I wasn't a very early adopter of social networking but I did finally join in a few years ago and began building my network. I've always been intentional about it but probably not as avid with it as some people I know. Last year I discovered Twitter and everything changed. If you’re not already doing so, please follow me at http://twitter.com/mariasimone . I found it cumbersome at first but since Michael swore by it, I decided to stick with it and it quickly began paying off once I got the hang of it all. Fast forward to today: I've developed incredible relationships and amazing business opportunities have come to fruition at lightening speed. I find it a much more efficient way to connect to the resources I need which would typically require more of a time investment on some of the other sites.
Twitter is a cross for me between Facebook, micro-blogging, text messaging and a chat room. It's fast and easy to connect and you're limited to putting out only 140 characters of info at a time so it forces you to speak in "soundbites" which is how most of us think anyway. It's easy to get into the flow once you start following people and people are following you. Spend some time learning the basics of how to reply to others, DM (direct message) for private chats, and how to search using http://search.twitter.com/ . Here are a few of the strategies I've used that have helped me create powerful connections, attract new customers, promotional and media opportunities:
1. Develop relationships with your industry influencers
Search for and then follow people who represent your industry, report trends, make trends, have large numbers of followers, demonstrated success, etc. You'll be updated regularly about what's happening in your industry and if you "speak" to them regularly (not sell), others will begin taking notice of you which IS A VERY GOOD THING as this may open doors to (fill in the blank) opportunities for you.
2. Connect with your perfect target market
Who is your perfect customer? Connect with them online and let them get to know you. Give things away, share yourself, and answer their questions. They, and who they know, will regularly follow what you have to say if you're being genuine. Your followers could ultimately become new customers for you.
3. Connect with those who have complimentary products and services
I'm always looking for additional resources to introduce to you, my subscriber--- anything I know would help you grow your business. Others are doing the same so it makes sense to connect to these people with the intent of developing win-win cross promotional opportunities. Twitter is one of the fastest ways I've found to do that.
4. Connect with those who represent the media
You want those who work within the print, TV or radio markets to know about you as well as those who are popular bloggers or freelance writers. The quickest way for that to happen is to connect with them first and let them get to know you by your posts. They'll eventually start talking to you and about you. I've manifested a number of media interviews this way. One of my posts---and my name--- recently appeared live on CNN during a news report.
5. Connect with potential Mentors (and investors if applicable).
There are always going to be resources or expert advice that you'll regularly need to help you get to the next level. Connect with these people right from the beginning so you can immediately defer to when you need the support the most...and fast.
6. Lift-up, validate, congratulate, and regularly acknowledge others.
This goes much further in solidifying your relationships (not to mention the Good Karma involved) than any other activity you could engage in. People naturally want to do business with those who make others shine. Don't use this platform to correct, admonish or try to be "right" about anything.
7. Consistently put out relevant useful information.
Let others see what you're all about by putting out tips, resources, links to current events in your industry, or other relevant info (90%+) more often than a promotion (less than 10%). However, make it very easy for others to find out more about when they're ready. If you really have nothing to say, try forwarding useful info from others.
8.Craft a profile that speaks benefits to the reader and has clear contact info.
You want to instantly establish your credibility in a line or two but don't lean too heavily towards what you've done. Make it more about what you can do for others. Next, where do you really want to direct people after that and why?
9. Check out the tools and resources that others are continually offering.
People are VERY giving on Twitter and tend to offer lots of value for FR*EE. Soak it all up to improve your situation, and save yourself lots of time and money knowing that your learning curve in your business will be reduced once you're properly connected.
10 Establish a regular routine of connecting on Twitter.
Networking should not be an afterthought and should be included as a scheduled component of your business development. People connect with those who are regular visitors, not those who periodically pop in. If you find you're currently having sporadic results, it's probably because you're not regularly connecting.
Once you start implementing these strategies and work to build your list of followers (as well as following others) you'll begin experiencing accelerated results with your business agenda---all while having fun and developing meaningful connections.
