Do You Care about Increasing Cash Flow in Your Business?
Published October 25, 2009 | 
By Denise Michaels
I used to attend a women’s business networking group where the social aspect was the most important thing and doing business was way down on the list. Even though their mission statement said they were committed to business. It wasn’t a group getting together for martini’s or margueritas at the end of the day. This group of 25-30 women business owners arrived once a week at 7:00 am for breakfast and they all acted like business didn’t matter much.
Doesn’t that seem a little weird?
Coming across as if you care about business and making a fair and abundant income for what you do is considered crass and icky by many women in what seems like all age groups. It’s as if it’s just supposed to happen – without asking or saying anything. These are the same women who privately fret over their bills because they don’t have enough money to cover everything. It’s almost as if somewhere in their subconscious they want someone to step in and handle it all. Write them a check to cover the shortage every month and just say, “It’s okay, honey. I know it’s tough out there. I’ll take care of you so you can go play and not worry about those nasty ol’ bills.”
A sugar Daddy – but no one calls it that because that would mean we’re golddiggers. None of us wants to be perceived as caring much about money, or, having a relationship about money. We just want it all to magically be taken care of without having to ask. That’s what husbands used to do.
Remember when Princess Diana died? It was August of 1997. There was a massive outpouring of grief and tears worldwide by women that totally eclipsed the death of any other celebrity. The funeral was watched by over a billion people around the globe. What was that about?
Many women saw in Diana a beautiful, caring woman who represented our desires for Camelot and Prince Charming. Someone to take care of everything and make it all better. Even after she and the Prince divorced, she didn’t have him but she still had money, the elegant estate, the gorgeous gowns and the worldwide stature as a Princess and everything that implies. When she died the hope for a handsome man swooping in on a white horse and saving us from all the headaches of “the real world” died, too. That’s where I believe a lot of the tears came from.
We really gotta get over our immaturity over money and making money.
I’m not suggesting we become money-grubbing and take advantage of customers. That’s a sure way to be unhappy and go out of business. I’m suggesting women charge what they’re worth instead of under-cutting themselves because they don’t feel “worthy” of as much money as others, or, because they want to “be nice.” Which usually translates into, “I don’t want to market myself and I hope by seriously undercutting my prices I won’t have to.”
Except this “strategy” boomerangs. People don’t think people cut prices to be nice. They figure, “Gee, she’s probably not as good.”
Same thing when it comes to asking for the sale. Many women won’t ask. They keep hoping customers will say, “Okay, I’ll take two.” Or, they ask in such a hesistant way customers sense their hesitation and back off.
We really gotta get over it.
A lot of other women say they do their business for fun. If a person doesn’t need money there are so many amazing things you can do for fun: travel, write a book, volunteer, go to the gym and work out, get involved in your community politically, enjoy hobbies, crafts, learn to be a gourmet cook, play tennis or golf, play with children and grandchildren. When did business become an outlet for “fun” for women and not about making money? A lot of women aren’t being honest or fair with themselves and others.
Yes, there can be many satisfying aspects to owning a business for women. And there should be. But not caring about making money? The purpose of a business is to make money. That’s the primary purpose. If you’re not making money you don’t have a business – you have an expensive hobby.
Isn’t it time we grow up and get over it? Isn’t it time we stop kidding ourselves, hoping some mythical figure on a white horse will swoop in and make it better so we can keep not caring?
We really gotta get over it.
Posted in A-has for Women | 
Adventurous Women, business, Denise Michaels, money, owner | 
Leave a commentSpinning in the World of Ideas
Published October 16, 2009 | By Denise Michaels, Author, ‘Testosterone-Free Marketing”
When you wear all the hats in a business – as most of us women, home-based business owners do – it’s easy to get caught up in a web of multi-tasking and being scattered with no clear focus from day to day. In a single day you can be handling marketing, operations, administrative and a myriad of tasks within those categories. To say nothing of putting clothes in the dryer, figuring out what to make for dinner, worrying about your third grader’s math homework and more.
I wrote an entire chapter in my book about the issues women business owners are challenged with regarding our focus and how multi-tasking can really be a mixed blessing.
