Let It Flow---Importance of Establishing Lines of Credit For Your Business

Having the access to the capital resources you need to start or grow your business is critical for business success. One of the funding strategies I recommend for every business is to establish your business credit platform so that you have ongoing access to business lines of credit. Your business is a separate entity and can (as well as should be) totally disassociated from your own personal credit. That means it’s not necessary to use your social security number to access business financing but people often do so, not understanding the alternative.

So, regardless of your personal credit situation, there is a specific process you can follow that will walk you into potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in lines of credit that you may use to grow your business. I you want to start the process right now to access up to $100K, go to http://businesscreditspot.com and you’ll start seeing results within days.

Here are facts you should know and ways to get started in establishing your own business credit:

1. Regardless of what you’ve heard, “business credit” has not gone away for businesses. While the guidelines for individual financing may seem to be more stringent, there are still plenty of financial resources for businesses if you know where to look. The stimulus money authorized by Obama’s administration is still available using this process.

2. Best time to start is now. The more time you have to “germinate” the process, the more success you will have so start it as soon as you incorporate or when you don’t even need the money. It will always be there for you.

3. The process is easy to follow IF you know the process. Years ago I attempted to do this process on my own and unbeknownst to me, made several simple reporting errors that caused me to get denied a couple of times. Either spend a bit of time educating yourself on the entire process OR simply work with someone who knows the exact next steps.

4. Your business credit is built on a Paydex score, not a FICO score. In business credit we use a Tax ID number to apply for a DUNS number which starts the reporting process, NOT your Social Security number. It’s a totally different reporting system but if you haven’t started the process, there won’t be anything for the lending institutions to look at. A perfect Paydex score is 100.

5. Start with trade lines who report your DUNS number. Best way to ensure success is to start with a few small trade lines of credit that you know report your credit status thus naturally building your Paydex score. This takes just a few days to complete. At BusinessCreditSpot.com, we share no less than 10 resources for you to quickly establish credit trade lines.

6. Establish several unsecured lines of credit starting at $5000-$10,000. From trade lines you’ll quickly move into credit lines and now the money is flowing. It will be much easier to quickly step into larger lines of credit from there.

7. This is not “expensive” money. Business lines of credit generally have very low interest rates, generous terms and do not require you giving away equity in your company. Also, they are unsecured and uncollateralized for the most part which means you’re not required to put any of your tangible assets into the mix.

8. Having a solid business credit platform will help you attract more lucrative resources. Being able to show a positive credit status may help you attract SBA funding, private investors, larger contracts and strategic alliance partners.

Manifesting Made Easy In Your Business

For many, many years I had programmed that getting ahead was associated with hard work. Every success I had early on in my career---and I’ve had many--- were often as a result of long hours and personal sacrifice. Fast forward to 12 years ago when I started becoming more conscious to Universal Wisdom and the notion that we literally create our own reality. The more responsible and accepting you become with that knowledge, rather then blaming or relying on outside influences, the easier life becomes. Most of the world was introduced to Law of Attraction through The Secret movie but it goes so far beyond that.

My claim to fame is in applying Universal Wisdom with real-world business strategy for accelerated results. I’ve created my own formula for success over the years and is ingrained in the work I do with clients. My goal with people is to align thoughts, circumstances, and inspired actions in such a way that you literally feel like you’re floating on a moving sidewalk towards your desired results rather then climbing up a steep hill. Can you FEEL the distinctions in this analogy? That’s what the shift feels like in business. Does my formula involve physical work? Absolutely but the experience overall is more joyful, inspired and abundant on many levels. The choice is yours of course. Here are some of pearls that stand out from my manifestation formula:

1.Get clarity on what you want first. Very simple concept but many people have trouble actually articulating what they want because they’re so accustomed to living by default. Suspend “the how will it happen”, or what it’s going to cost, or how long you think it would take. Define, in a perfect world, what you’d like to create in your business

2.Never use money as an end result. Money is a resource, it’s an energy in your business. So focus on something that evokes more emotion. Get into the feeling of what success would be like. Could be what you would accomplish with the money, who will be served, and so forth.

3. Commit to having what you want. Make a no matter what decision to having the success you desire and expect it to happen. Decide up front what’s negotiable and what’s not and then commit.

4. Schedule time for meditation and processing. The key is to allow solutions, people and resources to show up in your life without you having to work too hard at finding them. In order to do that, you’ll want to slow down or better yet--STOP--each day to express gratitude for what you have and set your intention on what’s to come. Situations will progress more smoothly for you as a result of this.

5.Be more compassionate with yourself. Self-judgment will always slow down this process. Infuse more positive, kinder language into your vocabulary. Using language like failure, bad, or stupid to describe something you’ve done only reinforces the negative. Learn to be as tolerant with yourself as you would with a 3 year old.

6.Seek out a model of what success looks like for you. Some people create vision boards but I recommend finding a business, a person or a situation that most closely represents what you’d like to achieve and learn as much as you can about that business or person.

7.Take inspired action. Don’t try to do everything at once. Organize your "chaos" and learn to work on just a few priority items at a time and you’ll notice you’re actually having bigger results. Continuous multi-tasking does not necessarily produce positive outcomes!

