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Attention tech-challenged people!
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Did you hear the news? I earned some stripes...I got me some Ann Sieg "street cred" (pardon the slang!)
Recently I attended a 3 day marketing intensive hosted by my business coach and mentor, the original Renegade - Ann Sieg! It was the 2nd live event culminating an intense 6 month training program inside an exclusive mastermind community.
I traveled all the way to Minneapolis for these live events - in the winter - twice! (Did I mention I'm a desert dweller? Brrr!) I was pretty darn motivated! It was my chance to get personally mentored and coached by Ann Sieg, after all!
Ann created this hands-on marketing mastermind for the purpose of developing successful leaders with high-level business and marketing skills using her proven training system.
I participated in many round table mastermind sessions with experts in various fields of internet marketing, including information marketing, affiliate marketing, video marketing, social media marketing and email marketing, as well as training on personal branding, blogging, copywriting and advertising, just to name a few.
I’m proud to say while there, I received my accreditation as an intern, an important step along the way to becoming a certified trainer for Ann Sieg’s Daily Marketing Coach (DMC+).
As an intern, I currently assist Ann and her team with small group coaching, support calls and promo webinars, as well as mentoring newcomers within the DMC community, for which I was also fortunate to have been awarded the Community Team Builder Award. (As a former teacher, I'm proud of that !)
More recently I was chosen by Ann to head up her new Renegade Domination dropship program (Yet another aspect of the Ann Sieg Marketing empire!) I'm her team captain and trainer and I manage 3 of her exclusive Facebook support pages. I also assist her with live training calls, mentoring calls and live events for our membership. It seems with Ann, there's something for everyone when it comes to running a home business!
Daily Marketing Coach - Your Own Marketing Team!
Daily Marketing Coach is an educational training platform that teaches attraction marketing techniques to help you build and market any type of business online. It’s designed to teach you how to advertise, promote and generate your own leads without cold-calling, chasing or badgering anyone. Business comes looking for you!
How Can You Become A Part Of This Community?
People are flocking to this growing community because - as the name implies - you get daily business and marketing help. People really appreciate the personal attention of live daily coaching and mentoring calls, weekly training webinars and a treasure trove of professional business training on demand, 24/7.
No hype. No empty promises of overnight success. Just the promise of a marketing training system that works, coupled with hands on mentoring that closes the gap where other marketing systems leave you hanging. If you want to know exactly what you need to do to get your business where you want it to be, now is the time to join this rapidly growing community.
If that's not enough, Ann provides an exclusive private facebook community where you can literally get answers and support from fellow marketing entrepreneurs within minutes. There really is nothing like it anywhere online!
Click this link to learn more, and tell ‘em Eryn sent you!
By popular demand, here are 19 foolproof ways to become a pathetic network marketer:
1. Chase down complete strangers you know nothing about and start telling them all about your fantabulous, most wonderful life-changing product that they just can't survive without.
2. Call all your friends from high school or college (even if you haven't spoken to them in 20 or 30 years) and insist on them tasting your mega-duper enzymatic jungle juice.
3. Accost your neighbor in his driveway as he's leaving for work and tell him if he drinks your magic juice and joins your biz-opp, he'll never have to get out of bed early for work again!
4. Send an outrageously lengthy email extolling the virtues of your MLM company and have the nerve to follow it up with a phone call to discuss what they thought of it.
5. Buy genealogy leads and call them - every…last…one!
6. Set up a booth at a job fair and invite unemployed people to join your business opportunity!
7. Pester Granny to buy energy drink products from your MLM using her social security check.
8. Tell your new enrollees "Fake it til you make it!" (but don't tell 'em you're faking it!)
9. Tell your struggling downline you're going to work one on one with them when what you really mean is that you'll stand guard in a parking lot while they put business cards on windshields.
10. Tell your downline it's a numbers game…that after 99 no's, they're bound to get 1 yes….and they "better "#*%! well get excited about it"!
11. When cousin Chester balks at joining your business opportunity, take it personal and start berating and belittling him. (Yeah, that'll get him excited to be around you!)
12. Admonish your downline member for her lack of success by saying she just "must not want it bad enough."
13. Turn your new recruits loose and let them fend for themselves because you think it'll build character and make them need you more.
14. Convince your new recruit to sign up and buy the biggest builder pack, even though you know she can't afford gas for her car.
15. Take your friend out for lunch and tell her "You're so good at talking to people. You LOVE talking to people! That's all this business is about - talking."
16. Assume that the entire senior citizens choir wants your MLM line of All Natural Tahitian Dark Tanning Oil, and when they don't see the point…you tell them that something is wrong with them.
17. Copy and paste the same cheesy message -verbatim - on each of your facebook friend's timeline where everyone can see how lame you are.
18. Create a gawdy Meme with your name and your MLM replicated site URL and share it on every social media platform!
19. Approach a total stranger leaving a store, follow them out to their car and tell them you couldn't help but notice their MLM window decal (tipping them off that you've been stalking them) and then try to convince them that they should drop everything to go have coffee with you so that you can persuade them how much better your MLM is then theirs, even though you know nothing about them or their personal circumstances or their MLM, and then when they tell you (politely) they're not interested, try to get in their car and keep insisting that they're wrong and try to hand them your MLM business card through the car window as they're rolling it up....and then kick their bumper and give them the proverbial "finger". (True story!)
Well there ya go folks - 19 ways to be a pathetic network marketing loser and insure that you never make a dime...or have any friends...or get any birthday cards. There really is a better way. You can learn about it right here in this FREE report:
If you don't change a single thing you're doing right now in your life…what will your life look like one year from now? Do you like what you see? What about three years from now? Do you like what you see? What about five or even ten years from now?
Okay, stating the obvious here...if you continue to do what you're currently doing, you'll continue to get more of what you're already getting. If you're happy with that, pat yourself on the back. I'm happy for you too!
If you're not 100% happy with what you're currently doing, (which is why you're probably continuing to read on) there's only one person who can change that…guess who?
DING DING DING DING DING!
That's right, change starts with you! It all begins with a decision. It's really not any more complicated than that!
- Decide you are going to change.
