Happy Holidays!
I wanted to wish you from the bottom of my heart a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I'm grateful to have you in my life and hope that you're experiening joy, peace, and love this holiday season and throughout 2009.
Thank you to all of my wonderful subscribers ... I made donations on behalf of EACH of you to various charities throughout the year.
**Your very presence on this planet has truly made a difference in the lives of others.**
Thanks to all of you who purchased an ebook or program this month...
many bags of toys were donated to Toys for Tots as well as donations made to the local food banks.
**The investment you made in YOURSELF is bringing joy to strangers this holiday**
I invite you to continue this cycle of investing and giving with me at http://www.passion2prosperitybook.com
To love and success in 2009!
Maria Simone
~~Join me for a final LIVE Teleclass on 12/30 http://www.passion2prosperity.com
A powerful session to help usher in abundance in the New Year
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Creating Mutliple Revenue Streams Doing What You Love
I have 3 words:
Buy the book
http://www.passion2prosperitybook.com
I put all my secrets in here plus lots of surprises you can't imagine.
Do you have a vision? Know how to create multiple revenue streams around your talents? How to let the world know about it without knocking yourself out?
If you want help with this, it's in my new recipe book.
"Passion 2 Prosperity: Instant Ways To Profit From Your Skills and Talents"
And then I said---what else would they need?
So I added a bunch of gifts that would be relevant to what you'll learn in the book.
And then I thought, "they could use a mentor to help them execute the concepts..."
So I added 2 months of free coaching.
All you have ot do is click over to the link.
It's all there
http://www.passion2prosperitybook.com
Buy the book
http://www.passion2prosperitybook.com
I put all my secrets in here plus lots of surprises you can't imagine.
Do you have a vision? Know how to create multiple revenue streams around your talents? How to let the world know about it without knocking yourself out?
If you want help with this, it's in my new recipe book.
"Passion 2 Prosperity: Instant Ways To Profit From Your Skills and Talents"
And then I said---what else would they need?
So I added a bunch of gifts that would be relevant to what you'll learn in the book.
And then I thought, "they could use a mentor to help them execute the concepts..."
So I added 2 months of free coaching.
All you have ot do is click over to the link.
It's all there
http://www.passion2prosperitybook.com
Friday, December 19, 2008
Survey Says You Can Strike It Rich In This Economy
I'm not into the "doom and gloom" that's being reported in the media...I think so much of it is speculation just to fill airtime and open to interpretation. To me, it just feels like the planet is cleaning house on many fronts and we'll move through it soon and be in a much better place. There were many changes that were just begging to be made this year, don't you think?
I took it upon myself to find out what's up and I've talked with a lot of REAL people to get some answers. I'll share what I know here...it's all good as far as I'm concerned. Use the information as you see fit!
1. Investors are investing in start-ups
Yes, Virginia, there is money out there. If you're trying to raise capital and think the investor pool has dried up, think again. There's plenty of money out there but you need to be more prepared than ever with a great idea, great plan, and a great team. Validate and work through as much as you can to reduce some of their risk however. I'm experiencing this personally with my projects and received this feedback many times over in my survey.
2. Be as real as possible...and passionate
This is the era of authenticity and people are practically demanding it. Be real, cut out the hype, get to the point. This is not to say that your promotions shouldn't be big and bold---you still want to stand out. But when you get someone's attention, let them quickly see what you're all about and be sure to infuse your passion and enthusiasm. Customers, investors and partners will feel safer.
3.Connection and Relationship Marketing is key
Regular follow-up is critical now...I heard "out of sight, out of mind" across the board in my survey. People are looking for value but they're also price conscious so if you haven't instituted an ongoing communication program in your business (such as an ezine, regular announcements, telephone calls, events, etc) they are more inclined to switch to your competitor if they don't feel the love. No, this isn't dating advice but it could be...for your business.
4. Outside resources are more affordable than ever
If you thought you may not be able to afford graphic designers, additional technicians, a marketing manager, sales support, etc. ---think again. There is a plethora of talent out there willing to negotiate, barter or gift you support so now is not the time to pull back on new projects. Get creative on how you'll acquire these resources. Survey says FORGE AHEAD! It lets customers know you're business is growing and they'll feel comfortable buying from you and referring as well.
