Archive for the ‘Confidence for U’ Category

7 Secrets to Stimulate Your Cash Flow

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

By Denise Michaels

If you’re like millions of business owners you put on a happy face to the rest of the world that says, “Everything’s great!” but on the inside you’re concerned about what’s happening with your cash flow lately.

How do you stimulate your own economy so you get the results you deserve rather than getting caught up in the mass consciousness of lack that’s become so pervasive? This article provides seven stimulating secrets that’ll get you back on track. Wealthy people depend on these principles to keep their cash flow humming so when someone asks them about their business they can honestly and enthusiastically say, “We must be doing something right. My business hasn’t been impacted at all.”

• Stay away from the nattering nabobs of negativity. Whether its cable news with a constant stream of negativity, or, just the people you meet at a networking mixer who seem desperate, steer clear of anyone who’s less than optimistic. About 10-15 minutes of news a day is all you need to keep up to speed with what’s happening. Turn off the news and focus on the 99 percent of the world that’s just fine.

• Make progress every day and give yourself credit. Focus on doing what gives you the greatest results. Creating a successful business is about moving energy and building momentum. Consider all the thrust it takes to get a jet off the ground. Except the most important work you do may not be about running around. The most important work can be about consciously shifting your mindset. Then, when you take action amazing things happen.

• Speak with enthusiasm and passion. Wealthy people attract others to their dreams by speaking with passion, enthusiasm and confidence. They give the impression they just know their product or service is amazing and their business will be a winner. Once you launch your business stop looking for validation. Get over feeling like you need “permission.” If you offer good value and products or services that help others you don’t need permission or validation from anyone.

• Be bold. One bold stroke to get the word out can do much more than dozens of hesitant, little moves. This means expanding your comfort zone because your business growth doesn’t happen any faster than your personal growth. This mean when you decide you’re going to get on a radio talk show or do some other promotion that’ll make a big splash you do it with your head up, with boldness and confidence.

• Understand the importance of marketing. Marketing is about building relationships – but it’s more than smiling and chatting with other business owners at a mixer. Your marketing message goes out ahead of you. It precedes you. It should filter out people not likely to do business with you and filter in people likely to do business with you. Filtering means when you talk with a prospective customer chances are they already know about you and are partially pre-sold making selling easier.

• Be emotionally compelling. People still have wants and needs. What’s lacking right now is confidence. When people feel you understand, empathize and have a solution for their problem they will do business with you. Too many business owners try to play it safe because they think customers will buy based only on features or having the lowest price. They must see how your features and benefits help them solve their problems.

• Ask for the sale. Some business owners enjoy building the relationship however they’re afraid they might mess it up by asking for the sale. Don’t be pushy but be willing to confidently guide and direct a conversation. After I’ve explained everything about what I offer, my fees and answered questions and gotten strong signals that a prospective client is interested my closing question is, “When would you like to get started?”

By following these seven secrets you’ll crack the code on stimulating your own economy. You’ll discover more people are receptive and open to what you offer. They will come to trust you, have confidence in you and as a result your cash flow will increase. You will be in your own flow of wealth and abundance so when people ask you about your business you can sincerely smile and say, “My business is great!!”

Denise Michaels is author of the business bestseller, “Testosterone-Free Marketing” and founder of EmpowerUAcademy. Her mission is supporting people in going for their dreams and she’s known as The Marketing Maven and as an Empowerment Expert. You can also find out about one-on-one mentoring with Denise at her website MentoringwithDenise. All rights reserved.

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Who said You’re Allowed to do THAT?

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”

My husband Ernie and I went to see the Michael Jackson documentary “This is It” this afternoon. We watched in awe the amazing talent Jackson was and the incredible production this concert tour would’ve been for fans and concert goers around the world. The passing of Jackson is like the passing of an era to me.

I was inspired by what Jackson and the producers were creating – just by moving energy and dreaming it up. You can argue Whacko Jacko was un-balanced. Successful geniuses often are un-balanced. Watch this film and you’ll see his brilliance and genius. He was in control of everything about the production. He was energetic, engaged and happy. Clearly he loved performing and was doing it until the day before his untimely death.