Here’s what I think happens: when you become an entrepreneur it becomes easy to get caught up “spinning in the world of ideas” as I call it. So many opportunities and so little time. You can have a blast talking and thinking about all these cool ideas and how much money you can make with ‘em all. But you have to finally dig your heels in and get going with one (and keep going) to make money, right? Seems pretty simple so far – ahhhhh, but the plot thickens. *smile*
Here’s the challenge: while you’re spinning in the world of ideas – you’re not getting anything done. Nothing is being completed. Why would a person DO that when you don’t get paid in business until you complete things? The reason I believe so many women do it? Well, at the root of this “spinning,” researching and checking everything out – is that it means you get to avoid rejection because you haven’t made a commitment and jumped in to anything yet.
The minute you actually “put something out there” the rubber hits the road. You’re honestly faced with whether it will be a smashing success or a bomb. And for a lot of people that’s scary. Spinning is more fun and there’s no fear or risk attached to those activities compared to marketing activities which get you out there.
Here’s the funny thing: by “spinning” our subconscious mind believes it’s protecting us from rejection. However, over the long run it can mess with your sense of self confidence. How? Because after awhile you look back at all that time and effort and realize, geez it’s been six months (or a year or two years) and what do I have to show for that effort? All that spinning?
If you keep spinning and don’t step out – chances are you don’t have much to show for it. You’ve been busy – but you haven’t achieved anything, because you’ve been focused on spinning not on achieving.
For a lot of people it makes them feel like a failure and this can pull your self confidence down. But the truth is people who keep spinning have actually very successful – at avoiding rejection.
So, if you’re goal is to avoid rejection – keep spinning.
If you’re goal is to have a successful business and generate cash flow – start figuring out how to get beyond your comfort zone (I know a great marketing mentor who helps with that *wink* AND your strategy) and start bringing in some real paying customers and clients.
There are solutions to spinning in the world of ideas: mostly they have to do with facing up to the fact that what you put out there might succeed or it might fail. Making different conscious choices and excepting the reality that the outcome could go either way – and it doesn’t make you a good person or a bad person either way. But by taking that leap of faith – you’re making forward progress moving energy and creating momentum. And THAT feels great.
Discover more about Denise at Empower U Academy and Mentoring with Denise. And if you’re going to be in Las Vegas on Monday November 2nd come to my “No-fluff, Testosterone-Free Marketing Magic Workshop.” Click here for more information and to register today.
Denise’s Four Powerful Marketing Rules
Published October 10, 2009 | By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”
These simple marketing rules were written with women home-based business owners in mind. Whether you’re marketing a product, a service or a business opportunity they all hold true and these rules can help you enjoy greater results and more cash flow in your business. Here goes:
1. A confused mind always says, “no.”
This means if there is ANYthing about your product, service or business opportunity that your prospective customer doesn’t get – they’ll say “no.” It could be a feature or a benefit – but it also could be just one single word or a phrase. Strive for clarity. Say things so your message resonates with them in a way that’s clear and understandable. To get results – marketing should never be about you – it should be about what’s clear and compelling to your ideal customers. If they don’t “get” a word, a term or a feature – you’re outta there. Marketing communications or a sales pitches most of the time should be communicated at an 8th grade level or less. And don’t use jargon unless you’re 100% sure your meaning will be understood.
2. People have to need it, want it and be willing to pay for it to be your customer.
Often I see home-based business owners with a great product or service, however they offer it to the wrong people. Maybe they’re intimidated when they think about approaching the right people. Maybe they believe they can convince the wrong people to buy what they have. Nope. Sorry. I learned from a very savvy business woman and bestselling author that, “If you think everyone is your customer – no one will be your customer.” Be more picky about who you do business with. Don’t go after the people who love it but never have any money – go after the customers who need it, want it and are willing to pay for it.
3. Stop spending your time and energy trying to impress others. Instead, spend your time and energy being impressed with others.
What does this mean? Well, if you ever go to networking meetings and events there’s a very good chance you try hard to impress people with who you are and what you do. You dress your best, figure out you’re elevator speech. These aren’t bad things – but it barely scratches the surface. Instead, when you take a genuine interest in others and ask questions – they will be impressed with you! So turn it around and stop worrying if you’re having a bad hair day or you have lipstick on your teeth.
4. People buy based on emotion and they back it up with logic.
You may have never thought about this before but politics is all about marketing. The candidate who leads with his resume and why he or she is the most experienced and qualified person for the job usually goes down on election day. In contrast the candidate who has an emotionally compelling message that goes straight to the heart and then backs it up with his or her qualifications is more likely to captivate voters. You may have never thought about it but chances are you have an emotionally compelling story that will catapult customers to your side when you back it up with features and benefits they like. Use your story.
