What is a new client worth to you? How many new clients would you like to serve? Have you considered what that client's value is over a course of time?
First, let me get right to the point. How does one get a new client? It's as simple as this one action; ASK. Yes. That is the big secret to building a successful business. Ask if they would be interested in being your customer. Sounds so easy, doesn't it? Be honest. When was the last time you asked somebody to be your client and how many times per week or month do you actually ask? It doesn't cost you any money to ask. It also hosts an opportunity for you to discern what your customer is seeking. Remember, it's okay when the majority of people say "no'. You are sorting. Not everyone will be jumping up and down saying, "YES, I want to be your client." BEFORE YOU ASK, discover who you want to serve. Design your business by the customer you want to serve. Do you want 100 clients paying you $10 per service or 1 client paying you $1,000 for an exclusive service. Once you know exactly the client that best fits into your ideal business, you will understand what solution you have for them. This allows you to ask by giving the result. ASK WITH THE RESULT. Knowing the result your customer wants allows them to answer easily. When your 'ask' is vague they cannot decipher. The result is their benefit. What is their benefit when they purchase your 'xyz'; saving time, making money, less wrinkles, flatter tummy, more energy.... Here are 2 examples that I would use in my own personal business. "Lori. You are a social butterfly. I know how much you enjoying getting together with the girls. Would you be open to having 3 or 4 friends over for tea so I can meet some new people. I will show them how they can live a dream life and join our flip flop revolution!." "Marie. You have been renovating your home over the past two months. Have you considered an original piece of artwork? I would love to paint a piece specifically for you that highlights the renovations you have done and shows off your personality. I work with budgets between $300 to $1,500 on average " Go ahead and get your ASK in gear. The average statistic says that 1 in 7 will say yes. GIve yourself a deadline and set a goal to ask 7 people this week to be your client. Let us know your results. How many 'asks' and how many people said, 'yes'. Floydilou
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As I headed off to a recent trip to San Miguel De Allende, Mexico, I received many well wishes from friends with the comment, 'Enjoy a margarita on the beach for me' or 'be safe'. Every time it was said, I felt as though I had to explain that Mexico is more that white sand beaches and margaritas and safer than most major American cities that the general population visit. San Miguel is in central Mexico. It is 6,000 feet above sea level in the beautiful mountains. The temperature drops to 40F in the evening. We wear jackets and scarves. Some even wear winter coats. San Miguel is an art and cultural hub with many international educational workshops and conferences. I would walk down the streets alone in the evening and never question my safety. It got me to thinking how often our well meaning comments are somewhat ignorant. Born and raised in Canada and living on the border city of Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. , we often hear people ask us about our skiing or cold weather. Meanwhile the city I am from is the same latitude as the northern tip of California. If I were to cross the border into Detroit, for an evening in the downtown core (as I did in San Miguel) I feel not nearly as safe. Until we actually visit the countries and cities, we then can base our opinions from what we hear in the media. In my opinion, traveling is the best education, hands down. It changes perceptions. It is tactile. It also bring us all closer together as one. It is man who created borders. When an astronaut looks from space he/she does not see borders. I encourage everyone to travel more (including myself!). The video below is a art opening in one of my favourite Mexican cities, Merida, Yucatan. Is this what you think of when you think of Mexico? I know I probably have preconceived ideas of many other places across this wonderful globe....and I look forward to the world changing it! To more wonderful travels, Floydilou Last month I followed a post on Facebook that begged the question, 'When can your persistance in follow-up become an annoyance?' It really must be done through the permission of a good relationship. There is a balance that must be adhered to along with respect. A gentleman by the name of Robert Redmonds commented on the post and shared these words of wisdom: Respect with Perseverance. I loved that comment and couldn't agree more. Know when to continue and when to stop. Follow up with unexpected ways that are non intrusive. It doesn't always have to be a phone call. A simple greeting card that simply says, 'Hi, have a great day' is more effective than another email. When you see an article in a magazine or newspaper that relates to their business or their hobby, send it. Ask yourself, 'How can you make them laugh or smile?' Always ask them if you can continue to stay in touch. Here are a couple more comments: David - " I find that asking clients when would they like me to get back to them works well. Then you can persevere over a long time. They'll eventually need us :-) " Roland - 'Peristency is the key! Right attitude is next. Good business relationship sustains." How about you? How often do you stay in touch with a prospect? What do you do to not be a nuisance. Please feel free to leave your comments below. Floydilou I must confess, when I first started in the Facebook world, I thought it was important to get as many 'likes' as I could. C'mon, you know what I mean...it makes you look good, right? Yes, building your list is your #1 investment, however it is important to get the right people to 'like' you. What does that mean, 'the right people'? It is the people who are interested in your message and your services. So when you post, 'Hey, go 'like' my page so I can reach 100 people, it doesn't serve you nor does it serve your friends and network. Why should your meat eating, hunter cousin 'like' your vegetarian lifestyle page? HERE IS A SIMPLE FIX TO ASK FOR MORE 'LIKES' THAT ARE TARGETED: Instead, simply ask your friends or business network to share your page to the