As we walked out of the theater I thought, “Who told Michael Jackson he could do this? Who gave him permission to become the King of Pop?”

Many of us have great ideas, amazing visions. Ideas to make the world a better place. Ideas that could make everyone better off and no one worse off. Big, hairy, audacious ideas for businesses, inventions, books to be written and charities to help the under-priveleged among us. Yet many women (and men) hold off from turning their dreams into reality because they’re waiting. Waiting for someone to give them permission or validation. Jackson didn’t wait.

Women home-based business owners like yourself come up with great ideas to promote their existing businesses. To really get their name and their brand out there. Yet they hold back when it comes to carrying through because it seems too “out there.” After all, “What would people say?”

In business, no one gives you permission to take the lead. No one gives you permission to step out. “A leader is someone who goes first,” says John Maxwell, author of numerous books on leadership. You must simply believe in the power of your vision and step out on faith. And faith without works – well, it’s not worth much. Jackson had works. Jackson had skills – and he used ‘em.

When I dreamed up the idea for my book, “Testosterone-Free Marketing,” nobody gave me permission to say I’m, “The foremost expert in marketing for women.” But I say it almost every time I’m interviewed. How can I say it? I dreamed it up. I created the niche for myself because I kept thinking I didn’t want to be a “me too.” I didn’t want to be an also-ran, compared to all the other marketing gurus and experts out there.

Once I was called on it. A male radio interviewer asked, “How can you say you’re the expert in marketing to women?”

I replied, “I’m not the expert in marketing to women. I’m the expert in marketing for women.” Then I explained the difference. That was that.

You don’t have to have permission. But you do have to be a leader and tell yourself that you’re going for it and see what happens. Obviously I don’t recommend breaking any laws. But sometimes the only thing you have to break through are the limitations that exist within your mind.

Remember all those admonitions when you were a girl:

* Don’t toot your own horn
* Be a nice girl (and everything THAT implies)
* Let others make the first gesture
* It’s better to give than receive
* Don’t call the boy

They came out of a bygone era. The era of our mothers and grandmothers who were wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. But they were less likely to be employees, and, they sure as heck weren’t a business owner. Those behaviors were appropriate in an era where it was considered un-ladylike for a woman to be concerned about money or anything financial. That’s was the role of a husband.

We live in a different world. Things are changing faster and faster. We raise families and must care about making money to pay the bills and make a life for ourselves. Yet, subconsciously many women still have these limiting beliefs from that bygone era programmed into us that can spell disaster for our business. Time to let it go. That ol’ programming in the back of your mind that says “dealing with the money and asking for the money is yucky” doesn’t serve you anymore.

Consider the amazing things that can happen in your life when you stop asking for permission and just believe in yourself, the power of your vision and step out on faith.

Denise Michaels is author of the business bestseller, “Testosterone-Free Marketing.” Get your copy by clicking here. And, get Denise’s weekly empowerment and marketing tips by clicking here. Come join Denise Michaels in a movement to empower women business owners like you to be all you can be and to have more joy, more fun and more success in your life.

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An Encouraging Success Story You’ll Enjoy

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”

On Monday, I got a wonderful email from a client. He was so excited because after putting it off, after going through a lot of financial hardship this last year with real estate and stocks, etc. After losing a beloved brother who always encouraged him and made him believe he could do anything. After going through a serious car accident with broken ribs and more – he finally took a massive step toward starting a new life for himself.

My client, I’ll call him Ned, mentored with me on a regular basis last year and was making great progress. He is sort of a massage therapist to the stars. People like actors Ted Danson and Ben Affleck are his clients. He wanted to take his secrets of how to have a very successful, profitable massage therapy practise out to other massage therapists. He wants to eventually stop doing massage and focus much more attention on workshops, trainings and other info-products. He’s already taught at a massage school.