- Decide you are going to take small consistent actions daily.
- Decide you are going to do work you love, work that fulfills you, and work that makes a difference for others!
- Decide you are going to be happy.
- Decide you are worthy.
- Decide to be good to you - start now!
DECIDE!
There's A Lotta Crap Out There!
Okay, this is a vent post. If you're already turned off, forgive me…come back tomorrow. 
If not, join me on my soap box!
I've always subscribed to the belief that trashing your business competition directly is never a good thing. I believe it does more to expose your own insecurities and weakens your position, and does less to further your own cause.
...and besides, it's not nice!
That said, I can't help but cringe at the crap out there in the internet marketing universe. Seriously…crap!
While I won't directly name anyone, I think it's appalling to see the useless, self-serving, desperate, pseudo-copycat advice being parlayed by posers into so-called 'marketing expertise' out there! (Appalled, I tell ya!)
At first glance, I'm amused at these entrepreneurial impostors and their elementary effort, but then it occurs to me they're possibly tarnishing ME with their crappiness!
When people visit one crap marketing website after another, they become skeptical, then we all get painted with the same broad brush. (NOT FAIR!) These wannapreneurs are giving us legitimate online marketers a bad rap.
That's cause for calling them out!
People seeking help or advice about marketing their business online don't have patience for B.S. They want genuine information...fresh stuff, not stale, outdated, regurgitation of what everyone else is spewing...things that expose their amateur status.
(Example: if your blog header looks like you’ve stretched your high school yearbook photo to fit it...you’re exposed!)
First impressions are everything!
If you have me at hello, I might venture a little further, but if two or three clicks of the mouse doesn't get me what I came for…you guessed it - click, out, gone!
Sad but true, we are time-challenged and attention 'deficited' up the wazoo!
So, wannapreneurs…do us all a favor and cut it out! We need to raise the bar for others who have an interest in becoming a home business entrepreneur. Only those who aren’t afraid of hard work...people who take pride in not only looking professional but also in doing what's best for their customers and clients. (You're either all in, or you're not!)
I’ve put together some pointers on how to avoid being a wannapreneur (part of the problem) and become a genuine online entrepreneur (part of the solution):
While well-meaning, it's not enough to have a “desire to be in business." It's not enough to simply regurgitate what you've learned. It's not enough to slap up a website, stake your claim and declare yourself an expert.
- Be the professional that I'm looking for.
- Be the expert who gets ME.
- Make me feel.
- Make me believe.
- Hold my interest.
- Give me an experience with your stuff, your brand.
- Give me proof that you're the real deal!
“People do business with people they know, like and trust.”
An entire generation (mine) did business based on a handshake. We were raised on "look 'em in the eye," "kick a tire." It was tactile, palpable.
In a virtual world you can't do that. So how do you ‘reach out and touch’ your potential customers?
- Amazon.com let’s you see, but you can't touch. At least not yet anyway
But they know people comparison shop based on three things: images, web copy and reviews.
- The same is true with your online business. Your success depends on how well you can get into the mind of your visitors, and how persuasive and influential your communication and graphics are, and how credible your testimonials are.
- When it comes to your web copy, don’t leave it to chance. Be creative. Make your content relevant to your audience, but put your own spin on it. Tell a story. Don’t be dull, be memorable! (and for crap sake, don’t insult their intelligence!)
- Use relevant images that help strengthen their understanding and retention of your content. Finally, use results-oriented testimonials whenever possible from colleagues, clients and satisfied customers. Avoid vague or flowery testimonials like one you might get from Granny!
"My Gwendolyn is the sweetest kindest girl. When she was little, she used to..."
Remember, no one believes you're an authority if you present your business like it's a hobby of yours. Any respectable 11 year old has already learned how to access resources on the web to make themselves look like a pro.
So unless you don’t know how to navigate the internet (in which case you have no business being in business online) you have no excuse for having an ugly, unprofessional website. My mom used to say, "Put a little elbow grease in it"
Well there you have it - I’m off my soapbox now. Thanks for indulging me.
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Are you a lurker? Are you more comfortable being passive than proactive?
You know...one of those people that surfs around other people's websites and social media profiles trying to find out what's working, but can't seem to take action on her own business? Do you spy on others to see how much success they're having, but can't seem to make it happen for yourself?
Before your self-esteem goes completely in the toilet, let me assure you, you're not the only one who's resorted to lurking instead of doing.
(YUP! GUILTY!)
But...there comes a point when you have to ask yourself, "Why? Why am I looking outside myself and my business for clues to success?"
If you really take the time to think about your answer, (and if you're being honest with yourself) it's probably one of these:
- "I don't know what I'm doing."
- "I don't have a plan."
- "What I'm doing isn't working."
Truth be told, lurkers operate with a little bit of all of the above. When we don't know what we're doing, when we see others achieving the things we want for ourselves, we lack confidence and begin looking outside ourselves for what IS working and who is getting good results.
Nothing wrong with that. It's encouraged! But if you spend all your time lurking and not actually "doing," that's a problem! Your success depends upon the actions you take right now, and every day.
Listen, no one is going to do your business for you. You didn't start your business only to have it stagnate and cause you stress. You started it because you knew it was the key to your future, the path to your success.
All too often, people get excited about starting a home business and fire it up without a plan. Does that sound like you? That's like jumping into a pool when you can't swim! Panic sets in, and that's when we start to look outside ourselves for solutions.
The truth is, you have everything you need! You just need to quit lurking, set a plan and get into action implementing the plan. It's not enough to blindly follow what someone else is doing.
Sure it's good to model someone who is successful, but you also need to think for yourself. You need to know if modeling what they're doing will contribute to achieving the specific purpose and goals you've established for your home business.
It's in the doing, the implementation of your daily tasks, that real understanding and progress take place. We learn and retain more by doing, so make this a priority.
As far as the what specific actions you take? They need to be aligned with the direction of your goals, but you will find more success by completing smaller actions on a consistent basis. There are two excellent resources that I have read and want to recommend that helped me in my business and in life. 
