It’s Tuesday morning and Stella has arrived…
We’re supposed to get about 18 inches of snow, so we’re hunkered down for the day, with our own version of ‘Kids Baking Competition” going on here – Jack is going to make German Chocolate Cupcakes and Chloe is making Lemon Icy Pops… should be fun – and messy. 😉
Yesterday, the kids and I spent a lovely (sunny!) day at the lake, visiting our favorite bookstore, and then enjoying pizza at our go-to summer pub.
No matter who is working at the pub, they all know Chloe and Jack, but this time we had a new server. While we sat there, one of the servers who regularly waits on us walked by the window and tapped to wave hello. Then the bartender came in for her shift and hollered over hello to the kids. As we were getting ready to leave, our server said that she and a guest at the bar were talking about how polite and well-mannered Chloe and Jack are – and that everyone in the pub seemed to know them by name.
And while she commented on my part in it (which quite honestly always means a lot to me, as we know how hard parenting can be at times!), I really give the credit to the kids, because not only are they polite, but they are engaged…
When someone asks Jack how he is, he immediately responds with, “Good, how are YOU?” with the intention that he really wants to know. When Chloe asks for something, she not only ask politely, but she’ll explain why she’d like it. When one of them wants a glass of water, they will ask for a round for everyone.
The way they interact encourages people to want to know them better, which is why everyone knows their names. 🙂
My point is, you can have a cursory relationship with people – or you can make slightly more effort and deepen the connection.
One way to do that is to show up and share.
My hope is that I’ve engaged with you just a little bit more over these last few weeks of regular connecting. I’m also hoping we can move into a dialogue over at my free Facebook group.
But regardless, the lesson is the same – in what way can you deepen your relationship with your audience, market, tribe?
Are you talking with them more often than at them?
Once of quickest (and for me, the most enjoyable) ways to do that is by hosting an intimate live event.
Yesterday, I told you that I’d share a free resource that will give you some critical behind-the-scenes strategies to hosting your own profitable small event that will help you see that you CAN do it, and it’s not as hard as you may think.
It’s almost ready so I’ll shoot you an email when you can access it, ok?
Ok, I’m off to the kitchen now to see what we can whip up!
Stay safe where you are –
We’re less than 2 weeks away from my free MasterClass, and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the shifts I’ve learned over the last several years…
The Power of Simplicity ~
6 Shifts to Creating Ease & Flow in Your Online Business
Reserve your free seat here
It may not feel like spring but I love that it’s lighter later now… 🙂
We’re heading to the lake this afternoon for a visit to our favorite bookstore and then our go-to restaurant in the summer for dinner… yum.
Before we do, let’s talk about events.
First, there are the ones you attend… like perhaps my brand-new Simplify & Amplify event that’s coming up in the fall… 😉
Then there are the ones you host – or have been wanting to host.
I recently led a very comprehensive course called Profitable Live Events, that sold out, received huge accolades, and was quite profitable.
In fact, if you read my email from a few days ago where I shared some of my financials, this was the course that was my 3rd highest seller in 2016 – and was the one that was “very targeted in both content and audience”.
What I knew then, and still know now, is that this course is only going to be relevant to you if you want to host your own small live event (the course covers single or multiple-day events, masterminds, workshops, retreats, etc.).
And that’s the teaching point for today –
Honestly, I was nervous about using my precious spring promotion time to offer such a specific course, when I knew only a small percentage of my list would be interested in hosting their own live event.
But to my delight, the course sold out with just the right students and it was a joy to lead.
So my question for you today is, is there something you want to offer, that you have a certain level of credibility about (I had hosted and sold out 6 previous small events, so I knew what I was talking about), but that you’re hesitating about because you’re not certain ‘enough’ people will say yes?
Share it here and let’s see if we can get you some support or guidance, ok?
And if you do have a desire to host your own profitable small event, I’ll have a free learning guide available for you very soon that will give you those all-important behind-the-scenes strategies that will help you see that you CAN do it, and it’s not as hard as you may think. 😉
We’ve been out and about the last few days while the kids are on spring break this week, but today we’re hanging out at home…
At the moment, James is working on his presentation for a 1-Day University gig he has coming up, Chloe’s working on her Humanities homework, and Jack is reading (he’s very into the Wings of Fire books these days).
Me?
I’ve been running my financials so I can have a crystal clear picture of where I am and where I’ve been so I can accurately chart the course for going forward.
You may do this in December or January, but since my business year is September to June each year, it’s around this time of year where I start looking ahead and adjusting my sails…
One of the questions I’ve asked myself is what offers were financially successful – AND felt good delivering – during this business year?
