Enrollment for the Spring 2013 IMPACT Mastermind is now open! Get all the details and apply now here!

Mastermind With Me This Year? (Plus a Quick Lesson)

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

DOTS_impactlogoThis coming weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the entire year–Memorial Day weekend. The unofficial start of Summer means beach time, and there is no other place I’d rather be!

This time of year also always reminds me that we’re really close to another year being nearly half over.

I’m wondering… how is 2013 going for you in your business? Are you feeling productive? Successful? Where you want to be?

If not, I want to share a quick lesson with you about the top four characteristics shared by the most productive and successful entrepreneurs. (These are the ones having the biggest impact on not only their lives, but the lives of those around them AND the world.)

The top four characteristics they have in common are:

1) They have accountability;
2) They’re following best practices and proven systems;
3) They have the unconditional support of like-minded peers;
4) They put themselves in an environment of big thinking.

All of this leads to consistent progress in their business.

I’ve made a lot of decisions in my business, but looking back, the decisions I made to get help, mentorship, guidance and to join Masterminds were the most life-changing AND income-generating decisions I’ve ever made.

Is it time for you to make a decision like this?

If you have an inkling–no matter how small–that it might be, you’ll want to know that enrollment is open now for my carefully designed 12 month Mastermind program called IMPACT.

IMPACT is about growing your business by making a splash in the online world… which will in turn impact your life, your business, the lives of those around you… even the legacy you leave behind.

If you’re intrigued and ready for the full scoop on IMPACT, you can find that here.

(You’ll also find many happy testimonials from current IMPACT Mastermind members there as well.)

You’ll also see an “Apply Now” button on that page. If this program resonates for you, that button will take you right to the very brief online application you can fill out and submit right there. We wanted to make it really easy for you.

Spots are by application only… but there’s no obligation or cost to apply. After you apply, we’ll schedule a time to hop on the phone and chat about whether this is the right program for you.

***TIME SENSITIVE NOTE***
As a special bonus for stepping up and applying, it’s a fit and you’re accepted we will gift you a full $1000 off the full price of IMPACT for a limited time as a valued member of my community.

If this sounds like it is for you, even just a little bit, please take advantage of the opportunity to apply now. I can’t wait to help you make a big IMPACT in your business… and the WORLD this year!

Filed Under: Mentoring and Coaching

How to Find Ideal Joint Venture Partners for Your Business

May 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Joint Ventures

Joint ventures are juicy. They’re all about two or more businesses combining resources to create a win-win situation.

Entrepreneurs know they should be “doing” joint ventures (JVs for short)—but the big question is, how do you find good JV partners?

You need to find partners who have the same client base as you do, so ask yourself: “who else do my clients buy from?” For example, if you’re a personal trainer, then your clients are also buying the services of a chiropractor or a massage therapist. So, you want to joint venture with a massage therapist, or a chiropractor.

Where to Begin

The hands-down best place to start is with people in your network. These are folks who already know you, like you and trust you: your friends and colleagues. It’s a lot easier to start with someone you’ve already established a relationship with, right?

(If they aren’t the right fit, they still may be able to introduce you to someone who is.)

Another place to find partners is in the communities that you’re already a part of. Examples of these would include mastermind groups, associations and local networking groups. These are great places to find JV partners because there are usually opportunities for visibility and networking in a structured environment.

What About Online?

You can also find JV partners online, but a word of caution here: do your homework first if they don’t know you yet. Observe them, their business and their website. Get on their list. Study how they work. Why? In order to make a case as to why there is a synergy for you to do something together, you need to show you’ve done your research.

It’s always better to have some sort of relationship formed before you approach someone cold. That’s why social media can be really helpful these days because it’s a way for you to connect with people first and create that relationship and get on their radar. I’ve had several great JVs come about via these channels. Two of the first ones I ever did my first few months in business were through Twitter. Those still pay me dividends today in a lot of ways: people on my list, clients and repeat customers.

