What is it that gets in the way of simply doing the marketing activities we know we should do? What prevents you from staying on track and just making it happen? We can look both inside and outside. Inside, what prevents us from doing effective marketing are various "constrictive mindsets." "I don't have the time; nobody will be interested; if I have to market myself, my … [Read more...]
Writing a Book? Three Things You Must Know
OK, so you're writing a book to get your message out. And you want it to bring you new business, too. Maybe you started it a week ago or even five years ago. If you are like most authors, you probably have a few issues about getting it written, published and then using it to increase your business. For instance, despite the terrific professional and financial benefits … [Read more...]
The Holiday Dead Zone
Note from Cathy: Many of us have free time right after the holiday, and without business demands on us it is easy to fritter it away. Like Robert, I find that there is much that can be accomplished without the demands of my normal work schedule, the telephone ringing, etc. Use this time wisely to get a jump on your next book, marketing plans for the new year, or projects you … [Read more...]
Are You Serious?
I don't know if this is the worst marketing mistake, but it may be close - and that's being too serious in your marketing. Yeah, I know I just said above that you need to be more serious. But there are different kinds of seriousness. There's "intentionally serious" and that's good. When you're intentionally serious, you are focused, committed to a result. You are serious … [Read more...]
Six Big Goal Secrets
Recently I offered a "simple plan" to double your business this year. But ultimately, no plans are simple. They are always more complex than they seem. And after all, as one blog commenter remarked, "How many consultants can actually HANDLE 17 to 19 new clients a year? I certainly can't." Quite right. Then that's not the plan for you. The bigger question is "What do I … [Read more...]
Shifting Into “Action You”
Last week I talked about overwhelm and the power of stepping into "Focused You" who can't be overwhelmed, distracted or discouraged, no matter the circumstances. But you might say the whole purpose of Focused You is to pave the way for "Action You." Action You is one of your most powerful personalities or selves. He or she is the one that gets out there and makes it … [Read more...]
Knowledge or Know-How?
We all know way too much. And yet we want to know more. And it seems that information is being generated in even larger volumes than ever before. Keeping up is impossible. Just try to link to a fraction of the blogs, resources, news items, articles and videos linked in the average Twitter feed over an hour or two. That information alone could swamp you for days. So … [Read more...]
The Law of Appreciation
Years ago, I passed on a tip to a client that she took to heart. I told her to send thank-you notes to her clients. I met her several years afterwards and she told me, "You know that tip you gave me to send thank-you notes? Well, that's the secret that filled my practice. I keep doing it and, as a result, get a constant stream of referrals." In today's More Clients I'm going … [Read more...]
More Time – Less Stress
What's the first thing you think of when you hear about a new marketing idea, strategy or opportunity? Do you think: "Wow, this is incredible! I can't wait to get working on that immediately!" No, I'll bet you think something more like: "Hmmm, sounds interesting but it probably won't work and even if it did, there's no way I'm going to find time to fit it in." Look, I … [Read more...]
Poke Yourself
Seth Godin came out with a book, "Poke the Box" that is all about getting started, not some day but NOW! But it seems that the pressures to delay are stronger than the pressures to act. I had a big breakthrough several years ago. I was sitting in my office under a dark cloud of procrastination and delay. I just couldn't seem to take action on anything. I was … [Read more...]