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/
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Action Manifestor: Just Let Go
Lots of drastic changes being portrayed in the media and now being felt by us all. Business changing, markets changing, values, etc. Not that it's good or bad--- but it does feel like our world is changing so rapidly, it’s difficult to keep up. Routines are upset, rules are changing, not getting the same results from familiar strategies. One woman I know has been so anxious by constant changes at work she confessed to having a need to use the same bathroom stall each and every visit to the ladies room just to maintain some sense of familiarity and routine. If you're not comfortable with change, the fear of loss that is associated with change can creep up unbeknownst to you and cause you to hold on even tighter to your "realities", even if they no longer make sense. Take note: Are you holding on to material possessions that create clutter but not serve a useful purpose for you anymore? Have relationships that no longer support you? Clients who are draining and you no longer have a desire to serve but you continue to do so anyway? Watching your sales dwindle but not making the changes really necessary to turn it all around?
Become keenly aware of these situations and start giving yourself permission to begin letting go. The fear is an illusion and cannot harm you. The moment you let go, you'll allow more abundance will step in to fill the void not to mention the sense of peace and relief you'll experience by letting go of an uncomfortable situation that really isn’t serving you.
For more Action Manifestor tips, subscribe to my ezine at http://mariasimone.com
Become keenly aware of these situations and start giving yourself permission to begin letting go. The fear is an illusion and cannot harm you. The moment you let go, you'll allow more abundance will step in to fill the void not to mention the sense of peace and relief you'll experience by letting go of an uncomfortable situation that really isn’t serving you.
For more Action Manifestor tips, subscribe to my ezine at http://mariasimone.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Celebrate The Success Of Others
You work so hard on birthing a project, acquiring the resources you need or landing that big contract. It may be easy to see others succeeding in areas you’d like to be and think enviously “that should be me”. That WILL be you and if you’d like to accelerate the process, simply raise your vibration of gratitude and begin genuinely celebrating their success. Support their efforts, look for ways to collaborate, give them words of encouragement. The accomplishments of others will quickly become yours.
Small Changes That Lead To Big Results
Obama’s campaign platform was about CHANGE ---“yes we can”--- but change can be a scary proposition, even when it’s in our best interest. Some changes are comparatively bigger than others. Changing careers, change in marital status, a new child, and moving to a new city are the big ones. Entrepreneurs seem to be in a continuous state of change in the hopes of achieving our desired results. Today, I thought I’d present some relatively simple changes you can make that could produce significant results. I like to make THOSE types of changes and hope you do too!
1. Include more financially successful and accomplished individuals in your circle of influence.
Watch your own abundance increase the more you adopt this. Socially, you can meet new friends via introduction, through your place of worship, getting involved in your children’s school, volunteering for local charity fundraising projects, attending socially oriented networking events, and getting involved in the community. For your business, attend a variety of functions, industry tradeshows, or networking events that could attract wealthy people. Mix it up until you find the combination that works for you.
2. Eliminate some obligations to increase productivity
If there are activities that you engage in or people you maintain relationship with simply because you feel obligated to do so, it may be time to re-evaluate. Give yourself permission to (gracefully) eliminate simple activities you deem an obligation that lack your desire and may not serve a real purpose for you anymore. Choose one thing at a time and you’ll see a dramatic increase in your own productivity as a result.
3. Take time to process during the day to increase performance
Spend at least 15 minutes each day in quiet meditation to “re-boot” your brain. Get to a quiet place, breathe deeply, and clear your head of busy thoughts. The silence allows you to process the events of the day, get a quick re-charge and receive new inspiration and solutions to issues at hand. This simple task helps me to continue functioning at higher levels during the day and I find solutions I’m looking for present themselves much more quickly.
4. Personal branding as a CEO can connect you quickly to your market
If you’re running a small business, it’s a lot easier to accomplish this and could produce dramatic results with regard to marketing and PR efforts. Associate yourself in unique ways to your company’s message. Be a more visible representative of your company’s brand so customers, investors and the media can develop trust and quickly buy into what you have to offer.
5. Communicate more frequently to your market, team and investors
Begin looking for ways to increase the frequency of your messages to every person who is connected to your business. In-store appearances, simple email and social networking activities could have dramatic results with regard to customer and investor relations. This is not a “when we have time” activity, make it an ongoing part of your daily activities.
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
1. Include more financially successful and accomplished individuals in your circle of influence.
Watch your own abundance increase the more you adopt this. Socially, you can meet new friends via introduction, through your place of worship, getting involved in your children’s school, volunteering for local charity fundraising projects, attending socially oriented networking events, and getting involved in the community. For your business, attend a variety of functions, industry tradeshows, or networking events that could attract wealthy people. Mix it up until you find the combination that works for you.