Another method? Set up Google Alerts on certain keywords. You just never know what you might glean from those.

Also, sometimes you can identify potential JV partners by looking at your former and current clients too, so don’t forget that option.

Face Time Goes a Long Way

Personally, I’m a big believer in the power of showing up where they show up. Many times I’ve experienced the power of attending live events when it comes to planting the seeds of collaboration. A little bit of face-time is huge. (Follow up afterward too!)

Your next action step? Get started by making a list of everyone in your network who may be a potential JV partner, or who can introduce you to people that are potentially good partners. Brainstorm other people, companies and websites that are reaching your ideal clients. Who would compliment what you offer, but not directly compete? Who has a message that resonates with you and what you offer?

Overall, it comes down to creating relationships rooted in authenticity and integrity. Do that and you will do multiple joint ventures with people who will then introduce you to others and spread the word.

What’s great about that is that then people will start approaching YOU. (We love that!) It will happen if you simply follow these steps.

Filed Under: Business Building

FREE Call: What Savvy Entrepreneurs Know: 5 Essential Keys to Guarantee Financial Growth This Year

May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

savvycallheadlineezineDo you ever wonder what highly successful business owners are doing that keeps their income (AND their influence) growing year after year?

Do you ever sit on the outside looking in at others who consistently launch new offers, run great programs, hold amazing workshops… and wonder how they do it?

Do you ever wish you could take a peek behind the curtain and get the REAL scoop on the strategies these high-achieving folks use to fuel their growth?

If you’re a smart, skilled entrepreneur who feels that the truly THRIVING business you want is just out of reach, you’ll want to join me for this upcoming complimentary call.

Yep, you’re invited to join a frank discussion and training with me and my Business Manager Dawn Goldberg on May 15th. It’s called:

===========================

“What Savvy Entrepreneurs Know: 5 Essential Keys to Guarantee Financial Growth This Year”
with Relationship Marketing Mentor Christine Gallagher
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 8pm Eastern
Learn more and secure your spot now

===========================

On this one-time call, you’ll learn:

* How to never again have to feel like you’re just “winging it” with marketing in your business

* How to avoid the “lone ranger syndrome” that keeps so many of us from reaching our full potential

* The top 5 ways we limit our growth by getting in our own way (many times this is ALL subconscious!)

* Why you need to consistently “keep your tank full” in your business-AND the easiest way to do this

* Details on the IMPACT Mastermind program and how you can join this exciting and empowering group for its Spring 2013 launch

…and a lot more.

Trust me, you’ll want to be there.

All you have to do is click here to reserve your spot and join us. I’m so looking forward to having you there with me!

Filed Under: Business Building

Pricing 911: How to Know What to Charge!

April 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Know what to charge

It’s true: most business owners get tripped up on pricing at one time or another.

While there’s actually not a truly scientific way to set your prices, there are a few guidelines you can follow to make the process less tricky.

1) First and foremost, remember your big picture clarity: who your target market actually is. Have you done your research about their income level, buying habits and what they tend to spend on services or products similar to yours? Get really clear here.

2) Look at others who sell similar offerings in similar industries and pay attention to what they charge—both low end and high end. When all else fails, pricing your offer somewhere in the middle can be a great starting point.

3) Get clear on how much you want to make on your particular offering AND how much work you are willing to put into it. This is all about revenue desired vs. the costs involved in bringing the offer to market. How much do you believe you can sell? Are there fixed, variable, or upfront costs? How much of your own time and effort are you going to have to spend?

4) When pricing an offer, know how it fits into your big picture or funnel: is it more an introductory offer or something premium? Does it fall in the middle?

5) Be crystal clear on the benefits and results you can provide. Remember that it’s crucial that you quantify the value of the results you get people. How will it improve their life, health, business, or relationships? Educate prospects on these benefits and connect with them emotionally.

Bonus: my personal pricing philosophy: I price high enough to make a healthy profit, while still feeling like people are getting a steal for the value they’ll receive.

