Publicity is not just for celebrity-type individuals or companies that are wildly successful. There are many ways that entrepreneurs can capitalize on media exposure during pre-launch and ramp up mode and even use the press to help attract investors and strategic alliances. Ultimately the exposure will translate into an increase in business. And to think it’s all FR^EE! In our upcoming program for entrepreneurs (http://explosiveresultspublicity.com/ ) one of my publicists and I will walk you through the creation of a campaign that will land you in the spotlight time and time again. Today at least I’ll share 7 ways to get the spotlight shining on you.
1. Announce your team during the formation stage
Tap into the media to share who’s joining you to launch your company. Emphasis is on people here to start the buzz and attract potential investors and partners.
2.Celebritize yourself
Start getting used to telling your story early on and/or position yourself as an authority so people start following you. It will spill over to any business you’re associated with when you’re ready.
3.Publicize Events
Create offline events or associate yourself with a community event to get the buzz going about you. Events get lots of media play across the board.
4.Product launch
Any launch of a product or service in your company should be an event and could get lots of media attention. However, you want to be sure and properly coordinate this so it doesn’t come across as an advertisement in which case the media will tell you to take a hike.
5.Cause Marketing
Associate yourself with local charities making a difference in the community. Help them get what they want which is usually money and resources and they can help you attract lots of media attention.
6. Chronicle the story of your company
As your business is moving along, consider all the human interest angles in your company and share that with the media as often as possible. Could be related to the people you hire, the materials you use, the values you’ve adopted.
7.Look for tie-ins to current events
Pay attention to what people in the media are talking about to see if there is a relevant tie-in to your business to keep YOU in the news. War, economy, layoffs. Take your pick.
Once you understand the fundamentals of publicity, you’ll be able to implement effective campaigns on a regular basis that will keep you in the spotlight and customers at your door. For more information, go to http://explosiveresultspublicity.com/ and register for our next event. The program comes with a guarantee!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Now Money Now: 6 Quick Revenue Strategies
I don’t work with individuals one-on-one as much as I have in the past but one of my favorite activities to do with people is what I call a “Now Money Now” session. It’s a 90 minute strategy session where we quickly go over what’s working, what’s not working and also create a plan to create new revenue with minimal effort in a short period of time. I thought I’d share some quick strategies that I use over and over for clients, including for myself. When the real estate market shifted last year, my investment company was caught having to cover mortgages on several properties for a period of time until we straightened the situation out. I used these strategies to create quick revenue in different areas of my business without missing a beat to cover the additional mortgages. Other people may have not been able to respond so quickly and this event could have been financially devastating. If you’re interested in having a “Now Money Now” session for yourself, please email me directly for details at simone@passion2prosperity.com .
1. Do a quick comparison of your gross and net revenues
You may be so busy trying to make more money you could be missing opportunities to put more of what you make to the bottom line. Activities or expenses that are really eating up your profits should be eliminated or modified. Reduce inefficiencies, look at ways to automate quickly. Include your time in there as well. One client was making over $1 million a year but hardly seeing any of that in his bank account. Within 60 days, just by changing the way he was creating his revenue and how the service was being delivered, he found more money going in his bank account. Creating new revenue was a lot easier as well once there were more operational efficiencies in place.
2. Offer new products and services to existing or past customers
You have a group that has already experienced you ---no new marketing or selling involved ---but perhaps your services are complete. This is a great time to devise additional services for them or offer complimentary products. You may not have anything in-house to be able to offer them but someone else may and this could mean commissions (affiliate revenue) for you.
3. Start looking at continuity revenue
In the past you may have charged larger upfront fees for a product or service. You may want to create a win-win situation by charging lower fees to help people get in the door and spread them over a period of time. Perhaps allowing monthly payments or creating a membership program. This will allow more people to experience you overall and create a steady stream of revenue for you.
4. Create opportunities to approach your target market directly
Many people beat around the bush when it comes times to promote their wares to their target market. Have a clear understanding of your market demographics (age sex, income, etc) and APPROACH those who have direct access to those people. Ask them specifically to promote you via email or telephone endorsement. Create a win-win situation by offering a special gift or some other value because of the relationship they have with your endorser. These relationships are called Joint Ventures, Strategic Alliances, and Affiliates (online). My friend was promoting a deep tissue healing device and thought the people who were continually getting hurt and needed instant relief were cage fighters (don’t ask). He developed relationships directly with those groups to promote his device.