5. Collaborations rule
Think Strategic Alliances and Joint Ventures...even figure out ways to collaborate with potential competitors. There's strength in numbers and you can really do more with less when others are promoting you or you're pooling resources. Third party endorsements to a warm market go much further than advertising to strangers. I help people MAKE millions so I like to collaborate with businesses that show people how to KEEP their millions. Same target market with different, yet complimentary needs. Survey respondents all talked about the desire to see businesses collaborating as an insurance policy for success.
6. Think big, start small
Always shoot for the moon but figure out ways to keep carving out pieces of your plan to get off the ground sooner as opposed to launching your entity all at once. Perhaps start in a smaller market to get traction (early sales and recognition), and grow from there. A service business intending to be a national franchise with multiple locations should still start in a local market for testing and validation and to build investor confidence. Build out in "threes" thereafter. You may also need to prove you can do more with less in some instances. One of the companies that I'm helping began raising capital and at the same time was able to show it could create revenue on its own. The more business it gets without outside capital, the faster the investor checks come in.
7. Having an online presence should not be an afterthought
Doing business online can be easy, fast and cheap when you know what you're doing. Besides that, customers, collaborators and investors EXPECT that you'll be there so if you've been putting it off...don't do it any longer. You can easily get started for $7 at Snagadomain.com and DocMurdock.com (my husband's companies). Consensus across the board: If you're a company that has customers, it sends up flags to investors, customers and collaborators when you haven't taken advantage of all the opportunities the internet has to offer...or have a solid plan to have an online presence.
I took it upon myself to find out what's up and I've talked with a lot of REAL people to get some answers. I'll share what I know here...it's all good as far as I'm concerned. Use the information as you see fit!
1. Investors are investing in start-ups
Yes, Virginia, there is money out there. If you're trying to raise capital and think the investor pool has dried up, think again. There's plenty of money out there but you need to be more prepared than ever with a great idea, great plan, and a great team. Validate and work through as much as you can to reduce some of their risk however. I'm experiencing this personally with my projects and received this feedback many times over in my survey.
2. Be as real as possible...and passionate
This is the era of authenticity and people are practically demanding it. Be real, cut out the hype, get to the point. This is not to say that your promotions shouldn't be big and bold---you still want to stand out. But when you get someone's attention, let them quickly see what you're all about and be sure to infuse your passion and enthusiasm. Customers, investors and partners will feel safer.
3.Connection and Relationship Marketing is key
Regular follow-up is critical now...I heard "out of sight, out of mind" across the board in my survey. People are looking for value but they're also price conscious so if you haven't instituted an ongoing communication program in your business (such as an ezine, regular announcements, telephone calls, events, etc) they are more inclined to switch to your competitor if they don't feel the love. No, this isn't dating advice but it could be...for your business.
4. Outside resources are more affordable than ever
If you thought you may not be able to afford graphic designers, additional technicians, a marketing manager, sales support, etc. ---think again. There is a plethora of talent out there willing to negotiate, barter or gift you support so now is not the time to pull back on new projects. Get creative on how you'll acquire these resources. Survey says FORGE AHEAD! It lets customers know you're business is growing and they'll feel comfortable buying from you and referring as well.
5. Collaborations rule
Think Strategic Alliances and Joint Ventures...even figure out ways to collaborate with potential competitors. There's strength in numbers and you can really do more with less when others are promoting you or you're pooling resources. Third party endorsements to a warm market go much further than advertising to strangers. I help people MAKE millions so I like to collaborate with businesses that show people how to KEEP their millions. Same target market with different, yet complimentary needs. Survey respondents all talked about the desire to see businesses collaborating as an insurance policy for success.