In his book, The Slight Edge, Jeff Olson lays out the concept of daily discipline resulting in massive success. He advocates being consciously aware of the slight edge when making small, seemingly insignificant decisions throughout the day. Really simple advice with profound effects.
T
he Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, publisher of Success Magazine espouses the same philosophy and lays it out in an easy to read book. According to Darren, "First you make your habits, then your habits make you." This program will help you to become a better you by creating better habits and eliminating bad ones.
For many people who struggle with staying focused and biting off more than they can chew, these two books have been widely praised for changing lives and having a dramatic effect on the success rate of both personal and professional endeavors.
The compounding effect of many small, daily actions applied consistently, builds confidence and successful habits. The result can mean the difference between a very profitable business. Instead of a lurker, become a do-er. Will that be you?
If you've read either one of these books, please share your comments here to help others on the path to creating success.
If you're considering affiliate marketing as an income source for your home business, it's common to be a little skeptical and have questions.
Can I really make decent money for my home business using affiliate marketing?
Is affiliate marketing right for me?
Yes, and yes…if you take the time to learn a little bit about it and understand the big picture, including its potentials and drawbacks as it relates to your home business.
The main advantage to affiliate marketing is that there's no capital required and no financial risk involved. You're simply promoting and selling someone else's product in order to earn an affiliate commission. However, you need to apply the correct marketing strategies to make it work and be profitable for your home business.
Remember, while there are affiliate marketers who make millions, they're using sophisticated systems because that's ALL they do. They're super-affiliates.
You, as a one-person home business, need to understand how affiliate marketing can fit into your business model and overall goals. If you're like me and subscribe to the 'multiple income streams' theory, then affiliate marketing can be just one of the spokes on your wheel…and it can be very profitable when done correctly!
So let's look at some important aspects of affiliate marketing.
It's not "all about you" it's about them!
It can be challenging for new comers to choose what product(s) to market. Our temptation is to find stuff we like. Though it's important that you have some interest in an affiliate product, don't use that as your sole basis for selecting a it.
Just because you like a product doesn't mean someone else will like it, much less be willing to pay money for it.
You need to conduct market research to analyze what your target market wants and needs, and find products that actually provide value for them.
So remember: if you want to make money, it's not about you, it's about THEM and what THEY want!
Evaluate the affiliate programs carefully
Not every affiliate program in the market is the same. It's important to evaluate the details of each program carefully. Be smart and read their terms and conditions thoroughly, and find out what your responsibilities are as an affiliate marketer. Know the specifics of the commission plan being offered.
Avoid promoting only those products that bring you high commissions but come with low quality. Select products that make sense to your particular target market. You want them to be repeat customers that trust and respect you, so it's important to protect your reputation by being a responsible marketer.
Implement!
Once you've determined your ideal target market and selected an affiliate product that you feel good about promoting, get busy using the same attraction marketing skills that I teach here at Home Business Soup!
Advertise your product and begin driving traffic to a special landing (product) page. Then, continually monitor your results and make adjustments as necessary.
A good niche affiliate marketing program should be supportive and provide helpful marketing materials such as detailed product descriptions, selling tips, sales techniques, etc.
To learn more in detail about becoming an affiliate marketer I recommend CLICKBANK a secure online retail outlet for more than 50,000 digital products and 100,000 active affiliate marketers.
If you have your own digital product, you could also arrange to have it sold through CLICKBANK. This increases your potential for additional affiliate income because it allows your product to be seen by many other people as other affiliates begin to market your product.
Do you have experience with affiliate marketing? Share your comments and questions below.
What does creating a home business empire have to do with a You Inc. soup recipe?
Well, every good soup begins with a good stock or base into which all of the other ingredients are dumped. The blend of the ingredients marinate and intensify in flavor and turn an average soup into an outstanding recipe that you want to repeat over and over.
Likewise, your home business needs a solid foundation or base. Important business and marketing elements are then built and developed around it. The result is your very own home business empire online, or what I call your "You Inc. Empire"!
YOU INC. SOUP RECIPE:
Ingredients:
GOALS - Establish your why, the exact purpose of your business
MARKETABLE PRODUCT/SERVICE - Know what you're selling and if there's a market for it
COMMUNITY - join a training and mentorship community to help you develop your business skills
PERSONAL BRAND - Perform thorough market research to help you determine your unique selling position and how you'll differentiate yourself in the marketplace from your competitors
POSITION - position yourself & your brand to attract the exact type of person who needs what you've got
WEB PRESENCE - set up your web presence with an interactive blog (WordPress recommended)
COMPELLING OFFER - develop an enticing free offer that would compel someone to exchange their contact information for it (aka: optin to your email list)
ATTRACTION MARKETING - Learn and implement attraction marketing skills to generate leads, sign-ups, and sales for your business without chasing people
PROMOTE - Use various advertising methods, including social media, to attract and engage your audience and expose them to your brand
Once you have all the ingredients in place, you'll be looking at a living, breathing online business. You can begin to grow it by adding your own flavor to it and develop your online voice as well as relationship with your readers and followers!
Time to get busy and join the revolution of people who are trying to stay ahead of the game and not playing catch up. No one likes to be left behind, so start building your home business now!
If you have questions or need assistance implementing what you've learned in this article, I'd love to help! Leave your comments and questions below or you can contact me directly here.
To see results in your business, you need to master the art of persuasion through copywriting. Stick around and let's investigate!
Are your sales and sign-ups limp? No one seem to be taking you up on your offer?
Your skills of persuasion may need some spiffing up…or maybe even a complete overhaul! Not to worry. There' s a simple solution…a tried and true formula, and you need to practice what THEY preach.
When it comes to copywriting it's as much a science as it is an art, in the sense that it can be broken into a predictable formula called the 4 P's of Persuasion
Persuasion is about creating an understanding. Understanding leads to acceptance when the product is relevant and high-quality, and when the idea is sound and well-targeted.
Just don’t assume people understand on their own. It’s a noisy world out there, so you’ve got to educate your readers.
Good copy simply educates the reader in a way that the brain finds appealing. And a big part of brain-friendly language is in its compelling structure, helping people to see things your way...being persuasive.