5. Go with the lowest hanging fruit for speed
If you’re planning on creating something new to sell, make sue you really think through not only time and money involved in product development, but also how it will get out to your market. Do you have the contacts here? Is this an area you have expertise in or will there be a learning curve for you and new relationships that have to be developed? Do you have a passion for this product and an affinity for the market? Don’t get caught trying to make a fast dollar creating something new and get stuck midway to market without the steam and resources to see it through. Try working with what you have already…or FIND someone that can open these doors for you quickly.
6. Tap into social networking for speed and lowest cost to market
I know there are volumes being written on maximizing your efforts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. I'm addicted to Twitter now and have found that I can create more new business and alliances in one day then I may be able to do in one month offline (with travel involved). If time is of the essence, get online with all the other movers and shakers and start networking but have a very clear agenda. Look to create new relationships leading to new Joint Ventures and new customers. Follow me and my husband on Twitter and starte getting connected http://twitter.com/mariasimone and http://twitter.com/docmurdock .
There at least 20 points that I would go through with each business and usually within 30-60 days their financial landscape changes fairly dramatically. These are some basics that could help make a difference in your business right away---put them to work! You can modify them to use if you’re in capital raising mode. “Now Money Now” Strategy Sessions are by appointment only so please send an email to simone@passion2prospertiy.com for details.
1. Do a quick comparison of your gross and net revenues
You may be so busy trying to make more money you could be missing opportunities to put more of what you make to the bottom line. Activities or expenses that are really eating up your profits should be eliminated or modified. Reduce inefficiencies, look at ways to automate quickly. Include your time in there as well. One client was making over $1 million a year but hardly seeing any of that in his bank account. Within 60 days, just by changing the way he was creating his revenue and how the service was being delivered, he found more money going in his bank account. Creating new revenue was a lot easier as well once there were more operational efficiencies in place.
2. Offer new products and services to existing or past customers
You have a group that has already experienced you ---no new marketing or selling involved ---but perhaps your services are complete. This is a great time to devise additional services for them or offer complimentary products. You may not have anything in-house to be able to offer them but someone else may and this could mean commissions (affiliate revenue) for you.
3. Start looking at continuity revenue
In the past you may have charged larger upfront fees for a product or service. You may want to create a win-win situation by charging lower fees to help people get in the door and spread them over a period of time. Perhaps allowing monthly payments or creating a membership program. This will allow more people to experience you overall and create a steady stream of revenue for you.
4. Create opportunities to approach your target market directly
Many people beat around the bush when it comes times to promote their wares to their target market. Have a clear understanding of your market demographics (age sex, income, etc) and APPROACH those who have direct access to those people. Ask them specifically to promote you via email or telephone endorsement. Create a win-win situation by offering a special gift or some other value because of the relationship they have with your endorser. These relationships are called Joint Ventures, Strategic Alliances, and Affiliates (online). My friend was promoting a deep tissue healing device and thought the people who were continually getting hurt and needed instant relief were cage fighters (don’t ask). He developed relationships directly with those groups to promote his device.
5. Go with the lowest hanging fruit for speed
If you’re planning on creating something new to sell, make sue you really think through not only time and money involved in product development, but also how it will get out to your market. Do you have the contacts here? Is this an area you have expertise in or will there be a learning curve for you and new relationships that have to be developed? Do you have a passion for this product and an affinity for the market? Don’t get caught trying to make a fast dollar creating something new and get stuck midway to market without the steam and resources to see it through. Try working with what you have already…or FIND someone that can open these doors for you quickly.
6. Tap into social networking for speed and lowest cost to market
I know there are volumes being written on maximizing your efforts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. I'm addicted to Twitter now and have found that I can create more new business and alliances in one day then I may be able to do in one month offline (with travel involved). If time is of the essence, get online with all the other movers and shakers and start networking but have a very clear agenda. Look to create new relationships leading to new Joint Ventures and new customers. Follow me and my husband on Twitter and starte getting connected http://twitter.com/mariasimone and http://twitter.com/docmurdock .
There at least 20 points that I would go through with each business and usually within 30-60 days their financial landscape changes fairly dramatically. These are some basics that could help make a difference in your business right away---put them to work! You can modify them to use if you’re in capital raising mode. “Now Money Now” Strategy Sessions are by appointment only so please send an email to simone@passion2prospertiy.com for details.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Jump on the Karma Wagon
Yes, it's true... http://the15minutementor.com is LIVE.
Sign in as a Mentor but you can also make a request of the group if you have a question related to...
Creative
Customer Acquisition/Retention
Distribution Channels
Finance
Management/People
Marketing
Sales
Start-up
...the list of categories goes on.
Sign in and spread the word. It's completely FR*EE.
Just play nice and keep the vibration high!