people they believe would be interested. Here is an example: 'Hey friends, I have a new recipe for the tastiest Kale Salad, can you share my page to people you know that may be interested. I would love to connect with other vegetarians. Much appreciated'. Added bonus: you have reached into their network of friends not just yours. They are helping you reach out to a targeted person without feeling obligated to click the 'like' button just because you are 'family'. Fortunately, I hired a social media specialist to be part of my team in the beginning of my journey in marketing with social media. She got me back on the right track with targeted followers and 'likes'. Social media done with specific protocols and strategies is a beautiful thing. I see too many business owners making simple mistakes that doesn't serve them well. I highly recommend that business owners invest in a virtual social media assistant as part of their team. It is worth every penny...and then some. To your social media success, Floydilou P.S. If you know any business owners who could benefit about marketing online with grace and effectiveness, please share this blog post with them, Of recent, I have been meeting and consulting with small business owners. I am noticing a trend. If your business isn't giving you more time and customers aren't walking in the door spending more money, something needs to change. Wouldn't you agree? People in my age category and older are still doing business as they did 10 years ago or even longer! There is a new way to do business. It is vital that the traditional storefront business embraces the online world and that the online businesses learn how to build a business with offline basics. Doing business in today's world requires polarization. You must define and focus on a specific market. Find a way to stand out from the others in your industry. Uncover ways to give you more time with simple leveraging solutions. When you are open to change, the change will come. You can have more time and more money. It's time for you to refresh, reinvent and revitalize your business. As the famous saying goes, "If you keep doing what you are doing and you expect a different result, that is the definition of insanity." For some of the reasons above, I am excited to announce my own revitalization, refreshing and re-invention. In another month we are rolling out with a new brand and defined focus. It will help business owners really take centre stage in their community so they can live the lifestyle of their dreams. To Doing Business The New Way, Floydilou In today's faster, bigger and social media world, do you not feel a shift for people wanting to physically connect again and people craving to share their creativity? Our local shopping neighbourhoods is one way to reconnect, hence my strong belief in the comeback of the owner operated business a.k.a. the local mom and pop shop. Combining a STAND OUT brick and mortar business with an irresistible online presence is entrepreneurship at its finest. I have always had a preference to shop in neighbourhood communities. It becomes a special outing. Shopping at local, quaint mom and pops allows you to connect to people around you. Whether it is taking a walk with your spouse on a Sat. morning over to the farmers market or chatting with wise grandma Betty who still runs the bakery, you have a destination place that brings flavour to the community. Walking into each owner operated store with its unique designs and atmosphere, offering one of a kind products and one on one service feels special. In my opinion, the big box run by the unreachable CEO or buying products because they are cheaper is changing. It is time to reconnect with the local shop owner and the neighbourhood. Jobs are created the 'old school way'. Not by government but by the dynamic entrepreneur. The local economy improves and there is a great sense of pride in your community. It is also time for the traditional business owner to step it up. Reach out with social media and offer stellar services. Stand out and set yourself apart from the 'big guys'. Team up with the local merchants in your neighbourhood and create a destination place. Your store may need a little tlc or reinvention. What can you do to make the people want to come to you? We are here waiting for you. As my old cheerleader self once chanted, "Stand Up. Give a Cheer. Let Them Know. You're Here!' To the Mom and Pop Shops' Revival!, Floydilou Recently I read on a post where increasing your net worth isn't sexy. Well, If it is easy it is sleazy. Net worth takes time to build but in my opinion, net worth is sexy! 10 Steps to Increase Your Net Worth with 10 Sexy Bonuses! 1) Change your investments*: I think Apple and Virgin are Sexy, don't you?! Invest in companies that float your boat. Bonus: Feel good with what you are investing in. Sexy is feeling good. 2) Change what you invest* in: The world is moving at a fast pace. Keep up with trends and new products available to you. Bonus: Keeps you on your toes and present. Living in the present moment is sexy. 3) Use your skill and bring it to the marketplace: Start your own business! Bonus: You are using your gift and sharing it to the world. Sharing is sexy. 4) Get a part time job: Whether you own a business or work full-time you can find a casual part-time job that fulfills a 'want.' Example: fitness club reception or direct sales Bonus: Get into shape for free! Healthy is sexy. 5) Add an additional revenue stream in your business: There is always a way to find an additional revenue stream Bonus: You have increased the value of your business along with immediate income. Money is sexy. 6) Cut back on expenses: Can you go without cable? Can you switch your landline to a VOIP, such as Magic Jack. Bonus: You become more aware of what is really important. Sexy is connecting to your values. 