Run with the Big Dogs! How hanging out in the Big Leagues can help you play a better game.

Did you start your business with a BIG dream? Do you find yourself wondering what happened? Sometimes all it takes to re-connect to your vision is to get out of your own back yard.

I attended a conference in Dallas in July. I arrived exhausted. Knowing I would be leaving town I was working in hyper-speed (no, that is not only speed at which I operate) trying to make sure everything that needed to happen happened. You probably know what I'm talking about.

This was my state of mind when I arrived at the eWomen Network Conference (blog post below) and ran into Nancy Juetten, PR Brain from Bellevue. This chance interaction kicked my brain into action. I realized I had, due to life circumstances (motorcycle accident in July 08, 5 months in a wheelchair and a few other life happenings), lost sight of what I was really working for. A scary insight for someone like me who coaches on this all the time and values practicing what I preach.

Throughout the 3 day event I connected with professionals from all over the US and Canada. As I shared with them my specialty and learned more about their goals, needs, and passion it occurred to me that somewhere along the line I began settling for less than I imagined. Basically I had returned to pitching in the minor league. Many I encountered were pursuing big goals and making them happen. A person of action, I asked myself what needed to change so I could get back in the game.

THEN I heard Michael Gerber share his original vision for the E-Myth. Michael started out with a vision to help broken businesses. His vision changed when he realized something was missing. He is now pursuing, building, and realizing his BIG dream in The Dreaming Room. This finishing touch to the weekend pushed me over the top to get back on track and gave me permission to return to my own dreaming room.

Here are a couple of quick reminders to inspire you to action as you begin to envision 2009:

1. Visit your "Dreaming Room" often.
2. Hang out with others who are playing in the Big Leagues. Find them in your own back yard, blogging, connect through social networks or attend events in other areas.
3. Ask yourself where you might be compromising your dream.
4. Check your calendar. Does it reflect what you value? Does it contain a balance of activities that move you toward your dream? If not, what needs to change? Insight: How you schedule your time represents what is important to you. Plan your calendar on purpose.

I believe we are given dreams and an ability to acheive them (The Dream Giver, Bruce Wilkinson). Don't squander your talent by settling for less than you imagine!

Have some successes? Please share!

Here are a couple from my corner just since July:

• Scheduled to shoot video for 12 one minute strategic sales tips in 3 weeks with Spirit Media
• Working with editors, layout designers, and publishers to redesign our information products
• Drafting a book proposal to bring a fresh idea to networking that doesn't currently exist in the market...(it is under wraps for right now)
• Working with WordPress expert to convert current website and blog to the latest in technology and support our reader community goals
• Recipient of the Women Entrepreneurs of Oregon Lifetime Acheivement Award
• Networking with Nancy Juetten, DIY Publicity Expert

Can't wait to hear from you! Network strategically....

Kathie

3 Quick Steps to Create Your Business Stimulus Package!

You should be VERY glad you are in a position as a business...nimble and able to adjust to what clients need at this time. Now more than ever you can’t afford to lose sight of the driving force of your sales opportunities. If you plan to survive and potentially thrive you have to stay relevant to your customers and make it easy for them to purchase your products or services.

So here we are…halfway through 2008. Are you wondering if you are going to make your revenue goals? Trying to read the mind of your prospects? Or maybe you are like many that cross my path, still doing the same thing you have done in the past…just working harder and expecting different results.

3 quick steps to create your business stimulus package:

1. Evaluate your offering. Are you still offering the same old packaging of 2006-07? Are your customers balking at the dollar amount or length of time projects take? If you are in a position to adjust your offering, I have some suggestions to keep your product or service in demand.
2. Generate better quality leads. Wait a minute…before you respond “I know, I know!” Let me give some insights to do this more easily.
3. Keep yourself motivated! Quit working with people who cost you time and money. Selling can create an emotional rollercoaster. You can’t afford the ups and downs at anytime…especially in this market.

Make it easy for prospects to buy.
What are your customers buying from you? How can you make it easy for them to say yes without dropping your price? Think about how you might repackage your products or services to make it easy to buy, while increasing the value and profitability. What does this look like?

• If you are a service provider, it might look like an “economy package” that utilizes some templates to deliver your services.
• Learn to reduce your time per customer by offering a valuable service at a level that gains a quick economic return (for your business and your prospect/clients/customers).
• If you sell products, you might create a bundle of products and services to create the same result above. Or consider adding a higher margin item to your bundle increasing the value for the buyer and you.

Buyers are shopping for value. Right now prospects are shopping longer to make sure they get the most bang for their buck. You probably are too. Consider testing your packaging with an “introductory” offer. You don’t have to be married to the package forever. Just test the results. If it works, keep doing it. If not, adjust your packaging. Ask your customers for feedback and find out what your market wants from you. You will be glad you did.

Want more quality leads?
Rethink your ideal customer. The market has changed. Who can you serve doing what you do well? This may mean letting go of some prospects so you can focus on those who have a budget, a need, and can see a return on investment for what you offer. To get more leads in general, you need to visible in one way or another to this group. Who are they and where do they show up, what do they read, listen to, etc.? What are ways you can be in front of them? Network, advertise, partner with other service providers, etc.