Here's a great article that illustrates what I'm talking about quite nicely. The "4 Ps" concept is so well proven and effective it is considered THE standard by any respectable copywriter worth her weight in words!
Apply this to all of your marketing content, even videos!
Enjoy!
Click here to read "The 4 P's of Persuasive Writing" now
On this last day of 2012, I've been reflecting and looking toward what this next year holds for me, my family, my loved ones and for my business. What I keep coming up with is the word ENGAGE, as in - engage in life. Be proactive.
It'd be so easy to look ahead at the challenges coming, economic and otherwise, and allow myself to shrink into a heap and do nothing. After all, there's plenty of "doom and gloom" to wrap around the world several times, right?
But I refuse.
I refuse to give my power away and accept that life happens to me, without any say so from me. I refuse to allow the notion that life is spectator sport. I refuse to accept or live in the role of victim. It is disempowering, and it's a choice.
Nope. Not gonna happen. I can't get excited about doing nothing.
I'm determined, if not adamant about doing, not just being. It's important to me to make a difference. To create something. To support someone. To build something. To share myself. To stir things up. To make someone smile. To hope and give hope. To love.
Life is meant to be interactive. Engage in life!
I'd rather create my experience then let it land on my head. I'd rather be in the game, then watching. I get to decide what I do, how I do it, why I do it, when I do it and where I do it. I have free will and I get to call the shots!
So do you!
So here's my challenge to you for the coming year:
Do one thing…every day…to make YOU better, and in turn help someone else.
It doesn't have to be complicated, time-consuming or grandiose. In fact, the simpler it is, the more likely it is to get done, and the sooner it will have an effect on someone or some thing. You're capable of changing yourself and the world, one tiny little action at a time.
To get you started , here are some ideas:
- Smile
- Hug someone
- Make a promise and keep it
- Take a brisk walk
- Brush your teeth - it'll save someone the unpleasant smell of halitosis
- Eliminate one unhealthy food from your diet
- Plan a vacation
- Say “I Love You” every day
- Learn a new word
- Get enough sleep- avoid a costly mistake in your job
- Read a funny joke
- Compromise
- Don’t compromise
- Become an entrepreneur
- Drink one less beer.
- Be on time
- Help someone move their belongings
- Create a dream board
- Babysit for a frazzled parent
- Tell a joke
- Question an expert
- Share a meal
- Say a prayer
- Donate your time
- Ask for help from a trusted friend
- Take the stairs
- Enjoy a glass of wine - assuming you’re old enough
- Tweet a friend
- Tutor a child
- Take fiber daily...I think you know why!
- Make soup for a sick person
- Volunteer to be a baby rocker in a neonatal unit
- Write down one daily goal
- Read a book
- Learn a new skill
- Make a nice comment on someone’s blog article
- Tutor a friend
- Take someone to the doctor
- Sing out loud
- Dog-sit for someone
- Remove yourself from a negative conversation
- Dance a little jig in public
- Jump on your bed
- Challenge an opinion
- Give thanks
- Start a home business
- Call a friend
- Message a friend
- Help someone celebrate a success
- Edify someone
- Surprise someone
- Offer a new idea at your job
- Challenge status quo
- Count to 10 when you're frustrated
This one is H U G E :
Pay it forward with a nice gesture…and say nothing…to anyone!
Well...I’ve barely scratched the surface. Any one of these things can make a difference, however large or small. More importantly, any one of these actions can have a significant ripple effect far beyond what you'll ever know
What will you do today, tomorrow and the next? Make one single intention…every day…to make YOU better…and act on it!
Here's to a spectacular 365 days - of your own choosing!
Please consider sharing the link to this post if you think it can help someone! xo
Boring blog? Anemic traffic? Learn 4 ways to turn your boring blog into a lead gettin' machine!
Your blog is your buddy...your business buddy, that is! At least, that’s the way you should start thinking about it. Because your business is online, your blog is more than just a virtual representation of your business. It’s literally your business partner!
She works around the clock, serving as a valuable source of information and promotion to your customers — before, during and after business hours. She also helps generate profit for your company by pushing leads farther along the sales pipeline.
1. Invest in Your First Impression
If you aren’t investing time and energy and value into your website, you’re essentially telling visitors “I’m an amateur and I’m not really serious about my business.” You’re also sending a message that you don’t really believe in your own products or services.
First impressions are HUGE in a click through world. A professional looking web presence will grab attention and say “Look at me. I’m successful, credible and confident. I’m worth doing business with”
2. Design + Engagement = More Conversions
Everything from content to color schemes cannot be underestimated when designing your blogsite. Most of the time, your site is the first thing leads will see when researching products and services, and within seconds of landing on the home page they will decide if they’d like to do business with you. Catch their eye with colors that pop and natural navigation that leads them through the sales funnel.
Don’t over-clutter your site with irrelevant images and gibberish that undermines your ultimate message. Take a test drive around your own website..better yet, enlist a friend or colleague. Will your visitors be able to identify the key features of your service without having to scroll or click around a dozen times? If the site is not incredibly easy to navigate, chances are you will lose that lead. Click, click. GONE!
3. Speak To Your Customers, Not At Them
Knowing your ideal customer helps you speak their language, but more than that it’s about speaking intelligently without insulting or seeming condescending. Create a feeling of dialogue, versus straight facts and figures. You should also know how your product or service benefits them. What is their life like and how can you make it easier?
All of your content should clearly communicate your desire and mission to help your customer. Prioritize your content, keeping the most important information toward the top. People have extremely short attention spans! If your piece of content is lengthy, try breaking it up into smaller subheadings, bullet points or numbers, or even sprinkle in some relevant images. Avoid overwhelming your readers.
4. Close With A Call To Action
Make sure your website can close the deal for you by providing an obvious call to action (CTA) Whether it’s a “Free Download Now” button, or a “Buy Now” link, you should always provide a path for your leads to follow. Never leave a webpage without a clear call to action.
Additionally, position your call to action in a way that draws more attention and increases conversion by playing with size, color and positioning. It’s possible to have multiple calls to action; for example, your primary CTA could be to “Free Webinar Registration,” while the secondary CTA is “Learn more.” To avoid reader confusion, differentiate your primary call to action from your secondary. Create an effective call to action button by anticipating what your leads’ concerns will be, and including it on the button text. Don’t forget to incentivize the user or create a sense of urgency.