7) Reduce your interest rates: Call up your creditor and ask them 'how much can you reduce that rate?' Bonus: With the interest you just saved, put that money into your "Fun" money jar. Fun is sexy. 8) Pay off the credit cards: With your reduced expenses, lowered rates and extra revenue coming in, pay off your cards! Bonus: You sleep better and longer when you are credit card debt free. You age slower. Vibrancy is sexy. 9) Education: School is never out for the pro. What workshops can you take online? What books can you read? Bonus: You become more confident. A well read and educated confident person is sexy. 10) Philanthropy: When you give, you get back in tenfold. Bonus: Giving to the community and our world is sexy. Here's to increasing your net worth, Floydilou (NOTE: * When it comes to making financial decisions with stock market / investments please speak with your financial advisor. ) As a young child what did you daydream about? What are your first fond memories of childhood? As a young girl, I was always drawn to the riverfront. I would ride my bike down to the river and gaze at the Detroit skyline. I would sit by myself for an hour or so. I would feel the grass between my feet. I would look at the tall buildings across the way. I could hear the freightliner sounding it's horn and watch the birds in the sky. Imagine a 10 year old sitting by themselves just dreaming and staring off at the skyline for over an hour. No other friends. Just me and all the other people off in the short distance walking by. It makes me recognize my independence today. I am more productive when in solitude but love to be surrounded by interesting and loving people. I tend to travel and live in places close to water and with beautiful tall buildings surrounding me. It's a combination of architecture mixed in with nature. For me I choose places such as New York or Waikiki. Others may prefer Easter Island or Machu Picchu. I must have a view of a city skyline and lots of people around for the energy! I also grew up in a dance studio and that was my 'play' place. Music, costumes, learning new steps, movement and lots of people around me in the classroom. Yes, I always preferred the solo routines on stage with the bright blinding spotlight. Nobody but me, my music, a spotlight and a loving audience surrounding me with love. I share this memory with you because of late, I have noticed my clients are completely stumped by my first two basic questions that I ask them: 1) What is the vision of your business and why do you want it to be successful? 2) What was it that you wanted to be when you were a younger person and why did you not pursue that dream? Some are in businesses that do not hold true to their authentic self. Others are in businesses they think they 'should' do. Even as I write this today, more of my own memories flood my mind and I recognize how much more of what I do today is reflective of my childhood. After reading the next questions, I want you to think of what brought you joy and take 5 minutes daydreaming and 30 minutes to write down those memories. I want you to think about your favourite place to play when you were a child. Were you alone or were you with many friends? Did you sit back on a couch and read a book by yourself or were you playing stick ball on the streets with all of your friends. Were you the leader? Were you the instigator? Did you prefer to have others to take centre stage? What was it that you wanted to be when you grew up? What did you do on a daily or weekly basis that brought you joy? Ready!...Now sit back, close your eyes and remember those fond childhood memories. Afterwards ask yourself what you can do to bring more of that into your business and life. To your success, Floydilou What we can learn from comic genius, Tim ConwayOne of my favourite comic television characters is 'The Old Man' on The Carol Burnett Show. As a comment on the post states, " I love that Conway has the comic presence to know he's completely shattered the illusion of the sketch by breaking the fake wall, so he ends it perfectly by just walking through the window. Brilliant." So my question to you in this simple blog post is, 'What do you do to fix the problem quickly? Do you whine, panic, cry or quit?....or do you enjoy the moment and go with it! Please feel free to share your thoughts or your own outtakes. To your success, Floydilou Have you ever wondered how you can create your dream life? Fifteen years ago when starting my first business with the direct sales company, Arbonne International, I was introduced to the concept of writing down my 'why'. The first step in starting the business was to write down 25 reasons why you wanted to be successful. Number 1 on my list was to be able to live down south. Ever since that day, I persistently took actions towards that vision. 8 years later and I was able to buy that beach condo on the Pacific Coast in Mexico. I wasn't quite able to move there permanently as I needed to make the beach condo into an income source via vacation rentals. Having a vacation rental property is a fun way to grow your income source and portfolio. Fast forward another 8 years to my current standing. Today I am on a fact finding trip to move to Mexico. I love my home country but it is time to do something new. It has been my dream for so long to live on the ocean in the tropical sun. To explore a different way to live. To create a career that did not own me while at the same time a business that could be as flexible and ever changing as I was. Over the past 15yrs, I have worked towards this goal choosing jobs and businesses that gave me that flexibility. I have taken many workshops and courses that all led me here. I know in my deepest heart I had to be near the ocean in a warm climate year round and to make it happen. One way to do that was to create a passive income stream and also a laptop business I could do from anywhere in the world where WIFI was available. Do you have a dream that you are working towards. Is travelling one of them? Living in another country part-time or full-time can be done by creating a simplified laptop lifestyle and business. It took me 15 yrs to get there. Would you like to shorten that time span to under 5 years? Take advantage of one of my sizzle sessions or upcoming mastermind marketing workshops. (HINT: a beachfront workshop is in development ) Here are 5 steps to get you started: 1) Write down 25 reasons why you want to be successful in your business. Dream big....really BIG and read it daily. 2) Take one of your dreams and discover how it could create an income for you....example....Vacation Property 3) Take your current skillset and passion and turn it into a niched online service or product 4)) Create 3 levels of income. Active. Leveraged and Passive. Understand the difference. 5) Surround yourself with people who have already accomplished what you want and participate in mastermind groups. Tell me what your laptop lifestyle looks like. How are you making it happen? |
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