His vision is all about finding a way to take his expertise to others and make that a business model. So we worked with that. I sensed he had a lot of fear around doing this without his brother there for him. His parents are deceased as well. There were even moments when he felt a little hopeless – I’d encourage him and he’d pull himself back up and get going again.

We put a lot of time into figuring out the agenda for his workshop. Years ago a woman with a Ph.D. in Instructional Design helped me put together my first workshop – so I shared that knowledge with him and together we came up with a wonderful program for him. It felt true and authentic to who he is and his experience and he knew it would help other massage therapists while also being fresh and new. We also talked about getting the word out and how to fill the room with the right people. People who were willing to learn AND willing to pay.

Then September 15, 2008 happened. The stock market was in an upheaval and he lost money. You remember. He owned two rental homes and both his tenants lost their jobs and couldn’t pay rent. So he was struggling to keep up the mortgages. The number of people booking massages with him dropped – so his income from that source dropped, too. Consequently, he wasn’t able to keep up marketing mentoring with me. But once in awhile he’d pay me for one session at a time. And he’d keep me posted by email.

I’m not 100 percent sure when my last mentoring session was with him. I’d have to look through my calendar. I think it was August. In between – except for connecting with me on Facebook – I didn’t really know if he was still working at it or not.

He was.

Monday when I got his email telling me what a triumph his workshop was the weekend before, I was jumping up and down excited for him. It’s just a start but his information was very well received and he also made a profit. Whoooo-hooo! He did it with a healing rib from his car accident – but he kept breathing through it (I’ve heard healing ribs are painful) and he was successful. In the last paragraph he said, “Denise, I put payment for another mentoring session with you in your paypal account – just let me know when you can meet.”

You might already know I have a workshop coming up this Monday November 2nd here in Las Vegas. I have three seats remaining so if you’d like to find out more and attend click on the link at the top of this page that says “Denise’s Events.” But the reason I’m digressing like this is because I’m very recently aware of all the work it takes to put together a successful event even if your health is just fine.

Ned is turning his life around in the direction he’s wanted to go for years now. He’s inching closer and closer to living his dream. And I couldn’t be more happy for him – and thrilled to know that I had a little something to do with his new success. What’s you’re dream and are you getting help and guidance in making those positive changes to your business income and your life.

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Post-feminist Woman – like Her or Hate Her?

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”

It’s been a little over a year since Sarah Palin burst on the national scene as the Vice Presidential candidate on Senator John McCain’s GOP ticket. Palin’s managed to not only stay in the headlines but her new book, “Going Rogue” to be released in a couple weeks, is already a bestseller on Amazon.com

Like her or hate her, Palin’s probably a pretty good example of the post-feminist woman. A woman who’s unapologetic about her confidence and willingness to take risks. A woman who doesn’t back down. A woman who’s never intimidated and keeps charging through life no matter what.

Back in the heyday of the feminist movement many assumed a “new woman” would evolve from the old “Stepford Wife” stereotype. This would be a result of a nation where women have a similar upbringing and the same kind of opportunities as boys and men have to succeed in life. This woman wouldn’t be compliant, cheerful, deferential and always standing behind her man. She would be bold, confident and a risk-taker. We saw this new woman as a positive improvement.

So how do you like that “new, empowered woman” now?

When Palin first became a national figure, I saw her as an example of how we’ve evolved over the last 40 years.

We talk about how important it is for women to become more empowered. She has no need to talk about “being empowered.” She’s powerful. She doesn’t need a fight for equal rights. She’s got ‘em. And, what’s your problem if you don’t feel equal or if you feel men have an edge? She doesn’t. She busted down the door of the world’s most entrenched “old boys network.” In contrast, Hillary Clinton spent years trying to figure out how to get invited in. There isn’t a “victim” or “martyr” bone in Palin’s body.

Palin grew up actively involved in sports. Her parents told her, “You can be anything you want in life.” Isn’t that what women want for their daughters?