8. Never go at it alone. Constantly reflect on “what talent would best serve me now” and expect the most perfect people to show up. Allow others into your world to help you pick up the slack or lend their expertise. Ask, receive, ask, receive. Practice it, become accustomed to it and watch your results skyrocket.

Get out of your way!

If you want to achieve extraordinary results, dare to make choices based on what it is you TRULY want, not what you think you can have. You’re limiting yourself by charging what you think people can pay, not what you’re worth, or compromising on what you want from a relationship based on what you think the other person can give you. It’s not about THEM---it’s all about YOU. Decide what it is you want to create in your life ---without even full knowing the HOW---and then learn to step aside and let it happen. Do you deserve it? Absolutely YES! Will people be there to support you? Absolutely YES! Will the “how” to do something be revealed? Absolutely YES!

Strategies For Becoming a Customer Magnet

You’ve gone to great lengths to produce your products and services so how come they’re not flying out the door? The saying “if you build it they will come” may apply to dreamy baseball fields but you may want to take a different approach when it comes to being a customer magnet otherwise you’ll spend way too much time selling your product. Yes, it’s possible to become a “Master Manifestor” when it comes to customers AND it also helps to position yourself with proper marketing strategies in place. You’re have a more enjoyable experience if the focus is not just to sell products but to engage your prospects. Here are some action steps you can take that will help attract your most perfect customers.

1. Know who your customers are. You want to be crystal clear when it comes to the knowing the demographic and psychographic profile or your ideal customer otherwise it will always fell like hit or miss with your sales and marketing efforts. You not only want to know their age, sex and ethnic makeup but it helps to know their goals, aspirations and what their lives are like in general. If you sense your market is too broad, then focus on a smaller segment for awhile. The more you know about them and can authentically relate, the more they’ll flock to you because –guess what – you “get them”.

2.Go where your customers go. Get as close to your ideal customer as possible by being online if they’re online, attending the same events or participating in the same community activities they do. In a NON-STALKING WAY of course, become interested in whatever is near and dear to their heart so you can relate to them on many different levels. This strategy can be applied individually OR it can be scaled to reach the masses.

3. Create a memorable experience for your customers. Several years ago I had the opportunity to be mentored by Nick Graham whom most know as “Joe Boxer”. Nick built the wildly successful Joe Boxer brand before selling it to KMart for many millions of dollars back in 1997. His company became a household name not because of a lot of paid advertising (he would proudly tell me) but because of memorable marketing strategies that were remembered. His mantra was “your brand is the amusement park and your product is the souvenir.” What can you do that will create a memorable experience for your prospects and customers? More importantly, how do you make them feel?

4. Engage your customers in ways that will inspire them to come back to you. What is the “glue” that will keep your customers inspired and stay connected to you. A membership, a rewards program, interacting in a community, loyalty, gifts, bonuses, etc.

Conducting Simple Market Research Saves Time And Money

Stepping into product creation and production is the goal of many entrepreneurs. When you have an idea, the next natural impulse is to turn the idea into form but there are several other stages of the process you may want to go through first before you invest too much time and resources into actually producing the product. Without some testing and market research, you may find yourself continually going back to the drawing board to make a product that will actually sell. You may not have the resources available to conduct more thorough research but here are a few testing strategies you can use to get market validation for your product or service whether you’ve invented a widget or you’re a consultant with a process to offer. When you’ve gotten a YES in these areas, then you’ll know it’s time to proceed to the next step.

1. Talk to your customers AND end users. These two groups are not the same and usually represent the retail buyer and their customer or your distributor and the person who buys from them. For instance, you may interview Home Depot customers who would buy your product if it was available but if the store’s buyer doesn’t get it, he won’t place an order from you. This also applies to online marketing when you’re working with affiliates. You want buy-in from BOTH groups.

2. Know where your product will sell first. Your product may look different on a store shelf, selling online, selling in Costco or bundled with another product. Discover which distribution channel will be most lucrative for you first and then make a product that will suit that channel. I knew someone that invested his first round of capital developing a product for Lowe’s Home Improvement only to find that the packaging was totally inappropriate and the buyers weren’t interested in carrying the product but he hadn’t taken the time to discuss it with them. It would have been better suited as a direct response product and sold via infomercial to start.


3. Test your price points. Karen Neuberger makes a famous line of loungewear for women. Her primary market is high-end Nordstrom’s but her outfits also sell in lower-end Marshalls stores. Even though the products may look very similar, there are very distinct quality differences between the two. The quality of the product made is a reflection of the price point that is most suitable for that particular market.


4. Pre-sell whenever possible. There is nothing that provides validation as much as early traction—knowing there are people willing to pay for your product. You can pre-sell by selling small orders or pre-sell the idea and then make the product later.

5. Be sure you can fulfill orders in a reasonable time and with minimum cost . You may have a great idea but the costs related to getting the product to the customer are greater then any demand would be so it may not make sense to even produce or promise the product. This is also true of a service when your time is involved. Regardless, make sure you know you can deliver on your promise before you commit to producing your product. For instance, think of the logistics and resources involved for FedEx or Super Shuttle Transportation to deliver on their brand promises of rapid transportation. A dentist who promises rapid response for walk-ins and then is faced with 500 new patients walking through the door will need to rethink his/her fulfillment and distribution model.