Also, don’t forget that owning your expertise and having confidence in what you offer count for a lot, and that testimonials and endorsements also play a role in how much you can charge.

Finally, it doesn’t hurt to remember that passion goes a long way—prospects love to see that you’re excited about and stand behind what you offer. People will often pay more just for that!

The fact is, most people undercharge. But think of it this way: the higher the price, the more a customer or client takes things seriously, and the better their results. With that in mind, and the additional factors mentioned above, you can price your next offering with confidence.

(Photo Credit: Jeroen van Oostrom)

Filed Under: Business Building

Resource: Be Fit, Fine & Fabulous in Career, Business and Life

April 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

FFFbkimage3-13-204x300It is the goal of everyone to be successful – but sometimes dreams and intentions can get lost or take a back seat to the hectic day-to-day shuffle and bustle of life. Women especially are trying to find fulfillment and balance in their lives personally and professionally. Many struggle with their weight, finances, emotions and are often hungry for spiritual nourishment in their lives.

So how do you take the drab and make it fab?

That’s what Dr. Laureen Wishom examines, exposes and explains in Fit, Fine & Fabulous in Career, Business and Life. She says, “Fit, fine and fabulous is a state of being where your career, business, life, emotions, family, relationships, lifestyles, health, spirituality, finances and even your soul are all aligned and you are living successfully every day.”

In the book, Dr. Wishom, an award-winning entrepreneur for over 14 years, who has built her reputation as a career and business growth expert and coach, says that success in life comes by knowing what gives you true meaning, contentment and peace of mind.

Most people know WHAT to do, they struggle with the HOW to do it. In Fit, Fine & Fabulous, Dr. Wishom interviewed hundreds of high-achieving women to pinpoints their secrets to success, their methods, mantras, formulas and strategies.

In 17 fast-reading chapters (plus actions items at the end of each) she shares:

• Tips for making over everything from your office space to your wardrobe.
• Examples of how she revamped her life from the bedroom to the boardroom.
• Strategies for achieving radical success ranging from brand positioning and marketplace visibility to revenue acceleration.

In Fit, Fine & Fabulous, Wishom applies her proven formula from her own efforts in re-engineering and enhancing her life. Like many business people, Wishom spent years toiling in corporate America, where she felt undervalued and unappreciated. She decided to leave the rat race to find her own way to success.

Fourteen years later, she owns a stellar company and a dynamic program for success based on the 3R Method where she shows high-achieving people how to Re-Invent, Re-Imagine and Re-Emerge in career, business and life.

Not only did Wishom reinvent her career and business, she made over her life including everything from losing 55 pounds to changing her wardrobe and office furnishings; to writing a book… all with dramatic results. She went from “just professional” to a “wow” maven.

In the book, Wishom outlines the Strategic Success Plan™ methodology in easy-to-follow detail, equipped with interactive exercises, worksheets and action items to keep readers engaged in the process and on the right track. Each chapter includes downloadable assessment tools, personal anecdotes and suggested activities that guide the reader to a fit, fine and fabulous career, business and life.

At the core of the book is the 3R Method™ – this is the process of Wishom’s that helps readers Re-Imagine, Re-Invent and Re-Emerge. This method, says Wishom, is the way “to get on your dime and create your own exclusive space.”

Gain knowledge on how making small daily choices can transform your life; help you find your personal inspiration; rediscover your motivation and support you in recognizing your ultimate potential.

Discover how to:
• Set intentions and stick with them
• Stay motivated, focused and balanced
• Take daily action that creates a ripple effect
• Feel happier everyday
• Celebrate your ‘who’ and ‘why’

“Today you have to be “on your dime” if you want to be a success. You have to know your brand essence,” said Wishom. “It’s having the right attitude + right plan + right desire for a FABULOUS new YOU!”