To help you focus, ask yourself:

• Who do I serve that might be in a growth industry? i.e. health, baby boomer transitions, etc.
• Are there customers in my database who could benefit from buying more of me or my services?
• Have the psychographics of my ideal client changed? Values, motivators, character qualities? If so, what are they? How can I connect with my prospects on this level?

Review your partnerships. As you rethink your ideal customer, consider who also serves this market. What kind of joint opportunities might you create? Have fun! For example, my ideal clients need PR but do most of it themselves. I am partnering with Nancy Juetten to offer her famous Publici-Tea™ in our area. This gives me another great resource to offer my prospects that complements my service offering. This gives my clients more of what they need to generate business growth. Idea for you…partner with your local non-profits or Chamber and add needed services and value for your community.

Be your own cheerleader!
Keep yourself motivated. Selling your business products or services has its ups and downs but now…even more so. Between the media, your network, and your customers, you hear enough bad news to really bring your spirits down. So what do you do? You put on a happy face, remind yourself this will pass…and fake it till you make it, right? The problem is that is only skin deep. Your contacts sense your lack of authenticity and it subconsciously seeps out your pores.

A bad day costs you. Almost more than the time you lose, consider the energy it takes to pull yourself back up from the dumps. This can be far too costly. Here are a couple of suggestions to keep you UP!

• Keep track of past successes.
• Save the handwritten compliments you receive and review them often.
• Hang out with people who are moving forward.
• Create your own support group. Not to commiserate but for accountability and encouragement.

While this unusual market place brings both unique challenges and opportunities I challenge you to utilize this market as launch pad for growth and change. You can not only survive, but thrive by paying attention, staying relevant, and continuing to make it easy for your customers to see the value of your offerings. Offer them simple and valuable ways to business with you. I guarantee you will create growth for your business by better serving your market.

In the meantime, network strategically!

The Magic of Linked In

When I first discovered Linked In a few years ago I made a determination that it was a valuable resource for those looking for jobs or searching for employees. It was a perfect way to introduce people I knew looking for contacts within larger companies but didn't seem to have a fit for marketing smaller businesses. Well....as with most social networks LinkedIn is being morphing by its users. We are making their infrastructure work to meet their needs.

Here is an example. I received an unusual request to connect last week from Jennifer Nguyen, CEO of Citinannies who found me on Linked In, researched my site and emailed me directly. This request was unique in that she wasn't trying to sell me something (like some who've cold called me through my Linked In profile) but framed her request in a tactful intelligent way. Of course I responded immediately and had a highly productive conversation. I thought you might like to see how she framed the invitation to connect.

Dear Kathie –
I know we both have a lot going on with our professional and private lives....being is busy is good I suppose in our fast paced world. My name is Jennifer and I wanted to formally introduce myself to you. I would love hear more about your business. Would you like to take 10-15 minutes on this Thursday or Friday to collaborate or brainstorm ideas how we can help each other?

Let me know what time/day it is convenient for you or just feel free to me on my direct line anytime on Thursday or Friday. If you are not available those days, let me know what day is best for you next week.

I am looking forward to talking with you! Thank you for being my linked-in connection.

Jennifer Nguyen
Citinannies

I learned Citinannies offers more than a nanny directory and is looking for strategic partners for potential expansion to new areas. Plus learned she has another business she is looking to launch and may need some strategic direction that I might be able to help her with.

Overall this was a great experience and one I hope to duplicate from my end. What about you? Would connecting with strategic partners through LinkedIn or your other social networks be of value to you? Think about ways you might connect. If you've already had a great experience. Please share!

Spread the Word - Check out www.FullCalender.com

It is funny what you can learn when you network OUTSIDE your own backyard. My interaction with Nancy Juetten, of Main Street Media Savvy has produced amazing opportunities and truly helpful information.

Following up with Nancy after our conversations in Dallas, TX produced the following engagements along with gaining her insight on how to get the word out about events, workshops, and seminars using http://www.fullcalendar.com/.

As a result of our connection, Nancy will be speaking in Portland for the Women Entrepreneurs of Oregon on September 9th on the "7 Deadly Sins of DIY Publicity" and then I am sponsoring her popular Publici-Tea(tm) program on September 10th. If you are local you don't want to miss this opportunity.

I quickly saw the value in distributing my event information through http://www.fullcalendar.com/ and did so for our upcoming "Change What Matters - What is Important Now" series. I love that it is a one-stop location to touch the media contacts in your area but also hits the online calendars as well. To quote Nancy

"This online meeting notice service makes it easy for you to alert the online and print media in your backyard with one click. You just create 2000, 750, and 150 character descriptions of your event, pay your $19.95 for each event date, and let FullCalendar.com do the rest. "

So? Are you in need of getting the word out about you or your events? Check out Nancy's blog, sign up for her newsletter and save the date to attend one or both of our local events!

Spread the word...it is a good thing!

