Archive for the ‘Where's Denise?’ Category

Do You Feel a Digital Smackdown Coming On?

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

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

Okay, I get it. I really do. All this digital media is about more and more cool ways to stay in touch.

But does it?

Every morning when I get up I have to flip on my ‘puter and check three email addresses. I’m constantly checking Facebook and Twitter and my other social media portals. Oh, and don’t forget text messages and two telephone lines. My husband has two more phone lines.

On Tuesday, I went to a networking luncheon and someone asked me, “Did you get my email?”

I replied, “When did you send it? I’ve been away from my laptop since about 7:30 this morning.”

“I sent it about 8:30 am,” he said. I could tell he was mildly annoyed.

Last week I left the house for an early morning meeting and afterward, I realized I left my cell phone at home on the charger. I was across town and I had a meeting in that neck of the woods in the afternoon. So, I got my car washed, did some shopping for the holidays – and was blissfully uninterrupted by my cell phone for a few hours. I got home about 3:00 pm and as I’m putting the key in the lock my neighbor comes over to me and asks, “Denise, are you okay?”

I said, “Sure, I’m fine. Why?”

“Well, because Ernie (he was out of town on business) has been trying to get ahold of you all day and he’s worried sick maybe you’re not okay or something is wrong,” she replied.

So, I called when I got in the house. He’d tried to call me last night too after I’d fallen off to sleep and I just hadn’t checked the phone in the morning. “I’m fine,” I sighed to my adoring husband. Just needed to unplug from it all for a few hours.

This week I went to a breakfast networking meeting. You’re supposed to chat, talk and build relationships on which you might be able to do business with some people in the future. Everyone around me or across me was texting or checking their I-phone while eggs and hash browns were being served. Seems like people have angst about disconnecting for even a few minutes.

Ernie and I went to see a movie today and there were three commercials before the movie about silencing your cell phone and not texting.

Two weeks ago I gave a seminar and at one point I had to tell a woman to stop texting and turn off her phone.

I mean, c’mon. How are we supposed to be connected and learn new things right where we’re at if we’re constantly checking communications (often mindless) from someone in another place? How can you enjoy a movie and get lost in the story if you’re constantly letting yourself get interrupted. How can you ever relax and chill if we’re constantly “on?”

Just because we can be plugged in all the time now – does it really mean it’s a good idea? Just because we have the ability to constantly be online – does it really mean we should?

I think there’s a digital smackdown coming. Or, at least a rebellion.

I was listening to public radio in my car and there was a story about what they termed a “return to slow media.” That mean they used to phone (no texting), watched television now and then – and that’s about it. What they noticed was a refreshed calm they hadn’t felt in years and their relationships began to take on a new meaning and richness they missed when going back and forth with texts and tweets.

I’d love to try it. But I’m too chicken to unplug.

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A Triumph for 35 Women Business Owners

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

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

The most fun part of putting on a workshop is seeing the lights go on in the eyes of the participants. My job is to not just educate them – but also to entertain them and keep them wanting to listen for a full day. These are women who are dedicated to enjoy success. The kind of women who are willing to acknowledge maybe there’s something I can learn. I know they need more confidence. Maybe there are things I need to learn and do differently if I want to get a different result. I also know they need that cause and effect link between our personal selves and our business selves that results in a better outcome.

I woke up in the morning feeling both excited and calm and I think I stayed that way all day long. I had so much fun sharing “Testosterone-Free Marketing” with the attendees and my strategies to help customers happily say “yes.” The great thing about this workshop is that the attendees walk away not just with an attitude adjustment in terms of their self esteem – they also get hand on tools they can go out and use immediately.

People buy based on emotion – and then the back it up with logic.

One of the parts I love is when I ask people to share their insights, ah-has and light bulb moments. A woman who was asking all the right questions of her sales prospects – except she wasn’t asking for the sale. A woman realized how easy it was to sell when she was working for a big corporations – but once she was out on her own – everything changed. Another woman who realized as a life coach that she was doing everything wrong – because she was following the recommendations of the coaching institution where she got her training. There were major a-has for every person in the room.