Dr. Laureen Wishom is the voice for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, executives, non-profit leaders, coaches and career professionals who want to accelerate their growth and success. She is the founder and CEO of Dr. Laureen International, the Global Association of High-Achieving Women and the High-Achievers’ University.

Fit, Fine & Fabulous in Career, Business and Life (Foreword by Dr. Cindy Trimm) is available for purchase for $17.95 with over $2,000 worth of bonus gifts at http://fitfinefabbooklaunch.drlaureen.com.

BUT on FRIDAY April 26, 2013 – download the book for FREE and still get the bonus gifts! Just go here: http://fitfinefabbooklaunch.drlaureen.com

Filed Under: Success Mindset

Get More Clients By Getting Offline

April 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment


Building a business online is sexy. After all, who wouldn’t want to work from anywhere and wake up to sales that have come in while they were sleeping?

While online marketing absolutely works, combining it with offline strategies and methods will build your business so much faster. Doing both in parallel will bring you more opportunities, relationships and clients than if you just did one or the other.

In this Third Thursday video tip, I’m sharing three top strategies for getting out there in a big way by getting out from behind your computer.

You’ll hear me talk about networking, including the two crucial things you need before walking into any meeting to rub shoulders with prospects; speaking, including the three steps to follow to keep your pipeline full of gigs; and sponsorships, an under-the-radar method that can build your list and generate dozens of sales conversations with your most ideal clients.

As you’re watching, think about your own business, and be honest: is there more you could be doing offline to grow your client base and bottom line? Are you hiding behind the computer waiting for business to fall into your lap?

Action step: commit to adding at least one of these offline strategies to your marketing and networking mix. I promise you’ll see your profits soar.

I’d love to hear from you: in the comments, let me know whether you’ve been avoiding or embracing offline marketing and what it’s meant for you!

Filed Under: Small Business Marketing

What Makes Awesome Marketing? 5 Time-Tested Principles

April 11, 2013 By 1 Comment

How to be Awesome
Marketing is non-negotiable, but business owners often get stuck when they’re marketing up a storm with little results to show for it.

When I see this happen for clients of mine, I often dig in to find they’re missing a few crucial keys. Those keys are time-tested principles that anyone can use to boost their success.

Authentic Scarcity

The first is authentic scarcity, which is based on the idea that the scarcer something is, the higher demand will be. We’re simply wired this way: think of parents camping out for Christmas toys for their kids.

People don’t want to “miss out” on something, so help them overcome their desire to “wait and think about it” by offering a limited number of copies, spots or seats. (Of course be in integrity here.) Don’t forget to update prospects in terms of numbers and percentages in order to keep them motivated to buy!

Authentic Urgency

We’re all procrastinators! That’s why we need to give prospects honest reasons to take action NOW. You can do this with time limits and deadlines, price increases, or by adding value that’s available for a limited time or in a limited quantity.

Additional value can mean offering an extended payment plan, free shipping, or a bonus product or service. In the past I’ve offered bonus strategy calls, special discounts, free workshop tickets, and bonus products just to name a few.

Guarantees

No one wants to make a mistake with his or her money. A strong guarantee removes risk for a prospect and makes them feel safer. It can also create a greater sense of trust.

For example: “100% satisfaction guarantee” (this will often have a time frame attached); or a “30 day money back guarantee.” It won’t always make sense to offer a guarantee on everything (such as with certain services), but when you do offer one, the increased sales will usually offset any refunds you need to give.

Bottom line: you make the rules here, and you can always test and change. Most importantly, always state your policy up front.

Social Proof

Social proof is just another word for case studies, success stories, testimonials, endorsements, press mentions, and even social media kudos. It’s a powerful selling tool and I always encourage my clients to ask for it regularly.

Testimonials are important because prospects are always looking for “social proof” before they pull out their credit cards! It’s one thing for you to talk about your clients’ results, but what they say is much more powerful.