Women United in a Common Cause = Business Growth

Creative energy abounds when people of like minds come together. Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of experiencing what happens when entrepreneurial women are together in one place with a common objective; to grow their businesses.

It was a fluke I was even present at this annual women’s event but as a result of attending I discovered a renewed focus, energy, and enthusiasm to keep moving forward in building my company. The event, eWomen Network Annual Conference, in Dallas, Texas ran Thursday through Sunday. The days were packed with quality speakers, break out sessions, opportunities to work with coaches, talk to publishers, and network with other amazing women.

A couple of refreshing insights stand out.

• Women connected for a common cause make things happen. The heart of this organization, the eWomen Network Foundation, raises money throughout the year through their chapters and annual auction. The foundation’s beneficiaries are local non-profit organizations making a difference in the lives of others. The worthy recipients were nominated by those in the local chapters. On Thursday evening, to kick off the event, representatives from the nominated non-profits received their distributions. I was impressed with the diversity of the amazing people. It was quite a moving experience. An auction held during the evening raised another $185,000. WOW!
  
• Women supporting, believing, and encouraging other women to reach new heights…means everyone grows. We are talking BIG growth. eWomen has an annual award for emerging leaders. I met with a couple of last year’s nominees and the 2007 recipient. The publicity from receiving the award in addition to the connections they made grew the finalist’s business to over 1 million dollars.
  
• Women absolutely want to connect. Not only to gain assistance but to give back. Sprinkled throughout the weekend were eWomen’s signature Accelerated Networking and Wisdom Circles. Women had the chance to connect quickly in meaningful ways and provide feedback and problem solving. Priceless.

Visionaries, Sandra & Kim Yancey along with Taya Levine started with their vision of a robust yet dynamic women’s organization and filled a niche connecting women in business. Regardless of the size of her business, every woman walked away with something. I sensed an attitude of wealth and abundance throughout the event. Only a very special women’s organization could incorporate everything from a “girlfriends” tone to the nitty-gritty content of how to build wealth and make money.

For those of you serious about growing your business, I encourage you check out the organization www.ewomennetwork.com and mark the calendar for next year’s annual conference in August. The benefits gained from time away from your routine, challenges to your thinking, and new relationships are worth every penny.

Get started today. Look for a chapter in your own backyard. www.ewomennetwork.com

Networking Makes the World Small

I had the unexpected pleasure this week of encountering several women who are part of my social network in a far away place, Dallas, Texas.

Imagine the feeling of seeing someone you’ve been watching online, read their articles and regularly read their newsletter…but have never met in person.

I found myself this past week, walking through the eWomen Network tradeshow when I caught a glimpse of a familiar profile. You should know I came to this event knowing only one person, my mother. (But that is another story.) Surprised to find someone I might know, I touched the woman’s arm to get a better look and discovered Nancy Juetten of Main Street Media Savvy from Seattle in her signature blue dress.

Again, I had never met her in person, only seen her online. Based on the content of her website, articles on Biznik and e-newsletter, I refer clients to her fairly regularly so you can imagine my surprise to meeting her in person.

Later that weekend, I found Nancy in a huddle with some women from Seattle and met Marcia Brixey, author of The Money Therapist and Lori Richardson of Score More Sales. Again, both only online acquaintances, we had a chance throughout the weekend to connect and learn more about each others goals and specialty.

After this experience, I am challenged to pick up the phone and call those I follow online. Better yet, if they are within proximity, I will travel to where they are. I am confident the alliances we began this weekend through the extended personal connection will pay off for all.

The small world phenomenon is rampant in the Portland Metro area leading me to state my belief that in this town there are only three degrees of separation rather than six but this is my first out of state scenario.

What about you? Have you experienced the small world outcome of great networking? Tell us more!

Reality Sucks When Networking Doesn't Work

I overheard a conversation this past week at a networking event between two business professionals. The comment that drove this post was "None of my networking in business organizations paid off". (I always cringe when I hear that.) The woman continued to share what did work for her; social networking, specifically "meet-up"s. Her profession? Interior Design. His profession? Realtor.

This sounded like a brilliant conclusion. If you are trying to meet consumers who will buy interior design, they are not typically at business networking events AND unless you are networking at "partner rich" events (i.e. Realtors, contractors, window coverings, etc.) you will not likely make as many quality connections. There is nothing more frustrating than attending networking with the hope of making good connections and walking away empty handed.

It made me wonder, are we simply swallowing the "how-to's" hook, line and sinker without evaluating our own business model, personality, sales style, and target audience? I hope not! Here are a couple of things to think about as you personalize your networking efforts.

If you are networking for lead generation and getting less than desired results, ask yourself:
1. Is it the group? Not rich enough in prospects, partners or opportunties? Are you fishing in the wrong pond?
2. Is it you? Are you not asking the right questions, engaging the right people, and following up?

If you've invested dollars in membership and time in an organization, be sure to evaluate the above. Before jumping ship, make sure it isn't you. If it is, you will take your troubles to the next organization.

Suggestions for face to face social networking
http://www.meetin.com/
http://www.meetup.com/
http://www.biznik.com/

Google "meet up" and your city. Happy Networking!