You don't ever want to get HIT by the Karma wagon, you want to RIDE it.
To your success!
Maria Simone
http://passion2prosperitybook.com
...Your economic stimulus package
Sign in as a Mentor but you can also make a request of the group if you have a question related to...
Creative
Customer Acquisition/Retention
Distribution Channels
Finance
Management/People
Marketing
Sales
Start-up
...the list of categories goes on.
Sign in and spread the word. It's completely FR*EE.
Just play nice and keep the vibration high!
You don't ever want to get HIT by the Karma wagon, you want to RIDE it.
To your success!
Maria Simone
http://passion2prosperitybook.com
...Your economic stimulus package
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Build A Power Team To Attract Customers And Contracts
Starting a business is an exciting adventure but at the time when we need the most support, many entrepreneurs suddenly develop “Lone Ranger” syndrome. Could this be you? This isn’t the time to hide out and think you need to do it all yourself. This is the time to surround yourself with experts who have skills, talents, contacts and access to other resources to help you launch and grow your business. Let others open doors for you as well as become magnets for what you need next.
So the old saying goes "if I only knew then what I know now". I say "why wait to have the experience"?
Avoid the "hard knocks" that people insist on having by building a TEAM of people that have demonstrated success in the areas you're about to venture into. Think about what it would be like to have someone in your life that has been down the same path that you're about to go down, who is freely sharing with you what's in store. You'll be able to plan better, make better informed decisions, as well as save lots of time and money by avoiding the most commonly made mistakes. These are not employees or people working IN your business. These are people who are working ON your business with you and pop in and out as the need arises.
What do I call my TEAM?
Make it something formal and professional to lend credibility. I like ADVISORY TEAM or ADVISORY BOARD as it relates to business. Others call it MASTERMIND GROUP, and MENTOR GROUP.
Who should be on it?
Here are a few examples of the "profiles" of those who would provide a well-rounded experience:
1. Someone with experience developing a business--- starting a business, operations, experience with acquiring funding, dealt with legalities of having a business, launch, growth, exit strategies, etc.
2. Someone that has actually launched or worked with a company that has achieved your desired revenue goals in a similar industry. They have demonstrated success in your market. For example, one of my companies is a fashion accessory company so I sought out the priceless advice of Nick Graham who had founded the very successful "Joe Boxer" brand in 1987.
3. Someone that responsibly represents YOUR desired target market that can give you feedback and credibility along the way. For example, my husband’s friend launched an animation company that produces cartoons promoting environmental issues. The Honorable Al Gore is on their Advisory Team. This relationship has given them tons of exposure right out of the gate, opportunities to acquire large contracts and interest from investors.
4. Someone not related to your business but well-grounded and "wise" in other areas of life. During stressful periods, this person will help give you perspective, make objective decisions and support your desire to have balance in your life.
5. Others who fill in the gaps of your experience such as marketing, media, promotional, and finance. For instance, I’m putting together the platform for a radio program and I don’t necessarily have media business experience. So I surrounded myself with Advisors that do. People that have successfully raised millions from corporate sponsors, and a publicist whose specialty is radio syndication.
What to say?
Approach these people and request a short meeting where you'd have the opportunity to ask them some relevant questions about your business that they would completely relate to. Can they validate what you're doing? Did they have similar experiences they could share with you? Is there anyone else they would recommend you speak to? Any special advice they could give you?
How to follow-up?
Request that they allow you to check in with them once a month to share your progress and to seek their guidance. People generally will be honored to support you at such intervals and probably won't think to ask for anything in return so money shouldn’t be an issue here.
Not only will they get to help the next generation succeed, the relationship itself will start attracting more resources, customers, contracts and funding to your business as you share who’s on your TEAM with others. Learn more strategies for building team at http://www.passion2prosperity.com/
So the old saying goes "if I only knew then what I know now". I say "why wait to have the experience"?
Avoid the "hard knocks" that people insist on having by building a TEAM of people that have demonstrated success in the areas you're about to venture into. Think about what it would be like to have someone in your life that has been down the same path that you're about to go down, who is freely sharing with you what's in store. You'll be able to plan better, make better informed decisions, as well as save lots of time and money by avoiding the most commonly made mistakes. These are not employees or people working IN your business. These are people who are working ON your business with you and pop in and out as the need arises.
What do I call my TEAM?
Make it something formal and professional to lend credibility. I like ADVISORY TEAM or ADVISORY BOARD as it relates to business. Others call it MASTERMIND GROUP, and MENTOR GROUP.
Who should be on it?