When optimized, your blogsite has the potential to attract, nurture and close more leads, so spend the time to do thorough market research before you design the site. This will give you valuable information about what your ideal customers will best respond to. If your blog seems to be floundering, and not attracting leads like it should, you may need to consider overhauling the site and concentrating on the 4 important elements I discussed here.
By investing a little time and money into your website, you can transform it into an efficient lead generator to supplement your marketing efforts. If you don’t have the time or expertise to implement these tips yourself, consider the services of a reputable web designer. Many are very reasonable and it will be money well spent. Remember, you’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Need help with WordPress web design services? Home Business Soup uses and recommends Build A Blog by Lorraine McNulty
I'm going to address a sometimes touchy topic here - asking for help.
Why is this a touchy subject? Because so many solo entrepreneurs have the “I-can-do it-myself” mentality (me included) and feel that if they can’t do EVERYTHING themselves- they’re a slug...a lazy bum...(pure stinkin thinkin’!)
Let me tell you, if you still have this mindset, or anything like it, you’re making a BIG mistake! You’re probably struggling in your business, too...right?
I can relate. I had the same mentality...I’m a real do-it-yourself-er kinda gal. I took pride in my ability to tackle things and figure them out on my own. I told myself it was proof of my 'independence and self-reliance'. Don’t get me wrong - those things are important...but not if they come at the expense of your success!
Let’s call it for what it is...pretty much an ego-driven thing. It’s even worse...when you take into account that I was a teacher and coach! I would NEVER let my two daughters or my own kids be so stubborn, so it’s hard to believe I allowed myself to be that way.
It 100% STALLED my success!
Ever caught yourself thinking these things:
Why delegate or even pay others to do something I can do myself?
Why would I need a coach? What can they tell me that I don't already "know"?
Why share what I’m doing with others who either don't understand or who’ll poo-poo my ideas?
Who’s gonna look out for me better than myself?
I don’t need to waste money on that stuff...I know what I’m doing.
REALLY? Do you really know what you’re doing? Well then keep doing what you’re already doing and you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting!
I feel a knot forming in my stomach as I write this because now in hindsight, I can see that I was removing myself from even the possibility of success!
By thinking I couldn’t or wouldn’t benefit from the help of another, more experienced person - one who’d traveled the path before me and had lessons to teach me that would help SHORTEN my path to success, I was discounting my own potential!
Can you relate to any of this? Does this sound like you too?
We don’t live in a vacuum. That mentality is a progress killer. It’s time to open up and allow the good stuff in...you NEED the support of others.
Once I shifted from my “I-can-do it-myself” mentality to seeking, and even welcoming the support of others, everything changed! My productivity went through the roof. My confidence soared and my decisions and daily interactions took on a whole new meaning.
That all happened because I embraced the idea of mentorship and community...and I let go of my “I-can-do-it-myself” mentality.
The result is what you see on the pages of my blog, in the lives of women and people I’ve helped, and in the valuable connections and friendships (both personal and professional) that have formed.
Since you’re a home business entrepreneur (or an aspiring one) your progress can grow exponentially with the support of others who care about you and your success.
My home business went from an idea and a desire and blank pages to a personally branded website, and a business where I get to help people like you...all because I invited the help in. Hands down, the BEST decision ever!
Help comes from a lot of different places, but I found an exceptionally good one that SIGNIFICANTLY streamlined the process and helped my business zoom in on the very things that matter most to home business owners - getting up and running quickly and acquiring the skills to grow and expand an online presence to attract my own leads, clients and customers.
If you want that for yourself - and I’m betting you do - then here’s what you need to do next:
Click the link and register for this completely free webinar, and see if it’s not the most mind-blowing opportunity for you and your business! Remember...run, don't walk!
Help Me Make A Quantum Leap Now!
Have you laid out your perfect pipeline...one that funnels your prospects directly to you? Or does it more closely resemble a Rube Goldberg contraption?
According to Webster's New World Dictionary: "Rube Goldberg - a comically involved, complicated invention, laboriously contrived to perform a simple operation."
No need to make your prospects go through a confusing mouse trap!
Read on to learn what you need to know to put together a perfect pipeline to funnel your prospects into your business.
Know what you're selling -
Before you do ANYTHING, make sure you have a clear understanding of exactly what you're offering, whether it's a product, service, or business opportunity.
Know who you're selling it to -
Know your avatar, the perfect customer in the white-hot center of your market. Know where she hangs out online, what words she uses in her verbal speech and her keyword searches online. Know what she thinks and feels and worries about. This helps tailor your communication to your prospect.
Speak their language - be relatable -
Once you know your avatar inside and out, you can effectively communicate in words and phrases and vernacular. You can present yourself and your business in a way that she resonates with, leaving her feeling as though you know and understand her. This creates trust
Offer the clear solution for your clients & customers -
Position yourself and your offer firmly in your prospects mind as the only logical choice for them. This is accomplished by focusing on the benefits that specifically answer or solve or help her. What does she stand to gain by using your product, joining your business opportunity, or using your service? Don't be shy about explicitly listing all the benefits...the goal is to eliminate the competition from her mind by impressing her with all the benefits of your offer.
Create an irresistible pathway to the solution -
Make the path to choosing you, joining you, or buying your product as easy as possible. Remove all potential obstacles by making the choice simple, easy, effortless, with few steps. Don't ask for too much personal information. Most times all that's needed is first name and email. Then sweeten the deal with unexpected bonuses to entice immediate action. You want the prospect to feel like they'd be a fool to not go with you.
Back it up with testimonials -
Reduce reluctance and skepticism and increase trust by offering plenty of proof via testimonials from fellow colleagues as well as current satisfied customers & clients. Testimonials can be written with an accompanying photo or by video. Make sure to include the person's first name and last initial (or full name, if permission is granted.) The testimonial should state or strongly imply that by making the same choice to work with you, buy from you, join you etc, that you will get similar results and be satisfied too.