Calls to Action

Finally, assuming people know what we want them to do is a big mistake! Every piece of our marketing must have a clear call to action: click here, buy now, leave a comment, watch this, register now, etc.

We want people to see our message and take a direct action in response to it. The clearer we are about exactly what we want people to do, the more likely they will take the action we want. (But be sure to only use one call to action at a time.)

Your Action Step: take stock of your marketing—how has neglecting these keys possibly sabotaged your bottom line in the past? How can you start incorporating one or more of these principles into your next launch?

When you do, you’ll be practicing smart marketing AND serving more of the people who need you as a result—and that’s awesome.

Filed Under: Small Business Marketing

The Facebook Page Intensive Training Webinar is BACK!

April 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

facebook-like-iconI’m wondering… how has Facebook been working out for you and your business? Are you active there? Can you directly attribute any new business to the time you have spent on Facebook?

The reason I bring it up is because I personally have a special love for this social networking site… which may sound kind of funny… but here’s why…

When I first started my business over 4 years ago, I began getting clients and sales from Facebook almost immediately. This continues to this day–and I am very much grateful for it!

People took note of that success and began asking me over and over for training. And I happily delivered, running my in-depth Facebook trainings several times until I “retired” them in early 2011. I now primarily teach Facebook to my one on one and Mastermind clients as part of an overall marketing strategy.

But, there is still something that BUMS me out. Many of you are frustrated with the time you’ve been spending there… or, you haven’t even dipped your toe in the water because you’re so unsure of how to use it the RIGHT way.

This cannot stand. :-) There is a particular art to using Facebook to grow your business and boost your income, and I would be honored to be the person who shows you how–all the shortcuts, all the tips, all the how-to that you’ve been looking for.

http://www.shesgotclients.com/facebookwebinar

See, I’m holding my “famous” Facebook Page Intensive webinar for one time only on Monday, April 22 at 8 pm ET, and I’d be thrilled for you to join us. It’s not only very affordable, it’s interactive–it’s held via webinar where you can see everything I’m doing on your screen and even ask me questions throughout! Woohoo!

So if you’re ready for your time on Facebook to start PAYING off, you’ll want to hop over to this page to get all the details:

http://www.shesgotclients.com/facebookwebinar

I hope you’ll take me up on this info-rich class. Be sure to check out the testimonials on the webpage as well, from students who’ve taken my Facebook trainings before–with awesome results. :-)

Filed Under: Social Media

6 Best Practices For Highly Engaging Online Video

April 4, 2013 By 2 Comments

Movies-iconThese days, most business owners realize the power of using video to help build their platform and create more know, like and trust between their prospects.

The tricky part, however, is keeping viewers engaged–and therefore increasing the chances they’ll take action with them in the future. (This means turning a viewer into a subscriber, customer, client or loyal follower.)

Here are six best practices for online video that help turn viewers into raving fans.

1. Provide information of value.

It sounds obvious, but before you can create a video that captures and holds attention, you need to know what type of content would pull him or her in. This goes back to clarity around your ideal client and what their biggest challenges are. Create your videos with the intention of helping someone out with the information.

If you’re clear on who they are and what information they’re seeking, you’ll have a much better chance of getting them to click Play—AND keeping them around to the end to take further action with you.

2. Remember that shorter is better.

In general, one to three minutes is sufficient. There are too many other things fighting for our attention these days to go much longer! Yes, there are times when lengthier videos are appropriate, but viewers want content that’s interesting and succinct—know that your videos can be both.

3. Command attention at the start.

After introducing yourself, get right to the heart of what someone will be learning in your video. Let them know right away what juicy information’s coming up, and they’ll be much more likely to watch the whole way through.

4. Add how-to videos into the mix.

How-to videos are great for positioning you as an expert and showcasing your knowledge—two BIG keys to building a strong platform online.

For example, a professional organizer might demonstrate how she could quickly organize a drawer or get a messy pantry shelf under control. A nutritionist might show how she creates a quick and healthy snack. A virtual assistant might simply give the top three items her clients delegate to her which make running their business a whole lot less stressful. What could you teach people how to do?