I get so enthusiastic when I do an event like this – I just want to do another.

But it’ll be a few months from now – the holidays are coming soon. So I’ll probably do another workshop in February or March of 2010. Gotta check out the dates. Also, it’s probably going to be a 2.5 day event – not just one day. So that means people flying in from all over. Fun, fun, fun!!

The testimonials are already starting to come in:

“I do a lot of one-on-one meetings with prospective clients for my business so the most powerful tool I got from your workshop was how to use your Five Magic Questions to close more sales with ease. It became crystal clear to me how much money I’ve been leaving on the table. I also needed a way to tell my story so it’s succinct and emotionally compelling. You shared a perfect way to do that, too. I helped by handing out flyers about the workshop because I loved your book. Now that I’ve actually attended your workshop, I’m going to insist more women take it. I was amazed how some women felt they weren’t “ready” yet. Every woman business owner needs ‘How to Make Customers Happily say YES!’”

Liz Nitta
The Nitta Way

“Before attending Denise’s workshop I thought I had to discount my prices. I was undercharging and hurting myself. Also, I was marketing what I thought clients might want – I wasn’t marketing my passion for empowering women with their personal fashion. I discovered the more my fees are in alignment, the more value I create. I don’t have to be the “nice girl” giving stuff away hoping to get business with freebies. I also learned how to attract more ideal clients who will want to pay for my passion and knowledge. In just one day after attending your workshop I know who my ideal client is – people who will happily pay me what I’m worth. Now more than ever, if you think you have to discount, if you don’t have as many ideal clients you want, get to Denise’s next “How to Make Customers Happily say YES!” workshop. The price of NOT attending is way too high.”

Stephanie Ann Vehon
Image Empowering

“My marketing challenge before experiencing Denise Michaels’ workshop is that I love what I do and I’m good at it, but, I wasn’t happy with the number of people enrolled at my workshops. At her “How to Make Customers Happily say YES!” workshop, I discovered it was time to get out of my own way and stop talking about my workshop. Instead, focus on the needs, emotions and concerns of prospective attendees. Duh! It wasn’t rocket science but with Denise’s help I finally understood how I can help attendees and clients on a deeper level than ever.

Using Denise’s Five Magic Questions, I now stay on track. I’m focused on their concerns and how my workshop can help them get more of what they want. It’s simple and powerful. Any woman business owner who wants more people happily saying yes – don’t miss out. Reserve your space for Denise’s next workshop NOW! She uses life experience, humor, a shoot-from-the-hip style and her amazing marketing skills to empower and inform.”

Joy Huntsman
Joy & Associates

“I thought I was on top of it when it comes to marketing. However, I realized I knew what I liked but was clueless when it comes to understanding what my customers liked. Denise Michaels’ “How to Make Customers Happily say YES!” workshop forced me to question my beliefs about marketing. It was an intense experience because I was riveted learning how our belief systems impact our buying decisions. And her Five Magic Questions truly are magical to get better results closing the sale. It’s amazing when you finally get what we think is going on and what’s really going on. The workshop shook my foundation – in a good way. Now my business will be more successful than ever before.”

Talette Deitrick
Connections 2 Cruise

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Tuesday Might be a Challenging Day for Me

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

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

It’s after 10:00 pm on Monday night as I type this. All day long I’ve felt like I’m coming down with something. I don’t know if it’s a cold or H1N1. Earlier I had a headache and my neck and shoulders were sore. Now, I just feel sniffly and a little achy all over. I’ve been plopping Airborne tablets into glasses of water and sucking down zinc lozenges.

I have a very busy day Tuesday. A speaking engagement at 7:30 am (gotta be perky!) a networking luncheon and two afternoon meetings – one with a client and t’other with a prospective client.