6. Think big, start small
Always shoot for the moon but figure out ways to keep carving out pieces of your plan to get off the ground sooner as opposed to launching your entity all at once. Perhaps start in a smaller market to get traction (early sales and recognition), and grow from there. A service business intending to be a national franchise with multiple locations should still start in a local market for testing and validation and to build investor confidence. Build out in "threes" thereafter. You may also need to prove you can do more with less in some instances. One of the companies that I'm helping began raising capital and at the same time was able to show it could create revenue on its own. The more business it gets without outside capital, the faster the investor checks come in.
7. Having an online presence should not be an afterthought
Doing business online can be easy, fast and cheap when you know what you're doing. Besides that, customers, collaborators and investors EXPECT that you'll be there so if you've been putting it off...don't do it any longer. You can easily get started for $7 at Snagadomain.com and DocMurdock.com (my husband's companies). Consensus across the board: If you're a company that has customers, it sends up flags to investors, customers and collaborators when you haven't taken advantage of all the opportunities the internet has to offer...or have a solid plan to have an online presence.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
10 Business Success Killers-- must see video
Check this out and let me know what you think.
10 Business Success Killers! from Maria Simone on Vimeo.
10 Business Success Killers! from Maria Simone on Vimeo.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Be the STAR In Your Local Markets
We're taught to "dream big" when we launch a new project and therefore tend to take a more national or global approach to developing our market base. This is all good but I've found it's also easy--- as well as very cost effective--- to start small and local and use that to catapult you nationally as opposed to putting all your resources into having national exposure right from the start. Here are some strategies you can employ right from the beginning:
1. Plan local educational or demonstration events
Contact your local retailers ---related to your specific industry--- to organize events right in the store. Cooking classes, safety demonstrations, how to use fashion accessories, game challenges...anything related to your product or service. Document all aspects of your demonstration so you can duplicate it over and over, collect participant names and testimonials, and make sure you're photographed and filmed for use later on in marketing and media kits.
You'll be able to leverage this successful activity to show investors you have traction, to create similar programs in other stores, use in all your marketing materials, obtain distribution contracts to other stores, attract online customers, and to obtain lots of local publicity moving into national publicity.
2. Notify the local media of your plans
Once a local event has been planned, I will notify local TV and print outlets of my plan to launch a local campaign to be followed by a national campaign. Local media will be more inclined to cover you in anticipation of your national exposure. One time, a local reporter wrote an article about my charitable giving programs and the article was syndicated in 28 different newspapers around the country.
3. Combine your activities with a local charity
I talk about this often but I can't stress enough what a difference it makes. This time of year, many of the local projects I'm involved with who are hosting events this month are also holding food drives for the local food banks as well as toy drives. There are dozens of charities to choose from but make sure it's relevant to what YOU'RE doing. You'll not only spread lots of goodwill in your community but you'll also attract more participants as well as media coverage.
4. Regularly issue press releases to the local media outlets
You don't have to wait until you're up and running to do this. People are also inspired by the story behind the company as well as your progress. "Local resident makes good" goes a long way. You can fax or email directly to your local newspapers or use an online service such as www.prlog.org
5. Contact your local networking groups for support
Look for ways to be featured by others either as a speaker, a presenter, a sponsor, an award winner, a do-gooder, or some other type of third party endorsement. ENDORSEMENTS from others will help you, once again create leverage in the media and to help you attract other notable resources. If a local group has endorsed you, perhaps you can get their national entity to do the same. I've done this with Macy's department stores as well as a variety of networking associations.
6. Connect with the local movers and shakers
Find out "who's who" in your local market and connect with them for possible collaboration or endorsement. These people may have a national presence but they're always willing to give precedence to a "neighbor". I do this quite often since networking is one of my favorite pastimes! I recently met the legendary sales trainer Tom Hopkins who lives close by...we also share the same hairstylist... and he has since offered to support me going forward. Knowing how to ASK for it was a big plus too.
Maria Simone is a conscious business "architect" and marketing expert who will show you "NEXT STEPS" for transforming ideas into products, effortlessly attracting investors and sponsors, and manifesting customers with ease. http://www.passion2prosperity.com
You may reprint this article in its entirety with author's contact and bio information.