These four simple marketing rules are just a start. If you truly take them to heart they will help you to get greater results with prospective customers and more happy “yes” answers from customers. Working with a marketing mentor can help you discover customized ways to leverage these four simple marketing rules so they work amazingly well in your business and you enjoy more success.
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
Three Positive Economic News Headlines
Published October 9, 2009 | All three of the headlines below were released Thursday October 8th, 2009. This is good news for women business owners who focus on success as we go into the final stretch of 2009 and look to next year.
1) NEW YORK — The stock market resumed its rally after getting encouraging readings on two of the best gauges of the economy’s health: consumer spending and corporate profits.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 61 points Thursday after falling modestly the day before. The gains added to the market’s already steep climb for the week. Improving signals about the economy pushed the Dow up 244 points Monday and Tuesday, its best back-to-back advance since July.
Traders pounced on news that retailers last month had their first sales gains in more than a year. A closely watched gauge of sales at major retailers rose 0.1 percent for September. While still tepid, it was the first monthly rise in the International Council of Shopping Centers-Goldman Sachs tally since July 2008.
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2) WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of newly laid-off Americans filing first-time claims for jobless benefits fell to the lowest level since early January, as layoffs eased a bit amid a fledgling economic recovery.
The fourth drop in new claims in five weeks is a sign the labor market is slowly healing. But employers are reluctant to hire new workers and the unemployment rate is expected to keep climbing well into next year.
The Labor Department said Thursday that new claims for unemployment insurance dropped last week to a seasonally adjusted 521,000, better than analysts expected and down from 554,000 the previous week.
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3) NEW YORK (AP) – The nation’s stores saw their first sales gain in 14 months in September, a sign of life from shoppers that fuels some hope for the holiday shopping season.
A late Labor Day and delayed school openings helped boost back-to-school sales in September. And stores’ figures are looking better as they are compared last September when spending plummeted amid the ballooning financial meltdown.
But analysts dissecting the figures say they feel encouraged by Thursday’s reports even as they acknowledge that business still remains weak and consumers tight-fisted.
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
Posted in Uncategorized | Adventurous Women, business, focus, market, owner, sales, success | Leave a commentWhy Men are “Out There” About Their Businesses
Published October 8, 2009 | By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”
A lot of women, home-based business owners tell me they don’t “get” marketing and how it works. After all marketing is a universe most of us are totally unfamiliar with. We want to get everything right, and, we’re less likely to shoot from the hip compared to men. Well, I can’t clear up all the differences in one brief article, but I can help you become more clear about how and when you talk about your business with others.
One of my friends was working with a male colleague who was going to help her develop a marketing plan. Suddenly the marketing plan he promised slipped through the cracks. He told her he didn’t have time to do it after all. He was starting a new business and anticipated hiring 20 new employees by the end of the year.
Naturally she was disappointed but she was even more turned off by his posturing that he was “so important” and going to create a pretty significant business in such a short time. She thought it sounded like a typical male full of bravado, big promises and hot air. She told me she’d never say such overly-confident things until she was actually hiring people.
I told her when men do this they’re project outward. It’s natural for them but it doesn’t come as naturally for women. Very often men tend to make things up based on what they want to happen – not necessarily what has happened. Sure, they may do the math first. However, they might assume they’ll get the capital to hire those people before they have it in hand. They assume big clients will come through or getting capital will be a slam dunk. They have positive expectations and talk about ‘em – because it attracts more people with positive expectations. They may have sat down and thought it out just like you. Creating a business and a marketing strategy takes a lot of educated guesses, talking and sharing with others. But no one really knows for certain. They’re flying by the seat of their pants. It’s like jumping off a cliff and building a parachute on the way down.
Women on the other hand tend to not say a word until their plan and resources are totally nailed down and in place. We hold things closer to the vest. We tend to wait and hold back taking a more reluctant stance toward risk-taking. It’s not as natural for us to project outward. We don’t move as much energy out beyond us.
There’s nothing wrong with a little well-placed bravado. Certainly not if our intentions are to create a dynamic, profitable business. The wrong people might be turned off. However, the right people are likely to attracted to others who are passionate about their vision. When business owners project outward and share what they want with others – they’re actually more likely to attract it to them by saying it over and over. Moving energy. In some ways business and marketing are a make it up as you go along proposition.
In contrast, I’ve discovered many women feel they must have all their ducks in a row and everything done and in perfect order before saying anything or getting started. They are afraid someone might shoot them down immediately. My former husband used to say, “It’s better to be quiet and be thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt.” He was not a business owner.