I don’t usually write about this stuff but I think it’s a great example of how entrepreneurs hang in there – we perservere. Even when we’d rather crawl into bed and pull up the covers. It’s on days like that – you have to keep in mind the importance of your mission – or thank your lucky stars that as a woman, home-based business owner you don’t have to call a boss to call in sick. You can crawl under the covers if you really want to – but if possible – you’d rather not.

I know I work tons harder than I ever would working for someone else. I’m a tough boss.

What about you? Are you a tougher boss on yourself or do you use self-employment as a great reason to go easy on yourself?

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How I Met My Wonderful Husband Ernie

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

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

Meeting Ernie was like the end of a journey. After nothing but lousy relationships I finally met the right man for me. If you’ve had challenges with love or are happily in love – you might enjoy my story.

It was Saturday August 2nd 1997 and I was excited. I’d just bought a computer and gotten online for the first time a few days ago. I’d heard there was a lot of information online about singles. It wasn’t fast or easy back in the dial-up days, but I was curious.

When I saw an announcement for a singles beach picnic that weekend in Orange County about an hour away, I decided to go. After all, it wasn’t a smoky, meat market bar. As I was driving there I felt an amazing sense of anticipation and expectation that something great was about to happen. I tried to calm myself, but it persisted.

I found Dana Point State Park and walked for half an hour before locating the group. Things were just getting started and naturally there were more women than men in attendance. If nothing else it would be a beautiful afternoon on the beach.

After an hour I heard a male voice in an accent I didn’t recognize. I turned and saw a pair of nicely muscled, brown, male legs. All the women were saying, “Hi Ernie! How you doing, Ernie?” He chirped back, “Helloooooo!”

I stood up and joined a cluster of women talking with this man. He had brown skin, but wasn’t African American. I nudged the woman next to me and whispered, “Introduce me, would you?” She did and he smiled hello. His smile melted my heart. Our eyes locked on each other through the gaggle of feminine conversation around us.

All I could think was, “How do I get him away from this crowd and talk alone with him. I said, “Who wants to go swimming?” I hoped he would take the hint and say “yes” and the other women wouldn’t want to bother getting their hair wet.

“I’ll go swimming with you,” he said, not missing a beat. The other women dropped away.

We walked about knee deep into the water. There was an instant attraction different from anything I’d ever felt. I don’t remember too much about the specifics of the conversation – it was many years ago. I remember him asking questions about my education, my religious faith and my family. I remember him saying he was born in India and he came to America after high school. I was 39 and he was 51.

I suggested we walk down the beach at the edge of the water. We walked a couple miles along the wet sand. On the way back he took my hand in his. A lifetime of all the wrong men and the wrong relationships fell away – I was home.

We returned to the group and it was dusk. The guys built a bonfire to light the evening and cook hot dogs and marshmallows. Ernie never left my side that evening. I think our knees touched lightly as we sat on a blanket.

We talked with others and enjoyed the laughter and kidding all around as the night sky grew dark. But it was clear to everyone we were connected as a couple.

I got up and walked down to the water’s edge, wanting to etch this perfect moment in my mind forever. I knew he was the one for me and we hadn’t even kissed yet. In the indigo sky on a sultry August evening, a sliver of moon and a few stars hung in the sky. I felt overwhelmed and just whispered a “thank you” of gratitude to the heavens.

We’ve been crazy in love together ever since. And his smile still melts my heart.

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Come to Vegas – get No-fluff Marketing Magic

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

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

Maybe you’ve been reading my blog for awhile now. Maybe you know me from when I used to be a trainer and mentor for a mega-bestselling author and seminar guy. Maybe you’re a previous marketing mentoring client. Or, maybe you’ve never heard of me before.

It doesn’t matter. If you’re a woman, home-based business owner and you really want to discover the secrets to take your business to the next level – but do it your way – without all the testosterone – come to Las Vegas and discover how to:

* Attract ideal customers who pay on time and are a pleasure to deal with
* Get them to happily say “Yes!” and know you’re aligned with them and have their best interests at heart
* Do business with people you like – so you don’t waste time on customers who are a pain
* Create a plan to help you easily draw in more people who want to and DO say “yes” to you
* Discover why you’ve held back from success and how to get the word out in a woman friendly way

… and much more.