Here are a few examples of the "profiles" of those who would provide a well-rounded experience:
1. Someone with experience developing a business--- starting a business, operations, experience with acquiring funding, dealt with legalities of having a business, launch, growth, exit strategies, etc.
2. Someone that has actually launched or worked with a company that has achieved your desired revenue goals in a similar industry. They have demonstrated success in your market. For example, one of my companies is a fashion accessory company so I sought out the priceless advice of Nick Graham who had founded the very successful "Joe Boxer" brand in 1987.
3. Someone that responsibly represents YOUR desired target market that can give you feedback and credibility along the way. For example, my husband’s friend launched an animation company that produces cartoons promoting environmental issues. The Honorable Al Gore is on their Advisory Team. This relationship has given them tons of exposure right out of the gate, opportunities to acquire large contracts and interest from investors.
4. Someone not related to your business but well-grounded and "wise" in other areas of life. During stressful periods, this person will help give you perspective, make objective decisions and support your desire to have balance in your life.
5. Others who fill in the gaps of your experience such as marketing, media, promotional, and finance. For instance, I’m putting together the platform for a radio program and I don’t necessarily have media business experience. So I surrounded myself with Advisors that do. People that have successfully raised millions from corporate sponsors, and a publicist whose specialty is radio syndication.
What to say?
Approach these people and request a short meeting where you'd have the opportunity to ask them some relevant questions about your business that they would completely relate to. Can they validate what you're doing? Did they have similar experiences they could share with you? Is there anyone else they would recommend you speak to? Any special advice they could give you?
How to follow-up?
Request that they allow you to check in with them once a month to share your progress and to seek their guidance. People generally will be honored to support you at such intervals and probably won't think to ask for anything in return so money shouldn’t be an issue here.
Not only will they get to help the next generation succeed, the relationship itself will start attracting more resources, customers, contracts and funding to your business as you share who’s on your TEAM with others. Learn more strategies for building team at http://www.passion2prosperity.com/
Friday, January 2, 2009
Thinking of you...and let's play 'show me the money'
While some people quiet down during the holiday season, I seem to get a burst of energy those last few days and I always look forward to really jumping into the New Year.
How about you?
On Tuesday I held part 5 of my complimentary teleclass series.
I promised you the playback link:
Limiting Beliefs That May Be Holding You Back In Business http://www.mariasimone.com/playback.htm
2 quick things to remind you about:
1. Our 16-week Protege Program starts 1/7 and we still have some spots left.
If you want dramatically different results in 2009, then join us.
http://www.passion2prosperity.com/program.htm
If you think MONEY is the only thing stopping you, then think again.
Join me for a special conference call on Saturday...
I'm going to review ways to manifest the money you need for the program and beyond.
"Lack of money" should never be an issue in your life and we're really going to look at that.
Ways to make the shift, how to create instant income, attract short term investors, etc.
It's powerful and the strategies work but since I'm giving up my Saturday afternoon, I'm only interested in working with people who will be joining me in my Protege Program.
That way I'll know you're serious about creating real success. I know I am.
If you're ready to committ to that level of support, send an email to simone@passion2prosperity.com ...like today.
I'll send you details privately.
2. Want the "receipe" book so you can do more on your own?
Get 2 months of business coaching and $500 in bonus gifts.
http://www.passion2prosperitybook.com/
To your success!
Maria Simone
http://www.blogger.com/www.passion2prosperity.com
How about you?
On Tuesday I held part 5 of my complimentary teleclass series.
I promised you the playback link:
Limiting Beliefs That May Be Holding You Back In Business http://www.mariasimone.com/playback.htm
2 quick things to remind you about:
1. Our 16-week Protege Program starts 1/7 and we still have some spots left.
If you want dramatically different results in 2009, then join us.
http://www.passion2prosperity.com/program.htm
If you think MONEY is the only thing stopping you, then think again.
Join me for a special conference call on Saturday...
I'm going to review ways to manifest the money you need for the program and beyond.
"Lack of money" should never be an issue in your life and we're really going to look at that.
Ways to make the shift, how to create instant income, attract short term investors, etc.
It's powerful and the strategies work but since I'm giving up my Saturday afternoon, I'm only interested in working with people who will be joining me in my Protege Program.
That way I'll know you're serious about creating real success. I know I am.
If you're ready to committ to that level of support, send an email to simone@passion2prosperity.com ...like today.
I'll send you details privately.
2. Want the "receipe" book so you can do more on your own?
Get 2 months of business coaching and $500 in bonus gifts.
http://www.passion2prosperitybook.com/
To your success!
Maria Simone
http://www.blogger.com/www.passion2prosperity.com
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