To schedule your complimentary “Passion To Prosperity Strategy Session”, contact Maria Simone by sending an email to admin@passion2prosperity.com. You may reprint this article in its entirety with author's contact and bio information.

Prospering With Systems In Your Business

Your business infrastructure is the series of systems, strategies, processes, and automated activities that correctly combined will allow any small business to safely grow to a 6, 7 or even an 8 figure business. Your business infrastructure is not unlike your body’s skeleton. Without your skeleton (I’ll keep this G-rated), things would get pretty messy and we wouldn’t have the ability to be very mobile let alone GROW. As they say in pop culture, you’d be a “hot mess” without it. Solopreneurs and small businesses experience this all too often when they wear too many hats and literally become the bottleneck of their business. Even with the realization they’re severely limiting their growth, it may seem difficult to break out of this exhausting cycle. Here are some action steps you can take to create more structure, experience more freedom and experience more prosperity in your business.

1. Remember it’s a BUSINESS not a BAKE SALE. You want your business to take on an energetic life of its own and that will only happen if you allow it to develop its own culture and brand that’s independent of you so it has the chance to be a formidable entity that serves the greater good. The objective is to lead the process responsibly, not treat it like a part time hobby, take anything too personally or be too controlling with it.

2.Define what the most productive activities are in your business. These would typically be specific revenue generating activities OR if you’re in start-up mode, raising capital. Start doing more of THOSE and less of the busy work

3.Define and document all pertinent tasks in your business. If you’re the ”chief, cook and bottle washer”, it’s going to be difficult to delegate unless you’ve taken some time to document all that you do so that others can follow in your footsteps.

4.Automate your customer service and marketing activities. If you’re going to invest time and money attracting new customers, the last thing you want to do is ignore them after the sale. Consider using an automated marketing tool that will manage your customer intake, product sales, track referrals, and will send preprogrammed reminder and marketing messages to continually engage prospects and customers. I’ve been using http://www.prosperitycart.com/ for several years in multiple businesses and it has been responsible for bringing in more revenue then any other tool in my business.

5.Avoid doing an activity more than once. If you have activities that must be carried out repetitively and are not the best use of your time, then make plans to automate, delegate or package them in a way so you no longer have to spend time doing it.

6.Create timelines and schedules that have beginnings and endings. Structure your days so that you’re working on manageable tasks, stick to realistic timelines, and create ways to measure completions for yourself and your team.

7.Institute basic Quality Control standards. How do you measure if something is working or acceptable in your business? Especially with regards to safety, training, productivity, profitability or customer satisfaction.

In my 30 Day Revenue Makeover Program (http://30dayrevenue.com), you’re guided through a series of strategies similar to these that help you create a more solid infrastructure in your business and thus improving your revenue potential. You may reprint this article in its entirety with author's contact and bio information.

Is it time for a REVENUE MAKEOVER?-- Here's your sign

The other night I was in stitches watching comedian Bill Engvall perform his wildly popular routine “here’s your sign..” where he points out people who are oblivious to the obvious and then gives them a “sign” as a warning to the rest of us to stay clear. I got to thinking about how as business owners we get so caught up in the “doing” of our business, we may not always see if these activities are in our best interest to be doing, if they’re really helping us achieve the results we desire or if there is an easier and more cost effective way to achieve similar or better results.
I’ve been very busy these past few months strategizing with people who want to move from what they feel is a “stuck” place and into a position of creating true abundance in their business. The place of being in the zone as it relates to revenue, relationships, recognition for your work, happy customers, etc. I use a 4-part process that is guaranteed to get you results and this month I packaged it into a complete system that you can take into your business and in 30 day increments, can completely transform the results you’re getting. The people I’ve been working with have reported that all my strategies have been fairly easy to implement and have produced profound results. They were just so close to their situation, they couldn’t always see what the very best solution for them was. Go to 30 Day Revenue Makeover for pre-launch specials or to download a FREE program overview which will help address some of your most immediate needs.
Wondering if you need a revenue makeover? Here are a few “signs” to look for:

1. Feeling less than passionate about what you’re doing these days and find yourself doing tasks that don’t bring you joy.

2. Too busy trying to stay ahead to focus on long term goals or your vision.

3. Business you were counting on seems to go away very easily.

4. Feeling like you can’t really handle on any new business even though you need the revenue.

5. Don’t have enough resources to accomplish your goals.

6. Revenue coming in the door but there aren’t enough profits going into your
bank account.

7. Having trouble delegating to others so you find yourself doing most of the work.

8. Too much time being spent on busy activities and serving customers and not enough time bringing in new revenue.

9. Constantly having to attract new customers who’ll buy your products and services and it feels like you’re recreating your business each month.