I’m not in agreement with her uber-conservative points of view. I voted for the other guy. But I remain amazed by her super confidence and the moves she’s made over the last year. Not necessarily in agreement with them – but still amazed. As a marketing mentor I deal with women clients who love their business but feel uncomfortable and weird about getting the word out and asking for the sale.

So let’s step away from politics – because let’s face it – her political career appears to be over. What are your thoughts on the new woman? After all, if women today have big responsibilities like paying the mortgage and handling the finances – it just doesn’t work to be the woman who feels uncomfortable asking for money. What are your thoughts?

Denise Michaels is a marketing mentor, trainer and author of the business bestseller, “Testosterone-Free Marketing.” Find out more about her at her websites below:

Marketing with Denise
Empower U Academy – Get marketing and empowerment tips here!
Get Testosterone-Free Marketing
My Copywriting Ebook

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Ten Tips to Have a Great Mentoring Relationship

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone Free Marketing”

People who are passionate about living an independent, financially free life often decide they want a mentor to provide insight and ideas to help them on their path. Maybe there’s someone in your industry you know, or, you just know of who could help you take your business to the next level. How can you get that person to share their wisdom and help you get on the right path? How can you rise above so they want to share and give you a little extra help?

I’ve been a mentor to people for years, but never more intensively than since I became an author, trainer, speaker and marketing mentor as my business. This article will help you know how women in business can approach a prospective mentor in a way that will make that person more positively pre-disposed to helping you succeed.

Read these ten tips and go find your mentor.

• Take an interest in the person as a human being. I have an Internet mentor whose wildly successful. After I ask him a question I always ask him about what’s going on in his life, share a joke or tell him something funny that’s happened. For example recently I wrote him and after asking I question I typed, “Tomorrow I’m speaking at a workshop, so right now I’m sitting in my desk at the hotel catching up on emails with hair dye on top of my head.” He wrote back that he laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair. You don’t have to tell your whole life story, but make yourself real. Make it light and fun.

• Don’t say, “I’d like to pick your brain.” My brain “done been picked dry” and I start feeling bored when I hear those words. I know the time I spend with that person will be nothing but an interrogation. Instead say, “I’d really value your opinion.” It’s gentler and I get the sense it’ll be a more pleasant conversation rather than an interrogation with harsh lights shining down. Besides mentors are like every other human being – they’re looking for win-win relationships, too.

• Don’t try to monopolize a lot of your mentor’s time. Especially at first. Connect in a way that’s quick and easy. Don’t invite them to dinner. That’s a two hour time commitment. If you’re at a seminar they probably already have meetings scheduled. If it’s at home, they probably want some “down-time” Offer to drive them to the airport or share a cab. Ask what they like in their coffee or tea. Bring it to ‘em and get 15 quality minutes.

• Be clear about what you’re doing and what you need. There is so much “murky thinking” in the world. I’m amazed at people who feel they must write five pages to express one idea. That means you don’t know what you’re talking about. Develop a clear elevator speech and mission statement. Think about one or two specific questions you need answered and think about your words and how to ask those questions clearly.

• Listen, listen, listen to what they say. Don’t think about all the reasons why you can’t. That’s part of the reason why you’re not where you want to be yet. Say something like, “I’m dealing with yada, yada, yada – how would you suggest I overcome those obstacles?”

• Don’t say, “I’m looking for a mentor.” It’s easy to deflect a statement like this with a smile and not make a commitment. Instead say, “Would it be okay with you if we connected by email or on the phone once in awhile to get your opinion? I’d really value that.” It would be hard to say “no” to a simple, clear request like that.

• Thank the person for their time. Don’t take well intentioned advice – especially when it’s offered free – without saying “thank you.” Tell them what you’re plan to do. When you take action, be sure to let them know. Always, always, always tell them when you take an action step. It’s so easy to follow-up with email and so gratifying for the person who’s mentoring with you.