2. Eliminate some obligations to increase productivity
If there are activities that you engage in or people you maintain relationship with simply because you feel obligated to do so, it may be time to re-evaluate. Give yourself permission to (gracefully) eliminate simple activities you deem an obligation that lack your desire and may not serve a real purpose for you anymore. Choose one thing at a time and you’ll see a dramatic increase in your own productivity as a result.
3. Take time to process during the day to increase performance
Spend at least 15 minutes each day in quiet meditation to “re-boot” your brain. Get to a quiet place, breathe deeply, and clear your head of busy thoughts. The silence allows you to process the events of the day, get a quick re-charge and receive new inspiration and solutions to issues at hand. This simple task helps me to continue functioning at higher levels during the day and I find solutions I’m looking for present themselves much more quickly.
4. Personal branding as a CEO can connect you quickly to your market
If you’re running a small business, it’s a lot easier to accomplish this and could produce dramatic results with regard to marketing and PR efforts. Associate yourself in unique ways to your company’s message. Be a more visible representative of your company’s brand so customers, investors and the media can develop trust and quickly buy into what you have to offer.
5. Communicate more frequently to your market, team and investors
Begin looking for ways to increase the frequency of your messages to every person who is connected to your business. In-store appearances, simple email and social networking activities could have dramatic results with regard to customer and investor relations. This is not a “when we have time” activity, make it an ongoing part of your daily activities.
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
Working Past The FEAR To Take The Next Step
This topic is worthy of an article, a book…even several days devoted to it.
Many people are simply paralyzed with fear and unable to move forward these days. One of the most effective ways to deal with fear is to DEAL with it. What are you so afraid of? Give it context so it’s not this illusive, looming monster. Rejection? Failure? Not being good enough? Success? Risking your life savings? Losing a relationship? Look at each of these one-by-one and do what you can to reduce the risks or simply realize the issues are not as “dangerous” as they feel. Worst case scenario? Chances of it actually happening? You’ll find it’s all an illusion anyway and can be shifted quickly but you may have to work through some it this to get to that conclusion. The fears will start shrinking and you can keep moving forward.
Many people are simply paralyzed with fear and unable to move forward these days. One of the most effective ways to deal with fear is to DEAL with it. What are you so afraid of? Give it context so it’s not this illusive, looming monster. Rejection? Failure? Not being good enough? Success? Risking your life savings? Losing a relationship? Look at each of these one-by-one and do what you can to reduce the risks or simply realize the issues are not as “dangerous” as they feel. Worst case scenario? Chances of it actually happening? You’ll find it’s all an illusion anyway and can be shifted quickly but you may have to work through some it this to get to that conclusion. The fears will start shrinking and you can keep moving forward.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
7 Ways To Get The Media Talking About You
Publicity is not just for celebrity-type individuals or companies that are wildly successful. There are many ways that entrepreneurs can capitalize on media exposure during pre-launch and ramp up mode and even use the press to help attract investors and strategic alliances. Ultimately the exposure will translate into an increase in business. And to think it’s all FR^EE! In our upcoming program for entrepreneurs (http://explosiveresultspublicity.com/ ) one of my publicists and I will walk you through the creation of a campaign that will land you in the spotlight time and time again. Today at least I’ll share 7 ways to get the spotlight shining on you.
1. Announce your team during the formation stage
Tap into the media to share who’s joining you to launch your company. Emphasis is on people here to start the buzz and attract potential investors and partners.
2.Celebritize yourself
Start getting used to telling your story early on and/or position yourself as an authority so people start following you. It will spill over to any business you’re associated with when you’re ready.
3.Publicize Events
Create offline events or associate yourself with a community event to get the buzz going about you. Events get lots of media play across the board.
4.Product launch
Any launch of a product or service in your company should be an event and could get lots of media attention. However, you want to be sure and properly coordinate this so it doesn’t come across as an advertisement in which case the media will tell you to take a hike.
5.Cause Marketing
Associate yourself with local charities making a difference in the community. Help them get what they want which is usually money and resources and they can help you attract lots of media attention.
6. Chronicle the story of your company
As your business is moving along, consider all the human interest angles in your company and share that with the media as often as possible. Could be related to the people you hire, the materials you use, the values you’ve adopted.