1. Plan local educational or demonstration events
Contact your local retailers ---related to your specific industry--- to organize events right in the store. Cooking classes, safety demonstrations, how to use fashion accessories, game challenges...anything related to your product or service. Document all aspects of your demonstration so you can duplicate it over and over, collect participant names and testimonials, and make sure you're photographed and filmed for use later on in marketing and media kits.
You'll be able to leverage this successful activity to show investors you have traction, to create similar programs in other stores, use in all your marketing materials, obtain distribution contracts to other stores, attract online customers, and to obtain lots of local publicity moving into national publicity.
2. Notify the local media of your plans
Once a local event has been planned, I will notify local TV and print outlets of my plan to launch a local campaign to be followed by a national campaign. Local media will be more inclined to cover you in anticipation of your national exposure. One time, a local reporter wrote an article about my charitable giving programs and the article was syndicated in 28 different newspapers around the country.
3. Combine your activities with a local charity
I talk about this often but I can't stress enough what a difference it makes. This time of year, many of the local projects I'm involved with who are hosting events this month are also holding food drives for the local food banks as well as toy drives. There are dozens of charities to choose from but make sure it's relevant to what YOU'RE doing. You'll not only spread lots of goodwill in your community but you'll also attract more participants as well as media coverage.
4. Regularly issue press releases to the local media outlets
You don't have to wait until you're up and running to do this. People are also inspired by the story behind the company as well as your progress. "Local resident makes good" goes a long way. You can fax or email directly to your local newspapers or use an online service such as www.prlog.org
5. Contact your local networking groups for support
Look for ways to be featured by others either as a speaker, a presenter, a sponsor, an award winner, a do-gooder, or some other type of third party endorsement. ENDORSEMENTS from others will help you, once again create leverage in the media and to help you attract other notable resources. If a local group has endorsed you, perhaps you can get their national entity to do the same. I've done this with Macy's department stores as well as a variety of networking associations.
6. Connect with the local movers and shakers
Find out "who's who" in your local market and connect with them for possible collaboration or endorsement. These people may have a national presence but they're always willing to give precedence to a "neighbor". I do this quite often since networking is one of my favorite pastimes! I recently met the legendary sales trainer Tom Hopkins who lives close by...we also share the same hairstylist... and he has since offered to support me going forward. Knowing how to ASK for it was a big plus too.
Maria Simone is a conscious business "architect" and marketing expert who will show you "NEXT STEPS" for transforming ideas into products, effortlessly attracting investors and sponsors, and manifesting customers with ease. http://www.passion2prosperity.com
You may reprint this article in its entirety with author's contact and bio information.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Giving is GOOD for Business
You've heard all the phrases about the virtues of giving, many with Biblical origins. You may even have experienced moments of selfless giving yourself that manifested in tremendous opportunities coming back to you. I love to give and I must say it's always a wonderful surprise to see what comes back. One instance stands out for me because of the impact it had on my business. Last year I went the extra mile to help a stranger who walked into my office complex seeking assistance. Afterwards, he was so thankful for the generosity, he took me to lunch and it turned out he represented a prominent business contact for me and I have since benefitted personally and financially from this relationship...very effortlessly I might add because I initiated the "giving." Giving is good all around, anonymously or otherwise, and is especially good for business. Here's part of my formula for success.
Establish some type of charitable giving model
Align yourself with a local or national charity that would be representative of your industry and or target market. If you work with kids, then consider charities that support education, Toys for Tots, provide clothing, etc. Earmark a small percentage of your profits or a fixed dollar amount to the organization and let others know you're supporting this group. You may also want to co-sponsor events and fundraising drives that are mutually beneficial. Besides being a good thing to do, you'll receive more attention from the media and clients love it as well.
Give to your customers
Consider establishing a unique rewards program for existing customers and make them aware of the fact they're getting something special. Could be a tangible item, additional services, or special discounts. It should be done "just because" and will not only build loyalty but may also inspire your customers to refer more often. There are companies I pay higher prices to for that very reason.
Give to your prospective customers
Offer something for free to prospects to immediately establish a positive energy flow and to allow them to experience you in a positive way prior to making a purchase. If you can impress them before they do business with you, chances are you'll manifest a loyal customer when they're ready.