10. Have a great product or service but people don’t seem to get it.

11. Feel like there’s too much competition and no one is buying from you.

12. Can’t seem to attract or retain the right support people who see your vision and are willing to carry it out.

13. Expenses so high you’re not sure if you’re even making a profit.

14. Marketing strategies that used to work don’t seem to have the same effect anymore.

15. Have a negligible budget to invest in any additional advertising or marketing.

Sometimes people think if they just had more money, their problems will be solved but that’s not necessarily the case. You can make some simple changes in how you approach your business, how you approach your customers, streamlining your operations, and zero- cost marketing efforts and this may completely change your revenue landscape without any additional financial investment. So if you feel like YOU could use a revenue makeover, think new strategies and simply go to 30 Day Revenue to make a purchase at the special pre-launch price AND use coupon code 50 off to get an additional $50 off. To discuss next steps to creating spiritually rewarding and financially abundant businesses, email admin@passion2prosperity.com to schedule a private consultation.

Ways To Build Your Company’s Karma-01K Plan

Years ago I became acutely aware that our actions in the present set the stage for all our future circumstances. Some people know it to be “karma”, or the Universal Law of Cause and Effect. I believe understanding and appreciating this dynamic at play in our lives is at the core of living a conscious, enlightened life. I’ve seen this cause and effect manifest instantly and at other times, it shows up months or years later. But it’s there nonetheless. For instance, someone who is regularly disrespectful to those around him cannot expect to be treated with much respect himself or at least won’t be able to see it even if it is happening to him. The same actions are true with regard to money, love, and success.

With this knowledge, I’ve committed to living more responsibly and impeccably in the present –and to always be in the present – and know that I’m paving the way for a more joyful and abundant future. Especially as it relates to Business. When I’m working with clients, my “secret sauce” is to balance business knowledge with Universal knowledge so that true success can be realized more effortlessly. I’ve watched my clients become magnets for money relationships and resources while having a lot more fun.

There are actions we can all take each day in our business to set the stage for more respect, love, joy and financial abundance to flow into our own lives. For those that have a 401K plan established in their life, you know that it requires small, regularly scheduled contributions to reap the rewards later on. Same with your Karma-01K plan. If you take the time each day to make a deposit into your “Good Karma” account, you’ll have a wonderful cushion of support to fall back on. Unlike your traditional 401K Plan however, you can begin reaping the rewards immediately and there are no early withdrawal penalties. Think of all the wealth you’ll accumulate with simple daily deposits.

Here are just a few of mine...please share yours as well!

1. Invest some of your time and money in those who are coming up behind you.

2. Look for ways to collaborate with a competitor.

3. Tell your team how much you appreciate them.

4. Reduce waste, conserve energy and recycle as much as possible.

5. Take a day off once in awhile to recharge “just because”.

6. Make it easy for others around you to do the same.

7. Give gifts for no reason.

8. Volunteer with a charity organization dedicated to improving quality of life.

9. Create a community project that your team, customers and vendors can get involved with.

10. Set aside products or services to regularly give away for fundraising activities.

11. Offer to write an endorsement or letter of recommendation for someone before being asked.

12. Let someone’s boss know what a great job their employee did.

13. Give something away to a prospective customer.

14. Connect two people who you know should meet.

15. Back away from profit activities that exploit or take advantage of others.

To discuss next steps to creating spiritually rewarding and financially abundant businesses, email simone@passion2prosperity.com for a private consultation.

Share your "Good Karma" deposit tips below!

Creating Abundance With Joint Venture Alliances

Intentionally creating WIN-WIN-WIN promotional opportunities with those who have a vested interest in your success can set the stage for abundance to flow effortlessly into your business. Collaborating with like minded individuals can be one of the fastest ways to promote and sell your products and services. I have experienced substantial growth in many areas of my businesses including revenue, attraction of customers more aligned with my offerings, a substantially larger mailing list, reduced marketing expenses, and so forth. A Joint Venture (JV) happens when 2 or more entities come together to create a mutually beneficial relationship that not only supports one another’s success but also creates more value for the customer. Because it has become such an important and effective marketing strategy over the past few years, I devote a fair amount of time going over the nuances of creating and sustaining these relationships in my business development programs. The strategies include:

1. Establishing a common objective to base the relationship on.
2. Finding your ideal Joint Venture partner.
3. Making that initial contact and inspiring a JV to do business with you.
4. Crafting a WIN-WIN-WIN scenario beyond basic financial compensation.
5. Execution of the promotion.

There are many reasons WHY one would want to create a JV relationship. Here are a few scenarios that tend to produce the most fruitful outcomes for me and the clients I’m working with:

1. Rapidly expand your subscriber base. It’s easy to quickly increase your list of prospective customers when you can tap into someone else’s list and the goodwill they have already established.

2. Establish instant credibility. If you’re new to your industry and would like to quickly establish trust with your market, having an endorsement from a well-respected player could be exactly what’s needed.

3. Create a successful program or product launch. Allow your JV to assist with promotions of your products and services to their already established markets that contain your ideal customer. For instance, if I owned a scrapbook supply company and my JV had a substantial mailing list of scrapbookers, it would be in my best interest to collaborate with them for my product promotion.

4. Offer more value to your customers. Who doesn’t enjoy a “gift with purchase”! Bundling your products and services with those of your JV partners truly creates a WIN-WIN-WIN because your JV partner gets exposed to a new market, you get to offer more value which will help increase sales and your customer gets to take home the prize.