7.Look for tie-ins to current events
Pay attention to what people in the media are talking about to see if there is a relevant tie-in to your business to keep YOU in the news. War, economy, layoffs. Take your pick.
Once you understand the fundamentals of publicity, you’ll be able to implement effective campaigns on a regular basis that will keep you in the spotlight and customers at your door. For more information, go to http://explosiveresultspublicity.com/ and register for our next event. The program comes with a guarantee!
1. Announce your team during the formation stage
Tap into the media to share who’s joining you to launch your company. Emphasis is on people here to start the buzz and attract potential investors and partners.
2.Celebritize yourself
Start getting used to telling your story early on and/or position yourself as an authority so people start following you. It will spill over to any business you’re associated with when you’re ready.
3.Publicize Events
Create offline events or associate yourself with a community event to get the buzz going about you. Events get lots of media play across the board.
4.Product launch
Any launch of a product or service in your company should be an event and could get lots of media attention. However, you want to be sure and properly coordinate this so it doesn’t come across as an advertisement in which case the media will tell you to take a hike.
5.Cause Marketing
Associate yourself with local charities making a difference in the community. Help them get what they want which is usually money and resources and they can help you attract lots of media attention.
6. Chronicle the story of your company
As your business is moving along, consider all the human interest angles in your company and share that with the media as often as possible. Could be related to the people you hire, the materials you use, the values you’ve adopted.
7.Look for tie-ins to current events
Pay attention to what people in the media are talking about to see if there is a relevant tie-in to your business to keep YOU in the news. War, economy, layoffs. Take your pick.
Once you understand the fundamentals of publicity, you’ll be able to implement effective campaigns on a regular basis that will keep you in the spotlight and customers at your door. For more information, go to http://explosiveresultspublicity.com/ and register for our next event. The program comes with a guarantee!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Now Money Now: 6 Quick Revenue Strategies
I don’t work with individuals one-on-one as much as I have in the past but one of my favorite activities to do with people is what I call a “Now Money Now” session. It’s a 90 minute strategy session where we quickly go over what’s working, what’s not working and also create a plan to create new revenue with minimal effort in a short period of time. I thought I’d share some quick strategies that I use over and over for clients, including for myself. When the real estate market shifted last year, my investment company was caught having to cover mortgages on several properties for a period of time until we straightened the situation out. I used these strategies to create quick revenue in different areas of my business without missing a beat to cover the additional mortgages. Other people may have not been able to respond so quickly and this event could have been financially devastating. If you’re interested in having a “Now Money Now” session for yourself, please email me directly for details at simone@passion2prosperity.com .
1. Do a quick comparison of your gross and net revenues
You may be so busy trying to make more money you could be missing opportunities to put more of what you make to the bottom line. Activities or expenses that are really eating up your profits should be eliminated or modified. Reduce inefficiencies, look at ways to automate quickly. Include your time in there as well. One client was making over $1 million a year but hardly seeing any of that in his bank account. Within 60 days, just by changing the way he was creating his revenue and how the service was being delivered, he found more money going in his bank account. Creating new revenue was a lot easier as well once there were more operational efficiencies in place.
2. Offer new products and services to existing or past customers
You have a group that has already experienced you ---no new marketing or selling involved ---but perhaps your services are complete. This is a great time to devise additional services for them or offer complimentary products. You may not have anything in-house to be able to offer them but someone else may and this could mean commissions (affiliate revenue) for you.
3. Start looking at continuity revenue
In the past you may have charged larger upfront fees for a product or service. You may want to create a win-win situation by charging lower fees to help people get in the door and spread them over a period of time. Perhaps allowing monthly payments or creating a membership program. This will allow more people to experience you overall and create a steady stream of revenue for you.
4. Create opportunities to approach your target market directly
Many people beat around the bush when it comes times to promote their wares to their target market. Have a clear understanding of your market demographics (age sex, income, etc) and APPROACH those who have direct access to those people. Ask them specifically to promote you via email or telephone endorsement. Create a win-win situation by offering a special gift or some other value because of the relationship they have with your endorser. These relationships are called Joint Ventures, Strategic Alliances, and Affiliates (online). My friend was promoting a deep tissue healing device and thought the people who were continually getting hurt and needed instant relief were cage fighters (don’t ask). He developed relationships directly with those groups to promote his device.