Make a very clear, direct Call To Action (CTA) -
Tell the prospect exactly what their next steps are. Lead them through the process step by step, leaving nothing to chance. Use action words like call, buy, register, download, subscribe and place them prominently near the big, fat, colorful button they're going to click to give it to you!
Deliver on Promise -
This one is self explanatory- do what you said you were gonna do. This helps your client know that you mean what you say and you deliver on what promise. When they know they can count on you they're more likely to do business with you again. People do business with those they know, like and trust. Don't give 'em a reason to divorce you!
Follow up -
This part of the process is so important to your overall funnel because it can mean the difference between a loyal repeat customer that you can market future products and services to, or just a lucky one time deal that never comes back...or worse, doesn't come back and makes sure to tell others why they would never go back! Yikes! Make certain you follow up and ensure your customer's satisfaction. Consider giving them a surprise extra bonus or freebie as well. Your customer service, the way you handle concerns, the way you go the extra mile all factor into your reputation, so make sure you have a squeaky clean one!
Got all that? Ok, now lather, rinse, repeat!
So you wanna try network marketing AND still keep your friends? (insert maniacal laughter)
Can it be done? The answer is...YES!
Though it would appear that oxymoron has some teeth, there’s a smarter way to do network marketing that doesn’t involve harassing friends and family or anyone within a 3 foot radius...
Learn how to do it right and you have a distinct advantage over your 
competition who still insists on calling up Aunt Gertie and trying to convince her she needs their Jazzy Jungle Juice if she wants to see the other side of 70!
Instead of following in the footsteps of thousands of other annoying people, you can learn and apply the simple concepts and skills of attraction marketing and begin growing a nice fat downline...one that comes TO you!
Meanwhile, your none-the-wiser competition will still be drinking the marketing koolaid from their dinosaur MLM, and they’ll continue to see the back sides of their friends and family scurrying away or listening to their unanswered voicemail message.
I say BUNK! Who needs that kind or rejection?
It’s time to get into the 21st century, and use strategies that are proven to work!
Attraction marketing (also known as permission-based marketing) is so simple, that when I first read about it I 
have to admit I heard myself utter out loud “DUH!” It’s so logical, and it will CHANGE the way you do business.
So where can you get your hands on this SIMPLE plan?
Well before I get to that, (and I promise I will) let me emphasize that while it’s simple in concept, that doesn’t guarantee it’ll be easy to do. Let’s face it, the best idea is only as good as it’s implementation. In other words, don’t be a knob!
You know I’m not about 'get-rich-quick ick' tactics!
But....I am about teaching you, educating you, training you with sound advice. The longevity of your business will depend on the work you put in now...so prepare to get into action and be persistent in implementing what you learn.
Remember, my goal for you is to help you develop skills that will grow a solid business for YEARS- that’s the whole point isn’t? A business that works for you long after the initial work is done...that’s the beauty of residual income.
So plan the work, work the plan! Easy to do, easy to NOT do...‘sup to you!
OK as promised, you can get the ultimate book on Attraction Marketing for free, right here, right now! It’s called - The Attraction Marketer’s Manifesto written by Ann Sieg, THE expert on the topic.
Click here to get it now...then thank me later!
And by all means, share the link with a friend or two or you could use the share buttons below!
You've heard of the phrase "cut out the middle man," right?
In theory, the fewer steps between Joe Business Owner and his end user typically results in lower costs being passed on to budget conscious Carol Consumer.
I said "in theory," remember?
When times are tough, businesses make cuts to save their bottom line…and their own necks! They don't want to risk losing business by raising prices, and they sure as heck aren't going to take cuts to their income - so they look to their work force and start whacking…
But why should your neck be the one on the chopping block? I say reverse the trend…beat 'em to the punch!
Trim the REAL fat by firing your boss!
How's that for bucking a trend?
You have the skills and knowledge already, so why do you need a boss to tell you when to show up, how to do your job, and how much they'll pay you to do it? The answer is, YOU DON'T!
Consider all the knowledge and skills you've accumulated over the years. Why not parlay that experience into your own business where you can write your own paycheck for the full amount you deserve, not an hourly wage or a sliver of commission an employer arbitrarily sets for you.
People do it all the time. They go out on their own and become independent consultants, distributors, direct sellers, and the list goes on. They reach a point where they finally realize that they're the face of the company, the one who forms relationships with the decision-makers in other companies, or directly to consumers. They're the ones who cultivate the trust on which the relationships are built. There is so much power in knowing that!
Successful home business entrepreneurs are the ones who grab back their power and use it to go out on their own! They're not afraid of hard work. They just want to take control of their own income, their own time, their own future.
Can you relate to that? Do you see yourself wearing those shoes?
Think about it…most daily business is conducted away from your employer's turf. Typically it's done on-site, at other business premises, in coffee shops, in restaurants, hotels and homes. Increasingly more business is being done over the web…and less face to face.
Talk about a trend! Where do you think you'll fit in as that trend continues? What control do you have over that trend?
If you're still employed, chances are you're already operating like an independent consultant does - you just get your paycheck from your employer. You schedule yourself to meet with clients or customers and you perform a certain job using certain skills for which you are paid a set wage, salary or commission.
Now, if you could do that same job and write yourself a paycheck, would you pay yourself a higher wage? Significantly higher? Would you be more productive if you could schedule yourself to work in half the amount of time? Would you be less stressed? Have better relationships with loved ones? Would you spend more time with family and friends doing what you choose with your time freedom?
Instead of being asked to do more with less, wouldn’t it be great if you could do less, yet earn more?
If any of this resonates with you, you're probably itching to make this scenario a reality for yourself. The good news is, I can show you just how to do that, step by step…if you're ready. All you need is a strong desire and good work ethic.
You don't even need to fire your boss…yet. (That'll be the goal, though!) If you’re not currently employed, then let’s get busy!
I invite you to explore my website, there's so much to learn about starting a home business, promoting it online, and developing the skills and assets to help you attract your own leads, clients and customers.