5. Use the JV partnership to establish a milestone. There’s strength in numbers and your JV partners may be able to help you achieve bestseller status if you’re an author, win an award or contest or help you make an outstanding contribution to a non-profit simply by reaching out to their database.

6. Use it to attract necessary resources. There are resources you need in your business to be able to serve more customers. Your JV partners can help you attract these resources and may include capital, media attention, team, and manufacturing support.

To discuss next steps to creating profitable and rewarding Joint Ventures and how to include them in your business, email simone@passion2prosperity.com for a private consultation

BE Your Magnificence

I've found there are many activities in life that are more quickly mastered by not only DOING that thing
but doing it alongside someone who has done it and can demonstrate success to you.
Like learning to drive, paint, cook (my grandmother taught me) and especially growing a business.
In the past, the times when I’ve launched a new project on my own are the times I’ve struggled more, felt overwhelmed, spent more money then I should have and took a lot longer than I thought it would.
This also seems to be an obvious truth with many of the people I work with, is it the same for you?
My clients start taking off in ways they only imagined once they’ve had the opportunity for immersion with me.
That means I’ve gotten into the “doing” with them as opposed to them just reading about how to do it or listening to CD’s.
I’m committed to helping Conscious Entrepreneurs create their millions in a meaningful way over the next couple of years
and that’s why I want to make it as easy as possible, as well as IRRESISTIBLE for you to work with me and my team.
For those who appreciate structured support---we’re now taking enrollments for our latest support program for entrepreneurs, speakers and service professionals.

Doors are officially open for “BE Your Magnificence- A Transformational Business Experience” beginning May 11th, 2010.
This COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT Package was created with women entrepreneurs in mind and includes:

*Weekly calls for 16 weeks with a small group as we walk you step-by-step into creating more sustaining revenue in your new or existing business.
We create a Business Blueprint so you have a plan to execute, support in clarifying your passion and purpose, help structuring your marketing funnel so we can automate many of your business activities, develop products and services that will quickly get you into revenue, online and offline marketing strategies so you’re attracting customers with ease, social media marketing, funding strategies, learn to charge what you’re worth, and breaking through any obstacles you may have about money and success.
This support alone is valued at almost $15,000.

* One-on-one support throughout the months from myself and my technology expert husband as we work specifically on your business agendas, valued over $1000.

*Monthly Call-in Q & A Coaching Afternoons for 6 months where the spotlight is on you and your progress, valued at $600.

*Access to our database of resources. Includes templates, people, promotional opportunities, investor contacts and so much more.

*One month of SEO and social media promotional support to help you jumpstart your marketing campaign, valued at $500

*A ticket to my 2-day BE Your Magnificence Intensive in Scottsdale, AZ, June 26-27, valued at $3500.
My team of millionaires, marketing, systems, transformation and funding specialists will work with you personally on Joint Venture development, product creation, design, mindset, funding, implementation of your social media marketing plan and so much more.

*A ticket to “Powered With Passion”, a 2-day unique abundant living retreat in breathtaking Sedona, AZ, http://poweredwithpassion.com valued at $497.

*We create an AUDIO PRODUCT and design other products/programs for you that you can sell over and over again, valued at $600

*ADDITIONAL BONUSES focusing on wealth creation, branding, publicity, creating instant revenue streams, and developing a conscious business valued at over $1000.

How’s that for immersion?
This total business building support package has a real value of $22,700 but we’ve bundled it into an incredible offer that starts at just $599.
I know it's hard to believe--- I think it's a pretty wild offer myself! You can see all the program details once you sign in at http://passion2prosperity.com
(NOTE: all the bonuses listed above are included but are not all visible on the website).
Go ahead and register today if you're heart is saying "YES" right about now. We only have 16 spots available and will sell out.
We’re serious about helping you move into meaningful, financial success and if you’re serious about it too and want to discuss it, send an email to simone@passion2prosperity.com and my team will schedule us for a heart-to-heart chat.

How To Dramatically Change Your Revenue With An Automated eCommerce Platform

No matter what your product or service is or how great it is, you won’t achieve measurable financial success unless you have a platform to sell from. The more you sell, the more money you make. Seems simple enough but developing a productive sales and ecommerce platform that works to attract customers and sell products 24/7 is often a great challenge for people in business. For the past few years I’ve been helping entrepreneurs develop their own successful selling platform. Here are some solutions I’ve used that are scalable which means you can start this process even before you have a product or service to sell.

1. Install a multipurpose eCommerce-ready Shopping Cart. My revenue changed dramatically the day I automated my selling process. If you’re manually taking orders or collecting payments, this will have an effect on your ability to grow. I recommend implementing more automation and switching to a Shopping Cart such as http://www.prosperitycart.com . This is my cost effective private label of 1ShoppingCart and I’ve been using it in multiple businesses for many years. This allows you to catalog and sell your products, services and digital products; integrate all your payment methods; and automate a follow-up sequence. There are multiple service options available which means it grows as your business needs grow.

