way to start and strengthen a business – large or small. Another company can complement those that you need to improve on or those you lack. Even big industries tie up with smaller units to create faster and more personalized products and services. A creative production agency that needs technical specialists can partner with a product development company to refine their marketing strategy. A publishing giant can partner with a research consultancy group. It boils down to working smart and doing what you need to do to ensure your business success.  

Forming partnerships can help us avoid hitting the downward spiral that often follows the monotonous drone of a flailing business. Partnerships help our businesses to diversify and multiply, and to continue churning out brighter and fresher ideas.

Braving the Future

As marketing and business people, we should know that size is not solely dependent on manpower or resources. It can also be measured by different factors such as profits, investments and of course, market reach.

One of the dangers in being a big business is that it has a lot of areas to cover. Therefore, it will be faster to crash. The issue with a smaller business, on the other hand, is the need to compete with larger businesses and coming up short due to lack of resources, means or connections. Thus, it will be harder to fly. The key, then, is in knowing how to specialize and develop areas of specialization – making sure that all the little nuts and bolts work, in hope of hitting the right altitude needed to soar smoothly amidst all the money-making businesses. 

Instead of continuously trying to build empires, why not start with towns? Dividing your business into smaller fields, or taking things one at a time, then strengthening these areas can provide personal and smart approaches to product development and marketing. Segmented and specialized fields often become autonomous and empowered, which can streamline workflow and expedite processes and decisions. Eventually, when these smaller areas have proven their worth, they become profitable and competitive and can even be grown into their own full-blown businesses.  

Not many business people venture unto the far side, but this could just be the side that would enhance your strengths and help you discover new ones. We often feel cautious when it comes to change. But change is inevitable, especially since all businesses have cycles. Up and down, some die out and some survive. And sometimes, there are those that seem to have become lost in the vastness of it all when it fact, they are just there – only with a different look.

Don’t be afraid of change. Letting others in and partnering with them can make a huge difference. That difference may be a small or huge leap, but it could be the leap that transforms, not only your products and market, but how you drive others to change as well. The true measure of how strong a business is does not only rest in its existence, but in how it exists. How, in the scheme of it all, it stands out and become the model that influences others to change.

Are you in a profitable business partnership? How has this strategic alliance helped the performance of your business? Let us know through the comments section below.

Happy partnership!
Liz