5. Always include a call to action.

Leading viewers to action is how you get your videos to convert. Be clear on what you want them to do next and tell them. Some examples: “Subscribe now,” “Click here,” “Enroll today,” “Visit this page.”

Remember, with all the noise online, people’s attention spans are shorter than ever. A strong call to action ensures they take the next step with you.

6. Be YOU.

Yep, perfection is optional! It’s more important for people to walk away with solid, valuable information than to view you as polished and perfect. They’re also more likely to connect with authenticity, so help create a greater sense of trust by simply being you.

Your turn: how will you incorporate these best practices into your next video? Let me know in the comments below! (Take action now on these tips, and I guarantee you’ll love the results.)

Filed Under: Online Business

Standout Social Proof: 3 Keys to Amazing Testimonials

March 28, 2013 By 3 Comments

Testimonials are so important because prospective clients and customers are always looking for “social proof” before they pull out their credit cards!

It’s one thing for you to talk about your clients’ results, but it will never be as powerful as what they say about their results.

Social proof can take the form of case studies, success stories, testimonials, endorsements, press mentions, and even social media “kudos.”

In today’s social world, information travels faster and reaches further than ever, and happy clients and customers are your best, unpaid sales force. This gives you even more reason to give your best in everything that you do, and it also makes social proof no longer optional.

Testimonials also provide an excellent opportunity to answer customer and client objections before they buy. The biggest question on their mind is: “Does this really WORK??”

They want to see success stories… but do you have amazing testimonials to share with them?

Here are three simple keys for getting incredible testimonials about your products, programs and services.

1. Make it Complete.

People are naturally skeptical when first deciding to make a purchase. It’s important to use testimonials that include the customer’s first and last name if possible, as well as their location, website and photo. A prospect’s mind is eased when they see that other “real” folks have come before them!

By the way, if the product or service is new, you can use testimonials you have received about other offerings until you’ve gathered new ones. Also, consider asking colleagues or clients to be “beta testers” of your new offering in exchange for feedback.

2. Make it Results-Based.

There are two different types of testimonials: the kind that simply says: “Jane was really nice to work with!” and the kind that focuses on bottom-line results.

In order to be sure that a client or customer’s feedback is the results-based kind, it’s very helpful to prompt them with specific questions when asking for a testimonial.

For example, in order to show what their biggest objections were (which others will most likely have), you can ask: “What hesitations did you have about joining/purchasing/hiring me for ______?”

To showcase tangible results, ask about what changes they experienced. Percentages, numbers or anything quantifiable is what you’re going for—this helps prospects picture themselves achieving similar outcomes.

Additionally, asking about how they’ve benefited, what specific features they most enjoyed, and whether they would recommend you, the product or the program to others will help create a very powerful testimonial for you.

3. Make it a Habit.

Ask for feedback regularly, and gather and showcase it every chance you get! Make it a habit to ask for testimonials during or immediately after someone has used your product or service or taken your program. It’s a good idea to also include a deadline by which you would like to have their feedback.

You can also capture testimonials on video if you deliver services in-person, or via audio by calling your client or customer and letting them know you will be interviewing them and recording it.

For social media kudos, if you’re a WordPress user, you can use the Tweetstimonials plugin. For testimonials left on your blog or Facebook, taking screenshots works great.

Additional testimonial best practices:

  • Do bold or highlight specific results and objections
  • Do get permission to edit testimonials if needed
  • Do be sure your testimonials speak to the desires, challenges and results of your ideal clients and customers
  • Don’t forget that part of the appeal of sharing your client’s testimonial is any amount of exposure they would not have otherwise received on your site, in your newsletter, etc. Be sure to mention this to them!

Most of all, make collecting testimonials a HABIT going forward in your business!

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below about how YOU get amazing testimonials!

Filed Under: Reputation Management
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