2. Install a merchant account. You could be losing out on new business if you don’t accept credit cards these days. People will take their business elsewhere if the buying process is too tedious. The easiest payment gateway to use is PayPal.com but it comes with higher transaction fees and lots of restrictions (they can hold/suspend your transactions at anytime and business comes to a halt if that happens). Also, your business may not be thought of as highly professional if you’re only using PayPal as a payment gateway. I recommend obtaining a professional merchant account from a reputable company or banking institution. Make sure you compare transaction fees and discount fees, which is a percentage of each transaction, to get the best deal. Some of the lowest fees and fastest money turnarounds I have ever seen are with wholesale merchant accounts that are backed by reputable banks. My husband Michael Murdock is a resource for those accounts. Feel free to see what a difference this type of account would have in your business by contacting him at ceo@docmurdock.com . His clients are now saving upwards of $5000-$6000 in fees each year.

3. Place email opt-in areas everywhere you can. Think of your Shopping Cart as a bucket that can collect names for you 24/7. You want to attach that bucket anyplace where people visit you. That includes your website, product landing pages, blogs, social media profiles, email signatures, etc. The more names you collect, the more people will have the opportunity to get to know you. Ultimately, you’ll be offering your product solutions to people you now have a pre-existing relationship with. The “gold is in the list” as internet marketers will tell you.

4. Plan a follow-up email marketing campaign. The strength of your relationship with your subscriber list will be in how well you follow up with this group. This includes thank you messages, product offerings, invitations to try new things or attend virtual events, newsletters, surveys and a variety of other regularly scheduled communications. This can all be written and loaded into the system in advance when using an automated shopping cart system. With ProsperityCart.com, our communications are planned up to 2 years in advance and passively work for us 24/7 even while on vacation.

5. Create products or offers of different price points. It’s easy to inspire someone to try you out when you’re offering them something for free, not to mention the Goodwill it creates. Following the tried and true marketing funnel formula, you may want to offer something of a lower price point for the next level of commitment and so on. We’re all comfortable buying, and continuing to buy, from people we know and trust so you want to create that scenario in your business whenever possible.

To discuss the creation of a robust and profitable eCommerce platform in your business, email simone@passion2prosperity.com for a private consultation.

How To Connect With Your Most Perfect Contacts

We don’t operate our businesses in a void so no matter where you are in the success continuum, you’ll always be in search of PEOPLE to help you fulfill certain roles. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want mentors and advisors. Investors are out there as well as people to help you with marketing, manufacturing, operations, etc. Of course you wouldn’t be in business very long if you didn’t have customers.

Here are some strategies I use to constantly put me in the right place at the right time to be able to connect with any “human” resource I may need at any given time. People constantly say “Maria knows everyone.” It’s more like “Maria knows how to MEET anyone”.

1. Regularly create profiles of the contacts you need. Whatever you’re looking for, it really helps to have an idea of the person that can help you get it...not just what “it” is. Most of the time, you’ll find you already KNOW someone that fits your new profile. You just hadn’t yet thought of that person as a resource. I use this technique to help manifest strategic partners, investors, clients, etc.

2. Attend industry events. If you want to meet the movers and shakers of your industry, start attending the same tradeshows and conferences they do.

3. Put it out to your network. Don’t forget to tell the people you know WHO you’re looking for.

4. Hang out where they hang out. I’ve met my investors exactly where I’d thought they’d be--- at fundraising events, out with other investors, at various community events, social and business gatherings.

5. Attend networking functions to meet with the organizers or featured guests. Many people will attend a networking event to meet potential clients but my mission goes a bit beyond that and is usually to create strategic alliances with people who have complimentary talents as well as their own following. Those people can usually get you in front of a much larger group of your ideal “whatever”. So mingle with the participants but also make yourself known to the experts and organizers in attendance.

6. Search for people online or in your local press. If you do a Google search using industry specific terms you’ll find out who the talent is within that industry. This is great if you’re looking for C-level folks and advisors. Once I can associate a name with an expertise I’m looking for, it’s just a matter of tracking that person down. Same goes for a name you read in a newspaper. EX: You’re looking for an advisor in waste management and one day you read about the retirement of the Chairman of the Board of XYZ Waste Management Co. Chances are, THAT’S the person you need to connect with.

7. Use search functions on the Social Networks. Nothing has accelerated my connecting as much as the social networks have. You can pick a few people who are your perfect contacts and easily connect to who they know using the follow functions. In the search boxes, simply put in keywords that describe their industry or what they would be talking about and see who pops up. People are also generally more accessible on the social networks as well.

8. Let them come to you. Consider hosting an event or being part of something bigger that will put you directly in front of the contacts that you would need. This is a great time to support others who are doing similar work as a way to increase your visibility.

9. Meditate on attracting the most perfect contacts. Success does not happen by just working hard you know! I meditate daily and visualize the most perfect people showing up to support my efforts. Usually during that time or shortly afterwards, names will pop into my head or the phone will ring with a perfect opportunity. If you want success that’s more flowing and effortless, that’s a sure way to create it.

Strategies For Getting Early Traction For Your Products and Services

Like the adage “which came first, the chicken or the egg”, many entrepreneurs find themselves at a crossroads when trying to launch their product. To do it properly requires financial or other resources they may not have but in order to get those resources, they’re asked to “prove” their concept. One of my specialties is supporting people through this stage so that they have the opportunity to prove out the validity of their concept & get early “traction” (interest from buyers) while being very prudent with resources.