I ranked them in profitability first (the facts) and then looked at them from the level of enjoyment I had in that offer (the feelings).
Because both have to be in alignment in order to create a successful business that continues to feel good as it grows.
I invite you to do the same. Look over the past year’s offers, what the gross income was for each, and rank them in order of highest to lowest profit. Then check in on each with your feelings, and write down any insights you have.
I learned two important things doing this exercise:
1. My 2nd highest income stream was a program that has lower enrollment than I would like, but it’s one I enjoy offering the most.
2. My 3rd highest income stream was an offer that was very targeted both in audience and in content.
So for #1, I will consider how I can re-work this offer to be more appealing to the right clients to increase enrollment.
And for #2, I’ll use this information as I consider offering a similar program in the future.
This kind of simple (yet smart) taking stock is super-useful as you grow your business, and is one of the things I’ll be talking about on my upcoming free MasterClass:
The Power of Simplicity ~
6 Shifts to Creating Ease & Flow in Your Online Business
Reserve your free seat here.
Now I’m going to see how Chloe’s research on cats in Ancient Egypt is going…
I’m not exactly a fan of resolutions – really, what’s so different about December 31 than January 1 that’s going to make a dramatic difference in whether or not you keep your resolutions?
If you just have a list of things you’d like to accomplish, well, the answer is ‘not much’.
But if you have a PLAN to go along with your list, well, that can make ALL the difference.
What I do as part of a much larger strategic planning process is create what I call My Simple Business Plan. It includes just 4 goals that I want to achieve in my business within the next year.
What I’ve found from doing this process over and over is this: I’ve reached AT LEAST those 4 goals within the year (and usually quite a few more). How? Because those were the ones I created a plan around to achieve.
So even though 4 goals may not seem like a lot, if it’s 4 more than you usually reach, wouldn’t that feel great? 🙂
This year, instead of creating resolutions for your business, try the following steps to create your own Simple Business Plan:
1. Create your 1 year vision
One of my favorite exercises is creating a vivid vision of what I want my life to look like over the next year. I include anything and everything I can think of, letting my imagination run wild while my fingers try to keep up with my mind.
If you’ve done this or a similar exercise before, review what you’ve written previously. Acknowledge the progress you’ve made, but don’t get stuck on the goals you didn’t reach either. Move forward with your new or revised goals for the future.
2. Choose a theme
Usually from the 1-year vision exercise, a theme will emerge about what seems most right to focus on over the next year. It may be finances, relationship-building, or a specific piece of my marketing efforts that I want to implement or increase.
3. Choose 4 goals to focus on within that theme
Choose one goal that follows the overarching theme of your year to work on each quarter. For example, if your theme is ‘increase market reach’, your first quarter goal may be to get exposure in a media outlet you haven’t tapped yet. Your second quarter goal may be to develop 3 new strategic alliances.
4. Break down each Quarterly Goal into monthly, weekly and even daily tasks
Now that you know what you want to focus on each quarter, figure out what you need to do each month, week and day of that quarter to reach your goal. Then write down those tasks in your planner.
This step is huge – and it’s also the step that most people skip. But I promise if you set aside the time to do this, you will reap the rewards. Doing this will almost effortlessly PULL you forward towards reaching your goals.
5. Get support
As entrepreneurs, we have a tendency to want to go-it-alone. But nothing will increase the likelihood of actually reaching your goals more quickly and easily than if you have someone else holding you accountable.
Buddy up with a colleague, or hire a coach, to keep you on track and moving forward. Check in at least once a week to ensure forward progress. And don’t forget to celebrate your victories, whether they be big or small, along the way.
I know this sounds simple, but for some reason, we have a tendency to make everything much more difficult than it needs to be. If you follow the 5 steps I’ve given you, when this time comes next year, you’ll be astounded that you actually reached, at the very least, your 4 goals of your Simple Business Plan.
Are you the kind of business owner who tends to hide behind your computer screen?
You network online through virtual groups, but you’re hesitant to leave the comfort of your home office to actually meet others in person?
Whether you’re a natural introvert or extrovert, attending live events and meeting peers and colleagues in person can make a dramatic difference in the success of your business. If you’ve been the lone wolf type, it’s time to get out and start gathering with your pack.
When I was in the public relations/higher education field, I attended dozens of conferences, but when I started my consulting practice, money was tight and it took me a few years to get back out on the circuit.
The first event I attended in my capacity as a consultant/coach changed my business and my life. I hesitated about attending because it was a lot of money to invest back then and I was going to be starting over in a way in a new industry, which were both risks for me at the time.