Some women feel incorporating ideas and suggestions from others doesn’t “count” unless they dig up the information themselves. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You don’t have to discover everything yourself without help. Men use good ideas where they find them. Networking is about more than meeting potential customers. It’s about meeting people who might help you solve problems and refer you to others.
On the surface it may sound like a good idea to be 110% sure before speaking up about what you want to create in your business. In reality when you stay silent you’re not moving energy, building momentum or attracting people, ideas and resources to you. Start talking excitedly and passionately with people about your vision for your business. Share with them your intention. Tell others what you need in the way of support and resources. When you share it, you’ll be amazed and happy how many great ideas, resources, solutions and people will come back to you.
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
Posted in A-has for Women | Adventurous Women, business, confident, Denise Michaels, home-based, marketing, testosterone-free, woman | 2 CommentsPost-feminist Woman – like Her or Hate Her?
Published October 7, 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
Posted in Confidence for U | Adventurous Women, business, competition, Denise Michaels, empowered, empowering, testosterone-free, woman | 2 CommentsDo Your Lack of Marketing and Selling Skills Hold You Back?
Published October 2, 2009 | By Denise Michaels, Author “Testosterone-Free Marketing”
Does the thought of marketing your business drive you to chocolate? If “getting the word out” makes you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. After coaching over 1,400 men and women the last eight years I’ve discovered big differences between the genders and how we handle marketing challenges.
Women Owned Businesses: An Emerging Economic Powerhouse
Did you know women are starting businesses at 2-4 times the rate of men? Women-owned businesses employ more people than the Fortune 500 combined.
My book, “Testosterone-Free Marketing” is about why marketing and sales make many women uneasy and what they can do about it to enjoy more success and put more profits in your purse.
Many women can’t relate to pushy sales and marketing tactics found in most marketing books, tapes and seminars. It just doesn’t feel like us – so we avoid it. We hate being pushy. It’s testosterone-heavy. We’re about relationship building and letting others come to us rather than pushing ourselves upon them. So you tend to wait for others to initiate a purchase. This is especially true for women raised to not “toot their own horn.” You may have tried to sell by just being friendly and being interested in others – and that’s a good thing. But it doesn’t quite work either.
Talented Women at the Crossroads of Success
Susan had a delightful personality and was a distributor for a network marketing company that made some amazing products to improve and maintain good health. She had a terrific experience with the products herself. And, she was comfortable signing up people who she believed would benefit. But to create a business that would generate full-time income she knew she must recruit business builders. Those are the big-time MLM heavy weights that have incredible abilities to build an organization. She asked, “Why would they possibly be interested in me?”
She stayed inside her comfort zone by only approaching people that she could secretly feel a little better than. She wasn’t threatened or intimidated. However, in this instance these people would use the products but there wasn’t a chance they were going to build their own organizations – and that didn’t help Susan’s monthly check very much.
I told her we all have something of value to offer others even if it’s not as easy to see on the surface as being beautiful or being rich. Your uniqueness is the reason people will want to do business with you. If you feel inadequate when you compare yourself with others, it’s not a business problem – it’s a self-confidence challenge.
Nurturing Women Can Have Abundant Cash Flow, Too
Women often bring to home-based businesses the same nesting, nurturing characteristics as at home. They also bring expertise about their products and services. Marketing and sales is out of their comfort zone. But “product knowledge” will not help most women sell more and create cash flow. Marketing and selling skills are necessary even if we do it far differently from the men.
Marketing is about drawing people in toward what you do. Selling is asking for what you want. You can’t wait for customers to approach you like you waited for the cute boy in high school History class to call for a date. Yet countless women business owners do. “Testosterone-Free Marketing” is about helping you discover woman –friendly ways to market and sell so you have more fun, feel more confident and make a lot more money.
Business will come to you, when you let the world know you are here, you are competent and you are ready for business. When you discover these keys, your cash flow will soar and your self-confidence will grow.
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
Ten Tips to Have a Great Mentoring Relationship
Published October 1, 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.
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Posted in Confidence for U | Adventurous Women, business, Denise Michaels, marketing, mentoring, testosterone-free | 3 CommentsHow to Make News Work for Your Business (Part 1)
Published September 28, 2009 | By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”
You’re busy. You don’t have a lot of time for news. However, as a woman, home-based business owner out in the world, it’s probably a good strategy to keep up with what’s happening. Then there’s all that negativity in the news. Who needs all the dire predictions of increased terror alerts and another murder weighing you down?