What’s important to note here is that before you invest lots of time and money in creating a product or service and then trying to sell it, it’s more prudent to SELL the concept before you actually create the product. In the past, I’ve gotten 5 and 6-figure commitments before I even produced a product. Obviously, your risks are greatly reduced if there is a nominal investment required to produce and distribute your product--- that’s why I love working online and with digital products.

Why do this? You’ll save yourself time and money as you avoid risks and produce a product that’s exactly what your market wants; establish credibility; attract investors and sponsors who can now see the validity of what you’re creating before it’s fully launched; and finally, have a market already established when it comes time to actually sell tangible products and services.

My complete list is quite extensive but here are some ways to get proof of concept and early traction:

1. Conduct some basic market research. Make sure you have really spoken to your customers and end users (if the two are different) to see if this is something they would like have and would purchase if available. Thoroughly document this research.

2. Build a list. Start creating a list of followers who would be potential customers when the time is right. The bigger the better and I recommend managing your growing list with one of the Autoresponder tools listed at http://intentionalincome.com

3. Network Within Your Industry. It’s much easier to garner the support of your industry if you’ve already established a good reputation. That’s why it’s imperative to show up and network at industry tradeshows; events where your peers and potential customers would be; media outlets; and online via social media activities.

4. Create and test a prototype as soon as possible. Depending on the resources you have available, develop a working prototype or sample of your vision as soon as possible. Even it’s just a graphical mockup. Having something tangible for people to look at will dramatically improve their interest.

5. Sell your “concept” as soon as possible. Before you commit to manufacturing your product, look at establishing your distribution channels first. Knowing where your product will sell will make a difference in how you package it. Also, it would be ideal if you can pre-sell your product (within legal parameters of course). I’ve gotten contracts and letters of interest for products prior to manufacturing. You can do the same for information products, books, events, etc.

6. Can you start small and scale up? You my not have the resources to be fully operational but is there some aspect of your business you can launch with limited resources, test and then expand? This will not only provide further validation but can also help fund other stages of growth.

7. Partner up with someone that has the resources you need. Perhaps consider licensing, private labeling or co-branding with another company to help you initially launch a product. Manufacturing and marketing could be your biggest expenses initially so find people who will cover that for you.

8. Get the media talking. Having the media pick up on your “story”, the circumstances surrounding your journey, or any tie in to current events really helps to establish credibility and interest from buyers and partners.

9. Gather testimonials. Paint the picture about how great your product or service is through the eyes of someone who has experienced it (or you). This will help make your Company more real to potential customers.

Shifting Overwhelm Into Opportunity

You can turn what appears to be “overwhelm” into a more positive experience. When the anxiety starts to creep in, simply stop and take a few deep breaths. Then express gratitude for all the new choices that are before you ---because that is what’s really happening, isn’t it? Ask for guidance as to which feels like the best option for you to pursue and wait for an answer coming from your heart, not your head. If you can be still in this process, the answers come much more quickly. If you find yourself faced with too many tasks, know that you don’t have to do everything at once and you never have to do it all alone. Do what feels right for you in the moment and know everything else will get taken care of when it should.

Strategies For Staying Focused

Many years ago business mentor Mitch Santell said to me “Maria, lots of people are running their businesses like they’re folding deck chairs on the sinking Titanic”. I’ve never forgotten that and quite often as I’m making decisions to do something I stop to ask myself “am I just folding deck chairs”? There’s so much pressure to work harder to stay ahead and to try different things to get new results or create new revenue. Many others are taking on more and more responsibilities as they try to “do it all” in their business hoping that something will payoff. The fact of the matter is, without FOCUS, it’s easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of your business and ultimately feeling that you’re not really progressing. Here are some strategies for maintaining focus and staying on a clear path to success:

1. Work from a master plan. I enjoy life more when I live in the present moment at all times but I’m always working from a master plan. With my plan of action laid out for me, the activities I’m inspired to take in that present moment are continually leading me towards my long term objectives because I took the time to “pre-program” what those objectives are. I know in a moment’s notice whether or not I’m deviating from my long term goals.

2. Focus on fewer priority items. Working from a huge TO-DO list that you create is not as productive as you may think. It keeps you busy but not feeling very accomplished for the most part. I suggest establishing 1-2 very clear objectives for the month that feed into your long term goals. This helps you create simpler daily to-do lists that actually get completed. It’s easier to stay focused on fewer items and you’ll experience more personal satisfaction as you have more completions instead of unfinished lists each day.

3. Segment your workday. This is one of the best productivity lessons I learned more than 10 years ago. My day is broken into 2 hour segments for the most part and the segments include sales/marketing, operations (usually delegating), creative, ME, and follow up (or long term planning). I stay focused yet touch all aspects of my business and the day flies.

4. Do the things you enjoy doing, delegate the rest. If you have trouble focusing on the task at hand, it could very well be you just don’t enjoy doing it or don’t have an expertise for it. Stop faking it and start delegating ASAP. Give yourself permission to take it off your plate so you can focus on the things you’re good at.