• Many experienced people who avoid mentoring others do so because someone more novice will take their time and advice and never follow up. It feels like a one-way street. Over the years I’ve had people beg me for my time and experience and yet offer nothing in return. I’ve met a number of women over the years who’ve said, “Denise, but what do I possibly have to offer? This person is so much more successful than me.” I once had a business mentor, a highly successful millionaire, who met with me every 2-3 weeks to discuss my goals and I got his input and ideas on business strategy.

What did he get in return? He saw me as being successful in personal relationships, so he wanted my opinions, thoughts and insights on how he could be more successful in that aspect of his life. You never know what’s important to others. Never assume you have nothing of value to offer – you don’t know until you get to know someone.

• Reciprocate once in awhile. If you see an article you think they would enjoy – send it to them with a quick note. If you have a trade or a skill and can offer to help them out in some way – offer it. Don’t say, “How can I help you?” Then they have to figure it out. That’s effort. Say, “I’m really very good at _____. If you ever need _____ give me a call, I’ll be more than happy to help out any way I can.” Even if they never take you up on it, they will appreciate that you offered. Then, your relationship is one of equals.

• Make the link between cause and effect. Don’t put your mentor in a position where he/she has to figure it all out for you. You’re not a baby. The job of a mentor is not to take you by the hand every step of the way. Look in the dictionary under “mentor.” It’s to give you some guidance as you’re on your way. Your job is to make the link between what you’re told and how you’ll apply it to your life.

And one more tip as a bonus:

• Thank the person for their time. Don’t take well intentioned advice – especially when it’s offered free – without saying “thank you.” Tell them what you’re going to do and when you take action, be sure to let them know. Always, always, always tell them when you take an action step. It’s so easy to follow-up with email and so gratifying for the person who’s mentoring with you.

Get Denise Michaels empowering FREE tips – that will help you be marketing savvy and feel more confident on the inside and appear confident outside. Click here to get yours in your Inbox.

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Focus on Your Highest and Best Use of Time

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”

Living life on purpose means making conscious choices about how to spend your time in business and in life – every hour of the day. These are lofty words but I felt it would be valuable to give our women business owner readers a sense of how to keep living on purpose when stuff happens. Because when you get rocked off your foundation and dragged off on a tangent it can shake your confidence. The opposite of feeling empowered.

About ten years ago I got a big “a-ha” when I was working with a mega-bestselling author. Someone wanted to do a certain business deal with him. He didn’t want to do it. He said to the person at the other end of the phone line, “I’m not going to do this deal with you. And it’s not because it’s not a good proposal – it is. I’m confident you’ll make a lot of money with it. But here’s why I’m bowing out: over the years I’ve discovered it only makes sense for me to get involved with projects and ideas I’m really passionate about. I can see you’re passionate about it – and that’s good. But I’m not. So I’m going to pass because I want to keep my energy, resources and everything else focused on the things I’m really good at. Those few things I have a deep passion about.”

Overhearing that conversation turned me around. I got clarity, focus and started thinking differently about all the business deals and opportunities pitched to me by other women. As if we all have unlimited time and can keep stuffing more and more into our already over-stressed, over-stuffed lives. We don’t. It’s a great example of making a conscious choice and living on purpose.

How many times have you been approached by someone abuzz with a network marketing company or direct selling. They say something like, “If you love the product you should consider becoming a distributor.” Or here’s a good one: “You can do the business in your spare time.”

My reply, “What spare time?” I’m already having a tough time fitting in an hour to go to the gym and maybe spend a little quality time with my husband now and then whom I love dearly. How am I supposed to fit in time for another business?”

It might make perfect sense to a lot of people, but now that I have the clarity from that experience – it’s about the dumbest stuff I’ve ever heard. After all, I might love Prego Spaghetti Sauce but that doesn’t mean I’m interested in selling it as a business. Please don’t take this as if I have something against networking businesses – I don’t. Many people enjoy satisfying and successful businesses in MLM and that’s fine. I’m only speaking from my experience.

For women who are promoting a business – if you can show your prospects how your product, service or business opportunity IS the highest and best use of time and is in alignment with their core values – you will build your organization much faster. I use this approach in my own sales and about 75-80 percent of the time they happily say “yes.”