This two part article provides a few smart guidelines for slightly overwhelmed women business owners to keep up with news without getting caught up in it. Maybe you can even benefit from it. Hopefully, I have some useful knowledge for the task. Journalism was one of my majors in college (Marketing was the other).
If you’re over 40 it may be hard to remember a day when we didn’t have so much TV news. There was a half hour in the morning. A half hour at noon. A half hour at dinner time. And a half hour at 11:00 pm. That’s it. I remember when NBC’s The Today Show was one hour – now it’s four hours. It’s crazy.
Traditional news as an industry is going through massive change. It’s not just in the last year with the economic tailspin we’ve experienced. In the last two decades with the onset of the internet, newpapers and two a lesser degree are barely hanging on with their fingernails for survival.
“So what? Why should I care?” you say. Consider this: the vast majority of investigative journalism that uncovers the big stories is provided by and paid for by traditional news sources. Newspapers and TV are online – but most haven’t yet figured out how to turn online news into a profitable business model that supports all their costs.
There are three cable news networks that report all news all the time: FOX, CNN and MSNBC. Then there’s ever-increasing news programming on network television. Then there’s what I call “niche news” like CSpan, providing gavel to gavel coverage of Congress. “E” is about entertainment news – basically celebrity fluff.
Since there’s not much more happening, but 24 hours of time to fill and tougher competition for ratings (which is translated to advertising revenues and survival) what’s a network exec to do?
There’s plenty of news out there – but by and large Americans aren’t overly concerned with international headlines. Also, we seem to only be able to handle a few snippets of good news – what gets eyeballs glued to the the tube are the three Cs: conflict, controversy and confrontation If happy, positive news of what’s right in the world got the same kind of ratings – believe me – that’s what would be aired.
Three things:
• Repeat the same story over and over again. Ever notice how the same video image is looped over and over again?
• Spin off new “angles” or “tangents” on the same story – this tactic can be an opportunity for your business I’ll discuss in a future post.*
• Sensationalize and whip up stories that are much ado about nothing into a frenzy.
One truism for news: “When dog bites man – that’s not news. Ahhhh, but when man bites dog? THAT’S news!
TV news is the most sensational. Why? It’s all about entertainment value – it’s a show. Written words seem less crazy-making than visual images and out-of-breath news anchors. What to do? Get your news online in written form or from a newspaper. If you feel you must watch – watch short videos online. Most of the commercials are removed – so you save time. And, you don’t have to watch stories you’re not interested in.
No matter where you get news – mix it up. Don’t get it from just one source if you want a balanced point of view. Sure, it’s pleasant to read or watch news that always agrees with your point of view. But it’s smart to understand the other side.
Also, avail yourself of news sources from other countries. BBC for example. Since my husband is originally from India, I get a kick out of Times of India. Just click on “World” and you’ll get a whole new perspective about how that part of the world sees us. Other online newspapers in English originate from different countries, too.
Let me give you an example:
FOX News clearly leans to the conservative right, politically. The network has spearheaded and given the most airtime to the “tea party” demonstrations and other right wing interests. FOX is most likely to oppose the current administration in the White House. Sean Hannity is especially virulent in his disdain of our current President. Many of his “news stories” fall into the category of much ado about nothing whipped into a frenzy.
Last week apparently a video surfaced on YouTube of school children singing songs praising President Obama. Hannity reported it as children being indoctrinated akin to something like “Hitler Youth.”
The next morning I saw the same “story” reported on CNN. The school principal was interviewed. She shared a few details: it was a one time program during Black History Month. The school children sang songs about President Washington, President Lincoln and President Obama. You still might now agree – but it’s a very different story indeed. But you would never get that context if you only watched the Hannity version of the story.
So, when reading or watching news keep these guidelines in mind.
• Don’t get overwhelmed with it.
• Limit your time with it.
• Avoid over-exposure to TV news
• And not too much all from one source.
• It’s all about balance.
Tomorrow my blog post will be about how you can use the news in a positive way to help promote your business.
PS: Go to http://www.EmpowerUAcademy.com for my marketing and empowerment tipse. Also, find out about my one-on-one mentoring program at http://www.MentoringwithDenise.com
Secrets to Stimulating Your Own Cashflow
Published September 26, 2009 | By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”
Sure, pundits and experts are starting to cautiously say “the recession is over.” However, if you’re like millions of women business owners you put on a happy face to the rest of the world that says, “Everything’s great!” but on the inside you may still be concerned.