My “No-fluff Testosterone-Free Marketing Magic Workshop” is being held Monday November 2nd in Las Vegas from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Get to Las Vegas. Attend the workshop and get more great ideas that’ll work for you as a woman business-owner than you ever imagined. Average temperatures for Las Vegas the first week of November are sunny and in the high 60 degree to low 70 degree range, Farenheit. Share your travel expenses with a girlfriend whose also a business owner and attend together. I just checked on Expedia.com and the hotel where the workshop will be held has a special rate of just $49 Sunday and Monday nights.

I’ll be presenting. The event will be limited to just 35 attendees. It’s small and intimate – so check into it now. Plus, there’s an Early Bird Discount right now that you don’t want to miss out on. For more information and to register click on the link at the top of the page that says, “Denise’s Events.”

I’d love to meet you in Las Vegas and help you enjoy the rest of 2009 and 2010!!! *smile*

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Your Tips Appreciated on THIS One!

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

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

Okay, this is a weird one. Today at lunch I’m speaking in front of the Rotary Club of Las Vegas. When I was asked a couple months ago I jumped at the chance. Rotary is considered a pretty Class A group of business leaders in any city.

Usually when I speak in front of a group – it’s mostly women: most recently a Divisional meeting for Lia Sophia reps – sort of like a Mary Kay for jewelry. But I’ve also given talks for Mary Kay, Beauti-Control, Tupperware and others.

So, like I said, I jumped at the chance. Then after the date was all set I discovered that 80 percent of this group will be men and the other 20 percent will be women. Alrighty then… So my message is about “testosterone-free” marketing and these kind of guys are about testosterone-heavy, competitive, damn the torpedoes and eliminate the competition. Women are about building relationships and creating ways we have things in common and don’t want to eliminate anyone.

I teach women how to avoid all that testosterone-heavy stuff and still succeed. This kind of audience embraces all that testosterone-heavy stuff.

What to do… got any thoughts about this?

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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Offline Marketing and Running Around Today

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

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

Yesterday I told someone, I’ll be busy and mostly out of the house from 6:30 am until 9:00 pm on Thursday. It’s true. Every now and then I have a day that’s mostly about marketing my business and getting the word out to other women, home-based business owners here in Las Vegas. I’ll be sneaking online to post something every now and then – but I’m guessing I’ll put a few miles on my car driving around. Here’s what it’ll look like to be living my schedule today. *wink*

Gotta leave the house at 6:30 am to go to a networking breakfast meeting at 7:00 am at the Omelette House. What I like about this group is it seems to be filled with people who are dedicated business owners, they’ve given me referrals and the person in charge is very involved with feeding the homeless and giving back in wonderful ways. I’m going to take some flyers for my workshop coming up November 2nd (see Denise’s Events) with me.

Next I have a coffee meeting with a woman who’ll be at the breakfast. She’s in a network marketing organization and I want to talk with her about the possibility of having me speak to the women distributors in her group. I think she’ll probably want to talk with me about her business opportunity – but I have far too much on my plate to take on something totally different and removed from my brand. I’m very focused that way. (I’ll write about that in a future post.)

Next I have an 11:00 am meeting with a computer programmer. He’s building a website for a networking group. I offered to write the copy if I can get some recognition on the site and free advertising (sort of a business card size ad). Since I have a tendency to be a little verbose (you noticed! *wink*), I want to see what he’s created so my copy fits in the spaces he has in mind for the pages.

After that on my schedule, I have a 1:15 pm lunch with a woman whose Managing Editor of a magazine. She’s looking for writers with articles of interest to women over 50. I gave her a business card a few weeks ago and told her I have lots of articles and she contacted me inviting me to lunch. We’re going to “Brio,” a lovely Italian place. Since most magazine editors usually have a “don’t call us – we’ll call you” attitude, I’m thinking she’s got something more up her sleeve. We’ll see.