So keep your eye and our focus on what really matters, we can more easily judge what we want to put our valuable time into. We can discern that which feeds our passions and provides us with satisfaction no matter how much money we’re making – and which detracts from our lives.

PS: Visit http://www.EmpowerUAcademy.com and get my free marketing and empowerment tips today. Fast, free and delivered to your inbox.

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Wear More Cashmere

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

If you’d like to listen to this post in audio click here.

By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”

Fair warning: this post isn’t about business, marketing, testosterone or strategic stuff. But it is about women and taking care of yourself.

Last year I was browsing through the half-priced book table at Barnes & Noble when bought a silly book titled, “Wear More Cashmere.” I wanted to treat myself. If you’d like to feel a little more like a woman: which makes us feel a little more successful – keep reading.

A book about ways to “pamper your inner princess” isn’t meant to be taken seriously. As I read, I thought about other ways to take care of myself that don’t necessarily take much money. Because I don’t always want to be thinking about business goals

This may sound crazy – or you might relate. Right now I have a drawer in my bathroom full of skin care products I don’t use twice a day because then I’d run out. I’m stingy with the eye cream and the neck cream. I own ‘em but don’t always use ‘em. Same thing with vitamins. I have a drawer full in the kitchen but rarely take ‘em because then I might run out.

Are you stingy with yourself? Whether it’s healthy food because you think they’re more expensive or anything else that would make you feel better.

I decided to stop doing that. I’ll take my vitamins, use my skin care stuff and wear my cashmere sweater and a nice pair of earrings – even if it’s with my jeans on a Monday afternoon when I’m not going anywhere.

What are a few things you can do to make yourself feel a more luxurious and successful?

* Keep your closets organized and orderly so it’s easy to choose your clothes for the day
* Paint the wall behind your bed in a deep, rich color like red
* Buy thirsty, luxurious, Egyptian cotton towels. I got mine on sale for half off 15 years ago and I still use them almost daily. A real bargain.
* Don’t leave the house without looking in the mirror to make sure you’re presentable. Brush hair, lip gloss, clothes clean – just the basics go a long way
* Find a brand of stain remover product that works. I’m not an Amway distributor but I use their laundry products because they save my clothes which saves me money.
* Anything stained or torn that can’t be fixed – get rid of it.
* Remove anything from your closet that doesn’t fit or make you feel good. I did this a few months ago and it’s great to go to a closet where everything fits. Give it away or box it up and put it in storage.
* Use your good dishes and wine glasses – even if you’re just drinking orange juice
* Buy organic tea and drink it from a beautiful cup or mug
* Make your bedroom a sanctuary with cozy, flannel sheets for winter
* Even if you work at home dress as if you have a business meeting. Studies show home-based workers perform better when they dress better.
* Wear sexy heels, even if they’re boots with heels in winter to make you feel more feminine.
* Even if you’ve been married for years treat your husband like you did when you were engaged and madly in love – it’ll encourage him to do the same
* Give everyone else in the household a few assigned jobs (age appropriate for kids) that are their responsibility all the time.
* Take a bath with your favorite bubble bath, candles and soothing music
* Keep your purse well-organized so you don’t have to fish for your keys, cell phone or driver’s license
* Gradually replace ugly things in your home with beautiful things. Wait for sales and replace things (especially in the kitchen) that are chipped, cracked, yellowed and just plain ugly. When you surround yourself with beauty – life is a little better.

This list may seem funny in a blog about marketing, business and success. However, success is about the journey of life and enjoying it along the way. Because, if you don’t take the time to cherish what you’ve attained so far how will you ever believe in the possibility of tomorrow? By giving yourself little luxuries here and there when you’re money catches up with your goals you’ll know how great it feels to pamper your own inner princess.

To find out about my exciting workshop coming up Monday November 2nd click here. Also, make sure you sign up for my free marketing and empowerment tips by clicking here.

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