How do you stimulate your personal economy so you get results rather than get caught up in the lack mass consciousness that’s become so pervasive the last year. This article provides seven stimulating secrets to get you back on track. Successful women in business depend on these principles to keep their cashflow humming so when someone asks them about business they can honestly and enthusiastically say, “We must be doing something right. My business hasn’t been impacted.”
• Stay away from the nattering nabobs of negativity. Whether its cable news almost predicting Armageddon daily, or, just the people you meet at a networking mixer who have fear all over their face. Stay away from anything less than optimistic. It’s impossible to be confident when you feel afraid. About 15 minutes of news daily 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 doing well.
• 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 networking 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 who are likely to do business with you. Filtering means when you actually talk with a prospective customer chances are they already know about you and are partially pre-sold making sales much easier.
• Be emotionally compelling. People still have wants and needs. What’s lacking right now is trust and 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 and benefits. 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 do be willing to confidently guide and direct a conversation. After I’ve explained everything about what I offer, me fees and answered all their questions and gotten strong signals they are 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 and 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!!”
Women Biz Owners: Get Your Systems Together
Published September 25, 2009 | By Denise Michaels, Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”
Lately I’ve been busy. It’s better than being bored – but it’s also important to decide if your kind of busy is “smart, profitable busy” or is it “just keeping busy.” I try to be aware how much time I spend on marketing, servicing clients, long-range strategic planning and just daily maintenance stuff like catching up with emails, etc.
Don’t get stuck like many women do, “in the thick of thin things.” Or spin your wheels, wasting valuable time on work that’s of little consequence. No wonder you end up feeling like success is elusive and you’ll have to keep working harder and harder to achieve only marginal gains. It can do a number on your confidence level, too.
Though most of my clients come to me from online, this year I’ve focused a lot of attention on becoming more well-known in my local area of Las Vegas. That means online and offline networking. Traffic building online (I have four sites and this new blog) and building a “fan base” offline locally.
Most of my marketing mentoring clients come to me from online. Most of my book sales and workshop sales come from offline. Currently I have several projects I want to build up a head of steam with. Especially my Empower U Academy site – it’s brand new and time to implement my marketing plan. Also, I have a marketing workshop coming up Monday November 2nd to fill. That doesn’t include regular marketing and book mentoring clients, bringing in new clients, networking, writing for this blog. Going to the gym. And oh, once in awhile it’s nice to spend a little quality time with my husband, Ernie. There’s a lot on my plate.
One thing I’m working to improve in my business is systems. Because I’m a writer and a creative person it’s not where my energy naturally goes. However, I’m cognizant how important it is to have systems in place. So when business comes in you have a way of handling it without throwing your hands up in the air and falling into a blithering heap of overwhelm. Without systems in place this is a very real possibility.
So, how do you do it? Well, as I just said in the last paragraph this isn’t where my energy naturally goes so I’m not an expert. One great suggestion is to get one of Michael Gerber’s “E-Myth” books. Start with “The E-Myth Revisited.” Its a fast, easy read.
Here are a couple over-arching aims when it comes to systems. Think about the orderly process of a sale and what that process should be like for your customer. Then think about the experience of doing business with you. From start to finish. You want the experience to be fairly consistent and congruent from one customer to the next. And, if the person providing the experience isn’t necessarily you – how would you bring them up to speed? Systems are created from the place of what you want the experience to be like for your customers.
You know what it’s like when you refer a friend to a great restaurant. You tell them what a wonderful time you had. You share about the amazing food, the ambience and the stellar service. A few weeks later your friend says, “I don’t know what happened but that isn’t at ALL the experience we had.” Then she tells you about the undercooked food and the lackluster service. You feel bad you referred her and make a mental note not to refer anyone else. The experience you had is totally different from the experience she had.
Putting systems into place in your business sounds boring – but in reality it’s quite exciting. You can finally run your business with less overwhelm, happier customers or clients, more referrals and create more cashflow for yourself and all the people and things that matter in your life. Because it’s important to have a business you’re passionate about. But transforming your business from an expensive hobby to a real business must be about passion AND having the pieces in place to create real cashflow.
Posted in Marketing Classics | Adventurous Women, business, Denise Michaels, marketing, testosterone-free, woman | Leave a commentWelcome!
Dedicated to every 40+ person still kickin' it. If you have dreams and adventures you refuse to abandon - follow me on the journey. Life is one big adventure! Make yours excellent.
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