Give to your community
Consider positioning yourself as a giver in the community by hosting networking events, hosting online discussion boards, providing a free service that would benefit all, etc. Consider the popularity of a vet who opens a dog park next to his office practice. You can achieve instant celebrity status in the community and will experience an effortless flow of customers at your door.
Establish some type of charitable giving model
Align yourself with a local or national charity that would be representative of your industry and or target market. If you work with kids, then consider charities that support education, Toys for Tots, provide clothing, etc. Earmark a small percentage of your profits or a fixed dollar amount to the organization and let others know you're supporting this group. You may also want to co-sponsor events and fundraising drives that are mutually beneficial. Besides being a good thing to do, you'll receive more attention from the media and clients love it as well.
Give to your customers
Consider establishing a unique rewards program for existing customers and make them aware of the fact they're getting something special. Could be a tangible item, additional services, or special discounts. It should be done "just because" and will not only build loyalty but may also inspire your customers to refer more often. There are companies I pay higher prices to for that very reason.
Give to your prospective customers
Offer something for free to prospects to immediately establish a positive energy flow and to allow them to experience you in a positive way prior to making a purchase. If you can impress them before they do business with you, chances are you'll manifest a loyal customer when they're ready.
Give to your community
Consider positioning yourself as a giver in the community by hosting networking events, hosting online discussion boards, providing a free service that would benefit all, etc. Consider the popularity of a vet who opens a dog park next to his office practice. You can achieve instant celebrity status in the community and will experience an effortless flow of customers at your door.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Who's Got Your Back
I know what it's like --- going a hundred miles an hour pulling in resources as you go, putting deals together, meeting with vendors, investors, and of course taking care of customers. All of these activities are great AND they all require an agreement of sorts. How many decisions do you make each day that will have a long term impact on you or your business? How many of those decisions do you take the time to check in with your attorney or your team? Probably not enough I would imagine. For many up-and-coming companies, it may seem cost prohibitive to constantly be checking in with legal counsel. But you know you probably should. You may also think that some of your decisions are rather simple but since you're not working with a crystal ball, you really have no idea of the full, long term, impact of those decisions.
So here's my list of "must do's" to protect yourself and those you work with. One simple oversight can be devastating to a business but you can easily minimize risks by putting the following safeguards in place
1. Create a list of safeguards that require you to check in with your team before making certain decisions.
I talk about team all the time--- ideally an Advisory Team, business mentor/coach, Board of Directors or Mastermind Group. At the very least, you want to have 1-2 people around you that you trust and have experience in business. Make an agreement with yourself that you'll check in with your team every time you're faced with an expense that is over a certain dollar amount (you choose), a situation where you might be awarding stock, or a decision that requires a large investment of time. This forces you to slow down and get perspective. I have clients that check in all the time (as part of our working together) because we've established their own safeguards. I walk them through their decision to make sure it's in their best interest and they appreciate the feedback.
2. Have Agreements available and ready to execute for every scenario.
One of the best and most cost effective program investments I've ever made was in Jian's Agreement Builder at http://www.manifestsuccessplanning.com . This program contains over 160+ legal contract templates for every scenario including your Company's Operating Agreement. It has not only saved me thousands of dollars, it has also made me thousands because the templates prompt you to address issues you may not have thought about until it's too late. Scroll to the middle of the website, left side under Business Contracts to order. I use them with team, strategic partners, vendors, etc.
3. Enroll in PrePaid Legal to have ready access to an attorney 24/7.
I've had PrePaid Legal (www.prepaidlegal.com/go/dreamscoutllc ) for many years and pay approximately $25/month to be able to contact an attorney anytime I want. In the past, I may have hesitated seeking legal advice so readily even though I really needed the support but I was thinking of the expense--- but not anymore. For example, I'll complete a contract from Agreement Builder and then fax it over for an attorney review to make sure I've covered all the bases. Or perhaps I have a business question or an issue with someone I've hired. They'll write letters for you too. Nothing like having an attorney send a cease and desist letter on your behalf for peace of mind. It's all included! It's silly not to take advantage of this cost effective support if you're a small business owner. I have attorneys in my family and I still find this a more effective option.