I also recommend you subscribe to my mailing list which will put you on the fast track by giving you inside information, free learning tools, access to exclusive trainings, mentoring opportunities, workshops, product specials and more. Simply go to the sidebar on the right side of the page and enter your information. No credit card is needed and you can unsubscribe at any time! (New subscribers will receive a free gift too!)
If you'd like an opportunity to work directly with me, or want to see what's involved, please click the orange "Work With Eryn" tab in the menu bar up top to learn more.
So...are YOU ready to trim the fat? Go on...I dare ya!
I’ve never thought of myself all “new age-y” or anything like that, but hey, I want to ignite a REVOLUTION!
In particular, I want to spark a revolution of women rushing to become home business owners and entrepreneurs. You see, I believe that women are going to have a pivotal role in turning our economy around.
The Dalai Lama himself was quoted as saying,
“Women will save the world - one person, and one conscious enterprise at a time.”
That’s powerful, don’t you think? Before my “home business revolution” can build some “go-mentum,” it’s going to require an evolution of conscious thought...a sort of harmonic convergence of personally empowered thinking.
I’m amazed how many women still undervalue their own unique talents and expertise, and even the potential of their life experiences to be utilized as a valuable, marketable commodity online. Yet just a few short years ago, that was ME! That was MY mindset!
If I could reach back in time to myself, I’d probably throw water in my face or slap myself and say “Snap out of it!” It would’ve saved me some wasted time, for sure. (If you’re of a similar mindset, consider yourself herein “slapped” by moi!)
So how did I escape the “stinkin’ thinkin’ trap? You might say I had somewhat of a “come to Jesus” meeting with me, myself and I. And “WE” came up with three words that form the basis of everything I do in my own business:
Home Business Soup was born out of a desire to educate other women, encourage them to emulate successful women entrepreneurs, and to motivate them toward the actions that will help them create the life they desire.
Understand, YOU are sitting on a goldmine of under-utilized knowledge and talent that could be turned into a profitable, self-sustaining home business!
I’m not talking about dabbling for dollars, either. I’m talking about generating a substantial income...the kind you create, build up, and retire on!
That’s the revolution I want to ignite!
And it all starts with an evolution of conscious thought:
- First, acknowledge you have value!
- Second, reject the notion that you’re powerless to create your own change!
- Third, get into a habit of action!
An object in motion, stays in motion. The hardest part is getting moving!
Only women who are open to possibilities and willing to take action, are going to reap the rewards. You’ve gotta get the proverbial money train moving first of all, then you build your "go-mentum"!
Things can change rapidly when we're immersed in a community of action oriented, entrepreneurial thought…like what you find in a mastermind. It’s a harmonic convergence of personally empowered thinking - there’s that new age-y thing again
Seriously, though, a mastermind is not a bunch of high-powered cronies holed up in a clandestine meeting. The concept of a mastermind group was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900's. In his timeless classic, "Think And Grow Rich" he wrote about the Mastermind principle as:
"The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony."
Not so complicated, is it? I belong to one myself - actually it's a mastermind community of people who want to learn and interact with other like-minded solopreneurs. There’s just nothing like the collective power and free sharing of information inside a mastermind community.
For up to date announcements, special offers and freebies to help home business entrepreneurs be successful, enter your email below.
Join the Home Business Soup Revolution AND receive a free gift!
Zero Spam, I Promise!
Wanna make a Facebook business page to promote your home business online? I've got your recipe for success, including 5 "must-have" ingredients!
First, let me make a point of clarification here: this article is about making a solid effective facebook page for your online business...it is NOT the same as your personal profile page. I know this can sometimes be confusing so, it’s good to know the distinction between the two.
Your business page needs a username. For example, my username is http://facebook.com/HomeBusinessSoup 
This username is part of the page address (URL).
When choosing a username, it should be easy to remember for your visitors and easy to connect with your brand..typically it will be your business name. However, many solopreneurs and professional consultants use their personal name for their business name (eg. Jane Doe, Jane Doe.com )
If that’s the case with your business/domain name, then make sure you keep two separate facebook pages - one for personal profile and one for business - and make sure your usernames are different. You could simply add a letter or number or use an initial to differentiate.
The result might look like this:
www.facebook.com/JaneDoe (personal profile)
www.facebook.com/JDoe (business page) or vice versa
A couple more things to think about:
- Usernames are not transferable, and can only be changed once, so think ahead, choose wisely, spell correctly!
- Your business page username needs to fit and be visible in other places that are crucial to your marketing efforts, like ads! If your business page name has too many characters in it, it won’t fit in the limited 25 character space allotted for ad copy.
5 “Must-Have” Ingredients Every Successful Facebook Business Page Needs:
As a home business owner, you’re unique! You need to have a good understanding of how to optimize your facebook business page to your advantage to maximize it’s effectiveness, visibility and reach to your target market.
Remember, attraction marketing is all about pulling people toward you and your business brand. Want Google to find you? Then take advantage of all of the blank areas Facebook provides for you in the admin panel, and make sure to enter keywords, phrases, descriptions everywhere you can! Google and other search engines can then index your business page!
These 5 ingredients (elements) are “areas” of your page. These are all the various places of your page your visitors will see, explore, and interact with the content you provide them.
1.“About” Sections (2)
2. Graphic Images
3. Videos
4. Tabs
5. Wall posts
1. WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS “ABOUT”
There are 2 parts to the “ABOUT” section. There’s the abbreviated section that shows on your facebook page underneath your profile pic, and then there’s the longer ABOUT section that search engines use to index your page.
I recommend starting with the longer section so that you can give an adequate description for SEO purposes, including relevant keywords. Then it’ll be easier to compose a succinct description that fits in the limited space appearing under your profile pic along with your business title.
Because of the smaller “About” section beneath the profile photo, it might take a few revisions to get it to look right, yet say what you need it to say. Make sure to provide the hyperlink to your website! I like to embed mine at the beginning of my description. (See my business page for example)
2. USE GRAPHIC IMAGES - THE VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF YOUR BRAND
This would include your timeline cover photo, profile photo or logo, tab icons, jpeg images, cartoon graphics, etc. Perhaps the most important piece of real estate on your entire business page is your cover photo. It should be high quality and represent as much about you and your brand as possible. You may include your photo in the cover, or put it in the profile picture square in the lower left corner - just be sure it’s a very clear image and consistent throughout your branding.