Was it worth it? Let’s just say that I still have the card from the Irish pub my husband and I went to the final evening of the event where we figured out how I was going to make this business work. It really is when everything changed.
Not only did I learn a ton of great stuff, I met some amazing people who have become colleagues, joint venture partners and even friends. And I truly believe that what you put out is what you get back, and by attending this event, I was sending the message that I was ready to start playing big.
One of the best investments you can make in your business is in your continuous learning, by attending events, as well as investing in high-quality education products and programs. Part of my own marketing budget is dedicated solely to my learning (and believe me, it’s hard to keep the lid on it!).
So, are you thinking maybe you’ll take the risk and attend a live event in your industry?
Here are some specific reasons why you should:
1. Dedicated time and focus on the event topic
I bet you have at least a few books, CDs, home study courses, etc. that you’ve probably listened to or read, but that you haven’t actually applied. I know I do. And I also know that when I get out of my office and dedicate time and focus to one thing, I make some big breakthroughs.
2. Sharing space with like-minded individuals
Nothing inspires me more than being around others who are as passionate about what we do as I am. Collaborations come naturally and we easily share ideas and resources. Taking the time to share space with these folks helps keep me motivated and excited about moving forward.
3. More high-quality connections
Not only do I end up with a ton of business cards, but there’s also a handful of strategic partnership opportunities, as well as new ezine subscribers and new customers of my products. And by attending an event comprised of others in my industry, the quality of the connections I’m making is much higher for my business building than attending something like a local chamber event.
4. Discounts on materials to increase your learning
Typically the speakers of these events will offer special discounts to attendees on their products and programs. And if the event has vendor booths, the same usually applies. Events are a great place to “shop” for the next tool that will help boost your business.
5. It’s guaranteed and tax-deductible
I think this is something most small business owners forget. They just look at the price tag of the event, and then shy away. But remember, whatever you put out as an investment in your business is tax-deductible. Be sure to check with your accountant for details, but stop to think about how much you could increase your bottom line by attending the event, instead of how much it costs.
Besides, most reputable events offer a money-back guarantee, so if you really felt it wasn’t worthwhile, you can always ask for a refund.
6. Meet the experts
Most of the time, the speakers at the events are accessible, so don’t be shy and go on up and introduce yourself. You may not have another chance and you never know where that connection may lead!
7. Enjoy yourself outside of the event
Don’t forget that you can take in the place where the event is being held. Do a little research ahead of time and plan at least some time away from the event to enjoy wherever it is you’re visiting, even if it’s in your home state.
Once you’re home and recovered from being out and about at the event, you’ll be both excited and recharged to jump in with all your new knowledge and connections!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this – please share them in the comments below…
If you want to be taken seriously online, then your website must have a professional look and feel.
A professional-looking website will lend you credibility and legitimacy, and it will make your visitor feel more confident in you, your products and your services.
Whether or not you have a designer or you go the DIY route, you want to make sure that you add the following to make your website reflect the professionalism of your business.
1. Have a dedicated domain for your website and your email.
First and foremost, have a domain name that reflects the name of your business. For example, if your company is “Your Life, Only Better” but that’s taken, you will avoid any conflicts down the road if you rework your business name now.
With registering a domain comes a dedicated email address that you can set up to work with your current email software, such as Outl Nothing looks less professional than a Yahoo or Hotmail email address as your business email.
2. Have a really good logo.
This is important because it helps increase your credibility and makes you seem more real in the online world. It will also make you feel more legitimate to have a tangible object attached to your business.
LogoYes is a do-it-yourself site and it’s cheap. If you can spend a little more, hire a designer to create it for you. If you’re new in business, don’t spend a ton of money here, though, as it’s likely you’ll go through some transitions before settling on a design and message that feels uniquely you.
3. Make your contact info prominent, and include a physical location.
People want to know that they can contact you if they need to, and they don’t want to have to search for this information, so don’t hide it. Include your email, phone number and physical location at the bottom of every page.
By law, any email marketing you do (ezines or other broadcasts) must have a physical address displayed within it. Don’t use your home address. Rent a mailbox from your local USPS or UPS store instead.
4. KISS – Keep It Simply Sophisticated.
By this I mean, keep your site clean and elegant. No flashing things, no annoying animated graphics, please. Give people the information they came for with simple navigation and easy to read text.
5. Have an opt-in form for your freebie offering.
You must capture people when they visit your site if you want to be able to SHOW them (through your ezine or other freebie offering) that you are a professional and that you do know what you’re doing. Nothing will make your visitors come to know you faster and learn to like and trust you than your continuing to “speak” to them.
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