4. Establish a relationship with an attorney and other key resources to have as back up .
Develop relationships with some key people so you'll have ready access to certain resources and not scrambling at the last minute during an emergency. This could include an attorney, a notary, backup technology support in case you need to quickly replace your webmaster, an insurance agent, and banker, etc. Having pre-existing relationships will insure smooth sailing for you in the event of a problem or when you need immediate and personal assistance.
5. Maintain access to all important codes, documents and IP in a central location.
As you expand your operations and outsource some of your activities, you'll have different people managing your technology and various accounts. Make sure that you are given access to every account code, especially as it relates to merchant accounts, customer files and your website hosting account. Also be sure to have control over all your intellectual property such as domain names, trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Have a plan for regular computer backups and maintain your files in a safe place.
Maria Simone is a Conscious Business Development Expert who will show you "NEXT STEPS" for transforming ideas into products, effortlessly attracting investors and sponsors, and manifesting customers with ease. http://www.passion2prosperity.com
So here's my list of "must do's" to protect yourself and those you work with. One simple oversight can be devastating to a business but you can easily minimize risks by putting the following safeguards in place
1. Create a list of safeguards that require you to check in with your team before making certain decisions.
I talk about team all the time--- ideally an Advisory Team, business mentor/coach, Board of Directors or Mastermind Group. At the very least, you want to have 1-2 people around you that you trust and have experience in business. Make an agreement with yourself that you'll check in with your team every time you're faced with an expense that is over a certain dollar amount (you choose), a situation where you might be awarding stock, or a decision that requires a large investment of time. This forces you to slow down and get perspective. I have clients that check in all the time (as part of our working together) because we've established their own safeguards. I walk them through their decision to make sure it's in their best interest and they appreciate the feedback.
2. Have Agreements available and ready to execute for every scenario.
One of the best and most cost effective program investments I've ever made was in Jian's Agreement Builder at http://www.manifestsuccessplanning.com . This program contains over 160+ legal contract templates for every scenario including your Company's Operating Agreement. It has not only saved me thousands of dollars, it has also made me thousands because the templates prompt you to address issues you may not have thought about until it's too late. Scroll to the middle of the website, left side under Business Contracts to order. I use them with team, strategic partners, vendors, etc.
3. Enroll in PrePaid Legal to have ready access to an attorney 24/7.
I've had PrePaid Legal (www.prepaidlegal.com/go/dreamscoutllc ) for many years and pay approximately $25/month to be able to contact an attorney anytime I want. In the past, I may have hesitated seeking legal advice so readily even though I really needed the support but I was thinking of the expense--- but not anymore. For example, I'll complete a contract from Agreement Builder and then fax it over for an attorney review to make sure I've covered all the bases. Or perhaps I have a business question or an issue with someone I've hired. They'll write letters for you too. Nothing like having an attorney send a cease and desist letter on your behalf for peace of mind. It's all included! It's silly not to take advantage of this cost effective support if you're a small business owner. I have attorneys in my family and I still find this a more effective option.
4. Establish a relationship with an attorney and other key resources to have as back up .
Develop relationships with some key people so you'll have ready access to certain resources and not scrambling at the last minute during an emergency. This could include an attorney, a notary, backup technology support in case you need to quickly replace your webmaster, an insurance agent, and banker, etc. Having pre-existing relationships will insure smooth sailing for you in the event of a problem or when you need immediate and personal assistance.
5. Maintain access to all important codes, documents and IP in a central location.
As you expand your operations and outsource some of your activities, you'll have different people managing your technology and various accounts. Make sure that you are given access to every account code, especially as it relates to merchant accounts, customer files and your website hosting account. Also be sure to have control over all your intellectual property such as domain names, trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Have a plan for regular computer backups and maintain your files in a safe place.
Maria Simone is a Conscious Business Development Expert who will show you "NEXT STEPS" for transforming ideas into products, effortlessly attracting investors and sponsors, and manifesting customers with ease. http://www.passion2prosperity.com
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