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.

Getting Ready For New Business In 2010

It’s not uncommon to hear the New Year chiming in with shouts of “out with the old, in with the new”. In many instances, these are words to live by, especially when it comes to growing your business. There’s a palpable energy that’s felt when you’re building on a clean, strong foundation as opposed to PILING more on to a shaky foundation.

Here are some things you can do to “clear the path” for new business in 2010:

1. Are your desires in alignment with the path you’re on?

Many start out full of purpose and passion and then somewhere along the way start losing steam. The further you stray from what truly drives you, the more difficult it is to grow your business. Make it a priority to re-align your goals with what’s driving you.

2. Re-evaluate relationships that aren’t serving you.

Having strong support around you can feel like wind beneath your wings. However, when you’re experiencing conflict or lack of support, it can drain your energy and slow your progress. Gracefully back away from people that aren’t supporting you or have your best interests at heart.

3. Take time to create a process for your major activities.

The more systems you have in place, the more your productivity will increase. This includes everything from intake of information, how you follow up with customers and investors, and a marketing schedule.

4. Organize your office.

Working with clutter or disorganization will have a direct correlation on the flow of revenue coming into your business. Make it a point to properly organize your work areas.

5. Evaluate new technologies.

You’ll want to know what the latest technologies are that will help you automate some marketing aspects of your business, increase your productivity, and provide for more mobile interfaces. Take time to learn and then implement some of these in 2010.

6. Communicate regularly with your customers.

One of the fastest ways to increase your revenue is to offer additional products and services to existing customers as well as receive referrals from those customers. Creating new ways to stay in touch with your customers in 2010 could prove to be very profitable.

7. Connect with your prospects.

Prospective customers require up to 7 impressions from you to make a buying decision. Plan on creating more connection and building more value with this group of people. This could occur via email or direct encounter with you.

8. Create a plan for acquiring resources to support your new growth.

As you plan for various growth spurts in 2010, make sure you’re similarly planning to fund this growth. This could include self-funding strategies, pre-selling, raising money from private investors, etc. You don’t want your growth to exceed your ability to service this growth otherwise you’ll find yourself imploding.

9. Determine what levels of expertise/experience will be required.

Unless you’re planning on having “more of the same” in 2010, you may require some new skills to help manage the new business. Plan for continuing education for yourself or consider building a team with all the expertise you require.

10. Re-evaluate your priorities as it pertains to revenue.

What may have worked last year may not be as lucrative in 2010. Market trends are shifting so this is a great time to develop new revenue goals. I recommend doing some basic research and speaking with existing customers to get a feel for any shifts.

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