Here are the exact size specifications for your cover image: 851 pixels wide x 315 pixels. The profile image should be 160px wide and 160 px tall. If you're graphic is larger than this, Facebook will scale it to fit it's parameters - but that doesn't mean it'll look good! (I make a pic slightly larger maybe 175 x 175 and then drag it to position it. I get a better looking photo this way.)
I have several clients who (like me) prefer to put their photo in the cover and use the profile pic space to display their logo or other branded graphic.
Caution: Facebook has strict guidelines about the cover photo! You may not have your domain address, hyperlinks or any call to action in the cover itself.
3. VIDEOS - A TOOL FOR ENGAGING YOUR CUSTOMERS AND VISITORS
Although videos aren’t actually a function of the business page itself, they should be utilized as part of your marketing strategy. The key is to make them unique, engaging, and relevant and include a call to action at the end. Remember to keep them short in duration as well. You can share them as part of a wall post, or embed them on a tabbed content page.
4. TABS LET YOU CONTROL THE CONTENT YOUR VISITORS ARE EXPOSED TO
After the cover photo, profile photo, title and brief description, this is the next area that visitors will look. Tabs appear beneath the cover photo and lead to pages that have a specific purpose. (These are sometimes referred to as "Apps")
Tabbed pages will display various types of content typically for the purpose of capturing contact information or selling a product or service. You can also display excerpts or entire posts from your blog. Use tabbed content and landing pages to send visitors to your website or blog. Promote contests and special promos for fans of your page (those that have clicked the “like” button). Don’t forget to reward fans with a freebie of value to them.
Get creative and customize your tabs! Pay attention to colors and themes which can add to your overall branding image. Avoid using generic Facebook tab icons that might imply that you’re an amateur! Anytime you have the opportunity to customize, you should do so. It only strengthens your brand image.
5. WALL POSTS LET YOU INTERACT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS AND BUILD RAPPORT
You know that t.v. commercial about Las Vegas touting “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”? Not true on the internet and definitely not on your facebook page! Whatever happens on your facebook page lives on in perpetuity and can tend to take on a life of its own because of the viral sharing nature of social media.
Think carefully about what you post on your wall, whether it’s a video, a photo or text. ANYTHING you post will be a reflection on your brand. Therefore, do not post haphazardly. Think through what you want to convey to your target market; your customers, both current and future. Let them see AND feel your words and purpose.
Wall posts should be relevant, engaging, thought-provoking...and even make your taste buds tingle - if your business is food! They can also be educational about a product or service you’re promoting. Avoid socially controversial statements that can alienate or be twisted around to the detriment of your brand. It’s best to stick to the things that are important to your market and their needs.
Above all, provide value for your visitors - and don’t forget to ask them to share your content and ‘Like” your page!
Having the ingredients is a good start, but you need a plan for promoting your home business brand on facebook. Read my article here
Help a fellow entrepreneur! Please consider sharing this article using the links below!
Learn how to promote your home business brand on Facebook with an effective marketing strategy and a well designed business page.
You need more than a website to promote online. You have to promote your home business where a mass of people congregate, and Facebook is just the place!
In a previous article I shared with you 5 "must-have" ingredients for successfully promoting your home business brand on Facebook. (Read article)
Now you need a way to put the ingredients together to successfully promote your home business on Facebook. To do that, you need an effective marketing strategy to pull it all together for you. When you have all the essential ingredients and the right marketing strategy, your business page will be hopping with activity.
CONTENT STRATEGY
Answer these questions:
- What are your goals for your Facebook page? Brand awareness? Product Sales? Subscriptions?
- Who are you writing to? How do you speak, communicate with them? What tone is your voice? Direct? Humorous? Serious? Educational
- What value do you provide to your visitors and fans? Discounts on products and services? Contests? Q&A help?
Once you’ve answered these questions and have a solid base to operate from, you need to set a schedule of when and how you deliver content. Don’t insult your visitors and fans by inviting them to your page and then dropping the ball!
If you’re going to work that hard to attract them, keep them interested and engaged. Throw out a survey every now and then, find out what they want and deliver! Solicit feedback...and when you get it, respond intelligently and with care. Your brand is at stake!
Expect to encounter the occasional jerk or two who just loves to pop your cork. Take a deep breath, address the concern with patience and tact. You’ll be way ahead of the game!
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!
Now that you have all the ingredients, you need to put them together using a consistent but purposeful marketing strategy. Set a schedule for the content you plan to share, including who, what, when, where, how.
- Who will put out the content? You? An assistant? Social Media Manager?
- And...who will address questions and feedback on your page?
- What content will you be posting? Articles? Shared posts? Videos? Freebies?
- When will you post? Daily? Twice daily? Every other day? Weekly?
- Where will you post content? On your wall? Within Tabbed pages? Sponsored posts?
- Why are you posting certain content? Engagement? Education? Entertainment? Promotional? Announcement?
MONITOR PAGE ACTIVITY DAILY
Think about a time you’ve called a company for support only to feel like no one was there or no one cared. Don’t let your visitors experience that too. If your customers have questions comments, interact with them, help them.
Whether it's you or another admin, designate someone to monitor your business page throughout the day, every day. The internet never sleeps! Monitor activity on your business page so that you can promptly answer questions, interact with site visitors and deal with concerns.
If you liked the information here and think it could help others, please share using the buttons below! 
I recently celebrated my birthday! KA-CHING!
I say 'ka-ching' because every year you're still around beyond the half century mark is like winning the lottery! OK...maybe not the big Kahuna jackpot, but its definitely worth a happy jig - even if you do it in the privacy of your own home! Continue reading
Big girls don't cry...they slay the dragon! Learn to reset your mind to face daily challenges in your home business and in life.
Think you’re enough? This question pops into our heads daily, especially us women. "Am I smart enough, good enough, attractive enough, strong enough, thin enough?" The list is exhausting, isn't it? Yet I could prattle on and add more to the list. Lucky I don't have all day, and neither do you. Continue reading
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