5. Go with the lowest hanging fruit for speed
If you’re planning on creating something new to sell, make sue you really think through not only time and money involved in product development, but also how it will get out to your market. Do you have the contacts here? Is this an area you have expertise in or will there be a learning curve for you and new relationships that have to be developed? Do you have a passion for this product and an affinity for the market? Don’t get caught trying to make a fast dollar creating something new and get stuck midway to market without the steam and resources to see it through. Try working with what you have already…or FIND someone that can open these doors for you quickly.
6. Tap into social networking for speed and lowest cost to market
I know there are volumes being written on maximizing your efforts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. I'm addicted to Twitter now and have found that I can create more new business and alliances in one day then I may be able to do in one month offline (with travel involved). If time is of the essence, get online with all the other movers and shakers and start networking but have a very clear agenda. Look to create new relationships leading to new Joint Ventures and new customers. Follow me and my husband on Twitter and starte getting connected http://twitter.com/mariasimone and http://twitter.com/docmurdock .
There at least 20 points that I would go through with each business and usually within 30-60 days their financial landscape changes fairly dramatically. These are some basics that could help make a difference in your business right away---put them to work! You can modify them to use if you’re in capital raising mode. “Now Money Now” Strategy Sessions are by appointment only so please send an email to simone@passion2prospertiy.com for details.
1. Do a quick comparison of your gross and net revenues
You may be so busy trying to make more money you could be missing opportunities to put more of what you make to the bottom line. Activities or expenses that are really eating up your profits should be eliminated or modified. Reduce inefficiencies, look at ways to automate quickly. Include your time in there as well. One client was making over $1 million a year but hardly seeing any of that in his bank account. Within 60 days, just by changing the way he was creating his revenue and how the service was being delivered, he found more money going in his bank account. Creating new revenue was a lot easier as well once there were more operational efficiencies in place.
2. Offer new products and services to existing or past customers
You have a group that has already experienced you ---no new marketing or selling involved ---but perhaps your services are complete. This is a great time to devise additional services for them or offer complimentary products. You may not have anything in-house to be able to offer them but someone else may and this could mean commissions (affiliate revenue) for you.
3. Start looking at continuity revenue
In the past you may have charged larger upfront fees for a product or service. You may want to create a win-win situation by charging lower fees to help people get in the door and spread them over a period of time. Perhaps allowing monthly payments or creating a membership program. This will allow more people to experience you overall and create a steady stream of revenue for you.
4. Create opportunities to approach your target market directly
Many people beat around the bush when it comes times to promote their wares to their target market. Have a clear understanding of your market demographics (age sex, income, etc) and APPROACH those who have direct access to those people. Ask them specifically to promote you via email or telephone endorsement. Create a win-win situation by offering a special gift or some other value because of the relationship they have with your endorser. These relationships are called Joint Ventures, Strategic Alliances, and Affiliates (online). My friend was promoting a deep tissue healing device and thought the people who were continually getting hurt and needed instant relief were cage fighters (don’t ask). He developed relationships directly with those groups to promote his device.
5. Go with the lowest hanging fruit for speed
If you’re planning on creating something new to sell, make sue you really think through not only time and money involved in product development, but also how it will get out to your market. Do you have the contacts here? Is this an area you have expertise in or will there be a learning curve for you and new relationships that have to be developed? Do you have a passion for this product and an affinity for the market? Don’t get caught trying to make a fast dollar creating something new and get stuck midway to market without the steam and resources to see it through. Try working with what you have already…or FIND someone that can open these doors for you quickly.
6. Tap into social networking for speed and lowest cost to market
I know there are volumes being written on maximizing your efforts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. I'm addicted to Twitter now and have found that I can create more new business and alliances in one day then I may be able to do in one month offline (with travel involved). If time is of the essence, get online with all the other movers and shakers and start networking but have a very clear agenda. Look to create new relationships leading to new Joint Ventures and new customers. Follow me and my husband on Twitter and starte getting connected http://twitter.com/mariasimone and http://twitter.com/docmurdock .
There at least 20 points that I would go through with each business and usually within 30-60 days their financial landscape changes fairly dramatically. These are some basics that could help make a difference in your business right away---put them to work! You can modify them to use if you’re in capital raising mode. “Now Money Now” Strategy Sessions are by appointment only so please send an email to simone@passion2prospertiy.com for details.
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