Looking at my calendar, I have a meeting (at home on Skype) with a client in New Zealand at 5:00 pm next. It’ll be noon on Friday for her in Auckland. I’ve helped her with several marketing projects over the last three years. She’s passionate about starting a school for economically disadvantaged girls and she’s asked me to help her in constructing a business plan to get capital from investors.

Last, Ernie and I are going to go to the Greek Festival that happens once a year here in Las Vegas. I love Greek food, culture and went to Greece quite a few years ago. A good Gyro, Saganaki or Moussakah when I’m hungry will always make me smile. It’ll be like sort of a date for us. Chances are I’ll toss a few copies of my book and business cards in my purse before we go. You never know who you might meet.

I’m sure by the time it’s all over with I’ll feel a little brain-dead and ready to hit the hay. My intention is that the day will move energy forward in a positive way. And when you do that – it eventually comes back around in positive ways. I’m not planning on perfection – but progress. Hope you are having a thrilling Thursday, too. *smile*

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No-fluff Marketing Magic for Women Workshop

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

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

I’m really excited. This has all just started coming together in the last few days – but I’m thrilled to share with you that I’m going to be conducting a really great workshop on Monday November 2nd, her in Las Vegas.

I’m 100 percent confident when you walk away you’ll see your business and your role in it in a totally different way. You’ll get insights and ahas – that will blow you away and you’ll finally say, “Wow! I can really DO this!!”

It’s not just because I give you step-by-step instructions. It’s also because my aim is to open you up to understand why marketing must be a testosterone-free endeavor for most women. And chances are so far you’ve only been bombarded by testosterone-heavy marketing. It was designed by and for men.

Let’s be honest – marketing and selling is all about:
* Good communication skills
* Good relationship building skills
* Good problem-solving skills

… and men and women do these things in totally different ways.

You never have to put up with feeling like you’re pushy, manipulative or too forward to be successful anymore. Yes, you absolutely can do it – starting now…

Go to http://denisemichaels.com/events/ or click on the little, tiny link at the top of this page that says “Events” for more information, the workshop fee and how to register.

I’d love to have you there so you benefit from what I know.

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Offline Marketing Today – Out and About

Friday, September 11th, 2009

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

I’m always bouncing back and forth between working online and offline to bring attention to my message and gain more people interested in my message and what I do.

Today is an offline day – It’s 6:53 am and in five minutes I need to jump in the shower and get ready to drive across town for a networking breakfast. It’s a long way to go -but it’s a really great meeting and a lot of people have purchased my book and taken an interest in my Testosterone-Free Marketing message. It’s with a group I joined a few months ago called Defining Women Network*. Empowering, fun and they really do business with each other.

Then, I have two meetings at the brand new “M” resort – a gorgeous place. They have a huge lobby area that overlooks the pool and a few miles away you can see the legendary Las Vegas strip. It’s far enough away from the ubiquitious casinos we have out here that you don’t hear the clanging bells that are part of the casino scene.

It’s elegant and lovely in a clean, modern, zen kind of way – I’m going to wrap up my laptop and take it with me and work there for awhile. My guess is they won’t have wifi access – but I have a writing project I need to complete for a client – so I can do that offline. I crave opportunities to work in lovely, elegant settings. I like my office at home – just painted it and redecorated a few weeks ago. But in comparison this space is opulent. It inspires me and encourages me to think abundant thoughts and ideas. I encourage you to find ways to work in lovely settings outside of your office to inspire you. Then, I’ll bounce back home before the rush hour starts.

The meetings are sort of “getting to know you” kind of meetings – but I’m hoping one of the two will become a marketing mentoring client.

Have a great day yourself – whatever you’re doing. Holy cow – I’ve got 15 minutes to shower, get dressed, put on makeup and get out the door. Gotta fly!

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.

PS: Defining Women has seven groups in the Las Vegas area and one in Salem OR – if you’d like more info go to http://www.DefiningWomenNetwork.com

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