5. Create a system for accountability. If you’re missing your deadlines, consider a mandatory donation to your favorite charity or some other activity that will help condition you to stay on track. Also consider having others hold you to your word. Having to report in to someone on your progress is incentive enough to stay focused.

6. Limit distractions. You my not be able to stay focused simply because you’re too distracted chasing bright shiny balls. That’s what I call the “opportunities” that we have trouble passing up yet in the end steer us further from our path. Learn to say NO, at least for a limited time, if you’re really committed to achieving your primary goals. You won’t miss out. There will be another similar opportunity right around the corner that’s just perfect for you.

7. Are you “folding deck chairs”? Ask yourself that each time you start something new. Make sure the activities you are pursuing are in your best interest and really moving you toward achieving your goals. Learn to let go immediately of the busy-ness and move into more productive activities. Staying busy yet not quite productive could be you “hiding out” from success.

8. Take a break. When you’re having trouble focusing, working longer hours won’t make the situation better. Taking time to regularly refresh and rejuvenate as well as natural supplements that help with mental clarity will work wonders. I carve out time each day for gym, nap, pampering and/or meditation and schedule some down time on the weekend--- no matter how much work I have on my plate.

Give To Get--- An Exercise In Abundance

I’m known for connecting people who are looking for certain resources to those who have the resources….for compensation when feasible. To help attract opportunities to profit using your contacts, I suggest paying it forward to keep the momentum and energy flowing. What works for me and what I love to do is to connect 2 people EACH DAY who I think should meet. It could be people I know well or hardly at all. Sometimes it’s for a very simple reason, and always by email to save time. Try it for yourself and you’ll be surprised what comes back to you!

Managing Change Around You

During our holiday trip to NYC, we went downtown to visit the site where the World Trade Center once stood. They’re currently working on a memorial at the site and I wanted to check on the progress. I visited St. Paul’s Chapel and Cemetery, just across the street from where the Twin Towers once stood. Built in 1766, it was quite a miracle that the Chapel was spared destruction on 9/11 and many said it was because it had a very important purpose to serve. Turns out, it would be needed to provide shelter to the thousands of rescue workers in the days that followed. They all came to seek solace, take a nap, or have a meal there for the next several months. I never tire of the stories of the amazing human spirit that were told from the Chapel.

My lesson learned here is that there is a purpose for everything that happens in the grand scheme of things and while we may not be able to change what’s happening, we’ll ALWAYS be able to change our experience of it. With so many people and businesses in transition right now, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my recommendations for creating a more positive experience in all your dealings:

1. Refrain from taking immediate action with a confused mind. If you’re not sure what next steps are, sometimes the best thing to do is to be still. Breathe, take time to get grounded and allow your mind to quietly contemplate what’s ahead rather than jump into action just to stay busy. It’s time for a new perspective. Working in chaos only produces more chaos.

2. Start choosing differently. Do you have a predictable response when confronted with something unpleasant? Is it serving you or does it cause more harm than good? If you’d like for things to shift in your life, start choosing a different response. Pay attention to all your reactions and ask yourself if this is how you really want to show up?


3. Allow others to support you. It may like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders but you’re never really alone. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to speak up and ask for help. It’s a sign of a responsible leader, not of weakness.


4. Follow your heart, always. Make decisions based on what it is you truly want and what’s in your best interest. As if you’re protecting a child. Don’t make decisions from a place of fear, obligation or based solely on what others think is best for you.

5. Know yourself. We get so caught up in our business, it’s easy to lose track of our authentic selves, especially when times are challenging. Know what you stand for, what is most important to you, what makes you happy and most importantly who you really are without all the titles, money, and possessions.

6. You’re having learning experiences, not failures. Life is about growing, learning and evolving so don’t be so hard on yourself with the decisions you make. Keep learning and moving on without judgment. New opportunities present themselves quickly the less detached we are to the past.

7. Maintain a high vibration. A positive, hopeful attitude is crucial to attracting what it is you truly want. One way to do that is to put yourself in a state of continual gratitude for what it is you do have. Don’t suppress any feelings of fear or sadness or whatever else comes up but continue to stay with the gratitude to maintain your vibration.

8. Focus on what it is you do want. Situations shift constantly and rather than be consumed by a scenario you don’t want such as declining sales or lack of resources, continue focusing on the exact scenario you want to create in your life and business. You’ll get there so much faster

9. Know who your core customers are. If you’re in business, you’ll find things are shifting quickly these days as consumer trends change, people react to the economic forecasts, etc. If you truly know who you’re serving in your business, you’ll be able to innovate quickly and always come up with the right solutions for them.

10. Take inspired action. As you slow down to contemplate next steps, new opportunities, options and people will begin showing up in your life. Pay attention to all of this because these are the very answers you’re praying for. Also know your new solutions may not look anything like what you’re used to so I recommend being open and evaluating every opportunity.

~Maria Simone is a dynamic speaker, author, and transformational business strategist. As the “Passion To Prosperity Diva”, http://passion2prosperity.com ,she helps entrepreneurs package and monetize their talents to create 6 and 7 figure businesses. She’s appeared on ABC News, Fox TV, and in Business Week, Success Magazine, and many other publications.